We're almost there. The final weeks of the school year are upon us, and there's so much to be proud of. With the dedication of our incredible staff, the time and energy of our volunteers, and the support of parents and families, we've almost made it through another amazing school year together.
Thank you for everything you've done to help our students thrive. As we head into the home stretch, let's keep encouraging strong attendance. Every day still matters, and finishing the year on a high note sets the tone for future success.
We're especially looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2025. Their hard work and resilience have brought them to this exciting moment, and we can't wait to cheer them on.
Let’s finish strong, Redmond!
In this issue:
Celebrating Our Future Collegiate Athletes
Student-athletes from Ridgeview High School and Redmond High School have officially signed their Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
A total of 35 student-athletes will be competing in a wide range of sports including football, wrestling, swimming, softball, lacrosse, and more.
We’re incredibly proud of their hard work and commitment.
Big changes are coming to Tumalo Community School—and we want you to be a part of the process.
Thanks to the passage of the Redmond School District bond this past November, we’re excited to return Tumalo School back to a K–8 school. This is a major milestone for our families and our community.
As we begin planning for this important transition, your voice is essential.
Please join us for a community meeting:
Tuesday, May 27
5:30 p.m.
Tumalo Community School
At this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Learn more about the Tumalo K–8 expansion
Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas
Help create a middle school program that reflects the needs and values of our community
This is more than an expansion, it’s a chance to build a stronger future together. We hope to see you there.
Redmond High School’s Angela Capps Named Oregon’s Unified Sports Coach of the Year
Angela Capps, a passionate and inspiring coach at Redmond High School, has been named the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association’s (OACA) Unified Sports Coach of the Year for 2025. This recognition highlights her outstanding dedication to creating inclusive opportunities for students of all abilities.
Unified Sports programs foster teamwork, belonging, and school spirit by bringing students together through athletics. Under Angela’s leadership, the program at Redmond High has thrived, helping students connect, grow, and succeed both on the field and in the classroom.
The OACA’s Unified Sports Coach of the Year award is a well-deserved honor for Capps. Her work continues to set a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart, build community, and champion every student.
Vern Patrick OBOB Team Advanced to State!
Back in April, the Vern Patrick Elementary OBOB team earned their way to the state competition! Congratulations to Elizabeth Merck, Emery Farley, Kaleigh Edmonds, Chloe Hwu, and Jordeina Brown for your incredible hard work, teamwork, and love of reading — it truly paid off.
To make their achievement even more special, members of the Redmond High School marching band stopped by to give them a celebratory send-off, while the entire school gathered to cheer them on. What an unforgettable moment!
Ridgeview Junior Shayanne Akenga Accepted into Prestigious Summer Science Program
Ridgeview High School Junior, Shayanne Akenga, has been selected to participate in the highly competitive 2025 Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics at the University of Colorado Boulder. With over 3,700 applicants and an acceptance rate of just 10%, Shayanne’s acceptance is a testament to her hard work, curiosity, and passion for science.
A proud former student of Obsidian Middle School and Sage Elementary, Shayanne will join an elite group of high school sophomores and juniors from across the globe for a six-week intensive research experience. The program, which is only open to students who have already completed Calculus or Physics, offers hands-on experience with state-of-the-art telescopes and scientific technology.
Shayanne shared her excitement about the opportunity: “I’m really looking forward to having access to more advanced technology and getting to use cutting-edge telescopes. I’m also excited to meet and learn alongside students from all over the world”.
Research Focus: Asteroid Orbit Determination
At SSP, Shayanne and her peers will dive into a real-world research project titled “Asteroid Orbit Determination.” Near-Earth asteroids—also known as “minor planets”—can pose serious threats to our planet. Students will learn how to locate, study, and calculate their orbits. Their findings will be submitted to the NASA-funded Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union, playing a critical role in future asteroid prediction and planetary defense.
A Passion Sparked in Middle School
Shayanne traces her passion for space science back to her time at Obsidian Middle School:
“Thanks to my 8th grade science teacher, Mr. Grubb, I was given an amazing opportunity to build my own rocket from scratch while watching The Martian. It was my favorite classroom activity ever. Watching it launch into the sky just fueled my love for space science.”
That experience led her to Mr. O’Neill’s Aircraft Design and Piloting course at Ridgeview, where she was able to dive deeper into the world of engineering and aerospace:
“It let me research my favorite spaceships and understand their complex developments. That class made a huge impact on me.”
