• November Newsletter

      DECEMBER 3, 2024 We are thrilled to announce that Clackamas County Elections has officially certified the passage of our district's $163 million bond measure. Thanks to our community's support, we can now move forward with critical improvements across our district, while also securing an additional $6 million in matching funds from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Grant program. Your investment will enable us to launch essential projects that directly benefit our students: Comprehensive repairs and updates to our elementary schools Expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces to enhance hands-on learning opportunities Improved fields and grounds throughout the district This bond passage marks the beginning of the third phase in our long-term facilities improvement plan, building upon our previous investments in our high schools and middle schools. Our work begins immediately, and here's what you can expect in the coming months: Next Steps We are currently seeking a qualified Bond Program Director to oversee these important projects. Initial work will begin this spring/summer, focusing on CTE space improvements, fields and grounds upgrades, and elementary school enhancements including new roofs and playgrounds. Community Oversight: We're establishing an independent Citizen Bond Oversight Committee to ensure responsible use of these funds. If you're interested in serving on this committee, please visit our website at www.ocschoolbond.org for application information. Stay Informed  We invite you to follow our progress through: Our dedicated bond website ( www.ocschoolbond.org ) Regular newsletters and social media updates Public board meeting reports Project photos and videos Thank you for investing in our students' futures. Your support enables us to create healthy, safe, and future-ready learning environments for our community's children. We look forward to sharing our progress with you as these exciting improvements take shape. *Want to see our students learning in action? Read to the end of this newsletter and see photos of Redland students applying their learning to provide ideas and feedback on bond projects!  Hot Minute in District 62 Join me 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 Next Month in D62 December 9 - OCSD Board Meeting December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break January 6 - No School - Teacher Work Day   2024 Bond Information   Oregon City School District  proposed a bond measure to voters on the November 2024 ballot. For past context, i n 2000 we began a multi-phase bond approach to maintaining the community’s school facilities. The 2000 bond funded the construction of a new high school for the community. The 2018 bond funded the rebuilding of Gardiner Middle School and completely renovated Tumwata Middle School. It also provided security updates at every school in the district. This third phase of the bond plan is to update the district’s elementary schools for our community’s youngest learners.   2024 BOND SPECIFICS:   With the passage of the bond, we will now r eceive a $6 million matching grant from the state. General overview of projects Safe, Secure & Accessible Schools New building access controls Lighting upgrades (exterior) Restroom upgrades Asbestos abatement Security fencing Parking lot and traffic flow upgrades Accessibility upgrades Repair & Update Aging School Buildings New Roofs Upgrade heating and install air conditioning New Flooring Update finishes, ceiling tiles, and paint New classroom furnishings Repairs to site drainage Expand Student Opportunities & Student Supports Updates to classrooms, playgrounds, counseling and special education spaces New family resource spaces and supports Upgrade and expand cafeterias Expand outdoor learning areas Update Career Technical Education (CTE) program spaces at OCHS OCHS field and ground updates Updates and repairs to Pioneer Memorial Stadium Establish an independent citizen Bond Oversight Committee. To learn more about the specific projects at your school, visit our bond website:  www.ocschoolbond.org   🚨 We’re looking for YOU! 🚨 We’re seeking dedicated individuals to join our Citizen Bond Oversight Committee ! This important committee ensures that funds from the 2024 bond are used responsibly and as intended by voters.  Deadline to apply is January 3, 2025. As a committee member, you’ll: ✅ Review expenditures ✅ Monitor projects ✅ Build trust with the community ✅ Help keep us accountable to voters Be part of shaping the future of our schools and making a real difference! 🏫💙 📅 Apply now: www.ocschoolbond.org/citizen-bond-oversight-committee-2024 📌 Applications close January 3, 2025. BEAVERCREEK STUDENTS PREPARE FOR OREGON'S BATTLE OF THE BOOKS! The Oregon Battle of the Books is ON at Beavercreek! Participants from grades 3, 4, and 5 met yesterday to select their first books and learn more about OBOB. Shout out  to the Beavercreek PTO and our amazing parent volunteers for supporting our OBOB program with their time and resources, and to the Oregon City Schools Foundation and Oregon City Library Foundation for their book donations. Our OBOB season is starting with excited students, excellent books, and anticipation of epic battles in the Spring!     OREGON CITY TOGETHER ANNUAL PARENT SURVEY Oregon City Together is seeking input from families to better help prevent youth drug use. Please take a moment and fill out their survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WN8KDG5   FiT (Families in Transition) team host event with Las Flores Apartments Families and staff recently gathered for a special community celebration at the apartment complex, bringing together residents, school personnel, and Department of Human Services representatives. The event successfully connected families with essential resources while providing a convenient opportunity to discuss school conferences and strengthen community bonds. This gathering was part of our Families in Transition (FiT) program's ongoing commitment to community engagement, fostering partnerships with county organizations, and building meaningful relationships between families and educators.    