Colleagues - 

This month, I am proud to pass along a few concrete examples of how our educators push the boundaries for how we traditionally serve kids – after all, we know our public education system needs to address each child’s needs.

We recently celebrated the conclusion of a concerted months-long effort by our region’s school districts to partner with students, families and school staff in the planning and decision making for six significant programs named in the Oregon Department of Education’s Integrated Guidance. 

We spoke with students in Seaside and Vernonia who were involved in this planning to hear about their experience and get their advice for future partnership efforts. I encourage you to take some time to listen to these interviews. We have lots to learn from these insightful young minds!

WATCH: Vernonia and Seaside students share their advice for how to work with students in school planning efforts.

Next week is teacher appreciation week. Not only should we honor our teachers for the work they do with our precious little ones, but we can be inspired by their leadership. In this month's feature story, we showcase our teachers’ efforts to disrupt patterns that have traditionally excluded certain children — like those who are neurodivergent — from the same opportunities as their peers. 

Bathscheba, Nanci and Mallory: we’re proud of you! NWRESD’s licensed staff are disruptors and advocates and we love that about them…an anticipatory happy Licensed Appreciation Week to all the amazing educators out there!

Read the May Monthly Messenger Newsletter.

In partnership–