Such excitement in the gym! Mrs. Archer told me, "In PE, we kicked off the Olympics by running the torch and learning about the path it takes to the Olympic site. Our athletes got to weave around a hockey puck before taking a shot on the goal!" Coming up soon is ice skating, bobsledding, luge, and more!
GL's Student Council is hosting a Kindness Spirit Week Feb. 9-12.
Monday- Dreaming of Kindness, Wear Comfy Clothes or PJs, Bring a stuffy
Tuesday- Multiply the Kindness, Dress like a friend or a group of friends
Wednesday- Work Out Your Struggles with Kindness, Wear workout clothes
Thursday- Gaffney Loves Kindness, Wear pink, purple, or red, and be kind!
Monday- Dreaming of Kindness, Wear Comfy Clothes or PJs, Bring a stuffy
Tuesday- Multiply the Kindness, Dress like a friend or a group of friends
Wednesday- Work Out Your Struggles with Kindness, Wear workout clothes
Thursday- Gaffney Loves Kindness, Wear pink, purple, or red, and be kind!
🥎It was a beautiful, sunny day to celebrate something special for our students and community! ☀️
Yesterday we officially opened our newly turfed softball field at Oregon City High School with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members from our softball team and local softball community joined us for this celebration, as well as school board members, bond team members, and Community Bond Oversight Committee members!
OCHS Softball players then held their first practice on the new turf surface.
This project is one of several in the fields and grounds updates being worked on in phase 1 of our 2025 capital bond projects. Other projects in this phase include new turf installations at the OCHS varsity baseball field and the multipurpose field directly behind OCHS.
The new turf creates a safer, more durable playing surface that will allow for more consistent practices, games, and outdoor learning opportunities throughout the year—rain or shine.
We’re grateful for the support of our community and look forward to more celebrations as the rest of our projects are completed. These are your bond dollars at work!
For National School Counselor Week, we want to take a moment to appreciate Mr. Hardy! Whether he's teaching classroom lessons or working with skill-building groups over lunch, Mr. Hardy is our Superhero, complete with suits and capes! #Gaffneyschool
🌟 ¡Todos Unidos! Lottery Is Open 🌟
Families interested in a Spanish–English dual language immersion experience for their child are invited to learn more about our program ¡Todos Unidos!, offered through the Oregon City School District.
¡Todos Unidos! is a K–12 pathway that begins at Candy Lane Elementary, where students learn to read, write, speak, and listen in both Spanish and English while meeting grade-level academic standards. The program supports strong academics, cultural understanding, and bilingualism from an early age.
📝 Enrollment for kindergarten and first grade is through a lottery.
Families who are interested must enter the lottery to be considered for placement. Our lottery is now open and will run through April 1, so don't wait!
📅 Want to learn more?
Families are encouraged to attend a virtual informational session on February 26 to hear about the program, ask questions, and learn how the lottery works.
Even if you plan to enter the lottery, families should still register for their neighborhood school to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
If you’re curious about dual language learning and want to explore a bilingual, inclusive school community, ¡Todos Unidos! may be a great fit for your family.
📍 Learn more, attend the info session, and enter the lottery on Candy Lane's website. www.candylaneschool.org
Families interested in a Spanish–English dual language immersion experience for their child are invited to learn more about our program ¡Todos Unidos!, offered through the Oregon City School District.
¡Todos Unidos! is a K–12 pathway that begins at Candy Lane Elementary, where students learn to read, write, speak, and listen in both Spanish and English while meeting grade-level academic standards. The program supports strong academics, cultural understanding, and bilingualism from an early age.
📝 Enrollment for kindergarten and first grade is through a lottery.
Families who are interested must enter the lottery to be considered for placement. Our lottery is now open and will run through April 1, so don't wait!
📅 Want to learn more?
Families are encouraged to attend a virtual informational session on February 26 to hear about the program, ask questions, and learn how the lottery works.
Even if you plan to enter the lottery, families should still register for their neighborhood school to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
If you’re curious about dual language learning and want to explore a bilingual, inclusive school community, ¡Todos Unidos! may be a great fit for your family.
