Superintendent's Update

Ahh, spring is officially in Oregon! It’s that time of the year where we see the colors of the flowering pink cherry blossoms, yellow tulips, and purple asters. And while our local weather is like a roller coaster - taking us anywhere from upper 30s in the morning to low 60s in the afternoon - we can thank the months of continuous rain for our scenic spring views.

This spring, I’m also pleased to report that on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Centennial School Board approved our Strategic Plan! We appreciate your support of our strategic planning process throughout the fall and winter. The development of this plan took multiple months and multiple committees, involving individuals representing a cross-section of our community including educators, parents, students, community partners, and Board members, all leading to the development of the Strategic Plan.

Just because the Board approved the plan doesn’t mean our work is finished. In many respects, it’s just beginning. During the spring, we will be in the process of refining our plan goals, outcomes, and strategies. If you took the Strategic Plan survey we shared shortly before Spring Break, thank you. Your feedback will help us in our plan refinement process.

As you may recall, Centennial has also commissioned a District Equity Audit in conjunction with the Strategic Planning process. An Equity Audit is a systematic study of an organization’s policies, programs, and practices with the objective of removing programmatic barriers that impede full participation, access, and opportunity for all students and transforming systems, structures, and practices by centering the cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and racial diversity in the school community. Through this process, each school will receive an Equity Audit report and recommendations, as will the District. The recommendations from our Equity Audit reports will be incorporated into our Strategic Plan refinement process with the goal of finalizing our Strategic Plan this June.

Though our official roll out of the Strategic Plan will come this Fall, I did want to provide you a preview of the plan’s five goals (which describe the outcomes we want for students) and four pillars (the capabilities we need to develop to accomplish our goals for student success). To view the CSD Integrated Plan Presentations, visit the 2027 CSD Strategic Planning page here.

With spring in the air and a few months left of school, I look forward to the continued learning and gains made by students across Centennial, our staff teams supporting one another to finish the year strong, and strong partnerships with our parents and community.

Sincerely,

James

• Autism Awareness Month

• Administrative Professionals Day - Wed, Apr 26, 2023
  

• Staffing Updates

• CSD Summer Learning

• Classified Staff Equity Summit

• Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report

• Connect to Kindergarten

April is National Autism Awareness Month. This national event was created to raise awareness for autism and Asperger's syndrome. Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. According to the World Health Organization, one in every 270 people are born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD varies from person to person and affects people from all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Every year, Centennial School District celebrates Administrative Professionals Day to show appreciation to the administrative support staff across our schools and offices who work diligently to keep our schools and offices going. The job title ‘administrative professional’ is more of an umbrella term for multiple jobs that fall under the category. There are hundreds of jobs landing under the title of administrative professional, and we have many to thank across Centennial.

It is my pleasure to share the selection of Holen Robie as the new principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary. Holen will succeed Laura Nixon who will retire at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year after 26 years as an educator in Centennial, including eight years as principal of Pleasant Valley. Holen will assume her position as principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary on July 1, 2023.

Holen has 22 years of experience in education and is currently serving as a Multi-Tiered System of Support and Social Emotional Learning Instructional Coach in North Clackamas School District. Prior to her current role, she served fifteen years as a classroom teacher and an English Language Development Coordinator in Berkeley Unified School District and one year as Coordinator of Student Services at Corning Free Academy Middle School in New York.

Holen currently provides coaching, systems development, and support for principals and staff across North Clackamas in implementing integrated and comprehensive systems of support for students. She is a member of the PSU College of Education Consortium Advisory Board, a Board member for the Portland Reading Council, and has engaged with other educators on a variety of committees that span technology, teacher induction, math, and professional learning communities.

Holen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from New School for Social Research in New York, her teaching credential from San Francisco State University, a Masters of Arts in Education from New College of California, and earned her Administrative License from Portland State University.

A relational leader who strives to build on the strengths of others, Holen prioritizes equity-centered, high quality instruction and is dedicated to building a learning community focused on the work of educating all students. She is known for her empathy and skill in building relationships. Holen’s newest adventure is using design thinking and improvement science to improve learning and life outcomes for students. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and learning new things. Holen has three daughters and lives with her family in Portland. She is excited to become a part of the Pleasant Valley and Centennial communities, and looks forward to getting to know the staff, students, and families.

Holen will be officially introduced at the School Board Meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. She is excited to work with Principal Nixon, Pleasant Valley Elementary staff, and community to ensure a smooth transition to Pleasant Valley Elementary.

I am confident Holen will bring the skills, experience, and leadership necessary to continue to lead Pleasant Valley Elementary forward in partnership with students, staff, families, and the community.

Please join me in congratulating Holen on her new leadership role in Centennial!

It is my pleasure to announce the selection of Nathan Buck as the principal of Centennial Middle School (CMS). We thank Nathan for serving as interim principal this school year and providing continuity as we re-engaged in the selection process for the permanent principal position.

Principal Buck brings a wealth of experience to the CMS role, working as interim middle school Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and Teacher. In his three years as assistant principal at CMS, Nathan was instrumental in carrying out the 2020 bond projects and led collaborative efforts to guide professional development and learning communities of staff across the school.

