EPSD9 Community Newsletter
2023 - 24 School Year, February
EPHS Agricultural Sciences Building and Arena Summary
EPSD9 constructed a partially-open steel building of approximately 100’ x 200’, with an arena and work area of apprx 80’ x 150’, restrooms, storage rooms, offices, a vet med storage room, and 2 classrooms. The Ag Sciences Building and Arena complex has been officially named as “The K-Bar Agricultural Learning Center”.
The total cost of the project was just under $2.6 million. The project was funded by apprx $1.6 million of community donations, $875,000 State grants, and $125,000 of School District funds. The Morris Family Foundation made the first major contribution to the project to help get it started; the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians contributed $1,000,000 to help make it a reality!
Final invoices for the project are still coming in and donations from the community are still being received.
The project was designed by local Architect Dan Horton.
Article by RV-Times
New agricultural sciences building at Eagle Point High School offers hands-on experience
Students learn vaccinations, dissections and other procedures in new $2.6 million facility
Sunshine peeked through a side of the newly built K-Bar Agricultural Learning Center at Eagle Point High School on Monday afternoon.
Students stood around a shiny new livestock chute in an outdoor classroom area, observing a fluffy Angus cow named Echo, the first bovine patient ever to put a hoof in the chute.
Weighed and prepped, Echo stood patiently for a half-dozen future veterinarians and ag-industry pros to practice vaccinations and assess a small abscess on her flank. She was less agreeable to a foul-tasting dewormer paste, which she instantly spewed across teacher Keegan Hertensen’s jacket.
The cow seemed oblivious to the students' laughter. Hertensen was nearly as unfazed.
Two more bovine patients — Nirvana and Cherry Bomb — followed Echo with less commotion.
The three cows belong to junior Peyton Kirk, one of the students honing her veterinary skills. With the cows needing basic care, Kirk said it was a chance to let her fellow students practice what they'd learned.
Monday's lesson was the first time that students got to utilize the new chute since the school's ag-based programs officially moved into the $2.6-million facility in October. All told, the facility has two classrooms; a partially open steel building with an arena and work area; a "vet med" storage room; and procedural areas with long stainless-steel tables.
“We could even host a mini ‘jackpot’ event for local kids. It’s really exciting.”
Students used to have just a traditional classroom space and could only simulate medical procedures.
The new space gives them more real-life experience at caring for animals than does watching videos or practicing on models at classroom tables, senior Cody Lindstrom said.
“We get to put on gloves and put the needle in. Students get to experience the whole thing," Lindstrom said, adding: "I work on a ranch, so I get to do stuff like this already, but not everybody works at a place like that, and not everybody has grown up in a place that does that kind of stuff.”
Before students had the new arena — soon to be enclosed with panels — Lindstrom said students would occasionally bring in family pets or smaller hobby livestock after hours. Storage areas for test subjects, however, proved tricky.
A small grassy area near the athletic fields served as an impromptu, albeit antiquated, practice area for FFA showmanship events.
Junior Elena Hill, smiling as Kirk led a pregnant Cherry Bomb back to a waiting trailer, said the new digs were long overdue.
“A lot of us show through FFA. I show sheep and hogs. Before we had this, we used a small beat-down little barn, and our showmanship practice was over by the baseball fields,” Hill said.
“We practiced in a grass field, and all the animals would get into the batting cages if they got out, so it was pretty bad."
Hertensen said it was exciting to see students use the outdoor classroom space. Recently, the inside portion has allowed for procedures such as ultrasounds on dogs and the dissection of a lamb.
"With learning, it's more than reading a book and thinking how this applies to real life. You actually get to do the action,” she said.
“It would be like taking a wood shop class without the shop, or an auto class without the wrenches and cars. Many of our students learn best through hands-on practice and application. You learn best by doing."
