Many students discover their purpose and passion through exploration of Career Technical Education, a popular option available in our high schools. Three in four students are now taking at least one CTE class in high school, and many are getting a jumpstart on pursuing high-wage, in-demand careers.

If the Learning Levy is approved on the May 21 ballot, Bend-La Pine Schools will expand the CTE program, including bringing these classes into our middle schools, providing more students an opportunity to experience this hands-on learning and explore career pathways.

We recently visited our high schools to experience what CTE looks and sounds like today. Watch our video below!

Has a teacher or other staff member made a positive impact on your student or family this year? Help us say “thank you!”

We will be honoring staff members who make a difference during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. Click the button below to share a positive story or appreciation for a teacher or other staff member.

One of the funding priorities for the proposed Learning Levy is to protect current class sizes in the district. Passage of the levy would enable the district to retain positions that would keep the number of the students per class at or near the current target levels:

Kindergarten and Grade 1: 22 students

Grade 2: 24 students

Grade 3: 27 students

Grades 4-5: 31 students

Middle school: 26.3 students per certified staff member (class sizes similar to Grades 4-5)

High school: 29.3 students per certified staff member (class sizes similar to Grades 4-5)

The District projects that without this levy in place, the staffing cuts that would be necessary over the next two years would result in an increase in class sizes of four students at all grade levels. For example, we could see 28 students in second-grade classrooms.

Larger class sizes can have a detrimental effect on learning. With smaller classes, teachers can devote more time to working individually with students and identify more quickly students’ needs for more support in their learning.

Our students and staff are always hard at work bringing sustainability into our buildings.

Food waste reduction is one of many ongoing missions. It's crucial for mitigating climate change, conserving resources, ensuring food security, saving money, and addressing ethical concerns. Student Green Teams have created an informative video for schools and our community on how we can all prevent food waste. What can you do to reduce food waste?

Congratulations to The Bend FFA for their long list of wins at the 96th Oregon FFA State Convention!

Twenty-two students participated in leadership competitions, attended workshops, networked at the career fair and attended sessions that featured awards and keynote addresses. This is the largest state event with over 3,000 people in attendance at the fairgrounds in Redmond. Bend FFA had a jam-packed schedule and found many successes!

Mr. Jeff Papke, agriculture science and technology instructor at Mountain View High School, was also recognized for his Oregon Agriculture Teacher's Association Award for Teacher Mentor. Mr. Papke, thank you for inspiring and opening doors for countless students! Bend FFA, you make us proud!

Central Oregon Pediatrics Association (COPA) is making it easy to catch up on vaccines before heading out for summer fun. May 13-17 is Vaccine Week at COPA. They are focusing on all the amazing things vaccines can do for us with costumes, awesome swag, and lots of open vaccines appointments. Check one more thing off your to-do list before the end of school and get ready for an amazing summer. Schedule by calling 541-389-6313.

Forget battle of the bands. At Pine Ridge Elementary, it’s all about the Oregon Battle of the Books! The school’s team made it to the State Competition in Salem and read all the way to the Fab Four round. Way to go, Pine Martens!

Spring is a great time to get smoke ready.

Prescribed burning is underway, and can bring smoky air to us in Central Oregon. While prescribed burns are a critical tool to protect the community, they can cause smoke impacts which may reduce air quality and can be harmful to health. This spring, there is a pilot project focused on increasing the pace and scale of prescribed burns on Deschutes National Forest west of Bend. If conditions allow, this may result in greater smoke impacts than we are accustomed to.

Whether it comes from prescribed burning, wildfire, or another source like campfires, smoke is harmful to health. Deschutes County Public Health wants us to know that our best option is to limit our exposure to smoke. Some people may have worse symptoms from smoke, including older adults, people with health conditions, and children. Stay informed about when and where prescribed burns are happening in Central Oregon and how to protect your health here and by visiting CentralOregonFire.org.

Have you heard about the Mindful Music program at Rosland Elementary School? Check out the Central Oregon Daily story exploring the morning program that calms the mind and body and prepares students for learning every day. It will inspire you!

Join us for Hope, Help and Heal 2024! This year's free virtual presentation, Resiliency Building After Loss, is all about helping parents, families, caregivers, and anyone who works with young people to support them through grief. We'll be sharing some great strategies for empowering youth to build resilience as they process their grief.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Oregon Healing Collective (OHC) takes a holistic approach to all of their presentations. They believe that it's important to provide information that is strengths-based for the youth and their families. They also focus on human rights as well cultural aspects, acknowledging that all participants have unique experiences. And of course, OHC wants to help participants develop skills that they can use to empower the youth they work with.

Spanish interpretation and closed captioning included. For more information about this event, or to access materials in an alternative format, please email bethany.kuschel@deschutes.org or call 541-322-7534.

This month, we have an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health in our campus by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.

School staff are the backbone of student well-being, but remember that you also can’t pour from an empty cup.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the mental health community to reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who are struggling know they are not alone.

If you or someone you know wants to be connected to a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by Bend-La Pine Schools:

• Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
  
• Visit www.caresolace.com/bls and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
  

Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope.

Curious who created this election’s “I Voted” sticker? It’s our very own Lava Ridge Elementary 2nd grader Ivy Sapp! She knows it’s never too early to care about elections.

Every election is important. Don’t forget to turn in your ballot by May 21!

The Board of Directors for Bend-La Pine Schools will hold its next budget committee meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street in Bend. The regular School Board meeting follows at 5:30 p.m.

For information about board members, meetings and agendas, please visit our School Board page.

Are you curious which district policies and regulations are currently under review? To see proposed changes and give feedback on new language, click here.