CSD40 Update

• Message from the Superintendent
• Language Arts Curriculum -- Community Feedback
• CHS Awarded CTE Revitalization Grant
  
• Save the Date - Creslane Kindergarten Orientation - April 7th
• Share your thoughts about high school graduation requirements with ODE
  
  

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

• Every Kid Sports - Grants to assist families with sports fees
• Parenting Now - New Incredible INFANTs group starts March 1st

"Spring is the time of plans and projects." ~ Leo Tolstoy

It's hard to imagine that February is nearly over, but there are many signs that spring is just around the corner. Today was the 100th day of school for our students and I am so proud that we have been able to keep them learning in-person every day of this academic year. Like the daffodils and tulips, they are growing rapidly.

At all three CSD schools, teachers have been analyzing the data from the latest iReady assessments and are encouraged and impressed by the learning and growth our students are demonstrating. The same kindergarteners who shyly entered the building in September now walk assuredly through the halls of Creslane. New athletic seasons are set to begin across the district and our high school seniors are making important decisions about the next steps in their post-secondary and career plans.

Like flowers, our students grow best in a nurturing environment. Our CSD teachers and staff do all they can to create a culture of care and connection for each and every student. Providing a great education is the cornerstone of their work and I am thankful for each and every member of the CSD team as they provide the energy and enthusiasm that drive CSD's strategic plan and projects.

Strong schools and a strong community go hand in hand. Thank you, CSD community, for supporting our students!

Wishing you a wonderful start to your March,

Mike Johnson
Superintendent

This year, CSD will be adopting new language arts curriculum for K-12 students across the district, designed to meet Oregon’s state educational standards and align between grade levels. Curriculum includes the textbooks, materials, and digital resources that support student instruction. Teams from each school including administrators, classroom and special education teachers, intervention specialists, and English language development specialists have been researching programs from various publishers. Feedback from community stakeholders is a vital part of our selection process. Following a rigorous evaluation process, our school teams are excited to share recommended curriculum with families and are eager to hear your thoughts.

Listed below are several in-person opportunities to stop by our schools, view the materials in person, and share your opinions. For families that cannot attend but would like to learn more, the schools will be providing additional information and a survey to collect feedback. We want to be sure our curriculum is accessible and engaging and we value your opinions. Information will be shared soon regarding an opportunity to view the recommended high school curriculum.

• Creslane Elementary: Wednesday, March 2nd - 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. @ the Creslane Library
• Creswell Middle School: Thursday, March 3rd - 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. @ the CMS Cafeteria

Thank you for sharing your perspective and partnering with us as we work to adopt and implement the best possible curriculum to support CSD students’ and teachers’ needs.

Creswell High School has been awarded a $125,000 Oregon Career and Technical Education Revitalization Grant from Oregon Department of Education. This grant will allow CHS to enhance the current Construction Technology program while laying a foundation for the development of a new Manufacturing Technology pathway of study designed to provide relevant and rigorous opportunities in welding fabrication and construction. Through grant funding and partnerships with local industry who have offered their expertise and in-kind contributions, CHS plans to expand and update welding fabrication classrooms with new equipment, additional booths, and improved ventilation. In addition to physical improvements, funds will be used to recruit staff and purchase curriculum that aligns with Lane Community College courses. We are grateful to ODE for making these opportunities possible for our students and to CHS principal, Jenny Collins, for the hours and effort she invested in applying for this funding.

Career and technical education, or CTE, is education that directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. At CHS, in addition to Construction Technology, there are CTE programs in Health Occupations, Business Administration, and Visual Arts/Graphic Design.

Will your child be 5 years old by September 1st? If so, it's time for Kindergarten. Creslane's Kindergarten Orientation is set to take place on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 5:45 p.m. See the flyers below for additional information and details about what to bring. If you are unable to attend or have additional questions, please call the Creslane office at (541) 895-6140.

In 2021, the state legislature directed the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to review state high school graduation requirements. As part of that work, ODE wants to know what matters most to people about earning a high school diploma in our state. Oregon’s Kitchen Table is working with ODE to gather input from people across the state about this topic from mid-February to mid-March 2022. There are a few ways to share input: an online survey open until April 15 and community conversations happening now through March 17. To learn more or register for one of the regional community Zoom meetings, click here.

Every Kid Sports is an organization that believes every child should have access to youth sports. Studies have shown that participation in sports increases social/emotional health and children learn valuable life skills, all while having fun and moving their bodies.

This grant assists families with up to $150 for registration fees, if they meet the four requirements.

1. Proof the child is currently enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC benefits.
2. Ages 4-18
3. Recreational sports only
4. Season is at least 4 weeks in duration

Parents will be required to cover at least $10 of the registration. Creswell Family Resource Center will assist families who have been granted the funds to cover any remaining registration costs, up to $100.

If you have further questions or would like to learn more about the program, please contact Kathryn Dumas, Family Resource Center Coordinator, at 541-279-2979 or via email at kdumas@creswell.k12.or.us.

Parenting Now, a nonprofit in Eugene Oregon, serving families with children 0-8, is starting its next Incredible INFANTs parenting group on March 1.

About Incredible INFANTs: Incredible INFANTS is designed for families with babies 1-4 months old. The group meets virtually on Zoom every other week for 10 weeks. Professional Parenting Educators facilitate each group and follow a carefully designed curriculum. Each session includes group discussions and problem solving around topics of interest to you.

Your group will help you:

• Form connections with other families with new babies.
• Learn to respond to your unique baby.
• Explore the importance of self-care and how your adult relationships have changed.
• Help your baby grow a healthy brain through play and relationship.
• Address family routines and structures, including media use.
  
  

To enroll, call (541) 434-4343 or email enroll@parentingnow.org. Pre-registration is required and scholarships are available.

• 2021-2022 Creswell District Calendar
• Free and Reduced Price Meal Application
• CSD Employment Opportunities
• Creswell Food 4 Kids Program Online Application
• CSD COVID-19 Dashboard
• Sign up for FlashAlert
• Creswell Athletics