KCSD & Me
January 2024 / Klamath County School District
IMPORTANT DATES
- Jan. 15: No school. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Jan. 18: KCSD Board of Directors meeting.
- Jan. 25: End of first semester.
- Jan. 26: No school for students. Grade preparation day.
COVER PHOTO: Progress on the new gymnasium under construction at Bonanza Junior/Senior High School is photographed in the morning light on Jan. 5, 2024. The district is using federal ESSER funds to build new gymnasiums at Bonanza and Chiloquin junior/senior high schools.
KCSD: Goals and resolutions 2024
As superintendent of the Klamath County School District, my focus for the year is on students, and I remain committed to ensuring the district provides what they need to succeed: quality education that is meaningful and valuable; safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments; updated technology and facilities; and programs that prepare them for postsecondary education, the workforce, and life.
In 2024:
KCSD will continue to be laser-focused on enhanced student learning, opportunities, and outcomes.
Two of our approaches include small-group instruction and project-based learning for elementary students and enhancement and expansion of CTE (career and technical education) programs in our high schools and junior high schools.
CTE offers students experiential, hands-on learning in specific careers or trades. The district’s strategic plan aims to continually expand these programs by hiring additional CTE teachers, improving our facilities, and purchasing updated equipment and supplies.
Small-group instruction and project-based learning started in the 2022-23 school year and continues to expand through our elementary schools. Its focus is providing individualized reading and math instruction to improve student outcomes and performance. We are encouraged by increased test scores in math and reading, and the goal is to continue that growth and improvement at all schools and grade levels.
KCSD will expand access to career and technical programs and classes to junior high school students
This fall, the district opened a 3,700-square-foot Construction Trades Center at the Henley Complex that provides classroom and workshop space outfitted with the latest technology and equipment. We offer introductory and advanced courses for both high school and middle school students and a two-year pre-apprenticeship program in construction and carpentry.
In 2024, the pre-apprenticeship program in carpentry and construction will expand to Bonanza Junior/Senior High School and courses in construction and carpentry will be offered to both high school and junior high school students. Also, in 2024 the manufacturing program at Mazama is expanding to include courses for Brixner Junior High School students.
KCSD will complete several major construction projects that will provide improved safety and learning environments for students in our rural communities.
These projects include new high school gymnasiums at Bonanza and Chiloquin, the Lost River Community Center at Lost River Junior/Senior High School, a new fieldhouse at Henley High School, and the Crater Lake Learning Center, which will serve as a hub for professional development and alternative learning.
KCSD will expand and develop strong partnerships that support career-connected learning for students, and we will continue to be a supportive partner to our families and community.
I want to thank all the parents, staff members, teachers, and others who have provided input, offered partnerships, and surpassed expectations to ensure that youth throughout Klamath County have opportunities to thrive and grow.
We are proud to inspire today’s students to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Sincerely,
Glen Szymoniak
Klamath County School District Superintendent
BONANZA JR/SR HIGH STARTS CONSTRUCTION, CARPENTRY PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Bonanza Junior/Senior High School is starting a two-year pre-apprenticeship training program in construction and carpentry and purchasing equipment to revitalize its shop thanks to nearly $500,000 in grants from the Bureau of Labor and Industries and Oregon Department of Education.
Students graduating from the two-year program will earn a pre-apprenticeship certificate that can be used to enter the skilled trades. Bonanza hired a construction and agriculture mechanics teacher and offered its first pre-apprenticeship class this fall. Plans are to offer three more classes in September 2024 under a state-registered program.
More than 60% of Bonanza’s senior class has shown an aptitude or interest in the skilled trades, said Bonanza Principal Jordan Osborn, and students have asked for help in getting the skills they need.
“They want jobs in the skilled trades, but need training in high school to help them get those jobs,” Osborn said. “This program is life changing for students in Bonanza.”
Klamath County School District started a state-registered pre-apprenticeship program in construction and carpentry at Henley High School in September 2023. With the $228,000 BOLI Future Ready Oregon grant, that program is expanding to Bonanza, operating in partnership with Klamath Community College, Southern Oregon Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, and industry and trade organizations. Read more
Please thank our school board members this month for all the time they put into our district, ensuring all students (more than 7,000!) have what they need for a quality education that is meaningful and valuable!
So what does a school board do? The KCSD Board of Directors is the policy-making body of the district. It is responsible for providing an education program for students living within the district boundaries. The board is authorized to:
- Establish policies that direct the school district
- Employ and evaluate the superintendent
- Negotiate with employee groups to determine salaries and benefits
- Approve the annual budget
- Authorize elections on bond proposals and other issues
- Determine the long-range direction of the district
- Communicate with the community
To learn more, check out our school board page on the website: https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/district/school-board.cfm. #schooboardmonth
HENLEY TO HOST MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT
Henley High School will honor veterans and active duty military Thursday, Jan. 18, during the varsity Hornets versus Vikings basketball games at Henley High School.