EVENTO DE PADRES LATINOS JUNTOS ¡Unase con nosotros para conocer a otras familias de habla español y a nuestras Superintendente y Superintendente Asistente del distrito ! Viernes 6 de December (Tuesday October 29th) 5:30-7:00 pm Escuela Intermedia Gardiner (Gardiner Middle School) 205 Williams street, Oregon City ¡Habrá comida gratis! ¡Habrá comida gratis! ¡Habrá comida gratis! Para preguntas, por favor comuníquese con  Bela: (503)732-8702  o  Vanessa: (503)732-6898    OCSD COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS Looking for activities for your students to participate in this winter? Check out our Community Education's offerings! Oregon City Community Education Youth Sports has some exciting Basketball opportunities for youth ages K-8th grade!  Mini Hoopers Co-Ed Basketball for K-2nd Grade Girls 3rd-6th Grade Girls 7th-8th Grade We will also be hosting a Winter Break Co-Ed Basketball Camp on 12/30! 9am-3pm at John McLoughlin Elementary School Winter Offerings 5th Grade Dance Team Winter Break Full-Day Basketball Camp (December 30th) AFTER THE BELL IS HIRING! We have a lot of job opportunities for folks to apply for! In particular, we're seeking folks to join our After the Bell staff! Learn more about this position on our website www.ocsd62.org/careers   Need Vaccines?  School Based Health Centers Can Help!   Immunizations are required by law for children in schools, preschools and child care facilities to keep our schools safe and healthy places for all children.  If your child is missing immunizations for school or needs a Flu or COVID-19 vaccine, now is a great time to catch up.  Call your nearby school based health center for an appointment today! Open to all district students. Oregon City High School (503)785-8770. Visit these websites for more information: www.clackamas.us/healthcenters/schoolhealth.html   www.clackamas.us/publichealth/immunizations.html  OCSD's Early Learning Center Now Offers Preschool Promise! Through a grant from the state, OCSD Early Learning Center is now able to offer Preschool Promise! Preschool Promise offers free, preschool for 3 and 4 year old children from income-eligible families. Not sure if you Qualify?  Call or text (971)990-5677 or email preschoolpromise@clackamas.us Highlighted Benefits:  Preschool Hours: 8 am - 2 pm Located at Jennings Lodge Campus: 18521 SE River Road, Milwaukie, OR Meals are provided. Aftercare is offered with a fee from 2 pm to 5 pm Want to learn more about our Preschool Program? Please contact Rian Hood by phone (503) 785-8035 EXT 2813 or by email rian.hood@orecity.k12.or.us Or you can visit our website: www.ocsd62occe.org .   COMPLETE YOUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION We need you! Our schools need you as a volunteer. Whether its assisting in the classroom, helping with making copies, sorting books in the library, eating lunch with students, chaperoning a field trip... We depend on your help as a volunteer. Our volunteer process does take a little bit of time to complete, so starting it now will ensure you're able to help out as soon as possible. Please note that you must fill out an application each year.  To apply, please visit:  www.ocsd62.org/volunteer Set design class hard at work as musical nears  From Gardiner Gazette (student newspaper) by Sofia Berglund This year at Gardiner we have a new elective, the Set Design Elective! This is a one-semester course that was created because in past years, Mr. Henigan, Mr. Hancock, and Mr. Kinast along with many parent volunteers. For students who enjoy painting and basic construction, who work well with others and independently, and are good problem solvers.  When the musical starts in the spring, the students will have a finished set to practice on! At the beginning of the semester, Mr. Kinast put all of the students into five groups to work on each of the letters of the name of the musical, which is Shrek!  Currently, the students are working on making Shrek’s stump and books along the walls. While making Shrek’s stump they have to use vectoring, which is a technique used to make realistic things look cartoon. The students just get a base of what they need to do and measurements but other than that they work by themselves. The class combines Woodshop and Maker-Space and is a more advanced version of these classes. “It’s giving me my creative side because I am not a very creative person but this is helping me with that,” said 7th-grader Miley Sprecher.  CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CAIS'S WORKSHOP!                                         DRESS WARM. DRES BRIGHT!  With shorter days and darker mornings ahead, we want to ensure all our students stay safe and warm. Please dress your children in warm, layered clothing appropriate for the changing weather. For students who walk to school or wait at bus stops, bright or reflective clothing is important – especially during early morning and late afternoon hours when it's harder to see. Consider adding reflective strips to jackets and backpacks, or choosing clothing with built-in reflective elements. This simple step can make a significant difference in helping drivers spot children along roadsides and at crossings. Remember that darker colors  can make it difficult for motorists to see students during low-light conditions. Some helpful tips: Layer clothing for warmth Choose bright colors like yellow, orange, or white Add reflective tape to backpacks and coats Consider reflective accessories like wristbands or zipper pulls Pack warm gloves and hats for extra protection Don't forget to label younger student's jackets and clothes with their name!  