Before arriving at CMS, Nathan worked at Hillsboro School District for 12 years (2007-19). Nine of those years were as a Spanish teacher at Century High School and three as Dean of Students. As Dean at Century High School, he led the creation of ninth-grade teams and the implementation of Professional Learning Communities with the Dual Language program teachers at Century and Hillsboro High Schools, respectively.

Most recently, Nathan was instrumental in increasing the number of art and art media electives at CMS, extending opportunities to yearlong electives to support deeper learning. He also led the collaborative processes to restart the basketball and wrestling programs. This year as interim principal, Nathan led school-wide learning, re-envisioning Professional Learning Communities, grading, discipline practices, and culturally responsive instruction. He simultaneously gathered student input which informed the process, centering student voice and experience at CMS.

Nathan attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA., where he double-majored, earning baccalaureate degrees in Spanish and English. He attended the Centro de Lenguas Modernas in Granada, Spain. He also attended the University of Portland, where he earned a master of arts in teaching, his initial administrator license, and ESOL Bilingual Endorsement.

Nathan grew up in the Portland Metro area and now lives in West Linn with his wife Emily, and two children, Andrew (7) and Samantha (4). He enjoys running, cycling, and camping as time permits.

We are thrilled for Nathan to continue his leadership at Centennial Middle School. Congratulations Nathan!

It is my pleasure to share the selection of our new Facilities Director, Jason La Farge. Jason is replacing the vacancy as a result of Christopher Stomps' retirement.

Jason has more than 11 years of maintenance and facilities management experience in higher education and the private sector. Most recently, he was the facilities director at Sylo Property Management for more than three years. He led facility operations to provide safe, well-maintained, and functional residential and commercial facilities. Jason obtained a baccalaureate degree in business administration from William Jessup University.

Jason prides himself in providing excellent customer service, being a team player, and exceeding the expectations of those we serve. Jason will be celebrating 10 years with his wife Kaela this summer and has two kids, Jane (6) and Oliver (4).

Jason joined Centennial this February, and is working alongside Chris to support a seamless transition.

Please join me in congratulating Jason La Farge and welcoming him to the Centennial School District. We’re glad to have his leadership experience and background to support facilities management in our District. Welcome, Jason!

Centennial School District is once again offering summer learning programs for students across the district. Participating students will experience well-rounded, hands-on, integrated learning by our licensed teachers.

This year, the program will run Monday through Friday from July 10 - 28, 2023 for elementary, middle, and high school students. Qualifying high school students will be provided recovery and Centennial Virtual Academy students can earn continuing credits.

Butler Creek Elementary School will host our summer program and transportation will be provided for students who qualify.

If you are interested in having your student(s) participate in summer programming, please complete an application online or pick up a copy at your child's school and return it to your school’s office no later than May 12, 2023. Please complete one form for each student. Parents will be contacted if their student(s) are selected for summer programming.

For more information about Summer Learning and to apply to the program click here.

The Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) and Centennial School District are thrilled to announce the first Classified Equity Summit on April 27, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Centennial High School.

This event serves to kick-off ongoing, district-wide professional development for all classified staff. It is focused on equity and is designed to deepen the knowledge and understanding of equity in Centennial and establish equitable practices, in addition to school and/or department level professional learning.

Centennial School District will be sharing weekly updates and invitations to this event by email and other means to ensure that all district employees receive an opportunity to participate.

About the OSEA: The Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) represents over 22,000 educational employees working in Oregon school districts, community colleges, education service districts, libraries, and certain other workers.

The Centennial School District (CSD) Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) completed and submitted their annual report for the general public, educational community, and CSD Board. The annual report compiles data and details of the work completed and in progress during the 2022 year.

Since its inception in 2019, volunteers have dedicated many hours to actively monitor the CSD 2020 Bond program and reporting to the Centennial Community on its progress.

The Committee shares an unwavering support to the District and vision, where each and every student is seen, and feels connected, valued and supported. This is the second BOC Report of its kind. To view a copy of the 2022 BOC Report click here. You can also visit our 2022 Bond page linked here.

At Centennial School District, we know registering a child for kindergarten is an exciting time for families! We also know it can also bring up a lot of questions, which is why we are hosting a "Connect to Kindergarten" event on May 11, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at each of our six elementary schools across the District.

Any child who will be five years of age on or before September 1 is eligible to enroll for kindergarten at their designated neighborhood school. Find your school here Centennial School District Attendance Area Map/ School Locator

To learn more details about getting your child registered, visit www.csd28j.org/registration. This website contains information and instructions on how to register your child online. After submitting the online form, the school will contact you to complete the process.

All Kindergartners must complete all Required Forms.

You can start by viewing the kindergarten booklet below.

Kindergarten Booklet (English)

See you in the fall of 2023!

Parents, guardians, and community members: Learn about what makes Centennial School District a great place to work! We offer rewarding career opportunities such as a Teacher, Education Assistant, School Secretary, School Bus Driver, Dining Services Technician, and more!

Visit our careers page to see our position openings: www.csd28j.org/careers!