PRESS RELEASE:
Community members and interested individuals are invited to suggest potential names for Bend-La Pine Schools’ newest school – an elementary school slated to open in the fall of 2019 in north central Bend. To suggest a name, interested individuals can fill out an online survey available here. The survey will remain open through Oct. 21.
The naming committee will review all suggested names and provide a short list of recommendations in December to the Bend-La Pine Schools Board of Directors, who will ultimately select the name for the new school.
“I am excited to hear ideas from community members and to collaborate with staff and families throughout this process,” said Kevin Gehrig, planning principal at the new school.
The suggested names should come from the following categories:
The new 600-seat elementary school is currently under construction in north central Bend at the corner of OB Riley and Cooley roads. The more than 70,000 square foot energy efficient school is modeled on the architectural design for Silver Rail Elementary School, which opened in 2015. It is a two-story design with 24 classrooms, an open commons/cafeteria area, a dedicated gym and collaborative spaces for instruction.
Once open, this new elementary school will become home to students currently enrolled at nearby schools, which are experiencing overcrowding issues and classroom shortages. Additionally, the opening of the new school will help balance enrollment at all elementary in Bend that are currently near or over capacity, thanks to an attendance area adjustment process that is getting underway.