For more great stories, visit RV-Times
Mark Your Calendars
EPSD9 School Board, January Recognition of Staff and Students
Cooper Kelsay
Arlissa Lile
Sunshine Damico-Ivy
Cindy Leonardo
The following students and staff were recognized at a recent assembly for their outstanding work by our School Board
Words from Eagle Point High School:
Cooper Kelsay
Staff members shared the following words, "I appreciate this student's positive attitude and active participation in school activities, including showing school spirit. He is a great role model for his peers across our campus. Additionally, he is involved in various extracurricular activities and is known for his kindness, helpfulness, and leading prayers at the flag pole or for his fellow classmates. He is one of the best students in the senior class.
Arlissa Lile
Arlissa is an exceptional student who persevered through many adversity during her school years. She is dedicated to her academics and extracurricular activities such as 4-H, FFA, softball, and swimming. Her dream of becoming an aerospace engineer has been realized as she has been accepted into The University of Notre Dame with a full Scholarship. Despite facing many challenges, Arlissa has worked hard to maintain a 4.0 average, breed and raise pigs and rabbits, participate in robotics, and excel in Softball. She is genuinely an excellent student, and her achievements are worth celebrating.
Sunshine Damico-Ivy
Sunshine is a distinguished, seasoned, and accomplished teacher. She presents complicated information in a way that allows students to understand very complex math at a deep and conceptual level. Her approach to teaching helps students make connections in ways they may not have otherwise. In addition to being very skilled at this part of her job, Sunshine's students adore her. Her ability to build relationships and relate to her students helps them to feel seen, heard, understood, and supported in a way that helps them build their confidence in themselves and math.
Cindy Leonardo
Cindy is an exceptional individual who loves our school and goes above and beyond to create a positive environment for everyone. She is invested in the lives of our students and is a model of kindness and generosity. Her hard work and dedication are evident in everything she does, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand. Thanks to her efforts, EPHS feels like a home to our students, staff and community.
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
Career and Technical Education (CTE) makes a difference, but what is it? CTE programs are a sequence of courses that build knowledge, skills and abilities from an introductory to an advanced level.
In the more than 1,000 CTE programs offered in Oregon, learners delve into the practical, academic and technical aspects of in-demand career areas such as Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity, machine manufacturing, agronomy, business and management, and nursing.
The power of CTE to engage learners can be found in high-interest curriculum and learning experiences that mirror the real world and give learners a critical introduction into what they may want to do in their future career. CTE programs provide a foundation from which learners can understand the world of work and their place in it.
Typically three to four courses in high school provide a direct bridge into college CTE programs. The program provides an opportunity for students to find their passion through advising and mentoring. The focus is on the future and the opportunity to experience that future now, while in high school. Data and information reporting in ODE’s Statewide Annual Report Card reflect higher four-year graduation rates for CTE concentrators across all ethnic groups. Learners experiencing disabilities have traditionally realized better post-school outcomes (PSO) when their education has included a CTE Program of Study and tend to have better post-school outcomes such as enrollment in college.
Eagle Point High School CTE - The Student Perspective
One CTE Path May Lead to Another
Interview with EPHS Student Lindsey E.
Lindsey E. Is a senior at Eagle Point High School who will be pursuing an electrical degree post graduation. Her path to becoming an electrician actually started with a woods class. How is that you ask?
Well, Engineering Woods is part of the CTE curriculum at EPHS. Lindsey’s sister took the class when she was in school and that encouraged Linsey to give it a try.
“While taking the class, I discovered I wanted to be an electrician after I realized how much I like working with my hands. Knowing that about myself helped me understand what my skills are and how I can utilize them for a post-graduation career. I am also very book-smart and wanted a job that would challenge my brain as well.”
“I chose the electrical field because the electrical field is mentally taxing and you have to do a lot of problem-solving. I like that not everything is plug-and-play.
From this realization, Lindsey started conversing with Mr. Langston about industry possibilities, and in the summer of 2023, Lindsey went through a pre-apprenticeship evaluation for the electrician apprenticeship program. This process included multiple knowledge-based tests in the classroom and hands-on worksite skills testing.
