March 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are already nearing the end of our second trimester, with
trimester 3 beginning March 29 after our return from spring break. This year is
flying by! Throughout the year there has been an increase in school
spirit. We are looking forward to
our upcoming faculty vs. students sporting events. Seventeen teams last month had a lot of fun competing in the
Battle of the Books during lunch.
We now have The Dharma Initiative
team moving on to the regional competition March 6. Track practice begins April 5. Please continue to urge your children to get involved in
school activities.
We are very pleased to have raised nearly $3,000 for Pennies
for Peace. The proceeds are going
towards building a school in Afghanistan.
Thank you for your support. Congratulations to our students who had
perfect attendance in January. If
you are an 8th grade parent, be sure to read below for important
high school visitation dates.
I would like to highlight a few of changes with the state of
Oregon high school diploma requirements. The state's goal is to ensure that by
the time students graduate high school, they are fully prepared to excel in
college, work and in life. Beginning in 2012, credit requirements will increase
to 4 for English and 3 for Science.
3 credits will be required for the Arts, Career and Technical Education,
as well. Furthermore, beginning in
2012 students must demonstrate proficiency in the essential skills of reading,
mathematics, writing, and speaking to receive a high school diploma. Students will be afforded many options
and opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in these skills by meeting
state standards through: the
Oregon Statewide Assessments, samples of student work scored by trained
teachers, or additional national standardized assessments. Our High Schools
will be able to explain these options more fully. Currently, Bend LaPine Schools already require the 2012 new
requirements of 4 credits for English and 3 for Science. The 3 hours required for the Arts, Career
and Technical Education will be phased in by 2012.
Be on the lookout for the following events:
3/1 Bend High School 8th grade visitation
3/2 Site Council 3:00
3/8 Summit High School 8th grade Parent Night (at Summit) 6:30 pm
3/18 PTSA meeting 1:00
As always, please feel free to email me at Michael.Hecker@bend.k12.or.us
or call me at 383-6234 with any questions or concerns. Have a fantastic month.
As Gandhi once said, "We must be the change we wish to see
in the world."
Michael Hecker
