Early Dismissal June 11 and Summer Resources!

​      Last Day of School Dismissal Information A reminder that our last day of school is an early release day!  Elementary Schools:  Dismissal will be at 11:10 AM Middle Schools: Dismissal will be at 12:55 PM High Schools: OCHS Dismissal will be at 11:45 PM OCSLA Dismissal will be at 12:35 PM CAIS Dismissal will be at 12:20 PM 🎓 School's Almost Out! 🌞 The 2024-25 school year is wrapping up! These final days are filled with a few final lessons, yearbook signings, field day fun, and looking forward to summer activities. 📅 Important Reminders: Last Day for Students: Wednesday, June 11th Early Release: Students dismiss 3 hours early Lunch will still be served before dismissal TRIMET PASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS These passes are for all high school students, from incoming freshman to graduating seniors. Passes are available at all high school offices. Learn more at trimet.org/summerpass. Summer EBT is Back! Oregon Summer EBT is a federal benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Oregon expects to provide up to 370,000 school-aged children with around $40 million in Summer EBT food benefits this year. Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits. About 341,500 eligible children received Summer EBT automatically on May 22, 2025 but some families need to apply. Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov .   Learn More about Summer EBT For School-Aged Children Here .  OCCE OFFERINGS Self Defense: Learn basic and advanced self-defense techniques through this 4-week workshop in a supportive environment! For ages 16+, all skill levels are welcome! 2 hours every Saturday, from 9:00 AM - 11 AM, beginning June 28th-July 19, 2025 at Jennings Lodge Campus. Cost is $75/participant. See Flyer for more details. Register Here. OCCE Yoga Class: Join us for a 6-week beginner series to learn basic yoga poses and begin developing fitness in a supportive community setting. All Ages & Skills Levels Welcome! Please bring a mat, but if you do not own a yoga mat, we will have some available to use. Mondays, 5PM-6PM, beginning June 23-July 28, 2025 at Gardiner Middle School. Cost is $40/participant. See Flyer for more details. Register Here. Compartiendo Esperanza:  NAMI Clackamas is offering   a free, three-part class series for Latin American communities focused on conversations about caring for emotional well-being, with a cultural focus. Learn to strengthen family communication and connect with emotions in an environment of respect and trust. Instruction is conducted in  Spanish . See Flyer for more details. Register Here . Summer Camps Looking for   summer activities for your 3 or 4 year old? OCSD Early Learning Center is offering a Preschool Summer Camp   from  June 23rd-August 21st, 7am-5pm, with flexible pay-by-the-week options! Families do not need to be currently enrolled with our Early Learning Center to apply for the summer camp. For more information about enrollment, rates, and application deadlines, please contact Rian Hood at rian.hood@orecity.k12.or.us OCCE also offers an elementary   K-5 Summer Camp option! Open to any incoming 1st through 5th grade youth in the community. Join us for a fun summer full of Adventure! Campers will get to participate in enriching clubs, go on WEEKLY field trips, and make great friends. See our flyer for more details, or visit our website for more information and to sign up!: https://ocsd62occe.org/summer-camp Hurry, spaces fill fast! Wizard of Oz Theater Camp: In just one week, our instructors will guide participants through the process of learning, rehearsing, and performing a student version of "The Wizard of Oz". From building confidence to fostering teamwork, this intensive yet fun-filled experience culminates in a spectacular showcase for friends and family at the end of the week. Open to any incoming 1st through 8th grade students. Cost is $185/participant. See Flyer for more details. Register Here. Free Summer Meals are Back at OCSD!  Come to any of our locations and enjoy a nutritious summer meal at no cost. Participants must eat the main portion of the meal at the site. For children 0 to 18 years old  June 16th – August 15th Monday – Friday Closed: June 19th & July 4th   Learn more about our Summer Meal Program! OCSD Summer Meals Sites Gardiner Middle School   Address:  205 Williams St., Oregon City, Or 97045  Days:  Monday - Friday  Breakfast:  7:30 am – 8:30 am 6/17 – 8/2 only  Lunch:  11:00 am – 12:15 pm Jennings Lodge   Address:  18521 SE River Rd., Milwaukie, OR 97267  Days:  Monday - Friday  Breakfast:  7:30 am – 8:30 am   Lunch:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm Eastham School (0CSLA)    Address:  1407 7th St, Oregon City, OR 97045 Days:  Monday - Friday  Lunch:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm Kingsberry Heights Address:  14290 Marjorie Ln, Oregon