Miller News
April 15, 2025
Springfield High School's Mission Statement
Portrait of an SHS Graduate
At Springfield High, we are integrating our efforts so that all students will become:
- Engaged individuals: An SHS graduate is an adaptable and productive member of the community.
- Innovative problem solvers: An SHS graduate is resourceful.
- Ethical decision makers: An SHS graduate thinks deeply and makes informed decisions.
- Effective communicators: An SHS graduate listens actively, speaks and writes clearly and respectfully.
- Productive collaborators: An SHS graduate engages with others to achieve common goals.
From the Principal
Dear Families,
As we guide our students through their high school journey, it is essential that we work together to ensure they are not only meeting graduation requirements but also building a strong foundation for their future. High school is more than just a series of classes—it’s a time for students to discover their interests, challenge themselves, and prepare for success to go beyond graduation.
We encourage all students to earn their credits with purpose. This means:
Passing Core Academic Classes
Core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies are critical for developing essential skills and knowledge. Consistent success in these areas helps students stay on track for graduation and builds the academic habits necessary for college and career success.Going Beyond the Minimum Requirements
While meeting the basic credit requirements is necessary, we encourage students to take additional courses that align with their interests and goals. Exploring electives in technology, the arts, world languages, or career and technical education can open doors to new passions and career paths.Enrolling in Advanced or Dual-Credit Courses
Advanced Placement (AP) and College Now dual-enrollment courses not only challenge students academically but also offer the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. These courses can save time and money in the future and demonstrate a student’s readiness for higher education.High school is a time for students to take ownership of their learning and plan intentionally for their future. Whether their goals include college, technical training, military service, or joining the workforce, thoughtful course selection and a strong academic foundation are key.
We appreciate your continued support in helping your student make informed, purposeful choices about their education. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your student’s academic progress or course planning, please don’t hesitate to contact our counseling office.
Together, we can ensure that every student is prepared and empowered for life after high school.
Sincerely,
Principal da Silva
Calendar Items
General 🗓️
A - B - A - B - Grading Day
Apr. 15: Parent Partnership Council; 5:30 pm, Library
Apr. 17, 18, 19: Acting Ensemble Spring Show; 7:00 pm
Apr. 18: Grading Day/ End of 3rd Quarter/ No School
Apr. 21: C Day
Apr. 24: Mckenzie River Middle School Orchestra Festival
Apr. 30: Middle School Orchestra Showcase
May 3: Prom
Athletics
Apr 14: V Boys Golf @ Eugene CC - 11am
Apr 15: Boys Tennis vs Churchill - 4pm
Apr 15: Girls Tennis @ Churchill - 4pm
Apr 15: Baseball vs Eagle Point - 5pm
Apr 15: Softball @ Eagle Point - 5pm
Apr 16: Track & Field @ Churchill - 3:30pm
Apr 17: Boys Tennis vs North Eugene - 4pm
Apr 17: Girls Tennis @ North Eugene - 4pm
Apr 17: Flag Football @ Creswell - 7pm
Apr 19: Boys Tennis @ N. Bend/Marshfield - 10am
Apr 19: Girls Tennis @ N. Bend/Marshfield - 10am
Apr 19: Baseball @ Eagle Point - 1 and 3 pm
Apr 19: Softball vs Eagle Point - 3 and 5 pm
Field Trips
Apr 16: Habitat Team Field Trip (all day)
Apr 16: YTP/SpEd to Knife River Training (all day)
Apr 17: YTP/SpEd to Pipe Works Studio (12-2:30pm)
Future Late Work Deadlines: 5/8, 6/5
Congratulations!
Here's to Kaleidoscope!
Kaleidoscope took 2nd place at the 48th annual Pleasant Hill Jazz Festival! They had a peak performance in the evening finals and truly made Springfield proud. Such dedication to their musicianship and showmanship. Other notable awards--Nadia Plumb and Brianna Hernandez took 2nd and 3rd place in the vocal solo division (respectively) and Jazmynne Sunderland won the Mike Wiggins Memorial Outstanding Vocalist Award!
More Congratulations!
Concert Chorale
Our Concert Chorale's performance at the Midwestern League Contest earned 1st place for the second year in a row and earned an automatic spot in the OSAA State Choir Championships on May 9th.
Thank you for supporting our SHOWCASE!
Class of 2029!
Thank you to all of you who came to support our future Millers at our Incoming Freshman Showcase on Thursday last week. We had about 165 future freshman and their families attend. We look forward to welcoming them to campus in the fall!
PBIS
🌟 PBIS Friday Recap: SHARP Accountability & Miller Money Launch! 🌟
Springfield High School is excited to announce the launch of our refreshed PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system—featuring an updated SHARP framework and the official debut of Miller Money!
✅ New Focus in SHARP: Accountability
We’ve updated our SHARP expectations to better reflect the values we want to cultivate in our school. The “A” in SHARP now stands for Accountability, replacing “Appreciation.” This shift encourages students to take ownership of their actions and choices both in and out of the classroom.
