Community Corner

Community members and students gathered in March to celebrate the grand-opening of the new Roseburg High School softball field. Around two dozen local companies put work into developing the new field and getting it ready to shine for spring softball season.

Thank you to everyone who worked together to make this happen for our student-athletes and community!

As superintendent of Roseburg School District, one of my favorite job duties is to serve as an advocate and cheerleader for our students. Why? Because they are absolutely incredible human beings!

They are growing up in a world that most of us could have never imagined, with both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. A global pandemic, rapid technological advancements, increasing mental health needs — these are just a few of the things our children are navigating as they attend school, complete homework, do their chores, and dream of successful futures.

While some of us still fumble with our smartphones, these kids navigate the digital world with ease, leveraging technology in innovative ways to build skills in problem solving, critical thinking and global responsibility. While adults squabble over this issue or that issue, our youth are developing mindsets of collaboration and productive dialogue. Their exposure to the world is greater than any previous generation, and they have their eyes on the bigger picture.

We see examples every day in our schools, from their eagerness to help one another to their desire to learn and explore. From time to time, I hear community members complain: Today’s youth don’t know how to work hard; they lack respect for authority; they don’t take their future seriously, etc. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I challenge our community to look beyond the stereotypes attached to this generation. Where some might see laziness, I see a generation that works hard in different ways, multitaskers who must balance an onslaught of demands and competing interests. Where some might see a lack of respect, I see a generation that values authenticity, transparency and accountability in authority figures.

As remarkable as our students are, they still need us to guide them. That’s why our schools invite community members to volunteer in the classroom, why we partner with community organizations and why we focus so heavily on creating pathways to successful careers.

It is up to us, as adults and as a community, to ensure we are providing the experiences and opportunities this generation needs to thrive. Their success is our success. Our future lies in their hands, and for that I am grateful.

Sincerely,

Jared Cordon

Superintendent

In celebration of literacy, all elementary schools within our district took a field trip to Roseburg High School's Rose Theater where they enjoyed a literacy play performed by talented actors from Umpqua Community College and Roseburg High School.

From script to stage, these performing students poured their hearts into every moment, bringing stories to life with passion and creativity. A wonderful collaboration that celebrates the power of education and the magic of theater.

Huge congratulations are in order for Roseburg High School's robotics teams, Team Aries and Team Leo!

At the FIRST Tech Challenge Oregon Championship Tournament, our teams showcased their brilliance and dedication, earning remarkable achievements that truly shine a light on their hard work and innovation.

Team Aries:

- Took 5th place and was selected for the 2nd place alliance team.

- 1st Place Motivate Award – The Motivate Award is given to the team who makes a collective effort to promote STEM throughout their school and community, and sparks others to embrace the culture of FIRST.

- 2nd Place Design Award – The Design Award is given to the team that incorporates industrial design elements into their solution.

Team Leo:

- Took 12th place and was selected for the 3rd place alliance team.

- 1st Place Design Award.

- 3rd Place Motivate Award.

- 1st Place Promote Award – The Promote Award is given to the team that is most successful in creating a compelling video message for the public designed to change our culture and celebrate science, technology, engineering and math.

- Dean’s List Award. Leo Gimbel-Cook was one of only four students in Oregon to win the Dean’s List Award for academics and student leadership! He will advance to the World Championships in Houston, Texas.

Let's take a moment to applaud and celebrate these phenomenal accomplishments of our outstanding robotics students!

At Eastwood Elementary, Nancy Neal’s third-grade class is learning fun ways to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Together students brainstormed some creative ideas for recycling and decided to put some of them into practice. To start, they labeled a trash can in the cafeteria for students and staff to collect bottles or cans. While the trash can filled up throughout the week, the class held a book swap, where students brought in books from home that they no longer read. The books were laid out across the desks and the student got to walk around and pick up new-to-them books!

At the end of the week, the cans and bottles were collected and turned into the Bottle Drop, with profits used to buy classroom snacks. Some water bottles were saved for a future classroom gardening project suggested by third-grader Abigail.

“I was just thinking that me and my dad love gardening,” Abigail said, explaining the inspiration behind her idea. “A lot of people like to garden, why not turn recycling into a gardening thing?”

On a recent afternoon, students headed into their classroom after enjoying a sunny recess and received the bottom half of a water bottle to turn into a planter. Students lined up and headed back outside to a dirt mound next to the school garden. Each student took turns filling their new planters with dirt and their choice of seeds.

“It makes me feel happy that we’re recycling to help the Earth. I hope other classes will do this, too,” said Abigail, sharing lessons from class about the amount of trash piling up in our oceans. “It’s bad for the Earth so we need to help it out.”

Our Elementary School STEAM Team shares the latest updates on science, technology, engineering, arts and math education around the district.

Melrose Elementary School students took a deep dive into the world of chemistry science with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

The Bulldogs were thrilled to welcome guest educator Lexi from OMSI, who kicked things off with a bang during a school-wide assembly, captivating everyone with exciting chemistry demonstrations!

