Learning Together and Looking Ahead to Spring Break
As we approach Spring Break, it is a good time to reflect on the progress our students and staff have made so far this school year. This time of year often brings a welcome pause in busy schedules and gives students and families an opportunity to recharge before the final stretch of the school year.
Spring Break also follows a week that highlights something important happening behind the scenes in our district: professional collaboration among educators. Last week, our instructional staff participated in another session of the Rural Collaborative Professional Development hosted through Lane ESD. This partnership brings together educators from five rural districts: Blachly, Crow, Mapleton, Marcola, and McKenzie.
In small rural schools, teachers are often the only educator in their district teaching a particular grade level or subject area. While that can create unique opportunities, it can also mean fewer chances to collaborate with colleagues doing similar work. The Rural Collaborative was created to help break down those silos and bridge what can sometimes feel like islands between districts.
By bringing teachers and educational assistants together for job-alike collaboration, staff members are able to share strategies, discuss challenges, examine student work, and learn from one another. These conversations help strengthen instructional practices and ultimately benefit the students we serve. Last week marked our fourth collaborative session of the school year, and we will gather once more for our final session on May 8 at Marcola. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside neighboring districts in ways that strengthen all of our schools.
As we continue through the spring months, attendance remains an important focus. Our K–12 regular attendance rate has improved to 62 percent. We continue to see stronger attendance habits from our 11th graders, who remain at 78 percent regular attendance, and our kindergarten students, who have improved to a district-leading 83 percent regular attendance. Building strong attendance routines early in a student’s school experience makes a lasting difference in their academic growth and connection to school.
Looking ahead to Spring Break, we encourage students to enjoy the time off while maintaining healthy routines, especially consistent sleep schedules. Returning from break ready to learn helps students transition smoothly into the final months of the school year.
Before we head into the break, we have several events happening across the district this week. Today, the Middle School Boys Basketball team travels to Alsea for their final game of the season. We appreciate the effort and commitment these student-athletes and coaches have shown throughout the season.
On Tuesday, the district’s Advisory Council will meet at 6 p.m. for discussions that help guide and support our school programs.
Wednesday brings our first high school track meet of the season as the team travels to Elmira. Also on Wednesday, the District Board of Directors will hold an Executive Session beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by their regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m.
On Thursday, our fourth through sixth grade students will host a social beginning at 4:00 p.m. This event provides a fun opportunity for students to connect and celebrate the progress they have made together this year.
As we head into Spring Break, I want to thank our students, families, and staff for the continued effort and support that makes our schools strong. Opportunities like the Rural Collaborative remind us that when educators work together, students benefit.
We wish everyone a safe and restful Spring Break and look forward to welcoming students back ready for a strong finish to the school year.