NDPS Superintendent Newsletter - September 11, 2026

NEWBERG-DUNDEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT NEWSLETTER - September 11, 2026 Message from the Superintendent Character Trait & REN This week I want to talk about culture. Budgets, enrollment, and restructuring get a lot of attention right now, and they should. But a student's daily experience walking into one of our schools is shaped just as much by that building's culture: whether they feel known, whether expectations are clear, and whether good choices get noticed. That is work we control, and we are doing it on purpose. Building a positive culture through Renaissance Across the district, our Renaissance work remains one of the main ways we strengthen climate and culture in every school. Renaissance is not a program that sits on a shelf. It is a shared set of practices for recognizing students and staff, reinforcing the behaviors we want to see, and ensuring recognition spreads widely rather than being reserved for a few. One piece of that work is our monthly Students of the Month recognition. Each month, every school in the district recognizes students who demonstrate the same character trait, chosen district-wide. A kindergartner in Dundee and a senior at Newberg High School are being recognized for the same thing in the same month. That is intentional. It gives us a common language across ten schools and reminds students that the expectations do not change when they move from one building to the next. September's trait: Responsibility For September, our focus is Responsibility. It is the right place to start a school year. Responsibility means taking ownership of our choices, our learning, our relationships, and our part in making our schools good places to learn and grow. It shows up in small ways: getting to class on time, following through on an assignment, owning a mistake, looking out for a classmate. When students practice responsibility, they build trust with the adults around them, they develop confidence in themselves, and they make the people around them better. Those habits matter well beyond the classroom, and they matter now, when our schools are being asked to do more with less. I am grateful to the principals, teachers, and staff who make this work happen month after month, and I look forward to celebrating the students who are showing responsibility across our schools this month. Helping Every Student Grow Throughout the school year, students in grades K–8 participate in reading and math diagnostic assessments using tools such as i-Ready, mCLASS, or STAR. These assessments provide teachers with an important snapshot of what each student knows, what they are still developing, and what they are ready to learn next. The beginning-of-year assessment is especially important after summer break. Students return with different strengths, experiences, and learning needs. This current snapshot helps teachers identify specific learning targets for each student and plan instruction that provides the right balance of grade-level learning, targeted support, and appropriate challenge. We repeat these assessments at key points during the year to measure student growth. The middle- and end-of-year snapshots allow teachers to see which skills have strengthened, celebrate progress, identify areas that still need attention, and adjust instruction and learning targets for the next stretch of learning. The goal is not simply to reach a particular score. We want to make sure students are continually moving forward from where they started while progressing toward, and beyond, grade-level expectations. They give teachers actionable information to answer three essential questions:  Where is each student now? What should they learn next? How do we keep them growing? Thank you, families, for encouraging your student to show all that they know and can do when completing these assessments. When students give their best effort, teachers receive a more accurate picture of their learning. This helps us plan the right combination of grade-level instruction, targeted support, and appropriate challenge throughout the school year. Together, our hope is to help every student continue to grow, build confidence, and make meaningful progress in reading and math throughout the year.  