Science educators in the Springfield District recently received an award for their collaboration to implement the Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS, at the high school level.

About eight district biology teachers were recognized for their efforts at the 58th annual Oregon Science Teachers Association conference for their work over the last several months to implement the new science standards. The standards were adopted by the state of Oregon in 2014.

The process of implementing new standards is a difficult one, according to Dara Brennan, a science TOSA for the Springfield district. TOSA stands for teacher on special assignment. As the science TOSA, Brennan works to support K-12 teachers on changes in science instruction and science materials.

“It’s really, really hard to align practices and instruction,” Brennan said. “It’s taken years to dig into the standards, learn them and agree on how to implement them. Change is hard for everyone, but this group of teachers worked really hard to accomplish this.”

To read more about the award and the work SPS staff did to receive it, check out the full story here: bit.ly/2PuW9wq

The Springfield School District in October held a series of community meetings to capture the thoughts and feelings of district parents, teachers, community leaders and citizens about what they believe a successful education looks like.

Sessions were held in Spanish and English at multiple locations. Feedback gathered at the meetings was compiled into a survey, which is now available to the public.

Those interested in providing feedback can participate in the survey to add their thoughts and also “rate” the thoughts of other survey participants.

Interested in participating? Here’s the link to join the conversation: my.thoughtexchange.com/#126037251/hub

Input shared at the meetings will help shape the district's work to support every student through the use of the Student Success Act.

Have a student that rides the bus every day? Now you can track your child’s bus – including its location and when it’s estimated to arrive – both to and from school with the help of the Stop Safe app.

The application, which can be downloaded on any smartphone or accessed on the web, can also inform parents and guardians of any last-minute changes in busing schedules, delays or other service announcements. For more information about how to register, check out the brochures linked below: