Family Spotlight

In Bend-La Pine Schools, students and families have choices in their educational journey, and now is the time to consider these options. We have a popular Dual Immersion program where students learn in English and Spanish. We have Career Technical Education programs at all our high schools, and we have four magnet schools.

We call these opportunities Choice Options – programs that meet the individual focus and needs of our students. Families may apply January 5 - 23 for a Choice Option program for students who will be in grades 1-12 next year. The application deadline for kindergarten students, and for the Dual Immersion program, is March 20. Selections are made through a lottery process.

Check out the list of schools, profiles, school information events, and more.

Additionally, families are welcome to submit an Area Change Request if they’d like their student to attend any other school outside of their attendance zone. The Priority Area Change Request window is open January 5 - 23.

Don’t forget! Entry into the Choice Options lottery, Dual Immersion lottery, and Priority Area Change Requests all require a current enrollment into Bend-La Pine Schools for the school year requested. Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year opens Wednesday, December 10. Locate your school, find out what documents you need, and more at bls.fyi/enrollment.

Three separate photos - Liz Vargas, Chris Boyd, Loren Renfroe

From left: Liz Vargas, Chris Boyd, Loren Renfroe.

2025 Excellence in Education Awards

Congratulations to three outstanding employees honored with the District's 2025 Excellence in Education Awards surprise presentations just before fall break! They were selected from 76 staff members nominated for distinguishing themselves with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community.

Liz Vargas, Welcome Center liaison for our Office of Policy & Advocacy, was named Support Staff Member of the Year. "Liz embodies the values of dignity, inclusion, and belonging that our district holds foundational. She is often the first face our most vulnerable students and families see when they start in our schools, and she ensures a welcoming experience for every child and family she meets. She weaves together high standards, empathy, and unwavering advocacy in a way that makes our school system a truly better experience for our students and families."

Chris Boyd, Principal at Caldera High School, was named Administrator of the Year. “Opening a new school is one of the most complex and demanding challenges in education. Chris hasn’t just done it once, he’s done it three times, twice here in Bend-La Pine. And in doing so, he’s built not just schools, but communities. Through every phase of growth, he’s led with vision, care, and a calm, steady hand. He is deeply student-focused, seeking their voice to better understand their experiences and hear their ideas to make school more meaningful and inclusive.”

Loren Renfroe, language arts and social studies teacher from Sky View Middle School, was named Educator of the Year. "Loren steps into leadership roles across multiple areas, strengthening parent communication, fostering school culture, and enhancing instruction. She has worked intentionally to build connections among staff that have transformed the way colleagues engage with one another. Whether supporting colleagues, guiding students, or strengthening school culture, Loren leads with innovation, reflection, and a deep commitment to success for all."

MidOregon Credit Union presented each of the three honorees with $500 to use in their classrooms or department.

Graphic that reads “cell phones off, learning on”

Update: New administrative policy regarding personal electronic devices

Beginning January 1, 2026, personal electronic devices should be off and away all day. Click here to learn why a new policy is being implemented, which personal devices are on the list, and more.

Important update to Bend-La Pine Online course scheduling

We want to share a significant update regarding Bend-La Pine Online course options and scheduling for the upcoming school year.

In previous years, students were allowed to complete a full year of coursework, two semester-long classes (36 weeks total), during the summer session, which lasts approximately eight weeks. While many students have taken on this challenge, we’ve seen concerns related to:

Student engagement and workload
Teacher capacity and sustainability
Budget constraints
Overall student success
Developing a strong foundational understanding of key course content

To ensure a better learning experience for all, Bend-La Pine Online will no longer offer full-year courses to be taken during the summer session.

In consultation with the school’s counselor during spring forecasting, students may take .5 of original credit in the summer or two credit recovery courses.

New Recommended Course Timeline for Students Seeking One Full Year of a Course:

First Semester Course

January registration (with your school counselor)
Start: February 2026
End: June 2026

Second Semester Course

Register (with your school counselor) after the first course is completed
Start: Late June 2026
End: Late August 2026

Boy leaping at volleyball net to spike ball

Photo by Colleen Woods.

High school sports serve up fresh opportunities for student athletes

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) officially adopted boys’ volleyball as a sanctioned sport on October 6, with the inaugural season set for spring 2026.

Bend-La Pine high schools are eager to launch teams. After gathering student interest this fall, two schools have committed to launching boys’ volleyball teams this spring—Bend Senior High School and Summit High School. Caldera, La Pine, and Mountain View will continue preparing for their debut seasons in 2026–27.

