KCSD & Me
May 2022/Klamath County School District
IMPORTANT DATES
May 19: KCSD Board of Directors meeting
May 30: No school. Memorial Day.
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear KCSD Community,
This is Teacher Appreciation Week and we want to let our teachers know how much their work and efforts mean to our schools and students. Join us by writing a note, posting a photo, or even creating a video thanking a teacher and posting it on our online chalkboard: https://padlet.com/KlamathCountySchoolDistrict/sx75xef42qi8pswh
Our district employs more than 400 certified educators who are charged with educating nearly 7,000 students in seven distinct communities throughout our county. We are proud of the work they do and look forward to supporting their efforts as we finish this school year and head into 2022-23.
Exciting changes for next year
For the 2022-23 school year, KCSD will use Student Investment Account and some general district funds to add 29 full-time certified educators to boost personalized learning, fine arts, and science for elementary students and electives, robotics, math and science for secondary students.
Each of our small elementary schools will receive one position to provide an art, drama, science or other project-based class. The larger elementary schools will each get two positions. The addition of these specialist positions at the schools will also allow teachers to provide small-group instruction to better meet the personal needs of each student.
In addition, our Title I program will be hiring full-time paraprofessionals and training them to assist with small group instruction. Principals are working hard with their staff on scheduling to maximize the benefit to students.
The district began receiving Student Investment Account or SIA funds in the 2020-21 school year. Based on public input, we designated the first round of funding to focus on the social and emotional needs of students. We created a new department, hiring additional counselors, and a full-time administrator. We are excited to use this next round of funding to improve and increase learning opportunities throughout the district.
We are ready to finish this school year strong, and we appreciate the ongoing support of our families and school communities.
Sincerely,
Glen Szymoniak
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS: 1922-2022
Education in Klamath County was built on the dreams and aspirations of families who between 1870 and 1922 established more than 70 schoolhouses in isolated logging camps, farming communities, and near the growing town of Linkville. As soon as a location had enough children, a school was started.
The first school in Klamath County -- Linkville -- was established in 1870 after citizens raised enough money to pay for a teacher and rent a building. A second school was established a short time later in the present town of Bonanza. Other schools soon followed.
In the early 1920s, the Oregon Legislature authorized the creation of county school units or districts, and Klamath County School District was established on May 29, 1922, with 54 elementary schools and three high schools -- Klamath County High School, Malin Union High School, and Fort Klamath High School. (Historic information from "Schools in Klamath County" by Mary Nobel)
Today, KCSD has 21 schools, about 7,000 students, and nearly 1,000 employees. The district is one of the largest geographically in Oregon, covering more than 6,100 square miles.
More than a century after the first school opened in Linkville, we remain focused on quality public education and our mission, "Inspiring today's students to meet tomorrow's challenges."
This video -- produced by Nick Alexander Films -- celebrates our students, schools, and former and current staff who make us who we are. Special thanks to those who agreed to be interviewed as a part of our celebration, and whose words help us tell our story:
- Greg Thede: A former KCSD superintendent, Mr. Thede worked for the district for 42 years. In his more than four decades with the district, he worked as superintendent, personnel director, high school administrator, teacher and coach.
- Glen Szymoniak. Mr. Szymoniak is KCSD's current superintendent. He began his tenure with the district in July 2018, bringing with him decades of experience in administration and education in Idaho and Alaska.
- Jamie Ongman: Mr. Ongman is KCSD's director of operations and current Lost River Junior/Senior High School principal. A Lost River graduate, he grew up in south county and returned to raise his family and work in education at his alma mater before joining the District Office administration this year.
- Torina Case: Ms. Case, a member of The Klamath Tribes, works as the Title VI coordinator for the district, ensuring district support of Native American students. She is a graduate of Chiloquin Jr/Sr High school and worked for The Tribes for 20 years before taking the Title VI position at KCSD. Her father also worked at KCSD for 25 years as a Native American liaison.
- Rosa Banderas: Ms. Banderas was born and raised in the Bonanza area and graduated from Bonanza schools. Today, she works as athletic secretary and is in the process of earning her master's degree so she can teach at her alma mater.
- Stephanie Hull: Ms. Hull is a graduate of Henley High School. After earning her degree, she returned to Klamath Falls to teach in KCSD elementary schools and raise her family. She currently teaches at Peterson Elementary School.
We also want to give shout outs to:
- The Klamath County Museum for its collection of historic photos (you will see a few in the video)
- Nick Alexander and his crew who traveled to schools throughout the county to film our students and staff in action
- The Henley Complex and its 1,400 students and staff who helped us celebrate by forming a 100 on their football field
BRIXNER SPARROW: CELEBRATING JUBAL
“Jubal! Jubal! Jubal!”
