SHS Eagle Update

I will be taking family medical leave at the end of November, likely through the majority of the first semester. Many in our community know that my husband Chad was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma two years ago. Anyone who has battled cancer, or who loves someone who has, knows the journey is challenging. However, most days, Chad feels pretty good, and most of the time, people meeting him have no idea he is sick. Even so, we have exhausted traditional teatment options, and he will be embarking on a clinical trial at the end of November. He underwent a similar conventional treatment in the summer, so we know something of what we should anticipate. It will require an extended hospital stay and follow up care at home when he is released. As a family, we have a strong faith and will gladly accept your prayers, well-wishes, and positive thoughts as we continue to explore treatments that will give us more time together.

Anyone who really knows me knows that my heart is deeply connected to Stayton High School. It is incredibly hard for me to step away, yet I know the work I will be doing at home is the most important. I am incredibly grateful for my administrative team. Mr. Traeger, Mr. Shryock, and Mr. Emmert are dependable, trustworthy, and share my values around how students and staff should be treated. I've been able to work with Superintendent Loving to develop support for Stayton High School while I am out that will have as minimal of an impact on our day-to-day operations as possible.

Brent Belveal, a retired administrator, will step in as acting principal of Stayton High School while I am out. I've known Mr. Belveal for almost 10 years and have had the opportunity to watch him work. I have a tremendous amount of respect for his leadership and how he carries himself. He knows who he is, what he believes about kids, and will ensure strong systems and high expectations for students remain in place. Please refer to Superintendent Loving's letter for more information on Mr. Belveal.

I will not be responding to emails while I am on leave, and Mr. Belveal and the SHS Office Manger Christina Bridge will be screening and processing emails that come my way.

SHS Community, thank you for graciously allowing me to care for my family at this time.

Our fall athletes had amazing seasons all around! Our cheer squad was the largest its been in a long time and our Girls Soccer team had a much-improved season.

Our Girls XCountry team placed 6th at state and our Volleyball team placed 5th at state. Boys XCountry sent one athlete, Brandon Wagar, to the state meet. Boys Soccer placed as semi-finalists in state and had a tremendous season. Football is still playing and has a playoff game Friday night.

We are grateful for our strong coaching staff and their ability to get greatness from students.

On November 12, our SHS Band students held a Veteran's Day celebration concert to honor those in our community who have served our country. Thank you Mr. Fulks for your hard work with students!

In December there will be opportunities to hear our bands perform again (see dates below) as well as our choirs (dates below). One of my favorite holiday traditions is attending these concerts. I love seeing our students do things they love.

The Stayton High Theater Department, under the direction of Mr. Nic Anundson, will present Little Women on December 5-7 in the SHS Auditorium.

We are so fortunate to have Mr. Garber (a SHS alumnus), Mr. Fulks, and Mr. Anundson working with our students. Their endless belief in their students' potential is inspiring.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to share constructive feedback with us through the Youth Truth Survey, this link is live through November 22. The survey takes around 15 mintues to complete and needs to be done in one setting.

The SHS School Leadership Team and administrative team use your feedback and input to drive our goals and focus our work. Please share your thoughts with us! We are really hoping to hear from twice as many families as we have already.

We no longer will be on assembly schedule on Friday, November 15. We will be on our regular Tuesday-Friday Schedule.

November 27-December 1: Thanksgiving Break

December 5-7: Theater Production: Little Women

December 7: Festival of Trees (ASB event) through the Holiday Bizarre at SIMS

December 16-20: ASB Spirit Week. Follow the ASB Instagram page for details regarding dress up days!

December 16: Choir Concert

December 19: Band Concert

December 20: Winter assembly

December 21-January 5: Winter Break