City, OR 97045 Days:  Monday - Friday  Lunch:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm OTHER SUMMER RESOURCES: OCSD62 Summer Resource Page OC Library Youth Reading Program   Planet Fitness Free High School Summer Pass OCHS Summer School (Registration due by June 14) 25-26 Printable Calendar School Supply Lists / Back to School Resources School Based Health Center Rex Putnam Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM 503-353-5884 Quick Links OCSD Website Bond Website Strategic Plan Website Registration / Enrollment Careers Resources  Volunteer Transportation Calendar Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn [Monday, Jun 9 at 2:58 PM] Apologies, there has been an error in the High School dismissal times. The correction is as follows: OCHS will dismiss at 11:45 AM (busses will leave at 12:15 PM). OCSLA will dismiss at 12:35 PM, and CAIS will dismiss at 12:20 PM. Thank you for your understanding!

Monday, Jun 09 2025

May Newsletter

  MAY 30, 2025 Next Month in D62 June 2 - Third Official Budget Committee Meeting June 5 -  CAIS Graduation, Bridges to Independence 21 Club Celebration June 6 -  OCHS Graduation June 7 -  OCSLA Graduation June 9  - Tumwata 8th Grade Promotion June 9  - CAIS 8th Grade Promotion June 10 - Gardiner 8th Grade Promotion June 11 -  Last Day of School for Students (Half day!) June 16 - Public Budget Hearing June 19 - District Closed - Juneteenth June 23 - OCCE K-5 Summer Camp Starts View the District Calendar Here   |   View Elementary Calendar Here   |   View Middle School Calendar Here View OCHS Calendar Here   |   View CAIS Calendar Here    |   View OCSLA Calendar Here    Hot Minute in District 62 Join us each week for a Hot Minute in District 62. In approximately 62 seconds we will be highlighting an aspect of our district. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Youtube! OCSD Facebook Page OCSD Instagram   OCSD Youtube Chane   Strategic Plan Update The Oregon City School District's next report on the our strategic plan efforts will be presented at the regular session board meeting on July 9, 2025. Following the board meeting, the report will be published to the strategic plan website. To view the strategic plan and learn more about the priorities and goals, please visit www.ocsd62strategicplan.org .   2025 Bond Update On May 2, a group of architects, engineers, and district staff toured the phase 3 schools. The District and City staff had a pre-application meeting for the grounds projects at OCHS on May 14. This is part of the process to get the City’s approval on these projects and can take up to a couple of months to be completed. Our bond team has started having more in depth conversations with our facilities team around mechanical systems for the schools. The second Design Advisory Group (DAG) meeting was held on May 13 . The group went over all the ideas that came out of the first DAG meeting. The next DAG meeting is scheduled for June 3 and members from the pre-bond group, the Community Bond Planning Committee, were invited to attend.    The next Community Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) will meet on June 2 at 6 pm at our King Campus. To learn more about our 2025 Bond, please visit www.ocschoolbond.org . Want to get involved? Fill out our interest form on our website!    STUDENT HIGHLIGHT We’d like to extend our congratulations to the two students from OCHS who were selected to receive The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship, Lucy Cumplido-Vasquez and Mackenzie McGlothin! From the Ford Family Foundation: The Ford Family Foundation has several college scholarship programs that are awarded each year and our Scholars often share that the award is about "so much more than the money." Receiving a Ford Family Foundation scholarship means that Scholars are welcomed into a community that will support them throughout their academic journey and beyond. The Ford Scholars Program is a highly selective scholarship that awards students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California who are planning to complete a four-year degree at a college in their home state. The scholarship amount varies by student, providing 90% of unmet need, up to $40,000 a year. The students selected have shown exceptional potential and motivation to succeed in college. They have also demonstrated care for their community, a strong work ethic, leadership potential, and an overall outstanding character. Congratulations Lucy and Mackenzie! We wish you the best of luck!     OCCE OFFERINGS Self Defense: Learn basic and advanced self-defense techniques through this 4-week workshop in a supportive environment! For ages 16+, all skill levels are welcome! 