September 2024

Dear Springfield Public Schools Families,

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year!

As we begin this new school year together, I’m filled with excitement for the joy and wonder that will soon fill our hallways, playgrounds, and classrooms. Whether it’s the thrill of a first bus ride, reconnecting with friends in the cafeteria, or the curiosity of exploring new spaces, these are the moments that make our school community special.

This year, we’re not just returning to what’s familiar; we’re embracing the opportunity to create extraordinary experiences for every student, every day. Our hope is to go beyond what’s expected, delivering an experience that’s not only excellent but also personal, meaningful, and filled with care.

As we move forward, the focus on care and connection remains at the heart of everything we do. We’re also committed to enhancing our academic excellence and enrichment, supported by strategic investments that set the stage for an education that surpasses expectations.

This year, our teachers will be delivering new curriculum resources across all levels. Elevating the importance of literacy, especially for our youngest learners, we’ve added supplementary phonics materials to strengthen our literacy curriculum. Middle school science and high school math teachers will also roll out new instructional materials designed to engage and inspire.

We’ve made significant strides in enhancing our learning environments as well. The district-wide installation of new HVAC systems ensures healthier, safer spaces for everyone. Our high school athletes and students will enjoy improved green spaces, thanks to new artificial turf fields, allowing more opportunities to connect and grow.

Our commitment to equity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our work. We believe every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where all students and families are embraced and supported. As a school community, we are here to wrap around our families, offering support and partnership every step of the way.

Thank you for trusting us with the education and care of your children. Let’s make this school year one filled with extraordinary experiences, where every student feels welcomed, cared for, and inspired.

With gratitude,

Todd Hamilton

Superintendent

Start of Classes Dates by Grade:

• Kindergarteners: Kindergarteners begin school on a "staggered start." Half of the school's kindergarten class will attend school Wednesday, September 4, then have the day off while the other half attends Thursday, September 5. All kindergarteners are out of school Friday, September 6 while class placements are decided. Then all kindergarteners attend school in their new classrooms Monday, September 9, and begin following the regular elementary calendar! Look for communication from your school on which day will be your kindergartener's first day.

• Grades 1-5, 6 and 9: The first day of school is Wednesday, September 4.

• Grades 7-8, and 10-12: The first day of school is Thursday, September 5.

Early Release:

• Friday, September 27 *

On early release days, elementary students are released at 12:30 p.m.
Secondary students are released at 1:15 p.m.
Lunch is served as normal.

*Does not apply to A3 Academy of Arts & Academics, which has its own calendar.

Bus Registration

School Supplies

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Student Health

Thurston High School Child Development Center preschool

Your middle schooler will develop athletic skills, teamwork, and sports mastery in the convenience of their school gym. This program is made possible through a partnership with Springfield Public Schools and Willamalane. It is open to all kids, regardless of skill level or ability. Sign up and see all sports here.

Upcoming programs:

· 6-8th Grade Cross Country: Sept.16-Oct. 24. Register by Sept. 11.

· 6-8th Grade Flag Football: Sept.16-Oct. 24. Register by Sept. 11.

· 6th Grade Volleyball: Sept.16-Oct. 24. Register by Sept. 11.

· 7-8th Grade Volleyball: Sept.16-Oct. 24. Register by Sept. 11.

Willamalane's After-School All-Stars is the ultimate school kid's sports program! Professional coaches will teach important skills like teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship while your child learns the fundamentals of sports at a recreational level. This program is open to all kids, regardless of skill or ability. NEW this year: Clinics for grades K-3! Sign up and see all sports here.

Upcoming programs:

· 4th Grade Boys Basketball League Sept. 16-Oct. 24. Register by Sept. 10.

· 3rd Grade Basketball Clinic: Sept. 18-Oct. 23. Register by Sept. 10.

Springfield Public Schools (SPS), in partnership with Lane County, operates a clinic that is open to all SPS students. The Springfield Schools Health Center (SSHC) is warm and welcoming office offers appointments for all required immunizations, mental health, Well Child Checks, sport physicals and more, in an easy to access location.

• Call 541-682-3550 for an appointment. Drop-in hours are available.
• Located on the SHS campus at 1050 10th Street.
• SSHC bills insurance and Medicare, Medicaid and OHP. Call for fee information for those without insurance.

Willamalane’s student technology lab is an accessible space in the main lobby of Bob Keefer Center. Students can have free access to laptops equipped with Microsoft Office and the SPS online portal during regular business hours. Students just need to present their student ID to Willamalane's front desk staff to access the tech lab.

There’s one more thing that all families and the community around us should add to their lists as they prepare for back to school – safety.

Drivers:

1. Take your time while driving so that you can follow the speed limit and laws.

• Don’t pass illegally; vehicles may be stopped in front of you because they’re letting students cross the street.
• Drive the speed limit and watch for school zones. Lower speeds keep people safe.

2. Watch out for children walking and biking to school. Drive defensively and be prepared to stop quickly.

3. Yield to people walking in any crosswalk, whether it is marked or unmarked. Remain stopped until the person walking has cleared both lanes.

