Superintendent Message

November 2024
Dear South Umpqua Families,
I cannot believe it is November already! I am hopeful that your families enjoyed a wonderful fall as we enter the holiday season. Things have been busy in our schools, and I am excited to share some important updates regarding our ongoing efforts to strengthen our school community and enhance student success.
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of attending various community events, gathering feedback from families and students, and spending time in classrooms. These experiences have been invaluable in helping me understand the unique needs and aspirations of our community. I continue to be blown away by the care and dedication of this beautiful community to our children. I am grateful for the wonderful welcome, and the open spirit in which you all have engaged with me as I make the South Umpqua Community home.
I am pleased to announce that our strategic planning process is well underway. Our steering committee, composed of educators, community members, and community leaders recently held its first meeting, where we discussed methods for gathering feedback from all of you! Going to where families are is a key strategy recommended by this group, and it is already working. For example, if you attended the homecoming football game, you may have been approached by someone asking questions about how we are doing, and where we can improve. This is just the beginning, and all of the feedback we gather over the next few months will guide us in setting clear goals and strategies that align with our community’s vision for our schools and goals for our students. Thank you for adding your voice to the conversation!
We will also be conducting a family survey. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the school experience from the parent and guardians perspective, as well as to help prioritize how we maximize the grant dollars we are so grateful to receive through the student investment account. You will receive an email with a link to complete the survey, and it will also be made available at conferences and other school events in the coming weeks. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the critical importance of attendance for student success. Research shows that consistent attendance is a key factor in a sense of belonging at school as well as academic achievement. Please be aware that students who miss just two days a month can be classified as chronically absent, which can significantly impact their learning and overall success. Thank you for prioritizing regular attendance and supporting your child in being present at school. If you are experiencing any barriers to attendance, please reach out to your building principal for support.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our school community. Together, we can unlock the unlimited potential in every student.
In Community,
Erika Bare
South Umpqua School District Superintendent