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FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Dec. 16, 2022
Helping families stay connected to Bend-La Pine Schools
It's OK to ask for help: Winter Break support services available
Note from Superintendent Steven Cook:

Winter break is here, and for many, that means time connecting with family and celebrating the joy of the season while school is on break. For many of families, this time of year can also come with stress and challenges. While we each celebrate this season’s joys, it’s important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and reach out for help if needed.

I want to take a moment and remind our families that it’s OK to ask for help and support is available for those who need it.
A Season of Joy and Giving: Our Schools Give Back
From student-led food drives to staff and families working together on giving trees to benefit the community, our schools are finding ways to to be a source of help during this season.   
 
The following is a partial list of giving efforts currently underway in our schools:
 
Pilot Butte Middle School is hosting a giving tree with items for those with needs in the community.
Each year, Ponderosa Elementary School coordinates with Family Access Network on a giving tree to identify families and students in need. Ponderosa staff and families are working together to provide gifts, wrap them as a team and give them to families.  

Rosland Elementary School collected more than 400 cans of food items for their winter food drive.
Silver Rail Elementary School student council leaders recently held a successful food drive with donations going to the Giving Plate and Bethlehem Inn (see video).  
 
Thank you to everyone who has helped with these efforts and so many more in our community.
Podcast: Some heroes in our schools
Winter can be a tough time of year for many families, as cold weather means increased heating bills and a need for warm clothing. When our families seek basic needs, there’s someone at school they can turn to for help: Family Access Network (FAN) advocates. On today’s podcast, Superintendent Steven Cook is joined by FAN Executive Director Julie Lyche, who shares the hardships families are facing right now, as well as the joy and hope she feels, thanks to the powerful work of this local nonprofit.

Listen to the podcast today:
Online – bls.fyi/podcast
Apple Podcasts – bls.fyi/listenonapple
News & Updates
NEW: Lottery process and Area Change Request deadline now Jan. 20
Deadlines to apply for Bend-La Pine Schools’ Choice Option schools and to submit an Attendance Area Change Request (ACR) are shifting this year.

  • Applications open: Jan. 3, 2023
  • Application deadline (ACRs and Choice Option applications for grades 1-12): Jan. 20, 2023 at 3 p.m.
  • Application deadline (Choice Option applications for incoming kindergartners): March 24, 2023 at 3 p.m.
  • Application deadline (ACRs for incoming kindergartners): May 1, 2023 at 3 p.m.

Learn more about our choice option schools
Learn more about the ACR process
Elk Meadow Elementary volunteer is our Champion for Students
December’s Champion for Students is a wonderful volunteer at Elk Meadow Elementary School: Mike Bailey, or Mr. Bailey, as the students call him.

Mr. Bailey is someone that can be counted on to help. At Elk Meadow Elementary School, he volunteers every single Monday, Wednesday and Friday for about 90 minutes, where he serves in the cafeteria during lunch. He’s been doing this for five years!

The staff and students absolutely love to see Mr. Bailey each week and he’s become a great part of their school community. Assistant Principal Frank Hanson says that Mike brings humor and joy to the community and shares his happiness and kindness with all around him.

Thank you, Mr. Bailey, for all that you do for our students and staff. You are making a difference for our schools and we love that you bring your happiness, authentic kindness and sense of humor to the school every day.

Mike Bailey, for your commitment to volunteering and service of students, you are our Champion for Students!

Do you know of someone who is a Champion for Students?

Key Dates
Upcoming key dates and days of recognition:

DECEMBER/JANUARY

  • Dec. 18-26 – Hanukkah
  • Dec. 19, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 – Winter Break, No School
  • Dec. 25 – Christmas
  • Dec. 26-Jan. 1 – Kwanzaa
  • Jan. 1 – New Year's Day
  • Jan. 3 – Choice Option Application and ACR application opens
  • Jan. 10 – School Board Meeting
  • Jan. 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, No School
  • Jan. 20 – Area Change Request Deadline (grades 1-12)
  • Jan. 20 – Choice Option Application Deadline (grades 1-12)
Resources for Families
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