Eagle Point School District 9

Left to Right: Hadley Horn, Lyla Yazzolino, Emily McEntire (EPSD9 Board Member), Margaret Boyes, Sheila Dodenhoff,

Words from Hillside Elementary:

Hadley Horn

Hadley always comes to school with a positive attitude and gives 110% on her work. She is willing to help with anything, from cleaning desks for students to filing papers that need to be sent home. Hadley is friends with everyone and makes an effort to ensure others feel welcome. She pushes herself to complete her MyPath assignments each week. She is often one of the first to settle down at any signal I use and models positive behaviors for her peers.

Lyla Yazzolino

Lyla, a fifth grader, exemplifies leadership. She stays on task, consistently follows the 3B's (Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Ready), helps others, including adults, and often sacrifices her free time to assist with tasks. With her kind heart, she brings sunshine to everyone's day. Last year, she made significant strides in her reading skills, discovering and following through on book series she loved. Additionally, she is a creative writer and enjoys art.

Margaret Boyes

Margaret Boyes is a remarkable speech-language pathologist whose expertise is evident in every aspect of her work. She celebrates and supports the growth of each student with skill and care. Her dedication to fostering progress in her students, combined with her collaborative spirit and excellence as a team member, makes her an invaluable asset to our school community and a truly deserving recipient of School Board recognition.

Sheila Dodenhoff

Sheila Dodenhoff, an instructional assistant in MAPS 2, exemplifies dedication and compassion in her classroom. She builds meaningful relationships with both students and staff, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Her unwavering commitment to meeting each student's unique needs and delivering consistent, high-quality instruction showcases her deep passion for education and her heartfelt dedication to nurturing lifelong learners. Sheila is truly a deserving candidate for recognition by the School Board.

Student Support Programs Department is focused on student success and growth, ensuring they are best equipped to thrive in their learning environment. We aim to help students overcome unique barriers, such as cultural and personal challenges.

The Student Support Programs building is located at 3275 Ave G, White City, OR 97503

Eagle Point Students Shine at Ag Expo Linn-Benton Welding Contest

Eagle Point High School Ag. Mechanic students have proven their skill and dedication, emerging with successes at the recent Ag Expo Linn-Benton Welding Contest, an event that saw over 125 participants from 19 schools across the state. The team’s impressive performance not only resulted in individual accomplishments but also secured the coveted first-place overall finish.

The competition was intense, with students from around Oregon competing in a variety of welding categories. In the Stick Welding Contest, Eagle Point students claimed the top spots, with Rylan Haskins earning 1st place, Zach Bolf securing 2nd, and Wyatt Weycker with a 3rd place finish. In the MIG Welding Contest, Logan Farnham also performed well, earning 3rd place in his category.

But the contest wasn’t just about individual success. The Eagle Point team’s overall victory was the result of a collective effort, and their hard work so far this year.

“These students have dedicated countless hours to practice both before and after school,” said one of the team’s instructors. “Their commitment to their craft and to one another as a team is what set them apart from the competition.”

Said Mr. North, Ag. Mechanics CTE Teacher

The competition served as a testament to the student’s hard work, allowing them to showcase their technical skills and their ability to perform under pressure and time constraints. The event celebrated their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to success, both in the workshop and beyond.

The students who participated in the contest included Rylan Haskins, Logan Farnham, Zach Bolf, Liam Ryan, Braxton MacBee, Connor Campagna, Liam MacDonald, Wyatt Weycker, and Wyatt Pettigrew. Each of these students contributed to the team’s success, and their accomplishments reflect their commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the Ag Expo Linn-Benton Welding Contest. GO EAGLES!

White Mountain Middle School’s STEAM class, taught by Mr. Hernandez, stands out for creativity and practical skills with hands-on building. Upon entering the room, you hear students’ laughter, lively discussions, and the satisfying sounds of tools at work. It’s clear that this space is more than just a STEAM classroom, it’s a place where future builders, engineers, and problem-solvers come together.

I recently had the chance to chat with a few of the students in the class, and it was inspiring to hear their perspectives. Aiden V, an 8th-grader, shared that this is his second year in the class, and for good reason. “It’s fun. I like the courses themselves. It’s just super fun,” he said. Aiden’s enthusiasm is evident and is common with the engaging, hands-on nature of the program. Aiden added that he excels in these types of activities, finding them less complicated and more enjoyable than traditional bookwork. “When I was in English language arts, I had to work hard just to get a C. But when I took auto shop, I got an A because I learn better with my hands,” he explained.

For Angel, a 7th-grader, this is his first year taking the class. He might not have previous experience building, but at WMMS, he’s found an opportunity to explore that side of himself. “I just feel like it’s good for building things. I’ll take it again,” he shared with a smile.

David B., also a 7th-grader, echoed the sentiment. Although he didn’t sign up for the class in sixth grade, he’s glad he made the choice this year. “I like the hands-on work. It’s better than just bookwork. It also helps take my mind off other things at times, like my family member who recently passed away,” he said.

His response spotlighted how impactful learning through doing can be for some students, especially those who learn best when their minds are actively engaged.

WMMS students aren’t just dabbling in the building as a pastime; they see it as a meaningful part of their future. Both Angel and David mentioned they’re interested in taking CTE classes in high school, with some considering welding or construction as future career paths. While they might not have a specific career in mind yet, the skills they’re gaining will last a lifetime. “After high school, I want to either do welding for a company or work in construction,” David shared.

And it wasn’t just the students who found the conversation inspiring. I shared with them how I relate to their love for hands-on work. “I love playing with Legos,” I confessed. “When I’m stressed, I’ll take 10 minutes to build something. It helps clear my mind.” Their responses—both about the joy of building and the potential careers it could lead to—reminded me how important it is to pursue work that aligns with who you are. “Finding jobs that fit your brain style makes life feel more right,” I said, and they nodded in agreement.

It’s clear that for Aiden, Angel, and David, this class is more than just an elective—it’s a stepping stone toward discovering their passions, honing valuable skills, and building a future that feels right for them.

EPSD9 kicked off the the holidays with our annual EPHS Turkey Basket Fundraiser! A heartfelt thank you to Ray’s Food Place, the EPHS Leadership Class, EPSD9 Student Support Programs, and our community partners for turning this event into a remarkable success!

Don’t miss the full story from KDRV 12 and KOBI 5 with the links below.

The events below are family inclusive and offered by organizations in our community, these events are NOT hosted or managed by Eagle Point School District 9.

A cozy evening of traditional Christmas caroling at Butte Creek Mill. Enjoy live music, hot chocolate, and cookies as you warm yourself with our five half-barrel fires. The Mill will be open, featuring holiday gift boxes and our famous stone-ground mixes. Plus, pop-up covers will be available in case of rain to keep the festivities going. Don’t miss this magical holiday celebration—perfect for the whole family!