Briggs Tiger Tracks🐅

Dear Briggs Families,

Briggs Middle School will be participating in the 2026 Oregon Student Health Survey (SHS) during the week of November 9–13. This survey is administered to 6th- and 8th-grade students and is sponsored by the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education.

The survey provides an opportunity for students to share information about their health and well-being, including topics related to physical and mental health, school safety, school climate, and student experiences. The information collected helps schools and communities better understand and support the needs of students.

Participation in this survey is voluntary. Students may choose not to participate or may skip any question they do not feel comfortable answering. Survey responses are anonymous, and procedures are in place to protect student privacy.

Parent Information and Opt-Out Process

Attached to this email are parent notification letters in both English and Spanish. These letters provide additional information about the survey and include a form for families who do not wish to have their student participate.

• If you are comfortable with your student participating, no action is needed.

• If you do not want your student to participate, please complete and return the opt-out form to the Briggs Middle School office before November 9.

• You may review the survey and learn more by visiting Oregon Student Health Survey.

We encourage families to review the attached information and reach out to our office if they have any questions.

Hi Briggs Families! Our all-student vision screening is next Tuesday October 20th.

Student health screenings are coordinated by Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Health Services and performed each school year for grades K-8. SPS partners with the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation for vision. Please kindly contact your school health aide if you do not want your student to participate in vision screening

Health screenings play an integral part in children’s development and well-being. Because childhood health problems can eventually develop into chronic adult conditions, screenings that students are given in school can help detect potential health problems and improve the overall health of every student.

Healthy students are better learners and routine checks ensure that they are healthy and fit so they can meet their full academic potential. School health screenings help in the early detection of health conditions.

For vision screenings, the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation uses the innovative Hillrom Welch Allyn Spot™ device to screen students. The device has the ability to reliably screen for several vision issues in a matter of seconds.

Picture retake day is Wednesday, October 21 during all three grade lunches. There are paper flyers in the office or you may order online at mylifetouch.com using the picture day ID: EVTNG2X4M

Our most significant adjustment right now is the temporary closure of our Commons area. Students are eating breakfast and lunch in the Auxiliary Gym, while continuing to access the kitchen for their meals. We have established designated walking paths and are working closely with students to reinforce expectations for safely navigating our shared spaces.

As construction progresses, additional areas of the building, including our main gym, will be temporarily unavailable. Our staff continues to make adjustments to student movement, supervision, and daily routines to minimize disruptions to learning.

We appreciate the flexibility and patience our students, staff, and families have shown as we navigate these temporary changes. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses and work to ensure that student safety and learning remain our priorities.

District Construction Updates: Springfield Public Schools has a dedicated webpage where families can find additional information about the structural improvements taking place across the district, including the work at Briggs. We encourage families to visit the District Structural Improvement Project webpage for information about the project.

Thank you for your continued support as we work through these important improvements to our school!

We are excited to share that our Briggs PTO has held its first meeting of the school year! We appreciate the parents and community members who are helping us build a strong PTO and create opportunities to support our students, staff, and school.

If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about how you can support Briggs, please reach out to Holly Cook, our PTO President, or follow the Briggs PTO on Facebook for updates and opportunities to participate.

Upcoming PTO Meeting Dates:

• November 17

• December 15

• January 19

• February 16

• March 16

• April 20

• May 18

• June 15

All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Briggs Library.

We would love to see more families get involved! Whether you have a little time or a lot, your ideas, perspectives, and participation are always welcome. Together, we can continue building a strong Briggs community!

Mrs. Johnson