Looking Toward the Future
Many SSP students go on to attend the top universities in the country, and Shayanne is no exception in her ambitions: “When I was researching SSP, what stood out to me was their strong affiliation with Caltech. Since middle school, Caltech has been my dream school because of their amazing space science program. The application process allowed me to reflect on my goals, life lessons, and the communities I’ve been part of. I know my future peers at SSP will be unique and passionate, just like me.”
Congratulations to Shayanne Akenga on this extraordinary achievement.
Redmond High School Girls Tennis Wraps Up a Great Season
The Redmond High School Girls Tennis team capped off a great season by going undefeated in IMC play, finishing strong with a win over Bend High in their final head-to-head match of the season.
The team carried that momentum into a competitive district tournament this past weekend, finishing 2nd overall and qualifying five players for the OSAA State Championships. Congratulations to the following athletes:
Rylie – 4th place in singles
Bliss and Brooklyn – 4th place in doubles
Tori and Kelsi – 3rd place in doubles
All five will compete at the state tournament this Friday and Saturday in Tualatin.
Impressively, every varsity player on the team won a match in the main draw. Best of luck to our Panthers at state
Career Day at EGMS Sparked Big Dreams This Spring
Elton Gregory Middle School hosted an inspiring Career Day that gave students a first-hand look at a wide range of professions. From Wildland Firefighters, EMTs, and Doctors to Electricians, Veterinarians, Lawyers, Chemists, News Anchors, Physical Therapists, Police Officers, Realtors, Tattoo Artists, Chefs, Auto Mechanics, and more — the school was filled with professionals ready to share their journeys.
It was a powerful opportunity for students to explore potential career paths, discover new passions, and connect with our amazing community. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success!
How Are We Communicating? Share Your Feedback - SURVEY
We’re always looking for ways to improve how we communicate with you—and your feedback is key. Your opinion matters to us tremendously.
Please take a few minutes to complete our ParentSquare/Communication Satisfaction Survey. Your input helps us understand what’s working well and where we can do better.
The survey should only take about 5 minutes, and we kindly ask that you complete it by the last day of school on June 12th.
Thank you for being an important part of our school community. We appreciate your time and feedback.
2025 IMC CHAMPIONS – RIDGEVIEW SOFTBALL
23-1. A Historic Raven Season.
#1 in the State.
The Ridgeview softball team has made history. With a dominant 23-1 record, the Ravens claimed the 2025 Intermountain Conference title and finished the season ranked number one in the state.
Head Coach Sandy Fischer credited the team’s tight-knit bond and tireless work ethic:
“You know, a lot of it’s chemistry. A lot of it’s hard work,” Fischer said. “They really like each other, and they work hard for each other, and they pick each other up. So it's a unique group, and they're fun to coach.”
For senior Brooklyn Lick, the championship marked the realization of a longtime dream:
“I've been wanting to get one of those banners, one of our titles up since I started my freshman year,” Lick said. “To be able to do this, especially my senior year, with all these girls that I've been playing with these four years — it's been everything to me.”
Star pitcher Brezlyn Hagemeister, a force both on the mound and at the plate, reflected on the team's unbeaten run:
“It’s almost unreal… being 22-0. You’ve never seen it happen before. All the hard work we put into this has paid off. It just feels so nice that we’ll be getting that banner and just keep grinding and pushing every day.”
Congratulations to the Ravens on a season for the ages.
Karen Mitchell Awarded Breaking Barriers Educator Award
Redmond, OR — The Redmond School District is proud to announce that Karen Mitchell, principal at StepUP at the Redmond School District, has been awarded the Breaking Barriers Educator Award at the statewide Breaking Barriers Conference held last week at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
Hosted by the Central Oregon Disability Network, the Breaking Barriers Conference brought together more than 600 attendees from across Oregon to collaborate and learn from one another in pursuit of meaningful change for people with disabilities.
Karen was selected by a team of 17 reviewers from across the state who evaluated nominations and voted on award recipients. She was recognized for her unwavering dedication to inclusive, student-centered practices and her commitment to breaking down barriers in education.
Her nomination reads:
“Karen Mitchell is the embodiment of what it means to break barriers in education. In every role she has held, Karen has consistently and thoughtfully prioritized the best interests of all students. Her ability to think outside the box isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s simply how she operates. Creative, kind, and compassionate, Karen leads by example in every setting, whether she’s collaborating with a team, mentoring staff, or supporting students directly.”
“Karen doesn’t just talk about student-centered practices—she lives them. She challenges the status quo when needed and does so with grace, integrity, and heart. The Redmond School District is fortunate to have such a visionary and grounded leader in their corner. There are few like Karen, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
“I am very honored to have been nominated and selected,” said Mitchell.
Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline shared, “We are incredibly proud of Karen and grateful for the impact she makes every day in our schools and community. Her leadership reflects the very best of Redmond.”
The Redmond School District congratulates Karen Mitchell on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued commitment to all students.
Science Buddies at RSD Flex
RSD Flex students recently partnered with Ridgeview High School’s AP Environmental Science class for a dynamic, hands-on learning experience through the Science Buddies program. Led by RSD Flex teacher Erin Matlock and Ridgeview educator Tim DeRoss, the initiative pairs K–5 students with high school mentors for engaging, real-world science activities that spark curiosity and collaboration across grade levels.
Week 1: Students planted lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers—and even constructed a functioning greenhouse.
Week 2: Teams designed and launched egg catapults to help the Easter Bunny hide eggs, with the farthest launch reaching an impressive 320 inches.
Week 3: Budding scientists explored earthworm anatomy before releasing the helpful critters into their greenhouse garden.
The Science Buddies program is cultivating a love for science while fostering mentorship accross grade levels.
Jen Temple Announced as New Principal of Hugh Hartman Elementary
Redmond, Ore. – The Redmond School District is pleased to announce that Jen Temple has been selected as the next principal of Hugh Hartman Elementary School. Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline announced today that Temple will officially step into the role on July 1, 2025.
“Jen is a great fit for Hugh Hartman, and we couldn’t be more excited to see her step into this role,” said Superintendent Charan Cline.
“She understands the unique strengths of our dual-language program. We are excited for her to be the next principal and to continue the amazing work already happening at the school” Cline added.
Temple, who grew up in Bend, Oregon, is currently serving as the assistant principal at Hugh Hartman. She brings 15 years of experience in dual-language and bilingual education, having worked in Salem-Keizer Public Schools from 2010 to 2015 and in Bend-La Pine Schools from 2015 to 2019. From 2020 to 2022, she also served as a program lead for Oregon State University’s CBEE MAT program.
Temple shared her excitement about continuing her journey at Hugh Hartman: “I’m so honored to continue at Hartman and serve as the next principal. This school is such a special place and I am eager to continue supporting our students, families, and staff. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly dedicated team. I look forward to sustaining and growing the commitment and care that define our school and helping our community thrive.”
Oregon Trail Parent Night at Tom McCall Elementary
Fourth grade students and families at Tom McCall Elementary recently stepped back in time for Oregon Trail Parent Night. Students proudly showcased their hard work and shared what they’ve learned—from the history of the Oregon Trail to the daily challenges pioneers faced on their journey west.
A big thank you to 4th grade teachers Janelle Evilsizor, Jessica Lemmon, and Hannah Russell for organizing such a memorable and engaging event!
Prom Flowers with a Lasting Impression
Redmond High School students Alana and Austin took a unique and creative approach to this year’s prom by designing and crafting a boutonnière and bouquet out of metal in their welding class. Rather than opting for traditional flowers, the pair exchanged these handcrafted pieces on prom night—creating a lasting keepsake and showcasing the skills they've developed through Career and Technical Education.
Their work is a remarkable example of how students are blending creativity with hands-on learning to make meaningful, memorable experiences.
RSD Curriculum Preview - High School Science
Redmond School District invites families and the public to preview proposed high school science curriculum materials. The following resources will be available onsite for review:
PEER Physics is being recommended to replace our current Patterns Physics curriculum.
In-Person Viewing
Materials will be available for public viewing at the Redmond School District Office from May 19–23, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., or by appointment.
Questions or need an appointment?
Contact Stacy Stockseth at stacy.stockseth@redmondschools.org or call (541) 923-8240.
Sage Elementary School Art Walk
The Sage Elementary School Art Walk was a night full of creativity and connection. Families explored incredible student art, visited with local artists, and got hands-on at interactive exhibits.
A true highlight of the evening was "Under the Sea" — a glowing blacklight gallery created by mostly every student at Sage. With guidance from visiting Artist in Residence Angela Mion, students spent weeks bringing this underwater world to life.
Thank you to the students, staff, families, and community artists who helped make this celebration of art and imagination such a success.
Growing Together at John Tuck
At John Tuck Elementary, students are getting their hands dirty in the best way possible—through the John Tuck Garden Club. With guidance from 2nd grade teacher Korey Forbes, 20 students in grades K-5 are learning to plant, grow, and care for flowers, fruits, and vegetables, all while building valuable skills in sustainability, teamwork, and responsibility.