Your child's safety is our top priority, and these small precautions can make a big difference during the darker winter months. Thank you for helping us keep all our students safe!   INCLEMENT WEATHER REMINDERS With winter weather approaching, we want to ensure everyone is familiar with our inclement weather process and prepared for any changes in school schedules due to adverse conditions. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we take every precaution to make informed decisions when winter weather impacts our community. Here’s a refresher on how we handle these situations. Here is what our process looks like:  1.  Assess weather and forecasted reports for local and surrounding areas to Oregon City.  To begin, we monitor the local area weather reports and those of the surrounding areas. We have a very diverse landscape within the Oregon City School District itself, and our surrounding area is no different. This means that while conditions may be clear and traversable near your residence, it may not be so in another area. Many of our staff live outside of Oregon City and those areas may be impacted differently than Oregon City.  2. Monitor road conditions for bus routes and commutes. When inclement weather appears in our forecast, we begin monitoring the roads. This happens the night before and in the very early hours, the day of. We aim to make our decisions by 5 am, before our bus drivers begin coming in to start their morning routes. 3. Connect with and monitor neighboring school districts in the surrounding areas. We also monitor the neighboring school districts and surrounding areas. As mentioned before, many of our staff members live outside Oregon City and we have students who attend schools and programs outside of Oregon City. School delays or weather conditions in neighboring districts may impact their capabilities to safely commute. We are also unable to safely operate school without our staff.  4. Finally, send out notifications. Once a decision has been made we send out notifications through our official communication channels. These are ParentSquare, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, our websites, and FlashAlert. Families can also tune in to the local news channels to receive information about school closures and delays. How do we decide between a school closure or a two-hour delay start?  We do this by watching the weather. If the weather makes the roads impassible and there is no improvement forecasted in the weather, we will cancel school for the day. This means there will be no busses, and no afterschool activities. Our schools will be closed. If it appears that the weather will improve, along with road conditions, we will decide to delay the start of our school day by two hours so that commuting to school will be safe. Should the road conditions not improve within that time, we will cancel school for the remainder of the day. If school has been delayed by two hours, busses will run two hours behind normal schedule and classes will be on a modified schedule. Afterschool activities may be affected so please pay attention to the communication your school puts out in this regard. It is important to pay close attention to our communications to know if school will run as normal the next day, or if there will be cancellations or delays. We recognize that each weather event is unique and we understand that your families may be impacted in various ways. We do not take these decisions lightly and our main concern in making these decisions is for staff and student safety.   For Inclement Weather Information: www.ocsd62.org/inclement-weather For Bus Snow Routes: www.ocsd62.org/snow-routes *please note that not all bus routes have snow routes Oregon City School District Facebook Oregon City School District Instagram FlashAlert OCSD STUDENTS DESIGN FUTURE-READY CLASSROOM FURNITURE Over the last several weeks students at Candy Lane Elementary, Gaffney Lane Elementary, and Redland Elementary embarked on a creative journey to design their dream classroom furniture in the "Chair & Table Design Thinking Project." Over seven engaging sessions, students combined empathy, creativity, and critical thinking to propose innovative ideas for flexible and functional classroom furniture. Through interviews with younger peers, students identified key needs for comfort and inclusivity. They then sketched and built prototypes using recycled materials, considering real-world factors like cost and durability. To bring their visions to life, students explored modern seating options, refining their designs with feedback from peers and educators. The project will culminate in a gallery showcase where students will present their ideas, highlighting how their designs address diverse learner needs. Some students are now preparing their designs to present their concepts to district decision-makers, offering a student-driven perspective on how to use bond funds for future classroom improvements.   Quick Links OCSD Website Nutrition Services / MealTime Strategic Plan  Transportation Services Back to School Resources OC School Bond Information

    Tuesday, Dec 03 2024

  • 2024 Bond Information Update