Around Our Schools ✨ A Special Connection: When a Love of Lawn Mowers Brings People Together At Joan Austin Elementary, we know that some of the most meaningful moments in a school happen when adults take the time to notice and nurture a child's interests. We have a third-grade student who has a particular passion for lawnmowers and tractors. Last year, he became especially intrigued by the large Zero Turn mower used by David Carsley, a Newberg School District Grounds employee. One day, when David was on campus mowing our school grounds, I happened to be outside and shared with him how interested our student was in the mower. I asked David if he would be willing to spend a little time talking with him about the Zero Turn and how it worked. That simple conversation was the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Each week when David was at Joan Austin, he would often take a few minutes to stop and chat with our student. They talked about the mower, how it worked, and all of the things that made it so interesting. On one special occasion, our student even had the opportunity to sit on the Zero Turn mower! Just a few weeks ago, David approached me while he was on campus. He told me that he had taken a picture of the mower and sent it to a company to have a Diamond Art outline created. David had then taken the time to complete the artwork himself and wanted to know if he could give it to his young friend. Of course, we were thrilled! We arranged for Lori Britton, one of our Joan Austin Elementary custodians, and the student's classroom teacher to take him outside to meet with David. When they arrived, David presented his special gift to his new friend. What might seem like a simple picture of a lawnmower represents so much more. It represents connection, kindness, belonging, and the power of taking the time to notice what matters to a child. David saw something our student was passionate about and chose to nurture that interest. Week after week, he made time to talk, listen, share his knowledge, and build a relationship. And then he went one step further. He took something our student loved and turned it into a very special gift—one that our student will likely remember for a very long time. This is what makes Joan Austin such a special place. Every adult in our school community has an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. Sometimes it happens through a lesson. Sometimes it happens on the playground. Sometimes it happens while mowing the school lawn. Thank you, David, for recognizing a child's passion and turning it into a beautiful relationship and a memory that will last far beyond third grade. At Joan Austin, we believe every child should know that they are seen, valued, and that the things they love matter. Community Resources & Family Engagement The district shares community events for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or sponsorship by NDPS. Celebrate Community at Oregon PeaceFest - Free Family Fun! Looking for a fun family activity? Head to the Chehalem Cultural Center on  Sunday, September 20, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM  for the 4th Annual Oregon PeaceFest! Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Newberg, this free event features a Kids Carnival (2:00–5:30 PM), local food carts, a Peace Walk & Dedication, and live music from Fresh Pint and Hit Machine. Learn more at  OregonPeaceFest.org .   NHS KIDS DANCE NIGHT IS BACK!  Calling all K–8 dancers! Come dance with the Newberg High School Dance Team and then join us under the Friday night lights for a special HALFTIME PERFORMANCE!   🐯 TUESDAY TIGER TAKEOVER Chehalem Valley Brewery is partnering with NHS BOOSTERS on Tuesday, September 15 How It Works: 5% of all food and beverage sales from 4:00–8:00 PM will be donated directly back to NHS Booster program.     🌭Newberg High School Game Time CONCESSIONS!!!     Sign up:  https://signup.com/go/JmUyeWY   Check out the variety of shift options. Don’t worry- a Booster representative will always be on-site to support you. For every hour volunteered in concessions, $2 will go back to the team you are supporting. Plus a chance to win the $500 bonus grant at the end of the year. 📅 MEETING DATES  If you would like to be more involved with NHS Boosters, please email us at  newberghighboosterclub@gmail.com or join us at a meeting at 6:30 pm at NHS on 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19, June TBD Quick Links • District Calendar • District Restructuring Committee Upcoming Events 09.15 - School Board Meeting 09.17 -  District Restructuring Committee Meeting

