Miller News

To empower all students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful future.

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.

I want to take a moment to talk about something that could make all the difference in your final months before the end of the school year—grit.

Success in school and in life isn’t just about being the smartest or the fastest learner. Research shows that the biggest predictor of success is grit—your ability to persevere, work hard, and push forward, even when things get tough. Grit means showing up for yourself and others, day in and day out, and believing that your efforts will pay off.

And here’s the good news: grit isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can grow. It starts with having a growth mindset—knowing that your abilities aren’t fixed and that every challenge, every setback, is just a step toward getting stronger.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Be the student who keeps pushing forward. Be the student who tries your hardest. Be the student who proves grit helps you accomplish what you didn't think was possible. We’re here to support you! We believe in you, but you have to believe in yourself.

Let’s make this year the best one yet!

Sincerely,

Principal da Silva

A - B - A - B - Early Release A

Mar. 11: Senior Meeting #2

Mar. 11: Band Concert 7:00 pm

Mar. 13: Lockout Drill during Advisory

Mar. 14: Early Release

Mar. 14: Fire Drill @ 12:30

Mar. 18: Parent Partnership Council 5:30

Mar. 18: Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm

Mar. 20: Talent Show 7:00 pm

Mar. 24-28: No School Spring Break

Apr. 10: Incoming Freshman Showcase

Field Trips

Mar. 11: Choir to Clackamas Jazz Festival

Future Late Work Deadlines: 4/10, 5/8, 6/5

Please note that our March Parent Partnership Council meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 18th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the SHS Library.

Our girls' basketball team qualified for the OSAA State Basketball Tournament, which kicks off this Wednesday at Linfield University! To support our team, we’re offering a rooter bus on Wednesday (3/12). Students who sign up will receive free admission to the game, a t-shirt, and pizza. Plus, the first 50 students will get a Dutch Bros gift card! The bus will depart at 4:00 p.m. from the front of the school and return at 10:00 p.m. Students must sign up in the attendance office and pick up a permission slip ASAP. Let’s show up and cheer on our team!

Congratulations to Senior Vinnie Trinka! On February 28th, during Senior Night, Vinnie scored his 1,000th career high school point—an incredible achievement! Way to go, Vinnie!🏀

Congratulations to the following students on qualifying for the OSAA/OMEA State

Solo and Chamber Ensemble competitions coming up in May! These students have all put in extra time outside of their standard music classes to prepare for the District event held at LCC. To qualify for state, students not only have to perform at a high enough level, but also have to place high enough within their division. Alternates will find out next month if they will receive a chance to compete at State. Springfield was well represented at districts this year, with over 50 entries!

Solo State Qualifiers:

Orchestral Snare:

Corban Hein – 1st Place (auto qualifier)

Ryan Letsom – 3rd Place (auto qualifier)

Darius Bullock (2nd alternate)

Mallets:

Tim James – 1st Alternate

Soprano Voice:

Max Mischel – 3rd Alternate

Alto Voice:

Lucas Brooks – 2nd place (auto qualifier)

Mezzo Voice:

Nadia Plumb – 1st Place

Tenor Voice:

James Glavin – 1st Alternate

Chamber Ensemble State Qualifiers:

Small Mixed Vocal Ensemble:

Resonance – Danae Bullock, Valerie Clark, James Glavin, Martin Diaz - 1st Place

Small Woodwind Ensemble:

SHS Sax Quartet – Ziaire Zavalla, Abi McDonald, Kylie Whitaker, Liam Ralph – 1st Alternate

Small Brass Ensemble:

SHS Trumpet Duet – Keoki Bragg, Wyatt Moore – 1st Alternate

SHS Trombone Quartet – Tim James, Joaquin Yoos, Graysen Stroup, Graysen Lang – 2nd Alternate

Small Percussion Ensemble:

“Layers” Quartet – Corban Hein, Darius Bullock, Ryan Letsom, Brandon Strong – 1st place (auto qualifier)

“2+1” Marimba Duet – Tim James, Graysen Lang – 1st Alternate

Mariachi Ensemble:

Mariachi del Sol – 1st Place

The Choir concert was amazing! Kudos to Kaleidoscope, Mens Choir, Treble Choir, Concert Chorale, and Melodaires for the outstanding performances last Thursday!

The week of February 28th, our DECA program at a great showing at the State Career Development Conference, with lots of students earning recognition. Miller Mart earned gold certification as a School-Based Enterprise for the second consecutive year. DECA gives this designation to school-based stores that prove to operate at the highest level. The report that earned this honor was written by Emma Patrick-Busby, Enzo Carlos, and Jace Miner. Jace and Emma were also finalists for their presentation of the Miller Mart and finished 7th overall in the state.

Kendall Collins, Victoria Washington, and Areonna Carey were recognized on stage for their community giving project working with Miller Outfitters by helping them with their marketing and running a DECA clothing drive. Those 3 were also finalists for this Community Giving Project placing 6th overall in the state.

Lucy Rogers placed 2nd in state for her role-play presentation in the Quick Service Restaurant category.

All 13 students that went to the state competition created a written business plan which was presented to an industry professional. It was a great experience for each student and was a culmination of months of hard work on these projects.

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

3/11 Senior Meeting 10:45am in the auditorium

3/18 UO Admitted Student Meeting 11:00 in the library

3/20 RYLA applications due for sophomores & juniors

4/1 RYLA Interviews 10:00-12:00 in the conference room

4/1 UO SAIL application opens for current sophomores & juniors

4/8 Rotary 4-Way Test Speech Contest 11:00 in the conference room

4/9 Junior Night 6:30pm in the library

ROTARY 4-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST The purpose of the 4-Way speech contest is to help youth more completely understand, encourage, and foster the principles of ethical behavior, Rotary and the objects of “Service Above Self.” The top 3 students who share their speech will earn $100, $200 and $300 in cash. The top student will have the opportunity to compete at districts and then state, earning up to $3500. Rotary 4-Way Test.pdf

SENIORS UO ADMITTED STUDENT MEETING On March 18th at 11:00am there will be a meeting for all seniors who are admitted to the University of Oregon.

RYLA CAMP Current sophomores and/or juniors who are outstanding leaders are invited to apply for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. These students will have an opportunity to apply and interview for four (or more) Rotary sponsored spots to RYLA Camp June 16-21. If interested, see Mrs. Dapkus for an application, they are due 3/20 and interviews will be held April 1st.

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

OPPORTUNITIES for students: Internship Opportunities Job Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities

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

LCC BOUND SENIORS Seniors, planning on LCC in the fall? Here are the steps:

1. Apply to LCC

2. Apply to LCC Foundation Scholarships by March 3

3. Apply for FAFSA/ORSAA

4. Apply for Oregon Promise

5. RTEC 101 - LCC bound seniors can take this FREE course earning 1 college credit in April at SHS. LIMIT 25 Seniors! RTEC SHS Seniors Only

SENIORS: FAFSA or ORSAA? Unsure if you should apply for FAFSA or ORSAA? Use this tool: FAFSA/ORSAA Filtration Tool

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).

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

SHS Student and Family Resource Center

SHS Webpage

Millers Bottom Line - YouTube Channel

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)

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)

Principal: Jose daSilva

Website: http://shs.springfield.k12.or.us/
Location: 875 West 7th Avenue
Phone: 541-744-4700