    November 21, 2024 Dear Oregon City School District Community, We are excited to share, that it appears our community’s voters have supported our district’s $163 million bond measure, Measure 3-616! The results will not be officially confirmed until December 2, by the Clackamas County Elections office. This bond will provide critical funding to repair and update our elementary schools, expand our Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces, and improve fields and grounds across the district! Additionally, thanks to the bond’s passage, OCSD will receive a $6 million matching grant from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Grant (OSCIM)  to further support these essential projects. (Learn more about that program  here .) To all of our community’s voters, thank you for your participation and support in this November election. Together we are building brighter futures, and we are now able to move forward with the third phase of our long-term facilities improvement plan focusing on essential improvements for our elementary schools, CTE spaces, and our district’s fields and grounds to ensure our schools are healthy, safe, and equipped for future ready education. This third phase follows our community’s previous investments in our high school and middle schools. In summary, we reached out to inform our community through over 35 community events, thousands of informational fliers, mailings to every voting household, plenty of social media posts, and video ads. We also want to acknowledge the dedication of our many volunteers, parents, and community members who helped share this information and provided input in the creation of this bond measure, especially the 40 community members who served on the Community Bond Planning Committee. We also would like to recognize that there were many community members that did not vote in support of this bond measure. For many of those folks, it was due to the fiscal impact on their property taxes. We do not want to minimize that this is a very real concern. Other feedback we’ve heard from our community, was that there was a need for more financial transparency and communication in regards to bond projects. Please know that the team and I are committed to keeping our community updated and informed on our 2024 bond project efforts, including fiscal information, in the following ways: We will maintain and update our current bond website with project progress, details, budget information, photos and videos, and more! This website can be found on our district website or by directly visiting  www.ocschoolbond.org .  We will share information through mailed newsletters, digital newsletters, social media posts, and other district communication channels.  We will report progress updates at public board meetings and in the future, hope to invite our community into the redesigned spaces once the process allows. We are committed to transparent communication and invite you to follow along with our project developments. With this exciting news, we’re sure you’re eager to know what’s going to happen next!  Here is what to expect in the next few months ahead: Request for Proposals (RFPs) We’ll soon issue RFPs to bring on board qualified architects, contractors, and other professionals. This process will ensure we select the best teams to help us achieve quality and efficiency as we bring these improvements to life. We will also be hiring a Bond Program Director. Project Focus Areas Starting this  spring/summer, our focus will be on: Updating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Spaces  to provide students with more hands-on learning opportunities. Upgrading Fields and Grounds  across the district to create safe, accessible, and welcoming outdoor spaces for students and the community. Adding New Roofs and Playgrounds  to some of our elementary schools to enhance access, safety and create engaging and accessible play environments for our youngest learners. Formation of an Independent Citizen Bond Oversight Committee In our commitment to transparency and accountability, we are establishing an independent Citizen Bond Oversight Committee. This committee of community members will oversee bond expenditures to ensure that funds are used wisely and in alignment with the goals of the bond. If you’re interested in contributing to the is committee, the application and information will be on our website by the end of the month.  Ongoing Transparency and Progress Updates We are dedicated to keeping you informed at each stage of the process. Soon, you’ll be able to follow project progress and specific updates at each school on our dedicated bond website. This platform will serve as a hub for all project milestones, allowing you to see firsthand how your support is creating positive change. Once again, we want to thank our community for your invaluable support. We are honored to partner with you in this effort and look forward to celebrating the impact these improvements will bring to our district. With gratitude, Dr. Dayle Spitzer Superintendent

    Friday, Nov 22 2024

  • Nutrition Services Newsletter

    ​ A MESSAGE FROM JEFF RALSTON We have had a successful start to the 2024-25 school year. The inclusion of CEP for all schools in Oregon City School District has greatly increased the number of students accessing meals at school. We have been working hard to support kitchen staff with the increasing number of meals. It has been a pleasure to see so many students participating. HIGHLIGHTS Oregon City School District implemented a new program available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for School Year 2024-25. All enrolled students in Oregon City School District are eligible to receive a nutritionally complete breakfast and lunch each school day of the 2024-25 school year. All students participate in this meal program at no cost to their household, and no application is necessary. As you can see in the graph to the left, our meal counts have grown significantly. We took a look at September 2023 vs. September 2024, finding an increase of 7,138 more breakfast and 20,568 more lunches were served. We are elated by the opportunity to provide no cost meals options for school age children in our community. When it comes to freshness and variety of options, we have it covered! We keep our offering bars colorful and exciting to encourage students to try new foods daily.