Friday, Sep 11 2026

District Restructuring Committee: Meeting 1 Recap

NEWBERG-DUNDEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 District Restructuring Committee Meeting 1 Recap The Newberg-Dundee Public Schools District Restructuring Committee met for the first time on September 3. The focus of the first meeting was understanding the challenge facing the district and making sure committee members have a shared understanding of the work ahead. The district has cut $5.7 million from its budget, including approximately 25 licensed and 10 classified positions. At the same time, enrollment has declined from more than 4,000 K-12 students five years ago to about 3,600 students today. That decline is expected to continue over the next several years as larger classes graduate and smaller classes enter the district. Much of the evening focused on what those numbers mean for staffing and class sizes, particularly at the elementary level. Four of the district's six elementary schools have two or fewer teachers at many grade levels. That can create big swings in class size. For example, a grade with 30 students could have one class of 30 or two classes of 15. Schools can use blended classrooms to help balance those numbers, but that also comes with challenges. Committee members got a closer look at those challenges through an activity that asked them to make staffing decisions for a sample elementary school. With a set number of teachers available, groups had to decide where to place staff and which grade levels would have larger or smaller classes. The activity helped show some of the decisions principals are making now as they work to balance enrollment, staffing, and student needs. The group also talked about what they hope this process will accomplish. Stability was a common theme, including more consistent staffing and class sizes, and finding a solution that can work for the district long-term. Committee members also emphasized keeping students at the center of the conversation. The district also shared what it learned through last year's boundary committee process. That work found that changing boundaries alone would not solve the district's class-size challenges and that any option moving forward will come with trade-offs. Before wrapping up the evening, the committee previewed several of the scenarios it will begin reviewing at its next meeting. These include elementary school consolidation, middle school consolidation, moving sixth grade to elementary schools, and different grade configurations. No decisions or recommendations have been made. Committee members also shared questions and identified additional information they would like to see as they begin comparing options, including building capacity, enrollment projections, financial impacts, student transfers, and special programs. The committee will meet again on September 17. At that meeting, members will begin digging into the data behind the different scenarios and looking at how each could affect staffing, class sizes, buildings, and students across the district. For more information, please visit our website .

