MSD Family Update
September 30, 2025
Letter from the Superintendent
What a fantastic September it has been! From Back-to-School Nights full of energy, to the tradition of Senior Sunrise, to the excitement of fall athletics, the first month has been packed with connection and celebration. Our second and fourth-grade students have been busy exploring science in hands-on ways through a partnership with the McMinnville Education Foundation, and our new Cosmetology pathway at the high school has welcomed its first cohort of students. Exciting things are happening in all nine of our buildings, and I am so grateful to work alongside this hard-working team.
One of the most important things our schools do each fall is dream about the year ahead and set goals to improve student outcomes. This year, we are partnering with our school board, district team, and building administrators to align these goals across the district, ensuring they are focused, meaningful, and powerful. In the next month, our building administrators will work with their teams to write continuous improvement plans that include action items around student achievement, attendance, school climate and culture, and family engagement. We look forward to your partnership in goal setting at fall conferences.
As we move into October, we are committing to enhancing a strong school culture built on kindness, respect, and a deep sense of belonging. When students feel connected to their peers, teachers, and the school community, they are more likely to thrive both academically and personally. By fostering an environment where every student knows they are seen, valued, and supported, we create a foundation for learning that goes far beyond the classroom. Together, through daily acts of care and inclusion, we can ensure our schools are places of safety, connection, and meaning for every child.
We deeply value our partnership with our families. If you ever have concerns about your child, whether academically, socially, or emotionally, we want to be a source of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s team, together we can work together to find the encouragement, resources, and care needed to succeed and feel connected.
Dr. Kourtney Ferrua
2025-26 Superintendent
Back to School
The excitement was palpable among both staff and students at Duniway on the first day of school. The new sixth graders started at the regular school time and had a half day to get oriented around the school. Older students started after lunch.
Science Experiences
Second graders from all schools visited Miller Woods this month to explore habitats of living things from bees to frogs to flying insects to elusive animals that live among the trees. We are grateful to the McMinnville Education Foundation for making these experiences possible for our K-5 students across the district.
GrizzFest
Mac High has been doing an event-based Back to School night over the past few years. The evening features a chance to meet with teachers, mingle with other families over dinner, watch student performances, and see the variety of clubs, activities, pathways and sports available to students.