(1/17/25) From the Superintendent's Desk

Important Updates from the Superintendent's Office

As we move further into the school year, there are a few key topics I’d like to address with our school community, ranging from student safety and social media conduct to upcoming opportunities for involvement in our school’s activities.

Social Media and Student Safety

Recently, we have had a troubling increase in students making threats on social media. Please know that we take these matters extremely seriously. When threats are made, we follow established protocols, involve law enforcement, and work diligently to resolve the situation and keep families informed. It is important for our students to understand that the reach and seriousness of these statements extend far beyond what they might intend. Regardless of how minor or "joking" they may believe their posts to be, they can trigger significant emotional responses, which in turn require careful investigation and response.

As your superintendent, I am confident in our decision-making process regarding school safety, including whether to close the school in response to a threat. These decisions are made with the guidance of a large team of professionals, ensuring we always prioritize the well-being of our students and staff.

Budget Season and School Finance

We are also entering budget season, which means we are beginning to plan for the 2025-2026 school year. School finance in Oregon is complex, and we want to ensure that all of our families and community members have an opportunity to understand the budget process better. If you are interested in learning more, we will be hosting informational sessions to walk through the details of how funds are allocated and how we make decisions that impact our classrooms, extracurricular activities, and overall educational experience. We encourage your participation and input during this important time.

Mid-Year Grades and Student Progress

As we approach the middle of the school year, mid-year grades will soon be sent home. This is an excellent time to sit down with your student and discuss their progress. Reviewing their academic performance and setting goals for the remainder of the year can help ensure they stay on track and remain engaged in their learning. Open communication between families and schools is key to supporting our students’ success.

Spring Activities and Coaching Opportunities

Finally, with the days getting longer, spring is just around the corner, and we are only about six weeks away from the start of spring activities. As we prepare for this busy time, we need coaches for our spring sports programs, particularly for track. If you have a passion for coaching and are interested in supporting our student-athletes, we encourage you to reach out. Your involvement could make a big difference in the lives of our students.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. Together, we can ensure a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all of our students.

Sincerely,
Mike Gass Superintendent