News & Events

High Desert Education Service District News Item Great example of collaborative efforts

The Bend-La Pine Schools’ Transition Co-op worked with their special education department and High Desert ESD to find employment for Alex.

With a little bit of team effort, Alex is now employed! Weekly he collects the shredding and recyclable containers from several offices at the Bend-La Pine School district building. He then takes the containers to the basement and empties them for the Opportunity Foundation to pick up. Alex then returns the containers to the appropriate desk and/or office.

Silvia Bundy, Alex's mother said, “What a win-win scenario for Bend-La Pine Schools, High Desert ESD and especially Alex. Everyone is so pleased at how this is working out they're looking at expanding this service to all of the programs/offices housed at the BLP Administration Building.”

Pictured with Alex is Carrie Compton, High Desert ESD employee
 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Thank you High Desert Porsche Club of Central Oregon!

For the second year in a row, the High Desert Porsche Club of Central Oregon has donated scholarships to High Desert Drivers Ed winter term for students to take the Deschutes County SkidCar Program. Twenty-two lucky students from winter term programs in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters were randomly chosen to participate. The SkidCar course teaches students superior vehicle control skills for all types of road conditions and to think ahead during vehicle operation so they don’t need to exercise their superior skills. The classes are 4 hours in length; taught by retired Lt. Michael Johnston who served over 30 years with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office; and available any day of the week by appointment. The cost is $90. For more information, contact Judy Sumners at judy.sumners@deschutes.org.

High Desert Education Service District News Item Ed Med Conference 2013

Ed Med Conference - Helping Teens and Young Adults Succeed Through Life Transitions will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Pilot Butte Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. Information and registration can be found at www.edmedconference.net

Conference includes lunch, refreshments and a conference gift bag. All proceeds of the Ed+Med 2013 Conference are going to HDESD's early intervention programs...because this is where it all begins!

High Desert Education Service District News Item Free Wind Energy Workshop for Educators - Saturday, March 16

Free KidWind Workshop! This is open to K-12 educators - no knowledge of wind energy required. Over $100 worth of classroom materials and a comprehensive curriculum package are included free of charge. Space is limited to 20 teachers.

http://learn.kidwind.org/workshops_events

For more information: www.kidwind.org

See flyer for details.

High Desert Education Service District News Item Central Oregon Teachers attend Secondary Holistic Scoring to Promote Student Growth Workshop held in Bend

To help meet the demands of the Common Core State Standards, George Hegarty presented 'Secondary Holistic Scoring to Promote Student Growth' to over 70 teachers from central Oregon. Pictured here, teachers took a break from the workshop to have lunch and converse with fellow teachers.

High Desert Education Service District News Item Time to register for 2013 Grin and Bear it Run

Registration is now open for the 11th Annual Grin & Bear It Run - a benefit for Healthy Beginnings.

Healthy Beginnings provides accessible physical, developmental and behavioral screenings to children from birth through age five to foster healthy, educated, nurtured children, families and communities.

Saturday, March  9 2013 

To register or for more information: 2013 grin & bear it run

High Desert Education Service District News Item 4th Annual Central Oregon PBIS Conference - April 9, 2013

Dr. Kent McIntosh will be the keynote speaker for the 4th Annual Central Oregon PBIS Conference. Sustaining PBIS in a Sea of Competing Initiatives will be the keynote title.

To Register: www.pbis-2013.hdesd.org

 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Change your license plate and change a child’s life!

It sounds simple and it is. Proceeds from the Keep Kids Safe license plate go to local child abuse prevention programs, helping to protect vulnerable children and strengthen families across Oregon.

Go to www.ctfo.org/kkslicenseplace to learn about the 3 ways you can get your plate.

Make a difference today by changing to a Keep Kids Safe (KKS) license plate using one of these three easy ways:

  1. Apply using a Renewal Reminder http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/vehicle/platechange.aspx#withrem
  2. Apply without Renewal Reminder http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/vehicle/platechange.aspx#withoutre
  3. Request the KKS license plate when you purchase a new car.

Change your license plate today and then help Oregon’s children by spreading the word. Forward this email to everyone you know and let them know about the Keep Kids Safe license plate!

KKS License Plate Sales

Our goal is to sell a minimum of 1,000 license plates by October 15, 2013. Help us move the dial on the sales meter forward!

Sales to date: 100 
Sales needed to reach our goal: 900

 


 

For more information about Deschutes County’s involvement in the Keep Kids Safe license plate project, contact Sarah Peterson of the Deschutes County Children & Families Commission (CFC): sarah.peterson@deschutes.org. To learn more about CFC, go to
www.deschutes.org/Children-and-Families-Commission.aspx

High Desert Education Service District News Item HDESD and Central Oregon Regional Program receive Workforce Inclusion Award

High Desert ESD received an award this past week for “Best Supported Employment Position” in Deschutes County.  The ceremony was held at the Oxford Hotel to recognize business and community employers who hire adults with Developmental Disabilities.  Jayel Hayden, Theresa Layman and Lori Layton were present to accept this award on behalf of CORP and the ESD. 