Tuesday, Sep 08 2026

NDPS Superintendent Newsletter - September 4, 2026

NEWBERG-DUNDEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 Message from the Superintendent Dear NDPS Families, Staff, and Community, We made it through the first week of school, and it was a good one. I want to start by thanking every teacher, principal, bus driver, custodian, cook, office staff member, and instructional assistant who made the first morning feel calm, organized, and welcoming. That does not happen by accident, and it showed. Students arrive for the first day of school. What I saw in our schools I visited most of our schools this week and will finish the rest early next week. In every building, I heard the same things: students were happy to be back, teachers were ready, and routines were in place from the first bell. Middle school students helped a new classmate find a room or open their lockers. High school staff greeted students and helped them find their classes. Classrooms were focused and hallways orderly by the second day. These are small things, but they show a school is healthy. Our staff set a strong tone, and our students responded. Sixth graders mark their first day at Chehalem Valley Middle School. Class of 2033. To all of our families, thank you for getting your students to school on time and ready to learn, and for your patience as traffic and bus routes settled in. District Restructuring Committee Last night the District Restructuring Committee held its first meeting, and I was encouraged by what I saw. The room was full. Staff and parents came prepared, asked good questions, and stayed engaged in a conversation that is not easy. This committee is taking on important questions about how we organize our schools for the years ahead, at a time when declining enrollment and real budget pressure are shaping nearly every decision we make. The first meeting was about framing the problem clearly and getting everyone working from the same facts. We also introduced the models and scenarios the committee will begin analyzing in depth at the next meeting.   The full session was livestreamed and recorded. If you were not able to attend, or want to review the materials, you can find the recording, presentations, and documents from each meeting on the district website. I will keep sharing updates here as the work moves forward, and I welcome your questions along the way. Looking ahead There is no school on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. When we return, our focus turns to the routines that carry a school year: consistent attendance, strong instruction, and clear communication between home and school. A good first week is worth noticing, but it is just a start. Now the work is to keep it steady. Thank you for a strong start. With appreciation, Dave Parker Superintendent, Newberg-Dundee Publi c Schools Every Day Matters: Attendance and Student Success Regular attendance is one of the most important ways families can support student success. When students are at school consistently, they have more opportunities to learn, build relationships, participate in their school community, and develop confidence as learners. When students miss school frequently, it becomes harder to stay connected and keep up with learning. The connection between attendance and long-term success begins early. Students in the elementary grades who attend regularly are more likely to read on grade level. By middle school, absenteeism can be an important warning sign for future school success, and by ninth grade, attendance is a strong predictor of whether a student will graduate. A Few Days Can Add Up Quickly Missing just two days of school each month can add up to 18 days or about 10% of the school year. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Each missed day represents missed instructional time, classroom experiences, conversations, and connections with teachers and classmates. Of course, there are times when students need to stay home. We want students to be healthy and ready to participate in school. Oregon's health guidance recommends that students who are generally healthy and able to participate in their normal activities attend school; even some mild symptoms do not necessarily require a student to stay home. Students should stay home when they are too sick to participate in the school day, including when they have a fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting or diarrhea, or other symptoms that significantly interfere with their ability to participate in school. When Your Child Needs to Miss School Families are important partners in helping us keep students connected when an absence is necessary. Please call your child's school office and report the absence whenever your student will be out. This helps us know that your child is safe and allows us to maintain accurate attendance records. If your child will be absent for an extended period of time, please also communicate with your child's teacher(s). Staying connected with teachers can help your student understand what they are missing and make a plan for returning to learning. Most importantly, please reach out when attendance becomes difficult. Transportation, illness, mental health, housing, bullying, academic challenges, or family circumstances can all make getting to school harder. Our schools want to partner with families to identify solutions and connect students with support. Every day matters, your child matters, and we are here to help. Community Resources & Family Engagement The district shares community events for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or sponsorship by NDPS. NHS KIDS DANCE NIGHT IS BACK!  Calling all K–8 dancers! Come dance with the Newberg High School Dance Team and then join us under the Friday night lights for a special HALFTIME PERFORMANCE! Quick Links • District Calendar • District Restructuring Committee Upcoming Events 09.07 - No School, Labor Day 09.15 - School Board Meeting 09.17  - District Restructuring Committee Meeting #2

Friday, Sep 04 2026

NHS Home Football Game Expectations & Spectator Remi...

