A note from the Superintendent,

Important Update: Potential Labor Dispute and School Calendar Impacts

Dear KFCS Families and Community,

As we navigate the current negotiations with KFACE, our primary goal remains keeping our schools open and providing a consistent learning environment for our students. We are making every possible effort to reach a resolution and avoid any disruption to our daily operations.

However, in the interest of transparency, we want to share how a potential strike could impact the remainder of the academic year:

Instructional Requirements: To meet state requirements for instructional time, any days or minutes missed due to a strike must be recovered.

Calendar Extensions: If a strike occurs and results in significant lost time, we will be required to extend the school year into late June or July.

Graduation Dates: Consequently, a shift in the calendar would require us to postpone High School graduation ceremonies.

We remain committed to our students' success and will keep you updated as soon as new information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and continued support of our schools.

Regards,

Dr. Keith Brown

By Joaquin Aguilar-Flores, KFCS

At first glance, it looked like organized chaos with students laughing, whipped cream flying, and strawberry shortcakes coming together in a race against the clock. But behind the fun, the Roosevelt Elementary School “Glitter Girls” Destination Imagination team was sharpening the very skills that helped them become state champions.

Just days earlier, the team earned first place at the Destination Imagination State Tournament in Hillsboro on March 14, along with the prestigious Renaissance Award, the only one given across the entire competition. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in engineering, design, or performance, and for team manager Bill Patterson, it was a sign of what the group is capable of.

“They could do some damage at globals,” Patterson said. “But they’ve got to be serious between now and then.”

The Glitter Girls, Emma Fettinger, Addie Grenier, Lollie Hudson, Anya Kellermen, Irelyn Nelson, Laurel Riley, and Annabelle Ritzenthaler, will now advance to Global Finals in Kansas City this May where they will compete against top teams from around the world.

Destination Imagination (DI), as Patterson explained, is rooted in creativity and problem-solving. Students select a challenge at the beginning of the year, ranging from engineering to fine arts, and spend months developing a solution. They also compete in “instant challenges,” where teams must think quickly and collaborate under pressure.

“It’s all about reimagining a solution,” Patterson said. “You can do something perfectly, but if it’s not creative, it’s not going to win.”

That creativity was on full display during a team practice this past Thursday, where Patterson led the team through a lighthearted “instant challenge” to build and eat the best strawberry shortcake while leaving no trace behind. Though playful, the exercise mirrors the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of DI competitions.

Fellow team manager Kali Carter emphasized how much the students gain from the experience beyond competition results.

“They learn so much,” Carter said. “Not just teamwork, but real skills. My daughter (Lollie Hudson) wired an entire helmet with motion sensors and lights on her own. That’s not something most 10-year-olds can do.”

For the students, the state tournament was both nerve-wracking and unforgettable. Hudson, a fifth grader at Roosevelt, described the pressure of opening their performance.

“I was really nervous being the first one to talk in the whole skit,” Hudson said. “All the attention goes to me while everyone else is setting up.”

Hudson’s nerves quickly turned into excitement when the results were announced.

“Getting the Renaissance Award was great for us as they called our name again for first place,” Hudson said.

Riley said the moment was unlike anything she has experienced, especially after hearing about the global competition from Hudson, who is the only person to have competed in the global competition last year.

“I’ve never gone to globals,” Riley said. “So hearing about it, I’m just like, ‘What? That sounds amazing.’ We want to do our best there and practice as hard as Bill (Patterson) challenges us.”

The team credits its state success to creative risks and last-minute innovations, including a dynamic backdrop and unexpected storytelling elements which impressed judges.

As they prepare for the next stage, Patterson reminded the team that the jump from state to global competition is significant.

“There’s a big difference between state and globals … big,” Patterson said. “But if they keep improving, they’ve got a shot.”

Carter noted this year’s team chose to compete in the fine arts category, a shift from more technical challenges last year. Last year’s global event left a strong impression, particularly when international teams took the stage.

“All the teams last year got absolutely smoked by China,” Carter said. “The level of technology and resources some of those teams have, it really shows. They chose fine arts this year, and I think that plays to their strengths.”

While the global stage is challenging, it’s not unfamiliar territory for Klamath Falls City Schools.

According to Patterson, KFCS has had two top three finishers in the global competition, which came from Klamath Union High School (2006) and Ponderosa Middle School (2002).

“The Klamath Union team came together just days before regional competition and still managed to climb all the way to the global podium,” Patterson said. “We’ve also had teams finish fifth twice and eighth once at globals. They (Klamath Union’s third-place team) were just incredibly talented but that shows what’s possible.”

The stage is set for one of Klamath Union High School’s most anticipated traditions as the 20th annual Mr. Pelican Pageant returns at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Ross Ragland Theater.