    Thursday, Oct 31 2024

  • October Newsletter

      OCTOBER 25, 2024 From the Superintendent: When I first became a teacher, I would often wonder why students or families didn’t do their nightly reading of twenty minutes and complete their weekly reading log.  At that time, I was young and well rested, and didn’t have the many responsibilities of a home and yard, was not a parent or foster parent, and didn’t even have a dog or cat to take care of.  l I had a lot of free time, limited responsibilities and – it should be noted– a loss less technology access.   Fast forward and twelve years later I found I had a very different perspective of reading and asking the families to complete the reading log.  My time was consumed with two biological children and two foster children, a dog, a yard, the never ending mountain of laundry, and I was definitely way less rested.  It was a great time in life but also very full.  Our reading times happened here and there, or sometimes not at all..  Nighttime bedtime stories were something we enjoyed together, but the log was almost never completed.  To be honest, there were days I simply celebrated that the children were fed, clean, and the day came to a close.   Now, over twenty years later, my adult children have grown into capable readers and thinkers and choose a variety of materials to read on their own.  One likes books and research, and the other likes technical manuals and autobiographies.  What is amazing, to me, are their connections to fond memories –and can quote– many of the books and authors we read together  when they were children.  When we are trying to get out the door as a group you might hear “Frrooooggggyyy….!” in the hallway.  Or, when the little cousins are playing hide and seek in obvious places you may hear “Brown bear, brown bear what do you see?”  And, when I hear a new work colleague is just like Stargirl, I quickly understand. (Have you read those books?) What I have come to learn over these years is that yes, reading with your children  is  important.  It’s important because it offers opportunities for building skills and confidence. It’s important because it supports creating life patterns and lifelong learning.  But mostly, it's important because it can be the glue that connects children to experiences, to parents, to caregivers, to each other and to their memories and learning.   Families, please read with your children, and help create those opportunities for building skills, creating a foundation for lifelong learning, and connections to those who support them.  Set aside time for reading in your home and start creating those connected memories  (on the days when you can). Reading makes a difference - completed reading logs or not!   Hot Minute in District 62 Join me 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 Next Month in D62 October 25/26 - Fall Celebrations at elementary Schools November 5th   -   Election Day! -Don't forget to Vote! November 7 -  CAIS MS - No School November 8  - No School - All Schools - Except OCHS November 11  -  No School - All Schools - Veteran's Day Holiday November 25 and 26 -  No School - All Middle and Elementary Schools - Conferences November 28 and 29 -  District Offices | All Schools Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday   Proposed Bond Information   Oregon City School District has a proposed bond measure on the November 2024 ballot. In 2000 we began a multi-phase bond approach to maintaining the community’s school facilities. The 2000 bond funded the construction of a new high school for the community. The 2018 bond funded the rebuilding of Gardiner Middle School and completely renovated Tumwata Middle School. It also provided security updates at every school in the district. This third phase of the bond plan is to update the district’s elementary schools for our community’s youngest learners.   IF THE PROPOSED MEASURE PASSES, OREGON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT WOULD: Receive a $6 million matching grant from the state. Safe, Secure & Accessible Schools New building access controls Lighting upgrades (exterior) Restroom upgrades Asbestos abatement Security fencing Parking lot and traffic flow upgrades Accessibility upgrades Repair & Update Aging School Buildings New Roofs Upgrade heating and install air conditioning New Flooring Update finishes, ceiling tiles, and paint New classroom furnishings Repairs to site drainage Expand Student Opportunities & Student Supports Updates to classrooms, playgrounds, counseling and special education spaces New family resource spaces and supports Upgrade and expand cafeterias Expand outdoor learning areas Update Career Technical Education (CTE) program spaces at OCHS OCHS field and ground updates Updates and repairs to Pioneer Memorial Stadium Establish an independent citizen Bond Oversight Committee.                                                                                                                                           Bond Informational Video (English) Bond Informational Video (Spanish)                                                                                                                                   GARDINER MIDDLE SCHOOL AVID STUDENTS READ TO ELEMENTARY STUDENTS On Thursday, October 24, 207 AVID students from Gardiner Middle School recently visited elementary schools, bringing stories to life for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students. This not only helps foster a love of reading in young learners, but also creates valuable connections between the middle and elementary school students. This was a positive experience for everyone! Watch our October 25 Hot Minute in District 62 episode to see more of those student in action at Candy Lane Elementary. CONFERENCES ARE AROUND THE CORNER! Families: Your student’s teachers are looking forward to seeing you at conferences! Be on the lookout for sign up information from the school principal.  We know that it takes time to attend conferences and we love partnering with families to ensure the best school experience possible.  