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La Grande School District Newsletter • Love, Care, Serve
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TRIVIA FEST
Academic Bowl tests students’ knowledge
BY TRISH YERGES
On March 12 in the library at La Grande High School, 36 students convened in their respective teams to participate in the annual Academic Bowl led by Pat Des Jardin, who teaches math, physical science, chemistry, and physics.
Des Jardin, who is also the National Honor Society Advisor, promotes and works with kids to get them to participate in the Academic Bowl.
“This is my seventeenth or eighteenth year of teaching for the district and my thirty-sixth year of teaching overall,” Des Jardin said. “I’ve done the Academic Bowl for about twenty years now.”
It’s a nerd competition with teams of five or six students. Des Jardin asks questions from a set of books that he has, and he gives them a little time to figure out what the answer is. They write their
answer on a piece of paper, and they hand it to a table judge.
After a certain amount of time, Des Jardin reads out the answer, and if the students get it correct, they earn ten points in the first round and twenty points in the second round.
“The competition lasts all the way through the afternoon,” he said.
At the very end of the competition, whatever points a team has, they can bet up that can bet up to that number of points on the Academic Quiz, a set of five questions. Depending on how they do on that quiz, they can either go up by their bid or down by their bid and several numbers in between to decide who wins the competition.
The academic questions center on English,
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
GEORGE MENDOZA LA GRANDE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Welcome back from spring break!
With brighter days and warmer weather, I hope this message finds our families refreshed from the week off and ready for a strong finish to the school year. This time of year is full of growth and momentum, and I’m proud to share several highlights and updates from across our district.
Graduation, Achievement & Student Growth
This spring, we’re celebrating steady academic progress, improved attendance, and strong graduation and completer rates. Our goal is to ensure that students are thriving—not only in the classroom but also in athletics, the arts, and leadership.
We continue to see gains in student achievement, especially in reading and math. Targeted supports, high-quality instruction, and strong partnerships—like those with Eastern Oregon University (EOU)— are helping students grow and succeed.
State Assessment Reminder
This spring, students in grades 3–8 and 11 will participate in state testing. These assessments provide valuable insights into student strengths and areas for growth, helping us tailor instruction and support where it’s needed most.
Please encourage your child to do their best—not with pressure, but with pride in how much they’ve learned and grown. While no single test defines a student, the information we gather helps us strengthen teaching and learning across our schools. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and positive encouragement from home make a big difference.
Direct Admission to EOU: 30+ Students Enrolled!
We are thrilled to share that over 30 LHS seniors have already been accepted into EOU through our Tiger-Mountaineer Direct Admission Program. This initiative simplifies the college application process, creates early connections with the university, and helps students—and families—plan for the future with confidence. I am very pleased that we are creating more opportunities for our students with a supported path towards college and career success.
Early Literacy & Community Partnerships
Thanks to ongoing collaboration with Jess Hagedorn and EOU reading tutors, we’re seeing real gains in early literacy, especially in grades K–2. These efforts, along with increased instructional support and targeted interventions, are building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We are very thankful for the support of EOU and the Eastern Oregon University Reading Clinic for their support of our students and school district.
Celebrating Success Across the District
• Girls Wrestling made history by winning back-to-back State Championships—a huge accomplishment for our athletes and coaches.
• Academic Bowl and Battle of the Books teams have represented LGSD with pride and excellence.
• Our Greenhouse Plant Sale at LMS is just around the corner—stop by and support student learning while picking up your spring blooms! Also…our LMS greenhouse was recently selected as the Go EO Readers Choice #1 Favorite Garden center in Eastern Oregon! Looking Ahead
We’re nearing the final stretch of the school year, and there’s still important work to do. High school and middle school students are in the midst of enrollment for next year, and our elementary schools are finalizing their plans. Please watch for enrollment details from your child’s school soon. Graduation is also about 2 months away! It has been a very successful year and we are very thankful for our students, staff, families and community!
Love, Care, Serve. This publication serves as a platform to keep our community informed and connected to the school district. We appreciate your involvement and support. Should you wish to contact me my phone number is 541-663-3201; email: george.mendoza@lagrandesd.org
LA
DISTRICT REVIEWS
LGSD Strategic Plan is amended
BY TRISH YERGES
Every two years, the La Grande School District’s Strategic Plan is reviewed and amended incrementally as needed to stay on task for ensuring that all students are ready to learn and given the tools and opportunities to do so.
La Grande School District Superintendent George Mendoza and Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter are both involved in this process as is the school district’s board of directors, who review and approve the proposed adjustments recommended by the strategic plan committee.