The results from this testing can be applied to the apprenticeship application and help determine your spot in line for the program. With the certificates Lindsey received from her summer test results, she has some advantages in the program.
Not only do the test results look great when applying to the apprentice program, but they also relate to your spot in line to be accepted. With the test results Lindsey received, she can move to the top of the list at certain schools.
Lindsey has received a lot of support from Mr. Langston in communicating with businesses, walking her through the steps, and overall encouragement.
“Because of Mr. Langston, I’ve been able to connect with industries, education, and additional programs. These opportunities helped put me in the position I am in today with the Electrician Pre-Apprentice Program.“
Lindsey is completing additional testing in her senior year to build her resume even more and become a highly desirable candidate. Everything Lindsey is completing now is through the CTE program and guidance at EPHS. Lindsey is excited about the next steps and feels she is ready to graduate and start the program.
Lindsey is currently enrolled in Engineering Woods and Engineering Metals in the CTE curriculum. She encourages students to take a CTE class and see what happens, you can always choose an alternative path.
“The classes at EPHS can lead you to other discoveries and you never know what those might be!”
Words from EPHS CTE Teacher, Mr. Langston
Career Technical Education develops effective career pathways for students. Students are given the opportunity to discover where their interest lies, a platform and the resources to guide their natural abilities. Students come out of our program and are prepared for college and/or the workforce career path in skilled trades. Our intent is to spark excitement and motivation in the next generation to pursue these fulfilling and in-demand careers. Our mission is to empower students to become career ready leaders, skilled professionals and responsible community members. This mission is accomplished through a framework skill-set which includes personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
What I like about CTE
Interview with EPHS Student Tanyon F.
When you go to the grocery store, take a moment to look around at the various products on the shelves. You’ll notice that many of the items, such as cereal boxes, have intricate graphic designs on them. These designs feature multiple layers, eye-catching visuals, and carefully placed text. These designs are usually produced with Adobe Design software.
Tanyon, a Junior at Eagle Point High School has learned about this software and design process in Mr. Morgan’s Graphic Design classes. He has even worked on a couple of design projects with local companies.
“In Mr. Morgans's class, we worked with a couple of businesses, and I really enjoyed that. The hard part for me is finding common ground where I can express my ideas and still meet the client's expectations. You get to put your special touch on the design the public sees, and that's pretty cool."
Tanyon grew up with technology, and for him, it just clicks.
Tanyon intends to take graphic design through the remainder of his academic career. He feels comfortable working with technology and wants to pursue a job in this field.
"It's an in-demand skill set to have. Everyone who wants to sell a product needs to have it designed, packaged, and marketed."
Tanyon isn't exactly sure what he wants to do but has a general idea and path. Through Mr. Morgan's class, Tanyon has discovered some likes and dislikes regarding his future career decisions.
"I don't want to be stuck in a cubical all day, that’s for sure. I feel graphic design has a lot of different avenues and environments, so I won't feel stuck. I can do graphic design for a food company, or car company, or even service providers. Lots of those jobs are now remote, and I want to be able to move or pivot if I need to or want to."
Tanyon still has his Senior year to work through the details and decide on a post-graduation path. He encourages students to get into classes that give them a sneak peek at what a career might look like.
“You might love it or you might not like it at all, but you won’t really know until you take a class and try.“
You can find a full list of Eagle Point High School’s CTE classes on their website, www.eaglepnt.k12.or.us/ephs
Why CTE?
Interview with EPHS Student Natalie H.
Natalie H. is a Junior at EPHS who is currently enrolled in Mr. Morgan’s Graphic Design class. When she started the class, she wasn’t sure what CTE stood for, she only knew the class sounded interesting.
“I really like art and I thought that graphic design might be interesting. I wasn’t sure what else to take, so I joined it.”
Now that Natalie has experienced the curriculum of Graphic Design, she really likes it!
