PRESS RELEASE:

March 22, 3 p.m.

Choice Option Applications due for Elementary and Middle School

Prospective families must apply by 3 p.m. on March 22. Learn more and apply at http://bit.ly/BLSchoice

March 25-29

Spring Break No School

April 2, 9 a.m.

Screen Time PTO Meeting at High Lakes Elementary School

The school’s Parent Teacher Organization will host a special guest to talk about screen time.

April 4, 1 to 6 p.m.

Educator Job Fair at Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

Bend-La Pine Schools and other local school districts are interviewing licensed teaching staff for grades K-12 during this annual educator job fair. Prospective teachers and other licensed staff who attend the job fair can meet with administrators, ask questions and learn more about available openings. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance.

April 6, all day

Central Oregon Speech and Debate District Competition at Mountain View High School

Several local high schools including Mountain View, Summit, Bend Senior High and La Pine High schools, will compete at this competition.

April 6, all day

Oregon Battle of the Books in Salem

Battle of the Books teams from two Bend-La Pine Schools’ teams won the regional contest March 7 and will head to compete at the state competition. Congratulations to William E. Miller Elementary School’s Sautéed Pigs for winning the elementary school division and congratulation to the team from Mountain View High School for winning the high school division.

April 8-11, lunchtime

Tasty Challenge at Three Rivers School

Students will be offered samples of a healthy vegetable served three different ways and will get to vote on their favorite preparation. This is part of a Food Corp Tasty Challenge and is the only one taking place in Oregon. The goal is to encourage students to try new foods.

April 8, 6:30 p.m.

Gear Up Meeting for Parents at La Pine High School

Parents and students are invited to learn about how to deal with changes and transitions as the school year ends as part of the school’s Gear Up program.

April 9, all day

Attendance Rally at Rosland Elementary School

Deschutes County Sheriff Office deputies will be on hand at the school to help encourage and celebrate student attendance. The deputies will bring large vehicles and a police dog and will join the students in a variety of activities throughout the day including physical education and trivia. The class with the highest attendance will win a donut party with the deputies.

April 9, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Choral Festival at Summit High School

Fourteen high school choirs from throughout Central Oregon will perform throughout the day and receive feedback from three choral adjudicators.

April 10

School in Session

School is in session for all schools, on a School Improvement Wednesday schedule. This is a change to the original school calendar.

April 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Middle School Choral Festival at Summit High School

Eight middle school choirs from throughout Central Oregon will perform throughout the day and receive feedback from three choral adjudicators.

April 11

School in Session

School is in session for all schools. This is a change to the original school calendar.

April 12

Elementary School Conferences; Middle and High School in Session

Elementary schools will have no school for school conferences; middle and high schools are in session. This is a change to the original school calendar.

April 11, 7 p.m.

Cougar Pageant at Mountain View High School

All proceeds raised by student participants and entry fees benefit the school’s Sparrow and the school’s Student Assistance Fund. $5 admission.

April 12

Student Recognition Assembly at La Pine High School

Student are honored for their efforts during the winter trimester.

April 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pursuit Connects at for all Sophomores at Riverhouse Convention Center

All sophomores in Bend-La Pine Schools are invited to participate in a career choice event that will include local speakers who will share stories of their success. The event is designed to introduce students to innovative careers. Learn more at www.pursuitconnects.org

April 17, 1:15 p.m.

Signing Day at Mountain View High School

The public is invited to celebrate with student-athletes and students pledging to the military during this festive event.

April 17, 6 p.m.

Wax Museum at William E. Miller Elementary School

Third-graders will dress up as a character during the annual wax museum event.

April 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Welcome to North Star Elementary School Event

Incoming families are invited to learn more about North Star, meet staff members including Principal Kevin Gehrig, connect with fellow families, register for kindergarten, enjoy free ice cream and more. The event will take place at Sky View Middle School in the commons.

April 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Meet Your Match at Cascade Middle School

Cascade’s counselor Michelle Beaudreau collaborated with Volunteer Connect to bring a job fair-style event featuring volunteer opportunities for middle school students. During social studies classes April 8-9, every student at Cascade will learn about volunteering and how their efforts can make a positive difference in the community. During the April 18 event, students will connect with dozens of local nonprofits and agencies who offer volunteer spots for teenagers.

April 19, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Career Exploration Fair at La Pine High School

Students will be able to interview with more than 30 local businesses, learn more about career opportunities and have the potential to be hired.

April 22-26, all day

Turn off TV Week at Bear Creek Elementary School

Families and staff at Bear Creek are encouraged to go screen-free for the week and the school has coordinated a series of activities throughout the week to encourage activity. Tuesday, April 23 is family bowling night; Wednesday, April 24 if family hike to the top of Pilot Butte; Thursday, April 25 is family math and reading night at Bear Creek (includes free pizza); Friday, April 26 is dinner at talent show at Bear Creek ($2, fundraiser for the school’s Sparrow.)

April 23, 5 to 7:45 p.m.

Hope, Help & Heal at Mountain View High School

Families are invited to this interactive teen suicide prevention session in partnership with Deschutes County Health Service, Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance, Safe Schools Alliance and local mental health professionals. Free dinner and childcare, programming in English and Spanish. Free and open to the public. Learn more at www.preventsuicideco.org

April 24, times vary

Kindergarten Registration

Families of incoming kindergarten students are encouraged to register students at their neighborhood schools. Many schools have special events aimed at incoming kindergarten students and their families. Families can look up their neighborhood school here: Attendance Areas

April 25, 8 a.m.

Coffee at Cascades Middle School

Parents are welcome to have a cup of coffee and learn what’s happening at Cascades.

April 25-27

Rock of Ages at La Pine High School

Students perform this fun musical. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students. 6 p.m. April 25-27 and 1 p.m. April 27. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

April 25, 4 to 5 p.m.

Kenwood 100^th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee

Community members are welcome to attend an upcoming planning meeting for the Kenwood School’s 100^th anniversary.

April 25, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Hope, Help & Heal at Ridgeview High School

Families are invited to this interactive teen suicide prevention session in partnership with Deschutes County Health Service, Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance, Safe Schools Alliance and local mental health professionals. Free dinner and childcare, programming in English and Spanish. Free and open to the public. Learn more at www.preventsuicideco.org

April 27-28, 6 p.m.

Banff Film Festival to Benefit Realms Middle and High Schools

Friends of Realms will host the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the Tower Theatre as a fundraiser for the middle and high school. $22 advance, $25 day of show. Open to the public.

April 30, 6 p.m.

Mental Health Information Night at Pacific Crest Middle School

Parents are invited to join the counselors at Pacific Crest for a conversation about mental health. This interactive session will include information about youth anxiety, depression, suicide and more. Parents will learn tips about engaging students in conversations and walk away with resources to help better support students.

Looking ahead:

• May 2, Excellence in Education Awards at Mountain View High School

Other story ideas:

• Spring Break book recommendations: Summit High School teacher librarian Eila Overcash offers some great reads to try over spring break. Book recommendations.
• Prom season begins in April.
• Outdoor learning. Many schools are learning outside during this time of year including Westside Village Magnet at Kingston School students planting trees in the Upper Deschutes watershed area.
• Speech and Debate Success. Several students recently qualified for the national speech and debate competition after placing well at the COCC qualifying event. Students headed to nationals include Summit High School students Ethan Koester, Jackson Baker and Alex Shaffer. Four Summit students also earned first alternate positions.