Parents of the Fern Ridge community,
I believe recent events around an incident at Fern Ridge Middle School, the districts response, and the subsequent discussion is necessitating an additional message from me. Serious issues of confidentially are in play here, so know that everything I have written here, just this morning I have received permission from the family involved to share.
The district was made aware of a general threat by a FRMS student on Monday, October 29th. The threat that was made a week or more prior to being reported to us was not specific in nature, was made in a private conversation between two friends, one of whom shared he was having some violent thoughts. The threat was investigated thoroughly over 2-3 days. The parents of the involved student responded to this event as I would hope any parent would. They understood the severity, were concerned for their child, and they furthermore agreed to voluntarily withdraw their student from school and pursue getting him some support. FRMS Principal, Ms. Johnson was in communication with me from the get go, and everything we have done here has been at my direction, and in accordance with Board policy. I can assure folks the following: The FRSD School Board is fully aware of the specifics of this case, and I am confident the Districts response was swift, appropriate, and at no time after being made aware of the threat were students in danger.
I stand by the fact that our response here was appropriate for the specifics of this case, and done so in a way that would encourage, not discourage, others form coming forward if they have concerns about themselves, or their peers. The District will certainly be de-briefing these events and discussing any possible adjustments to our policy or practice in the future. If anyone would like to contact me directly please feel free to do so at gcarpenter@fernridge.k12.or.us or via phone at 541-935-2253 ext 1201. I, as well as your elected School Board members, have no higher priority than doing everything in our power to ensure your children, theirs and mine included, are safe in Fern Ridge School District Schools.
Next week, FRMS staff are working on a short presentation to students that will emphasize two things. First, the importance of reporting to a trusted adult, and secondly the seriousness with which any threatening statement must be taken by school officials. I expect this presentation to take place on Wednesday during homeroom.
Gary Carpenter, Superintendent FRSD 28J
Friday, November 2 is a teacher workday. School is not in session for students.
Enjoy the three day weekend!
Mr. Jesse Light has been selected as our November Employee of the Month! Mr. Light and his wife (also named Jessie) have two sons, both of whom were born abroad. Maximus Indigo Vintor Light is 5 and was born in Doha, Qatar, and Tristan Phoenix Moon Light George is 7 and was born in La Ceiba, Honduras.
As you can imagine a favorite pastime of the Light family is traveling! Mr. Light has been to over 30 countries and has visited 40 states. In addition to being born out of the country, both of Mr. Light’s sons are on their second passports! This summer their family plans to travel to France, Germany, Hungry, Austria and Slovenia.
Mr. Light has been a teacher at the Fern Ridge Middle School since September of 2016 and has been a teacher for over 7 years. He has taught students grades 5th to 12th and coached soccer, volleyball, basketball and knowledge bowl. When asked what his favorite thing is about his job he told us, “middle schoolers are hilarious, a constant surprise, an endless wonder and still love to have fun.” Mr. Light enjoys teaching and says he will teach anybody, anywhere, anything. We want to thank Mr. Light for bringing his energy, enthusiasm and love for teaching to Fern Ridge Middle School!
On Thursday, November 8 there will be a flu shot clinic open to students and community members from 4:00-6:00pm in the Veneta Elementary Library.
Flu Shot Tips:
~Wear a short sleeved shirt
~Bring your insurance card – if you don’t have insurance the private pay cost for the basic flu shot is $30.
~Bring a completed Vaccine Administration Record (extra forms will be available on site)
~Immunizations are available for students ages 7 and up
~Copays/Costs may vary for alternate vaccines.
Below are the links to the vaccine information sheets:
Flu
Shingles
TDap
Pneumococcal
Please call 541-935-2253 ext 1203 if you have any questions
The Fern Ridge School District is continuing to accept applications to fill two vacant Budget Committee Positions:
Position #3 (Term expires 6/30/2021)
Position #4 (Term expires 6/30/2021)
To be eligible for appointment the appointive member must live in the district and not be an officer, agent or employee of the district. Applications are available by clicking HERE. Applications will be received at the District Office until the positions are filled.
Please call 541-935-2253 ext 1203 if you have any questions.
The Child Center is presenting a series of four classes for parents on collaborative problem solving. Collaborative problem solving is an exciting model that teaches you and your child skills that will reduce meltdowns, increase positive relationships, and improve communications.
Parents with a child in elementary or middle school will find the strategies used in collaborative problem solving useful and effective. If you are struggling with your child’s challenging behaviors or are frustrated and searching for a more effective way to manage your child’s behavior, then collaborative problem solving could be the solution you are looking for.
The classes will be held at Elmira Elementary School from 6:00pm to 7:30pm starting on Thursday, October 25th. Dinner will be served and childcare provided during the class. This class is offered at no cost to families.
Please call 541-726-1465 to register – space is limited!
Just a reminder that Parent Teacher Conferences for Fern Ridge Middle School and Elmira High School students are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 10 from 4:00pm-8:00pm and on Thursday, Oct 11 from 8:00am to noon. There is no school for FRMS or EHS students on Thursday, Oct 11. (Elementary students are in session on Oct 11.)
Friday, Oct 12 is State Teacher In-service Day – No school for all students.
The Fern Ridge School District is continuing to accept applications to fill two vacant Budget Committee Positions:
Position #3 (Term expires 6/30/2021)
Position #4 (Term expires 6/30/2021)
To be eligible for appointment the appointive member must live in the district and not be an officer, agent or employee of the district. Applications are available by clicking HERE. Applications will be received at the District Office until the positions are filled.
For more information please call 541-935-2253 ext 1203
Lane County Public Works wants to be sure that parents have a voice in potential herbicide use near school bus stops. You can enroll your child’s bus stop into the No Spray Area program by filling out a short form available on the Lane County website at www.lanecounty.org/vegetation or by calling 541-682-8521 to request a paper application.
School Bus Stop No Spray Letter
Do you like working with young children? Do you want to help support families with children from birth to six years old? Do you want to make a difference in the Fern Ridge Community?
Fern Ridge School District is seeking a Family Resource Coordinator to run their Family Resource Center. The Fern Ridge’s Family Resource Center provides outreach and support to families of children who aren’t yet in school. This includes weekly “play” groups to build literacy, numeracy and social skills training in 3 to 4 year olds as well as parent education activities. The Fern Ridge Family Resource Center is located at the Fern Ridge Middle School, but this position will be actively working at both elementary schools, collaborating with administration and working with staff to identify students and families in need of support. Candidates should have good organizational and clerical skills. The position is 15 hours a week during the school year with flexible hours. Pay range is $14.75 to $15.25
Updated as of 11/1/18: This position has been filled.