School Improvement Wednesdays kicked-off this week with early release for all Bend-La Pine Schools elementary and middle school students. Beginning Wednesday, September 27, schools dismissed elementary students at 2:00 p.m. and middle school students at 1:00 p.m. Students at Three Rivers School in Sunriver are released at 1:30 p.m.  This schedule remains in effect through June 6, 2007. “The early dismissal provides school staff an opportunity to focus on school-improvement through a variety of training, planning ... [full story]

This fall Moroccan professor Dr. Jamal Koubali will be teaching a two-credit class and a four-week noncredit Community Learning class, both dubbed “Accessing the Muslim World,” at Central Oregon Community College (COCC).               Dr. Jamal Koubali “I would like to explore with American students and community members how mass media, especially newspapers, impact and form beliefs and opinions about the Muslim world and culture,” Koubali wrote in his application. The credit class is offered on Monday ... [full story]

Robert Greygrass, Lakota activist and actor, will present a workshop about recognizing racism from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, in Hitchcock Auditorium on the Central Oregon Community College campus. A reception will follow. The workshop is free, and the public is invited. The theater-based workshop will include activities that encourage participants to explore the human experience and rearrange their own past to understand how to approach something differently, according to Greygrass. Growing ... [full story]

Central Oregon Community College’s Culinary Institute is again offering five-course luncheons from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Grandview Student Center on the Bend campus starting September 26. The meals are prepared by Cascade Culinary Institute students under the supervision of Julian Darwin, director of the Institute. COCC’s Cascade Culinary Institute offers a four-term certificate program that prepares students for positions as prep cooks, line cooks and, in some cases, chef’s assistants. ... [full story]

It’s probably the most important relationship a child has outside the family and it begins anew every single year. “The connection between a child and a teacher is a big one and it can affect everyone in the family,” says Randy Copas, vice president for residential services with Starr Commonwealth, a non-profit organization serving troubled youth and families headquartered in Michigan. “The time to begin that relationship is long before the first parent/teacher conference.” Copas, ... [full story]

Summit High School is kicking off the 2006 football season with Neighborhood Nights, a chance for community members and neighbors to get out and reconnect during a fun-filled night of prep-football. “During each home football game, residents of a particular neighborhood association in the Summit High School attendance area will be invited to attend the game and cheer-on our student athletes. During half-time, we’ll take a moment to recognize the association members in the stands ... [full story]

With a 4-2 vote, the Bend-La Pine School Board elected Janelle Wilcox to be their seventh member on Wednesday afternoon. Wilcox fills the Zone 2 seat that was vacated by Brian Gatley this spring. “All of the candidates were excellent.  It was a difficult decision but I am very pleased with the board decision to elect Janelle,” said School Board Chair Scott Reynolds.   Wilcox has lived in Bend for nearly 20 years and has ... [full story]

Bend-La Pine Schools students have exceeded the statewide, and national, averages for SAT scores for the sixth year in a row. Students in the district scored an average of 546 on the math section, 529 on the critical reading section, and 510 on the new writing section. Since 2000, students in the Bend-La Pine School system have continually scored higher on the SAT tests than their peers nation- and state-wide. This year, on average, Bend-La ... [full story]

Multivitamins and supplements support brain function, strong immune systems, regular sleep cycles and kids’ overall health As parents are shopping with their kids to get ready for the new school year, there are some things that are even more important to consider than new jeans, shoes, notebooks and backpacks – food and supplements to support brain health, keeping children healthy, focused and happy, and ultimately setting them up for success in the classroom. Tricia DiPersio, ... [full story]

COCC Community Learning Registration Starts Soon Registration for Central Oregon Community College’s Community Learning—formerly known as Continuing Education—fall classes will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5. Class schedules are being mailed to all district residents. The schedule includes more than 250 new and regular noncredit offerings. Classes in computers, fitness, business, language, gardening and art are held in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. Online courses in computers, language, writing, business, health care and ... [full story]

If you are like millions of other time-starved moms, the thought of back-to-school shopping leaves you feeling stressed and wondering how you can possibly get it all done within your budget and in the limited time you have. Take advantage of these mom-tested, time-saving tips this year and get your children ready for back-to-school in record time - without busting your budget: 1. Start with a plan: Create a master back-to-school shopping list and budget ... [full story]

Central Oregon Community College is requesting applications for a position in its Campus Library Scholar in Residence Program. This program offers the selected scholar an office in the COCC library for up to one year in return for a series of guest lectures, talks, and/or events as negotiated with the review committee. Expertise in any discipline related to the college curriculum will be considered. College is requesting applications for a position in its Campus Library ... [full story]

Ceremony to be shown on a live webcast August 1st Heather Renz, a 4th Grade teacher at Vern Patrick Elementary School in Redmond, has been chosen as one of this year’s 44 Disney Teacher Award Honorees, chosen from more than 75,000 nominees for her exceptional creativity, innovative teaching style and ability to inspire her students.    Heather Renz Honorees receive $10,000, a week of celebration in Disneyland, $5,000 for their schools, and a six-day professional development institute with their ... [full story]