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Superintendent's Update

September 15, 2023

Superintendent's Update September 15, 2023

Centennial School District | May 31, 2024

Dear Centennial Colleagues, Students, Families & Community,


As we approach the end of another school year, it's an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements we've accomplished together.


First, I’d like to congratulate our graduates, whose hard work and dedication have led them to this pivotal moment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff, parents, and community members who've contributed to our students making this important milestone in their life.


I'd also like to recognize Centennial staff. The work you do every day matters. I want to commend you for the work you do to support our students. And with the launch of our Strategic Plan Roadmap '27, I've seen how you are collaborating and focusing on the goals and measures we've set for student success.


This evening, we will hold a Retirement Celebration for staff members retiring this year. I want to extend my gratitude to this year's retirees for their years of dedication and service to our students. We wish them all the best in their retirement.


It's important to encourage student learning over the summer and know there are multiple resources available. Once again, we're pleased to offer summer learning programs in July. Our summer meals program also begins at the end of June. Additionally, Food 4 Families will distribute food on select dates during the summer.


As we finish the school year strong, let's recognize our accomplishments. A couple that are memorable for me:

Trimester Data Summits


Progress monitoring and reflection are critical aspects of continual improvement, and these have been embedded into Roadmap ‘27 through trimester data summits.


These routines have been conducted each trimester with school leadership teams to monitor the impact of our learning and adjust and improve instructional practices and systems at the school and District level.

Centennial High School Athletic Complex Improvements


In the fall, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at Centennial High School for the Athletic Facility Upgrades. We celebrated and acknowledged:

  • an all weather turf field,

  • seismic and safety improvements to the stadium,

  • parking and sidewalk improvements,

  • upgrades to the public restrooms and team rooms,

  • bus parking relocation, and

  • track resurfacing.


It’s important to note, with the exception of the track resurfacing, these projects did not use bond dollars and, instead, were completed through the Board Reserve Fund, dedicated to one-time expenses such as facility improvements.


These upgrades are a literal game changer for our students. The improvements have greatly enhanced Centennial’s athletic programming and increased access and opportunities for our youth and the greater community.

Enjoy the remainder of the school year, have a wonderful summer, and check out this newsletter for more highlights and resources.

Congrats to Class of 2024!

We are thrilled to honor the Centennial graduates from Centennial High School, Centennial Virtual Academy (CVA), and Centennial Transition Center (CTC). The CTC graduation will take place on Friday, June 7, followed by the CHS & CVA graduation on Wednesday, June 12.


These milestones represent the determination, effort, and perseverance of our students. We celebrate their achievements and wish them continued success in their future endeavors. Congratulations to all the graduates!

Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Juneteenth is a significant day of recognition, restoration, and celebration. Also known as Freedom Day, it commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in America were freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.


In honor of Juneteenth, all Centennial schools and office buildings will be closed. Operations resume Thursday, June 20.

Pride Month: Celebrating Progress and Commitment

June marks LGBTQ2SIA+ Pride Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the historical milestones and efforts toward achieving equal justice for LGBTQ+ individuals. Join us in recognizing this month and our commitment to fostering safe and inclusive environments for Centennial students, staff, families, and the community.


In support of our LGBTQ2SIA+ staff and students, we’ve made significant strides on efforts as a result of the District’s Oregon Department of Education LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan grant.


This year’s highlights include:

  • Addition of two temporary social workers

  • Increased materials and inclusive, welcoming signage for buildings

  • Co-hosting a cross-district summit

  • Introduction of identity-based library materials

  • Hosting staff affinity space


In development:

  • Parent/caregiver support guide

  • Expansion of in-district resource guide

  • Additional library and health materials

  • Clearer bullying, harassment, and intimidation reporting processes


As we continue to focus on inclusivity and support for all members of our community, we look forward to further progress and collaboration in the ongoing journey towards equality and acceptance.

Honoring Our Retirees

This year’s retirees collectively contributed 633 years to our school district whether it's as a teacher, custodian, bus driver, dining services staff, secretary, media manager, computer technician, and more. Thank you to all who attended the Retirement Celebration! We appreciated celebrating many of you at today’s celebration. We wish you all the best in your years of retirement!

Little Eagle Big Eagle Mentoring Program Soars to Success

Last spring, we piloted the “Little Eagle Big Eagle” student mentoring program, and this year we expanded it to two elementary schools: Meadows and Powell Butte.


Little Eagle Big Eagle pairs high school mentors (Big Eagles) with elementary students (Little Eagles) for weekly lunch and recess sessions, building relationships, and peer problem-solving. This year, around 40 Big Eagles volunteered at Meadows and Powell Butte elementary schools, engaging with over 50 Little Eagles. The program is highly valued, with Little Eagles eagerly anticipating their sessions and benefiting from positive, undivided attention from their Big Eagles.


Next year, the plan is to take the first step in making it an actual class for high school students, where they can earn elective credit tied to student leadership.


A special thanks goes to the program's early supporters: the Centennial Youth Transition Program, Centennial School Social Work, Meadows Elementary, Powell Butte Elementary, and interns Brittany Espinoza, Paige Craine, and Laura Gordon.


The future of the Little Eagle Big Eagle program looks promising!

Summer learning for enrolled K-12 grade students will take place July 8-26, 2024. Participating students will experience well-rounded, hands-on, integrated learning from Centennial staff and community partners.


Qualifying high school students will be provided opportunities for credit recovery.


Visit www.csd28j.org/summerlearning for more information.

Summer Meals Program

Centennial School District is once again participating in the Summer Food Service Program this summer!


Meals, including breakfast and lunch, are available at no cost to any child 18 years of age or younger. Meals must be consumed on-site.


The program is slated to begin June 26 to August 23, 2024 at participating school and community sites. For a list of dates, times, and locations, visit www.csd28j.org/summermeals.

Summer Resources - Food for Families & Student Health Center

James Owens
Centennial School District Superintendent