This year’s update reflects the work of a dedicated Strategic Planning Committee made up of district staff, parents, community members, and representatives from key agencies such as Eastern Oregon University, Head Start, the City of La Grande, and local human service organizations. Public input was also gathered through two rounds of surveys—with nearly 800 participants providing feedback throughout the process.
While LGSD’s mission, vision, core values, and tagline (Love, Care, Serve) remain unchanged, the updated 2025–2027 Strategic Plan includes improvements to indicators and measures aligned with updated state targets, equity goals, and district data. The district also worked to make the plan more accessible by removing education jargon and simplifying language.
“There were updates made based on current data or progress toward those,” Carpenter said. “We also created a few more measures based on equity and making sure we’re really looking at our focal populations and that their achievement is tracking in a positive direction.”
Highlights of the updated plan across LGSD’s three goals:
Goal 1: Ensuring All Students Are Ready to Learn
By June 2027, 100% of LGSD staff will receive job-specific training in Culture of Care strategies.
Schools will use behavior data—not just attendance—to identify and support at-risk students.
The district’s regular attender rate is targeted to increase from 66% (2023–24) to 70% by 2027, with specific goals for historically underserved student groups.
Safety measures are also a focus, including improved training and equipment upgrades to ensure safe and secure learning environments.
Goal 2: Foster Increased Academic Success
Freshman On-Track Rate will increase from 77% (2023–24) to 87% by 2027, ensuring more students stay on pace for graduation.
By June 2027, 75% of K-10 students will meet growth targets on national reading and math assessments.
The district aims to maintain a high school completer rate at or above 95% and improve results for all focal student groups.
Goal 3: Develop Civic-Minded, Engaged, Life-Long Learners
The district will maintain strong student participation in clubs, athletics, and extracurricular programs, with at least 70% of students in grades 4–12 participating annually.
100% of students will engage in service learning and volunteer opportunities each year.
LGSD will continue offering career-connected learning, with 75% of seniors completing a college course or CTE pathway before graduation.
“Moving forward, this strategic plan is a living document,” stated Mendoza. “We’ll continue to measure, adjust, and share our progress with the community. Our goal is to consistently build a future where every student has the tools to succeed.”
For more information about all the updated measures for the three goals, please read the LGSD Strategic Plan on the district’s website (lagrandesd.org) or inquire at the district office.
SUPPORTING CHILDHOOD LITERACY
“Battle of the Books” winds up season
BY TRISH YERGES
This year, 42 fourth and fifth grade students selected from Central Elementary and Island City Elementary schools participated in the annual Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB).
The students form teams of four or five at their school, and they all read from a list of 16 designated books. The school teams compete against each other until there is one winning team to advance to the regional competitions. The winning team at regionals moves on to the state competition in Salem.
Central Elementary reading teams were led by reading specialist Jody Rollins (OBOB Coach since 2017), assisted by Elvira Myers (paraprofessional), and Lynette Murasky (Library Clerk). The Island City Elementary teams were led by reading specialist and coach Rachel Robinson, and her assistant Brandi Canfield, Title 1 teacher.
To culminate the OBOB season, Central teams competed with Island City teams. This familiarized the kids with the quiz-show style of these competitions and prepared them for the type of content questions they might be asked about their books. It gave students a chance to practice with other teams before the regional competition.
“One of the fun facts about OBOB is that the students get to name their own teams,” Rollins said.
At Central the team names this year were “The Fellowship of the Books” (1st place Central team), “The Light Bulbs” (2nd place Central team); “Jimmy Booktrons”; “The Bob Dogs”; and “The Name of this Team is Secret”.
“It is rewarding to see all 23 of our Battle of the Books students grow and get excited about books,” Rollins said. “Each battler volunteered to spend their time reading and working with their team the past seven months to memorize book details and compete in battles. As a school, we are proud of these students and commend them on their dedication to reading.”
At Island City Elementary, 19 kids participated in the Battle of the Books. The kids were recommended by their teachers first, and then they had to commit to reading and studying their 16 books.
“They all stuck with it, which was wonderful,” Robinson said. “We met for practice at 8:30 every Wednesday morning before school begins.”
The teams work together so all 16 books are read by members of the team. Some students may read four or five books while others choose to read more. Students must memorize the author’s names and book titles along with proper pronunciation.
The kids were super motivated, and they divided up the work and even practiced during recesses to quiz each other about their books.
“As their coach, I helped them make flash cards to get to know their authors,” Robinson said. “Mrs. Canfield also helps out a lot with the kids.”
