January Newsletter

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (12:00 PM)

District Newsletter

Monthly news and updates

January 30, 2026

Dear Santiam Canyon Community,

Great things are happening across our district. Every day, our students are learning something new, our educators are finding creative ways to support them, and our schools are buzzing with energy and purpose. Students and staff are in this together, and it shows in our classrooms. Each day, we are focused on helping every student grow, feel supported, and be ready for whatever comes next.

I am truly excited about the progress reflected in the data from our classrooms and schools. Interim reading and math assessments administered this past month at SES and in grades 6–8 at SJSHS show that our students are making meaningful gains. These assessments also provide valuable insight that helps educators identify areas of focus and adjust instruction to further strengthen student learning.

Our teachers and instructional assistants continue to strengthen their instructional practices through ongoing professional development, all with the shared goal of better serving every student. At the same time, district staff works diligently to ensure that our buildings and facilities remain clean, safe, and well maintained; that our food service program meets the needs of all students; and that district funds are used responsibly to maximize student learning and growth.

In addition to strong classroom instruction, our staff provide a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including dance, music, digital design, and sports, that allow students to build skills and interests beyond the school day. These experiences enrich learning and help students grow in meaningful ways.

I am proud to be part of a district that puts students first. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to continuing our work to make Santiam Canyon School District the best it can be.

Ms. Nieraeth

In this issue:

Class of 2025 Exceeds State Average

This past week, ODE released statewide graduation rates for the Class of 2025, and we have exciting news to share! Santiam Jr./Sr. High School’s Class of 2025 achieved an outstanding 93% graduation rate—10% higher than the state average!

This is a huge accomplishment and a true reflection of the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the strong support of our families and community. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and everyone who helped make this success possible!

Teamwork Adds Up in Mr. Schafer’s Class

In Mr. Schafer’s class, students have been working on the 2 digit x 2 digit multiplication skill. One of the ways they practice is through our 99math math program. In short, it turns fluency into a game with 3 rounds, each round lasting 1 minute and 30 seconds. Within those times students solve as many problems as they can.

Instead of competing against each other, Mr. Schafer’s class created a class goal of getting 90% accuracy with at least 80 questions answered correctly. That is roughly 3 questions answered correctly after all 3 rounds per student.

His class started this goal on November 12th, 2025 with a score of 59% and 50 questions correctly answered. Throughout their 3 month journey, they have seen ups and downs. Their highest number of questions they answered correctly was 134. Their highest percentage they had was 89%. Some lows included 66% and 47 questions answered.

On January 27th, 2026 Mr. Schafer’s 5th grade class achieved this goal of 90% accuracy with 113 questions answered correctly. Through determination and grit, students were able to achieve what seemed like an impossible goal. We couldn’t be more proud of our students. They have done such a fantastic job! Congratulations!

Leadership Students Visit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

Our SJSHS leadership students recently had the opportunity to tour Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in preparation for their annual fundraiser in March. During the visit, students learned how their fundraising efforts directly support patient care and provide meaningful support for children and their families. Experiencing the hospital firsthand helped students better understand the impact of their work and inspired them to approach the upcoming fundraiser with compassion and purpose.

If you want to know more about the fundraising SJSHS does for Doernbecher Children's Hospital or how you can get involved, please reach out to Desiree Dunagan at desiree.dunagan@santiam.k12.or.us.

After-School Activities

After-school activities are thriving across our district, providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and explore their interests beyond the traditional school day. Both schools, along with MCGRA, offer an impressive variety of programs designed to engage students in positive, enriching experiences. From athletics and line dancing to digital design and music, these activities encourage creativity, teamwork, discipline, and self-expression.

More importantly, students are developing real-life skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, confidence, and perseverance—skills that will serve them well both inside and outside the classroom. We are proud of the dedication of our staff and partners who make these opportunities possible and grateful for the enthusiasm of our students who continue to show up, try new things, and shine.

Why Daily School Attendance Matters

Coming to school every day helps your child succeed. Students who attend regularly are more likely to keep up with lessons, complete assignments, and do well on tests.

Better Learning

Students who are in school every day perform better in reading and math. Missing school makes it harder to keep up with new skills and lessons.

Language Growth

Daily attendance is especially important for students learning English. Being in class every day helps them build language skills faster across all subjects.

Belonging and Social Skills

When students come to school regularly, they feel connected to their school community. They learn how to work with others, follow routines, and build confidence.

Building Good Habits

Making school attendance a priority teaches children responsibility and shows them that education is important.

How Families Can Help

Make sure your child arrives at school on time each day.
Review and follow the school’s attendance policy.
Check homework and stay involved in your child’s school day.
Talk with teachers if your child feels anxious or reluctant to attend.
Schedule appointments and trips outside of school hours when possible.
Help your child get enough sleep and maintain healthy routines.

Every day at school counts. Regular attendance helps your child stay on track and build a strong foundation for success.

IMPORTANT DATES

Feb. 2 - Start of 2nd Semester

Feb. 11 - Regular School Board Meeting - 6pm SES Commons

Feb. 16 - Presidents' Day - NO SCHOOL

Feb. 20 - School for students

March 11 - Regular School Board Meeting - 6pm SES Commons

March 12 and 13 - Parent/Teacher Conferences for SJSHS (grades 6 - 12)

March 23 - 27 - Spring Break