The 2-year-old, who nearly lost his life less than three months ago, looked up at the crowded stands in the Brixner Junior High School gymnasium and gave students a quick smile before hiding his face on his mother’s shoulder.
The students then stood, clapping their hands and stomping their feet.
Brixner students in March adopted Jubal as a Sparrow Club “sparrow,” and in one month, performed more than 400 hours of community service to help support the family financially as the toddler recovered from his injuries. Sparrow Club sponsors donated money to the family for the community service hours Brixner students logged in Jubal’s name
Students met Jubal for the first time Tuesday during a celebratory event at the school.
Fighting tears, Jubal’s mother, Sarah Hirengen, addressed the students, thanking them for their support of a boy they had never met. Jubal spent nine weeks in hospitals in Portland before returning home to his family.
“I want to let you know how much you mean to us,” she said. “What you did was not only work your tails off to help earn money to take care of Jubal, but more importantly, we got your notes that told us why you were doing it, and we got updates about what you were doing. What you did is you brought home to us … We heard your voices, we saw your words, we felt your prayers … The money is fantastic, your hard work is amazing, but I want you to know that it is your passion, your commitment, your prayers and your words and your thoughts that meant even more to us.” Read more
LOST RIVER FFA WINS AG FEST AWARD
HENLEY CTE DAY: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Henley Middle School eighth-grader Feather Crume is considering a career in the medical field – or perhaps in education. Classmate Rachel Edwards is interested in agriculture. Crume and Edwards were among Henley Middle School eighth-graders who spent a day at Henley High School last month, exploring Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and other electives available to them when they enter high school in the fall. This week, counselors are working with the students to help them determine their ninth-grade class schedules. Read more
FBLA STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS
More than 50 students from Bonanza, Gilchrist, Lost River, and Mazama FBLA chapters will be representing Oregon and Klamath County this summer at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago. FBLA teams from the four schools traveled to Portland in mid-April to compete in Oregon FBLA State Business Leadership Conference, qualifying students in 36 high school events and 12 junior high events for the national competition. The three-day state conference included the competition as well as leadership training. More than 70 schools and 1,350 students were in attendance. Read more
BTS DONATES EQUIPMENT TO MAZAMA SHOP PROGRAMS
Thank you to Basin Transit Service! In April, BTS donated a fork lift and an air compressor to Mazama High School for use in its automotive and shop programs. BTS mechanics Dave Moser and Brenden Westfall helped deliver the equipment to the school, meeting with Mazama automotive teacher Steve Walker. Read more
KENO STUDENT WINS STATEWIDE ESSAY CONTEST
WATCH THE CRYSTAL APPLE AWARDS
IT'S TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Don't forget to tell your teachers how much you appreciate them. Write a message, post a photo, or create a video and post it on our online chalkboard: https://padlet.com/KlamathCountySchoolDistrict/sx75xef42qi8pswh
KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP!
Will your child be five years old by Sept. 1, 2022? If so, it’s time for kindergarten! Below is a list of our remaining kindergarten roundups. If you missed your school's roundup, you can still register by calling the school.
Please join your neighborhood school (see dates below) for Kindergarten Roundup. Bring your child's immunization record, birth certificate, and proof of address. If you are unsure which school your child should attend, go to our school boundaries page and enter your address.
Ferguson Elementary
5:00 - 6:30 p.m., May 5
Peterson Elementary
1:00 p.m., May 10
Bonanza Elementary
2:00 p.m., May 12
Stearns Elementary
1:45 p.m., May 17
Gilchrist Elementary
10 a.m. - Noon, May 18
Chiloquin Elementary
5:00 – 6:00 p.m., May 19
Shasta Elementary
1:30 - 3:30 p.m., June 3; Play to Learn bags will be handed out to participants.
OUR NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
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Check out our job openings: KCSD Employment Opportunities
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In our KCSD & Me district newsletters, we will provide updates as well as share news from across our district. If you need information between newsletters, go to our webpage at www.kcsd.k12.or.us and follow us on social media. Keep track of KCSD & Me newsletters at: https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/district/kcsd--me-newsletters.cfm
Klamath County School District
Inspiring today's students to meet tomorrow's challenges!
Read our Strategic Plan
Email: kcsd_communications@kcsd.k12.or.us
Website: www.kcsd.k12.or.us
Location: 2845 Greensprings Drive, Klamath Falls, OR, USA
Phone: 541-883-5000