But the fun didn't stop there! The following day, Lexi led hands-on lessons for each classroom, giving students the chance to roll up their sleeves and dive into real chemistry experiments. It was an incredible opportunity for them to get hands-on experience and learn important skills like following instructions and staying safe in the lab.

One of the highlights was when students took on the challenge of identifying unknown chemicals based on reactions when mixed with other known substances like water, vinegar, and indicator solutions. The young chemists eagerly explored, hypothesized and experimented their way to scientific discovery!

A huge THANK YOU to Lexi and the entire OMSI team for sparking curiosity, inspiring future scientists, and making learning an adventure.

Green Elementary’s kindergarteners and first-graders received some hands-on lessons in animal care and responsibility.

From recycling towels into DIY dog toys to visiting Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center, our students put education and compassion into action. During the field trip to Saving Grace, they met three wonderful rescue dogs, soaked up valuable insights on pet ownership, and showered the pups with love and attention.

A big shout out to Saving Grace for welcoming us and teaching our little ones what it takes to be loving pet owners!

Our Commissioners proudly proclaimed March as Music in our Schools Month, recognizing the incredible impact of music education on our youths' minds and future success. Copies of the proclamation were presented to each participating school, celebrating their dedication to enriching young minds through music.

Congratulations to Joseph Lane Middle School Choir led by Emilie Cochran, Jo Lane Middle School Band conducted by Trevor Thompson, Fremont Middle School Choir – Epiphany under the direction of Stacey Atwell-Keister, and Roseburg High School Choir guided by Julie Cherry!

A huge THANK YOU to Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress for hosting the 3rd Annual Music at the Courthouse concert series. It was a fantastic celebration of National Music in our Schools Month!

Over 30 students from kindergarten through fifth grade were recognized and honored for their incredible daily acts of kindness. From caring about others' feelings to lending a helping hand, sharing, and including everyone in activities, these students embody the spirit of kindness.

Special thanks to our friends from Aviva Health, including a doctor, phlebotomist, nurse, and our very own former Fir Grove Falcon, Christin Rutledge, now the director of Aviva Health. During the visit, which also happened to occur on Career Day, Christin shared her journey with the students. Students had a blast engaging with our special guests, asking questions and learning. They also got some cool fidget spinners as a token of appreciation!

Way to SOAR, Falcons!

Roseburg High School hosted some special visitors recently. Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education, and her team stopped by RHS as they visited several districts in Douglas County to learn more about education in our region.

The team stopped by a few art classes as well as the Career and Technical Education building. Superintendent Jared Cordon was excited to share news of the partnership we are growing with Umpqua Community College to illuminate career paths for students in fields such as allied health care and advanced manufacturing.

Thanks for the visit, ODE!

Learn more about our Board of Directors

Highlights of news and actions at School Board meetings and work sessions. Learn more on our Board Meetings web page.

We post new positions regularly! Apply online through Frontline Education.

Current openings:

• Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Central Office.
• Instructional Assistant 1 (7 hours), Learning Resource Center, Joseph Lane Middle School.
• Instructional Assistant 1 (6 hours, temporary), Eastwood Elementary.
• Instructional Assistant III (7 hours), Secondary Resource Center, Roseburg High School.
• Instructional Assistant III (5 hours), Developmental Learning Center, Sunnyslope Elementary.
• Instructional Assistant III (7 hours), Developmental Learning Center, Hucrest Elementary.
• Instructional Assistant III (7 hours), Elementary Resource Center, Eastwood Elementary.
• Elementary Classroom Teacher, Intermediate Grades 3-5, District-wide.
• Elementary Classroom Teacher, Primary Grades K-2, District-wide.
• Food Service Assistant (7 hours), Hucrest Elementary.
• Food Service Assistant (3 hours), Roseburg High School.
• High School GED Teacher, Roseburg High School.
• Automotive Technology Teacher, Roseburg High School.
• Mathematics Teacher, Roseburg High School.
• Choir Teacher, Roseburg High School.
• Social Studies Teacher, Roseburg High School.
• Choir Teacher, Joseph Lane Middle School.
• 6th-Grade Language Arts/Social Sciences Teacher, Fremont Middle School.
• Office Assistant (6 hours), Melrose Elementary.
• Special Education Secretary, Joseph Lane Middle School.
• Teaching and Learning Support Specialist - Literacy, Central Office.
• District Pool - Special Education Teachers, District-wide.
• High School Guidance Counselor, Roseburg High School Career Center.

For more information, call Human Resources at (541) 440-4008 or visit our HR page.

Roseburg High School Theatre Department presents a new musical, “The Addams Family."

Performances will be held in the Rose Theater at 7 p.m. April 18, 19, 20, 25, 26. A matinee will be at 2 p.m. April 21.

Tickets will be sold at the door. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for 13 and younger, and $5 for all students with a student ID.

Jo Lane and Fremont middle school students are presenting the musical "The Little Mermaid Jr."

Performances will be held in the Jo Lane cafeteria at 7 p.m. April 25, 26 and 27.

Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $25 per family.

Website: https://www.roseburg.k12.or.us
Location: 1419 Northwest Valley View Drive, Roseburg, OR, USA
Phone: (541) 440-4014
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseburgPublicSchools