Friday, December 12, 2008


Good afternoon staff and key communicators,

There are many, many exciting events planned in our district in the next week. I hope that your schedule will allow you to take some time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the special talents and skills of our students in a variety of venues.

At Junction City High School, you have just a couple more opportunities- tonight and Saturday night- to catch a performance of the drama department’s “Pride and Prejudice”.  Tickets are $5 at the door of the theatre, and the show starts at 7:00.  Come early though, as seats will sell out quickly.  If you need some inspiration to find your  holiday spirit, plan to attend our music students’ Holiday Music Concert on Monday, December 15th at 7 pm in the West Wing gym.  Before the concert, stop by the Family and Consumer Sciences room and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup in a bowl made by our art students.  The bowl is yours to keep for a minimum donation of $10 and all the proceeds will go to benefit Local Aid.  Our JV basketball athletes will be in action this Saturday at the Junction City JV Basketball Tournament.  December 18th through the 20th you can watch our varsity basketball players at the Junction City/Pleasant Hill tournament.  Parents of juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend a Financial Aid Information Night next Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30 pm.  Last year, our counseling and college and career center staff helped our senior class earn over $900,000 in college scholarships!

Our middle school students have been busy collecting Toys for Tots; please stop by Oaklea with a new, unwrapped toy if you are able to.  Oaklea staff members are contributing gifts based on the wishes of local kids who have ornaments hung on Oaklea’s Tree of Joy. Our 7th and 8th graders who have demonstrated great attendance, behavior and academic achievement will be enjoying a “CandyLand dance” after school today.  Awards assemblies for 5th and 6th graders will be happening next Wednesday morning at Oaklea and the achievements of our 7th and 8th graders will be celebrated next Friday. Proud parents are encouraged to attend!

Laurel’s Family Fun Night is happening tonight from 6 until 8 pm in the media center.  This is your best chance to stock up on great books and other gifts at 50% by shopping at the Laurel book fair.  Tomorrow, please join students and staff from 10 am to 2 pm at the annual Junction City World of Good Giveaway.  There will be many, many household items, clothing and books available for free for our community members who might need or want them.  Laurel’s talented fourth grade classes will be performing at the Valley River Center on December 18th from 7-8 pm. Stop by and enjoy their music- it will surely warm your heart!

Territorial staff, students and parents have been busy collecting funds and donating canned food to the Goldson Grange to bring holiday meals to 15 local families in need.  They also are doing a “Cookie Drive” and packing cookies into gift cans that will sent out to local families as well.  Territorial students will enjoy the annual Holiday Bazaar on December 15th through the 17th.  Students will be able to “shop” for gifts for their families by selecting from many items that have been donated by parents and  community members.

The holidays are almost here, and so is winter weather!  Please go to http://www.junctioncity.k12.or.us/schools.html to find information about inclement weather bus routes, as well as information about how to sign up for text message alerts to your cell phone.  Usually, this is the quickest and most reliable way to get information on changes to bus routes, school schedules and other matters as soon as I post the information on the FlashAlert system- you may even get the information before the media sees it!

Finally, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to our community and our staff for their continued kindness and generosity.  We are blessed to have so many people willing to give of themselves, year round, to take care of others less fortunate and to make our district a wonderful place for all our kids.   Our district is facing many financial challenges in the coming months, as are many school districts, state agencies, businesses and families.  You can be assured that our school board, administrative team and staff will continue working together to face these challenges so that Junction City will continue to be a place where we can be proud to raise and educate our children.

Warm Regards,

Kathleen Rodden-Nord
Superintendent, JCSD