“I have found graphic design to be very enjoyable and relaxing. The work is less stressful to me and is more fun! A lot of my work starts with tracing, I enjoy how it just flows and feels meditative.”
Natalie feels that the class is more stimulating than others. She feels like you’re doing something instead of just completing a task for a grade.
“It brings me gratification and feels purposeful.”
Graphic Design curriculum is structured with some freedom. What is meant by that, is the class has guidelines but allows you to have your spin on the assignment. Unlike math or other courses where there is only one way to solve the problem.
Natalie also gets to participate in a lot of on-campus and off-campus marketing posters and flyers. She really likes working with EPHS Theatre to advertise upcoming plays.
“It’s exciting to be able to see my work out there! It’s way different than working for just a grade.”
Natalie has been participating in CTE for 2 years and is enrolled in the culinary program as well. She feels that CTE education isn’t just about learning fun activities or hobbies, there actual skills that one can use after high school. She describes them as a job experience during high school.
You can find a full list of Eagle Point High School’s CTE classes on their website, www.eaglepnt.k12.or.us/ephs
Words from EPHS CTE Teacher, Mr. Morgan.
Every school should offer CTE courses! These classes align with real-world careers which allows students to really experience what they're thinking of doing after they graduate. It's been so fun for me to watch my Graphic Design students learn and use the tools and programs I use in my professional work. It's fulfilling knowing that what they learn in my class will prepare and benefit them in the future in more ways than just in the Graphic Design field. They're doing so well, I'm excited to post my students' work around the school as the year progresses!
EPSD9 Business Office
2022-23 Audit Results and Recap of Auditors’ Presentation to Audit Committee
The Eagle Point School District 9 Audit Committee met with KDP CPA’s to receive the Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report for 2022-23 and to hear the results of the School District’s annual financial audit. The report was presented by Jeny Grupe, Audit Partner, and Ben Cohn, Audit Manager, with KDP CPA’s of Medford Oregon.
In the Independent Auditor’s Reports, the School District received an unmodified (or “Clean”) audit opinion with no significant deficiencies in internal controls, no instances of noncompliance, and no significant issues noted. As part of the audit process KDP CPA’s audited the School District’s expenditures of Federal awards and the District’s compliance with grant requirements, and reported no findings, no questioned costs, and no instances of noncompliance. The “unmodified” opinion received by the School District is the highest level of assurance for stewardship of public funds.
On, January 24, 2024, the Eagle Point School Board received a summary of audit results, accepted the 2022-23 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report as presented, and thanked EPSD9 Business Office staff for their excellent work keeping the School District’s financial affairs in such a high state.
Questions? Please Email Amy Sander at sandera@eaglepnt.k12.or.us
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Download The EPSD9 App! New Look and Features!
Did you know the EPSD9 App is more than just District Notifications?
The EPSD9 app has a new and improved feature called Activity Stream. This feature displays content from our EPSD9 District Facebook page and School Pages, keeping parents and community members in the know about upcoming events and important dates.
Download the app and see what all the BUZZ is about!
Eagle Point and Upper Rogue Chamber
Questions? Please contact Amber Hardin at 541-622-9032 or ahardin@mtgxps.com
Butte Creek Mill, Eagle Point
Southern Oregon Head Start
- Pre-School services for age 3-5
- Infant/toddler Early Childhood Education
- Homebased Services
- Services for pregnant women
- No cost to families
- Healthy meals and snacks
- Free health screening
Cascade Community Pool, White City
Did you know there’s a swimming pool in White City?
The Eagle Point Swim Team practices there 3 days a week! They offer water fitness classes, and swimming lessons, and have open swim times during the week. You can also rent the pool for events, birthday parties, or family reunions. Call 541-826-2124 for more information.
Check us out on the web or follow us on Facebook!
Eagle Point Library Events
Eagle Point School District 9 Key Communicators
What’s next for our school district? You can get the latest information (and voice your opinions) by adding your name to Superintendent Andy Kovach’s Key Communicator emailing list. It’s easy, just CLICK HERE.