CORP began this supported employment position almost 20 years ago when we first provided student work placement for Kathy Martin to assist in the CORP office.  This placement transformed into a paid position over time.  Kathy continues to work in the CORP office and has been providing services for the ESD on site at Abilitree.

Kathy has had a positive impact on those of us who have been fortunate to work with her.  We are so pleased to have been able to continue supporting this position and have her on our ESD team.  Thank you to all who have helped maintain this position for Kathy.  This award is for us all.


 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Do Good Feel Good - Schedule your Spa Treatment Today!

Pamper yourself and support the Family Access Network. On Friday, November 9, three participating spas will donate 100% of their profits to FAN. Just call the spa of your choice and schedule your appointment.

Shibui Spa: 541.549.6164,  www.shibuispa.com

Jinsei Spa: 541.383.8282, www.jinseispa.com

Spa Brasada: 541.323.6008, www.brasada.com/spa

High Desert Education Service District News Item iPads Found Useful with Select Special Education Students

The High Desert Education Service District’s Assistive Technology (AT) program has been exploring the use of iPads to help special education students meet Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. As a potential new AT tool for select students, the iPad can offer new ways to take notes, access school loop, communicate with others and use the internet for research projects.

The iPads had opened up a whole new world for these two girls. Shellee, in the white t-shirt uses her iPad to communicate better; delivering messages from the office and participating in circle time at class using simple words and phrases. Brianna uses her iPad to greet her friends and to tell her teachers what she needs more clearly and efficiently.

While the iPad is not an end-all be-all solution for all students, the AT team is discovering some positive outcomes that deserve recognition and consideration in supporting students with special needs.

High Desert Education Service District News Item Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder - Friday, May 4, 2012

Who should attend: Healthcare and mental health providers, social workers, childbirth professionals, public health providers, social support workers or anyone interested in acquiring skills to assess and treat perinatal mood disorders.

 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Help Nashelle Jewelry support Family Access Network!

Nashelle Jewelry is proud to donate a portion of their proceeds to Family Access Network (FAN), Deschutes County's non-profit organization that strives to keep shoes, clothing, glasses and other basic needs on our local children that are less fortunate. Nashelle is offering select items from their best-selling "identity' line. Choose from a necklace (with 1 gemstone of your choice), bracelet and ring, all with one ID charm stamped with the FAN logo.

Mother's Day is right around the corner...don't wait too long to order yours.

For information: www.familyaccessnetwork.org

High Desert Education Service District News Item EdCamp...a fun-filled day of professional development - Saturday, April 21

What is an EdCamp? It's an "un-conference event" organized by groups of educators, specifically designed to create a participant-driven, fun-filled day of professional development. Educators can connect with like-minded individuals, collaborate ideas, brainstorm solutions to common education problems, have group discussions and receive information that can immediately be applied in the classroom. With Educational Technology a primary focus, this edcamp will include sessions about using technology in the classroom, but a technology focus is not necessary. However, it is suggested that you bring a laptop, iPad, or whatever device you use in the classroom and can connect to the Internet on.

A continental breakfast and boxed lunch will be provided.

Saturday, April 21
Elton Gregory Middle School, Redmond
8 to 2 pm
Free

This event is sponsored by the HDESD and ORVSD and is free to all educators in Oregon.

To register: http://edcamp.coedtech.org

For more information, contact Steve Prull, steve.prull@hdesd.org

 

 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Thank You Duke Shepard for your visit to Central Oregon

A successful day of early childhood education discussions....Thank you Duke Shepard, John Kitzhaber and Central Oregon educators, parents, children and advocates. For more information on this event or to learn about Early Childhood programs, contact diane.tipton@hdesd.org

 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Sign-up today for February 29th Google Apps Training!

Google Apps for Education is a suite of online collaborative tools that are free for educational institutions and non-profits. The tools include Calendar, Gmail, Docs and Sites. In addition to these core apps, there are many web-based, third online office suite that allows for anytime, anywhere creation of documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Learn how to create and share documents, as well as gain classroom integration ideas in this introduction to Google Docs session. 

 

Who should attend? Administrators and Educations interested in learning more about Google Apps for Education.

To register: http://goo.gl/aam11

Questions: steve.prull@hdesd.org or 541.693.5642

High Desert Education Service District News Item Central Oregon Communities Rally to Make Schools Safer

High Desert Education Service District brings partners together to Re-Confirm Commitment to Safe School Alliance.

On Wednesday, January 18th, school district officials from Deschutes and Crook Counties joined local law enforcement and community representatives to re-sign the Safe School Alliance (SSA) Memo of Support and Participation.

