Top 10 Stories
The recap of the 2024-25 Academic Year includes some endearing stories and key academic investments across our district. Graduation rates reached an all-time high, literacy efforts across our district took center stage during the year, library managers were upgraded to full-time, three of our high schools earned the prestigious Cognia Accreditation, Native American artist Supaman rocked Hamlin for the first ever NASU summit, and the GOATS Team stole everyone's hearts—and votes!
#10
New athletic fields unveiled
Without a doubt, one of the most important capital projects to be completed this year was the conversion of the main athletic fields at Springfield and Thurston high schools to artificial turf. Combined, the projects cost about $4 million. Converting to artificial turf will allow other students and groups to utilize the field year round including soccer, band, lacrosse, cheerleading, as well as physical education classes.
#9
Fresh Harvest
This immersive story shed light on the origins of our district's urban farm and the current efforts to develop a true Farm to School Program after many setbacks caused by the Pandemic. The SPS Farm delivers fresh produce and fruit to key schools and helps our students have access to healthy fresh food.
#8
New graphics studio marks expansion for CTE program
The new Graphics Studio at Springfield High School (SHS) represents a more than $60,000 investment to expand the Graphic Design CTE Pathway at SHS. The project was made possible thanks to a generous $35,000 donation from Dr. Kenneth Singer and his wife Kenda. The physical expansion is considered a second phase in the development of the CTE Graphic Design program over the course of the past 12 years.
#7
Hamlin Library adds new Carson Reading Room
Students at Hamlin Middle School now have a cozy place for reading, relaxing, and connecting with other avid literature lovers—the Carson Reading Room.
#6
SPS Acquires Goat Herd for District Maintenance
Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is excited to introduce the newest members of their facilities landscaping team - a herd of five goats. The goats are be used for weed mitigation in bioswale, easement and other areas not used for student play. Environmental guidelines for the removal of weeds in bioswales make goats an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable method of maintaining these areas.
#5
Affinity summits reach milestones, attract community
SPS held three separate affinity summits for Black, LatinX and Native American middle and high school students at Hamlin Middle School. More than 100 Native American middle and high school students, staff, and guests came together for the first-ever NASU summit. The event featured an unforgettable performance and keynote from Supaman, an Apsáalooke rapper, fancy war dancer, activist, and artist.
#4
High schools earn valued accreditation, recognition
Three Springfield Public Schools (SPS) schools are setting new standards of excellence as they showcase their commitment to high-quality education and student engagement. Gateways, Springfield, and Thurston high schools all earned the prestigious Cognia Accreditation, a highly regarded accreditation that is recognized throughout the world.
#3
SPS library managers get full-time upgrade
Starting this fall term, Springfield Public Schools (SPS) students and families will begin seeing a lot more of their librarians. In all sites, library managers have now been converted to full time employees, a change that reflects the District’s efforts to improve literacy rates across K-12.
#2
Magnetic Reading Foundations curriculum changes learning dynamics
Six months after implementation, the use of Magnetic Reading Foundations in K-2 grades classrooms has significantly changed the dynamics of phonics and reading learning in Springfield Public Schools.
#1
New grad data breaks SPS records
Springfield students continue to make graduation gains, according to a new report from the Oregon Department of Education. The data reveals that 74.2 percent of SPS students graduated on time for the Class of 2024.