💰 Miller Money Is Here!
Miller Money is a new school-wide incentive program designed to recognize and reward students for showing strong character, responsibility, and effort.
Students can earn Miller Money by:
Exhibiting SHARP behavior with peers and teachers
Engaging in academic excellence and consistent effort
Participating in school events and giving back through service
Students can redeem their earned Miller Money for a wide variety of items and experiences—from candy, school supplies, and lunch passes to SHS gear, event tickets, and exclusive experiences like “Principal for a Day!”
💡 A Vision from Student Voice: The Origin of Miller Money
Allison Sharpe, our Leadership teacher at SHS, was genuinely excited—because the idea for Miller Money actually originated from a student project in her class!
Last year, SHS students Ellen Auxier and Reilyn Beckes pitched the idea of a positive currency system during their “Sharpe Tank” presentation to the PBIS team. Their idea was simple but powerful:
“Every day, students show up and put in the work… [and] every day [they wonder] what they could do better to be recognized.”
At the heart of their vision was a desire to uplift and affirm everyday student effort—and now, that vision has come to life. When Ellen and Reilyn saw the rollout of Miller Money, they were thrilled and deeply grateful that their idea was embraced and brought to reality.
Their story is a perfect reminder that student voice matters, and when we listen to our young leaders, amazing things happen.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Miller Money isn’t just about rewards—it’s about recognizing growth, consistency, and the character traits that build a strong school community. We are so proud of the student contributions that helped launch this initiative and the team effort behind it.
Let’s keep the momentum going, SHS!
PBIS Rocks! 💙
Earn It. Save It. Spend It. Make a Difference.
AP Testing
Dear AP Students and Families,
As we approach AP testing season, we want to ensure that everyone is informed and well-prepared for a smooth and successful experience. Below you’ll find important details regarding exam dates, locations, formats, and key reminders to help students feel confident and ready.
📅 Springfield High School AP Exam Schedule
📚 AP English Literature & Composition
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: SHS Library
Format: Digital Exam
🏛️ AP U.S. History
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Room Library
Format: Digital Exam
💰 AP Macroeconomics
Date: Friday, May 9th
Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
Location: Room Library
Format: Hybrid (Part Paper, Part Digital)
💵 AP Exam Fees & Payment Information
If you would like to make a payment at this time, you can access our Payment Portal here:
👉 https://or-springfield.intouchreceipting.com
You may also pay in person at the SHS Main Office by asking for our Bookkeeper, Kristen Anderson.
The remainder of the exam fee is due by May 2nd, 2025.
If the deposit deadline is too soon:
If your household can afford the exam fees but the deposit deadline presents a challenge, please have your student reach out to their counselor immediately to make arrangements.
If your household cannot afford the exam fees:
Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for financial support. Please have your student contact their counselor immediately. You can check the eligibility guidelines here:
👉 Income Eligibility Chart
Late and Cancellation Fees:
Ordering after this date adds a $40 late fee.
If a student chooses not to take the exam after it’s been ordered, families are responsible for the $40 unused/cancellation fee (the deposit covers this fee).
For any questions about payments or fees, please contact Betsy Johnson at
📧 betsy.johnson@springfield.k12.or.us.
🧠 What Students Need to Know
✅ What to Bring:
A photo ID (school or government-issued)
#2 pencils (non-mechanical) and black/blue pens
College Board-approved calculator (if applicable)
Fully charged Chromebook and charger (for digital/hybrid exams)
Water and a snack (to be kept in a designated area)
⚠️ What NOT to Bring:
Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other electronics
Notes, books, or study materials (unless approved)
Mechanical pencils, highlighters, or colored pens
💻 Technology Notes
All students taking digital or hybrid exams must:
Charge their Chromebook fully the night before
Bring their charger
Restart and update their device
Check in digitally at the start of the exam
If your student has any tech issues, please have them see Mrs. Schneider in the Library as soon as possible.
⏱️ On Test Day
Arrive at least 15 minutes early
Listen carefully to proctor instructions
Raise your hand for assistance
No talking, sharing materials, or using electronics
🎉 After the Exam
Remain seated until dismissed
Do not discuss specific exam questions (College Board policy)
Celebrate your accomplishment—you’ve earned it!
We are proud of our AP students and all the effort they’ve put in this year. Families, we appreciate your partnership in making sure students are prepared and present.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Betsy Johnson
Safe Routes to School
Adaptive Bike Open House
Join Safe Routes to School for the Student Adaptive Bike Open House at the Hilyard Community Center on Tuesday, May 6 from 3:30-6:30 PM. Attendees can test different types of adaptive bicycles and learn bike handling and traffic safety skills. All ages of students and their families are welcome.