“By continuing to join forces, we make our central Oregon schools safer and these groups are making a very powerful statement,” said Dennis Dempsey, superintendent for the High Desert Education Service District, the agency that facilitates the collaborative effort. “We are all working together to reduce crime, prevent bullying and create a better environment for students and we can accomplish more as a collaborative group than we could individually,” he added.

The SSA started in September 1998 under the leadership of Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan and was called C.R.A.S.H. (Crime Reduction At School Houses). The impetus for developing the CRASH program was the increasing frequency of violence at schools or on school property across the country. The CRASH program was designed to enhance safety within school environments, protect students & teachers and provide immediate accountability for crimes committed at schools.

The network of regional school districts and agencies that meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to share information, discuss items of common interest and concern, advise member agencies on the adoption of policy and explore curriculum and programs to prevent bullying and cyber bullying in the regional schools.

SSA partners include:

School Districts:
Bend–La Pine Schools, Crook County School District, Culver School District, Redmond School District, Sisters School District, High Desert Education Service District

Law Enforcement Agencies:
City of Bend Police Department, City of Prineville Police Department, City of Redmond Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Agencies / Organizations:
Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Deschutes County Juvenile Justice, Deschutes County Behavioral Health Services, Oregon Youth Authority, Commission on Children & Families, KIDS Center, Serendipity West Foundation

For more information on SSA, contact Peter Miller at peter.miller@hdesd.org

High Desert Education Service District News Item High Desert Education Service District Receives Grant to Champion Higher Education in Central Oregon

The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation to help local school districts increase the number of Central Oregon students seeking a college education. HDESD has partnered with local school districts and higher education institutions to increase awareness of post-secondary education and provide students with the tools, encouragement and support they need to pursue college degrees.

“Central Oregon has long battled a perception that higher education is a luxury that many students don’t need and/or can’t afford,” said Dennis Dempsey, superintendent for the HDESD. “This is particularly true in the more rural and remote areas of our region. Our goal is to change that perception and encourage a culture that celebrates higher education.”

According to Dempsey, local school districts have implemented a wide variety of programs including speakers, college visits and other strategies to encourage students to consider higher education after graduation.

“The missing link has been a regionally coordinated effort to broadly instill a culture of higher education and training throughout Central Oregon,” said Dempsey. “As a result, many of these positive activities are not effectively reinforced. We hope to change that culture over the next few years and bring about a wide range of integrated activities that move our students and communities forward,” added Dempsey.


The grant will support stronger collaboration between K-12 education, higher education, local business, civic and community agencies, along with targeted outreach to parents. The first year of funding will be directed toward research on gaps between current practices and best evidence-based practices. A steering committee comprised of leaders in education, business, non-profit sectors and local government will be assembled to set goals based on the outcomes of the study.


Research for this project will focus on three areas of higher education preparation including awareness, access and transition for both parents and students as they navigate the possibility of higher education.


The High Desert Education Service District is a regional support system that links school districts in Central Oregon to state and national education resources. In partnership with school districts in Crook County, Redmond, Sisters and Bend/La Pine, HDESD helps to minimize duplication of services, preserve local district budgets and provide special programs that might otherwise be unavailable to students.

For more information, please call Paul Andrews, School Improvement Director at 541.693.5702

High Desert Education Service District News Item Moving Oregon to Action - Common Core State Standards

Over 90 Teachers, Instructional Coaches and Administrators from Central Oregon attended the “Common Core State Standards – Moving Oregon to Action” conference sponsored by High Desert Education Service District and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) on Friday, November 4, 2011.

Shannon McCaw, Mathematics Consultant provided an overview on the new mathematics standards and how they directly affect teachers and students. Penny Plavala, Literacy Specialist, presented the new standards and highlighted the increased level of rigor required for reading and writing at all grade levels.

High Desert Education Service District News Item Governor John Kitzhaber visits Sisters School District to check out its new Biomass Plant

Sisters School District took the high school classroom outdoors and fired up their new biomass plant for students and visitors to see. The biomass plant heats water and warms the classrooms and could save the district more than $35,000 per year in energy costs. Wood pellets, purchased from a local supplier, are used to fuel the biomass plant. It was noted that Kitzhaber felt that the biomass plant was the type of project he wants to see more of -- not only as a cost saving measure but to keep jobs local. Sisters-based Energyneering Solutions Inc. designed and installed the system.

To learn more about the Biomass, check out:

http://www.sustainablenorthwest.org/resources/biomass-case-studies


 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Dennis Dempsey to Retire from Superintendent for the High Desert Education Service District

The High Desert Education Service District’s long-time Superintendent Dr. Dennis Dempsey will be retiring in June after having served in education for more than 36 years. Transition planning discussions are taking place to determine next steps.

