As we wrap up Semester One, I want to thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning. The end of a semester is a great time to take an extra moment to check in on your child’s academic progress.

Our district uses a standards-based grading system on a 1–4 scale. These scores are designed to show how well students are progressing toward specific learning standards rather than averaging assignments or behaviors. A score of 3 indicates that a student is meeting the standard, while a 4 reflects advanced understanding. Scores of 1 or 2 show that a student is still developing and needs more time, practice, or support.

Families can view current grades and progress reports in PowerSchool. You can now access it through the app on your phone, or on your computer. 

We strongly encourage you to log in, review your child’s scores, and take time to talk with them about what the grades mean. These conversations help students reflect on their learning, celebrate growth, and better understand where they need to focus next.

If you notice areas where your student is still developing, the next step is to talk with them about what support might help. This could include attending REID day, doing extra practice, or connecting with their teacher for support. Teachers are always happy to partner with families to help students continue moving forward.

Learning is a process, and progress looks different for every student. Grades are just one tool we use to guide instruction and support growth. Thank you for staying engaged, asking questions, and working alongside us to help every child succeed.

If you have questions about standards-based grading or your student’s progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school or classroom teacher.

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This winter, the Estacada School District community came together for a powerful cause through a student-led Winter Gear Drive that collected more than 1,000 cold-weather items. Donations poured in from students, staff, and community members, providing much-needed warm clothing to families across our district. While the number of items collected was impressive, the true impact of the drive reached far beyond the donations themselves.

The Winter Gear Drive became a meaningful learning experience centered on growth and community awareness, particularly for Hudson, a teaching assistant working alongside Estacada School District Social Worker Bettina Boles. At the beginning of the school year, Bettina introduced Hudson to the wide range of programs, campaigns, and supports she helps coordinate for students and families. Among those opportunities, Hudson expressed a strong interest in taking on the Winter Gear Drive, an annual effort that supports families in need of warm winter clothing.

What began as a donation campaign quickly became an opportunity for Hudson to step outside his comfort zone and take on a leadership role. He was responsible for creating and distributing flyers, collaborating with local businesses to host donation drop boxes, organizing and collecting items, and helping spread the message about the importance of giving back. Through each step, Hudson gained firsthand insight into the role of a school social worker and the impact thoughtful coordination and community partnerships can have.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the drive was Hudson’s outreach to elementary classrooms. During classroom visits, he read the book I See You, a story that emphasizes seeing one another in our community, offering help when possible, and treating all people with kindness and respect. These visits helped students understand that community service does not have to be grand to be meaningful, and that small gestures can make a real difference.

Reflecting on the experience, Hudson views the Winter Gear Drive as an important moment of personal growth. The project helped him build confidence, develop communication skills, and better understand the needs within his community. At the same time, it gave younger students an opportunity to learn about empathy, service, and the value of helping others, even in ways that may seem small.

The Winter Gear Drive stands as a reminder that student leadership, when supported and encouraged, can have a lasting impact. Through this experience, Hudson not only helped provide warmth to families during the winter months, but also helped inspire a shared sense of responsibility, compassion, and community among students throughout the district.

Hi, I am Rendell Frunk the director of Band and Choir and the Activities director at the High School. 

We have some exciting activities happening currently at EHS.

The Art program is hard at work preparing for their spring show. As usual, Ms. Packard is working her magic to bring out the best of our student artists.

The Concert Choir has been invited to perform on January 16th at the Oregon Music Educators annual convention. This is truly a distinguished honor and a first in the history of Estacada. 

After successful winter programs the Concert Band, Jazz Band and Concert Choir are busy preparing  for their spring contests and are working on their program for their performance at Disneyland in April.

In addition to our performing groups we have some amazing individual students who were accepted to perform in the All State Honor choir and All State Symphonic Band. In the choir we have Peyton Vollmer, Emma Stalcup, Logan Felix-Hodges, Isaac Crandell and Henry Riedel and in the Band we have Gerik Reese and Cristobal Mendoza-Gonzales. 

Finally, the combined theatre and music department are working on their production of Newsies which opens on January 22nd. This is shaping up to be a fantastic show that features the incredible talents of our music and drama students. 

As you can see we are busy in the activities departments and we invite you to come out and enjoy one of our future productions. Thank you for all of your support and Go Rangers!

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Welcome back, and happy new year. I hope winter break provided time for rest, connection, and a chance to recharge. As we begin this next stretch of the school year, I want to thank you for the continued partnership you show our schools and staff.

I also want to acknowledge the recent winter weather and the flexibility it required from families. Weather events like this remind us how much schools rely on teamwork. 

I’m grateful to our maintenance and facilities staff who worked behind the scenes to address flooding, protect food supplies during our power outage, and ensure that our buildings were safe for students and staff. Thank you as well to families for your patience and understanding as we navigated changing conditions.

Looking ahead, we are beginning work connected to next year’s reconfiguration. This month, we will be forming a Reconfiguration Parent Pick-Up Committee to plan our parent pick-up process for the upcoming school year. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete the interest form on our website, and we will be selecting our committee members soon.

Thank you for your ongoing support of student learning and for trusting us with your children each day. We’re glad to be back and looking forward to a strong rest of the year together.

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Hi everyone! I’m Sarah Shields, proud principal of Estacada Middle School. I’m excited to kick off the start of our Principal Takeover of this Super 60 seconds series. For the next month, you’ll hear from a new school principal. Today, I'd like to take a few minutes to share some of the exciting things happening here at EMS.

This fall, we kicked off our Student-Focused Standards of Excellence, and it’s been inspiring to see our students embracing them. Every day, I see students recognizing their peers for kindness, respect, and leadership. These are small moments that are creating a big impact in our school culture.

Another focus this year is school-to-home communication. Starting today, November 10th, students will begin sending out bi-weekly learning progress updates directly to their families via email. This is a great opportunity for families to stay updated on their students' learning progress right from the students themselves! Keep an eye out for those updates every other week.

Canvas is also a great way to get a more detailed look at how your child is doing in each class. Each week, Canvas has new updates on what students are learning in each class, what assignments they have turned in and are missing, and how they are doing. 

We know a lot of communication is coming your way. We’re working hard to make sure families feel informed and connected, with consistent updates. Many of our families even have a school-specific email account to help keep everything organized. Our goal is for you to always feel “in the loop” about what’s happening at EMS and how your student is growing.

It is truly a privilege and an honor to serve the students and families of Estacada Middle School. Thank you for your continued support, your trust, and your partnership in helping our students thrive.

Go Tigers!

In the Estacada School District, we believe accountability starts with listening. Over the past several weeks, we’ve gathered valuable input through our annual surveys, including the Parent Experience Survey. I will discuss our results and next steps in detail during an upcoming Facebook Live conversation. This will be an opportunity to discuss what we’ve learned, celebrate areas of growth, and discuss where we can continue to improve together. We’ll also continue collecting feedback following the event, because your voice shapes our path forward.

I’m excited to announce that starting next week, this video series will have a school principal takeover. Each episode will highlight the unique culture, programs, and people that make each school special. You’ll hear directly from our leaders about the work happening every day to support students’ success.

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which continue to expand opportunities for students. These hands-on learning experiences connect students with local industry partners and prepare them for high-demand, high-wage careers. This year, we introduced an Electrical Systems pathway, adding to a growing list of programs that help students discover their passions and build real-world skills.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping make Estacada a place where every student can thrive.

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Thank you to all the families who took the time to share your experiences in our annual family survey. We deeply value your feedback. It helps us understand what’s working well in our schools and where we can continue to grow. 
This year’s results show that families continue to feel welcomed, respected, and supported.Our three highest-rated areas reflect the heart of our community:

Families said, “I am treated with respect at this school,” earning our highest rating of 4.26.

You also shared that you feel comfortable approaching school administration, a sign that our schools are welcoming and committed to listening.

And finally, you told us that you believe teachers, staff, and administrators demonstrate a genuine concern for your child.

Together, those scores show strong relationships built on care and trust.

We also heard opportunities for continued improvement. 

Families want to hear more positive communication about their child. 

You’d also like to receive more regular feedback on how your child is learning. 

We also know that consistent enforcement of school rules matters. 

We’re taking a close look at how we ensure fairness and consistency across classrooms and campuses.

With an overall family experience score of 3.91, we’re proud of the trust and relationships reflected in these results, but we also know there’s room to grow.

As each of our schools reviews these results, they’ll focus on developing action plans to address these opportunities for improvement. 

I will also be hosting an All In Live on Facebook event next week to continue collecting and responding to your feedback. 

We’re grateful for your partnership, your honesty, and your ongoing support. 

Every piece of feedback helps us create schools where students and families feel valued and connected.

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Every student learns at a different pace, sometimes needing a little extra help to master a concept, and other times ready to stretch their learning even further. That’s why we created REID Days. Friday REID days give students dedicated time in smaller, more focused settings to get exactly what they need to succeed.

Each week, teachers carefully review student learning data to identify who would benefit most from additional time and support. Invitations to REID Days are intentional and personalized. Your child is selected because teachers see a meaningful opportunity to strengthen or extend their learning.

While attendance is your choice, our data shows that students who participate in REID Days make meaningful progress in their learning. Whether it’s catching up on key skills, deepening understanding, or exploring enrichment activities, REID Days provide opportunities that make a real difference in your child's learning. Since implementing REID days, our learning data and test scores show that this strategy works and leads to better student outcomes.  

During REID days, students work in small groups with teachers who tailor instruction to their individual needs. This personalized approach allows for targeted support, stronger connections, and more confidence in the classroom.

To make it easy for families, we provide transportation and food, and every REID Day is thoughtfully planned to maximize learning and engagement.

If your child is invited to a REID Day, we strongly encourage them to attend. It’s one of the most effective ways we can partner with you to ensure every child continues to grow and thrive.

Thank you for your continued support of your child and our schools.

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Twice each year, we ask for your feedback through our Family Engagement Survey. Your thoughts help guide the work we do in our schools and shape the action plans that move our district forward. Every comment is read carefully, and all responses are anonymous. We truly care about what you have to say and want to continue building stronger partnerships between school and home.

Your feedback matters. It helps us make informed decisions that directly impact your child’s learning experience. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your perspective.

We also want to celebrate a recent highlight: over 100 Estacada High School students attended Career Day at our local industrial park. They toured businesses, connected with local employers in fields such as timber, manufacturing, construction, and electrical trades, and gained a clearer vision of possible career paths. This event demonstrated the power of our community working together for the future of our students.

Thank you for sharing your perspective and continuing to partner with us in support of all students. Now go take our survey! 

Estacada School District Community,

Last year, we shared our plans to address school capacity challenges through a new grade-level alignment model. More families are moving into our community, new homes are being built, and student enrollment continues to rise. Some of our schools are already over capacity, creating crowding that impacts classrooms and learning. Although our school bond to expand long-term capacity did not pass, we must still take steps to manage growth.

Our original plan to address these concerns included creating:

• A K–2nd grade school
   
• A 3rd–4th grade school
   
• A 5th–6th grade school at the current Estacada Middle School building
   
• Moving 7th and 8th graders to the high school campus
   

One of our district values is making thoughtful, data-driven decisions that put students first. After reviewing updated enrollment trends, construction costs, and student learning data, we are adjusting the timeline for implementing our plan.

Beginning next school year, we will move forward with:

• Establishing a K–2nd grade school at River Mill
   
• Establishing a 3rd–5th grade school at Clackamas River
   

We will continue to monitor enrollment and construction costs closely. At this time, we anticipate transitioning 7th and 8th graders to the high school and moving 5th and 6th graders to the current Estacada Middle School building during the 2027–2028 school year.

By phasing in the plan, we can address the most urgent capacity challenges at the elementary level right away, while also providing an additional year to track enrollment, protect academic progress at the middle school, and save funds for the necessary high school renovations.

We remain committed to planning responsibly for growth and ensuring that every student has access to the best possible learning environment. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we take these next steps together.

We are excited to share that accessing your student’s grades and academic progress through PowerSchool just got easier!

PowerSchool is the student information system we use to track learning progress, academic performance, grades, work completion, and attendance. In the past, families could only access complete information through a web browser, but we now have a fully working mobile app to make checking in more convenient.

Here’s how to log in:

First, you’ll need to download the free PowerSchool Mobile App from your iPhone App Store or Android Google Play Store. When prompted, enter Estacada’s district code: WFRF.

Go to the PowerSchool login page and enter your PowerSchool username and password.
If you have forgotten your username or password, please contact your student’s school or the ESD HelpDesk by email for support.
The PowerSchool mobile app has a new addition this year, it now shows students’ current standards scores just like the desktop version.
To view standards scores in the app: click “More” → “Tools” → “Standards Grades.”

You can reference the Estacada School District PowerSchool web page for additional information: https://www.estacadaschools.org/families/powerschool.
 

We encourage you to take advantage of the app to stay connected while on the go with your student’s learning and celebrate their progress throughout the year.If you have any questions or run into issues with logging in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the ESD HelpDesk—we’re happy to help.

Welcome back to school year 2025-26. The first days of school are always filled with energy and excitement, and we can’t wait to see our students learning, growing, and creating new memories this year. Our staff has been preparing all summer to ensure classrooms are ready and opportunities are waiting for every student.

I’m Maggie Kelly, and I serve as your school district’s communications director. I want to make sure you feel connected and informed every step of the way this year. Each week, we’ll put out key news updates through this Super 60 Seconds series. You’ll also receive information and news through ParentSquare, our primary messaging system, so please take a moment to double-check that your contact information is current. Our district and school websites will continue to be a go-to spot for calendars, news, and resources. And, for a closer look at the daily life of our schools, you can follow us on social media where we’ll share reminders, celebrations, and stories from across the district.

Strong communication is at the heart of a strong school community. We’re excited to keep partnering with you throughout the year to support our students. Here’s to an amazing year ahead!

We are so excited to welcome your students back to school soon! Our team has been working hard all summer to make sure the upcoming school year is a success. This week, we’re thrilled to be welcoming staff back for our annual in-service and professional development days. You can check our back-to-school webpage on our website for more information about open houses, school supplies, and more. 

We also want to make you aware of a new Oregon state law that requires school districts to put clear policies into place to restrict cell phone use during the school day to support a more focused learning environment. As a result, all students will be expected to keep their phones, smart watches, and earbuds stored in backpacks or lockers from the first bell to the final bell — including during lunch and passing time. 

We understand how important it is for families to stay connected during the school day. Our school office staff is here to help and will continue to support communication between students and families when needed. For more in-depth information about this change, please check out our most recent podcast episode on this topic. 

We’re grateful for your partnership and look forward to working together this year to support student success in every classroom, every day.