NHS Home Football Game Expectations & Spectator Reminders Hello Newberg Nation! Each fall, home Friday night football games are always a great community event. As we prepare for our home high school football games this fall, we would like to remind students and parents about the expectations for spectators who attend home football games. Elementary School Students Elementary students must have an adult with them to enter the game. No adult = No admittance to the game Elementary school students who are wearing their Newberg Youth Football jersey will get into the game for free, but still must be accompanied by a paying adult Middle School Students Middle school students must have an adult with them to enter the game. No adult = No admittance to the game Middle school students who are wearing their Newberg Youth Football jersey will get into the game for free, but still must be accompanied by a paying adult Students are not allowed to bring in bags or backpacks into the stadium Students are not allowed to bring skateboards, hoverboard, bikes, scooters, e-bikes, balls, or other sports equipment into the stadium Middle school students must sit within the “Middle School” section, unless they are sitting with the adult who brought them.  The middle school section is the north section of the grandstands, away from the scoreboard end of the field. Middle school students are expected to be in the stands watching the game, when not using the restroom or visiting the concession stands. High School Students High school students are encouraged to sit/stand in the high school student section Students are not allowed to bring in bags or backpacks into the stadium (this includes away games as well) Students are not allowed to bring skateboards, hoverboard, bikes, scooters, e-bikes, balls, or other sports equipment into the stadium High school students are expected to be in the stands watching the game All Students & Adults No abusive or unruly behavior No throwing of objects or any projectile onto the field or in the stands No use of any prohibited items (artificial noisemakers, unauthorized signs - signs larger than 8.5"x11' are forbidden per OSAA rules, etc…) All cheering must be positive and in support of Newberg No singling out players by name or number or comments towards the officials No pets are allowed into the stadium The behavior expectations listed above apply to all NHS athletic events and are in accordance with OSAA policies. Our home varsity football games are Sep 4, Sep 18, Oct 2 (Homecoming), and Oct 23. All games begin at 7pm. Gates open at 6pm and the NHS Boosters Tailgate will be in front of the Main Gym. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online HERE. Cash and cards are also accepted at the gate. We appreciate your help and support of these expectations and rules to ensure student and spectator safety, while giving all spectators the opportunity to enjoy the game while cheering on our Tigers. Looking forward to a fun year of supporting our NHS student athletes! Go Tigers! Sincerely, NHS Administration

Friday, Sep 04 2026

Tonight at 6 p.m.: Watch the District Restructuring ...

Dear Newberg-Dundee Families, Tonight, Thursday, September 3, the District Restructuring Committee holds its first meeting from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the West Commons at Newberg High School. The meeting will be livestreamed, and you are welcome to watch from home. Click here to view the Livestream Why this committee exists Last spring's $5.7 million budget reduction lowered staffing across the district. Elementary class sizes moved from a target of 20.5 students per teacher to 24.5. In four of our six elementary schools, we have two or fewer classes per grade level, which makes those class sizes very hard to balance. For example, a grade level of 30 students gives us one class that is too large or two classes of 15 that are too small, and neither is a responsible use of our resources. This committee helps the district study how to manage responsibly at our current staffing level, so class sizes are manageable, resources are used wisely, and students are well served. The district will bring options for how our schools could be organized, along with the data behind them. The committee, made up of four parents and four staff members from each school, will study each option against a set of guiding criteria and share its feedback and ideas. The committee may also suggest new ideas that grow out of the options studied. The School Board will receive the committee's feedback on October 13, hold community feedback sessions in October and November, and consider the options for action at its November 17 meeting. The committee does not make decisions. Between now and November 17, every step is study, feedback, and listening. Action comes only at the end, in public. Committee meeting schedule All meetings run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the West Commons at Newberg High School and will be livestreamed. Thursday, September 3: Define the problem Thursday, September 17: Analyze the options Thursday, October 1: Finalize feedback for the Board About the livestream Some of tonight's meeting is small-group table work. During those portions, the video will continue, but the audio will be muted so committee members can talk freely at their tables. Audio will return for the whole-group portions. The meeting is being recorded, and the recording will be posted on our  YouTube Channel   for anyone who cannot watch live. Share your feedback We want to hear from you, whether you are watching live or later. Use the link below or scan the QR code to share your questions, concerns, and ideas. Families' feedback will be incorporated into the committee's work. Feedback form:  Restructuring Committee Audience Feedback Form Thank you for staying engaged in this process. Our schools and programs are strong, and this work is about keeping them strong for the long run. Sincerely, Newberg-Dundee Public Schools

