Dear Education Community,
It is such a joy to be able to visit schools around the state to see how all the hard work in classrooms every day is paying off. Last month I had the honor to visit Pleasant Valley Elementary School in the Centennial School District to celebrate the start of a new school year – and witness first hand the joy of students back in the classroom, excited about learning.
I want to thank Superintendent James Owens, Principal Christina Anderson, and the many dedicated teachers and staff for sharing about how the school and district are centering whole child success through social-emotional learning, family engagement, and free meals that help every student thrive. Their efforts are paying off! In 2023-24, Pleasant Valley’s regular attender rate rose to 68.9%, an 11.4-point increase over the previous year.
One key factor in this success is a partnership with The Shadow Project, an ODE community partner that equips teachers with tools to help students strengthen literacy and other core skills. As students’ confidence and sense of belonging grow, so does their school attendance. You can learn more in this short video from the Oregon Lottery: Improving School Attendance.
We love being able to share good stories about what is going right in our schools. Finding out what works for one district can inspire others to follow their example. You can always feel free to let us know what is working in your schools and communities so we can spread the word.
Teacher of the Year
Speaking of success, don’t miss the article below about Sally Golden, our 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year! I had the honor last week of joining Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Todd Hamilton and Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells in making the surprise announcement at Two Rivers-Dos Rios Elementary School in Springfield. Mrs. Golden’s impact could be felt radiating throughout the school community, from her students’ confidence to the deep respect of her peers. Her compassion and unwavering commitment to her students’ success embody the best of Oregon education. Photos from the event are available at this link.
Mrs. Golden was selected as Teacher of the Year out of the 16 amazing educators who are this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year. Each of these outstanding teachers represents the very best of their communities and the incredible work happening in classrooms across Oregon. Check out the article below for more.
In moments of uncertainty, our unity matters more than ever
While we strive to make our schools safe and welcoming spaces free from outside distractions, we know that events at home and around the world can have an impact on us and the students we serve. We can’t ignore what is happening “out there,” but we can choose how we respond – with discipline, discernment, and compassion. Together we can provide the steady leadership our students and communities deserve. How we welcome others to the table – how we listen, engage, and act – matters.
Let’s commit to building and nurturing civil conversations, not as isolated efforts, but as lasting partnerships rooted in mutual respect, accountability, and shared purpose. That means:
- Making space for every voice.
- Listening deeply and honoring the courage it takes to show up.
- Acting with intention and integrity.
Creating a genuine sense of belonging also means showing up well, for ourselves and each other. It means making room for learning and growth, learning from missteps, and stepping up when it’s time to make amends.
We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can set aside differences to focus on what unites us: helping our scholars thrive.
To help facilitate this, we are sharing additional resources for you to reference as we navigate these times of uncertainty. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.
Together, we’re building a legacy of inclusion, support, and purpose, for today and for generations to come.
In Love and Justice,
Dr. Charlene Williams
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