Family Spotlight

Students and families are invited to explore the future at Life & Career Readiness Night on Thursday, April 30 at Caldera High School from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

At our third annual Life & Career Readiness Night, visit with higher education representatives and regional employers in the private and public sectors. Students can explore college and trade school options, regional employers, educational travel, internships, volunteer opportunities and much more.

Organized by high school students with assistance from district staff, this event aims to inform students and their families about the array of professional and educational opportunities available in Central Oregon, both before and after graduation.

We are rounding the bend in the 2025-26 school year, at the same time planning for the future. Complete school calendars for the 2026-27 are available now.

2026 - 2027 School Calendar

2026 - 2027 School Calendar (Realms Middle School, Deschutes River High School, La Pine High School ONLY)

Bend-La Pine Schools has a name for its newest high school, opening next fall. The new choice option school will be known as Deschutes River High School. The School Board voted unanimously for the name at its March meeting.

Deschutes River High will offer a new model where students will explore interdisciplinary, project-based work, college-level Advanced Placement classes, and Career and Technical Education. As a choice option high school, it is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who reside within the district.

We’ve seen a mild winter in Central Oregon, and land managers are already planning and executing prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk. While these burns help keep our communities safe, the smoke can still affect air quality.

Smoke is smoke. Whether it’s from wildfires, prescribed burns, or even campfires. Breathing it in can be dangerous.

Children are more sensitive to smoke because their lungs are still developing. Deschutes County Public Health encourages families to limit kids’ exposure when it’s smoky:

• Keep windows closed
  
• Use an air purifier or DIY filter fan
  
• Check air quality before outdoor play
  
• Talk to your doctor if your child has asthma or other conditions

Stay informed at CentralOregonFire.org and sign up for alerts by texting COFIRE to 888-777.

At the March 10 School Board meeting, learning specialist Kelly Sproba was honored for her stellar work at Lava Ridge Elementary. She’s been with Bend-La Pine Schools for more than 10 years working at Three Rivers, Buckingham, and currently Lava Ridge.

Her nomination came from Sara Young, Director of Student Services. Sara shared, “Kelly embodies the kind of special education teacher who centers a team with expertise and heart. She approaches every challenge with a solutions-oriented mindset, consistently asking, ‘What will it take?’ — and then following through. Families know her as a steady, compassionate advocate who listens deeply, communicates clearly, and walks beside them through every step of the process.”

Ms. Sproba, thank you for your expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to students and families. You anchor your team with both skill and heart, partnering seamlessly with colleagues to create inclusive, meaningful learning experiences tailored to each student’s strengths and needs. With a proactive, solutions-driven mindset, you turn thoughtful plans into meaningful support. Your compassionate advocacy and steadfast commitment makes you an invaluable member of the Lava Ridge Elementary School community. Bend-La Pine Schools is proud to count you as a true Champion for Students!

Bend-La Pine Schools employs around 900 Classified employees who are present in all aspects of District operations, from classrooms to kitchens, buses to offices, libraries to landscaping. In the latest episode of the Supe’s On! podcast, Dr. Cook’s guest is Jennifer Groth, Inclusion Educational Assistant at Bend Senior High School and President of the union representing all Classified employees, the Oregon School Employees Association Chapter 6.

Jennifer talks about the OSEA’s role in supporting Classified staff across our District, how she and District administration work together to solve issues, some of the challenges in keeping these positions competitive in Central Oregon, and ways in which we celebrate the accomplishments of our amazing support staff.

Our Classified staff members are the heartbeat of our schools, the backbone of District operations, the very network of support that enables our whole district to provide successful outcomes for students. They ferry BLS students safely across busy streets. They prepare nutritious food for students and serve it with a smile.

Listen today!

• Online: bls.fyi/podcast
  
• Apple Podcasts: bls.fyi/listenonapple
  
• Spotify: bls.fyi/listenonspotify
  

Did you know the top high school Color Guard team in the Pacific Northwest is from Mountain View High School? In early March, the Cadet Corps Color Guard Team 1 competed at the regional championship and delivered an outstanding performance, earning a first-place finish and the title of best high school Color Guard team in the Pacific Northwest.

The team was led by senior Colton Lowe and included Declan Moore, Jimmy Rickabaugh, and Jon Rickabaugh. Their hard work, precision, and teamwork helped them rise to the top against strong regional competition. If you see them around campus, be sure to congratulate them on this impressive achievement!

School Library Month

National Poetry Month

National Volunteer Appreciation Month

April 1-9: Passover

April 4: National School Librarian Day

April 5: Easter

April 6-10: National Assistant Principal Week

April 20-24: National Public School Volunteer Week

April 22: Earth Day

April 22: Administrative Professionals Day

April 28: National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

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

The Board of Directors for Bend-La Pine Schools will hold its next regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street in 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.

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