Family Spotlight
The year-round commitment to building positive school communities
Every student deserves to feel safe, welcome, and included. That's a priority in all 32 of our schools, every day of the year. October is Bullying Prevention Month, so it's a good time to share what our schools do and how families can help at home.
What we do at school
We teach the skills students need. Students learn how to be good friends and good students, resolve conflict, and ask for help. Our Life and Career Readiness standards guide lessons on responsible decision-making, empathy, self-awareness, and managing emotions. These lessons also help students see how what they learn in school connects to their future goals. Wayfinder and SchoolLinks are two tools we use to teach them.
At the secondary level (grades 6-12), Sources of Strength peer leaders help lead positive activities that build connection among students. Along with Wayfinder, students also learn through health education and annual lessons on bias.
We set clear expectations together. In the first weeks of school, students learn our school-wide behavior expectations. Each classroom also creates its own norms, so students and teachers share an understanding of how to learn and treat one another. Our Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations and consequences for behavior.
We support our staff. Teachers receive training each year on creating supportive classrooms, such as greeting students by name at the door and giving them chances to work with partners and practice being a good group member. Administrators provide annual training on universal behavior expectations and how to respond. Students are taught those expectations in classrooms.
We respond with care. Sometimes students are unkind to one another, from friendship changes to bullying. When students can't resolve a problem on their own, we teach them how to seek help. Staff are trained to recognize these situations, respond, and support the growth of every student involved.
What families can do at home
Families are key partners in helping children handle tough social situations with compassion, set boundaries, and ask for help. You can:
- Model empathy and respectful, assertive communication.
- Stay involved. Ask open-ended questions about your child's day, friendships, and interactions.
- Help your child build and keep healthy, supportive friendships.
- Talk through difficult situations, especially when your child feels threatened, vulnerable, or alone.
When schools and families work together, students learn to build healthy relationships, speak up when something isn't right, and help create a community where everyone feels safe and supported.
Need support? If you or someone you care about needs help with a difficult situation, please contact your school counselor, teacher, or administrator. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
How is Bend-La Pine Schools helping our youngest learners become stronger, more confident readers?
In this episode of The Supe's On, Dr. Steven Cook talks with elementary administrator Julie Richards and kindergarten teacher Emily Philips about our new science-based approach to early literacy, what it looks like in the classroom, how teachers are learning together, and the encouraging progress students are already making.
Families with young children—and those preparing for kindergarten in the years ahead—won’t want to miss this conversation.
Listen to the latest episode of The Supe's On.
Online: bls.fyi/podcast
Apple Podcasts: bls.fyi/listenonapple
Getting help can be a daunting process. Care Solace provides 24/7/365 mental health care coordination Service for all employees of Bend-La Pine Schools, their family members, as well as our students and their families. Click the button above to connect with Care Solace.
Visit caresolace.com/bls or call 888-515-0595. You’re not alone.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Click the button above to learn more.
Important dates and recognitions
October
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Farm to School Month
National Principals Month
October 2: National Custodian Day
October 5: World Teachers’ Day
October 6: National Coaches Day
October 7: International Walk + Roll to School Day
October 12: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 12-16: National School Lunch Week
October 19-23: National School Bus Safety Week
Student Mental Health
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Family Resources
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Health & Wellness
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School Meals
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Accessing ParentVUE
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Transportation
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