Alsea School District

As we wrap up the school year, we want to thank our students, families, staff, and community for their support, patience, and partnership throughout a year of growth and change.

Together, we overcame challenges, implemented new systems to improve efficiency and compliance, strengthened our school culture, and developed Response to Intervention (RTI) structures that will help us better support all learners in the years ahead. We also welcomed new staff members who have brought fresh energy and expertise to our schools.

While there is always more work to do, we are proud of the progress we've made and excited about the direction our district is heading. The foundation we have built this year positions us for continued growth and success.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you next year!

Ms. Knudson

Students will have a whole new addition of elective courses in the 2026-27 year.

These include: Spanish, ASL, Theater, E-Dynamics Coding + Animation, AP Environmental Science, Pre-Calculus, MS Speed + Agility, Myths + Folklore, Cooking, Military History, Creative Writing and History of Music - Rock.

Hello, Families!

My name is Patrick McKnight, and I am excited to be joining the Alsea School District this year. I have been working in education for over 30 years, including 6 of those years as a Dean of Students and Behavioral Specialist.

I am honored to not only join your district as Dean of Students, but also as the new Head Coach of the Men's Basketball Program. With more than 35 years of coaching experience, I look forward to working with our student-athletes as they continue to grow, develop, and prepare for their futures both on and off the court.

One interesting thing about me is that I also own a BBQ business in Newport, Oregon. Smoking meats for family, friends, and customers has become a passion of mine. It allows me to be creative while bringing people together around great food and great conversations.

What I am most looking forward to is getting to know the students, families, and staff while helping create a positive, supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed. I am excited to become part of a community that values relationships, hard work, and student success.

I look forward to meeting all of you and having a fantastic year together!

Go Wolverines!

-Patrick McKnight

Hello, Alsea Community!

My name is Reagan Larson, and I recently graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. As someone from Alsea, I am beyond grateful to be completing my first year of teaching in the place where I was born and raised. The tight-knit atmosphere, care, and compassion this community exudes are what make Alsea so special, and I am ecstatic to be returning to my roots and giving back to a place that’s propelled me forward.

I come from a family of educators and have always loved learning. I am looking forward to sharing my love for learning and passion for math with all of my students. I am also looking forward to supporting students in their extracurricular activities and being involved in the community once again.

I cannot wait to begin the next school year and show my students that, contrary to popular belief, math really can be fun!

I will see all of you next year, have a wonderful summer!

- Reagan Larson

Hello, Alsea!

Most of you all have probably seen me around the halls pushing a broom, coaching the middle school boys in football or basketball, or perhaps you have heard me announcing at a varsity sporting event, but if you haven't, my name is Talon Sims and I am so proud to be your new Alsea School District Athletic Director!

I will also be teaching two middle school classes this fall. I grew up in Corvallis and three of my older cousins graduated from Alsea. I look after my grandmother who has lived here for over 40 years.

I am proud to be a Wolverine and have lots of exciting plans for the future of Alsea Athletics! Go Blue!

Talon Sims

Hi, I'm Ms. Schmidt!

I am from Aumsville, Oregon and have been part of agriculture education for a majority of my life. I graduated from Cascade Senior High School and I am an OSU Agriculture Sciences Alumni.

As a student, I participated in 4-H and was very active in my high school's FFA Chapter. In my free time, I love to crochet and cross stitch, hike, and continue learning through reading non-fiction books and watching documentaries.

I am excited to meet students, parents, and community members in the coming school year!

Hi!

My name is Shane Mount-Rubenfeld, and in school I generally go by Mr. MR or Mister Mister. I've been teaching sixth grade at Alsea since March, and I'm excited to move up to middle school with the rising 6th and 7th graders. I especially love teaching history, literature and writing, and my favorite thing is watching young people more deeply explore their own interests with curiosity and commitment.

I have two boys at home (3 and 6 this fall) and we spend a lot of time playing together and pretending to be characters from stories, books and TV shows. I love relatively obscure sports, and among others I've competed most seriously in ultimate frisbee, rugby, Gaelic football and darts.

I currently coach the Oregon State University men's ultimate team and play on a Nationals-level grandmasters' team based in Portland -- but so far only my wife has competed at a World Championship in our family! When there's time after all the bedtimes, practices and housekeeping I read a lot of history, historical fiction and fantasy.

Lynsey McClintock Wood - Middle/High ELA teacher

Mrs. McClintock comes to us with experience teaching in Arizona and has recently moved back 'home' to Oregon to raise her family and work with our families! Welcome, Ms. McClintock.

We want to thank our staff and wish them the best in their new endeavors. Thanks for your years of service at Alsea Schools.

Catherine Ellis (ELA - Music opportunities may still be in our future...)

Joe Harris (Assistant Principal)

Jake Schlechter (MS/HS Math)

Ricki Hendrix (PE /Health/Jr. Seminar-Personal Finance and MS Track)

Leslie Boser (Special Education)

Our FFA chapter held their first banquet and auction, which was extremely successful.

The chapter raised $5000 thanks to our generous donors and community who supported this beautiful event.

Alsea School District is excited to offer summer learning this July and August for all students in grades K - 12. If you are interested in boosting reading, writing and math as well as dabbling in foreign language, art, cooking, music and adventures please register NOW.

https://forms.gle/ufQZ8ydca7gTWH9N8

Through the most recent Executive Order (EO 26-06) we have updated our bell schedule and academic calendar. We have restructured our day to be more efficient with time and ensure our minutes are met without extending our year or adding back Fridays.

School will begin at 7:45 with a learning breakfast session that feeds into first period with dismissal at 3:30.

The last day of school will now be on June 10th, with graduation on June 4th. This better aligns with neighboring districts as well.

Alsea SD has also upgraded to a new website and compatible App: Apptegy. When it is fully operational, we will send out communications on how to download the app and get our mass communications in one place. Remind will not be in business after this year, so we have been in the process of moving to Apptegy. Our new website has already transitioned and you will notice these features when you visit: https://www.alsea.k12.or.us/

All communications posted to our website will automatically update to our Facebook and Instagram social media sites as well.

SportsYOU is our team/sports communication platform, so if your student participates in athletics you will receive an invite for this.

All of these upgrades are compliant with insurance requirements.

As the school year comes to a close, summer offers an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and prepare for the year ahead. Here are a few simple tips to make the most of your break:

• Prioritize Rest: Allow time to sleep in, relax, and recover from the busy school year.
• Stay Active: Enjoy outdoor activities, walks, swimming, hiking, or family adventures to support physical and mental well-being.
• Keep Learning: Read for pleasure, explore a new hobby, visit local libraries, or engage in hands-on learning experiences. (JOIN US for summer learning July 20 - August 13)
• Limit Screen Time: Balance technology use with outdoor play, creativity, and face-to-face connections.
• Maintain Routines: Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and daily structure can make the transition back to school much smoother. We know...good luck with this reminder.
• Spend Time Together: Summer is a great time to strengthen family relationships and create lasting memories.
• Practice Kindness and Gratitude: Small acts of kindness and appreciation can have a big impact on those around us.
• Stay Safe: Remember water safety, sun protection, and healthy habits while enjoying summer activities.

We hope all of our students and families enjoy a safe, healthy, and well-deserved summer break. Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the school year. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for another great year ahead!

Alsea Staff