Family Spotlight

A new grading model is expanding across secondary schools this year as Bend-La Pine Schools continues its implementation of Standards-Based Grading. Some middle and high schools previously adopted it, more are implementing it this year, and all secondary schools will have it fully in place by this time next year.

It’s a monumental shift in how our teachers evaluate how well students are learning and the process by which grades are assigned.

“At the most basic level standards-based grading is clearly informing our students and families how well they are doing in a set number of skills that are required for them," said Stephen DuVal, the Executive Director of Middle Schools.

Katie Legace, the Executive Director of High Schools, explained that the change addresses discrepancies from class to class within and between schools because it clarifies the skills students are expected to learn and how grades are determined. Now, students and families will know precisely which skills they are expected to learn in a class – skills that have been developed by the educators in that content area – and how that culminates in an overall letter grade.

For a student perspective, this is a more transparent process that results in a greater understanding of what exact skills are being measured in a particular class, Legace said. “This new system also promotes consistency across classrooms.”

Cascade Middle School, Pilot Butte Middle School, and Realms Middle and High schools have been using this system for years. All other secondary schools have early adopters this year and have been communicating with students and families about the change and how it works.

Superintendent Steven Cook invited Katie Legace and Stephen DuVal on his Supe’s On! Podcast to delve into standards-based grading and share how the rollout is going so far. Listen to the podcast HERE.

In addition, we invite you to read an overview of standards-based grading, with answers to frequently asked questions, on our website: Standards-Based Grading: What You Need to Know

It’s never too early to prepare for fall conferences the week of October 27. Elementary and middle school students do not have school Wednesday, October 29 - Friday, October 31. Teachers are taking that time to prepare for conferences with families.

The schedule for high school conferences may differ. They will communicate fall conference timing closer to those dates.

Make the most of your conference time with your child and teacher. Write down questions and ask your student if they have questions they’d like you to ask. Be ready to collaborate with your teacher on how to support your child at home. And talk to your child about what you learned from the time together in the classroom.

Don’t forget! Spring conferences have moved and will take place just before spring break.

• March 18-19, 2026: No school for elementary and middle school students
  
• March 20, 2026: No school for all students
  
• March 23-27, 2026: Spring break
  

Conferences remain an important time for families and teachers to connect. It’s an opportunity to stay engaged with your student’s teachers and learn ways to support their success at school and at home!

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center — originally opened as Bend Union High School on September 7, 1925.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate this incredible milestone:

• The talented Bend High culinary students for serving up delicious bites
  
• Music programs from across the district for filling the air with beautiful sound
  
• Deschutes Historical Museum for your partnership and offering fascinating artifact displays
  
• Central Oregon Community College for sharing your roots, which began in this very building
  
• And most of all — YOU, our amazing community, for coming together, sharing memories, and celebrating the legacy of one of Bend’s most iconic landmarks.
  

Here’s to the next 100 years of history, learning, and community.

NEW - Standards-Based Grading

A new grading model is expanding across secondary schools this year as Bend-La Pine Schools. It’s a monumental shift in how our teachers evaluate how well students are learning and the process by which grades are assigned. Hear our directors of secondary schools discuss why Standards-Based Grading is better than the traditional grading model schools have used for decades.

Sept. 8 - Educational Technology and Artificial Intelligence

The emergence of artificial intelligence in public education has raised loads of questions for educators, administrators, students and families. We’re confronting these questions head on in Bend-La Pine Schools. Dr. Karen Rush, the District’s Director of Educational Technology, shares how tech tools can help engage learners and develop their skills; what we mean by “good” and “bad” screen time; digital literacy and responsibility; how the District is managing the rapidly evolving AI landscape in our schools; and how our AI policy promotes appropriate use of artificial intelligence.

Since May, we've been honoring the outstanding educators and support staff who help bring our mission to life—educating thriving students. Every year, parents, students, and colleagues nominate team members who exemplify character, leadership, innovation, and creativity.

From this incredible group, we're proud to highlight the finalists for Educator of the Year and Support Staff Member of the Year. These individuals consistently go above and beyond to support students, inspire their peers, and lead with heart.

The winners will be surprised later this month, but the celebration doesn’t stop here. Visit our Padlet to learn more about each finalist and leave a note of gratitude if you know them. Let’s show our appreciation for the difference they make every day.

Attention high school students! The sign-up process for CollegeNow credit is happening now. Students currently enrolled in CollegeNow courses on their high school campus should connect with their teacher for details on registration steps and requirements.

Don’t miss your deadline to register for College Now college credit through COCC!

Bend Tech Academy - La Pine High - Realms High

Fall term: deadline October 3

Bend High - Caldera - Mountain View - Summit

Winter term: deadline October 13

CollegeNow gives students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Courses are taught at the high school during the regular school day by community college–approved instructors. Options vary by school and may include both core subjects and technical courses. College credit is optional, granted by Oregon community colleges, and available at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional tuition. All dual credit courses are clearly identified in each high school’s curriculum guide.