We want to encourage your student’s strengths and support their needs; you can help by sharing your expertise of your student with their teachers at conferences including: Your student’s favorite part of the school day The types of books your child is drawn to Any concerns your child has about school   15 STUDENT POSTERS SELECTED FOR DISPLAY THROUGHOUT OREGON CITY Oregon City Together wants to share a BIG 'thanks' to everyone who participated in their fall-themed poster contest to convey the risks of drug use. Four schools participated with a total of 155 AWESOME posters submitted. They said it was very hard to pick just 15 of them to be enlarged. Captain Dave Edwins with OCPD was their finalist judge this year. These are the names of the children whose posters who will be displayed in downtown Oregon City businesses starting 10/26 (photos to follow next week): Beavercreek Addison W Ruby P Tatiana G Jax C Candy Lane Francis A Holcomb Bowen K Nakira S Redland Liliana G Jairen C Maddie K Kimberlee O Ellie N Lucille S Marshall G OREGON CITY TOGETHER ANNUAL PARENT SURVEY Oregon City Together is seeking input from families to better help prevent youth drug use. Please take a moment and fill out their survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WN8KDG5   REDLAND STUDENTS HONOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Redland Elementary honored this day of recognition by teaching students traditional practices of the Lakota Tribe. During a Talking Circle exercise, students shared their cultural projects & the significance behind the symbols they chose. Lone Dog's Winter Count Students were taught how to complete a “Winter Count” using a mnemonic device of imagery through symbols once common by Lakota Storytellers to record, preserve, and retell the history of the tribe. The project showed students how to show appreciation for a culture different from their own by creating symbols inspired by tribal artifacts.    EVENTO DE PADRES LATINOS JUNTOS ¡Los invitamos al  Evento de Padres Latinos Juntos! Es una oportunidad de conocer a otras familias de habla Español. Estarán presentes la interpretes del Distrito Escolar de Oregon City. ¡Por favor vengan! Martes 29 de Octubre (Tuesday October 29th) 5:30-7:00 pm Escuela Intermedia Gardiner (Gardiner Middle School) 205 Williams street, Oregon City   OCSD's Native PAC Holds First Meeting On the evening of Tuesday, 10/15, OCSD held its first Native Community Tribal Connections Parent/ Community meeting. Thank you to everyone who came out to connect and learn more about the Title VI Indian Ed program and how we can bring Native events and resources to the OCSD community. All Native staff, students and families are welcome to attend our November meeting!    OCSD COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS Looking for activities for your students to participate in this winter? Check out our Community Education's offerings!  Winter Offerings 5th Grade Dance Team Winter Break Full-Day Basketball Camp (December 30th) Jennings is requesting clothing donations! Winter Clothing Event Next Month   Safety Tips and Information Reunification After an Emergency: What Families Need to Know In the unlikely event of an emergency at one of our schools that requires students to be picked up, Oregon City School District has a clear and organized Reunification Plan in place to ensure your student’s safety. Here’s what you need to know about how reunification works and how you can help make the process as smooth as possible: 1. Notification:   If an emergency occurs, you will be notified via our district’s communication channel, ParentSquare. Be sure that your contact information is current in our system, so you receive these critical updates. 2. Location:   Depending on the situation, reunification may occur on school grounds or at an   alternate location. You will be informed of where to go through ParentSquare. Please do not come to the school until directed , as this can interfere with emergency response efforts. 3. What You Need to Bring:   For your student’s safety, we require photo identification to ensure that only authorized individuals can pick up students. Please ensure that you or any other emergency contacts listed in your child’s records bring a valid ID. 4. Process at the Reunification Site:   When you arrive at the designated reunification site, you will be asked to check in at a Parent Check-In area. Staff will verify your identity and match it with your student’s emergency contact information. Once verified, your student will be escorted to you by staff. This process helps ensure that every student is released to the correct guardian. 5. Be Patient:  We understand how stressful an emergency can be and we are committed to reuniting families as quickly as possible. However, safety is our top priority and the reunification process takes time to ensure that each student is safely released to their guardian. Your patience and cooperation will help keep the process running smoothly. 6. Stay Informed:   Please monitor district communications during and after the emergency for any updates or additional instructions. Our goal is to keep you well-informed throughout the process. By working together and following the established reunification procedures, we can ensure the safety of all students during an emergency. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us keep Oregon City School District a safe and secure place for all.   Need Vaccines?  School Based Health Centers Can Help!   Immunizations are required by law for children in schools, preschools and child care facilities to keep our schools safe and healthy places for all children.  If your child is missing immunizations for school or needs a Flu or COVID-19 vaccine, now is a great time to catch up.  Call your nearby school based health center for an appointment today! Open to all district students. Oregon City High School (503)785-8770. Visit these websites for more information: www.clackamas.us/healthcenters/schoolhealth.html   www.clackamas.us/publichealth/immunizations.html  OCSD's Early Learning Center Now Offers Preschool Promise! Through a grant from the state, OCSD Early Learning Center is now able to offer Preschool Promise! Preschool Promise offers free, preschool for 3 and 4 year old children from income-eligible families. Not sure if you Qualify?  Call or text (971)990-5677 or email preschoolpromise@clackamas.us Highlighted Benefits:  Preschool Hours: 8 am - 2 pm Located at Jennings Lodge Campus: 18521 SE River Road, Milwaukie, OR Meals are provided. Aftercare is offered with a fee from 2 pm to 5 pm Want to learn more about our Preschool Program? Please contact Rian Hood by phone (503) 785-8035 EXT 2813 or by email rian.hood@orecity.k12.or.us Or you can visit our website: www.ocsd62occe.org . CLACAKAMAS PTA CLOTHES CLOSET EVENT Join us for this FREE event at Jennings Lodge School on Thursday, November 21 from 5 pm to 7 pm. There is no registration or entry fee, this is a totally free event! Bring your own shopping bag and get ready for the colder months ahead!   