In a battle, there are 16 questions that the students are asked. Eight of them are “in which book” questions. The students must say the title of the book and the author’s name that the question describes. The other eight questions are specific content questions, requiring a memory of very minute details.
This year’s regionals were
LIBRARY HIGHLIGHTS Library events and TAG program
BY TRISH YERGES
School libraries under the leadership of the La Grande School District Librarian, Ellen Lester, have been stirring up excitement for books and reading by promoting annual events like Read Across America week.
“Over the years, Read Across America has moved away from only celebrating Dr. Seuss, but our libraries continue to highlight a few fun things about Dr. Seuss,” Lester said.
Throughout the school district, the elementary schools celebrate literacy and Dr. Seuss through fun dress-up days. Each day the kids wear something different and silly like wearing pajamas or dressing up like a hero or wearing crazy socks that goes along with the Dr. Seuss book, “Fox in Socks”.
“Each school did something a little different,” Lester said. “Greenwood and Island City elementary schools had a ‘wocket in your pocket’ day with the staff, which was a fun day.”
The staff started out each day with just one wocket in their pocket, and throughout the day other staff members may ask, “do you have a wocket in your pocket?” and that person must relinquish his/her wocket to the one asking for it. At the end of the day, whoever has the most wockets earned a special surprise.
held in Hermiston at West Park Elementary School in early March. Each school can only send one team to regionals. At regionals this year, both Central and Island City made it through the pool play round, making it into the “Elite 8” and entering into bracket play with sudden elimination.
“The one team that Island City took to regionals had five kids,” Robinson said. “They were chosen among the top eight teams and formed a bracket, but they lost by seven points to their competitor team.”
The team that Central took to regionals placed fourth out of 25 teams.
“They made it to the top eight, but during the first bracketed battle, they lost by nine points,” Rollins said.
Robinson and Rollins will celebrate later with a pancake breakfast for all the OBOB kids involved, and in September, it will start all over again with next year’s teams.
The Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) is a statewide voluntary reading motivation and comprehension program sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries in conjunction with a Library Services and Technology Act grant. It is designed to encourage the love of reading and the development of team work.
During Read Across America week, elementary schools also gave out a free book to every K-5 student and teacher, thanks to a grant that Lester received for 1,000 books through the Amy Rose Foundation. Also, Superintendent George Mendoza came to Central Elementary as a guest reader for a few primary classes.
“We will be looking forward to National Children’s Book week in May 5-11 with fun activities in each school,” Lester said.
The motivation behind this week’s events is to encourage students to celebrate books. Thanks to the district, the schools have well-functioning libraries for the benefit of the children.
In addition to literacy programs, Lester also wears another hat. She is the district teacher for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program.
“It’s my fifth year at the job and before me we haven’t had a TAG program for a while, so I’ve had the opportunity to bring it back,” Lester said. “The first year I started working with 12 students, and now we’re close to 50 students.”
There are more than 50 TAG students in the district, but Lester works with about 50 of them in five schools. She credits the increase to having a more formal program again. Lester works with the students and the teachers to make sure they have what they might need in the classroom and help them curate resources to differentiate for these TAG students.
“My relationship with the staff has increased referrals for student testing,” Lester said.
If parents want to have their child tested for the TAG program, they can ask for a parent’s nomination form from the child’s teacher, or Lester via email, or Scott Carpenter, the district TAG coordinator. The parent’s nomination form permits the school diagnosticians to test their child.
“The student must meet at a ninety-fifth percentile to qualify in our district for TAG services,” Lester said.
Once a student is enrolled in the TAG program, he or she remains integrated in a regular classroom, and the teacher is responsible for differentiating instruction for the student. A yearly TAG plan will be created between the teacher, parent, and possibly Lester.
“If they are K-8 TAG student, I get to work with them in a pull-out program once a week, so my service with them is supplementary,” Lester said. Lester looks forward to the TAG program to continue growing each year in La Grande School District.
PLAY PRODUCTION
Cinderella with a pit orchestra accompaniment
BY TRISH YERGES
LHS students performed Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella before audiences in late February, and for the first time, a pit orchestra was organized to play the 24 musical pieces to accompany this unforgettable fantasy story.
Choral director Kevin Durfee directed the play, singers and ensembles.
“We had nine main named cast members and nine ensemble members,” Durfee said. “The play was very well attended, and we averaged about 260 in attendance all three nights.”
Alex Justice directed the pit orchestra, which he said was an incredibly enjoyable experience for him.
“Typically, pit orchestras are used for musicals, performing live music down in front of the stage with the vocalists and actors, and they are basically part of the whole production,” Justice said.
