Notes From The Den

Cougars,

I hope you and your family are enjoying a summer filled with rest, adventure, and time together. August an exciting month filled with planning and anticipation. Our administrative team is back at work getting classrooms ready, refining schedules, hiring new team members, planning school events and making sure everything is in place for a strong start this fall. We are excited to welcome both familiar and new faces back to Mountain View and embark on another year of learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.

Below are a few key notes that will help families begin preparing for fall:

• MVHS has a new Assistant Principal - Steve Pape
• Free meals are available for students through late August at multiple locations. Details on meal times, dates and locations are noted below.
• Main Office and Athletics offices are now open Mon-Fri from 8am-3pm. Feel free to call our staff with any general questions at 541-355-4406.
• Fall Sports Registration is open. All registration steps must be complete by Aug 12.
• Freshman return to school for an orientation day on Wednesday, Sept 9. This will be a full school day, releasing at 3:45pm. All grades (9-12) return for our official first day of school on Thursday, Sept 10. A detailed schedule and more instructions will be sent home via email later in August.
• Check out the 2026-27 BLS District Calendar for full details on this year, including non-school days and scheduled holiday breaks.

We can't wait to welcome our students and families back in September with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and continued commitment to helping every student find their place and thrive at MVHS.

Below you will find further details and other helpful information. Also keep an eye on our school website for important back-to-school information in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

Go Cougars! 🐾

Michael Hicks, Principal

1. Meet Our New AP
2. BLS Summer Meals
3. Sports Registration Open on FinalForms
4. Supports Over Summer

Dear Cougar Families and Students,

Now that I've started full time at Mountain View, I wanted to reach out and share how excited I am to join the Cougar Community. As I get ready for the school year, I've been thinking a lot about how important it will be for me to see Mountain View through the eyes of the students and families I'm here to serve. So, I'm looking forward to getting to know as many of you as possible in these first weeks.

A bit about me in the meantime… This will be my 26th year in education, including work as a social studies teacher and administrator in schools across Beaverton, Portland, and New Orleans, as well as overseas in the Czech Republic. Most recently, I served as a vice principal at Lincoln High School in Portland. I'm someone who loves being in classrooms and watching teachers and students in the middle of real learning is what brings me the most join in my work. But I'm just as happy at a football game, a band concert, an FFA event, or a school dance. If you see me around campus this fall, that's exactly where I want to be.

As exciting as this move is for me professionally, it is also great news for my family. My wife and I have been living apart the past few years while she worked here in Bend as the county auditor, and I stayed in Portland so our son could finish high school at Lincoln. Now that he's headed off to college, our timing finally lined up. That said, being a dad will continue to be my most important role, even at a distance, and I look forward to bringing that same "what's best for my kid" perspective with me into this role.

I know Mountain View is already a strong, special community, and I know I still have a lot to learn about what makes it that way. To that end, I'd love to hear directly from students and families about what matters most to you and your student's experience here. September will bring plenty of natural chances to connect, but if you happen to be on campus in August, please stop by the Main Office and say hello. I'd genuinely love to meet you.

Looking forward to a great year together,
Steve

Bend-La Pine Schools will offer healthy meals at no charge to children and teens at four outdoor locations this summer. The program, open to anyone 18 and younger, begins Monday, June 16 and continues through the middle of August. Details on locations and times can be found on the BLS website here.

Fall sports registration is open now. Athletes must complete their online registration, pay participation fees (as well as reconcile any outstanding fees/fines) and have a current physical on file to be cleared to participate in fall sports. Details can be found on the MVHS Athletic website or families can call the athletic office at 541-355-4500 for additional help.

• August 12 - Registrations due by 3:00 PM to ensure athletes are cleared for tryouts on August 17
• August 17 - First Mandatory Practice / Athletic Office Closed

sportsYou

Students and parents can connect with coaches, see practice & game schedules and much more through the sportsYou platform. Download the app or login online and use the athletic code provided to get connected to your sport.

As summer break begins, we encourage students to make the most of this well-deserved time off. Take a break from screens, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the activities that bring you joy. Summer Break Checklist:

• Rest and recharge
• Spend time outdoors
• Stay active
• Unplug from devices
• Declutter and refresh your space

988: If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect to staff prepared to provide compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.

• English: Text or Call 988
• Español: Llame 988 or envia “AYUDA” al 988

The School-Based Health Center located on the west side of the MVHS campus will remain OPEN ALL SUMMER to support your child’s medical and behavioral health needs! Whether it’s a check-up, immunizations, sports physicals, or support for mental and emotional well-being — our team is here for you.

Mosaic Community Health : 541-383-3005

Hours of Operation:

Monday Closed

Tues-Fri 8am-5pm

Stay healthy and safe this summer — and don’t hesitate to reach out!

Happenings Through Summer

Aug 3 : MVHS Main Office & Athletic Office Open

Aug 12 : Fall Sports Registrations due by 3:00pm

Aug 17 : First Mandatory Sports Practice / Athletic Office Closed

Aug 17 : MVHS Counseling Office Open (registrar only for enrollments)

Back To School 2026-27 - BLS Family Calendar English/Spanish

First Week of Sept : Student Class Schedules available in StudentVUE/ParentVUE

Sept 9 : Freshman Only Day, full school day, 3:45pm release time

Sept 10 : First Day of School, all grades

Sept 23 : Back to School Night, 5:30-8pm

Keep your eye on the calendar page of the MVHS website for full details of all school happenings!

2755 NE 27th Street, Bend, OR 97701

Open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm, Main Phone: 541-355-4400