page background

Family Spotlight

Family Spotlight

Helping families stay connected to Bend-La Pine Schools

Meet your Excellence in Education honorees and finalists

Tuesday, May 20 was an evening to remember in the Mountain View High School auditorium. We recognized 76 staff members from across the district who have distinguished themselves this school year with their leadership, innovation, and outstanding professional practice. From inspiring classrooms to behind-the-scenes brilliance, each of them has made a mark worth celebrating.


The honorees, nominated by their supervisors, were recognized at the annual event. They include custodians, counselors, kitchen managers, classroom teachers, educational assistants, office managers, bus drivers and others who have had a positive impact on students.


"Tonight is about celebrating the incredible people who make Bend-La Pine Schools such a special place," Superintendent Steven Cook said at the start of the ceremony. "Our honorees are not only masters of their craft, but also bring a depth of care, passion, and purpose to their work that makes a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and our entire community. It’s a true joy to be here, in person, to honor and thank each of you for the heart you bring to our schools every single day."


At the end of the program, the district named 14 finalists for the certified employee of the year and the support staff employee of the year. Those two honors will be announced at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Support Staff of the Year Finalists:

  • Brandi Daniel - Nutrition Services
  • Mayka Bruzzo - Pacific Crest Middle School
  • Sarai Saavedra - Bear Creek Elementary School
  • Justin Kohler - Transportation
  • Karima Bourque - Amity Creek Elementary School
  • Lindy Maniscalco - Pine Ridge Elementary School
  • Liz Vargas - Office of Policy and Advocacy


Certified Employee of the Year Finalists:

  • Ben Becker - Juniper Elementary School
  • Michele Oliver - Bend-La Pine Online
  • Tara Butler-Kruger - Cascade Middle School
  • Fred Kent - Bend Senior High School
  • Loren Renfroe - Sky View Middle School
  • Kat Tomsic - Realms High School
  • Connie Opsal - La Pine Elementary School

Basket of groceries in the middle of a grocery store aisle.

Summer EBT returns!

Need help with buying groceries for your family? The state of Oregon offers a program that can help families with school-age children who need help with access to food while school is out for summer. Learn more about how to apply!


Application deadline is September 3, 2025.

Sources of Strength students support peers and bring home honors

Congratulations to our remarkable students who earned awards and honorable mentions from Sources of Strength Oregon! The students were recognized for living out the mission of Sources of Strength—as Agents of Change, Connectors to Help, and individuals Rooted in Hope, Help, and Strength.


Congrats to the following students and advisors:

  • Peer Leader Award Recipients: Ella Bacigalupi (Bend Senior High School), Daisy Chavez (Caldera High School), Elliot DeMartin (Realms High School)
  • Honorable Mentions for Peer Leaders: Kayla Brandon (Caldera High School), Quinn Raynak (Summit High School)
  • Sources of Strength Team Initiatives Award Recipients: La Pine High School - Sources of Strength Leadership Class, Youth Action Council
  • Adult Advisor Award Recipients: Hailey Berth, Lisa Brown, McKaelie Miller (Deschutes County Health Services)


Not familiar with Sources of Strength? It’s a powerful, student-led movement in our high schools focused on building connection and preventing youth suicide. We're incredibly proud of these students for their commitment to creating stronger, more supportive school communities.

Two students pose and smile by group artwork

Learn more about this unique program in the latest episode of the Supe's On! podcast with Dr. Cook. Our Superintendent sits down with two Bend Tech Academy seniors who have been instrumental in growing Sources of Strength, Phoebe Karpstein and Linzie Harris.


Listen to the podcast today:

Teenager behind wheel and smiling

Oregon DMV Knowledge Test is available online

Summer break is a great time for students preparing to get their driver instruction permit to take their Oregon DMV knowledge test online. Students are encouraged to save a trip to the DMV by taking the knowledge test online from the comfort of their home. The test is available in eight languages.

How to take the test

  • Students need a laptop or a computer with a webcam, keyboard, mouse and reliable internet.

  • Students under 18 will need someone 21 or older to supervise them taking the test.

  • After students pass the test online, they will need to visit a DMV office with their identity documents and pass a vision screening. They can schedule an appointment or visit any DMV office without an appointment. We recommend customers check the status of their DMV office before visiting.

  • Students under 18 will need to apply for a permit and hold it for at least six months.

  • Students 18 and older can apply for a permit, too, or schedule a drive test.


DMV Online and Self-Service Options


Choosing the knowledge test online option can significantly reduce time spent at a DMV office. Oregon DMV’s statewide field offices are experiencing record-high volumes of traffic as a result of the May 7 federal REAL ID enforcement date. There will be long wait times due to limited staffing. If you need to visit an office, we encourage you to arrive early and be prepared to wait. For other services, check if your transaction can be done online at DMV2U.