Ed Baran has been hired as the new Head Coach for the Estacada High School Girls Varsity Basketball team. With more than 35 years of coaching experience, including 15 at the high school level, Coach Baran brings vast knowledge, dedication, and leadership to the Rangers athletic program.

Most recently, Baran served as the JV Head Coach for Wilsonville High School, where he helped guide the program to a strong 83 and 9 record over four seasons. His coaching history includes successful roles at The Northwest School, Shorecrest High School, and other programs in Oregon and Washington. He was part of the coaching staff that led Shorecrest to a Washington State Championship in 2016.

"Coach Baran is more than a basketball coach," said Athletic Director Andy Mott. "He is a mentor, a motivator, and a builder of character. His track record of developing strong athletes and even stronger people aligns well with the values of our school and community."

Baran's coaching philosophy focuses on player development, positivity, and building meaningful relationships both on and off the court. Known for his leadership and deep understanding of the game, he is committed to creating a competitive and supportive team culture. 

"I am honored to join the Estacada community and lead this program," said Coach Baran. "My goal is to help student-athletes grow not just as players, but as confident and resilient individuals. I believe this team has the potential to achieve great things."

Estacada School District looks forward to the continued growth of its girls basketball program under Coach Baran’s leadership. Please join us in welcoming him to the Ranger family.

The Estacada School District is happy to announce the hiring of Dr. Shelly Mohler as the new Vice Principal of Clackamas River Elementary for the 2025–2026 school year.

Dr. Mohler brings over 25 years of educational experience spanning elementary and middle school settings. Most recently, she served as Principal of Reynolds Middle School, where she led with a strong commitment to student-centered practices, supportive school culture, and staff development. Her leadership resulted in measurable gains in student achievement and an improvement in student behavior.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Mohler has held roles including classroom teacher, school improvement coordinator, behavior specialist, and assistant principal. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from George Fox University, a Master of Education from Portland State University, and multiple teaching endorsements.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mohler to the Estacada School District,” said Estacada Superintendent Ryan Carpenter. “Her track record of instructional leadership, care for students and staff, and commitment to data-driven improvement make her an ideal fit for our community.”

Dr. Mohler shared, “I’m honored to join the Estacada team and serve the students, staff, and families of Clackamas River Elementary. I believe in the power of strong relationships and collaborative leadership to create learning environments where all students can thrive.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Shelly Mohler to the Estacada School District.

As we conclude the school year, we’re celebrating the moments that made it great. From big wins to consistent progress, every student, staff member, and family helped shape an incredible year. Thank you for being a part of what makes the Estacada School District a great place to be.

As we close out another school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that your students and our district has accomplished. Whether your child is finishing kindergarten or preparing to walk across the graduation stage, this season is full of moments worth honoring.

We’re especially looking forward to our upcoming graduation celebrations. They are powerful reminders of what’s possible when students, families, and educators work together in support of learning and growth.

Last week, we hosted a Facebook Live event to continue the conversation around our Growth and Capacity Plan. Thank you to everyone who tuned in, asked questions, and shared feedback. We remain committed to ongoing communication, and our webpage will stay live for those who would like to share thoughts or learn more.

We wish you and your family a safe, restful summer break. Over the break, the work will continue behind the scenes. We’ll be continuing our growth and capacity planning, providing staff with professional development opportunities, and chipping away at our buildings’ maintenance and repair needs. 

We’ll also have opportunities to connect with you through events like our summer food program and parks series. 

Have a great summer break, and thank you for being a part of the Estacada School District this year. 

Last week, we shared that our school board voted to approve a plan to address school overcrowding and growth.

 While the vote is behind us, the work is just beginning. We’ll spend the next school year planning how to implement the changes in a way that best supports students and families. The plan will not be put into place until the following year. In the meantime, we’ll provide regular updates and invite you to be part of the planning process through working committees.

We know change is hard, but it’s also necessary to relieve overcrowding and make the best possible use of our current buildings. Our Growth and Capacity webpage remains open for ongoing questions, and we’ll host All In LIVE! on Facebook on June 2nd to provide more information and answer what we can. 

 Thank you for staying connected and for your continued support as we move forward and navigate challenges as a team.

During our May school board meeting, the Estacada School Board unanimously approved the Growth and Capacity Plan, a strategic response to increasing enrollment and overcrowding across our school district. This plan, developed in collaboration with our Growth & Capacity Committee that consisted of families from across the district, is designed to use our existing school buildings more efficiently and provide students with safe and effective learning environments. It reflects a reality we can no longer delay: our district is growing, and we must make necessary adjustments to serve all students well.

We want to emphasize that no changes will take place during the 2025–2026 school year. The upcoming school year will be dedicated to detailed planning, preparation, and collaboration. The changes outlined in the Growth and Capacity Plan will be implemented beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

The plan includes a redistribution of grade levels across the district. Estacada High School is the only building in our district with significant available capacity. The additional capacity will be utilized through a dedicated wing for 7th and 8th-grade students, who will have their own schedule, staff, and supervision to ensure an age-appropriate and focused learning experience. Estacada Middle School will be converted into a 5th–6th grade school. Clackamas River Elementary will house 3rd and 4th grade students, while River Mill Elementary will serve students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.

We acknowledge that this plan may not be ideal for every family. However, it is a necessary step given the continued enrollment growth and the district’s inability to secure funding through a school bond for new facilities. This plan helps us make the best use of our existing space and provides developmentally focused learning settings for each age group.

During the 2025–2026 school year, there will be several ways for families and community members to get involved in the planning process. The district will establish committees that will begin in October to help guide decisions related to student transitions, transportation logistics, and providing a consistent and positive student experience. Your input will be essential to ensuring the implementation process is thoughtful and inclusive of community needs.

We will begin sharing opportunities to participate in the coming months. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay informed and involved. You can learn more and follow our progress at: https://www.estacadaschools.org/growth.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we plan for the future of Estacada’s schools. During times of change, we will continue to remain focused on providing a high-quality learning environment and opportunities for all students to succeed.

Today, I want to share something that’s a top priority in the Estacada School District: communication. We’re committed to keeping our staff, students, families, and the broader Estacada community informed through open and intentional communication.

Because every family’s needs are different, we share information in a variety of ways—and that means there are several places you can go to stay connected.

Last week, we launched the first episode of our new podcast, Office Hours with Superintendent Carpenter. We also share important updates through ParentSquare, Smore newsletters, and our district website. Social media is another great way to engage with us—you’ll find financial updates, student highlights, and fun moments from across the district on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram at @EstacadaSchools.

For academic and attendance updates specific to your child, tools like Canvas and PowerSchool are essential.

We also send out quarterly magazines to keep all community members up to date on what's happening in your local school district.

We know that’s a lot of platforms—so choose the ones that work best for you. As long as you’re receiving the information you need to support your student, we consider that a success.

Thanks for tuning in for our last super 60 before May break. Have a great week. 

The Estacada School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Joanne Maki as the new principal of Clackamas River Elementary School. After an extensive search that included a pool of external candidates, Maki, who currently serves as the school's vice principal, emerged as the best person to lead the school forward.

Maki has served in the district for the past year and has quickly made a strong impression on staff, students, and families with her steady leadership, commitment to student success, and connection to our school community. 

“Maki brings both consistency and a deep understanding of our district to this role,” said Jennifer Behrman, the district’s Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. Throughout this process, it became clear that Joanne brings not only experience and vision, but also a strong connection to our students, staff, and families. We’re thrilled that she has chosen to continue growing her leadership right here in Estacada.”