2 hours every Saturday, from 9:00 AM - 11 AM, beginning June 28th-July 19, 2025 at Jennings Lodge Campus. Cost is $75/participant. See Flyer for more details. Register Here. OCCE Yoga Class: Join us for a 6-week beginner series to learn basic yoga poses and begin developing fitness in a supportive community setting. All Ages & Skills Levels Welcome! Please bring a mat, but if you do not own a yoga mat, we will have some available to use. Mondays, 5PM-6PM, beginning June 23-July 28, 2025 at Gardiner Middle School. Cost is $40/participant. See Flyer for more details. Register Here. Compartiendo Esperanza:  NAMI Clackamas is offering   a free, three-part class series for Latin American communities focused on conversations about caring for emotional well-being, with a cultural focus. Learn to strengthen family communication and connect with emotions in an environment of respect and trust. Instruction is conducted in  Spanish . See Flyer for more details. Register Here . Resources    Summer Resources are now available in this .pdf packet , and will be available online, soon.  Summer Camps Looking for   summer activities for your 3 or 4 year old? OCSD Early Learning Center is offering a Preschool Summer Camp   from June 23rd-August 21st, 7am-5pm, with flexible pay-by-the-week options! Families do not need to be currently enrolled with our Early Learning Center to apply for the summer camp. For more information about enrollment, rates, and application deadlines, please contact Rian Hood at rian.hood@orecity.k12.or.us OCCE also offers an elementary   K-5 Summer Camp option! Open to any incoming 1st through 5th grade youth in the community. Join us for a fun summer full of Adventure! Campers will get to participate in enriching clubs, go on WEEKLY field trips, and make great friends. See our flyer for more details, or visit our website for more information and to sign up!: https://ocsd62occe.org/summer-camp Hurry, spaces fill fast! Wizard of Oz Theater Camp: In just one week, our instructors will guide participants through the process of learning, rehearsing, and performing a student version of "The Wizard of Oz". From building confidence to fostering teamwork, this intensive yet fun-filled experience culminates in a spectacular showcase for friends and family at the end of the week. Open to any incoming 1st through 8th grade students. Cost is $185/participant. See Flyer for more details. Register Here. Summer EBT for School-Aged Children Returns for Second Year Need to know: Oregon Summer EBT is a federal benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Oregon expects to provide up to 370,000 school-aged children with around $40 million in Summer EBT food benefits this year. Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits. About 341,500 eligible children received Summer EBT automatically on May 22, 2025 but some families need to apply. (Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer ( Summer EBT ) is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food.  This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 336,000 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt. Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov .  “When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families, helping to replace those essential 10 meals per child, per week, that they receive when school is in session,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). “We are proud to continue this partnership with ODHS to not only feed children, but to nurture their potential during crucial developmental months. Our continued commitment ensures that summer can be a season of growth and opportunity for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.” In 2024, about 362,000 children participated and received $43 million in Summer EBT food benefits their families spent in their local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places. “Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out. Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement. Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.” Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits? Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov .  Your school-age child may be automatically eligible if: Your family received Summer EBT benefits through an approved application in 2024. Your family gets SNAP, TANF or Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and meets income rules. Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals and meets income rules. Your child is in foster care, in migrant education, in a qualified Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Children who are automatically eligible received Summer EBT on May 22, 2025. Your school-age child may be eligible by application if: Your family meets the federal income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school, and Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP). Families must apply by Sept. 3, 2025. Receiving Summer EBT does not impact participation in other summer meal programs. Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.  