Do your part to keep our air clean

Idling your car, even for just a few minutes, releases harmful exhaust into the air. Those minutes add up, contributing to air pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and poor air quality right where our students learn, play, and grow. Whether you're waiting during drop-off or lunch, turning off your engine helps protect student health, save fuel, and reduce emissions.


Let’s all do our part. If you’re not coming or going, please turn it off.

As summer break begins, we encourage students to make the most of this well-deserved time off. Take a break from screens, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the activities that bring you joy.


Summer Break Checklist

  • Rest and recharge

  • Spend time outdoors

  • Stay active

  • Unplug from devices

  • Declutter and refresh your space


Remember, it's always okay to ask for help. Support is available, so don’t hesitate to talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed.


988: If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect to staff prepared to provide compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.

  • English: Text or Call 988

  • Español: Llame 988 or envia “AYUDA” al 988


𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 is a free and confidential teen-to-teen help line. Students are encouraged to contact theyouthline.org via phone, text, chat, and email to talk about anything that may be bothering them. Teens are available to help daily from 4-10 p.m. Pacific Time (adults are available by phone at all other times).


𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 supports the well-being of our community and can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. If you or your family members are looking for help with mental health or substance use, this is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Bend-La Pine Schools.

  • Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in over 200 languages.

  • Visit caresolace.com/bls and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.


𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗢𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗻 allows students and families to report information that involves students, the safety of their fellow students or their school 24-hours-a-day. With safeoregon.com, students can report anything from vandalism to cyberbullying via text, phone, email or online.


Enjoy your summer—relax, have fun, and take care of yourself!

Perseverance Awards - Class of 2025

Meet ten remarkable seniors who were celebrated at the Perseverance Awards from the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation on May 28, 2025.


Coming from La Pine High School, Bend Tech Academy, Bend Senior High, Caldera High School, Mountain View High School and Summit High School, the students all have a story of remarkable resilience. They will all be attending colleges and universities across Oregon thanks to the Axel F. Hoch Legacy Scholarship.


This unique scholarship is an ongoing partnership with the students throughout their college careers, "topping off" higher education expenses so they can remain debt-free or providing a significant annual award for those choosing to attend a more expensive private college. The Perseverance Awards have existed since 2014 but with the addition of funds from the Mayantigo Charitable Foundation, the scholarship can be awarded to TEN seniors this year, helping dreams to come true. The scholarship is also available to students heading to trade schools!


Students, thank you for showing us what true perseverance looks like. You inspire us and we wish you great success. We can't wait to see where you'll go!

Thank you, Central Oregon!

The 17th Annual Trivia Night at Bend’s Silver Moon Brewing on May 14 was a smashing success! You helped raise more than $55,000 for the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation. The unforgettable evening is all for the Classroom Enrichments program, resources and support to our elementary, middle, and high school educators in categories ranging from arts and humanities to CTE to special needs.

Realms High School students take action for a better world

Friday, May 9 was no ordinary school day for the students at Realms High Schools. It was Better World Day, and Realms 10th graders led the charge. They designed and planned impactful community projects for the entire Realms High student body. That’s leadership in action.


Leading up to the big day, students identified needs across Central Oregon, partnered with local organizations, coordinated meaningful service projects, and built a full schedule to make it all happen. Projects included park maintenance at Wanoga with Central Oregon Trail Alliance, guest support at the Ronald McDonald House, reforestation work at Sunriver Nature Center, trash clean-up at Canal Row Park, and pollinator lessons for 2nd graders at the Deschutes Public Library.


Better World Day is a powerful Expeditionary Learning (EL) Education tradition that brings students together to contribute to a more just and sustainable world through meaningful service. As they say at Realms, "We are Crew, not passengers."

Recognition Calendar

Important dates and recognitions

  • June - Pride Month
  • June 12 - Last Day of School
  • June 14 - Flag Day
  • June 19 - Juneteenth
  • July 4 - Independence Day

Resources for Families

Student Mental Health

Link to Resource Guide

Family Resources

Link to Resource Guide

Health & Wellness

Link to Resource Guide

School Meals

Link to Resource Guide

Accessing ParentVUE

Link to Resource Guide

Transportation

Link to Resource Guide

Top row from left: Board Chair Marcus LeGrand, Board Vice Chair Carrie McPherson Douglass,

Kina Chadwick

Bottom row from left: Amy Tatom, Cameron Fischer, Shirley Olson, Ross Tomlin

Next School Board work session is June 17

The Board of Directors for Bend-La Pine Schools will hold its next work session on Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30 pm at the Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street in Bend.


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.

Becca Burda
Becca is Assistant Director of Communications for Bend-La Pine Schools.