Supporting Students at Home During the Spring Transition
As we move deeper into March, we also move into one of the busiest transitions of the school year. The time change, longer daylight hours, spring sports, and a full calendar of school activities can make this time exciting but also a little challenging for students and families. This week, I’d like to focus on ways we can support students at home as we head into the spring season.
The recent shift to daylight saving time often means darker mornings and brighter evenings, which can make it harder for students to maintain consistent sleep routines. Sleep is one of the most important factors in student readiness to learn. When students get enough rest, they are better able to focus, manage emotions, and stay engaged throughout the school day.
Families can support students during this transition by helping maintain consistent bedtime routines, limiting screen time before bed, and encouraging a healthy balance between activities and rest. As schedules become busier with sports and spring events, it becomes even more important to make sure students are getting the sleep and structure they need to succeed.
Regular attendance is another important piece of student success. Currently, our K–12 regular attendance rate is 60 percent. We continue to work toward improving that number and appreciate the efforts families make each day to ensure students arrive ready to learn. We are encouraged by some bright spots within our school. Our 11th graders are leading the way with 78 percent regular attendance, and in our elementary grades, kindergarten students are showing strong habits with 75 percent regular attendance. Building consistent attendance routines early helps set the stage for long-term success in school.
As we approach the final months of the school year, every day of learning counts. Students who attend regularly not only keep up with their coursework, but they also maintain stronger connections with teachers, classmates, and school activities. Those relationships are an important part of the school experience.
This week also brings a full calendar of events across the district. Monday, middle and high school grade checks are due to Angie, and middle school track practice begins. Tuesday, the Golf Club will meet at Tokatee after school, and our Winter Sports Awards will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria as we celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes and coaches from the winter season.
On Wednesday, the Middle School Boys Basketball team will host Triangle Lake for their final home games of the season with a 4:30 p.m. tip-off. That evening, the PTO will hold its monthly meeting via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. We appreciate the ongoing support our PTO provides to students, staff, and programs across the district.
Friday, our teachers and educational assistants will participate in another session of the Rural Collaborative Professional Development at Lane ESD. This partnership allows educators from several rural districts to come together, collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen instructional practices that benefit students in our communities.
Finally, on Saturday, McKenzie will host the Mountain West League Boys Basketball A Team Tournament. We look forward to welcoming visiting teams and families and appreciate the community support that helps make these events possible.
Spring is a season of growth and momentum for our students. By working together—supporting healthy routines at home, maintaining strong attendance habits, and encouraging students to stay engaged—we can help ensure a successful finish to the school year.
Thank you for the many ways you continue to support McKenzie students every day.