NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 19, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, desk 541-726-3347 kris.seibel@springfield.k12.or.us 

Thurston High School student receives award for suicide prevention work

Mystikal Haak, a Sophomore, is chosen to be a 2022 Sources Showcase Peer Leader Award Winner for her youth-led suicide prevention work through Sources of Strength. 

When: Tuesday, May 24 from 1:40 to 3:05 pm

Where: Thurston High, 333 58th Street, Springfield

Central Characters:  Mystikal and her Sources of Strength classmates are available for interviews. Their teacher is also available for interviews.

Visuals:  The students will be in class working on projects. The students produced and released suicide prevention videos every other Thursday throughout the school year. We will share the videos when you come. 

Background: Mystikal is one of 10 students from Oregon to be chosen as a 2022 Sources Showcase Peer Leader. Sources of Strength is honoring the work of Mystikal and her classmates who “used their words, art, music, influence, activities, and collective power to be agents of change.”

The THS group produces and distributes “Care and Connect” videos, which are edited by Mystikal, every other Thursday throughout the school year. They highlight ways for people to ease stress and encourage the school community to ask for help when needed. The latest video that is releasing today is specifically about physical and mental health with some fun physical challenges to help people both get active and let themselves have fun. 

All of the recipients will be honored at the virtual 2022 Sources Showcase on May 26th.

What is Sources of Strength?

A best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent suicide by increasing help-seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults. Sources of Strength moves beyond a singular focus on risk factors by utilizing an upstream approach for youth suicide prevention. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support (protective factors) around young individuals so that when times get hard they have strengths to rely on. https://sourcesofstrength.org/

SPS Story Tip

May 16, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, kris.seibel@springfield.k12.or.us, D 541-726-3347 

A3 students present “It’s a Plastic World” Confluence drive-through art installations

Tuesday, May 17th and Wednesday, 18th from 8:45am - 6pm in the back parking lot of A3, 615 Main Street, Springfield

The Academy of Arts and Academics is proud to present and invite the public to attend the Humanqueries “It’s A Plastic World” Confluence project.

Because we couldn’t invite the general public into the building to see the artwork, students decided to hold a drive-through exhibition in the A3 parking lot.

That’s right, we’re bringing the 9th- and 10th- graders’ projects outside so you can see all of their hard work! The community come to enjoy art and learn about the “plastic crisis.”

Enter the parking lot from the 5th street entrance. The exit is on 7th.

One of the many incredible works!                 

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 10, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, desk 541-726-3347

Maple Elementary students help make a welcome video for athletes from Ukraine as part of the World Athletics Championships Oregon22

The students are participating in the one-mile World Wide Welcome Youth Relay (WWW Youth Relay). 

When: Wednesday, May 11th, 2022, beginning at 12:05 pm

Where: Maple Elementary School, 2109 J Street, Springfield

Central Characters:  Students and teacher who are participating in the relay. 

Visuals: Kids participating in the relay. Some students will help make the welcoming message for the Ukrainian athletes, but due to a scheduling issue, the media are not going to be able to shoot the making of the video. Kris is shooting the video(s) for the school to submit and will share with the media.

Background: As part of the celebration leading up to the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 in Eugene, Maple Elementary students will participate in the WWW Youth Relay by taking the baton and traveling their one-mile leg of the relay. How they travel that mile is up to the group. Part of the fun of the relay is kids sharing a welcome message and pictures of the relay experience with athletes from around the world. Maple was assigned to welcome athletes from Ukraine. 

Link to More about WWW Youth Relay: https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-championships/oregon22/making-tracks/worldwidewelcome 

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 10, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, 541-726-3347  

The Coalition of School Administrators, COSA, gives Springfield Public Schools principal their Oregon Principal of the Year Award  

Charlie Jett, Principal, at Two Rivers/Dos Ríos Elementary was chosen as the Oregon principal of the year for the 2021-22 school year by COSA. 

When: Call Kris to arrange a time 

Background: Every year, COSA accepts nominations and chooses someone to receive the Oregon Principal of the Year Award for elementary, middle and high school levels. This year, they chose Principal Charlie Jett in the elementary category. 

