News & Events

High Desert Education Service District News Item

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 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

2012 Sparrow Calendars On Sale

For over 12 years, Sparrow Clubs has motivated and inspired kids and young people throughout Central Oregon to take their eyes off of themselves and focus on the needs of others. As a result, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for local Sparrows and their families through community service and fundraising efforts by students of all ages. However, the impact that the Sparrow kids have on the lives of the students that help them is equally important.

The 2012 calendar features a handful of the many Sparrows that have been adopted by local schools throughout Central Oregon. These children instill a sense of purpose and passion in the lives of the students in Sparrow Clubs. This calendar is a tribute to all of our Sparrows, to the thousands of kids of all ages that have given of themselves to make a difference in the lives of others and to the many generous business sponsors that have made this all possible by providing the Club sponsorships. You can purchase one of these calendars at 906 NE Greenwood Ave, Suite 2 in Bend. For more information you can call 541.312.8630 or visit www.sparrowclubs.org

High Desert ESD's Early Childhood programs will also have calendars for sale: Contact 541.312.1968

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

Martha Hinman Accepts New Role as Regional Director of Special Education Serving Multiple Districts

The appointment of a new regional director of special education services for three schools districts and the High Desert Education Service District is expected to save more than $200,000 per year in Redmond, Sisters and Crook County. Martha Hinman, formerly the director of student services for the Redmond School District, will now serve all three districts and the HDESD, resulting in the elimination of two administrative positions.

This effort to regionalize administrative services among the districts is part of a larger shared services effort to improve efficiencies, provide cost savings, and protect classrooms during challenging economic times.

“Martha Hinman is highly respected for her expertise and we are fortunate to have her leading this effort to regionalize special education services for our areas,” said Dr. Dennis Dempsey, superintendent for the High Desert Education Service District.

In her new role, Hinman is responsible for the supervision and development of special education and English Language Learner programs across all districts and the HDESD as well as the supervision of the school nurses.

Hinman has extensive background in special education ranging from teaching to supervising and has served as an adjunct professor for George Fox University in Newburg, OR and Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Special Education from the University of Maine in Farmington, a Masters of Art in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College and an Initial Administrative License from the University of Oregon. She has worked for the Bend La Pine and Redmond School Districts in various capacities serving special education students and families.

“I believe the needs of the students and families will be better met by centralizing training, collaboration, and allocation of special education services across the school districts and the High Desert Education Service District,” said Martha Hinman, regional director of Special Education Services for the HDESD. “Central Oregon has such a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and talent in special education and it makes sense for us to share and build on what we have,” she added.

The shared services model is currently being implemented in the areas of Special Education, Business Services, Human Resources, Informational/Instructional Technology and Maintenance. Overall savings from the plan are expected to exceed $460,000 during the 2011-2012 school year the first year with additional savings in future years.

GED Testing Needs New Home in Central Oregon

The High Desert Education Service District is working to transition out of its role as administrator of General Educational Development (GED) testing for Central Oregon. The transition, scheduled to take place in July of this year, is a direct result of the recent education budget shortfall in the state of Oregon.

"We've hit a crossroads because the GED program has become too expensive for HDESD to manage effectively given the recent budget cuts in education," said Paul Andrews, Executive Director of Children's Programs for HDESD. "We've had to make some significant changes to our programs to keep funding focused on our students and classrooms," added Andrews.

GED testing enables adults and people 16 and 17 years of age to obtain a high school equivalency certificate. Testing includes a group of five subject areas which, when passed, certify that an individual has high school-level academic skills. GED testing is an unfunded service that costs approximately $78,000 per year to administer in much of Central Oregon and the $135 fee collected from participants generates approximately $58,000 leaving a $20,000+ deficit. In addition, the state of Oregon plans to move to a computer-based testing system by 2013 which will require computer labs in multiple communities.

HDESD was asked by the state to take on the role as test administrator when Central Oregon Community College was no longer able to provide the service. Since that time, 5,566 individuals in Central Oregon have obtained their GED certificate through HDESD (not including parts of Jefferson County which administers testing through their local Jefferson County Education Service District).

"We've been working closely with The Department of Community Colleges, Workforce Development and Central Oregon Community College to find the right home for GED testing," said Andrews. "It's a very important component of our education system and we want to ensure that Central Oregon residents have access to it," he added.

GED testing helps provide a stepping stone for Associate's Degree studies and is generally administered through community colleges in the United States. COCC is currently exploring the funding and resources needed to take back management of the GED program.

As HDESD works to help find a home for GED testing, there may be a transition period during which Central Oregon residents have limited access to testing services. Some testing may be available through the Jefferson County Education Service District. For more information, contact JCESD at 541.306.9271.