📍 Learn more, attend the info session, and enter the lottery on Candy Lane's website. www.candylaneschool.org
🎒 Kindergarten Starts Here—Register & Come Visit Us! 🎒
If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, now is the perfect time to register for kindergarten in the Oregon City School District!
Registering early helps our schools plan class sizes, staffing, and supports so students can start the year strong. It also gives families access to helpful kindergarten readiness resources and invitations to Kinder Connect, our in-person kindergarten open house events.
✨ Kinder Connect is a great way to get ready for kindergarten!
Families can:
🚸Tour their neighborhood school
🤝Meet kindergarten teachers and staff
🚌See classrooms and shared spaces
⍰ Ask questions and learn what to expect
🎉Help their child feel excited and comfortable about starting school
📅 Kinder Connect Dates
• Gaffney Lane & John McLoughlin — March 3 | 6–7 p.m.
• Beavercreek, Holcomb & Redland — March 10 | 6–7 p.m.
• Candy Lane — Virtual informational session is February 26, In -person Kinder Connect is April 21 | 6–7 p.m. (for students selected through the lottery)
Families are encouraged to attend the event at their neighborhood school. You’re welcome whether you’ve already registered or are just getting started. If you need assistance in registering, contact your school's main office, or bring your questions to Kinder Connect!
Kindergarten is a big milestone—and you don’t have to have everything figured out yet. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
📍 Learn more and register on our website. www.ocsd62.org/page/kinder-connect We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners! 💙
If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, now is the perfect time to register for kindergarten in the Oregon City School District!
Registering early helps our schools plan class sizes, staffing, and supports so students can start the year strong. It also gives families access to helpful kindergarten readiness resources and invitations to Kinder Connect, our in-person kindergarten open house events.
✨ Kinder Connect is a great way to get ready for kindergarten!
Families can:
🚸Tour their neighborhood school
🤝Meet kindergarten teachers and staff
🚌See classrooms and shared spaces
⍰ Ask questions and learn what to expect
🎉Help their child feel excited and comfortable about starting school
📅 Kinder Connect Dates
• Gaffney Lane & John McLoughlin — March 3 | 6–7 p.m.
• Beavercreek, Holcomb & Redland — March 10 | 6–7 p.m.
• Candy Lane — Virtual informational session is February 26, In -person Kinder Connect is April 21 | 6–7 p.m. (for students selected through the lottery)
Families are encouraged to attend the event at their neighborhood school. You’re welcome whether you’ve already registered or are just getting started. If you need assistance in registering, contact your school's main office, or bring your questions to Kinder Connect!
Kindergarten is a big milestone—and you don’t have to have everything figured out yet. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
📍 Learn more and register on our website. www.ocsd62.org/page/kinder-connect We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners! 💙
**Post your family's plank photos in the comments!** It's time to kick off February with a boost of strength and a little healthy competition! It's a plank challenge! Last week, Officer Shockley dropped by one of our classes and laid down the ultimate challenge: How long can you hold a plank? Our students absolutely rose to the occasion, with many holding their form for over 2 1/2 minutes! Inspired by that energy, we are launching a school-wide February Plank Challenge today.
The Calendar: Students will be coming home with a pink challenge calendar to track their daily progress.
Join the Fun: We would love for you to participate alongside your child—it’s a great way to squeeze in a quick family workout!
The Reward: Any student who completes the challenge and returns their signed calendar starting Monday, March 2nd will receive a special prize.
Let’s encourage our students to stay active, build core strength, and have fun hitting those fitness goals. We can't wait to see how much progress they make by the end of the month!#plankchallenge #gaffneyschool
GL's Student Council is hosting a Kindness Spirit Week Feb. 9-12.
Monday- Dreaming of Kindness, Wear Comfy Clothes or PJs, Bring a stuffy
Tuesday- Multiply the Kindness, Dress like a friend or a group of friends
Wednesday- Work Out Your Struggles with Kindness, Wear workout clothes
Thursday- Gaffney Loves Kindness, Wear pink, purple, or red, and be kind!