Reflecting on her new role, Maki shared, “It has been an honor to serve this great school community, and I look forward to building on that foundation as we continue to grow together."

Prior to joining the Estacada School District, Maki accumulated 23 years of educational experience from the David Douglas and Gresham-Barlow School Districts. She began her career in Estacada in 2002 and holds a master’s degree in education leadership from Concordia University.

Maki will officially step into the principal role effective July 1st, leading the school into the 2025–2026 academic year. The district will begin the search for a new vice principal in the coming weeks to ensure a strong leadership team is in place for the upcoming school year.

Please join us in congratulating Joanne Maki on her new role.

We’re excited to launch a brand-new podcast: Office Hours with Superintendent Carpenter — an in-depth, informative series where Superintendent Ryan Carpenter discusses hot topics, engages in conversations with guest speakers, and brings transparency to the work happening across our district.

Listen to Episode 1 now:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/LKrQgO5cwU4?si=XnaaVuHuVkYQwY-i
Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts – just search “Office Hours with Superintendent Carpenter.”

I’m excited to kick off today’s episode with the announcement of our first podcast episode that will be available later this week. Our new podcast, Office Hours, will be another opportunity for our community to learn more about the decisions that are made and the inner workings of your local school district. As we continue our commitment to transparent communication, I’m happy to provide this new platform to connect. 

Another great community connection right now is our spring sports season, which is in full swing right now. We are seeing unprecedented levels of student turnout and a record number of sports that kids can choose to take part in. The diverse number of opportunities that we are able to offer to our students despite being a small district is something that we can be proud of, and it is wonderful to see our fields and facilities full of student athletes. 

It is truly a great time to be a part of Estacada School, thanks for taking the time to learn more.

Scott Pillar has been hired as the Estacada School District’s Director of Finance. With nearly two decades of experience in school finance leadership across Oregon, Pillar brings a well-established reputation for financial stewardship, operational transparency, and a deep commitment to public accountability.

Pillar has over 18 years of executive-level experience overseeing financial operations in public school districts and education service districts throughout the state. Most recently, he served as Director of Finance for the Cascade School District, where his leadership helped transform the district's financial systems, increase reserves, and successfully manage construction projects on time and within budget. Certified as an Administrator of School Finance and Operations, Pillar’s approach combines strong analytical skills with a collaborative leadership style. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Scott Pillar to the Estacada School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter. “His record of financial stewardship and his dedication to public education make him the ideal person to help lead our district forward. Scott’s values mirror our own—innovation, accountability, and putting kids first. His experience and expertise will help ensure that we continue to make the most of every public dollar in service of our students.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pillar is a committed advocate for public education in Oregon. As Estacada continues to invest in innovative programs, school facilities, and student outcomes, Pillar’s leadership will help ensure the district remains fiscally resilient and fully accountable to the community it serves. Scott will begin his work in the district on July 1st. 

I would like to start today by recognizing and thanking our staff who serve as crossing guards for the great work they do. These employees start off our students’ day in a positive way and have fun with their job, all while ensuring the safety of our kids. 

A significant focus for our district at this time is completing our annual budgeting process. We will work with our budget committee, made up of community members, to approve a new budget for the upcoming year. I am very happy to report that our district is in good financial health. During a time when many districts are having to lay off employees and make cuts, we do not anticipate any layoffs for the upcoming school year. 

We are also starting negotiations with our certified teachers' union. Our district has a positive working relationship with our union, and we look forward to a collaborative process. 

Thanks for tuning in for another Super 60. It’s a great time to be a part of the Estacada School District.

The Estacada School District is proud to announce the hiring of Travis McFarland as the new Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Estacada High School for the 2025-26 season. In addition to leading the high school basketball program, Coach McFarland will also join the district as a middle school science teacher, continuing his passion for education and mentorship in and out of the classroom.

A seasoned educator and coach, McFarland brings more than a decade of experience in small-town schools across Oregon, where he has built a reputation for developing strong, character-driven student-athletes and dynamic learning environments. His coaching philosophy emphasizes leadership, culture, and continuous improvement—believing that “real success is about getting better.” 

“My lifetime love affair with high school basketball and a deep desire to live a purposeful life led me to this opportunity,” said McFarland. “Estacada represents exactly the kind of community my family and I have been looking for—a place where small-town roots run deep and we can contribute meaningfully. I’m excited to bring my passion and experience back to a district I already care deeply about.”

McFarland previously completed his student teaching in Estacada and looks forward to rejoining the community that first helped shape his educational journey. As both a coach and educator, his vision is clear: to foster academic success, character development, and competitive excellence, ensuring that students and athletes reach their full potential.

Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter shared his excitement for the hire: “This is a major hire for our basketball program. Coach McFarland is bringing a winning system to our program and will develop a competitive program at the youth, middle, and high school levels. The future is bright for Estacada hoops.”

Please join us in welcoming Travis McFarland to Estacada.

I’d like to kick off today by reminding families that our Parent Experience Survey closes at the end of this week. Please take the survey if you haven’t done so yet. We really do value your input and read every comment. Your honest and constructive feedback helps us continue to improve. 

As we approach the end of the school year, we are making a lot of decisions that will impact kids for the upcoming year. We’ll be working to keep you informed on topics ranging from our district budget, to our plans to handle overcrowding and growth in our schools. 

I’d like to invite you to attend our upcoming Facebook Live event next Monday the 14th at 7 pm. We will be taking your questions and covering topics that will be addressed in our April school board meeting. 

Thanks for watching, have a great week. 

There are so many exciting things happening in the Estacada School District right now!

Last week, Estacada High School students participated in our career fair—an incredible opportunity for them to explore career and college pathways both locally and around the state. Events like these help connect our students with real-world opportunities and set them up for success beyond high school.

As we continue prioritizing career and college readiness, we’re also strengthening our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. We’re continuing to support our great agriculture program, investing in upgraded tools and technology for our manufacturing pathway, and launching a new electrical systems program in partnership with PGE and other local industry leaders. These efforts will provide more hands-on training, internships, and career-focused experiences for our students.

Finally, a quick reminder for families: Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Monday and Tuesday the week after spring break. We encourage you to take advantage of this time to connect with our staff and discuss your child’s progress.

Thank you for staying engaged, and I hope everyone has a fantastic spring break!

We are excited to inform you about an exciting event coming up on March 19th and 20th.  Estacada Schools will host an education conference where leaders from schools across the country will be visiting our classrooms to observe the remarkable work being done here. This is a significant event, as these educators will be learning from our teachers and students, recognizing Estacada as a leader in education.

The conference will showcase the incredible progress our district has made in the field of improvement science—an area where Estacada is truly leading the way. Our schools have embraced innovative teaching practices, and our students are benefiting from an environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and achievement. We are proud to be a part of a community that is making such a positive impact on education, not just locally but nationally.

During the two days that this conference is being held, you may notice some additional traffic around our schools. Learning in the classroom will continue as usual. Many of our students will have the opportunity to display leadership by helping guide tours and present information about their learning journey. This is a unique opportunity for the children of Estacada to be leaders on a national level. 

As a community, we should be incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and passion shown by our teachers, students, and families. The work we are doing here is setting a new standard for educational excellence, and this conference is a wonderful opportunity to share our success with others.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and for being part of this amazing journey!