How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits? The benefits will be placed on an Oregon EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and more. Families that need a new card should call 855-328-6715, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT). Families that think their children may be eligible and didn’t get benefits on May 22 must apply by September 3. If approved, they will receive an Oregon EBT card by mail. Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced. You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips . Where can families get more information? To learn more, or to apply, visit sebt.oregon.gov . Call the Oregon Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) on weekdays. All relay calls accepted. More about Summer EBT Summer EBT became a permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states began providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in the form of food benefits families will spend in their communities.  Additional resources to help meet basic needs Find a food pantry: oregonfoodbank.org . Find summer meal sites: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or https://www.adrcoforegon.org . Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org . Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: https://www.caporegon.org/find-help .   Coding Comes Alive: Third Graders Work with Sphero Robots at Redland Elementary The future of learning is rolling through the halls of Redland Elementary, and it's perfectly spherical. Our third-grade students have been diving deep into the world of computer programming, transforming from curious beginners into confident young coders who can make robots dance to their digital commands. The journey began with Code.org, where students spent weeks mastering the fundamentals of block coding. Using colorful, drag-and-drop programming blocks, they learned essential coding concepts. What started as moving items across a screen soon evolved into something much more exciting—controlling real robots. Enter the Sphero robots—sleek, programmable spheres that respond to student-created code. After weeks of preparation, students applied their newly acquired coding skills to program these robots to navigate custom-designed tracks. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students watched their code come to life, with robots rolling, spinning, and maneuvering through obstacles according to their precise instructions. The tracks themselves became part of the learning experience. Students designed pathways with turns, and challenges that required careful planning and thinking. Each design demanded different coding strategies and problem-solving approaches. Beyond the Classroom Walls This hands-on coding experience represents more than just fun with robots. Students are developing critical 21st-century skills including logical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance. When their code didn't work perfectly the first time—which happened often—students learned the valuable skill of debugging, systematically identifying and fixing their mistakes. As these third graders have discovered, coding isn't just about computers—it's about thinking clearly, solving problems creatively, and bringing ideas to life.  The robots may be impressive, but the real stars of this story are the young minds learning to think like programmers, one block of code at a time.     ¡Todos Unidos! Celebrates Día del Niño Our district's ¡Todos Unidos! program brought together students and families to celebrate Día del Niño at the beginning of this month. Día del Niño is the traditional Day of the Child observed throughout Latin America on April 30th. This vibrant celebration honored the joy, potential, and importance of every child in our community while sharing the rich cultural traditions that many of our families hold dear. Students participated in traditional games, enjoyed festive music and dancing, and learned about the significance of this special day that celebrates childhood across many Spanish-speaking countries. The Día del Niño celebration exemplifies the educational excellence of our ¡Todos Unidos! program, which demonstrates how cultural experiences and bilingual education strengthen academic achievement for all students. By participating in authentic cultural celebrations like Día del Niño, students gain meaningful exposure to different traditions and perspectives while developing language skills in real-world contexts. These cultural bridges help all students—whether bilingual or monolingual—expand their global awareness and communication abilities. The academic benefits of our ¡Todos Unidos! program extend far beyond language acquisition, preparing students with the critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and global perspectives they need for success in our interconnected world.   