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Oregon Achieves... Together!
A Message from the Director of the Oregon Department of Education Colt Gill
I offer my deep gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly over the last six weeks to provide support, connection and continuity of learning for our students. You have each stepped-up in incredible ways; kept the focus on students, families, educators, staff and one another. And, you have delivered time and time again as the problems evolve, adapting and bringing new solutions to the table. The optimism, commitment and focus on display is a powerful reminder of our ability to move Oregon forward, even in the most difficult times.
While closing in-person classes for the rest of the school year is not what any of us hoped for, it is, as Governor Kate Brown said, “the best thing we can do for the health of our children, and for the thousands of educators across the state.”
The past few weeks have seen high school seniors learn about their path to Oregon’s rigorous diploma under school closure. School districts have had to shift to distance learning for all students while at the same time, providing tens of thousands of meals every day and attending to the many normal and new needs of the district, including applying for Student Investment Account funds. None of this was on our list of things to do for 2020, yet these historic accomplishments are providing essential supports for our students and families.
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As part of Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-12, child care providers have been ordered to close unless they are providing Emergency Child Care. The Early Learning Division approved applications of more than 1,900 child care providers choosing to remain open for emergency care. With about half of the state’s licensed child care providers still providing care, Oregon has the ability to serve approximately 10,000 children and families of essential workers.
“Many child care providers are answering the call to serve their communities by caring for the children of Oregonians who will help us get through this public health emergency,” said Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon. “We are committed to supporting providers who are serving families during this challenging time.”
The governor’s order calls for providers to prioritize first responders, emergency workers, health care workers, and other Essential Workers during the COVID-19 emergency.
More about Emergency Child Care...
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 The Estacada School District’s school meals delivery program was highlighted by Time Magazine in a video. It shows meals being prepared and delivered to families by school bus and features interviews with Superintendent Ryan Carpenter, school staff and families who are getting the meals while schools are closed. It’s an inspiring representation of work being done all over the state to help our families. Congratulations, Estacada!
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A Letter From 2020 Oregon Teacher of the Year Mercedes Muñoz
To my FHS family, I changed my profile picture to remind us of our ingenuity, our deep dedication to students, and our love for one another. Distance learning will not be easy and it has its inequities for sure. Yesterday, when checking in with families and students, I heard them saying they need us. They want support and tools and us to show up for them. We have been through so many things as a community and we will be better teachers for it. In my life´s journey, I have learned that being tried in the fire, doesn't feel good, but the results are.
Read the rest of Mercedes' letter...
ODE In the News
Jennifer Patterson, ODE’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, appeared on OPB’s Think Out Loud program and KATU’s Your Voice Your Vote to discuss Distance Learning for All.
OSBA News wrote an explainer on the minor changes to the Student Investment Account application process.
KVAL in Eugene talked with Coos Bay Schools Superintendent Bryan Trendell about ODE’s Graduation Pathways 2020 guidance.
State Board of Education Student Advisor Opportunity
The Oregon State Board of Education welcomes future high school seniors to apply for a one-year appointment as a student advisor to the Board. This appointment begins August 2020 and ends July 2021. To qualify, students must be a current high school junior (senior during the 2020-21 school year) in good academic standing. As a State Board Advisor, students are expected to attend board meetings beginning in August 2020 and assist the Board in analyzing the policies, proposals and requests before it.
Continue to get the criteria and application.
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