Monday- Dreaming of Kindness, Wear Comfy Clothes or PJs, Bring a stuffy
Tuesday- Multiply the Kindness, Dress like a friend or a group of friends
Wednesday- Work Out Your Struggles with Kindness, Wear workout clothes
Thursday- Gaffney Loves Kindness, Wear pink, purple, or red, and be kind!
We are kicking off February with a boost of strength and a little healthy competition! It's a plank challenge! This week, Officer Shockley dropped by one of our classes and laid down the ultimate challenge: How long can you hold a plank? Our students absolutely rose to the occasion, with many holding their form for over 2 1/2 minutes! Inspired by that energy, we are launching a school-wide February Plank Challenge starting this Sunday, February 1st. The Calendar: Students will be coming home with a pink challenge calendar to track their daily progress. Join the Fun: We would love for you to participate alongside your child—it’s a great way to squeeze in a quick family workout! The Reward: Any student who completes the challenge and returns their signed calendar starting Monday, March 2nd will receive a special prize. Let’s encourage our students to stay active, build core strength, and have fun hitting those fitness goals. We can't wait to see how much progress they make by the end of the month!#plankchallenge #gaffneyschool
✨ Meet Dr. Heidi Blackwell ✨
✔ Years of service : I’ve officially served as an OCSD board member for the past two and a half years. However, my relationship with the school district goes back much further, as a parent, educator, and school volunteer.
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I truly believe OCSD is home to some of the most dedicated families, educators, and students around and I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful, supportive community.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: The support shows up everywhere whether it’s cheering in the stands or applauding at the theater.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: One of the most meaningful moments of my board service was being part of the school board when the most recent school bond passed, knowing it will make a lasting, positive difference for our schools and community for many years to come.
Thank you, Dr. Heidi, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
✔ Years of service : I’ve officially served as an OCSD board member for the past two and a half years. However, my relationship with the school district goes back much further, as a parent, educator, and school volunteer.
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I truly believe OCSD is home to some of the most dedicated families, educators, and students around and I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful, supportive community.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: The support shows up everywhere whether it’s cheering in the stands or applauding at the theater.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: One of the most meaningful moments of my board service was being part of the school board when the most recent school bond passed, knowing it will make a lasting, positive difference for our schools and community for many years to come.
Thank you, Dr. Heidi, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
✨ Meet Pamela White ✨
✔ Years of service : This my 7th year in OC and I also served 4 years in Canby (so all total I am in my 11th year.)
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I believe in public education and I want all kids to have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: I love how our community supports our student activities, fundraising, sports, volunteering and all round putting kids first.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: My memorable highlight is seeing our community support the needed facility infrastructure by passing our school bonds!
Thank you, Pamela, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
✔ Years of service : This my 7th year in OC and I also served 4 years in Canby (so all total I am in my 11th year.)
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I believe in public education and I want all kids to have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: I love how our community supports our student activities, fundraising, sports, volunteering and all round putting kids first.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: My memorable highlight is seeing our community support the needed facility infrastructure by passing our school bonds!
Thank you, Pamela, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
GL PTO is sponsoring Paint Night this Friday, January 23rd.
Step-by-step instructions for all skill levels!
Sign-up is suggested for kids. Adults will be invited to paint as space allows.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAEA622A5F85-61538430-paint#/
Session 1: 5:00 to 6:30 pm (geared toward grades K-2)
Section 2: 6:30 to 8:00 pm (geared toward grades 3-5)
All families are welcome to sign up for the session that works best for them. Families with both upper and lower grade students are free to choose one session together.
Step-by-step instructions for all skill levels!
Sign-up is suggested for kids. Adults will be invited to paint as space allows.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAEA622A5F85-61538430-paint#/
Session 1: 5:00 to 6:30 pm (geared toward grades K-2)
Section 2: 6:30 to 8:00 pm (geared toward grades 3-5)
All families are welcome to sign up for the session that works best for them. Families with both upper and lower grade students are free to choose one session together.
It’s that time of year when getting up and coming to school can feel especially hard. The days are dark, cold, and wet. The excitement of the start of the school year has faded, winter break has come and gone, and spring break can feel far away.
