BEND, Ore. – An Oregon State University speech professor, who says she has sat through too many public meetings where opposing sides talk but don’t listen, has created a community project in Central Oregon whose primary purpose is to teach participants the lost art of dialogue. Natalie Dollar, who teaches speech communication at the OSU-Cascades Campus, says that election years are particularly good times to engage in dialogue rather than rhetoric. “Many Americans tend to ... [full story]

REDMOND, Ore. – The third annual Mr. RHS contestants vs. staff basketball game held last Friday was a great success!  With a final score of 111 to 107, the Mr. RHS contestants received the bragging rights of victory and the pride of knowing they are $4,500 closer to their goal of $20,000, which helps premature babies in the St. Charles Bend neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The game opened with a special welcome by the ... [full story]

REDMOND, Ore. - Redmond School District is hosting two forums focusing on strengthening community connections and discussing the Facilities Task Force suggested options for a potential May 2008 bond measure. Forums will be held Friday, February 1, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Elton Gregory Middle School and Saturday, February 9, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Redmond High School.  Informational booths regarding district/school initiatives and programs will be available between 8:30 a.m. 9 a.m. During the meetings, community and ... [full story]

Center Foundation Awards Scholarships To Outstanding High School Students in Central Oregon BEND, Ore.—The Center Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual college scholarship program that recognizes the achievements of Central Oregon’s top high school juniors.  The $1,500 college scholarships will be available to outstanding high school juniors who excel in academics, extracurricular activities and participate in  community service. The scholarship program is open to current Central Oregon high school juniors who are planning to ... [full story]

Outstanding High School Senior Recognized A Central Oregon high school senior has been recognized by The Center Foundation as a “High Desert Hero”.  Jennifer Wunder was named the February High Desert Hero by the Board of Directors.  Ms. Wunder is ranked 8th in her senior class at Bend High and takes rigorous advanced placement courses.  She has received a Teddy Award for honors physical Science.    Jennifer Wunder - Feb. 2008 "High Desert Hero" Her extracurricular activities include ... [full story]

Comments sought as committee presents first draft of school attendance area map adjustments Bend-La Pine Schools invite the community to weigh-in as they begin the second of three rounds of community meetings designed to gather input as school attendance areas are adjusted to better balance student enrollment around the district. Using public input gathered at meetings in November and December, the 32-member Boundary Committee has developed draft attendance boundaries for the 24 current schools, and ... [full story]

REDMOND, Ore. - Redmond High School would like to invite all senior citizens 55 and older to attend ‘Senior Citizens Night’ on Tuesday, January 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All seniors attending ‘Senior Citizens Night’ will be granted free admission to the Redmond boy’s basketball game vs. Milwaukee High.  In addition, there will be a special parking section at the front of the high school for all seniors who arrive by 5:30 p.m.   Tip-off for ... [full story]

PathwayOregon helps cover tuition and fees for lower income Oregonians starting as freshmen next fall EUGENE, Ore. - University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer announced last week details of a promise to cover tuition and fees for lower-income Oregonians entering the university as freshmen next fall. The promise, called PathwayOregon, guarantees that qualified Oregonians from lower income families can attend the UO tuition free by covering any remaining tuition costs not picked up by federal and state ... [full story]

Alyssa Stutte is one of 200 New Middle and Secondary School Science Teachers From Across the Country to Begin Professional Development Journey as First Cohort in NSTA New Science Teacher Academy The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, in partnership with the Amgen Foundation, recently announced the 2007 Amgen-NSTA Fellows and Associate Fellows in the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy. ... [full story]

Oregon – During the 2006-2007 school year, 104,156 low-income Oregon students participated in the national School Breakfast Program, according to the School Breakfast Scorecard 2007. This was a slight increase over the prior year. The 2007 Scorecard was released this week and is issued annually by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) to measure national and state trends in school breakfast. “Breakfast provides an important nutritional boost for children, but can be particularly critical ... [full story]

REDMOND, Ore. - The Oregon University System has announced that the Engineering & Technology Industry Council (ETIC) awarded Redmond School District a $48,683 grant to strengthen and expand educational programs for students interested in pursuing engineering careers.  The “Students Pursuing a Career in Engineering Project” will expand Redmond High School’s Engineering Academy by establishing course offerings in aerospace engineering, biotechnical engineering, civil engineering and architecture in conjunction with Project Lead the Way, through professional development, ... [full story]

At their December 12 meeting, the Redmond School Board accepted the request of Dan Murphy to step down as Chair. “It has been a pleasure serving as Board Chair this school year,” stated Murphy.  “However, I feel that at this time I am unable to commit the time and focus needed to be as effective as this position will require in the upcoming months.”  Murphy will continue serving on the board as a director. Current ... [full story]

A Central Oregon high school senior has been recognized by The Center Foundation as a “High Desert Hero”.  Lauren Simpson from Bend Senior High School received the prestigious title as December’s award-winner.   Lauren Simpson is the Dec. 2007 'High Desert Hero' Lauren is involved in student council, DECA and student government. She has served as a STARS representative in her high school for sophomore and junior years, girl’s state representative for state conference in June 2007, varsity ... [full story]