Get ready for one of the biggest adventures of your child's life! Kindergarten Registration Now Open Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now underway across the district! If your child will be five years old by September 1, 2025, it's time to secure their spot in our kindergarten program! Families can register online, or in person at their neighborhood school's main office during school hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 2 PM. School office staff will guide you through the process and answer any questions about the kindergarten program. Why Register Early? Early registration helps us plan effectively for the upcoming school year. By registering now, you'll help us determine class sizes and staffing needs. Early registration also allows time to address any questions about required documentation and ensures you receive important information about summer programs, orientation events, and back-to-school preparations. Upcoming Dates Registration is available now, and we strongly encourage early registration. Kindergarten orientation and classroom visits will be scheduled for late August to help your child feel comfortable and excited about starting school. We will also be hosting several events this summer to help support your incoming kindergartener! Kindergarten registration is required to attend, so don't miss out! June 5 - Kindergarten Registration Party! - 5 pm - 7 pm at Gaffney Lane Elementary  Join us and get your student registered for Kindergarten! Staff will be there to help answer any questions or walk you through the registration process. There will be FREE PIZZA and ACTIVITIES FROM THE FLIP MUSEUM! (Beginning July 7) Weekly Kinder Readiness Activity Posts -  Weekly posts in ParentSquare and online!    Weekly posts will be sent out to our "Kinder Connect" Community Group with fun ideas and activities to do with your young student. August 13 - 4 pm - 5 pm  Playdate on the Playground  Gather with other families for a free treat and playground playdate. August 19th, 20th, OR 21st  - 8 am - 11 am  Kindergarten Jumpstart Sign up for your child to attend this special preview day on what Kindergarten will look like! September 2nd, 3rd, or 4th -  Kindergarten Begins We use staggered start days for our Kindergartener's first day of school - your child attends one of these days and ALL  Kinder students begin September 5th. For questions about kindergarten registration or to determine your neighborhood school, please contact the district office at 503-785-8000 or visit the district website. We look forward to welcoming your little learner to our schools!   Quick Links OCSD Website Bond Website Strategic Plan Website Registration / Enrollment Careers Resources  Volunteer Transportation Calendar Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn

Friday, May 30 2025

Students Supporting Students: A Heartfelt Surprise ...

Students Supporting Students: A Heartfelt Surprise at OCHS Oregon City, OR — The FOX 12 Surprise Squad recently celebrated the remarkable recovery and resilience of Jesse DeLaunay, a senior at Oregon City High School, who suffered a life-threatening medical emergency in March. Jesse, a student at Oregon City High School and OCHS Unified Sports athlete, continues to inspire his classmates, teachers, and community with his strength and positivity. As part of the heartfelt surprise, the Surprise Squad gifted Jesse and his family a trip to Disneyland and awarded Oregon City High School a $5,000 donation which will go towards supporting the Unified Sports Program. They also presented Oregon City High School with the first ever, Cup of Kindness Award. But the celebration didn’t stop there. Jesse’s brother, Skylar DeLaunay, was also honored for his courageous and quick-thinking actions that helped save Jesse’s life. When Skylar noticed Jesse was struggling to breathe, he immediately alerted their parents, who began CPR until emergency responders arrived. Thanks to Skylar’s bravery and calm under pressure, Jesse received the care he needed in time. For his heroic efforts, Clackamas Fire District presented Skylar with the  Citizen Life Saving Award  and a commemorative challenge coin. We are honored to have students in our district who show love and support for one another, and work hard to ensure all feel included. Your kindness reflects the very best of who we are as a school community. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to  FOX 12, Les Schwab,  and the  Surprise Squad team  for their generosity and for shining a light on the strength, compassion, and courage found right here in Oregon City. 🎥 Watch the full FOX 12 story and surprise unfold:  FOX 12 Surprise Squad Honors Oregon City Teen

Wednesday, May 14 2025

April Newsletter

