Superintendent’s Update

Shared with the Corvallis School Board during the December 13, 2018 meeting

School Safety
As you all know, last week we had a safety threat at Corvallis High School that resulted in several communications with staff and families. Our response to any threat is to immediately investigate and take action to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. I shared a safety message with all staff and parents this week, which is also published on the district website.

We advocate a safety mindset and encourage students to observe what is happening around them and report concerns to a trusted adult or school administrator.  Students may also report concerns through SafeOregon, a 24/7 confidential tip line, either via email at [email protected], or by phone or text at 844-472-3367.

High School Athletics
Congratulations to Corvallis High School and Crescent Valley High School for their athletic achievements this fall.  State champion teams include CHS Volleyball, CVHS Girls Soccer, and CHS Boys Soccer. This is the first time our district has had three state championships in one season.  Our student athletes demonstrated teamwork and sportsmanship on the court and field, and an ability to balance schoolwork, practices, and other commitments. Thank you to our coaches and parent volunteers for supporting these students with countless hours for practice and games, fundraising, and encouragement on and off the court and field.

Performing Arts
We have a number of a high quality performing arts electives and programs in our districts. Students develop a number of real-world skills through participation in the arts including confidence, perseverance, and collaboration. Last month, “The Miracle Worker”, a drama based on the lives of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller was hosted by CSD Theaters. Coming up in February is a production of “Beauty and the Beast”, which I’m sure will be a huge hit with our community.

We also have a number of award-winning music programs including band, orchestra, and various choral groups.  Winter choir concerts are scheduled for next week at both high schools. I strongly encourage you to attend one or both as we prepare for winter break and celebrate the holiday season. The Corvallis High Choir Concert will be Tuesday, December 18 at 7 pm and the Crescent Valley High Choir Concert will be Wednesday, December 19 at 7 pm. Admission is free and donations are accepted.

District Equity Leadership Team Advisory (DELTA)
The district DELTA met earlier this week. This is the third year this group has met to discuss the perspectives of our students and parents of color. During the meeting, the group discussed what “shared leadership” would look like for this group. The team decided that upcoming agenda topics and roles will be shared between members of the DELTA and district leadership.  I am looking forward to our continued work and focus.

Bond Program Update: Design Guidance Principles Finalized
I would like to thank our bond management team, architects, and the 85 individuals who participated in the development of our design guidance principles. Design Guidance Teams met three times this fall and we hosted a community meeting to gather additional input.  The third and final workshop for this team took place last month.

The work product from this process will be finalized by the bond management team and published by the end of next week.  These principles will be handed off to technical standards teams comprised of staff and industry professionals and will ultimately be used by the architect teams in their design work with individual schools. A team of students participated in the third Design Guidance Team meeting and it was great to hear their perspective. I also shared the health and wellness principles with a high school health class earlier this week for additional student feedback. A timeline publication that provides a big picture overview of all bond projects over the next three years is available.

AP District Honor Roll
Corvallis School District was the only district in the state of Oregon to be recognized in the ninth annual AP District Honor Roll this year. Congratulations to our students and staff for achieving this success for the second consecutive year. Inclusion on the honor roll is based on an examination of three years of AP data, from 2016 to 2018, for the following criteria:

• Increased participation/access to Advanced Placement
• Increased or maintained percentage of students from diverse backgrounds participating and scoring 3+ on at least one AP exam

Student Art Work
Our art educators have provided a new installation of student artwork in the Board Room and I’d like to thank students and staff from Adams, Crescent Valley, Franklin, Hoover, Jefferson, Lincoln, Linus Pauling, Mountain View, and Wilson for the beautiful exhibit.