There were 19 musicians in the orchestra, playing 24 pieces over the 2 ½ hour production. The orchestra had four strings, two
keyboards, six woodwinds, five brass and a percussionist.
“In January we practiced once a week, and then when we got into mid-February, we started rehearsing every night for about two weeks with the actors,” Justice said.
Justice worked to recruit musicians from the community to play in the orchestra. Students from LHS and from Elgin High School played as well. The community involvement was especially helpful because LHS doesn’t have a strings program or orchestra, so the community musicians and ensembles supplied that need.
“This is my first time ever conducting a pit orchestra and everybody else’s first experience too,” Justice.
It was a big commitment for everybody, he said, and an intense rehearsal process too, but the end result was very gratifying for everyone involved.
“We enjoyed it, and it was a very positive experience,” Justice said, “Hopefully, we can do this again.”
SPORTS UPDATE
Winter sports teams completed great seasons
BY TRISH YERGES
According to La Grande Middle School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director DeAnna Williams, all the school’s winter teams had great seasons, including a state championship for the girls wrestling team.
The middle school has two winter sports seasons: Winter-I is boys basketball and WinterII is girls basketball and boys and girls wrestling.
Winter-I • Boys Basketball
During Winter-I, LMS Wildcats had six teams for boys basketball and a new coach to lead them, Head Coach Ozzie Reed, along with new Assistant Coach Jennifer Stephens.
“The boys had tons of improvement, and they did very well,” Williams said. She praised basketball coaches Daniel Evans, Corey Ackerman, and Kevin Kretschmer for going above and beyond. Evans coaches during both winter seasons; first boys basketball, then open gym during Winter Break and girls basketball for Winter II, all for the love of the sport, he said. Connor Brandt also showed his commitment to the students by helping them during Study Hall to improve their grades.
“When the kids are in a sport, their grades and attendance improve so much because both are required to participate,” Williams said.
Winter-II • Girls Basketball
On the sixth-grade girls basketball team, there were a few players with a little more experience who could push the ball and their passes were great. “It just seemed that this year was better than last year in terms of communication and movement,” Williams noted.
She also indicated that the seventh-grade girls team is going to be fun to watch as they progress into high school.
The eighth-grade girls basketball team is excelling at their pass and releases, and their layups and passing have improved over the past two years. “I’m really proud of them,” Williams said.
The girls basketball coaches are Kindi Irvin (6A), Jen Wilcox (6B), Marissa Rainsberry (7A), Melinda Becker-Bisenius (7B), Daniel Evans (8A) and Kevin Kretschmer (8B).
Winter-II • Wrestling
Both girls and boys wrestlers earned spots at districts, resulting in two district championship winners, Ellie May and Aubrey Pinther, in girls wrestling. There were also 10 girls who qualified for state.
Williams is happy to announce that the girls wrestlers won the State Championship! “Coach Robinson and Coach Tenley did an awesome job,” she said. She congratulated Aubrey Pinther, Ellie May, Charli Leonard, Ella Risteen, Sophie Kelly, Keilani Castro, Blayke Zimmerman, and Kaylyn Smith.
Six wrestlers on the boys team advanced to state: Braeden Bevell, Kason Blakely, Noah May, Wyatt Sloan, Carson Sutten, and Abel Nelson, who was also district champion. At the state meet, Kason Blakely placed sixth and Abel Nelson placed second.
“Our winter sports teams did an excellent job, and there was huge progression all year round in basketball and wrestling, mostly the quality of their learning the game and working and supporting each other,” Williams said.
PRIORITIZE STATE TESTING
Tests showcase learning and student growth
BY TRISH YERGES
This time of year, the district starts back into the annual cycle of state testing for English learners, and to measure students’ science, English and math skills.
The state testing is administered in late April and May to students in grades three through eight and grade eleven. For English learners, testing happens annually. The raw data on test scores starts coming back in late May and early June, but the final validated numbers come out in October for the district to analyze.
“We are excited to see how our students have grown and to be able to showcase the great achievement of learning that happens in our district,” Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter said.
The district is excited about the high levels of participation shown at the elementary and middle school levels. State testing gives the district good information about where their strengths are and what the districts needs to do to serve its students better.
“At high school, we encourage families to have their students do the state tests,” Carpenter said.
Even though taking the state test in high school isn’t required for graduation, it gives the district great data and opportunity to see that the grad is ready to move on to career or college and be successful there.
“For the district, the state testing drives a lot of focus on our partnerships and our professional development,” Carpenter said.
For example, Greenwood Elementary has engaged in co-collaborative training with the nationally recognized training on best instructional practice. Also, the district brings in Eastern Oregon University reading tutors to work with many district students who are identified as struggling readers.