Let’s Show Up for Each Other! As chillier temperatures take hold, it’s a good idea to refamiliarize yourself and your student with  OCSD’s Health Policy ; a runny nose or scratchy throat can still mean your student heads to school. It’s important that students learn to challenge themselves to be present even when they’re not feeling 100%. Persevering through a less than 100% feeling–whether physical or emotional–is important to building resiliency, which we know is critical to success and wellbeing.      And just by showing up, magical things happen.  Students who attend school regularly: Build healthy routines throughout the day Build critical academic skills which enable engagement and enjoyment of their classroom learning Build strong relationships with teachers and classmates alike  We know that chronic absenteeism (defined by missing more than 10% of enrolled days–which comes down to about 2 days a month) can predict the likelihood of proficient reading by 3rd grade and the likelihood of high school degree completion by 6th grade. It’s never too late to start a dialogue with your student about attendance.  Some ideas include: Incentivize strong attendance every 1-2 weeks with a celebration of the student’s choosing  Make sure any planned time away occurs during breaks; know that your student will have unavoidable absences and you don’t want to take them away any more than needed Problem solve any feelings of anxiety or school resistance that may be coming up with your school staff. Could there be: A soft start to the day with a favorite tea and a friendly staff person? A morning job that gives specific purpose to being there like watering classroom plants? A switch of class schedule to start with a preferred subject?   COMPLETE YOUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION We need you! Our schools need you as a volunteer. Whether its assisting in the classroom, helping with making copies, sorting books in the library, eating lunch with students, chaperoning a field trip... We depend on your help as a volunteer. Our volunteer process does take a little bit of time to complete, so starting it now will ensure you're able to help out as soon as possible. Please note that you must fill out an application each year.  To apply, please visit:  www.ocsd62.org/volunteer TUMWATA HOSTS OREGON CITY'S JAPANESE SISTER CITY VISITORS AND SHARES A MEAL Tumwata Middle School welcomed a distinguished delegation from Oregon City’s sister city, Tateshina, Japan. The visiting group included middle school students, the Mayor of Tateshina, a school board member, and other representatives from the Japanese city. The visit is part of an ongoing cultural exchange program that fosters strong international connections between the two communities. The delegation enjoyed a traditional school lunch alongside Tumwata students, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.  This sister city relationship between Oregon City and Tateshina is part of a global initiative to promote peace and mutual understanding, a concept originally championed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. Eisenhower established the Sister Cities program as a way to build personal and cultural relationships between international cities, encouraging global peace and cooperation at the grassroots level. Oregon City and Tateshina’s partnership is a testament to the enduring success of this initiative and is 50 years old this year.  The visit continues a long tradition of exchange, fostering global understanding and collaboration between the cities.                                                   OCSD FISCAL TEAM TWICE RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING Oregon City School District No. 62 has been honored with two prestigious national awards for excellence in financial reporting. These recognitions reflect the district’s commitment to transparency, responsible financial management, and high-quality reporting. The district has been awarded: 1. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the  Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. This award represents the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifying the district’s dedication to a spirit of full disclosure in communicating its financial story. This is the 31 consecutive year that OCSD has been awarded this award. 2. Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has also been awarded for the same fiscal year. ASBO’s COE recognizes districts that meet the program's high standards for financial reporting and transparency. This recognition highlights the district’s proactive efforts to engage the community by clearly presenting its financial and economic standing. OCSD was 1 of 12 school districts to receive this award out of the 197 school districts in the state of Oregon. “These awards represent a significant achievement and underscore the district’s commitment to maintaining financial transparency,” said Jason Jensen, CFO of Oregon City School District. “We are proud of our finance team and their dedication to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity, which ultimately builds trust within our community.” Both awards involve a rigorous review process. The GFOA award was determined by an impartial panel, and ASBO’s COE included feedback from financial professionals to enhance future reports. These recognitions also strengthen the district’s position in future bond rating and disclosure processes, further supporting Oregon City School District’s ongoing investment in its educational infrastructure and programs. For over half a century, ASBO’s Certificate of Excellence has been the gold standard in promoting excellence in financial reporting, and GFOA’s certificate is widely regarded as the highest honor in public finance. The Oregon City School District is honored to be recognized by both organizations in the same year. The district remains committed to maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility to ensure continued trust and confidence from the Oregon City community. About GFOA    The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in public finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and research for its more than 21,000 members in the United States and Canada. About ASBO International   Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization representing approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International provides programs, services, and a global network that promotes the highest standards in school business operations. “For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard in promoting and recognizing excellence in financial reporting,” according to ASBO International Executive Director Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO. “Communicating the financial and economic state of a district is so important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level."   