October Newsletter

As we enter October, MESD teams remain dedicated to serving our students with unwavering focus. We’re excited to share the latest updates from across the district. This month, we celebrate the creativity and achievements of our students and staff through innovative projects, recognitions, and awards. We’ll also highlight upcoming events and key district initiatives. With a strong emphasis on connection, collaboration, and community, October is shaping up to be an inspiring month for us all.

We are excited to announce the launch of season two of Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley – MESD’s podcast series!

For this episode, Dr. Coakley met with Dr. Krista Parent, a distinguished leader and advocate for equity in education. Dr. Parent is a former school superintendent with national honors who has been named the new executive director of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators.

Catch up on previous episodes and subscribe to stay up-to-date:

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We invite you to watch this video that highlights the transformative impact of our basketball attendance initiative, spearheaded by the Climate & Culture team. By collaborating with a local community-based organization at one of our component districts, this initiative is flourishing in the Rockwood neighborhood.

This before-school program has significantly uplifted student attendance and engagement, teaching essential life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and discipline through basketball. The video demonstrates how our program aligns with Dr. Coakley's future-facing Blueprint’28, which emphasizes equity for all students regardless of zip codes.

Watch the FLY U video

Submitted by Heather Severns and Brandy M. Nelson

A few years ago, Joy and her amazing team made custom water bottles for the Administrators group. With new team members and our updated logo, it felt like the perfect time to create more. This year, I'm focusing on gratitude, and these gifts for our hardworking administrators are a great start. Joy delivered them, but I had the fun of handing them out. Thank you, Joy and Brandy—please share our appreciation with your students!

To learn more about this amazing student work, we asked Brandy M. Nelson, Three Lakes Nail Technology Instructor and CTE Teacher, who shared:

"In our Fabrications Lab, students engage in hands-on learning opportunities that include mastering Adobe Illustrator, laser engraving, and vinyl cutting and pressing. These activities not only enhance their creative skills but also promote important life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail. These opportunities prepare them for jobs in creative fields like design and fabrication."

We are proud to provide students with the chance to create meaningful swag for our district and its administrators. Most recently, they created personalized water bottles, showcasing their talents and dedication.

Submitted by Principal Mercedes Muñoz

Chrysanthius Lathan rocked the house and truly modeled culturally responsive instruction, creating multiple entry points for student learning and engagement, as well as facilitated in a manner that allowed staff to meaningfully connect.

The Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN) proudly announced the honorees of the 2024 Oregon Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Awards, recognizing 20 exceptional preceptors for their vital contributions to the nursing profession. In its fourth year, the annual event celebrates the critical role nurse preceptors play in strengthening and furthering Oregon’s healthcare workforce.

We are proud to share that Robin Lazuran, School Nurse at Multnomah Education Service District, was recognized as an Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Award winner!

• National Principals Month

• Down Syndrome Awareness Month

• Dyslexia Awareness Month

• National Custodian Month

• Head Start Awareness Month

• National Disability Employment Awareness Month

• Oct 2 - National Custodial Appreciation Day

• Oct 10 - World Mental Health Day

• Oct 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day

• Oct 20-26 - Invisible Disability Awareness Week