Oregon Achieves... Together!
A Message from the Director of the Oregon Department of Education, Dr. Charlene Williams
Dear Education Community,
As we navigate the winter storms that have challenged many communities across the state, I am compelled to express heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable people in the education community who have gone above and beyond to ensure the well-being of Oregon students and families. The recent weather challenges have not deterred educators from their mission; instead, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment by delivering food to families and making extraordinary efforts to serve our students in various capacities.
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Thank you Majalise Tolan, Lincoln County Superintendent, for these pictures and captions from meal drop sites. Drop sites include four schools and four local partners. Food was made in Newport and bussed out. First Student also worked with the county to bus vulnerable residents to sources of electricity.
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Sodexo Cafeteria from Sam Case Elementary: Linda Barger and Kate Clark |
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First Student Bus Picture:
Back row left to right (Bus Drivers): Benjamin McCoy, Cary Workman, Chris Carley (orange vest), Dave Boyce
Seated: Chloe Minch (Principal of Toledo Jr./Sr. High and daughter, Reed), Janna Limbert (Principal of Toledo Elementary), Kim Cusick (Lincoln County SD Business Manager)
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Collective Efforts
Amidst these challenges, I am delighted to share some positive news. All districts and eligible charter schools have successfully applied for the Early Literacy Success School District Grants! This collective effort allows us to embark on a journey to amplify and uplift powerful literacy strategies across the state. As we all know, literacy is one of the cornerstones of education, and this initiative marks another significant step towards fostering a culture of learning and growth in our communities.
In recognizing the holistic support our schools receive, we want to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of our education support professionals. Their dedication is the backbone of our educational system. I encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate an education support professional for the ESP of the Year award. The deadline for nominations is February 21, 2024, and your participation is crucial in acknowledging the unsung heroes who make a profound impact on the lives of our students.
January is also School Board Recognition Month and I want to thank every passionate, committed leader serving on the Boards of Education for Oregon’s 197 school districts, 19 Education Service Districts and, of course, the State Board of Education.
From setting impactful school policies uplifting educational excellence to developing the budget and partnering closely with the superintendent, your critical role advances student learning from their first lessons in kindergarten through their walk across the stage at high school graduation. Your work requires late night meetings, early morning strategy sessions and an endless list of tough choices. Thank you for your devotion to Oregon’s scholars. Your commitment is seen and valued.
As January unfolds, marking the start of a new year and, for many, a new semester depending on your district calendar, let us carry forward the spirit of resilience and determination that the staff and volunteers in our schools, districts, ESDs, and on our boards, embody. In times of adversity, it is their dedication that lights the path for students, guiding them toward success.
In recognition of the recent holiday, allow me to conclude with the wise words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love." Let us embrace the power of love, justice, and education as we move forward together.
In Love and Justice,
Dr. Charlene Williams
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