“My world has always revolved around children, classrooms, student activities and education and it’s been a remarkable experience,” said Dempsey. “I’ve reached a point at which I need to focus on my health and family and I’m ready to pass the torch to a new superintendent with a fresh perspective,” he added.

As superintendent for the HDESD since 2000, Dempsey has worked to improve education by providing cost-efficient, regional services to several of Central Oregon’s school districts, including Bend La Pine, Sisters, Crook County and Redmond. In addition to his work within the local school districts, he has been an advocate for students and education through his appointments and leadership on several state boards and organizations including: Oregon Association of Educational Service Districts, State of Oregon Education Enterprise Steering Committee, Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Oregon Virtual School District.

During the last 12 years Dempsey was also the superintendent of the Brothers School District from 2000-2006 and was superintendent for the Black Butte School District in 2008-2009 and twice has was interim superintendent in Sisters. “When you are an ESD superintendent you get to wear a lot of different hats depending on the needs of your local school districts.”

As a champion for Education Service Districts, Dempsey has focused his career on ensuring that all school districts – regardless of size -- have access to quality special education, information technology, financial and administrative support services that are affordable and allow teachers to focus on classroom instruction.

“The role of Education Service Districts in Oregon has become increasingly important over the past several years,” said Dempsey. “As education funding continues to decrease, ESD’s have to find creative ways to support our schools and we believe we can do that by consolidating certain services and sharing resources among multiple school districts,” he added.

Dempsey, who is currently working closely with the HDESD’s board of directors to create a leadership transition plan, believes that the biggest challenge for the next superintendent will be to position ESDs for future funding and infrastructure changes.

“We’ve been working to help legislators and community members understand how regional education services can save money for schools and relieve district staff of some of the administrative tasks that distract from teaching,” said Dempsey.

When asked to share the highlight of his career in education, Dempsey said he’s had the opportunity to know thousands of great students and hundreds of extraordinary educators.

“The highlight has been the opportunity to work with amazing students and people who were and are passionate about the children they serve,” said Dempsey.
 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Central Oregon ED Tech Team (COETT) Gearing Up To Improve Student Achievement Through Technology

A kick-off meeting has been set for Wednesday, October 5th at Redmond High School Library. Please join other teachers from 6 school districts in Central Oregon and help create an enriching, fun and classroom oriented cadre that explores effective instructional strategies using technology!

To register, go to http://goo.gl/eUQ3c


What’s new for this year:

  • Two Graduate Credits available from Southern Oregon University at a very reasonable cost! $55 per credit
  • Focus Groups – Join a Small group in a self-selected area of interest for self study and peer support for the entire year
  • Three Large Group Meetings during the year: October January and May
  • Focus Group meetings will occur monthly and also have an online component for discussion and collaboration

Check out the COETT Web site for more details: www.coedtech.org

  • Bring your laptop or iPad – not required
  • Door prizes!
  • Dinner and refreshments


Have an idea already that you’d like to suggest as a focus group? Fill out the Registration form and put your idea in the comments box!

Invite other teachers in your building who you’d like to team up with! We look forward to having you as a part of this great cadre!

Questions: Steve.prull@hdesd.org

High Desert Education Service District News Item Want to learn Sign Language? Here's your chance - and it's free!

Interested in learning Sign Language?  Classes will take place each Monday for 10 weeks.  Learn more about deaf culture as you build confidence letting your fingers do the talking. For more information, contact Kim Gunderson-Moore at 541.815.1234 or km_gunderson@yahoo.com

 

Location:

Alyce Hatch Center
1406 Juniper Street
Bend OR


 

High Desert Education Service District News Item Redmond School District Receives Ed Tech Grant for Improving Writing Skills

The Redmond School district was one of 15 districts in the state to receive a Title IID EdTech Grant for 21st Century Technology-Rich Learning and Teaching. The objectives are to raise the capacity for teachers to utilize technology as a teaching tool, infuse technology into the learning process, and increase student performance in writing and English language development.


Nine classrooms, in Tumalo and Lynch Elementary schools, will participate in this transformational program. Each classroom with be fitted with a SMART interactive whiteboard, digital camera, teacher laptop and printer. To provide students with classroom access to online research and writing tools, each classroom will be equipped with Samsung Chromebook computers for each pair of students.

For more information please contact Steve Prull steve.prull@hdesd.org


High Desert Education Service District News Item High Desert Teaching American History Grant Featured in Lewis and Clark Chronicle

Teachers and leaders from the High Desert were featured in the Lewis and Clark College’s publication, the Chronicle. Clay Warburton, Gail Greaney, Garrett Gladden and Bill Rexford were interviewed for the article, as well as Dr. Janet Bixby for Lewis and Clark. Read the full article to find out more about what the grant is doing for teachers in the High Desert!

To learn more, check out the Teach American History site.