  APRIL 28, 2025 Next Month in D62 May 2 -   All Schools  - No School - Grading Day / PD / Planning Day May 12 -  Regular Session Board Meeting, First Official Budget Committee Meeting May 26-  All Schools - No School - Memorial Day May 27 - Elementary Schools -  No School - Planning Day May 27 -  Board Work Session and Second Official Budget Committee Meeting June 2 - Third Official Budget Committee Meeting June 5 -  CAIS Graduation, Bridges to Independence 21 Club Celebration June 6 -  OCHS Graduation June 7 -  OCSLA Graduation June 11 -  Last Day of School for Students June 16 - Public Budget Hearing View the District Calendar Here   |   View Elementary Calendar Here   |   View Middle School Calendar Here View OCHS Calendar Here   |   View CAIS Calendar Here    |   View OCSLA Calendar Here      Hot Minute in District 62 Join us each week for a Hot Minute in District 62. In approximately 62 seconds we will be highlighting an aspect of our district. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube! OCSD Facebook Page OCSD Instagram   OCSD Youtube Chanel   2025 Bond Update!   This month our bond office received its new signage, and our teams continued working on the designs for both phases 1 and 2. The land use approval process has begun for Phase 1 projects for improvement at fields and grounds at OCHS. Next month, three Design Advisory Committee Meetings for all six elementary schools will meet. This committee membership is a mix of school staff, parents and community members who will be providing input on the following areas: Dining Arrival/Dismissal Family Resource Center Career Pathways General Classrooms For more bond information, visit our dedicated bond website: www.ocschoolbond.org   OCHS Student Jesse Delaunay and Class of 2025 Honored by KPTV Surprise Squad We are so honored to share some incredible news! Last Saturday, KPTV’s Surprise Squad visited Oregon City High School's prom to deliver an unforgettable surprise to one of our very own. Jesse Delaunay, an OCHS student known for his positive spirit and perseverance, was celebrated by the Surprise Squad with a once-in-a-lifetime gift: a fully paid trip to Disneyland for Jesse and his family! Along with this amazing adventure, KPTV also donated $5,000 to Oregon City High School in Jesse’s honor to support our students and programs. But the celebration didn’t end there! Recognizing the incredible compassion and leadership shown by our student body, the OCHS Class of 2025 was awarded the “Cup of Kindness” Award — a special honor highlighting the students’ commitment to lifting each other up and creating a welcoming, supportive community at OCHS. Moments like these remind us of the strength, kindness, and resilience that is present at Oregon City High School. We are so proud of the Class of 2025, and our entire Pioneer family for embodying what it means to lead with heart. Thank you to KPTV’s Surprise Squad for recognizing and celebrating the inclusive youth of OCHS. To view more photos from that memorable night, visit OCHS's Flickr page:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregoncityhighschool/albums/ Photos taken by OCHS Alumni Grant Pauli   🌱  OCHS Botany Students Dig Into Real-World Science! Botany students at Oregon City High School are getting their hands dirty—literally! After planting their seeds a several weeks ago, they’re now carefully watering and observing their plants as part of an ongoing experiment. Students are exploring the differences between organic and non-organic growing methods, as well as testing various soil types and compositions. Throughout the class, they will be collecting data to track how each plant responds to different conditions. At the end of the year, once everything is in full bloom, the students will host a plant sale to raise funds to support next year’s botany program. 🌿🌸   More Real World Science In Our Schools Kindergartners at Gaffney Lane Elementary were  witnesses to the first moments their tiny chick they had been incubating pecked its way into the world! The classroom was filled with gasps of wonder and pure joy as they welcomed their new little chick classmate. What an amazing real-life science lesson!     OCHS Student Council receives the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. This award was given to STUCO for its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Oregon City High School Student Council has been recognized as a 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). Read more about their award here: https://www.ochspioneers.org/national-student-council-2025     OCSD Students Win "If I Were Mayor..." Contest  Several talented students from the Oregon City School District have been recognized as winners in the 2025 “If I Were Mayor…” contest, hosted by the City of Oregon City in partnership with the Oregon Mayors Association. Elementary School (Poster Contest): 1st Place: Frances Ashney, 5th grade, Candy Lane Elementary School 2nd Place: Sophie Crockett, 5th grade, Candy Lane Elementary School 3rd Place: Miriam Wolf, 5th grade, Candy Lane Elementary School  Middle School (Essay Contest): 1st Place: Paisley McWilliams, 7th grade, Tumwata Middle School  High School (Digital Media Presentation): 1st Place: Justin Evers, 11th grade, Oregon City High School  These students showcased exceptional creativity and civic engagement by sharing their visions for the future of Oregon City. Their winning entries were selected by the Youth Advisory Commission and will be honored at the City Commission Meeting on April 16, 2025.  