MSD Family Update

Dear McMinnville and Lafayette families,

As we enter December and prepare for winter break, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a time of rest and renewal. This time of year invites reflection, gratitude, and connection, and it also reminds us how important it is to take care of one another.

Our schools play a unique and vital role in supporting students, especially when students or families may be experiencing stress or change. Every day across our district, our teams work to wrap around students so they feel safe, supported, and known. That work shows up in many ways through caring relationships with teachers and staff, counseling and mental health supports, consistent routines, family outreach, and simple acts of kindness that let students know they belong. When students feel safe, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Our schools do not do this work alone. We are part of a strong and connected community that believes deeply in the power of public education. Our schools are more than buildings, they are places where students are welcomed as they are, families are valued as partners, and differences are met with care and respect. They are spaces where we teach not only academic skills, but also empathy, resilience, and the importance of looking out for one another.

This season, I am especially grateful for the educators, support staff, administrators, and community partners who show up every day with compassion and commitment. Whether supporting a student through a difficult moment, helping a family access resources, or creating joyful experiences that build belonging, their work reflects the values of this community and the promise of public education.

Things to know this month:

Holiday Activities

There are so many seasonal opportunities in our community for kids to take a break from their screens, including:

• Winter Fun events at the McMinnville Library and the Winter Reading Challenge.
• Budding writers and poets can enter the annual Paper Gardens contest. Student submissions are free, and the entry window opens Friday, Jan. 2.
• Winter Painting Camp (ages 7 - 16) through McMinnville Parks & Rec at the McMinnville Community Center.
  
• Find other opportunities under the blue Peachjar button on your school website’s home page.

No Cell Phones Feedback

The Oregon Department of Education is offering a chance to share your voice on why cell phone-free schools matter. Staff, families and students are invited to submit 15- to 30-second videos about the benefits of the “away for the day” policy. Click here for details.

Assistance for Families over the Break

Winter Break is a time of joy for many families, but for some, the holidays can be overwhelming and stressful. If you are struggling with last-minute child-care arrangements, you can reach out via phone, text or email to 211 for referrals to camps, child care, and enrichment programs for children of all ages. Families looking for holiday assistance such as food baskets, toys, clothing or rent can also contact 211. The Yamhill County Community Care resource guide has a wealth of support possibilities for families. Resources range from crisis intervention to ongoing mental health support to legal assistance.

Assistance for Students Over the Break

Not having access to the supports available at school can be difficult for students during breaks. If your student is struggling, there are several resources you can access, including:

• YouthLine (For older elementary, middle or high school students) Support 24/7 with peer, teen-to-teen help from 4 - 10 p.m.
  
• Yamhill County Youth Services 24/7 crisis line hotline 844-842-8200
  
• Dial 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 support in English and Spanish

Give a Valentine

For those hard-to-find-the-right-gift people, why not buy a ticket (or table) for the “Schools: A Work of Heart” event coming up on Saturday, February 7, 2026? The four-course wine-pairing dinner and auction is presented by the McMinnville Education Foundation, and all proceeds benefit students in our district!

Swingin’ on a Star

The annual “Swingin’ on a Star” fundraiser returns Saturday, January 24, 2026. The show-stopping gala supports music education in the district and features student performances including the high school’s jazz choir, the Twilighters. The event includes a limited number of dinner tickets with more tickets available for show-only seats. Buy tickets here.

Hold a Holiday Huddle

Keeping kids safe means leaning into challenging conversations before issues arise. As we head into Winter break, you might consider talking with your middle/high school kids about the danger of fentanyl. Did you know 45 percent of teens don’t know about fake prescription pills? You can start the talk that could save their life. Find more info and guidance here.

As we head into winter break, I encourage families to slow down, spend time together, and take care of yourselves and one another. Please know that our schools remain committed to supporting students and families now and in the months ahead.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and belief in our schools. Wishing you peace, warmth, and rest this holiday season. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the new year.

Sincerely,

Kourtney Ferrua, D.Ed.

Superintendent