INCLEMENT WEATHER REMINDERS With winter weather approaching, we want to ensure everyone is familiar with our inclement weather process and prepared for any changes in school schedules due to adverse conditions. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we take every precaution to make informed decisions when winter weather impacts our community. Here’s a refresher on how we handle these situations. Here is what our process looks like:  1.  Assess weather and forecasted reports for local and surrounding areas to Oregon City.  To begin, we monitor the local area weather reports and those of the surrounding areas. We have a very diverse landscape within the Oregon City School District itself, and our surrounding area is no different. This means that while conditions may be clear and traversable near your residence, it may not be so in another area. Many of our staff live outside of Oregon City and those areas may be impacted differently than Oregon City.  2. Monitor road conditions for bus routes and commutes. When inclement weather appears in our forecast, we begin monitoring the roads. This happens the night before and in the very early hours, the day of. We aim to make our decisions by 5 am, before our bus drivers begin coming in to start their morning routes. 3. Connect with and monitor neighboring school districts in the surrounding areas. We also monitor the neighboring school districts and surrounding areas. As mentioned before, many of our staff members live outside Oregon City and we have students who attend schools and programs outside of Oregon City. School delays or weather conditions in neighboring districts may impact their capabilities to safely commute. We are also unable to safely operate school without our staff.  4. Finally, send out notifications. Once a decision has been made we send out notifications through our official communication channels. These are ParentSquare, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, our websites, and FlashAlert. Families can also tune in to the local news channels to receive information about school closures and delays. How do we decide between a school closure or a two-hour delay start?  We do this by watching the weather. If the weather makes the roads impassible and there is no improvement forecasted in the weather, we will cancel school for the day. This means there will be no busses, and no afterschool activities. Our schools will be closed. If it appears that the weather will improve, along with road conditions, we will decide to delay the start of our school day by two hours so that commuting to school will be safe. Should the road conditions not improve within that time, we will cancel school for the remainder of the day. If school has been delayed by two hours, busses will run two hours behind normal schedule and classes will be on a modified schedule. Afterschool activities may be affected so please pay attention to the communication your school puts out in this regard. It is important to pay close attention to our communications to know if school will run as normal the next day, or if there will be cancellations or delays. We recognize that each weather event is unique and we understand that your families may be impacted in various ways. We do not take these decisions lightly and our main concern in making these decisions is for staff and student safety.   For Inclement Weather Information: www.ocsd62.org/inclement-weather For Bus Snow Routes: www.ocsd62.org/snow-routes *please note that not all bus routes have snow routes Oregon City School District Facebook Oregon City School District Instagram FlashAlert   Quick Links OCSD Website Nutrition Services / MealTime Strategic Plan  Transportation Services Back to School Resources OC School Bond Information

    Thursday, Oct 31 2024

  • 150 Year Celebration Kick Off Event

    This last Saturday we held our kick off celebration event for our 150 year anniversary of being an officially established school district. This celebration was held at our historic Eastham location where our option high school Oregon City Service Learning Academy (OCSLA) now calls home. It was a great day filled with historical artifacts, memories, cake, coffee, Kona ice, hot dogs, and community. We want to extend our deepest thanks to all who helped make this event happen, especially the Oregon City Optimists who volunteered their time on a beautiful Saturday to cook hot dogs for us. For this event we produced a printed booklet of our timeline of events as a district. You may find this publication at our district office where you may pick up your own copy. We also produced a video with alumni and past staff members who volunteered to share their stories with us. This video may be found on our website, or on our YouTube channel. We hope to collect more stories from past alumni throughout the year! More information on how to share your story is online. Earlier this year we asked our community to share designs for a commemorative t-shirt. All Oregon City School District staff members had the opportunity to choose the top three designs. Out of these three designs, a clear, overall winner emerged. Congratulations to Cheyenne Coerper, a current parent and community member in our district. You may find their design below. Look for opportunities to purchase your own commemorative shirt in November!  Thank you to all who joined us this Saturday, making this such a special event. Be on the look out for more opportunities to celebrate our 150 years with us throughout the rest of the year! See more online at www.ocsd62.org/150-year-celebration   See more online at www.ocsd62.org/150-year-celebration

    Wednesday, Oct 09 2024