dmoore
The District leadership and school leadership has been looking at how best to increase instructional hours at the elementary level. We worked with the Transportation Department to ensure that the transportation of students from both the elementary schools, and the middle and high schools would work.
Additionally, the elementary staff had asked to have professional learning communities, or staff collaboration time on Wednesdays as the middle school and high school did in the 2014-2015 school year. There have been many changes in education, and many things the state is asking of us that are new. Staff needs time to implement changes and learn new things. They need time to meet with educational assistants to plan for the students as well. Therefore, this has also necessitated schedule changes.
We are pushing the start of the middle school to a later time, and having them get out later as well. This is for two reasons: teen brains need to sleep in later in the morning and the transportation time issues.
Therefore the times for the elementary and middle schools beginning with the 2015-2016 school year are as follows:
Elementary School Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 7:55 AM – 2:25 PM Wednesday – 7:55 AM – 12:45 PM
Middle School Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:45 AM – 3:04 PM Wednesday – 8:45 AM – 1:25 PM
All children and youth ages 2-18 are welcome to come and have a free meal at the FOOD for Lane County’s Summer Food Program sites. Designated sites in the Fern Ridge area are: Veneta City Park, 25192 Broadway, Veneta – 6/22/15-8/21/15 and Elmira Open Bible Church, 88899 Territorial Road, Elmira – 7/20/15-7/24/15 only. For more detailed information please click here.
Each year US News and World Report puts out an article that ranks the nations top High Schools. A few years back, EHS made the list and earned a silver medal. The list of 2014 schools just came out and 28 Oregon High Schools made the list. Once again, EHS has made the cut, ranking as the 24th High School in the state of Oregon. For perspective, we are also the highest ranking 4A school on the list, and one of only two Lane County schools on the Oregon list (with the other being South Eugene). Thanks to all the teachers, staff, parents, students, and volunteers that make this possible. Go Falcons!
May 3-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week. I have been astounded at the passion, commitment and compassion of our teachers throughout the District. They care so deeply for their students and go the extra mile trying to meet all of the separate needs of each one. We are fortunate to have such caring individuals working with our students. I honor the work they do on a daily basis, and appreciate each and everyone of our teachers. – Dr. Sally Storm, Superintendent
To Fern Ridge Community Members and Staff:
We have some very exciting news we want to share with parents and patrons of Fern Ridge School District. The news concerns an improvement in our bond project at Elmira Elementary School.
We are holding an informational meeting at Elmira Elementary School on Tuesday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m. Our Construction Project Manager, Lee Zumwalt, from LCG Pence Construction, and our Owner’s Representative, Rick Rainone, from Cornerstone Management Group will be on hand to share the good news. We hope you will be able to attend!
– Sally J. Storm, Ph.D., Superintendent and FRSD Board of Directors
Congratulations to Fern Ridge Middle School’s OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books) for being the 2015 Middle School State Champions. The team did a great job. The team consisted of Emily Eagle Eye, Josiah Lorenz, Megan Porter, and Jessica Woods. Thanks to Sherry Cooper for all her hard work as the Coach and also a thank you to Judy Peterson as the Honorary Coach during the competition.
Congratulations, as well, to the Elmira High School team for making it to the 2015 OBOB state semi final round. Having two teams from our District make it to the final round against schools with enrollments exceeding 1,500 students, was quite an accomplishment. EHS team members included Maddi Curtis, Brittany Falconer, Jeremy Cooper, and Cooper Barnes. Thank you to Sherry Cooper for coaching and Forrest Cooper for all his support.
The Fern Ridge School District will hold pre-registration for incoming kindergarten students on Friday, May 1st from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at both Elmira Elementary School and Veneta Elementary School. Parents are encouraged to bring their future kindergartener with them. Forms for kindergarten registration can be picked up at each school or they will be available online beginning April 27th. Forms will not be accepted before 9:00 a.m. on May 1st. Parents should plan on bringing copies of birth certificates, immunization information, proof of residency, and any relevant documentation related to custodial issues.
Parents of incoming kindergarten students are also invited to attend a Kindergarten Parent Information Night on May 13th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at each elementary school. Kindergarten teachers will share more information about our full day kindergarten program and how parents can help their child prepare over the summer.
Just as the buses were leaving Elmira Elementary School Monday afternoon, the school received a bomb threat by telephone.
Staff and students in our after school program were immediately evacuated to Elmira High School. Lane County Sheriff’s Department was immediately on site checking Elmira Elementary School.
The school has been deemed safe, and no bomb was found. All students and staff are safe. School will continue as normal tomorrow.
During the upcoming Spring Break, the Maintenance Department will be applying herbicides to fence rows and planter beds district-wide while school is not in session. Under State law, licensed professionals are allowed to apply registered low impact products to school facilities provided notification and posting of affected area is given. If you have questions regarding products used, application methods or safety protocols please contact Jeff Thiessen in the Maintenance Department at 541-935-2253 ext. 1216.
Fern Ridge School District is excited to announce that we will be offering full day kindergarten programs at both Elmira and Veneta Elementary Schools beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. Both elementary schools are planning Parent Nights and other activities for parents and incoming kindergarten students. Elmira Elementary School will be planning school tours in April. Veneta Elementary School is offering school tours for interested parents and children on March 10th at 6:00 p.m., March 12th at 8:30 a.m., and March 19th at 8:30 a.m. Keep watching our website for more information that will be available in the coming months!!!