For more information about current GED testing through HDESD, visit http://www.hdesd.org/services/GED. To schedule interviews with representatives from the HDESD, please contact Linda Quon at 541.610.4317 or lquon@quondc.com.

Hispanic Advocate Position available

The Hispanic Coalition of Sisters in partnership with Sisters Park and Recreation District and the Latino Partnership Project of the Oregon Community Foundation invite applicants for a Hispanic Advocate for Sisters.

Reading Buddies: Using iPods as a tool for Reading Literacy

Redmond SD Title 1 Reading teachers are piloting the use of iPods to increase reading fluency. Coined the ‘Reading Buddies’ program, 5 schools are using iPod Shuffles to have students listen to teacher created recordings which will helps kids with vocabulary, fluency, alphabetic principle, rhyming, phoneme segmentation and literature. Test scores related to fluency will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative use of technology.

Help spread the word...Healthy Kids covers all uninsured Oregon kids and teens

As a member of the school community, you are in a great position to help students be healthier and learn better. Help families get information and apply today! Healthy Kids has community partners across the state that can help families apply.

We need help spreading the word! If you'd like to learn more about Healthy Kids and how your school community can help kids be healthier please contact Samantha Shepherd at 503.269.0716. Local sssistance is available at Healthy Beginnings or you may email or call Laurel Case at 541.383.6357

All kids need health coverage. Healthy Kids is a new program to provide no-cost and low-cost health coverage for Oregon children and teens up to age 19 who don't have health insurance. Kids with current health conditions can also apply.

Healthy Kids provides options for both private and public health care. The plan covers doctor visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, dental and vision care. Coverage lasts for one full year.

No family makes too much money for Healthy Kids. For example, a family of four that earns up to $66,000 a year may qualify for the low-cost option.

www.oregonhealthykids.gov

Westside Village Preschool now enrolling 3-5 yr olds

Our philosophy at Westside Village Preschool begins with a deep commitment and belief in inclusive education. The High Desert Education Service and the Bend-La Pine School Districts have collaborated to provide a setting where children of all abilities can play and learn side-by-side.

High Desert Education Service District Announces Candidates for Superintendent Position: Dr. Paul Andrews, John Rexford and Michael Lasher

The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) Board of Directors has selected three finalist candidates in the search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. Dennis Dempsey, who will be retiring in June after having served in education for more than 36 years. An open house will be held on Wednesday, February 8th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the HDESD offices at 145 SE Salmon Ave, Redmond. Community members and staff will have the opportunity to meet the candidates and provide feedback to the HDESD Board of Directors.

“This group of finalists brings a high level of experience and talent to the table in our search for a new superintendent,” said HDESD Board Chair Terry Rahmsdorff. “This is an important decision that will impact our local school districts and our board has taken it very seriously. We are looking forward to getting feedback from community members and HDESD staff as well,” added Rahmsdorff.

The HDESD is a regional support system that links school districts in Central Oregon to local, state and national education resources. The ESD works to help districts minimize duplication of services, preserve local budgets and deliver special programs that might otherwise be unavailable to them. The High Desert Education Service District partners primarily with the school districts of Bend/LaPine, Crook County, Redmond and Sisters but also provides specialized services in seven counties in Central and Eastern Oregon.

The finalists for the superintendent position include:

Dr. Paul Andrews, executive director for the HDESD’s School Improvement Program where he oversees professional development opportunities for teachers and programs such as Career and Technical Education and Migrant Education. Andrews has worked in K-12 education for more than 20 years, 12 of which have been with HDESD, where he also served as director of special programs from 2003-2010. John Rexford, deputy superintendent for Bend-La Pine Schools, where he oversees overall organization and leadership of operations and special education for the district. Rexford has worked in education for 27 years, 23 of which have been with Bend-La Pine Schools. Michael Lasher, deputy superintendent for the Intermountain Education Service District where he oversees human resources, early intervention/early childhood special education and serves as chief operations officer. Lasher has worked in education for 25 years, 15 of which have been with the Intermountain Education Service District.

In addition to the open house for community members and staff, the candidates are scheduled for interviews, tours and meetings throughout the district on February 8th and 9th.

“Our board is passionate about bringing high quality, regional services to local school districts and students,” said Rahmsdorff. “Our primary goals are to ensure that families have access to special education services and that teachers have more time in the classroom because of the administrative support we are able to provide.”

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

You're invited - Forum with Duke Shepard, Governor's Office

Please join us in welcoming Duke Shepard, Policy Advisor to Governor Kitzhaber, to Central Oregon. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the early learning reform efforts and upcoming legislation.

After a presentation by Mr. Shepard, early learning partners will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide input regarding our local reform efforts, including a presentation by Diane Tipton, Director of Early Childhood programs for the High Desert Education Service District on the collaboration between early childhood partners. We hope you can attend!

