To Oregon’s Schools

Learning by Getting Your Hands Dirty

The most powerful teachable moments often happen outside the four walls of a classroom. There’s something about connecting traditional school learning to real-world activities that helps learning come alive.

Many public schools in Oregon host a little piece of that real world right on the school’s grounds. School gardens are popping up like weeds in every corner of the state, including several right here in the Bend-LaPine School District.

Gardens sometimes supplement the school’s meal program with fresh, local fruits and vegetables. They also give kids the opportunity to apply classroom lessons in science, writing, and even art to an environment where they can literally get their hands dirty. It’s the sort of learning that just might inspire them for a lifetime.

Playing it Forward

Although Oregon Lottery funds alone do not fully fund school operations, they do help enable our public schools to fulfill many classroom needs, empowering them to offer the sorts of innovation programs that inspire the teachable moments that light up learning — like school gardens. When you play Oregon Lottery games, you’re help- ing the schools and students across Oregon. When you play, you’re playing it forward — for Oregon’s public schools.

On the Cover

Photography by Maile Mason

Publisher A aron Switzer

Editor Angela Switzer

Associate Editor Nicole Blume

Contributing Writers Annette Benedetti

Donna Britt

Elizabeth Warnimont

Joshua Savage

Paige Bentley-Flannery

Copy Editor Nicole Vulcan

Design & Layout Rise Graphic Design

Photography Natalie Stephenson

Brian Becker

Joshua Savage

Darris Hurst

Maile Mason

Advertising Executives A shley Sarvis

Ban Tat

Trinity Bradle

Thoroughly Modern Productions’ cast members rehearse for their upcoming performances of “The Sound of Music” at the Tower Theatre.

BendNest Contact Editorial angela@bendnest.com Sales advertise@bendnest.com

16 NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

TRENDING - Kindness is contagious! Annette Benedetti shares some stellar ideas to get your family started on paying it forward and giving back.

26 WHERE TO BEGIN?

EDUCATION - Believe it or not, it’s time to plan for the 2023-24 school year. Doing research and touring schools are the best ways to find the perfect fit for your child. Nicole Blume suggests some questions to ask along the way.

35 The Wisdom Of Fever

HEALTH - Think twice before reaching for the bottle of medication when it comes to your children’s health. Joshua Phillips, N.D. helps clarify the role a fever plays in fighting infection.

Mini Mavericks Preschool

Half-day nature-based preschool for 3-5 year olds! We hope to inspire the next generation of mavericks. Instilling curiosity, kindness, and confidence!

Waiting for Spring

In this part of the country, spring takes its sweet time revealing the promising signs of rebirth and renewal. That’s OK, we can wait! It won’t be too long before the brilliant green shoots make their appearance, and we enjoy some extended warmer days.

In the meantime, there’s plenty to do to prepare for spring. Number one on the agenda is a little spring cleaning. Annette Benedetti has numerous ideas for getting the kids involved while having a ton of fun in Parenting

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, consider the many different types of love in your world. Nicole Blume shares not only some Greek mythology surrounding the holiday, but also some creative ways to spoil loved ones.

In concert with Valentine’s Day, discover National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Since children learn by observation, why not take a moment to practice this concept within the community? In Trending, check out numerous ideas for giving back.

Here at Bend Nest, we’re also busy sharing the love and so can you. Turn to the “Best of the Nest” ballot. We’re celebrating those family-centered businesses that surpass expectations on the daily. Share this opportunity with your friends, cast your votes and look for results in our next issue!

The phrase, “it takes a village,” rings true in so many ways. In Culture, learn about a local group, Thoroughly Modern Productions, that supports youth and adults coming together to perform musical theater. Catch one of their final performances of “The Sound of Music” at the Tower Theatre.

Believe it or not, it’s time to make plans for the 2023-24 school year. With so many education choices, you’ll want to schedule a tour with a few schools. Learn some important tips in Education

We have a guest writer this issue, Joshua Phillips, N.D., who shares his wisdom about fever in Health

You won’t want to miss our Kids in Action section: Skye Knox was recently named one of the top 30 middle school students in the nation for her science project on cloud seeding. This teen is one smart cookie!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy the beautiful spring…

Life’s Important Moments: Paid Leave Oregon Provides Support to Employees

By Angela Switzer

Expecting or adopting a child? Have a family member who needs care? This year, a new program, Paid Leave Oregon, makes things easy for employees to take time off without fear of losing their job. The program provides people who work, own businesses or run organizations in Oregon easy access to paid leave benefits, so they have the support they need for themselves or their families.

Most employees who work in Oregon are covered by Paid Leave Oregon and even part-time or seasonal workers may qualify. Many employees are eligible to receive 100% of their wages for a qualifying event.

Beginning January 1, employees and large employers began paying into the program. After September 3, workers will be able to apply for this benefit which allows them to take up to 12 weeks of paid time off in a year. In addition, their job is protected while they are away.

Due to the pandemic, the program was delayed a couple of years even though lawmakers approved it in 2019.

Learn more at: familyconnectscentraloregon.org

Talented Youth: Central Oregon Symphony announces winners of Young Artist Competition

By Angela Switzer

After receiving a record number of submissions from young musicians across the country, the Central Oregon Symphony Association announced the winners of the 2022 annual Young Artist Competition for those 18 and under.

First place was awarded to Kenneth Ma, cellist, who received $1250, second place went to Richelle Si, pianist, who received $1000 and third place went to Cara Wang, cellist, who was awarded $750.

Participants playing an instrument were required to perform a movement from a standard concerto and singers were to prepare an aria or similar selection lasting approximately 15 minutes.

All three winners will be featured at the Winter Concert Series taking place at Bend Senior High School on February 25 and 26.

For tickets and to find out more: cosymphony.com