…
Acompaña a Safe Routes to School para una demonstración de bicicletas adaptadas en el Hilyard Community Center el martes 6 de mayo de 3:30 a 6:30 PM. Los asistentes pueden probar diferentes tipos de bicicletas adaptadas y aprender el manejo de la bicicleta y las habilidades de seguridad vial. Todas las edades de los estudiantes y sus familias son bienvenidos
Prom is Coming!
From the College and Career Corner
College/Career Coordinator: Cindy Dapkus
COLLEGE AND CAREER CORNER: The College and Career Center is located in the library and welcome to all grades for drop-in visits and appointments with Mrs. Dapkus and our amazing UO SAIL mentors.
CCC UPCOMING DATES
April - May 1 LCC RTEC 101 for registered seniors 11:00-12:00 Tues & Thurs
4/16 OSU Admitted Student meeting 11:00 in the library
4/17 Central Oregon Community College 12:00 in the library
4/30 Scherer Scholarship Interviews 1:00pm in the conference room
5/8 Hiring Fair for Seniors (register in Google classroom)
5/8 LCC Admitted Students 1:00-3:30 in the library - Seniors attend!
5/14 Rotary Scholarship Interviews 10:00-12:00 in the conference room
5/28 Senior Awards Night 7:00 pm in the auditorium
SCHOLARSHIP SEASON: It’s officially scholarship season! The only way to receive $$$, is to apply for $$$! Check out the scholarship spreadsheets: 2025 Senior Scholarships 9-11 GRADE Scholarships 24-25
LANE CAREER ACADEMY: EMERGENCY SERVICES! Current sophomores & juniors only!
WHERE: Virtual coursework at school and skill days on site at local fire districts.
WHEN: 36 weeks, M-Th, 8:30-9:30 or 10:30-11:30 (synchronous zoom) and 10 skill days throughout the school year on Saturdays.
BENEFITS: Earn high school and college credits, real world experience, hands-on professional training, and Industry recognized Credentials for EMT. Ask your counselor!!!
HOPE FACTORY Juniors, are you interested in the trades? Consider applying for the Hope Factory for next year. Check Mrs. Dapkus’ Google classroom for details.Hope Factory
GATEWAYS COSMETOLOGY ACADEMY Current Sophomores ONLY:
Courses cover:
○ Hair Design/Barbering/Nails/Esthetics
○ State Laws & Regulations
○ Prepare for Oregon Cosmetology Exam
UO SAIL CAMP application IS OPEN to current 10th & 11th grade students! There will be one week of day camp offered July 14-18. Limited space this year
so get your application in ASAP! SAIL
SENIORS: The College & Career Center wants to reward your hard work!!! Here are some ways we want to celebrate YOU:
FAFSA/ORSAA - Successful Submission - FULL SIZE CANDY BAR
College Acceptance - COLLEGE BOUND T-shirt
MERIT Scholarship Awards - TRUFFLE jar
SENIORS: FAFSA or ORSAA? It’s not too late to fill out the FAFSA or ORSAA!!! Hurry before it’s too late!!!
OREGON PROMISE Seniors, if you have a 2.0 GPA or above, you may be eligible for the Oregon Promise Grant which could potentially pay for up to 90 credits at community college. When applying, please select the 3rd option regarding your transcript (Mrs. Dapkus will automatically submit the transcript for you).
OPPORTUNITIES for ALL students: Internship Opportunities Job Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities SHS Summer Opportunities
Student and Family Resources
SHS Health Center
The Springfield Schools Health Center (SSHC) is a Community Health Centers of Lane County clinic that is located on the SHS campus near the soccer field. This clinic offers primary care to children 0-18 years old, mental health services, and more. We bill insurance, accept Medicare, Medicaid, and OHP. If uninsured, we can still see you and have our Access Team help you and the entire family get signed up for health insurance.
541-682-3550
Schedule an appointment Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm
Drop-in appointments available every: Monday/Thursday/Friday at 11:30am, 1:30pm, & 3:00pm; Tuesday, 1:30pm & 3:00pm
1050 10th St. (on the corner of 10th & Healthy Way)
Springfield, OR 97477
SSHC specific CHC page: Springfield Schools Health Center/Community Health Centers of Lane County
Quick References
Who do you call?
Administration Team
Principal (12th grade): José da Silva (541.744.4782)
9th Grade: Lisa Dillon (541.744.4795)
10th Grade: Tracy Ross (541.744.4783)
11th Grade: Betsy Johnson (541.744.4815)
Counseling Team
9th Grade: Damaris Carlson (541-744-4866)
10th Grade: Kimberlee Montoya (541-744-4796)
11th Grade: Matt Adams (541-744-4793)
12th Grade: Ally Goertzen (541-744-4346)
Mental Health Coordinator: Robyn Eicks (541-744-4797)
Multicultural Liaison: Elena Espinoza (541-744-4780)
Springfield High School
Principal: Jose daSilva
Website: http://shs.springfield.k12.or.us/
Location: 875 West 7th Avenue
Phone: 541-744-4700