The Estacada School District is proud to announce a record-high graduation rate for the Class of 2024, marking a significant achievement during a time when students are held to higher academic standards than ever before. This milestone reflects the district’s commitment to excellence in education, innovative student support programs, and the hard work of students, educators, and families.

In 2024, 94.3% of the district’s seniors successfully earned their diplomas, surpassing previous records and exceeding the state average by 13%. At Estacada High School, 89.4% of seniors graduated on time. These high levels of achievement come as the district continues to uphold high standards, demanding proficiency in all core subjects in order to graduate. The district graduation rate of 94.3% represents a 66% increase over the past decade. 

Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter attributed the success to a combination of dedicated educators, a focus on improvement science methodology, and a strong partnership between schools, families, and the community.

"Our students are rising to the challenge, proving that with the right support, high expectations lead to great results," said Superintendent Carpenter. "This record-breaking achievement is a testament to their perseverance and the commitment of our staff, families, and community who ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed."

To help students meet these heightened expectations, the Estacada School District utilizes improvement science methodologies to encourage high levels of student ownership, and give students the tools to implement improvement strategies in their learning. These efforts have been instrumental in ensuring students stay on track to graduate, even in the face of increasing academic demands.

The district remains committed to maintaining and building on this success, continuing to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in careers and college.

It’s good to be back with another Super 60 update. A lot is going on in our district right now, and one thing that I’d like to highlight is our Growth and Capacity committee. This group is made up of parent volunteers, and is led by our director of teaching and learning, Jennifer Behrman. 

This group is taking a look at a variety of different options to help address the urgent capacity issues we are having at our elementary schools and at EMS. The recommendations from this group will be passed along to our school board of directors, and our district leadership will work to implement the selected option. 

This work is important, as we see critical overcrowding issues at River Mill Elementary and Estacada Middle School, with more growth anticipated over the upcoming years. 

I’m also excited to introduce a new communication platform for our families and community. Over the upcoming weeks, we will be launching our Office Hours podcast. This podcast is a great opportunity for families and the community to hear straight from your superintendent about the biggest district news, national education news, and what it means for Estacada’s children. 

In our first podcast episode, we’ll be covering the national discussion around immigration, and what it looks like for us as we strive to serve each student and family in our school system. 

Be sure to tune in when it launches, and as always, thanks for taking 60 seconds to learn more about what’s going on in Estacada Schools. 

Hello, I’m Kristy Cheshier, I serve as the Director of Technology. Welcome to a special edition of Super 60 Seconds. 

Keeping kids safe online is very important to our district. Using secure browsing applications combined with age-level content restrictions can help provide protection. The district uses specialized solutions that limit students’ access to inappropriate content and limit access to the outside world. We use these tools on every device that we provide for students, including our Chromebooks and iPads. 

By using these tools, the district reduces the chances of children accessing harmful websites and online threats, while giving parents peace of mind as their kids explore the internet.

Families, you can help us keep kids safe online by staying informed about your child’s online activities. Encourage your children to be mindful of who they interact with online, avoid sharing personal details, and be cautious of suspicious messages or links. 

It’s also helpful to guide them in recognizing potential online risks and making smart decisions while browsing. Practical steps like setting screen time limits, maintaining open communication with your child, and offering guidance on safe internet use can support their online safety. 

These actions, along with regular parent involvement and monitoring of all of your child’s digital devices including computers and cell phones can help create a safer online experience for your child and other children that they interact with.

If you need any help or have questions, please reach out to our tech team at Estacada Schools by emailing ps@esd108.org. We're here to assist you with anything you need!

Hello, I’m Lindsey Fullenwider, the principal of River Mill Elementary. I’m excited to take a moment to share some wonderful things our incredible students and staff have been working on this year. The first half of the school year has been fantastic, and I can’t wait to highlight some of the great initiatives and accomplishments happening at River Mill!

First, we are placing a big emphasis on supporting our students’ writing skills through The Writing Revolution.  This approach focuses on helping students develop strong, clear sentences and build them into well-structured paragraphs.  By integrating writing into reading and other content areas, our teachers are creating a true Literacy Block that will help students become confident, capable writers—a skill that will benefit them for years to come. Our teachers have been collaborating and working together to support every learner!

Another highlight this year is our focus on celebrating our students at our weekly Thursday morning assemblies. Each week, we recognize students from every classroom who are doing an amazing job following our school rules of Being Safe, Kind, Responsible, and Respectful. It’s been rewarding to see just how many of our students are consistently doing the right thing. These moments allow us to not only celebrate their efforts but also model these positive behaviors for the entire school community. So far, we’ve recognized thirty-eight students, and we’re incredibly proud of how kind and responsible our students are here at River Mill! Our hope is that by continuing to spotlight and celebrate these positive actions, students will recognize just how respectful and kind their peers are when they retake the student survey in the spring.

Our teachers are also doing incredible work during their Professional Learning Community (PLC) time on Fridays.  They are diving deep into our Continuous Improvement practices, using student data and assessment results to pinpoint where students are getting stuck on essential learning standards and identifying high-yield instructional strategies to move them forward.  This focused collaboration ensures that we’re providing the best possible instruction and support to help all of our students succeed.

As you can see, there’s a lot to celebrate at River Mill Elementary!  From developing strong writers to fostering a safe and respectful school culture to ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive, our team is committed to making this a great year for all of our students.

Thank you for your continued support!

Hello Estacada School District, I'm Leah Riedel and I’m honored to serve as principal at Estacada High School. As we approach the end of our first academic semester, we remain highly focused on supporting students to achieve academic goals and to develop a school culture that provides a welcoming, supportive environment for all of our students. 

I’m proud to share that our Student Experience Survey showed improvement from last school year to this year…with our students telling us that they believe learning is important at their school. 

At Estacada High School, we emphasize the characteristics of Ranger PRIDE: Perseverance, Responsibility, Integrity, Dependability, and Empathy. This fall all students had opportunities to contribute their ideas and define what these characteristics mean for us at EHS. These ideas came directly out of student voice and drive how we treat each other and engage in learning, thereby impacting both school culture and academic achievement.

Our surveys told us that some areas for improvement include: how students treat each other, creating a school environment where students look forward to attending each day, and creating a school culture where students feel a sense of belonging. To capture the voices of our students about specific actions we can take, we invited the full student body to participate in a listening and feedback session during lunch. The EHS Student Council took that student input and started planning activities and communications to promote kindness, belonging, and a positive school environment where all students have opportunities to get involved. 

As we work to create a welcoming school environment and support students to become leaders in their own lives and at school, we look for your partnership in this work. As I mentioned, the first semester ends on Thursday, January 30th. A few ways you can help at home are by:

1. Talking to your students about school and asking questions about their learning. 
2. Encourage students to get adequate sleep each night. 
3. Regular school attendance will help students finish strong this semester. Please encourage them to attend school each day and reach out if you would like support in this area. 
4. Encourage your student to check in with their teachers and school counselors if they have questions about their learning progress or what they still need to do to demonstrate proficiency. We are here to support them all the way!

We are striving to champion each student to continue taking every possible opportunity to demonstrate proficiency and we ask for your continued support in this work. 

We believe that through continuous improvement, we can identify new ideas to create a welcoming environment where students feel supported to learn at high levels, experience a positive school culture, and where they can find a sense of belonging. We look forward to a strong finish to the first semester and a great start to the second semester! Go Rangers! 