During Military Appreciation Night, all veterans and their families receive free admission to the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games and thank you cards with coupons for the concession stand.
The event starts at 6 p.m. with a welcome to military personnel and veterans. At 7:30 p.m., all soldiers and veterans are invited to come to the northwest and southwest corners of the basketball court for the National Anthem. The girls play at 6 p.m. The boys play at 7:30 p.m.
“This evening is only one small gesture of respect and appreciation we have for our military and their dedicated service on our behalf,” said Jesse Hamilton, principal of Henley High School. “We dedicated this evening in their honor and are grateful for their sacrifice, service and selflessness on behalf of our national and local community.”
DISTRICT AWARDED FOR FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE
For the ninth year in a row, the Klamath County School District has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. An impartial committee spent six months reviewing the district’s financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The comprehensive report replaces a standard audit. Read more
LESSONS FROM KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN
Peterson Elementary School fifth-graders learned about Japan and its culture from a guest Japanese teacher on Jan. 3, asking questions and trying their hand at origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. The special guest – Yasuyo – owns a private English-language school in Kagoshima with her husband, Ken Coulson, a 1978 Henley High School graduate and longtime family friend of Peterson fifth-grade teacher Stephanie Hull. With them was their 13-year-old son Josh. Read more
ORNAMENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Ferguson Elementary School students spent a week in December making Christmas tree ornaments – not to take home but to give away to the homebound and to elders at assisted living and retirement communities.
Fifth graders walked from the school to Luther Square Retirement Village on Homedale Road Dec. 14, knocking on doors to give retirees their gifts. Ornaments made by other grades were provided to the county’s Meals on Wheels program to be gifted to homebound meal recipients as well as to other retirement communities.
The community service project was part of the school’s project-based learning classes taught by Melissa Nixon and Brittany Carr.
BONANZA: NEW YEAR, NEW SCIENCE LAB
Students at Bonanza Junior/Senior High School came back from the holiday break to a new state-of-the-art science lab. Seven new lab stations and two teacher stations were installed using $40,000 from a Gear Up Grant the school was awarded last spring. The old stations were from the 1970s and were in bad shape.
“Our students now have a new lab to pursue science and careers in science,” said Jordan Osborn, principal of Bonanza Junior/Senior High School. “This is part of our ongoing quest for this school to be better. We can’t provide inferior quality facilities and expect excellence.”
The $560,000 Gear Up grant, which provides $80,000 a year for the next seven years, also is funding a learning facilitator at Bonanza, who offers college and career readiness programs, including exploratory classes, career days and college trips for students. This year, students so far have visited University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
The science lab renovation is just one example of ongoing efforts to provide better facilities for students. In the past three years, Bonanza, using grants, private donations, and district funding, renovated its culinary arts classroom, installing new countertops, stainless steel sinks, and industry standard ovens and ranges. Other projects included remodeling the locker rooms and weight room, creating a CTE Showcase and a student store, and installing an inspirational mural. The school also has upgraded its football scoreboard, softball scoreboard, and baseball fence.
NOTE FOR PARENTS: HEALTH CURRICULUM, SERVICES
Klamath County School District uses licensed teachers to teach the Oregon Health Standards. These standards cover the following topic areas:
- Wellness and Health Promotion
- Safety and First Aid
- Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse
- Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
- Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
- Healthy Relationships and Violence/Abuse Prevention
- Growth and Development
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
Our teachers align lessons to these required standards while maintaining an awareness of our local context and the oversight of our locally elected school board. If you have questions about the Oregon Health Standards, please feel free to contact the district curriculum office at 541-883-5000.
Parents and guardians have the option of opting their students out of lessons on sexual education; to do so, please contact your school’s main office.
In addition to teaching health and wellness education, Klamath County School District has two school-based health centers and employs a number of licensed nurses. Medical professionals discuss and respond to student health needs in accordance with Oregon law. For more information see https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le9541.pdf
OUR NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
KCSD'S ANNUAL REPORT
Check out our 2022-23 annual report for fun facts, financial information, and progress towards our goals. You can find copies at the District Office or read it online here: https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/KCSD_Annual_Report_2022-23.pdf
2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Click here for the 2023-24 school year calendar: https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/cms_files/resources/23-24%20School%20Calendar%20revised.pdf
JOIN OUR TEAM
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. Follow district news here: https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/district/district-news.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