Some mornings, you may not feel like coming to school—or doing much of anything at all. The cozy comfort of your favorite place calls your name. You may not be in the best mood, or maybe you feel like you won't put in your best effort. And that's ok! We still, very much, want to see you here at school.
Come as you are.
Tired. Excited. Quiet. Curious. Unsure. Happy. Restless. Bored.
We understand there are times when staying home is necessary, and we support that. On all the other days, we want you here—learning, and growing in all your beautiful human conditions. No matter the day. No matter the feeling. We are here for you.
✨ Meet Ryan Pitz ✨
✔ Years of service : 6 whole months!
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I love how the Oregon City School District continues to move in the right direction. I'm proud of our many wins (school bond, test score improvements, CTE, expanded opportunities for all our students, etc) and am extremely optimistic about where OC is heading.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: I'm encouraged and inspired to see our families, educators, and students work together with a shared commitment to helping kids succeed.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: The first 6 months have been a whirlwind but breaking ground for the bond's first phase is definitely a highlight (check out social media to see pics of our new softball fields). I cannot wait for later this year for when we start inside our schools. A lot of work is ahead but it's such an exciting time for OC.
Thank you, Ryan, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
✔ Years of service : 6 whole months!
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I love how the Oregon City School District continues to move in the right direction. I'm proud of our many wins (school bond, test score improvements, CTE, expanded opportunities for all our students, etc) and am extremely optimistic about where OC is heading.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: I'm encouraged and inspired to see our families, educators, and students work together with a shared commitment to helping kids succeed.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: The first 6 months have been a whirlwind but breaking ground for the bond's first phase is definitely a highlight (check out social media to see pics of our new softball fields). I cannot wait for later this year for when we start inside our schools. A lot of work is ahead but it's such an exciting time for OC.
Thank you, Ryan, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
No School Monday, Jan. 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students in Mrs. Riley's 1st grade discussed what peace is and read about Dr. King's efforts to bring about change in nonviolent ways before they created these impressive artworks of Dr. King in front of stained glass. #gaffneyschool
✨ Meet Alex Halpern ✨
✔ Years of service : I have been a board member for just about two and a half years.
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I am motivated by so many things, but really I think this job is about making sure that all of our kids and staff have what they need to succeed, and that by ensuring that, ensuring that our community succeeds as well.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: Maybe I’m biased, because my kids have had such great teachers, but I am so proud of the people who work in our schools and so grateful to be able to work alongside them. We have such a diverse, vibrant community here, and I think our school district is a shining example of everything good about this place we choose to live.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: It would be easy to say my biggest highlight thus far is passing our bond, which we are using to finally transform our elementary schools. The biggest highlight, though, has been getting to hear kids talk about how much they love school and their community, and getting to be a part of watching them succeed. Being a school board member is a lot of work and a lot of time, but absolutely worth it.
Thank you, Alex, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
✔ Years of service : I have been a board member for just about two and a half years.
✔ What motivates you to serve? : I am motivated by so many things, but really I think this job is about making sure that all of our kids and staff have what they need to succeed, and that by ensuring that, ensuring that our community succeeds as well.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: Maybe I’m biased, because my kids have had such great teachers, but I am so proud of the people who work in our schools and so grateful to be able to work alongside them. We have such a diverse, vibrant community here, and I think our school district is a shining example of everything good about this place we choose to live.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: It would be easy to say my biggest highlight thus far is passing our bond, which we are using to finally transform our elementary schools. The biggest highlight, though, has been getting to hear kids talk about how much they love school and their community, and getting to be a part of watching them succeed. Being a school board member is a lot of work and a lot of time, but absolutely worth it.
Thank you, Alex, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
📣 Stay Connected with OCSD—When It Matters Most (Part 3 of 3)
From inclement weather updates ❄️ to emergency notifications 🚨 and important school news, staying informed helps us keep students and families safe and supported. Here are the best ways to stay up to date:
⚠️ FlashAlert
FlashAlert is a regional alert system that shares school closures, delays, and emergency announcements—especially during severe weather.