Thursday, Sep 03 2026

08.28.26 NDPS Superintendent Newsletter

NDPS Weekly Newsletter A Message from Superintendent Dave Parker August 28, 2026 Every Student, Every Day Dear Newberg-Dundee Families and Community Members, Next week, after a summer of preparation, our doors open, our hallways fill, and the 2026-27 school year begins. On behalf of every teacher, principal, and staff member in this district, let me say it plainly: we cannot wait to see your students. Our teachers and staff returned this week, and the energy in our buildings has been something to see. Classrooms are set up, names are on desks and doors, and our teams have spent the week planning, learning together, and getting ready to make every day count. When I spoke with our staff on Tuesday, I told them what I will tell you now: even with the challenges in front of us, I am heading into this year with real hope, because of the people who work with our students every day and the community that stands behind them. Our vision for this year is simple: Every Student. Every Classroom. Every Day. We want every student to grow, and growth starts with being here. Every day of school matters, and the first days matter most. That is when classroom communities form, routines take hold, and students find their footing. Help us start strong by having your student present, rested, and ready on day one. First Days of School: Who Starts When: Monday, August 31 - First Day of School for grades 1 through 5, grade 6, grade 9, and Catalyst. Kinder meetings with families. Tuesday, September 1 - Grades 6 through 8 and NHS grades 9 through 12 begin. Kinder meetings with families. Wednesday, September 2 - Regular Wednesday late-start schedule begins September 2 and 3 - Kindergarten Soft Start. Kindergarten students attend one of these two days. Contact your neighborhood elementary school if you are unsure which day your student attends. Friday, September 4 - All grades attending, school in full swing Welcoming Sarah King to Our School Board We are pleased to welcome Sarah King as the newest member of the Newberg-Dundee School Board representing Zone 2. Sarah was appointed following her interview with the board on August 21st. Sarah is an alumna of Newberg High School and a parent with students in our district. Sarah brings a wealth of professional experience, along with many years of experience supporting our schools, volunteering with elementary and middle school parent groups, the orchestra and band programs, and NHS’s FFA program. Serving on a school board is a significant commitment of time and energy, and we are grateful that Sarah has stepped forward to serve our students and community. Please join me in welcoming her. Restructuring Committee Begins This Thursday, September 3 A reminder that the District Restructuring Committee holds its first meeting this Thursday, September 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the West Commons at Newberg High School, with additional meetings on September 17 and October 1. Every meeting will be livestreamed, and we will share the link early next week.  Thank you for the trust you place in us. Monday morning, when those doors open and students begin to walk through them, is the best moment of the year.  See you Monday. With appreciation, Dave Parker Superintendent Newberg-Dundee Public Schools   Kindergarten Gradual Entry Plan What is Kindergarten Gradual Entry? Kindergarten Gradual Entry is a developmental model emphasizing the importance of relationships among the child, teacher, family and peers. Gradual entry allows the student, parent and teacher time to meet and for children to enter kindergarten better prepared for the first full day of school. What does Kindergarten Gradual Entry look like in Newberg-Dundee Public Schools? On Monday Aug. 31, 2026 and Tuesday Sept. 1, 2026 our Kindergarten teachers will meet with families and students by appointment for a Family Conversation. Kindergarten teachers will reach out to families to schedule 15-20 minute appointments.  We will welcome Kindergarten students with the last names beginning with letters A-L and on Wednesday Sept. 2, 2026 we will welcome students with the last names beginning with letters M-Z on Thursday Sept. 3, 2026. This will allow our students to learn routines of the classroom with fewer students.   On Friday Sept. 4, 2026 we will welcome all of our Kindergarten students to school. See below for an outline of dates and information.   Gearing up for Grades 1-12 All families are encouraged to check with their student’s specific school to find information about Back to School, Supply Dropoff, and Registration events, but here are reminders about the first days of school: Monday, August 31st: First day of school for 1st-5th grades, 6th grade, and 9th grade Tuesday, September 1:st First day of school for 7th-8th grades, and 10th-12th grades Reminder: Wednesday, September 2nd will be a normally scheduled Late Start Wednesday with all schools starting one hour late. On Late Start Wednesdays, elementary schools begin at 8:40am, Newberg High School begins at 9:15am, middle schools begin at 9:25am, and Catalyst begins at 9:35am.  Your child’s school has been sending out communication about school supplies and what is needed the first weeks of school. This information is also found on each school’s website, but you can use the links below to find each school’s supply lists for students: Antonia Crater Elementary Dundee Elementary Edwards Elementary Ewing Young Elementary Joan Austin Elementary Mabel Rush Elementary Chehalem Valley Middle School Mountain View Middle School Please note that high school supply lists depend on the student’s class schedule. Teachers will communicate with students during the first days of school about which supplies students will need. All high school students are encouraged to bring a backpack, pens, pencils, highlighters, blank paper, and binder with dividers for organization.  COA: Soft Start August 31 - Sept. 4: COA K-12 Soft Start: Be on the lookout for communication from COA Teachers Sept. 3rd: Optional Grades K-8 COA Watermelon Social from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 🍉   ParentVue & ParentSquare We’re excited to introduce ParentSquare, our new primary communication tool for families! ParentSquare will make it easier to stay connected and receive important school and district information all in one place. Parents and guardians will be invited to set up their ParentSquare account and download the app. Once connected, you can receive communication through app notifications, emails, and text messages. ParentSquare will be our primary tool for district and school communication, including important text alerts in the event of an emergency. We strongly encourage all families to activate their accounts and make sure their contact information is current. Our goal is simple: make it easy for every family to stay informed, connected, and up to date throughout the school year. This joins two other vital tools that we use in the district, ParentVue and FirstView. Here is a document to keep them clear for your use - all important, all names way too similar for our liking. :) Digital Seeds