“We have seen huge amounts of growth in those programs,” Carpenter said.
The district also looks at additional training on their curriculum or staffing levels through the Title program to improve achievement and growth. Two years ago, the district created a third English learner position because there were more English learners in the district, and they needed services and supports to be able to grow in the way they needed.
“We have seen great results from that,” Carpenter said.
The information that the district gathers from state testing helps it respond with resources and expertise that is targeted in a way for the maximum benefit of students.
“State testing lets us know what’s working and where we need to improve based on standards,” LGSD Superintendent George Mendoza said. “It’s about ensuring we’re giving every learner what he/ she needs to grow. When we prioritize this data and act on it, we can close gaps, strengthen teaching,
and make sure our kids are ready for the next step— whether it’s the next grade, college or a career.”
The district appreciates all those who prioritize their time to take the state test and demonstrate the learning and growth that they have experienced as a student over the last year.
“Our job is to ensure every student feels confident and prepared when they walk into a state test session,” Mendoza said. “Ultimately, we want our students to be proud of the progress they’ve made.”
There are things that district families can do to support state testing success. For example, it is important to encourage a positive mindset in your child. Talk about testing as a chance to show what your child has learned. Remind them that effort matters more than perfection.
Before testing day, make sure your child has slept
The district appreciates all those who prioritize their time to take the state test and demonstrate the learning and growth that they have experienced as a student over the last year.
between 8 and 10 hours so they are refreshed and offer a nutritious breakfast with protein and whole grains to fuel focus an energy. Also, make sure your child arrives at school on time to reduce stress and start the day smoothly.
The evening before the test should be a quiet one with an early bedtime. Limit screen time to help your child wind down for sleep. On the morning of the test, create a peaceful and encouraging home atmosphere.
When your child has completed the tests, be sure to offer praise for a good effort, and remind your child that testing is just one part of learning. If parents have any questions about testing days, preparation, and schedules, please refer to the school updates or ask your child’s teacher.
“State testing is important,” Mendoza said. “Our state is looking for increased focus and accountability towards student achievement and growth. The information does give our staff, students, and families a snapshot of their ability and insight into their academic growth as well as readiness for other concepts and skills based on standards.”
State Testing is coming soon!
Academic Bowl
Academic Bowl is usually held in March before spring sports start. Continued from page 10
“Briefly in La Grande there were multiple schools involved, but in the last five or ten years, it’s just been La Grande High School,” Des Jardin said.
The academic questions center on the following topics: English, math, social studies, geography, limited questions about sports, trivia, and pop culture.
“I really love it when the kids light up because they remember some trivia thing,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun to emcee for me, and I just want it to be fun for the kids.”
Academic Bowl is usually held in March before spring sports start, and far enough out that the kids have learned the academic content before the quizzing competition begins. “I try to sprinkle and spice up the questions so that every kid and group have some success because it could be a real brow beating if you can’t remember anything,” he said. “The main focus is that the kids have a good time.”
Besides the 36 kids participating, Des Jardin has about another dozen volunteer students who staff the electronic score book and the paper score book. The only time he likes to score answers personally is toward the very end of the Academic Bowl where he asks a particularly tough math question. In this case, he likes to give partial credit for partially correct answers.
“So, I like to score the final quiz myself and make sure I’m being consistent with how I score,” he said.
The first-place winning team at this year’s Academic Bowl was Bottom Gun (653 points). The team included Mason Kimball, Jayden Riley, Evan Zastrow, Dane Fine, Eli Westenskow and Eli Cox.
The second-place winning team was NonTAG Kids (600 points), including Madison Armstrong, Irelyn Collins, Karli Kretschmer, Jessalyn Blake, Rhylee Larkin-Smith, and Cecelia Curry.
The third-place winning team was the Oosma Kappa (491 points), including Zayda Warriner, Kallin Burgess, Shayla King, Qwynah Whitnah, and Rhiley Lees.
In addition to academic placements, there was a costume competition too. First mention goes to Bottom Gun, who dressed in white shirts and sunglasses for a Maverick look; the Kaleidoscopic Karens, who went all out with a variety of colored wigs and outfits; and finally, the Mario Party who dressed as a variety of characters from the video game.
Congratulations to all the participants for another fun Academic Bowl!
Looking for some great plants and flowers for Spring?
La Grande Middle School Annual Plant Sale
Thursday, May 8th from 8 AM – 5 PM
Friday, May 9th from 8 AM – 5 PM
Saturday, May 10th from 8 AM – Noon
@ La Grande Middle School’s Greenhouse