Congratulations to all the winners! View their works here: https://www.orcity.org/3378/2025-If-I-Were-Mayor-Contest-Winners     OCSD Poetry Contest April is National Poetry Month. In celebration of this, and in an effort to recognize the great literary skills and talent that resides within our district, Oregon City School District hosts an annual poetry contest. This is open to any and all members who live within the Oregon City School District. This includes students, staff, parents, and community members! Oregon City Schools Foundation generously donates a grand overall prize, and awards for different levels (elementary school, middle school, high school, staff member, and community member). Winners will be announced during the May board meeting.  All entries must be submitted by 5 pm on April 30, 2025. Submission Guidelines Each entry may submit up to 3 poems in one Word / Google Doc / PDF Document  Poems may be in any language .  Please keep in mind the content and the audience of your poems. Poem subject matter must be family friendly and school appropriate. Poems may be on any subject. However, this year’s theme is “Writing the Future”.  Those entering must live within the Oregon City School District SUBMIT YOUR POETRY HERE   OCSD Family STEAM Night When : May 8 | 5:30 pm at Gardiner Middle School Registration Link:  bit.ly/K-8STEAMSignUp   A fun family event for K-8 students and families to combine the power of coding with creativity! Free Pizza Dinner Drawings for STEAM toys including a Sphero Robot Ball, build kits, books and more!  NO Coding experience required! Pair up with your child to learn the basics of coding together! 🎁 Prize drawings ! Win amazing STEM kits and gear like: Sphero Robot Ball Working Combustion Engine Model Wind Power Generator Kit Artie Coding & Drawing Robot Cyborg Hand Build Kit Books and more! May 8 | 5:30 pm at Gardiner Middle School Registration Link:  bit.ly/K-8STEAMSignUp   Are You Connected To A Student Experiencing Disability? Join our Community Group on 4/30! We are excited to announce the launch of a new Community Group  specifically for those  connected to a student experiencing a disability .  The goal of this group, is to provide an inclusive and informative space for families navigating the experiences of a child or youth with a disability. Members who attend are encouraged to share stories, find mutual support, and receive up-to-date information on how OCSD is advocating for the rights and inclusion of our students with disabilities. Our first meeting will be held at King Campus on Wednesday, April 30th ( 6-7:15pm). All are welcome!  Light snacks and beverages will be provided.    We hope to see you there! Please RSVP so we know how many community members plan to attend : )     Oregon City Community Education Offerings Northwest Family Services, in partnership with OC Community Ed, is offering a second round of the  Free Parenting Class Series   for families with children 10-14 years old. This 7-part series begins April 16 - June 4, 2025, on Wednesdays at Gardiner Middle School from 5:30pm-8pm. * No Class on April 23rd * Dinner is included and childcare will be available for younger siblings!! Here is the  Flyer  to share, and  Registration link. OCCE Yoga Class:   Join us for a 6-week beginner series to learn basic yoga poses and begin developing fitness in a supportive community setting. All Ages & Skills Levels Welcome! Please bring a mat, but if you do not own a yoga mat, we will have some available to use. Mondays, 5PM-6PM, beginning June 23-July 28, 2025 at Gardiner Middle School. Cost is $40/participant.  See  Flyer  for more details.  Register Her e Clackamas County PTA Clothing Closet located at Jennings Lodge Campus is hosting a  Summer Clothing Event   on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 5:30PM-7PM. We kindly ask that participants arrive no earlier  than 5:15PM, and please bring their own bag. No registration needed for this FREE event! Located at Jennings Lodge Campus: 18521 SE River Rd. Milwaukie, OR 97267 Looking for   summer activities for your 3 or 4 year old? OCSD Early Learning Center is offering a Preschool Summer Camp   from June 23rd-August 21st, 7am-5pm, with flexible pay-by-the-week options! Families do not need to be currently enrolled with our Early Learning Center to apply for the summer camp. For more information about