From Tammy and Karen
As we turn the corner into June next week, it’s hard to believe there are only a handful of days left with our students and staff. This time of year is often packed with activities, deadlines, and final events—but in the midst of the busyness, don’t forget to pause and soak in the moments that make it all worthwhile. From heartfelt goodbyes to joyful celebrations, these are the memories that stay with us. Let’s finish strong—and take time to truly enjoy the journey.
Important Links
- BEA and OSEA Bargaining Update Website
- State Testing Folder
- May 7th Elementary TLC Update
- Topics of Interest/Problem of Practice
- FAQs for Special Education Inclusion Topics—Keep checking in here! BEA and BLS supported
Notes from our Team:
From Julie Richards, Curriculum and Instruction: Please share with your classified staff
Are you interested in helping to check-in, unpack and organize our new Elementary Mathematics Curriculum? If so, we are hiring internal classified employees to work for 2+ weeks from August 6th-the 19th. If you would like to apply to be a part of this team follow these steps:
- login to UKG
- Go to 3 bars at top
- click on my info
- click on my career
- click on search for jobs
- search for “Elementary Mathematics Materials Distribution”
- click on Apply Now
Please reach out to Julie Richards with any questions you have.
From Eric Powell – Student Support
Hello School Leaders!
As you all plan for your annual end-of-the-year activities on campus (carnivals, field days, etc.), we wanted to encourage school teams to be thinking about our students who tend to struggle during unstructured activities and events.
Please work with your various teams on campus to identify students who may need extra scaffolding and/or supports to participate in these fun end-of-the-year events.
Thank you all for your continued leadership and enjoy these last few weeks of school.
From Ryan Kelling – Human Resources
Secondary Assistant Principal Pool Now Open
We’ve officially opened our recruitment process for the Secondary Assistant Principal Pool, with separate tracks for Middle School and High School roles. While this pool currently reflects just one confirmed vacancy (resulting from Mary Thomas’ exciting move to Realms as Principal), we are still determining where the resulting opening will ultimately land.
If you’re currently in an elementary role and are interested in exploring a move to secondary – or if you’re in a secondary AP role and considering a shift – please connect with Ryan before applying to talk through how this process works and what possibilities might emerge.
Stay tuned for more updates as things evolve.
BLAST Classification and Title Change
We’re excited to share a small but meaningful update to the titles used on our BLAST salary schedule. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, we will be eliminating the Dean of Students title from the schedule and moving to a single title of Assistant Principal for all staff in these leadership roles.
What’s changing?
Only the title. The calendar days and salary schedule remain the same. This update is simply a move toward consistency and clarity across our school leadership structure.
Why the change?
The work our Deans of Students do every day is already aligned with that of Assistant Principals, and in many ways indistinguishable in terms of impact, leadership, and responsibility. This adjustment brings greater alignment to the title and the role, something we believe better reflects the incredible contributions of these team members.
We’re grateful for the leadership of all our school administrators and are excited to continue supporting this important work under a shared title. If you have any questions about the change, feel free to reach out to Ryan.
New Hiring Practices
In the coming days, you’ll see a new Hiring Guide along with updated hiring documents available through the Administrator/Office Manager box on your UKG home screen. These tools have been developed over the past year as part of a comprehensive review of legal requirements and best practices in the hiring process.
The Hiring Guide is designed to support you in your role by providing a consistent set of expectations for all hiring actions. It reflects federal EEOC guidance, widely recognized HR standards, and our district’s commitment to equity, transparency, and excellence. Its goal is to bring clarity to each step of the hiring process and ensure that our values are reflected in every hire we make.
Going forward, the documents included in the guide will be required for all hiring actions. Requests submitted using outdated forms will be returned for correction.
Thank you for your continued partnership in aligning our practices with our shared expectations. As always, Human Resources is here to support you, whether you’re navigating a complex situation or looking for a thought partner to help strengthen your team.
From Jessica Houser in Payroll
FYI: Payroll Year-End Guidance Sent to Office Managers
Last week, on May 22, the payroll team sent year-end guidance and key timeline reminders to all district office managers and timekeepers. This communication included:
- Final deadlines for timesheet and leave sheet submissions
- Year-end payroll processing notes
- Reference materials to support staff wrap-up
We wanted to ensure you’re aware of this communication, as you may see increased questions at your sites related to time and leave entry or final pay. Office managers were provided this information in advance to help prepare and guide employees.
If questions come up, the team is here to support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or call (541) 355-1123.
From Kerry Morton in Teaching and Learning
It’s that time! Bridges & Number Corner Recycling and Disposal!
- Your custodial staff received this message from Madalyn Paquette on Wednesday.
- In the email, it indicates the custodians should check with admin about where the containers should be placed
- Please share this flyer with your teachers about the process for recycling the materials. Miller, High Lakes, and Pine Ridge will only receive the bin for binders since you are donating materials.
Action Items
- Share the flyer about Recycling Materials with teachers.
- Share information about Curriculum unpacking opportunity with classified staff
- Attend Counseling Celebration on June 5th
- and…All the many things you do to make the end of the year joyful and memorable for your students!
Important Dates
- June 5: Counseling Celebration in the board room, 7:30-9:30
- June 5: TAG Team meeting, 3:45 in the boardroom
- June 12: Last Day students—half day
- June 13: Last Day staff
- June 17: Elementary End of Year Celebration! 2:00 Somewhere!
And finally…