The Garden Club recently hosted a volunteer clean-up day that brought 30 parents and community members together to help prepare the garden for the growing season. This strong turnout reflects the district’s shared commitment to outdoor learning and hands-on education.
We’re proud to highlight programs like this that nurture a love of nature and support student growth—both in and out of the classroom.
RSD Spotlight Champion: Dana Groesz
We’re proud to recognize Dana Groesz, Special Education Teacher at Elton Gregory Middle School, as our latest RSD Spotlight Champion!
Dana is an exceptional educator whose dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact every single day.
"Dana gives her all to the students she serves. She is a calming presence in even the most challenging situations."
"She not only advocates fiercely for her students but also continuously seeks growth for herself."
"Dana is not just a teacher; she is a role model, a problem solver, and a champion for students."
From creating a safe, supportive space for students to building trust with families and collaborating with colleagues, Dana embodies what it means to be a truly great educator.
Thank you, Dana, for all you do to support and uplift our students, families, and staff.
Three Ridgeview High School Seniors Named 2025 Ford Scholars
We are thrilled to announce that three Ridgeview High School students have been selected as 2025 Ford Scholars: Jordan Jensen, Anahi Ornelas-Diaz, and Sol Ruelas.
This highly selective scholarship from The Ford Family Foundation is awarded to exceptional students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California who are pursuing a four-year college degree in their home state. Each scholarship is tailored to meet up to 90% of a student’s unmet financial need—up to $40,000 per year.
Our 2025 Ridgeview Ford Scholars will be attending:
Jordan Jensen – Clackamas Community College
Anahi Ornelas-Diaz – Oregon Institute of Technology
Sol Ruelas – Willamette University
Ford Scholars are chosen not only for their academic potential but also for their leadership, resilience, character, and deep care for their communities. Many recipients say that the program is “so much more than the money.” Becoming a Ford Scholar means joining a supportive community that stands beside students throughout their college experience and beyond.
We are proud of Jordan, Anahi, and Sol for their hard work, integrity, and commitment to their futures. Congratulations!
Redmond High Senior Honored with National Skilled Trades Scholarship
Redmond High School senior Austin Mackey has been awarded the Tradestrong – Cook Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $2,500—a national honor recognizing students who are passionate about careers in the skilled trades. Austin is the only recipient from Oregon to receive the scholarship this year.
With mentorship and support from instructor Alan Wheeler, Austin has excelled in Redmond High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and demonstrated a strong commitment to entering the trades after graduation. His recognition by Tradestrong is a testament not only to his own hard work, but also to the quality of hands-on learning happening at Redmond High.
The Tradestrong – Cook Foundation supports students across the nation who are building a future in fields like welding, construction, and other skilled trades.
Ridgeview Students Honored for Excellence in Tech
Three students from Ridgeview High School’s Girls Who Code club were recently recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) for their achievements in computing! Isabelle Jaramillo and Shayanne Akenga, both 11th graders, received NCWIT Awards for Aspirations in Computing, while 9th grader Evelyn Brown earned an Honorable Mention. The students were honored at a celebration hosted by Lewis & Clark College.
Beyond the awards, the club is making a difference right here in Redmond. Members are visiting local elementary schools to introduce younger students to computing through a fun and engaging logic game — inspiring the next generation of coders in our district!
Gift of Literacy Project
Every 1st grader across the Redmond School District received a book of their choice thanks to the Gift of Literacy Project. This incredible effort was made possible by our generous community sponsors: Hayden Homes, LLC Homes and Selco Community Credit Union, and organized by the dedicated team at Rotary Club of Redmond. We’re so grateful for their support!
Tracking Progress on the 2024 Redmond School District Bond Projects
We are incredibly grateful to the Redmond School District community for your overwhelming support in passing the 2024 RSD Bond. Your investment in our schools will create safer, more modern learning environments, helping students have the resources they need to thrive. This bond represents a commitment to the future of education in Redmond, addressing critical infrastructure needs, expanding opportunities for career and technical education, and enhancing safety and security across all schools.
As we move forward with these exciting projects, we want to maintain transparency and keep you informed every step of the way. This page is dedicated to that goal, offering you a clear view of our progress and plans.
Here’s what you can expect to find:
The District’s Bond Planning Calendar – Stay up to date on key milestones and project timelines.
A Direct Link to Track Bond Project Progress – Follow along in real time with the tracking spreadsheet to monitor the progress of bond-funded projects.
The Latest News and Updates – Get timely updates on construction, improvements, and how these projects will impact our community.
Your support is making a real difference, helping Redmond students have access to safe, high-quality learning spaces for years to come. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for investing in the future of our schools.
