RRSD #35 Community Update

The first day of school for the 2024-25 school year is Tuesday, September 3, 2024. We are excited for the return of all students who will join us for another great year with the Rogue River School District.

This summer we had a number of changes in school leadership, so let's introduce you to these wonderful educators:

• Long time assistant principal Tori Kirkpatrick has taken over as the principal at the JSHS. To fill her previous role as the assistant principal, we have brought in Emily Figueroa Wolfe who was previously with the South Umpqua School District .

• The elementary school also has new leadership, but with familiar faces. Last year's assistant principal Ashtyn James is now the principal. Rogue River graduate and teacher Angie Caschera has moved into the assistant principal role at the elementary school.

• Cecil Felkins is still the principal at SVA, but he is taking a medical leave of absence to deal with some health issues he is facing. You can access the GoFundMe page in support of Cecil HERE. We are blessed to have Jennifer Parks, formerly from the Ashland School District, who has joined us to be the substitute principal at SVA until Cecil is ready to return.

Cool Summer Changes:

• Elementary East received a new paint job over the summer. The new color scheme is meant to match the colors used on the exterior and interior of our other buildings and to better fit with the colors of the Riverhawk mascot.
• South Valley Academy received a major remodel. The building should be much more welcoming to our students and more conducive to their learning.
• Sections of failing bleachers at Chieftain Stadium have been repaired.
• The south wing of Elementary West has a brand-new roof, as does the Ag building/shop at the JSHS.

Bond Updates:

• Permits are in progress, and excavation is expected to start soon for the new Junior High building.
• Designs are nearing completion for creating single points of access at both elementary buildings. We expect work on this project to begin later this calendar year, with hopes of completion before spring break of the coming year.
• Inspections and investigation are ongoing to determine the extent of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades that need to happen in the existing JSHS building. Those elements are meant to be addressed once we are further along with the previously mentioned projects.

Early Learning and Wellness Center updates:

• The building has received approval from the city planning commission. Next up is getting permits processed so work can start. Outlier is hoping to begin excavation work this fall.

Attendance is important:

• Since the COVID pandemic, attendance rates nationwide have tumbled. Please work with us and your children to instill a mindset of the importance of attendance. Good attendance leads to better outcomes for your child and builds positive habits for your child's future profession.

We need your involvement:

• Family engagement is critical to your child's success in school. Studies conclusively show that students perform better and enjoy their educational experience more when their families are active, involved, and engaged in their child's education. Help your child get the most out of their education by getting involved, showing up, and helping out.

Kudos:

• Ken Garrison and the entire custodial and maintenance team: They have done tremendous work this summer tackling numerous projects. We are very grateful for each member of our custodial and maintenance team, including all of those who signed on as summer helpers.

• SVA staff: With principal Cecil Felkins taking medical leave, the SVA staff have come together fantastically to get themselves ready for the first day of school. It is an amazing group of people that are committed to doing their best for the students they serve.

• Ann Allen and Myrna Fliegel have each worked for the Rogue River School District for over 30 years. What an accomplishment and what commitment. Thank you both for your many years of service.