RRSD #35 Community Update

Now that spring is here, it feels to me like the year races by at an even faster pace than usual. As students and teachers are digging in and getting the most out of the last two months of school, the district office is already looking ahead to the next school year. Two of the biggest items impacting next school year will be the bond projects and the construction of the Early Learning and Wellness Center (ELWC). Let's jump a little deeper into each one of these.

Bond Project:

S & B James and Arkitek Design are in the early stages of developing plans for the new junior high building and the single access points at the elementary school. S & B James and its partners will soon take a closer look at the Mechanical, Engineering, and Plumbing (MEP) projects that will also be covered by the bond. At this point, physical onsite work is still at least several months away. We are still hopeful for the new junior high building to be ready for occupation in the fall of 2025.

Early Learning and Wellness Center:

Outlier Construction and KZW Architects shared late stage plans that were shown during the school board meeting on April 16, 2024. They are working with the city on getting plans approved and getting permitting started, with a stated goal of beginning ground work late this fall. This facility is currently on track for occupancy in the fall of 2025. Between now and mid summer, the RRSD will be putting out Request for Proposals (RFP's) for qualified vendors to provide the Student Based Health Center (SBHC) services. These services will include physical and mental health for the young people in our community. In late fall we will send out RFP's for providers of preschool services. We hope to partner with experienced providers who can give pre-k education access to more children in the RRSD at low to no cost for interested families.

Upcoming Events:

• May 6th is a professional development day. There is no school for students on May 6th.
  
• May 9th-11th is the Annual Rogue River FFA Plant Sale.
• There is no school on May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. Enjoy the three day weekend!
• May 31st is the South Valley Academy graduation.
• June 1st is the RR High School graduation.
  

Kudos:

Jessa Fricke, Josh O'Gorman, and Trinity Tracy: These three teachers all volunteered to help out the district in big ways this spring. I am very grateful for their team spirit and willingness to help.

Jon Buckley and Jessa Fricke: Jon was our district Battle of the Books Coordinator. Jessa coached our upper elementary and middle school Battle of the Books teams, including the 6th grade team that won our regional competition. Both teachers put in a lot of time and effort and made this an incredibly successful program. Even more important, many students have grown to love reading more because of Jon and Jessa's work.

Dan Smith: Dan is officially retiring at the end of this school year. He has had a lengthy and impactful career as an educator and leader. His work as the principal at the JSHS the last three years was transformative. I appreciate Dan and hope that he and his wife enjoy their retirement.

Phil Stobbe: Phil has announced his plan to retire at the end of this school year. Phil has worked for the RRSD since 2002. He has filled many different roles for the JSHS over the years. I appreciate Phil's commitment to the students of the RRSD and wish him the very best in retirement.

Ashtyn James: Principal Casey Olmstead has been out of the building due to medical reasons, and Assistant Principal Ashtyn James has stepped up in a huge way to keep things running and moving forward in his absence. Ashtyn is definitely an all star for our district. Get well soon, Casey!