Charlie was  surprised at the end of the robust Two Rivers/Dos Ríos board presentation when Chair Raven announced an addition to the presentation. Superintendent Todd Hamilton then welcomed Coalition of School Administrators’ Director of Executive Leadership and Licensure, Krista Parent to the front to surprise Charlie Jett and those present in the audience with the announcement of his selection as the 2022 Oregon Elementary School Principal of the Year. 

Mr. Jett shared a heartfelt story of his first role with Springfield Public Schools upon arrival in Oregon. Superintendent Hamilton commended Mr. Jett for his unwavering dedication to students, and his never-ending energy and flair.

The announcement concluded with hugs and photos as Mr. Jett will be formally awarded the honor at the upcoming annual conference next month.

Please join us in once again congratulating, Mr. Charlie Jett, Oregon’s Elementary School Principal of the Year.

Charlie will be formally awarded the honor at next month’s annual COSA conference.

Approved quote from Springfield Superintendent Todd Hamilton:

“Charlie Jett exemplifies dedication to student support. Whether it is creating a video production to support school PBIS goals, building out robust professional development for staff, or his exceptional color-coded organizational skills, we as a district and Springfield as a community are grateful for his devotion.

Mr. Jett has built a culture and climate throughout his building that exemplifies our district’s values of creating welcoming learning spaces for all by drawing upon the assets of each individual.”

*Pictures attached

About COSA

Mission: We develop and support educational leaders to ensure student success.

The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) serves and represents more than 2,400 school administrators, managers and executives. COSA was founded in 1974 to give Oregon's education leaders a united voice in helping to shape public policy, advocate for schools and speak on behalf of students. COSA's perspective has earned the respect of educators, the Legislature, the Department of Education and other statewide agencies. COSA consistently puts the interests of schools and students ahead of self-interest.

In addition to advocacy, COSA supports and develops educational leaders with unmatched professional development opportunities—including statewide conferences, regional seminars and workshops, and much more -- and a variety of exclusive member services. Areas of focus include school finance and legislative services.

LINK: https://www.cosa.k12.or.us/

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 2, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, desk 541-726-3347

Yolanda Elementary welcomes Go GREEN Live CLEAN BMX Show for their first whole-school assembly in 18 months

Students will see a great BMX show and hear positive messages. The riders emphasize the five keys to success. Also, due to COVID, this is the first-ever whole-school assembly for the kindergarteners and first-graders. 

When: Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, from 1:00 to 1:40 pm

Where: Yolanda Elementary School, 2350 Yolanda Ave., Springfield

Central Characters:  Students who are experiencing the BMX performance and learning about positive behaviors are available for interviews. Performers are available for interviews. 

Visuals: X Games BMX riders perform incredible bike tricks while the announcer talks to kids about positive and healthy life choices to help them be successful.

Link to more information: https://www.wheelsoffreestyle.com/

Here is a YouTube video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xAvgzRHz1tg

Background: Our elementary schools represent the starting point for our Springfield students' K-12 career. In Springfield we strive to provide a strong foundation that focuses on building lifelong learners. Across our system of 12 elementary schools, our dedicated and caring staff welcome students every day.
In addition to a strong academic foundation, our schools work to create positive learning environments for every student. Through the framework of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), each school has developed its own culture of a safe, positive, and caring community.
The Go GREEN Live CLEAN BMX show is a fun part of Yolanda Elementary’s PBIS program. 

SPS Story Tips

April 27, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, kris.seibel@springfield.k12.or.us, D 541-726-3347

Agnes Stewart Middle School “BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED”

Edible and Non-Edible Plants

Thursday, April 28 from 8:45 to 10:20 am, at ASMS, 900 S. 32nd St., Springfield.

Agnes Stewart Middle School students are learning how to survive in an emergency through a series of classes called “Be Prepared, Not Scared. The first part of the program is focused on being able to identify edible plants that are growing all around us. Imagine approximately 20 students in the wilderness learning and sampling what plants might help them survive in a real emergency. Ross Pennhallegon, who retired from the OSU Extension Service is leading the students. Future courses will include building shelter, cooking with a Dutch Oven, building fire, learning to build a working bow, and eating grasshoppers, red worms, and crickets, among other skills. 

