From Transportation
Transportation has asked that we now revert back to our regular process of requesting special transportation.
Which means please use this transportation Google Form for a new request or update. The Google sheet we used in preparation for All In-Person transportation is no longer being used.
From Josh Marks
Certified Special Programs Staff,
We are happy to be able to hire 6 Instructional/Curriculum Coaches within special programs. Staff in this position will receive an extra duty contract for $625 for the remainder of this school year and $1250 for next year as these are two-year positions.
It will be a 30 hour commitment for the rest of this year, and a 60 hour commitment for the whole 2021-2022 school year.
Staff who are selected to be part of this team will work with Special Programs leadership on future planning around professional development and the direction of the department. If you are interested, please submit a no more than one page essay describing why you would like to hold the position as well as one reference. Send these to Candy Gelatt in HR by February 12th. Interviews will be held after finalist are selected. To access a job description and a reference form click here.
For additional questions please feel free to reach out to me…Josh Marks
From Behavior Coaches
Educators, what can we do for you?
Feeling Stressed? Join Namaspa for a gift of free yoga, meditation and community support for your well-being. CONNECT WITH NAMASPA and we will get you a pass for 5 Zoom classes, tuition to our 40 Days Program that begins February 2, and links to a 30 and 60 minute beginner flow. Need yoga at your school? The Namaspa Foundation will bring it to you. Let us be helpers, too.
For over 30 years the Education Foundation has had a mission to support teachers and students in the BLPS by funding classroom grants and activity fee scholarships. We know that this unprecedented time we are living in is causing many challenges for you to be able to do the work you are passionate about in a Comprehensive Distance Learning format. We are expanding our mission this year and including efforts to deliver some support and appreciation directly to YOU. Our hope is that the more you feel supported and appreciated by your community the better you will be able to stay energized and resilient to persevere in your mission to serve students during this challenging year.
We are excited to partner with Banni Bunting to bring these mindfulness sessions specifically for you as BLPS educators and staff. It is an invitation to take some time for yourselves – to rest and renew in order to be resilient this year. It is with deep and sincere appreciation that we hope you will access and enjoy these mindfulness sessions. Whether you choose to sit down and listen to them with a cup of tea or as a podcast out on a winter walk – know that your dedication to the students in Bend-La Pine Schools is acknowledged and greatly appreciated.
Angie Cole, Allocations Chair on behalf of the entire Education Foundation Board
Banni Bunting Mindfulness Lesson One
Relationships in the Classroom:
Each week we will highlight one of our Top 10 Behavior Coaching Tools for reducing challenging behavior. This week, our topic is RELATIONSHIPS, something many of you are likely feeling the importance of as we move into in-person learning.
Who does the student connect with in the building?
Teacher – Student Relationships are important for learning. As we know from Hatte’s Visible Learning Research, they accelerate student achievement with an effect size of 0.52, which falls well into the zone for optimal results.
For students who have experienced trauma, Teacher- Student Relationships are important for survival. The brains of students who have a safe and trusting relationship with their teacher experience reduced toxic stress and have the opportunity to heal, and eventually, learn. Moreover, creating a family culture in the classroom, fostering positive student – student relationships, and establishing teacher – family partnerships increases resilience and growth for all students.
Determine a regular check in routine for students to have with a safe trusted adult. Build in increased school community time such as having “jobs” around the school, helping younger students, etc.
Tools: 2 x 10 Strategy; Therapeutic Dosing Article, Friendometry.com
Tools for Relationships: Include Limbic Brain Breaks
NEUROSEQUENTIAL MODEL – The Power of Relationships and Connection
Relationships: Stress, Trauma, and the Brain: Over the next several weeks, we will be highlighting Dr. Bruce Perry’s work, The Neurosequential Model in Education. Dr. Perry’s work is based on an understanding of the structure and sequential nature of the brain, which can help educators increase their students’ engagement in learning and mitigate behavioral problems. In this video Dr. Perry talks about how relationships are essential to human life and student connections. Research demonstrates that when teachers establish a true empathic connection with students, they are able to engage and reengage students in learning, and actually heal and grow children’s brains. Dr. Perry discusses the important role relationships have in learning, and gives us practical ways to do this in the school setting. The video is 7-minutes long and will change how you think about your students.
CASEL SEL TOOLS – As Students Head Back To School
As we begin to transition from distance learning back to in-person learning, SEL remains as important as ever. This is the perfect time to re-examine our efforts to make needed adjustments and refocus on supportive relationships, equitable environments, and the academic, social, and emotional development and overall well-being of all students and adults.
”Tier 1 and More” Blog
The Behavior Coaches blog is full of resources for PBIS, Social-Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Practices and more.
Mental Health Provider Directory
Looking for a comprehensive list of Mental Health Providers in Central Oregon? This website organizes medical providers by symptom, insurance, language, and specialization.
Bend LaPine Schools District Website: Student Mental Health and Families in Need
If You Or Someone You Know Is In Crisis: Contact the Deschutes County Crisis Clinic by phone at (541) 322-7500 extension 9, or call 1-(800) 875-7364. Walk In hours are available Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.