August 18, 2020

Dear Lane Families,

We are excited to begin a new school year and are working hard to plan a strong Distance Learning program for your students.While we were able to engage nearly all students in online learning activities in the spring, we are focused on increasing the rigor and effectiveness of our instruction. We can't wait to get started!

School Starts September 2 for 6th Grade Students, September 3 for All Students

The first two weeks of school will be designed to ease into our virtual start of the school year. Our teachers will focus on creating online classroom learning communities grounded in social emotional learning and racial equity conversations. This soft start will also give us time to make sure our online learning systems are working and that teachers, students and families have time to get comfortable with the digital tools. 

I know we are all anxious to have a better understanding of the daily schedule for this fall. Middle schools across PPS are working together to create common expectations to ensure that all students receive an engaging and rigorous educational experience regardless of their school site. Those plans will be released soon and I will be able to provide more specific information to Lane students and families at that time. I will also share information about picking up course schedules and school supplies. 

Submit a Free and Reduced-price Meal Application

• Families can now submit a new meal application for the 2020-21 school year. 
• Families who do not meet the 2020-21 Federal Income Guideline may qualify using the 2020-21 Oregon Expanded Income Guidelines. The State of Oregon has increased the income guidelines for free meal eligibility in the 2020-21 school year from 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 300% of FPL. Please go to the PPS Nutrition Services website for more information.

Staff Changes

There have been several changes in our school team over the summer. I would like to send heartfelt gratitude to Judy Rose, music teacher; Natalia McKay, learning center teacher; Hannah Abusneineh, community agent, and David Gardner, head custodian for their service to our community. I wish them well as they move on to new chapters in their careers. Welcome to Jason McLeod, our new head custodian, and Chelsea Ashcraft, part time ESL teacher. We are working to finalize new hires for the remaining positions and will introduce our new team members when they are onboard. 

I am excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Sherree Coleman as the second Assistant Principal of Lane Middle School. Dr. Coleman comes to us with a wealth of experience, most recently as administrator of Benson High School's Summer Scholars program and counselor at Benson High. She will make a strong contribution to our administrative team and to our community. Welcome!

Important Dates

September 2nd: First Day for 6th Grade Students

September 3rd: First Day for 7th and 8th Grade Students

September 7th: Labor Day - School Closed

Please let us know if you need technology, either a computer or wifi hub in your home. We can help and we want to be absolutely sure that all of our students have access. Please also reach out if there is any other way the school can support your family. You can reach us by replying to this message via email, or you can reach me at 971-678-9700. Be safe, Be well!

Warmly, 

Michael Rowell, Principal

Lane Middle School