4. Crossing guards are there to help students get to school safely. The law requires you to follow the directions of the crossing guard.

5. Stop for school buses. People driving must stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing, even if it is on the other side of the street.

Walking, biking and rolling to school or the bus stop:

1. Choose streets with fewer vehicles, slower speeds, fewer intersections, bicycle lanes and sidewalks with no roadway construction.
2. Before crossing any street, look and listen for traffic in all directions.
3. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
4. Don’t cross or run out into the street from between parked cars. The cars can hide you from drivers so they can’t see you.
5. Before starting to cross make sure drivers see you and have stopped. It’s best to make eye contact with the driver so you know they see you.
6. Traveling with other people provides safety in numbers. Ask your school if there is a Walking School Bus or Bike Bus to join or if they can help you find someone to travel with.
7. Be aware of your surroundings. If you have a cell phone, put away your phone and ear buds, especially while crossing the street.
8. Be predictable and visible. If riding a bike, scooter or other device, ride in a straight line and be visible with light or reflective clothing.
9. If you ride a bike, skateboard or scooter, always wear a helmet that is properly fitted and fastened.

Let’s see how many students we can get riding the bus, walking, biking and using other forms of active transportation to get to school! Contact Safe Routes to School Coordinator Jack Blashchishen with any questions and for support with route planning.

SPS is so grateful to all our volunteers. We are strong in community! All current volunteer paperwork will expire on September 30, 2024 - complete the volunteer application linked below to continue sharing your time with our schools.

Volunteering in schools helps build stronger schools and a more connected community! Even one hour of volunteering enriches our schools and has a lasting positive effect on every student, every day.

Any applications submitted and approved after August 1, 2024 are good for two years and will not need to reapply until 2026.

🤝 Everything is better when we work together! 🤝

SPS's newest career and technical education pathway is about to open to the public! As part of the Gateways High School's Cosmetology Program, students will operate a salon.

Our senior student cosmetologists in training can provide many services, from haircuts, blowdrys, shaves, scalp and hair treatments to manicures, pedicures, waxing and a variety of facials. Help our students gaing the experience they need and get beauty service at a great price!

Call 541-744-8862 to schedule an appointment! Appointments start September 9, 2024.

Springfield Public Schools welcomed three new faces for the 2024-25 school year and

transitioned another administrator to a different school.

At its August 26, 2024 Work Session, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Directors selected Heather Quaas-Annsa to fill the vacant Position 2 seat. The Board unanimously approved her appointment following nearly two hours of candidate interviews.

The District will hold a ceremonial oath of office for Quaas-Annsa at its September 9, 2024 Board Meeting as well as honor the service of former Position 2 Director Dr. Emilio Hernandez.

Construction CTE students in our District are taking part in an exciting community project - Team Oregon Build!

Students put the trade skills they're learning in school to use through real, meaningful work building structures that support community needs.

Some of our Briggs Middle School students appeared in a promotional video for Team Oregon Build! ⏩

Springfield Education Foundation (SEF) is celebrating 30 years of supporting the innovative education opportunities created by Springfield Public Schools teachers and staff!

Tickets are available now for the SEF's signature fundraising gala, Night of 11,000 Stars.

This spring, SEF awarded a record $112,000 in grant funds. Every donation puts innovative learning opportunities in the hands of SPS students.

Purchase tickets and learn more about SEF's mission by clicking the button below.

No one cares more for the students in our District than you, our families. We encourage you to apply for one of our open positions to nurture and support every student, every day at SPS. Family members of our students typically enjoy a work schedule that is a good fit for their most important job, raising their children. Come join our warm, supportive team!

We're Hiring for These Positions and More!

Click on the job title to learn more and apply.

• Bus Driver
• Educational Assistant - Preschool Teacher
• Custodian

Friday, September 13

• A3 Community Art Classes at Springfield Second Friday Art Walk
• Free
• 5 - 8 p.m.
• A3, 615 Main St.
• Pre-register at this link, classes fill quickly

Join A3 at the Springfield Second Friday Art Walk for free community art classes! Pre-registration is encouraged, these classes fill quickly. Featuring:

• Acrylic Painting with Alejandro
• Scratch Board Drawing with Nissie
• Optical Illusions with Light with Ame
• Pop Art with Scott

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SPS has made it easier to report instances of harassment, intimidation, bullying, cyberbullying and teen dating violence online.

At the top of every school web page, you’ll find a link titled “Safety Concern.” This directs users to two options to report being unsafe at school.

And as always, you can share a concerning incident with a trusted adult by messaging them or talking face to face.

The SPS equity statement reflects the District's mission of serving every student, every day.

The statement stands as an affirmation of the District’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging and will guide our continued efforts to support the vision of SPS as a place where students want to learn and staff want to work.

Springfield Public Schools board meetings are available for anyone to watch live or on-demand on the district's Vimeo channel. View the calendar of upcoming board meetings. A Spanish interpreter is also available during in-person board meetings.

In accordance with public meeting law and Oregon HB 2560, the school board will be providing remote access through live streamed meetings to our community.