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

1:30 to 4:00 pm

Manzanita Center
1212 NE 5th Ave
Redmond OR

541.385.1405

Central Oregon Teachers Enrich their Understanding of American History

High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) received a Teaching American History (TAH) grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the fall of 2009. HDESD partnered with Lewis and Clark College of Education and developed a professional project titled “Path Through History.”

The goal is to support teachers at all grade levels emphasizing grades 4-12 to acquire both knowledge and innovative ideas related to the teaching and learning of American History. The Teaching American History Grant is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to enrich their understanding of American history and increase their abilities to teach it. The professional development project focuses on five themes throughout American history including: American Dreams; Growth of Democracy; Expanding Borders and Influence; Cultural Contact and Conflict; and Industrial and Technological Change.

Currently there are 31 teachers participating from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson County. The next two-day workshop is scheduled for February 24 & 25, 2012 in Redmond, Oregon. For more information on the grant, contact Bill.Rexford@sisters.k12.or.us

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

Healthy Choices, Healthy Children: A Guide to Raising Fit, Happy Kids

Free Local Author Event - Lori Brizee will be a Paulina Springs Book Store in Redmond on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 6:30 pm. She is the author of Healthy Choices, Healthy Children: A Guide to Raising Fit, Happy Kids. Lori has a Master's degree in nutritional science and has worked for 28 years in infant and pediatric nutrition. Her book focuses on raising healthy, happy children through proper nutrition. Parents, grandparents and educators will benefit from this event.

January is National Braille Literacy Month

January was chosen for this celebration because it is the birth month of Louis Braille, the inventor of the system of raised dots that made it possible for people who are blind to read and write for themselves with independence and freedom.

Louis Braille, born January 4, 1809 was accidentally blinded in one eye at the age of three. Within two years, a disease in his other eye left him completely blind. When he was fifteen, he developed an ingenious system of reading and writing by means of raised dots. Today, in virtually every language throughout the world, Braille is the standard form of writing and reading used by visually impaired persons.

Pictured here is Paige Ollendorf, student at Crook County Middle School and Elaine Bridwell, Vision Assistant for High Desert ESD. Paige has been receiving services for the visually impaired for several years. Here’s what she had to say about the services she’s received:

“I really like what you guys have done over the years. It opens up so many possibilities of things for me to do in life. The Braille helps me to be able to read and write and also to be able to do my schoolwork.”

Leading the way to a Brighter Tomorrow

Each year the Oregon Lions Statewide Low Vision Clinic provides identified students with a unique, functional low vision assessment directed toward their educational and environmental needs. The goal of the clinic is to help gain a better understanding of the students’ vision and to make recommendations that will assist them in their education setting. When appropriate the optometrist will recommend and dispense low vision devices. The clinic’s services are accessed through the students’ Teacher of the Visually Impaired and/or Orientation and Mobility Specialist through High Desert Education Service District’s Regional Program for the Visually Impaired.

Dr. John Lowery, Director of the Oregon Lions Statewide Low Vision Clinic, has evaluated students for many years. Jeanine Johnson, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, said “Dr. Lowery is truly amazing! He is great with the kids, even those with multiple disabilities, and can tell us a lot about a child’s functional vision. He is an amazing asset to our services, as he also provides inservice training sessions to the teachers of the visually impaired in the field.”

The clinic was originally based at the Oregon School for the Blind, but now Dr. Lowery takes the clinic on the road several times a year to provide service to the individual Regional Programs. This mobile clinic eliminates transportation problems for families and educators and allows the doctor to evaluate children in a familiar environment. The doctor can provide assessments in the classroom or home when necessary.

Dr. Lowery has served as Director of the Oregon Lions Statewide Low Vision Clinic since 1995. He is a faculty member at Pacific University College of Optometry where he teaches courses in clinical procedures and visual function in relation to learning. Dr. Lowery is also Chief of Pediatrics for Pacific University Optometry Clinic and is involved in the research of pediatric procedures, pediatric visual impairments, children with special needs and humanitarian vision care, as well as continuing education regarding pediatric visual impairments and developmental low vision clinic. In addition, he has a Masters of Education degree.

A Christmas of Change

Take a stroll on Wall Street in downtown Bend and you’ll see some of the city’s trees decorated for the holiday season. Each tree has a theme and each one is a request to help those in need.

Board members and staff from the Alyce Hatch Center gathered on Sunday, November 13 to decorate a tree for the Alyce Hatch Center. The tree is adorned with stars and glitter snowflakes made by the kids at the Alyce Hatch Center.

The event is called “A Christmas of Change” and each tree will have a donation box next to it so that you can choose to drop your pocket change for charity. The displays will be left up through early January. The Alyce Hatch Center houses the Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education programs.