Friday, Aug 28 2026

A Message from Superintendent Dave Parker - Tueday, ...

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools A Message from Superintendent Dave Parker August 25, 2026 Dear Newberg-Dundee Families and Community Members, We are less than a week away from the first day of school, and the energy in our district is building. Our teachers and staff reported back on Monday, buildings are ready, and the countdown to the first day of school, Monday, August 31, is officially on. We cannot wait to welcome your students back. Our Vision for the Year: Every Student. Every Classroom. Every Day. As we begin this new school year, our greatest hope is simple: that every student grows. Growth looks different for every child. It may mean becoming a stronger reader, tackling more challenging math, finding confidence as a writer, or discovering a new strength. No matter where a student begins, we want them to finish this year knowing more, doing more, and believing more deeply in what they are capable of. Making that happen is work we share, and it rests on a few core commitments: Students need to be here. Every day of school matters. Students only get one year as a third grader, a seventh grader, or a senior. Consistent attendance gives students access to the instruction, relationships, practice, and feedback that build over time. Families are essential partners in helping students be present, ready, and connected to school. Every day in the classroom needs to matter. Our teachers are focused on clear, engaging, challenging learning rooted in grade-level standards. We want classrooms where students are not simply completing work. They are thinking, reading, writing, questioning, and building on one another's ideas. Throughout the year, our teachers will use evidence of student learning to ask what students have learned, who needs something different, and who is ready to go further. And as a district, we will protect this work. We face important decisions about long-term sustainability this year, and we will approach them thoughtfully and transparently. But one principle stays at the center: what happens between students and teachers every day matters most. Key Dates for the First Week Monday, August 31 - First Day of School for grades 1 through 5, grade 6, grade 9, and Catalyst Tuesday, September 1 - Grades 7 and 8 and NHS grades 9 through 12 begin September 2 and 3 - Kindergarten Soft Start. Kindergarten students attend one of these two days. Contact your neighborhood elementary school if you are unsure which day your student attends. Wednesday, September 2 - Regular Wednesday late-start schedule begins Thursday, September 3 - Grades 1-12 attending, school in full swing Friday, September 4 - All grades attending Tuesday, September 8 - Pre-K at Edwards starts! Watch for messages from your school with building-specific details, and please reach out with questions. When families, students, and schools stay connected, we give students the best possible start. A Reminder About the District Restructuring Committee Last week, I shared details about the District Restructuring Committee, which begins its work this fall. The committee meets Thursday evenings on September 3, September 17, and October 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the West Commons at Newberg High School. Every meeting will be livestreamed, and we will share the link before the first meeting. I will keep you informed every step of the way. We are grateful for the trust you place in us, and we are ready for a great year. See you on August 31. With appreciation, Dave Parker Superintendent Newberg-Dundee Public Schools   Kindergarten Gradual Entry Plan What is Kindergarten Gradual Entry? Kindergarten Gradual Entry is a developmental model emphasizing the importance of relationships among the child, teacher, family and peers. Gradual entry allows the student, parent and teacher time to meet and for children to enter kindergarten better prepared for the first full day of school. What does Kindergarten Gradual Entry look like in Newberg-Dundee Public Schools? On Monday Aug. 31, 2026 and Tuesday Sept. 1, 2026 our Kindergarten teachers will meet with families and students by appointment for a Family Conversation. Kindergarten teachers will reach out to families to schedule 15-20 minute appointments.  We will welcome Kindergarten students with the last names beginning with letters A-L and on Wednesday Sept. 2, 2026 we will welcome students with the last names beginning with letters M-Z on Thursday Sept. 3, 2026. This will allow our students to learn routines of the classroom with fewer students.   On Friday Sept. 4, 2026 we will welcome all of our Kindergarten students to school. See below for an outline of dates and information. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you and your child to school!   Gearing up for Grades 1-12 All families are encouraged to check with their student’s specific school to find information about Back to School, Supply Dropoff, and Registration events, but here are reminders about the first days of school: Monday, August 31st: First day of school for 1st-5th grades, 6th grade, and 9th grade Tuesday, September 1:st First day of school for 7th-8th grades, and 10th-12th grades Reminder: Wednesday, September 2nd will be a normally scheduled Late Start Wednesday with all schools starting one hour late. On Late Start Wednesdays, elementary schools begin at 8:40am, Newberg High School begins at 9:15am, middle schools begin at 9:25am, and Catalyst begins at 9:35am.  Your child’s school has been sending out communication about school supplies and what is needed the first weeks of school. This information is also found on each school’s website, but you can use the links below to find each school’s supply lists for students: Antonia Crater Elementary Dundee Elementary Edwards Elementary Ewing Young Elementary Joan Austin Elementary Mabel Rush Elementary Chehalem Valley Middle School Mountain View Middle School Please note that high school supply lists depend on the student’s class schedule. Teachers will communicate with students during the first days of school about which supplies students will need. All high school students are encouraged to bring a backpack, pens, pencils, highlighters, blank paper, and binder with dividers for organization.  COA: Soft Start Information August 31 - Sept. 4: COA K-12 Soft Start: Be on the lookout for communication from COA Teachers Sept. 3rd: Optional Grades K-8 COA Watermelon Social from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 🍉   ParentVue & ParentSquare Setup We’re excited to introduce ParentSquare, our new primary communication tool for families! ParentSquare will make it easier to stay connected and receive important school and district information all in one place. Parents and guardians will be invited to set up their ParentSquare account and download the app. Once connected, you can receive communication through app notifications, emails, and text messages. ParentSquare will be our primary tool for district and school communication, including important text alerts in the event of an emergency. We strongly encourage all families to activate their accounts and make sure their contact information is current. Our goal is simple: make it easy for every family to stay informed, connected, and up to date throughout the school year. This joins two other vital tools that we use in the district, ParentVue and FirstView. Here is a document to keep them clear for your use - all important, all names way too similar for our liking. :) Digital Seeds   [Wednesday, Aug 26 at 2:59 PM] Correction Notice: Please note an update to the key dates listed in Superintendent Dave Parker’s message from August 25. The Kindergarten Soft-Start schedule under the key dates section has been updated. We apologize for any confusion and encourage you to review the full details in the updated August 25th ParentSquare post under the Kindergarten Gradual Entry Plan section.

Tuesday, Aug 25 2026

A Message from Superintendent Dave Parker - Friday, ...