Four girls on field playing flag football

The OSAA is currently building leagues and scheduling for the new sport. Families can learn more about boys’ volleyball and statewide planning through OSAA.

Girls flag football is entering its second year as an emerging sport and remains on track to become a sanctioned sport as well. Exciting opportunities lie ahead for student athletes across the district!

Jennifer McGee with Superintendent Steve Cook and Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk in her classroom, holding flowers.

Celebrate November’s Champion for Students

Meet Jennifer McGee, La Pine Middle School math and robotics teacher. She is also the advisory and academic director and coordinator of after-school and summer programs. In recognition of Jennifer’s exceptional leadership and service to the La Pine Middle School community, she was recognized as Champion for Students at the School Board meeting on November 18.

To start, Jennifer was instrumental in La Pine Middle School receiving the first national Wayfinder North Star Award. This award recognizes schools that exhibit outstanding commitment in implementing Wayfinder’s future-ready skills lessons with fidelity and excellence.

Her glowing nomination came from Assistant Principal Darla Brandon. Here’s a little bit of what Darla shared:

“As the coordinator of various programs, Jennifer has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the improvement of our school community. For the past five years, Jennifer has facilitated our summer program, securing extensive grants to sustain the initiative. The program focuses on academic skill development, team building, and exploration through enriching field trips. Every lesson and experience is planned with meticulous care for months leading up to the program.

“With 26 years of dedicated service as an educator, Jennifer is always the first to step up, lend a hand, and support her colleagues.”

Jennifer’s dedication and leadership make a lasting impact on the La Pine Middle School community. Bend-La Pine Schools is proud to recognize her as a true Champion for Students.

Do you want to shine a light on a staff member, student or community member who goes above and beyond every day to improve our school communities? Nominate that special someone at bls.fyi/championforstudents!

Veteran William Wammock receives honorary diploma at Bend Senior High School Veterans Day Assembly on November 10, 2025.

Honorary diplomas

Did you know that veterans of the Armed Forces may receive a high school diploma if they attended high school before their military service and were honorably discharged?

Under Oregon law, a school district shall award a diploma to a veteran who resides in the district or to a veteran who attended school in the district and lives elsewhere in the state. Diplomas also may be issued on behalf of deceased veterans at the request of a family representative.

These diplomas may be issued to veterans who served during specified wars and military operations or in designated combat zones over the past century.

The intent of this program is to help veterans obtain high school diplomas when veterans do not graduate because they left school early for military service, or if they need educational credentials to qualify for jobs and promotions.

To request a veterans diploma, contact the principal of the applicable high school.

Give the gift of learning. Thank you for investing in our students, the future of our community. Bend-La Pine Education Foundation

Investing in their education is an investment in the future of our community

$25 Supports an Activity Fee Scholarship for one student

$50 Provides essential supplies for classrooms

$100 Funds music, instruments and art supplies

$250 Funds hands-on science labs and activities

$500 Supplies Career Technical Education programs

$1000 Provides Classroom Enrichment grants for our schools

The future begins here. Because of you, students across Bend-La Pine are discovering their potential. Your generosity gives them the chance to create, explore, and believe in themselves—whether in a science lab, on a stage, or in a classroom filled with possibility. You help teachers inspire, and you remind every child that their dreams matter.

You’re not just supporting education—you’re changing lives.

Everyone can support the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation! Learn how here.

Important dates and recognitions

December 14-22: Hanukkah

December 21: Solstice

December 25: Christmas

December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa

Click here to view current BLS job opportunities

Getting help can be a daunting process. Care Solace provides 24/7/365 mental health care coordination Service for all employees of Bend-La Pine Schools, their family members, as well as our students and their families. Click the button above to connect with Care Solace.

If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Click the button above to learn more.

Top row from left: Board Chair Marcus LeGrand, Shirley Olson, Ross Tomlin, Jenn Lynch

Bottom row from left: Cameron Fischer, Kina Chadwick, Board Vice Chair Amy Tatom

Next School Board meeting is December 9

The Board of Directors for Bend-La Pine Schools will hold its next board meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center at 520 NW Wall Street, Bend.

For information about board members, meetings and agendas, please visit our School Board page.

Catch up on all the news from the latest School Board meetings. Click here for Dr. Cook's recaps.

District policy review

Are you curious which district policies and regulations are currently under review? To see proposed changes and give feedback on new language, click here.

More Bend-La Pine Schools news