Central Linn District News

We wish to express our sincere gratitude for the swift and thorough response to the reported emailed bomb threat from December 11th. The immediate action taken by district staff, including contacting law enforcement and initiating emergency protocols, reflects a well-prepared and responsible approach to such a serious situation. Evacuating the schools and relocating students and staff to a reunification area away from district buildings helped to ensure everyone's safety.

It is reassuring to hear that law enforcement has determined the threat to be non-credible and that the safety of all school buildings was confirmed. However, we understand that incidents like these can be unsettling for students for there is no place for such threats in our schools. We are happy to report that when students returned the following day, school counselors and staff were present to offer any additional support that was needed.

We want to extend our appreciation to the local first responders, and all school staff involved in securing the safety of students and staff. Special thanks to Pastor Jeff Carter with the Central Valley Church for their hospitality and support during this challenging time. The leadership and collaborative efforts of everyone involved in the response have undoubtedly made a significant impact on maintaining the safety and security of all.

We are thrilled to share with you the exciting news that our Jr/Sr High School's HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) upgrade is nearing completion. This project of providing heat after the boilers failed has been a significant undertaking, and we are pleased to see it come to an end. As we approach the final stages of this project, we want to express our gratitude for everyone's patience and understanding during any inconveniences caused by the upgrade.

We would also like to extend my appreciation to the dedicated team of professionals and district staff who have been working tirelessly to bring this project to completion. We anticipate the completion of the HVAC upgrade in the coming days.

Thank you once again for everyone's support throughout this process. We look forward to welcoming everyone back from Winter Break to a comfy, warm school environment.

Our first ever Tri-District Wellness Day was a wonderful success. Students are continuing to tell our school counselor, Sue Harte, thank you for having it. One student said he had learned so much and was very excited about it. Adults were talking about possibilities for "next year". A teacher noted that several of our students were actively reaching out and having conversations with students they did not know. LBL ESD found out about the event and sent someone down to check it out and she thought it was such a great idea she will be writing an article on what she observed for the districts they serve. The best thing was not only did our students get valuable information and resource connections, they got to interact with students and staff from two other schools. Since the staff of the 3 districts are doing some professional development and training together, it is nice to get the students together as well.

It all started when CL staff participated in a professional development experience with the staff of both Harrisburg and Monroe school districts this fall. This was not the first time all three district staff members joined for a combined professional development, however, this particular one was focusing on classroom skills and teaching techniques. Since this was not applicable to our school counselors and other student support professionals, Dr. Pelt asked our school counselor to take the lead on providing different professional development for these staff members. One of the results of their time together was this joint high school student health day. Harrisburg is the bigger campus so they agreed to host the event. Monroe and Central Linn bused their students to Harrisburg High School. Most of the high school staff from CL accompanied the students and partnered with the host staff in helping manage the presentation classrooms and activities. Some of our CL staff were presenters, and our leadership students also provided a presentation opportunity.

We had several goals in mind. First, to provide an opportunity to use last school days before break as something productive instead of just killing time until break as well as provide tools and resources for our students to use or access during the break as they might need.Second, while the students were be able to foster and build relationships with students in the other schools, it also created a time for them to become a bit familiar with the counselors at the other schools. The thoughts behind that is that we would like to become a crisis response resource for each other. If the students are all familiar with the counselors from the other schools, they will be more comfortable connecting with us when we respond as support during a crisis at their school. The counselors wore t-shirts that match and identify them as support/counseling staff. They were available for students who needed some mental health support. Students returned to school in time for lunch and completed the day attending 5th, 6th, and 7th periods.

Presentation Choices:

1. Sources of Strength

2. Master Resilience training

3. Suicide signs, how to connect to help, resources

4. Silent Reading & Journaling

5. Water Color Art

6. Speed Friending

7. Internet Safety

8. Vaping Data

9. Effects of Energy Drinks

10. Mini First Aid

11. Healthy relationships

12. Cards of Encouragement

13. Circle Conversations

14. Military Physical Competition & Challenges

15. Stress management/getting outside/getting exercise - Shannon Snair

16. Break out rooms available for students needing a mental health break – all school counselors

Junior High students who met ACE criteria earned a field trip as their reward.

ACE stands for Attendance, Citizenship, and Eligibility. ACE students have met conditions set in each category, which ultimately supports their learning. We took students who had earned the trip to enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the Sweet Home Community Pool. We are aiming to do one trip each season to support and recognize students who are well-rounded in their positive academic choices.

This field trip has led to many students learning how to log their attendance and working on improving their grades. We are slated to take over 50% of Junior High students. We will start fresh after the break and work towards earning a Winter ACE reward trip in March.

Over the past few weeks, the 4th-grade reading group has been focusing on developing their reading fluency through a creative and engaging approach. Each student had the opportunity to choose a picture book. The emphasis was on practicing reading the story fluently with their peers. Specifically, the students worked on reading smoothly, which in 4th-grade terms means "not stumbling on any of the words." Additionally, they honed their skills in reading with expression, defined by our 4th graders as "not reading like a robot."

After several days of dedicated practice, the 4th graders had a unique opportunity to share their newfound fluency skills with their younger peers. They took turns visiting kindergarteners and first graders in Mrs. Baney's, Mr. Koehnen's, and Mrs. Cortright's classrooms. This experience allowed our students to not only showcase their reading abilities but also foster a sense of community and mentorship within the school.