Questions? Please see your school counselor.

Bend-La Pine Schools embarked on a major review of the District's fundraising policies and procedures last school year. That effort is continuing this year, including discussions with key stakeholders on how fundraising can best support classrooms, athletics, and other school activities.

"Our goal is to honor the generous support our families and community provide our schools and students, while also developing procedures that are more equitable, efficient, and aligned with legal requirements and community values," explained Kinsey Martin, Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, & Equity.

Last year the District conducted policy research, including talking with other school districts about their approach to school fundraising. We also held listening sessions with students, administrators, athletic directors and advisory groups.

Earlier this month, representatives of PTAs, PTOs and booster clubs were invited to talk about the values and efforts of their organizations, which are central to shaping how our schools and district manage, approve, allocate, and spend dollars our community contributes to support our students and programs.

Soon the District will engage with businesses, longtime donors and alumni to gather their perspectives.

Our goal is to develop proposed revisions in fundraising policies and procedures for public review and feedback next spring. We will share updates on this effort and details on opportunities to provide feedback as the work progresses.

Bend-La Pine Schools has proposed an administrative policy prohibiting students from use of personal electronic devices during regular instructional hours. The proposed policy is a revision of the District’s current regulation of students’ personal electronic devices and complies with the requirements of Executive Order 25-09 signed by Governor Tina Kotek on July 2, 2025.

The new administrative policy, JFCEB-AP, and corresponding administrative regulation, JFCEB-AR, are on track to be formally adopted at the October 14 board meeting. It will be implemented January 1, 2026.

If your student is considering attending community college, a four-year college or trades/vocational school, please join us for Financial Aid Information Night on Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Mountain View High School.

The presentation is geared toward our senior students and families but anyone can learn more about financial aid options. No matter your financial situation, this presentation will provide tips and advice to students and parents on how to navigate the financial aid process.

Financial aid presenters from our local colleges will provide an overview of the financial aid process and answer questions about the FAFSA, OSAC and ORSAA applications. There will also be an opportunity to connect with BLS school-to-career counselors about further financial aid and scholarship support programming that is available at each school. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join in celebrating a valued member of the Nutrition Services team, someone who was instrumental in serving our families through the summer months - Nathan Freeze. He is a baker, production cook, and the summer lunch program lead.

For those unfamiliar, our summer meal program provides free, healthy meals to children and teens at parks throughout Bend and La Pine.

Nathan’s nomination came from Executive Chef T.J. Bennett. T.J. said, "This year, Nathan volunteered to lead the Summer Lunch Program—his first time in this role—and has truly gone above and beyond. He’s managed the majority of the planning and execution, ensuring the program runs seamlessly from start to finish. In addition, he personally delivers and serves meals to La Pine Elementary each day. His dedication and leadership have made a tremendous impact on our program and the students we serve."

Thanks to Nathan every day, families could count on access to free, healthy meals. At Bend-La Pine Schools, we deeply appreciate Nathan Freeze’s commitment to supporting our families and we are proud to count him as a Champion for Students.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Let's stand together to create a safe and supportive school community. Recognize the signs, speak up, and report bullying. Together, we can make a difference.

In addition, Care Solace is available 24/7/365 to connect individuals to care. Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/bls.

Bend-La Pine Schools provides a program called UpShift as a standard response to student substance use in middle and high schools.

Following a 1st or 2nd policy violation for substance use or possession on campus, families will be notified that their student is being offered UpShift in lieu of out-of-school suspension. When notified, families will have the opportunity to opt their student out of UpShift within 24 hours.

Click here for more information about UpShift.

Contact your school’s front office if you would like to request to see a copy of the UpShift materials or to ask questions about the referral process.

Founded in 1988, the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit made up of parents, educators, and community leaders committed to supporting a strong public school system. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, partners, and donors, we invest directly in students through Classroom Enrichments, Activity Fee Scholarships, and Perseverance Scholarships.

• Classroom Enrichments fund innovative projects in areas like STEM, CTE, Art, Music, and Wellness, with $126,200 invested in 71 classrooms last year.
  
• Activity Fee Scholarships provide financial assistance to ensure all students can participate in sports and after-school activities, with 263 students supported last year.
  
• Perseverance Scholarships honor students who demonstrate resilience, determination, and persistence in overcoming adversity while pursuing their future goals.
  

We invite you to join the Foundation in supporting our public schools, educators, and students.

October

National Bullying Prevention Month

National Farm to School Month

National Principals Month

October 1-2: Yom Kippur

October 2: National Custodian Day

October 5: World Teachers’ Day

October 6: National Coaches Appreciation Day

October 8: International Walk + Roll to School Day

October 13: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 13-17: National School Lunch Week

October 20-24: National School Bus Safety Week

October 31: Halloween

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 board meeting on Tuesday, October 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Rosland Elementary School, 52350 Yaeger Way in La Pine.

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.