From Tammy and Karen
In a week filled with challenge and pressure, I found myself returning to a simple but powerful leadership idea shared by Susan, our interim Chief Human Resources Officer. In addition to many interesting leadership moves, she shared the distinction between “low self” and “high self,” and the idea that we could flip it like a switch. I could feel when I was slipping into low self after an especially long day full of aggravation: tight, reactive, and carrying the quiet belief that I had to figure it out alone. The shift came when I chose something different, asking for support, leaning into problem-solving, and grounding myself in the belief that together, we can do hard things. That movement into high self didn’t remove the challenge, but it changed how I showed up within it: more open, more steady, and more connected to the kind of leadership this moment requires. What opportunities have you had this past week to recognize yourself shifting into “high self” mode?
Important Links
- April 8th Elementary TLC Update
- Special EDge
- BLS School Libraries Newsletters!
- 1-Page Student Management guide
- Dates to recognize groups
- CPI Trained Staff List (let Sara Young know if you see staff who are not at your school)
Notes from our Team:
Student Opportunity: Road Safety Art Contest
Our partners at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) invite students to unleash their creativity and let their imagination shine by participating in the annual Road Safety Art Contest.
Contest Details
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (part of USDOT) is holding its annual Road Safety Art Contest, inviting K-12 students nationally to creatively depict how to stay safe on the road around large trucks and buses.
- Submissions can be original artwork, digital art, a photo or a video – whatever inspires the student – and winners will be awarded in four categories based on grade.
- Entries are accepted through June 5, 2026.
- View contest rules, how to enter and more at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/OurRoadsArtContest.
Contact Us
- Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
From Ryan in Human Resources
We will be announcing the honorees for the 2026 Excellence in Education on Thursday, April 23rd in an email to all staff. Please be sure that your site/department’s honorees are recognized ahead of this date so that you can capture the significance of the recognition in a way that is distinct and celebrates the individual.
As a reminder: The event will take place at Mountain View High School on Wednesday, May 13 from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
From Rodger Moore in Operations:
Here is a one page guideline about who is responsible for costs when it comes to repairs and improvements.
Action Items
- Respond in a timely way to the middle school requests for information to transition students
- Notify your Excellence in Ed winners in your building in a meaningful way prior to the big announcement on April 23.
- Review the guidelines from Operations and check in with Karen or Tammy with questions
Important Dates
- April 21: #1 PLC and Phly Like Canadians meet from 3:00-4:30
- April 28: The PLC3PO and We Are the Winners meet from 3:00-4:30
- April 30: Life and Career Readiness Fair
- May 1: Asian Family Night
- May 14: Latino Family Night and KínderFiesta
- May 28: School Design Plan Showcase 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
And finally… Congratulations to our Next Duck Drawing winner Heidi Thomas!
Heidi Thomas serves as assistant principal at Highland, where her passion for belonging and social-emotional learning is evident in the way she supports both students and staff. A Bend native and former Buckingham Elementary student, she has a deep-rooted connection to the community she now serves. Outside of school, Heidi loves spending time on the river, camping, and exploring the beauty of the western United States with her family. As a mother of two, she brings both heart and perspective to her work, creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and truly connected. Heidi, let us know your drink of choice and we will deliver!
