Volume 1, No. 1 August 28, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the start of another exciting school year! I am truly honored to begin this journey with all of you as I take on my first year as the superintendent of the Coos Bay Public Schools. I am thrilled to be back in the place I call home, reconnecting with our community, and working alongside you to support our students and families.

Reflecting on my educational journey, I am reminded of my roots in Coos Bay. Growing up in Coos Bay instilled in me a deep appreciation for community and teamwork. Many of my teachers and coaches had a significant influence on my decision to become an educator, teaching me the value of teamwork and persistence. These beliefs have been the cornerstone of my career and leadership style, grounded in the belief that “the students who need the most deserve the best.”

With over 23 years in education, I’ve seen the transformative power of teamwork and the believe that ALL students can learn and achieve at high levels. I look forward to collaborating with the Board, staff, families, students, and the community to build on our district’s successes and make our mission a reality.

The success of our district is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire community—students, families, teachers, staff, and everyone who plays a role in supporting our schools. From our bus drivers to our lunch aides, from grandparents to parents, every member of our community contributes to making Coos Bay Schools a special place where students can thrive.

Again, thank you for your commitment. If there is anything we can do to help make the start of the school year transition easier, please reach out to myself or your school’s principal. Together, we will achieve great things for our students and staff in the CBSD.

One Compass – One Crew – One Mission,

Dr. Justin Ainsworth

Superintendent Coos Bay Public Schools

Our district's new mission statement is central to all that we do: Each student is known by name, strengths, and needs, and ALL students graduate with a plan: Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted (3Es). This mission reflects our commitment to ensuring that every student in Coos Bay is prepared for life beyond school. It guides our work and reminds us daily of the importance of knowing our students as individuals, recognizing their unique abilities, and supporting them to achieve their full potential.

• September 2nd: Labor Day (no school)
• September 3rd: 7-12 Start of School
• September 4th: 3-6 Start of School
• October 11th: Inservice/Teacher Workday (no school)
  

• November 8th: Grading Day (no school)
• November 11th: Veteran’s Day (no school)
• November 13th-14th: Early Release Conference Days (Pre-K – 6th grade only)

Start and Stop Times for CBSD schools.

As we move forward, I want to emphasize the critical importance of attendance. Regular attendance is one of the most significant factors in a student’s academic success. When students are in school consistently, they are more likely to stay on track with their learning, develop strong relationships with their peers and teachers, and build the skills they need for future success. I urge all parents and guardians to prioritize getting their children to school every day. If you need any support or face challenges with attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school. We are here to help.

For our elementary families, I encourage you to make reading a nightly routine. Reading with your child for just 15-20 minutes a night can have a profound impact on their reading proficiency and overall confidence. When children read regularly at home, they strengthen their literacy skills, expand their vocabulary, and develop a lifelong love for learning. This small investment of time each evening can yield tremendous benefits in your child's educational journey.

Our commitment to the science of reading remains steadfast. The evidence-based approach that emphasizes the five key components of literacy—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—is central to our instruction in elementary schools. By aligning our teaching with these proven principles, we ensure that all students build a strong foundation in reading, which is crucial for their academic success across all subjects. This year our goal is to scale science of reading practices at 3-6 and 7-8 levels. If you would like additional information about the science of reading and have questions, please feel free to reach out to your building principal.

This year we will be transitioning from the Remind app to ParentSquare. The official changeover will happen on October 11, 2024. ParentSquare is a robust communication tool designed to keep our families informed and engaged. ParentSquare will be the primary platform for sharing important updates, announcements, and information from both the district and your child’s school. It allows for easy two-way communication between parents and staff, ensuring that everyone stays connected and informed. I encourage all families to sign up and actively use ParentSquare to stay involved in your child’s education.

Nutrislice is a user-friendly app tailored to help parents of K-12 students easily access and interact with school menus. With Nutrislice, you can browse daily menu items offered at your child’s school, view detailed nutritional information, and filter options based on specific dietary needs and preferences, such as allergies or vegetarian choices. The app also supports multiple languages, making it accessible for all families. Please keep in mind that the app is new to our provider and the service won’t be available until the start of the school year

The Safe Oregon hotline is a confidential and anonymous service designed to help students, parents, school staff, and community members report safety concerns, including bullying, threats of violence, drugs, and self-harm. Available 24/7, the hotline allows users to submit tips via phone, text, email, web form, or mobile app. By providing a secure way to report issues, Safe Oregon aims to create a safer school environment and empower individuals to speak out and prevent potential harm.

The FirstView bus tracking app, developed by First Student, provides parents with real-time updates on their child’s school bus location and estimated arrival times. Parents can view the live location of the bus, receive notifications when the bus is approaching the stop, and get alerts about delays or changes in the schedule. The app also allows for multiple students to be tracked simultaneously, making it convenient for families with more than one child. Please keep in mind that the service won’t be available until the start of the school year.

This year, during early release Fridays our dedicated staff will be focused on curriculum alignment, identifying priority standards, developing SMART goals, and discussing student learning data and interventions to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education. These efforts align with our district's mission: ALL students will graduate with a plan: either enrolled, employed, or enlisted (3Es: Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted). With your support, we can make this mission a reality for every student in Coos Bay.

As we approach Labor Day, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved break with your loved ones. Please remember to stay safe during your celebrations. We look forward to welcoming your students back to school after the holiday, refreshed and ready for a fantastic new school year.