The SPS Facilities staff will build a 25’ by 30’ geodesic dome made from Academy of Arts and Academics students’ artwork 

Monday, May 2nd - The construction will begin at 7:00 am and continue until completed, approximately 10:30 am. There will be an unveiling activity at 12:15 pm. The dome will be taken down beginning at 1:00 pm. This all happens at 665 Main Street, Springfield. It’s the old Gateways High, now A3 parking lot.

A3 students have been working on Earth Day related projects the last two weeks, with a theme of "Invest in our Planet." Students are designing and creating large wooden triangles, which will be mounted and displayed in a giant geodesic dome. When this dome is assembled, it will be 25 feet high and 30 feet across! 

We'd love for anyone interested to come see it. We can also have some students available to be interviewed at the unveiling. Attached is an invitation with the blueprint we will be working off of to create the dome.

Agnes Stewart Middle School “BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED”

Chef, students fry and eat bugs you can use to survive

Tuesday, May 3rd from 10:30 to 12:05, at ASMS, 900 S. 32nd St., Springfield.

Chef Tamisha, a trained Chef who has worked with the kids before, is going to fry crickets with the 6th grade, red worms with the 7th grade, and grasshoppers with the 8th grade on May 3.  Let’s see how many try them in the name of survival.  Assistant Principal, EJ Rotherham is hosting the event. Only 6th grade is available at the time noted above.

Yolanda Elementary welcomes Go GREEN Live CLEAN BMX Show for their first whole-school assembly in 18 months

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, from 1:00 to 1:40 pm at Yolanda Elementary School, 2350 Yolanda Ave., Springfield

This story has great visuals and a couple of story angles. The Go GREEN Live CLEAN BMX show travels the country visiting schools to put on a great BMX show and also to spread positive messages to kids. The riders emphasize the five keys to success. Also, due to COVID, this is the first-ever whole-school assembly for the kindergarteners and first-graders. 

Link to more information: https://www.wheelsoffreestyle.com/

Here is a YouTube video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xAvgzRHz1tg

Agnes Stewart Middle School “BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED”

7th-graders learn to build fire without matches in the event of an emergency

Wednesday, May 4th and 5th from 8:45 to 10:15 am, at ASMS, 900 S. 32nd St., Springfield.

7th grade students will be taught how to build a to keep warm, cook food and boil water in a disaster situation. 

SPS Story Tips

April 22, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, kris.seibel@springfield.k12.or.us, D 541-726-3347, C 541-206-8572

A3 Earth Day clean up

TODAY - Friday, April 22, 2022,  from 12:15 to 1:05 pm at the Academy of Arts and Academics, 615 Main Street, Springfield. All interviews will be done after the cleanup is completed

All A3 students will be walking in groups of around 12 with gloves and trash bags picking up trash. Students will take the trash to a waiting City of Springfield truck located under the Springfield City Hall. 

 "One of the principals of A3 is being a good community partner," said A3 teacher Scott Crowell. The students will not only be helping their own environment but also providing a service for their downtown neighbors.  

As a way of supporting the school’s efforts, the City of Springfield will be donating trash bags, tools to pick up garbage, reflective vests, and a garbage truck to place all of the trash. The City will then haul the trash away and dispose of it when the students are done. 

Yolanda Elementary students paint rocks to celebrate Earth Day

Today - Friday, April 22nd, One class starts at 9:45 am and another will start at 10:00 am. Yolanda Elementary, 2350 Yolanda Ave., Springfield

Come and talk to elementary students about Earth Day and see the art that they create to express what it means to them.

Two River Dos Ríos Elementary students write positive affirmations about themselves on t-shirts prior to testing

Monday, April 25th, at 9:30 am. Two River Dos Ríos Elementary, 1030 G Street, Springfield

Students are given a blank t-shirt and shirt pens to write positive affirmations to/about themselves on their shirts prior to state testing. Students can also wear the shirt during testing if they choose. Positive affirmation prior to testing is a powerful tool to help students perform better. Positive affirmations are a form of self-talk using positive statements about themselves. 

Maple Elementary Walking School Bus

Tuesday, April 26th - The walking school bus leaves the El Pique parking lot (20th and Main) at 7:45 am. Students arrive at Maple Elementary (2109 J St.) at about 8:15 am. 

