Summer at McKenzie: Preparing for a New School Year Every Student Matters

While summer break gives students a chance to relax and recharge, planning for the next school year is already well underway at McKenzie River Community School. Throughout the summer, I’d like to use this space to give our community a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, planning, and preparation taking place as we get ready to welcome students back on August 31.

This week, I’d like to begin with a topic that is at the heart of every school district, enrollment.

When people hear that schools are encouraging families to register their students, they often assume it’s simply about the numbers. While enrollment certainly affects school funding, every student who walks through our doors represents so much more than that.

Every student brings unique talents, interests, ideas, and experiences that strengthen our school community. They become teammates on our athletic fields, performers in our music program, leaders in our classrooms, members of clubs and organizations, and friends to one another. Every additional student enriches the educational experience for everyone.

Enrollment also provides the resources that allow us to offer the opportunities our community values. Each student helps support the teachers, educational programs, transportation, extracurricular activities, and student services that make McKenzie such a special place to learn. In a small rural district, every student truly makes a difference.

Families often ask what makes McKenzie unique. I believe the answer is our relationships. Our small class sizes allow teachers to know every student well. Staff members work together across grade levels to support children from their first day of kindergarten through graduation. Students have opportunities to participate in athletics, music, leadership, career and technical education, outdoor learning, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Our Graduate Portrait continues to guide this work as we prepare students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens.

Those opportunities are possible because of a community that believes in its schools.

Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open, and we encourage families to complete the process as early as possible. Early registration helps us finalize class lists, plan transportation routes, prepare classrooms, order instructional materials, and ensure every student has a great start to the school year.

Families can register online through the Student Enrollment page on the McKenzie School District website. Our elementary, high school, and district offices remain open Monday through Thursday throughout the summer for anyone needing assistance. We will also offer in-person registration on August 11 and August 12.

Looking ahead, high school fall sports practices begin on August 17, Meet the Teacher Night will be held on August 28, and students will return for the first day of school on Monday, August 31. We are excited to welcome back returning students and families while also greeting those who will be joining the McKenzie community for the first time.

If you know a family that is new to the area, has an incoming kindergarten student, or is considering McKenzie River Community School, please encourage them to learn more about what our schools have to offer. Registration information is available on the district website at www.mckenziesd.org under Student Enrollment, or families may contact the District Office at 541-822-3338 for assistance.

Thank you for your continued support of McKenzie schools. Throughout the summer, I’ll continue sharing updates on the many projects and preparations taking place as we look ahead to another outstanding school year. We can’t wait to welcome our students back on August 31.