The long-running, family-friendly event showcases the talent, humor, and creativity of KUHS senior boys, while also serving a greater purpose, raising funds for a local Klamath Falls City Schools child in need.

According to Mr. Pelican coordinator Isabella Armijo, planning for the event begins months in advance. 

“Right after we get done with homecoming, the next big thing on our agenda is definitely Mr. Pelican,” Armijo said.

This year’s pageant has already surpassed expectations, with 14 contestants, more than double the typical turnout. 

“In the past, our average has been five or six boys,” Armijo said. “This year, by the grace of God, we got 14. That’s a really high number … it inspires the next generation of boys to want to do it.”

Contestants include Talan Chancellor, Gavin Coe, Tildon Coffman, Carter Dahm, Nathan Ferns, Luis Garcia-Guillen, Omar Garcia, Lonmonte Jefferson, Griffin Johnson, Jacob Martin, Luis Meza Bravo, Parker “PJ” Safford, Nathaniel Soriano, and Jason Xu.

Behind the scenes, the Klamath Union Associated Student Body (ASB) plays a critical role in bringing the production to life as students lead various committees that handle everything from coordinating contestants and rehearsals to marketing and outreach. 

“We sit down every morning and talk about what progress we’re making, posters, judges, everything,” Armijo said.

ASB leadership includes President Talan Chancellor, who is also competing in the pageant, and Vice President Leona Higgins, who has helped spearhead set design. Other students contribute through script writing, choreography, stage management, and community coordination, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event.

While the structure of Mr. Pelican remains consistent each year, small changes keep it fresh. 

“We try to keep it consistent because we know it works,” Armijo said, “but there are always little differences that make it unique as we will have a new master of ceremonies and some familiar judges from last year.”

This year’s beneficiary 

Proceeds from this year’s event will support “K.C.,” a four-year-old child with complex medical needs, including autism and respiratory challenges. Funds raised will help provide essential equipment and assist with travel costs for specialized care.

Mr. Pelican ticket information

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and military, with children under 10 admitted free. 

Tickets are available at www.ragland.org. Community members can donate in support of a contestant for Mr. Pelican at: https://or-klamathfalls-lite.intouchreceipting.com/MRPelican?preview=true

For any other information, contact KU ASB advisor, Rhiannon Kerr at kerrr@kfalls.k12.or.us

Klamath Early Childhood Development Center hosted its March Family Engagement Event, and it was a wonderful success, bringing families together for a hands-on activity that connected directly to our current unit on buildings in our community and how they are constructed using sturdy materials.

Children and their families had the opportunity to paint and decorate their own birdhouses, sparking creativity and reinforcing classroom concepts in a fun, meaningful way.

The turnout was fantastic, and the excitement was evident as students eagerly painted, explored colors, and proudly took their finished birdhouses home. These monthly events continue to strengthen the home to school connection, while creating joyful learning experiences for KECDC children and families.

Klamath Union DECA selling dinner boxes for national competition until March 26

Klamath Union High School junior DECA students Hope Hartley and Nakia Williams stopped by the Klamath Falls City Schools District Office and have been traveling around the school district to seek help in raising funds to go to the DECA national competition this year, DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

KU DECA partnered with Howard's Meat Center and KU Culinary to make and sell dinner boxes. All proceeds made will go directly to reducing KU DECA's cost of travel ensuring that qualified students can compete.

Order online by Thursday, March 26, 2026. Dinner boxes will be available for pickup on April 10th at KU’s Cafeteria from 3:00-6:00 PM.

List of ICDC students (salespeople):

Aeris Saindon
Aleah South
Audriana Morehouse
Eleanor Rodriguez
Elsie Baumann
Ethan McCalister
Evelyn Stanfield
Hope Hartley
Jacob Martin
Jorge Triana
KayLeah Buhrle
Lucas Perez
Nakia Williams
Tristan Tatekawa
Veronica Lav
Zoe Bitzer

Click on the link below to be directed to the KU DECA dinner box order information:

https://or-klamathfalls-lite.intouchreceipting.com/KlamathUnionDECA?preview=true

Klamath Union High School hosted its Incoming 9th Grade Family Night Wednesday.

From Bobcat to Pelican, current 8th grade Ponderosa students and their families had the opportunity to meet their future instructors and discover Career and Technical Education programs and academic pathways at KU, along with music, sports and clubs Klamath Union has to offer.

Teachers, coaches and Klamath Union student leaders filled the three floors at Klamath Union ready as 8th graders approached their booth curious about what it means to be a Pelican.

The KFCS Indian Education program, led by coordinator Evan Gallagher, frequently organizes trips for Native American students to connect with their heritage. Recently students participated in the salmon bake, sweat and sticker shock.