Walking school buses are part of our Safe Routes to School program, which promotes safe and healthy alternatives for students and staff to get to and from school. Students, staff, and volunteers have fun walking the route to school together, picking up other students at “bus stops” along the way. Students and staff are available to interview. Here is a link to a previous event from a couple of years ago - pre COVID - that will give you an idea of what a walking school bus looks like: https://www.facebook.com/springfieldps/videos/2123137544364566

Agnes Stewart Middle School “BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED”

Edible and Non-Edible Plants

Thursday, April 28 from 8:45 to 10:20 am, at ASMS, 900 S. 32nd St., Springfield.

Agnes Stewart Middle School students are learning how to survive in an emergency through a series of classes called “Be Prepared, Not Scared. The first part of the program is focused on being able to identify edible plants that are growing all around us. Imagine approximately 20 students in the wilderness learning and sampling what plants might help them survive in a real emergency. Ross Pennhallegon, who retired from the OSU Extension Service is leading the students. Future courses will include building shelter, cooking with a Dutch Oven, building fire, learning to build a working bow, and eating grasshoppers, red worms, and crickets, among other skills. 

Agnes Stewart Middle School “BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED”

Bugs you can eat to survive

Tuesday, May 3rd from 10:30 to 12:05, at ASMS, 900 S. 32nd St., Springfield.

Chef Tamisha, a trained Chef who has worked with the kids before, is going to fry crickets with the 6th grade, red worms with the 7th grade, and grasshoppers with the 8th grade on May 3.  Let’s see how many try them in the name of survival.  Assistant Principal, EJ Rotherham is hosting the event. 

Yolanda Elementary welcomes Go GREEN Live CLEAN BMX Show for their first whole-school assembly in 18 months

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, from 1:00 to 1:40 pm at Yolanda Elementary School, 2350 Yolanda Ave., Springfield

This story has great visuals and a couple of story angles. The Go GREEN Live CLEAN BMX show travels the country visiting schools to put on a great BMX show and also to spread positive messages to kids. The riders emphasize the five keys to success. Also, due to COVID, this is the first-ever whole-school assembly for the kindergarteners and first-graders. 

Link to more information: https://www.wheelsoffreestyle.com/

Here is a YouTube video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xAvgzRHz1tg

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

April 20, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, desk 541-726-3347

Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) students are celebrating Earth Day by cleaning up downtown Springfield

A3 is partnering with the City of Springfield to do some downtown cleaning and celebrate Earth Day.

When: Friday, April 22, 2022,  from 12:15 to 1:05 pm

              All interviews will be done after the cleanup is completed

Where: Academy of Arts and Academics, 615 Main Street, Springfield, OR

Central Characters:  Students who are performing the cleanup are available for interviews. A3 staff will also be available for interviews.

Visuals:  All A3 students will be walking in groups of around 12 with gloves and trash bags picking up trash. Students will take the trash to a waiting City of Springfield truck located under the Springfield City Hall.

Background: "One of the principals of A3 is being a good community partner," said A3 teacher Scott Crowell. The students will not only be helping their own environment, but also providing a service for their downtown neighbors. 

As a way of supporting the school’s efforts, the City of Springfield will be donating trash bags, tools to pick up garbage, reflective vests and a garbage truck to place all of the trash. The City will then haul the trash away and dispose of it when the students are done.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

April 11, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kris Seibel, desk 541-726-3347

It’s not too late for students and the community to enter art, pictures and videos to be judged as part of the 2022 Huerta/Chavez Celebration.

The deadline was extended one me week to allow time for more students and community members to participate in the celebration.

Where: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer1KQEtCBA7NvNUKLeuIeR6Ue43HP43FbeC_3OrSgzpmTrnQ/viewform

The 2022 virtual Springfield Huerta/Chavez Celebration home page: https://sites.google.com/springfield.k12.or.us/huertachavez

Background: The art, picture, and video deadline was extended to Friday, April 15th to allow more students to enter their work.

“To make a great dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream, the second is persistence.” ~ Cesar Chavez ~

Students and community members are invited to submit art, essays, poems, photos, or videos that reflect the meaning of this year's event theme (above).   Entries will be accepted through April 15th.  Those received by March 31 will be posted on the website and shared with the larger community during Huerta/Chavez Celebration Week- April 4-8 2022 online at:   www.springfield.k12.or.us/HuertaChavez

Participants who leave their contact info will be awarded a t-shirt or book prize (while supplies last)!