Hello, I'm Sarah Shields, principal of Estacada Middle School, and I am excited to share some important developments taking place at EMS. While we focus on academic achievements, we also prioritize a school culture that is a supportive environment for our students.

Through student surveys conducted last year and this year, our learners have provided valuable input. Their feedback highlighted areas for improvement, particularly around bullying, the importance of kindness, and the need for an environment where every student feels safe and valued.

In response to this, we have introduced three new leadership classes and a dedicated service learning class. These classes empower students to use the data gathered from the surveys and take action to improve our school culture. They are busy planning informative assemblies, spreading positive messages of encouragement throughout the school, and working with our staff to address the needs of our student body.

One initiative that we are excited about is our anti-bullying campaign, which will launch on January 13th with the help of Vice Principal Dean. This campaign will raise awareness about various forms of unkind behavior and empower students to take a stand against bullying. 

Throughout the campaign, students will gain tools and resources to help them work through conflict and build healthier relationships. They will learn how to recognize unkind actions, advocate for themselves and others, and seek help when needed. Our goal is to foster a culture of support, understanding, and kindness at EMS.

We believe that by creating a supportive environment, we can ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging and can thrive at school. We look forward to a great year ahead, filled with growth, teamwork, and positive change!

Hello, Estacada School District! I’m Christina Anderson, principal at Clackamas River, and I’m excited to share the amazing achievements happening at CRE.

Last year, we saw some of our highest indicators of academic success, and with our continuous improvement model, the growth continues. While we’ve made great strides, there’s still work to do.

Attendance is a key indicator of success.  In Estacada, students can only miss 8 days in an entire school year to a regular attender.  Currently, 106 students who are not on track to meet this mark, almost a quarter of our students!  We also average 37 tardies each day, which is 1 in every 11 students.  While our teachers make the most of every instructional minute, we need our students here to be a part of the learning.

Some common trends of regular attenders are- having a plan for the morning the night before, positive conversations about attending school, good communication between the school and home, and a consistent bedtime, which includes the weekends.  If you are struggling with attendance, please contact the office and we can put you in touch with our attendance team.  

During our survey season, we heard questions about our procedures for student discipline.  When a student comes to us our goal is to help them find a better path towards resolution for the next time. But when an event is physical, we often ask for the student to be picked up from school. Upon return, we ask that parents participate in a safety plan meeting where we put plans in place to prevent the incident from happening again. This is in line with our district policies.  If your child has not gone through this process, and you didn’t know that these steps were happening, it is because we are committed to protecting student privacy.  

We have also put together a student voice committee to gather more student input on how to build confidence that their concerns are addressed once reported. We appreciate everyone who took the time to give us their voice and help guide our planning for this year.    

Before we log off, I would also like to remind you that our Kindergarten- 2nd grade family breakfast is right around the corner.  Tickets can be reserved on the Hometown Ticket app.  This tradition is a great way to bring our school community together and enjoy time with our families.  

Thanks for watching the first episode of our Super 60 principal series. Have a great week

From Super 60 Seconds:
It’s our final week of school before winter break, and we’re continuing to maximize the learning in each classroom up until the last moment. Following winter break, our super 60 seconds video series will be taken over for a few weeks by our school principals. This is a great time to tune in to get to know each of our great building leaders, and to get more familiar with the work that is happening in each of our schools. We’ll still continue to give you quick updates on news as it happens. One big piece of news before the break is the approval of our three year calendar. Last week, our school board voted to approve our school calendar for the next three years. You can check it out attached in this week’s newsletter. We are proud of our proactive planning that allows families to know what’s coming so many years in advance. Before I sign off, I also want to remind families that we still have openings to participate in our committee work to discuss plans to address our schools’ overcapacity and crowding. This committee’s first meeting will happen on January 30th. You can sign up by emailing our Director of Teaching and Learning Jennifer Behrman. I hope our families and community have a wonderful winter break. We look forward to welcoming kids back to school on January 6th. Have a great break! 

In this All In LIVE! Superintendent Carpenter and Director of Teaching and Learning, Jennifer Behrman, discuss EMS lunch schedules, virtual days and capacity issues. Watch the full episode at this link: https://fb.watch/wgewjXW-iO/

As we approach parent-teacher conference season, I want to remind you of this invaluable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers. Conferences will be held on Monday the 25th and Tuesday the 26th, and signups are still open. Conferences are a great time to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate achievements, and set goals for continued growth.A few tips to make the most of your conference:Come prepared with questions: Think about areas you’re curious about, from academic strengths to specific areas for improvement.Focus on goals: Ask the teacher what goals might be set for the coming months and how you can support these at home.Celebrate wins: Follow up with your child on what was discussed, and recognize and celebrate their areas of strength. These conferences are a meaningful way to build a partnership between school and home. Together, we can make a lasting impact on your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to ensure your child’s success.

Thank you to all of the families who gave us feedback in our recent Parent Experience Survey. The data and input that you give us during this survey is read and reviewed by each of our school principals and leaders. It allows your child’s school to build targeted plans to address your areas of concern, and ensures that we can continue to improve as we work to meet the needs of our kids, families, and community.

Estacada School District Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter Honored with the 2024 Difference Maker Award

The Estacada School District proudly announces that Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter has been named a 2024 Studer Education Difference Maker Award recipient. The Difference Maker Award highlights education leaders who have a profound impact on their district and community through innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Dr. Carpenter’s contributions have elevated the Estacada School District to a place where students can thrive and excel.

Under Dr. Carpenter’s guidance, the Estacada School District has achieved historic levels of academic excellence, boosting graduation rates well above the state average. The district was recognized as one of Oregon’s Top Workplaces in 2020—a distinction it has upheld each year since, making it the only district in Oregon to consistently receive this honor. Dr. Carpenter’s focus on fostering a supportive, high-achieving work environment has been foundational to this accomplishment. His leadership has also been key in implementing improvement science methodologies that have allowed students to take ownership of their learning by utilizing and tracking academic data. 

Dr. Carpenter’s influence and thought leadership extends beyond the district. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the National School Public Relations Association’s “Superintendents to Watch” and has shared his insights in multiple publications, including chapters in four books. The Estacada School District has also hosted two educational conferences attended by hundreds of educators around the nation. 

At the award ceremony, Dr. Carpenter expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming his commitment to creating a school environment that continually strives to “get better at getting better.” He went on to note that “This award is a collective achievement, representing the nationally recognized and groundbreaking work that our students and staff are doing every day.”

Today, I’d like to discuss the great work done by our calendar committee. This group of volunteers included a wide variety of parent, student, and staff voices. This year is the last year of our current three-year calendar. This calendar has been a great success in many ways, and has been in place during historic gains in academics, test scores, and graduation rates. As we look ahead to creating a new calendar for the upcoming three years, it was important to us to use data and community feedback to create the best option for our students and families. A calendar draft will be presented at our November school board meeting on November 13th, and we will also distribute the calendar to our community. We plan to host a Facebook Live event to discuss our plan and collect your questions and feedback. Then, during our December school board meeting, the board will vote to approve our final calendar for the next three school years. We’d like to thank our calendar committee members for their participation and feedback in making this important decision. We look forward to continuing to engage with our community as we move forward with implementing a plan for continued success over the next three years. Thanks for watching, and have a great week.

