Family Spotlight
Helping families stay connected to Bend-La Pine Schools
New Student Voice Council dives into important work
On a Sunday evening in the Education Center, the work started with fun and games before the Student Voice Council dove into heavier topics like bias training and expectations for student access to their phones during the school day.
This group of about 20 students from across the district’s seven high schools continues to share ideas about district policies and decisions, while developing connections with leaders of Bend-La Pine Schools, including Superintendent Steven Cook and the Board of Directors. Students on the council were nominated by their principals and school staff.
The student leaders meet monthly with support from staff advisor Jackie Wilson. Representatives from the council also attend Board meetings to share student perspectives on agenda items. Look for them at the next meeting on Tuesday, November 14.
No school November 10 in honor of our veterans
Veterans Day, celebrated November 11, is observed Friday, November 10 in our district. There will be no school that day. To all our veterans, we thank you for your service.
As we pay our respects to our veterans and honor their sacrifices, let’s also strive to understand the unique challenges veterans and their families face while in active service. Families may need to separate for long periods, move frequently, or experience anxiety as their loved ones put themselves in danger. After active duty, many veterans have a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Those who have experienced trauma may need professional help to heal. This is why it is so important as a school community to support our veterans and their families.
Here are three ways we can offer support:
- Become a listening ear to veterans and their families. Let them know you are here for them and allow them space to discuss their feelings.
- If needed, provide them with the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7, by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
- Connect them to Care Solace, a mental health care coordination service provided by Bend-La Pine Schools, for ongoing support. If you or a family member would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health or substance use treatment provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available.
- Visit caresolace.com/site/bls and search on your own or select “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Get to know your SRO
Meet Officer Keely Cashman-Caceres
Have you met your School Resource Officer? Get to know Bend Police Officer Keely Cashman-Caceres, our SRO for schools on Bend's east side. We invited her to share a little about herself:
Officer Cashman-Caceres can be a lot to say, so feel free to call me Officer C-C, Officer Cash, or even just Keely.
Here are some fun facts about me:
● I have worked in law enforcement for over 9 years.
● I have performed CPR over 30 times (on actual people experiencing a medical crisis).
● I know how to change a flat tire on a car, but I don’t know how to change a flat tire on a bicycle.
● I enjoy hiking, but only for the social media clout. Is there any other reason?
My office is located at Mountain View High School, but I am the SRO for Sky View Middle School, Pilot Butte Middle School, Ensworth Elementary, Lava Ridge Elementary, and Ponderosa Elementary. The elementary schools are always a good ego boost for me, because I am able to athletically outperform most 5-to-10-year-olds in nearly any sport or game.
Officer C-C, we are so grateful you are here! Thank you for everything you do.
Supe's On! podcast visits class with axes, saws and pathways to forestry careers
Episode 4 at La Pine High School
LISTEN HERE - Our students are connecting with their futures through Career Technical Education programs in all of our high schools. In one school, that means students are making their own axes and learning how to operate chainsaws.
In our latest Soup's On! Podcast, Superintendent Steven Cook visits La Pine High School, where students are able to take classes like Natural Resource Science, Fisheries and Wildlife, Recreation Resource Management, and Advanced Forestry. CTE instructor Cameron Salvitelli and La Pine High junior Jaret Lorimor, a state champion in forestry competitions, join Dr. Cook to talk about these unique CTE offerings for students in our district.
Subscribe to the Supe's On! Podcast
Get an inside look at Bend-La Pine Schools from Superintendent Steven Cook. In every podcast, Dr. Cook will serve up news and insights about our schools, programs and decision-making.
Select a player below or download the podcast on your favorite provider:
- Online: bls.fyi/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: bls.fyi/listenonapple
- Spotify: bls.fyi/listenonspotify
- Google: bls.fyi/listenongoogle
Technology in Education: Finding balance for back-to-school success
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology isn't just a tool; it can be a gateway to enhanced learning experiences. We strive to make screen time purposeful and beneficial, maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
As a parent, you play a pivotal role in differentiating between technology for educational purposes and recreational screen time.
Here are some suggestions to establish healthy technology habits:
● Open Communication: Have an open dialogue with your child about technology use, its benefits, and potential challenges.
● Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas and times at home for focused learning, free from distractions.
● Homework Routine: Encourage a consistent homework routine that includes breaks and offline activities.
● Personal Tech Limits: Set limits on personal device use, ensuring a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
● Lead by Example: Model responsible technology use by practicing mindful screen time, engaging in face-to-face conversations, and prioritizing outdoor activities.
● Monitor Social Media Use: Guide your child in using platforms responsibly, emphasizing privacy settings, respectful communication, and critical thinking.
● Be Aware of Bullying Behavior: Help your child recognize the importance of kindness and empathy online. If they encounter bullying behavior, encourage them to talk to you or a trusted adult.
For further insights and information, we encourage you to engage in an open dialogue with your school and teachers. Additionally, you can explore valuable parent tips and frequently asked questions on the "For Parents" tab at Common Sense Media and the parent guides at Connect Safely.
Lava Bears bring home another state title
The Bend Senior High Lava Bears came through in Prineville on October 22 and brought home the 2023 Oregon Mountain Bike State title. Plus, Jack Billowitz was crowned individual state champ in the Varsity Boys Division!
The skies cleared over the Barnes Butte Trailhead, and all 10 Lava Bears rode hard on the rocky technical course to propel the team to victory. The Varsity Boys field was dominated by Lava Bears with Jack in 1st, Curran Jacobus in 2nd, Cooper Andrus in 4th and Clancy Karpstein just missing the podium by 3 seconds for a 6th place finish. The Varsity Girls also saw Neve Gerard finish in 2nd place.
The Lava Bear team was filled out with HS2 Division boys Joe Bercot, Blake Ballard, Liam Rogers and Olin Rogers all riding well and avoiding the many flats and other mechanicals that plague so many on the rough course.
Congrats to seniors Curran Jacobus, Cooper Andrus, Clancy Karpstein, Neve Gerard, Liam Rogers and Olin Rogers for the hard work that they put in all season.
Every week is National Bus Safety Week
These kids have some reminders for everyone – riders and drivers – while we’re out on the road. Thank you for helping keep our students and bus drivers safe!
Resources for Families
Student Mental Health
Families in Need
Health & Wellness
School Meals
Accessing ParentVUE
Transportation
Next School Board meetings are November 14 and December 12
The Board of Directors for Bend-La Pine Schools will hold its next board meetings on Tuesday, November 14 and Tuesday, December 12, both at 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 520 NW Wall St.
For information about board members, meetings and agendas, please visit our School Board page.
District policy review
Are you curious which district policies and regulations are currently under review? To see proposed changes and give feedback on new language, click here.