The feedback from both the 4th graders and the younger students has been overwhelmingly positive. All participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was heartwarming to witness the older students taking on a leadership role while inspiring their younger peers to develop a love for reading.

We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the 4th-grade reading group. Their commitment to improving reading fluency and sharing their skills with others exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and learning that we value at our school.

We want to extend a HUGE thank you to Entek, Bryan Wyant, Jenna Stutsman, and all community members who have generously contributed to the Central Linn School District coat drive. We are thrilled to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to community members such as you for your support and generous contribution to our students. Your donation has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and their families.

Once again, thank you for your commitment to education and for being an invaluable part of our community. We look forward to continuing this impactful journey together.

Linn County Public Health and Corvallis Environmental Center have been partnering with the Central Linn School District to put on monthly tasting tables within the Central Linn schools. These delicious events create an opportunity for students to taste creative and nutritious recipes, all produced by Linn and Benton County farmers.

Last month elementary, junior high, and high school students all got to try winter fruit smoothies featuring local blueberries, kale, and apples. The Linn County Healthy Communities program seeks to make nutritious, local food accessible to everyone living in our county while supporting Linn County farmers and businesses. If you are or know a farmer in the area and are interested in selling food to local schools or other institutions, please reach out to Diego Nieto, Healthy Communities Coordinator at dnieto@co.linn.or.us.

Dear Central Linn Families, Students and Staff,

As winter approaches, we would like to share important information about our school closure and delay procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families during inclement weather.

Closure Procedure: In the event of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, a decision regarding the closure of school will be made as early as possible. The following communication channels will be used to notify the school community:

1) Automated Phone System:

We use ParentSquare for communication. Families will receive an automated phone message regarding the closure. Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in our system to receive timely notifications. Use this link to register for ParentSquare.

2) Local News Stations:

Closure information will be communicated to local news stations for broadcast. Please tune in to your local news channels for updates.

3) School Website and Facebook:

Closure information will be posted on our school website at www.centrallinn.k12.or.us and on the district's Facebook page. Please check for updates.

Delay Procedure: In the event of a delayed opening, classes will begin two hours later than the usual start time. The same communication channels mentioned above will be utilized to notify the community.

Make-Up Days: Any missed instructional days due to closures will be rescheduled, and information about make-up days will be communicated through the same channels.

Stay Informed: It is important to stay informed during winter weather conditions. Please monitor local weather forecasts, and if you have not already done so, sign up for emergency notifications from local authorities.

Central Linn School District subscribes to Flash Alert http://www.flashalert.net which takes the same emergency/delay/ closure information relayed to the media and sends it to subscribers via e-mail or text message. School delay and closure information for the District and the Willamette Valley is available from FlashAlert and from the following radio and Television stations:

Radio Stations

• KFLY FM 101.5

• KGAL AM 1580

• KLOO AM 1340, KLOO FM 106.3

• KOOL FM 99.1

• KRKT FM 99.9

• KSND FM 95.1 (Español)

• KWBY AM 940 (Español)

TV Stations

• KATU Chan 2

• KEZI Chan 9

• KGW Chan 8

• KLSR Chan 34

• KMTR Chan 16

• KOIN Chan 6

• KVAL Chan 13
  

How to Subscribe to FlashAlert

1. Go to FlashAlert

2. To create or login to an account, enter your e-mail address and password

Click the ‘Create Your Account’ button
Once you’ve logged in, you can change your emergency alert settings and/or add additional e-mail/text subscriptions.
NOTE: You must have an e-mail address to sign up to receive FlashAlert content. FlashAlert requires that subscribers re-enroll every year.

In partnership with the LBL/ESD, Central Linn is piloting a new program called Oregon Routes where driving volunteers are able to set their availability and to be compensated for transporting students. We are eagerly seeking staff and community members to join us as we navigate a new program.

This is a great opportunity to be paid while serving students not only within the Central Linn School District but potentially for other districts as well. For more information, please contact Erin Baston at oregonroutes@lblesd.k12.or.us.

Did you know we have an anonymous tip line located on the main page of our website? Through Vector Solutions, we offer SafeSchools Alert which allows a quick and anonymous report of safety concerns to school officials 24/7.

Link: https://centrallinn-or.safeschoolsalert.com/

NOTE: This tip line is not for immediate emergency response. Emergency situations should always go to 9-1-1.

All tips are analyzed and forwarded to designated personnel who can provide further assistance in resolving reported incidents. False or prank tips may be investigated by law enforcement (ORS 165.570).

Dear Parents:

Child Safe Kit is an easy-to-use identification kit, which could help save your child's life. It allows families to record and keep fingerprints, vital information, and a photo of each child. The kit is provided in a "keep at home" version or a mobile app. In the horrific event, your child is abducted or lost, you can get this information to authorities quickly.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to make the Child Safe Kit part of your sound family protection and planning, please pick up a kit at the district office or inquire through your building secretary and a kit will go home with your child.

Use this link for information about the Child Safe Kit.

Central Linn School District has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our community. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. This is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Central Linn School District. If you would like to use Care Solace to help find a mental health care provider call 888-515-0595.

Support is available 24/7/365 in over 200 languages.

Visit https://www.caresolace.com/site/centrallinn and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Serving the communities and surrounding areas of Brownsville, Halsey, Shedd and Peoria, Oregon.

Email: superintendent@centrallinn.k12.or.us
Website: www.centrallinn.k12.or.us
Location: Halsey, OR, USA
Phone: (541) 369-2813
Facebook: facebook.com/smorepages