Watch the Video

Hi, I’m Deputy Keith Kyler. Welcome to another episode of Super 60 Seconds. Today I’d like to reintroduce myself, as well as talk to our community a bit about the protocols we have in place to keep your kids safe. This is my second year serving in the Estacada School District. As the School Resource Officer, I work to keep our schools safe and secure, resolve criminal investigations, and build good relationships with our students and community. The Estacada School District has a longstanding close relationship with local law enforcement, and takes a proactive approach to school safety. Our schools regularly conduct age appropriate safety drills, and school staff are trained on school safety practices. Our families and community play a big role in helping to keep kids safe. Please report any safety concerns directly to our schools. We take these reports very seriously.You can also help by talking to your kids about school safety, and appropriate online and in school behavior. Threats, bullying, and internet harassment can lead to serious consequences. Together, we can work to create a safe and welcoming school environment for all kids.

Another important thing for our families to know is how we communicate in the event of an emergency. We use something called the standard response protocol. A few phrases that we use are “hold”, “secure”, and “lockdown”. A hold means that students should stay in their classroom and not enter the halls, this could be due to a spill in the hallway or a variety of scenarios. Secure means that there is a potential threat outside. Exterior doors are locked, and learning continues as usual inside the building. A lockdown is used to respond to a more serious safety concern, and all classrooms are locked, quiet, and students are out of sight. 

Thank you for learning more about the work we are doing to ensure safety and security in the Estacada School District. Have a great week.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Watch the Super 60 Seconds Episode

Today I’d like to ask a favor of our community that can strengthen our partnership, as well as help keep students safe. In today’s world with social media and the quick spread of news, misinformation is becoming a common problem. Misinformation is untrue, harmful, and can sometimes even put the safety of our children at risk. 

We can crack down on this together by taking a few steps. 

First, if you see or hear about something that concerns you for the safety of our children, please report it directly to our schools or proper authorities. By reporting, and not just reposting on social media, you can ensure that we respond as quickly as possible to potential concerns. You can even report concerns anonymously at Safeoregon.com. 

Second, if something seems too crazy to be true… it might not be true. If you hear something concerning about our schools, or have a question, please contact us directly. By calling, emailing, or even direct messaging us on social media, you can get accurate information directly from the source.

Additionally, help direct others our way too. Encouraging your friends and neighbors to contact us helps give everyone the opportunity to learn more about their local schools.  

I cannot tell you how harmful it is for adults to post their concerns on social media without communicating concerns first to the appropriate people or authorities. To post concerns about the school, the people inside the school, or children who attend the school, and not communicate directly to authorities or correct information that is inaccurate or untrue does not help support a safe school environment and creates confusion and rumors. If you see a suspicious person, please call the police, don’t just post it. If you have evidence of bullying or violations of student conduct, please call your principal, don’t just post it. 

If you have concerns in your classrooms regarding behavior please contact your teacher, don’t just post it. Let’s model adult communication for our children. After you have communicated concerns with the proper authorities, post away on social media. 

I need your help, if you see posts that communicate concerns about the school without evidence that they communicated to the appropriate professionals, please encourage them to do so. 

Let's hold ourselves and our community accountable for spreading accurate information on social media and in the community. It’s also important to correct ourselves when we get it wrong. Spreading and standing behind inaccurate information is dangerous and harmful to our school community. Accuracy matters, and we all play a role in that. I want our community to feel free to criticize and say whatever they would like to say about our schools - but please give us the opportunity to address your concerns directly as well. 

Thank you for working alongside me to help support an informed and safe community. We have to take a strong leadership stance on how we appropriately communicate concerns. This is the only way to ensure that our students get the quick and accurate response to concerning situations that they truly deserve. Have a great week. Thank you.

Over the upcoming weeks, Estacada High School will be making improvements to the building to support student safety and address behavior concerns. Students, staff, and families have given feedback on the need for increased and consistent supervision of school bathrooms. To address this feedback, Estacada High School’s bathrooms will be renovated to have a layout similar to other bathroom facilities throughout the school district. 

After renovations, Estacada High School’s restrooms will no longer have an exterior door. Instead, modifications to each restroom will provide privacy while improving staff’s ability to supervise. The offset doorless entry will also improve accessibility and reduce touchpoints for germs while maintaining visual privacy. Individual bathroom stalls will still have doors, and the partition wall will keep all areas of the bathroom blocked from exterior view. 

This building renovation will bring Estacada High School into alignment with bathroom layouts that are already in place in the district’s other schools, as well as in the majority of modern public restroom facilities. It will also address safety concerns and feedback, allowing staff to more easily monitor and act on student behavior issues in these areas. 

Questions regarding this project can be directed to EHS Principal Leah Riedel. 

We are continuously working to improve as an entire school district, and one powerful tool is our parent experience survey. The survey opens today, and I’d like to ask you to please take the survey once for each school that you have children at. Your thoughtful and honest feedback is so valuable to help us see what is working, and what areas we need to change in the service that we provide to students and families.  

Take the Survey Here: https://forms.hcg.com/f/41560968/75a9/

Over the upcoming weeks, Estacada High School will be making improvements to the building to support student safety and address behavior concerns. Students, staff, and families have given feedback on the need for increased and consistent supervision of school bathrooms. To address this feedback, Estacada High School’s bathrooms will be renovated to have a layout similar to other bathroom facilities throughout the school district. 

After renovations, Estacada High School’s restrooms will no longer have an exterior door. Instead, modifications to each restroom will provide privacy while improving staff’s ability to supervise. The offset doorless entry will also improve accessibility and reduce touchpoints for germs while maintaining visual privacy. Individual bathroom stalls will still have doors, and the partition wall will keep all areas of the bathroom blocked from view. 

This building renovation will bring Estacada High School into alignment with bathroom layouts that are already in place in the district’s other schools, as well as in the majority of modern public restroom facilities. It will also address safety concerns and feedback, allowing staff to more easily monitor and act on student behavior issues in these areas. 

Questions regarding this project can be directed to EHS Principal Leah Riedel. 

I’m Maggie Kelly and today we’d like to kick things off by thanking our community and families for your engagement and participation as we begin discussions on a new three year calendar. We are looking forward to bringing together a group of parents, staff, and students to continue this conversation. As always, we aim to create a school calendar that is innovative and in the best interest of student learning. I am happy to say that our calendar committee is now full, after a great deal of interest from our last Super 60 episode. We will also be starting a school boundary committee soon. Because we did not pass a school bond last spring, our elementaries, especially River Mill, are overcrowded. This committee will help decide how we can better balance our student population. To join this committee, or learn more about how our calendar committee is moving forward, go to estacadaschools.org/committees. Have a great week!

Welcome to the new school year, and welcome to Super 60 Seconds with your Superintendent. I’m Ryan Carpenter and this short video series was created to ensure that our families and community have a quick way to stay informed on the biggest updates happening in your schools. I hope you’ll join me weekly as I discuss hot topics and breaking news that impact our district and our kids. 

We can't wait to see you at our first Summer Parks Series event of the summer! Come on out to Campanella Estates Park tomorrow, July 25th at 6pm, for lots of fun.

The Estacada School District will be conducting a reunification exercise of all middle school students and families this Thursday, May 23rd at Estacada High School. Reunification should begin at around 2:15. Families are encouraged to arrive early, and should prepare for extended wait times. 

How will this impact the community?

Community members should prepare for unusual levels of traffic between 1:00 and 5:00 PM on May 23rd around 6th Street, lower Coupland, Shafford, and Pierce. 