Klamath Union track and field head coach Rob Coffman and the KU Track coaches are looking for volunteers to help at our upcoming home track meets. It’s a great way to support KU athletes and spend some time outside cheering on our students.

Meet Dates:

• Thursday, March 19

• Wednesday, April 9 (most help needed)!!!!

• Wednesday, April 29

If you’re willing to help, please reach out to Coach Coffman:

coffmanr@kfalls.k12.or.us

541-281-6466 (call or text)

Thank you for supporting KU Track & Field and our Pelicans!

Dear Education Leaders,

The following information from the Oregon Department of Transportation is intended for all Oregon high schools.

Oregon DMV Knowledge Test - Available Online During Spring Break

Spring break is a great time for students preparing to get their driver instruction permit to take their Oregon DMV knowledge test online. Students are encouraged to save a trip to the DMV by taking the knowledge test online from the comfort of their home. The test is available in eight languages.

To help share this information, DMV created a bilingual toolkit for schools with content you can copy and paste into your regular communication channels. It includes articles for parent newsletters, student newspapers and weekly announcements. 

Helpful guides to share with parents and guardians:

How to Guide Your Teen Driver (English)

Cómo Orientar a su Conductor Adolescente (Spanish)

How To Take The Test

Students need a laptop or a computer with a webcam, keyboard, mouse and reliable internet.

Students under 18 will need someone 21 or older to supervise them taking the test.

After students pass the test online, they will need to visit a DMV office with their identity documents and pass a vision screening. This can be done on a drop-in basis or with an appointment, depending on each office. Please check the office's hours before visiting.

Students under 18 will need to apply for a permit and hold it for at least six months.

Students 18 and older can apply for a permit, too, or schedule a drive test.

DMV Online and Self-Service Options

Choosing the knowledge test online option can significantly reduce time spent at a DMV office. 

You may experience long wait times due to limited staffing. For other services, check if your transaction can be done online at DMV2U.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we move through the season when respiratory and communicable illnesses are more common—including RSV, Influenza A, strep throat, and other health concerns—we want to share guidance to help keep our students and school community healthy.

When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home from school if they have:

A fever of 100.4°F or higher (students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning)

Vomiting or diarrhea (students should remain home until symptom-free for at least 48 hours, per local Public Health guidance)

A persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that interfere with learning

A sore throat with fever and/or swollen glands until evaluated by a medical provider

Any illness that prevents them from participating comfortably in school activities

For illnesses such as strep throat, students may return to school after they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, are fever-free, and are feeling well enough to participate.

Helping Prevent the Spread of Illness

Families can help reduce the spread of illness by:

Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water

Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes

Keeping sick children home

Ensuring students get adequate rest and fluids

Keeping vaccinations up to date, when possible

Head Lice Education and Prevention

Head lice are common among school-aged children and are not related to cleanliness. They are spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.

To help prevent head lice:

Check your child’s hair regularly, especially if they complain of itching

Avoid sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories, headphones, or helmets

Encourage children to avoid head-to-head contact during play

Tie back long hair when possible

If lice are found:

Begin treatment promptly using an approved lice treatment product

Use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove lice and eggs

Check and treat household members as needed

Wash clothing, bedding, and hats worn in the previous 48 hours in hot water and dry on high heat

Per Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority guidance, students do not need to be excluded from school. Treatment is essential to stop the spread of lice.

Bed Bugs Information

Bed bugs are small insects that may occasionally be found in homes or community settings. They are not related to cleanliness or hygiene and can happen to anyone. Bed bugs do not spread disease. 

Bed bugs are typically a home pest issue. Schools focus on monitoring and maintaining clean environments, but treatment must occur in the home if an infestation is present.

If bed bugs are suspected at home:

Contact a licensed pest control professional for guidance

Wash clothing, bedding, and soft items in hot water and dry on high heat

Reduce clutter where possible

Avoid sending unnecessary fabric items to school

Students are not excluded from school due to bed bugs. Our goal is to support families while maintaining student dignity and privacy.

If you have concerns or need assistance connecting to community resources, please contact your school health staff.

KFCS Board of Education

Andrea Jensen, Zone 1, Roosevelt - andrea.jensen@kfcityschools.org

Andrew Biggs, Zone 2, At-Large - andrew.biggs@kfcityschools.org

Vanessa Bennett, Zone 3, Conger - vanessa.bennett@kfcityschools.org

Kathy Hewitt, Zone 4, Mills - kathy.hewitt@kfcityschools.org

Trina Perez, Zone 5, Pelican - trina.perez@kfcityschools.org

Kelsey Bitzer, Zone 6, At-Large - Bitzerk@kfcityschools.org

Nicole Trejo, Zone 7 At-Large - Trejon@kfcityschools.org