✔️ Visit flashalert.net
✔️ Select Oregon City School District
✔️ Follow alerts through local media partners
From inclement weather updates ❄️ to emergency notifications 🚨 and important school news, staying informed helps us keep students and families safe and supported. Here are the best ways to stay up to date:
⚠️ FlashAlert
FlashAlert is a regional alert system that shares school closures, delays, and emergency announcements—especially during severe weather.
✔️ Visit flashalert.net
✔️ Select Oregon City School District
✔️ Follow alerts through local media partners
📣 Stay Connected with OCSD—When It Matters Most (Part 2 of 3)
From inclement weather updates ❄️ to emergency notifications 🚨 and important school news, staying informed helps us keep students and families safe and supported. Here are the best ways to stay up to date:
📱 OCSD District App
Your one-stop hub for district and school information—right on your phone.
✔️ Push notifications for urgent updates
✔️ News, events, and announcements
✔️ Easy access to school info and links
How to get it:
• Download the Oregon City School District app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Turn on notifications to receive timely alerts
From inclement weather updates ❄️ to emergency notifications 🚨 and important school news, staying informed helps us keep students and families safe and supported. Here are the best ways to stay up to date:
📱 OCSD District App
Your one-stop hub for district and school information—right on your phone.
✔️ Push notifications for urgent updates
✔️ News, events, and announcements
✔️ Easy access to school info and links
How to get it:
• Download the Oregon City School District app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Turn on notifications to receive timely alerts
📣 Stay Connected with OCSD—When It Matters Most (Part 1 of 3)
From inclement weather updates ❄️ to emergency notifications 🚨 and important school news, staying informed helps us keep students and families safe and supported. Here are the best ways to stay up to date:
🔔 ParentSquare
This is OCSD’s primary communication tool for families and staff.
✔️ Weather-related closures or delays
✔️ Emergency notifications
✔️ School and district updates
✔️ Messages from your student’s school
How to sign up:
• Look for an invite from ParentSquare via email or text
• Or visit parentsquare.com/signin using the email or phone number on file with your school
• Download the ParentSquare app for real-time notifications
From inclement weather updates ❄️ to emergency notifications 🚨 and important school news, staying informed helps us keep students and families safe and supported. Here are the best ways to stay up to date:
🔔 ParentSquare
This is OCSD’s primary communication tool for families and staff.
✔️ Weather-related closures or delays
✔️ Emergency notifications
✔️ School and district updates
✔️ Messages from your student’s school
How to sign up:
• Look for an invite from ParentSquare via email or text
• Or visit parentsquare.com/signin using the email or phone number on file with your school
• Download the ParentSquare app for real-time notifications
✨ Meet Michele Stroh ✨
✔ Years of service : Just starting my 5th year
✔ What motivates you to serve? : My motivation is to see the successes of our students as they enter into each stage of their education. I love seeing the confidence, the growth, and the opportunities for them to explore.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: One thing I love about our district is the amazing , dedicated , and hard working educators that show up each day to share their love for education with our students.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: My highlight is the district, staff and community all embracing our Narcan policy, training on substance use and signs of an overdose with the education of fentanyl and other drugs. We chose to be proactive and not wait until tragedy happened to react.
I will always be so thankful to be able to share Keaton’s story to educate our youth and give them the information to deter them from experimenting with illicit substances.
Thank you, Michele, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
✔ Years of service : Just starting my 5th year
✔ What motivates you to serve? : My motivation is to see the successes of our students as they enter into each stage of their education. I love seeing the confidence, the growth, and the opportunities for them to explore.
✔ One thing you love about our students or community: One thing I love about our district is the amazing , dedicated , and hard working educators that show up each day to share their love for education with our students.
✔A memorable highlight during your time as a board member: My highlight is the district, staff and community all embracing our Narcan policy, training on substance use and signs of an overdose with the education of fentanyl and other drugs. We chose to be proactive and not wait until tragedy happened to react.
I will always be so thankful to be able to share Keaton’s story to educate our youth and give them the information to deter them from experimenting with illicit substances.
Thank you, Michele, for your time and dedication to our students and community. 💙