How will this impact elementary and high school families/students?
Because the reunification is for EMS students and families, interruptions to other schools should be minimal. Elementary school bus routes may be delayed by around 5 to 10 minutes in the afternoon on Thursday, and parent pickups should plan for extra traffic. High school bus routes will not be delayed, but parent pickups will need to pick up their student at River Mill Elementary instead of at the High School.

What is reunification?
Family reunification is the means for safe and organized reunion of students with their families in the event of an emergency evacuation or school closure. All middle school students will walk to Estacada High School, where parents or other designated emergency contacts will go through the process of picking their child up. The school will release children to parents who have photo identification, and preapproved emergency contacts will also be permitted to pick your student up.

Why is the district conducting this drill?
The district is hosting this event to ensure that staff and families are both familiar with the procedures of reunification required after an emergency event. While the district acknowledges that it may be inconvenient for some families, the district feels that safety and preparedness have to take first priority. 

Families that need to opt out of this drill can do so by picking their child up from school by 12:00 on May 23rd. There will be no buses home or walking home options for EMS students in the afternoon on this day.  Families that participate will stay in their cars and be directed through a check-in line, where they will present I.D. and fill out reunification cards. They will then continue in line and their child will be brought to their vehicle. Identification will be required. Emergency contacts can be added or updated by calling our school office.
 

We are deeply disappointed by the unofficial election night results of the bond campaign. It is heartbreaking to see the current voting tally, which appears to reflect a reluctance from our community to invest in the future of Estacada's children. Throughout the campaign, we closely followed the data and listened to the voices of our constituents, which indicated a different outcome than what we are currently seeing. This disparity between our expectations and the preliminary results is disheartening.

As it stands, hundreds of votes are still left to be counted, and Clackamas County will release an updated count at or around 5 PM this evening. Until we receive this updated count, the Estacada School District will not make any official declaration of defeat. We are aware of the realistically slim chances that could change the tide in favor of the bond.

Regardless of the final outcome, we will continue to listen to our community, make necessary adjustments based on the feedback received, and once again approach the community with a school bond package. The reluctance shown by voters does not diminish the pressing needs of our district, nor does it deter our commitment to advocating for the children of Estacada. The need for improved facilities, increased capacity, and enhanced competitive opportunities for our students will persist, and so will our efforts to address them.

We are incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the comprehensive information we shared with our community. There were several significant achievements in our outreach efforts, including raising awareness about the real and urgent challenges we face in meeting the needs of today's learners. Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter stated, "My heart is shattered today for Estacada's children. I am so proud of our communication and advocacy efforts. I am confident that we will be back after we regroup, adjust our plans to the feedback we just received, and try again. We cannot stop until our community addresses the threats we face of facilities and equipment well beyond their lifecycle, growth & capacity, and competitive opportunities for the next generation of Estacada's future."

Today I’d like to give families and the community two important reminders. 

Our middle school reunification exercise is coming up on May 23rd. 

This exercise will play a critical role in enhancing the safety and security of students and staff during emergencies. 

The second thing I want to remind families about is the upcoming school bond election. 

Registered voters should have received their ballots, and can turn them in by May 21st.

Curious about the state of our high school? Take a virtual tour with us and see the conditions firsthand. Knowledge is power.

Our kids were able to show how they use improvement science to track and meet their educational goals. Our teachers and leaders across the district all showed how they use data to hold themselves accountable and continue to improve their performance, productivity, and teaching practices.

Watch!

Road To Success or “RTS” has experienced great success over the years in providing an alternative, personalized learning option for kids that may struggle, or simply not prefer the traditional high school experience. Starting next school year, RTS will be located in downtown Estacada in a storefront on Broadway Street.

The Estacada School Board voted unanimously during the February School Board Meeting to place a school bond measure on the upcoming May ballot. This landmark decision underscores the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and infrastructure for current and future generations of students.

The proposed bond measure aims to address pressing needs within the school district, including:

Addressing Overcrowding by:

• Building a new high school on the current EHS campus

• Renovating part of the existing high school to create a separate junior high

• Modifying the existing middle school into a third elementary

Improving Aging Facilities through:

• Updating safety and security at all schools

• Improving ADA accessibility

• Installing fire safety systems

• Repairing and replacing plumbing, electrical, roofing, windows

• Removing asbestos

• Improving air quality/temperature regulation

Advancing Career Readiness by:

• Updating career technical education spaces, preparing kids for the modern workforce

Addressing Community Needs by:

• Expanding and establishing indoor and outdoor facilities

By investing in these areas, the Estacada School District aims to uphold its commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for future success while also addressing the evolving needs of the community.

"We believe that investing in our schools is an investment in the future of our community," said Ryan Carpenter, Estacada School District Superintendent. "This bond measure represents an opportunity to ensure that our students have access to the resources and facilities they need to thrive, and by extension allows the Estacada community to thrive." 

The decision to place the school bond measure on the May ballot follows extensive community input and engagement. The majority of voters in a recent poll indicated support for the bond, with 54% describing the bond as an “urgent priority”. 

School Board Chair Ken Riedel described the bond as a “collective effort that has had many eyes on the plan to create a final package that maximizes cost efficiency while still addressing the many urgent needs of our schools and students”.

Voters and the community at large can learn more about the bond package at www.estacadaschoolbond.org.

Camp Magruder was one of the sites that gave sixth graders an emersive experience learning about nature and collaboration during Outdoor School this year. Thank you to all of those who made this possible. Click Here to watch the video. 

The Estacada School District is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). This esteemed recognition highlights the district's commitment to financial transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. ASBO International's COE program honors school districts that have met rigorous standards for financial reporting and transparency. The Estacada School District earned this honor for its financial management during the 2021-22 school year. 

"The COE's mission is to promote and recognize excellence in financial reporting," stated Siobhan McMahon, ASBO International Chief Operations Officer/Interim Executive Director. "The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report serves as a crucial communication tool, informing stakeholders about the financial state of the district, and fostering trust within the school community." This award aligns with the district’s ongoing work to promote financial transparency and communication. The district's financial report was reviewed by a panel of qualified professionals, and the district was awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the conclusion of this rigorous process. 

Participation in the COE program also holds significant financial benefits for the district. One major benefit is the district becoming eligible for a higher bond rating. Similar to an individual’s credit score, a higher bond rating means that the district will qualify for a lower interest rate. 

The recognition from ASBO International underscores the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility and serves as a testament to its wise management of taxpayer dollars.

Superintendent Ryan Carpenter noted that he was “Proud of the recognition as it represents the dedication our district has to upholding the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. We are committed to ensuring the effective and responsible utilization of taxpayer funds to support the educational needs of our students. In combination with our history of clean audits, Estacada taxpayers should feel confident in the fiscal management of the Estacada School District."

During the September 19th JV Football game, a special touchdown happened in the Estacada School District. Members of both the Estacada team and the opposing team - Camas- showed incredible sportsmanship as they supported EHS student Ryan Hunt in scoring his first touchdown. 

Ryan has autism, and this touchdown was a special moment for his family, the audience, and his teammates. Ryan's mother notes that "he feels like one of the guys, and it's totally changed his perspective on school." His mom, Heidi, also noticed that Ryan's attendance has improved because he never wants to miss a practice. 

The special moment during Monday's game was just one glimpse into the support that Ryan's teammates, coach, and community have provided this school year. The Estacada School District is "all in" on inclusive practices, and this commitment to serving all students is a belief that has also been embraced by Ryan's football team. 

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