enrollment, rates, and application deadlines, please contact Rian Hood at rian.hood@orecity.k12.or.us We also have a   K-5 Summer Camp option! Join us for a fun summer full of Adventure! Campers will get to participate in enriching clubs, go on fun field trips, and make great friends. Registration opens April 15th! See our flyer for more details, or visit our website for more information and to sign up!: https://ocsd62occe.org/summer-camp Hurry, spaces fill fast! OCSD Early Learning Center  is now enrolling preschoolers for the   2025-2026 School Year ! Open to children ages 3-4 years old. Families do not need to live within the Oregon City School District boundaries to enroll. Our program prepares children for kindergarten with a play-based, OCSD-aligned curriculum. Preschool hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with before and aftercare available (7:00-8:00 AM & 12:00-5:00 PM). For more information about enrollment, rates, and application deadlines, please contact Rian Hood at rian.hood@orecity.k12.or.us Elementary K5 After the Bell Program:  Beginning Monday, June 2nd, the registration request form will be open to all district families for the 2025-2026 school year's After the Bell/K-5 Program.  Families who fill out the registration request form will be entered into a lottery system following that date. Families will be notified of their confirmed enrollment or waitlist status beginning Tuesday, July 1st, 2025. Program availability will vary depending on school site capacity and staffing. After all available spots are filled, the registration form will be used as a waitlist for any potential openings in the After the Bell program for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information and the registration link, visit our website: https://ocsd62occe.org/after-the-bell or reach out to Hayden Kutsch: hayden.kutsch@orecity.k12.or.us  

Monday, Apr 28 2025

OCSD Third Annual Poetry Contest!

OCSD Poetry Contest April is National Poetry Month. In celebration of this, and in an effort to recognize the great literary skills and talent that resides within our district, Oregon City School District hosts an annual poetry contest. This is open to any and all members who live within the Oregon City School District. This includes students, staff, parents, and community members! Oregon City Schools Foundation generously donates a grand overall prize, and awards for different levels (elementary school, middle school, high school, staff member, and community member). Winners will be announced during the May board meeting.  All entries must be submitted by 5 pm on April 30, 2025. Submission Guidelines Each entry may submit up to 3 poems in one Word / Google Doc / PDF Document  Poems may be in any language .  Please keep in mind the content and the audience of your poems. Poem subject matter must be family friendly and school appropriate. Poems may be on any subject. However, this year’s theme is “Writing the Future”.  Those entering must live within the Oregon City School District SUBMIT YOUR POETRY HERE Need help getting started?  Here are a few ideas to get the creativity flowing! “The year is 2175. A student finds your poem buried in a time capsule. What does it say?” (Write a message to the future.) “If tomorrow had a voice, what would it say?” (Personify the future and let it speak.) “Finish the line: ‘In the future I dream of, _______’” (Build a poem around your vision for a better world.) “Write a poem to your future self—or your future child.” (What do you hope for them? What do you want them to remember?) “The future knocked on my door…” (Begin your poem with this line and let imagination lead the way.) “Take a snapshot of the world in 150 more years—what do you see?” (Honor the 150th anniversary by imagining OCSD or the world far ahead.) “ Describe the future using only nature.” (Use metaphors from trees, stars, rivers, etc., to represent hope, change, or time.) “What if the future was written in ink—and you held the pen?” (Explore agency, choice, and legacy.) “Write about a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.” (How does history shape the future? What connects them?) “What does ‘writing the future’ mean to you?” (Free-form interpretation: literal, symbolic, playful, or profound.) [Monday, Apr 28 at 9:17 AM] There are only a few more days left to submit your Poetry! We have some great prizes available and we are so excited to share your work! Winners will be notified next week and we hope that they will join us at our May board meeting for recognition. Grand prize winners will be announced at the May board meeting as well. Happy writing!! [Wednesday, Apr 30 at 10:22 AM] There's still time! Today is the last day to submit your poetry! We will be accepting submissions until 7 pm this evening. If you haven't submitted your poetry yet, please do! We're excited to read it!

Wednesday, Apr 16 2025