Dear Newberg-Dundee Families and Community Members, We are just two weeks away from the first day of school, and our team is hard at work getting ready to welcome everyone back. Buildings are being prepared, staff are returning, and our focus is on starting the year strong for every student. We are looking forward to seeing our students walk through the doors, and we appreciate the trust you place in us as we begin another year together. I also want to take a few minutes to tell you about an important piece of work that will begin this fall: the District Restructuring Committee. As many of you know, our district is operating with a smaller budget and lower staffing levels than in past years. Last spring, we brought a local option levy to our community, and voters gave us a clear answer. We respect that decision, and we are now looking at how restructuring can help us build a more sustainable district. Roughly $5.7 million in reductions has left us with fewer staff, and while that has pushed class sizes higher, the harder issue is how our schools are currently organized. With so few sections in some of our buildings, we have little room to keep class sizes balanced from one classroom to the next. Reorganizing thoughtfully is how we make the best use of the staff we have, and that is the math problem this committee will help us work through. The purpose of the District Restructuring Committee is to help the district look honestly at that reality and to review options for how our schools are organized so that class sizes stay manageable, resources are used wisely, and students are well served. The committee will study reconfiguration options developed by the district, weigh each one against a consistent set of guiding criteria, and provide clear, well-reasoned feedback. Those criteria include student learning, balanced class sizes, financial sustainability, student safety and transportation, keeping neighborhoods and school communities together where possible, and welcoming, stable environments for all students. The committee is built to reflect our whole district. Each school is forming a team of parents and staff, so that every building and every neighborhood has a voice in the conversation. This is a shared process, and we want the people closest to our students helping us think it through. The committee's role is to review options and provide feedback so that a set of well-considered choices can be brought to the School Board. It will not set the budget or make the final decision. Decisions of that weight rest with the School Board, and any decision will be made thoughtfully and with full public information. In the spirit of transparency, we want the community to be able to follow this work closely. The committee will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the West Commons at Newberg High School on three Thursdays this fall: Thursday, September 3, 2026 Thursday, September 17, 2026 Thursday, October 1, 2026 Each meeting will be livestreamed so that anyone in our community can watch. We will share a link to the livestream before the first meeting. We will also set aside time for board members to hear directly from the public, so your feedback reaches the people who will ultimately weigh these decisions. We are holding these meetings early in the year on purpose. The district needs to prepare for changes for the following school year. That work is substantial, and it takes time to do well. Gathering thoughtful feedback for the Board this fall gives us the runway to plan carefully rather than rush later. This work is not easy, because it affects real students, families, and staff. Our goal is not to win an argument. It is to manage a smaller system well and to keep our schools stable, sustainable, and focused on students. I will continue to keep you informed at every step, and I thank you for your partnership as we begin the year and take on this important work together. With appreciation, Dave Parker Superintendent Newberg-Dundee Public Schools

Friday, Aug 14 2026

Summer Greetings & Upcoming Community Events

Dear Families, We hope you are all having a wonderful, relaxing summer filled with fun and rest! As the weeks wind down, we want to let you know how excited we are to welcome back our students and families. We can’t wait to see everyone in just a few weeks to kick off another great school year. As a service to our community, we are sharing a couple of local flyers below featuring upcoming events and resources. Please note: The inclusion of these materials is strictly for informational purposes. The district does not endorse, sponsor, or supervise the non-district events, organizations, or activities listed in these flyers.  Enjoy the remaining days of summer break, and we look forward to seeing you all very soon! Warm regards, Newberg-Dundee Public Schools

Thursday, Aug 06 2026

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools Names Jessica Renhard ...

Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is pleased to welcome Jessica Renhard as the new Principal of Mountain View Middle School, effective for the 2026–2027 school year. Renhard joins Newberg-Dundee Public Schools with more than 15 years of educational experience, including leadership roles focused on instructional excellence, student achievement, school culture, and systems of support. She currently serves as Associate Principal at Tigard High School, where she leads schoolwide efforts in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), attendance, student behavior, professional learning, teacher supervision and evaluation, and school improvement planning. Prior to her current role, Renhard served as Dean of Students at Tualatin High School, where she helped strengthen student support systems, developed restorative behavior processes, and led initiatives focused on student engagement and success. Her career also includes ten years as a middle and high school mathematics teacher, department coordinator, and instructional leader, giving her a deep understanding of both classroom instruction and educational leadership. "Jessica is an outstanding educator whose leadership is grounded in relationships, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to students," said Superintendent Dave Parker. "Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the ability to build strong teams, support high-quality instruction, and create systems that help every student thrive. We are excited to welcome Jessica to Newberg-Dundee Public Schools and know she will be an exceptional leader for the Mountain View Middle School community." Renhard and her family have proudly called Newberg  home for the past 11 years. She has been married to her husband for 18 years and they have two children attending school in our district. In her free time, Jessica enjoys cheering on her kids in their many activities, spending time outdoors, reading, attending sporting events, or escaping to a sunny beach (especially if it includes the opportunity to scuba dive). Renhard expressed her enthusiasm for joining the district and partnering with students, staff, and families. " I believe we have a truly exciting opportunity to build on the great work already happening at Mountain View Middle School. I am honored and excited to serve a community that has invested so much in my own children and look forward to partnering with students, staff, and families to continue growing together. " Renhard's experience leading instructional improvement, implementing student support systems, and fostering positive school culture aligns closely with the district's commitment to ensuring every student is known, valued, and prepared for future success.

Wednesday, Jul 01 2026