A note from the Superintendent,

Dear Klamath Falls City Schools Staff, Parents, and Families,

It is my honor to share a historic milestone for our district and our community. Klamath Falls City Schools has received significant statewide and national recognition for our commitment to building stronger relationships and a more supportive school culture through Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH).

We are announcing that the Klamath Learning Center has been named a National Showcase School by Capturing Kids’ Hearts. This is a monumental achievement, as it distinguishes the Klamath Learning Center as the very first school in the state of Oregon to ever receive this honor.

The National Showcase designation is reserved for schools that demonstrate long-term excellence in implementing CKH practices, creating an environment where students feel truly known, supported, and connected.

The excellence continues across our district. We are also proud to celebrate Conger Elementary, Mills Elementary, and Pelican Elementary for being named Rising Star Campuses. This honor is awarded to schools that show exceptional implementation and heart during their very first year of the program.

While these four schools are receiving specific awards, these honors reflect the dedicated work happening across our entire district. Since our district-wide training last August, every member of our team, including teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, counselors, paraprofessionals, and administrators, have worked to make these strategies a daily reality.

The results of this "all-in" approach are already clear:

Improved student attendance across the district.

A decrease in behavior incidents on our campuses.

Stronger relational capacity between staff and students.

Klamath Falls City Schools has embraced this work as a district, and that unity is what makes these recognitions so meaningful. This success belongs to all of us.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts is built on the belief that "if you have a child’s heart, you have their head." These awards affirm that we are on the right path. We want to thank our staff for their tireless dedication to our students, and we thank you, our parents and families, for your continued partnership and support.

Congratulations to the staff and students at Klamath Learning Center, Conger, Mills, and Pelican. Today is a great day to be a part of the KFCS family!

Sincerely,

Dr. Keith Brown

Photo - Capturing Kids’ Hearts Leadership Development Strategist Kent Broussard, right, and Roosevelt Elementary School instructor Amanda Trumbull, left, during a training session for Klamath Falls City Schools staff this past August at Running Y Resort.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Klamath Falls, Ore. — Klamath Falls City Schools is celebrating statewide and national recognition for its work to build stronger relationships, improve school culture, and support student success through Capturing Kids’ Hearts.

Klamath Learning Center has been named a National Showcase School by Capturing Kids’ Hearts, becoming the first school in Oregon to receive the distinction. The National Showcase designation recognizes schools that have demonstrated excellence in implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts practices over more than one year.

In addition, Conger Elementary School, Mills Elementary and Pelican Elementary have each been named Rising Star Campuses, an honor awarded to schools showing exceptional implementation during their first year of Capturing Kids’ Hearts.

These recognitions reflect the work of staff across the entire district. Following district-wide training in August, KFCS staff have worked to turn CKH strategies into daily practice in classrooms, front offices, hallways, cafeterias, buses and school campuses across the district.

The work has included both classified and certified staff working together on behalf of students, including classroom teachers, secretaries, counselors, classroom paraprofessionals, child development specialists, bus drivers, deans, instructional coaches and cafeteria staff.

“These recognitions are an honor for the schools receiving them, but they also represent something much bigger,” Fred Bartels, Executive Director of School Improvement, said. 

“They reflect the unified work happening across KFCS and the shared commitment of our staff to building schools where students feel known, supported, and connected. We are proud of Klamath Learning Center, Conger Elementary, Mills Elementary, and Pelican Elementary, and we are proud of the entire KFCS team for making this work possible.”

Improved attendance at KFCS

As a result of this district-wide effort, KFCS has seen improved student attendance and a decrease in behavior incidents across the district this school year.

Since beginning CKH training, several campuses across the district have demonstrated significant growth in regular student attendance, defined as attending 90 percent or more of school days. On the combined campus of Klamath Learning Center, Eagle Ridge New Tech High School and Klamath Home Learning Academy, the percentage of regular attenders increased from 28.85 percent during the 2023–2024 school year, prior to CKH implementation, to 41.82 percent in the 2025–2026 school year.

Similar gains were seen across the elementary campuses of Pelican, Conger and Mills. Across the three campuses, regular attendance rose from 58.68 percent in 2023–2024 to 70.15 percent in 2025–2026, an increase that underscores the positive impact of fostering connected, supportive learning environments for younger students.

CKH exercises at KFCS

CKH is built on the belief that strong relationships create the foundation for safe, supportive, and successful schools. District leaders say these recognitions affirm the impact of that work and the commitment staff have shown throughout the year.

At KFCS, the "Good Things" practice is a daily routine where teachers and students share positive personal news at the start of class. Across the entire school district, teachers and students have used this practice to create a connected culture, ensuring students feel seen and valued before transitioning into academic instruction.

Photo - Pelican Elementary School instructor Nichole Dotson practices a Capturing Kids’ Hearts exercise titled “good things” where her second grade students shared positive information about their life with their peers this past December at Pelican Elementary School.

At the start of this school year, each class collaboratively built a “Social Contract,” a signed agreement which defines how students and teachers will treat one another to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. By revisiting the document daily, classrooms transition from a set of external rules to a self-governing culture where students hold themselves and their peers accountable to their shared values.

As a part of their contract, students answered four foundational questions that defined how they will treat one another and handle conflict. To uphold the values, students use a silent "check" hand signal to redirect behavior and call out "fouls" for put-downs, which the offender must immediately repair with two or three sincere "put-ups."

“Klamath Falls City Schools has embraced this work as a district, and that unity is what makes these recognitions so meaningful,” Dr. Keith A. Brown, KFCS Superintendent, said. “This success belongs to all of us.”

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Klamath Falls City Schools, Klamath County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, will be held at the Lucille O'Neil Education Center, 1336 Avalon Street, Klamath Falls. The meeting will take place on April 29th 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after April 29th 2026 at the Lucille O'Neil Education Center between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Budget information is posted on the district website at www.kfalls.k12.or.us.

The All-City Choir Concert performance took place on April 6 at Klamath Union High School’s Pel Court, bringing together fifth graders from Klamath Falls City Schools, the Ponderosa Middle School mixed choir, and Klamath Union High School’s Bel Canto Choir, The Testostertones and A Cappella Choir.

Under the direction of instructors Perry Dean, Henrik Hunt, and Gretchen Harwood, students performed a variety of choral pieces, ending with a combined finale of “A Million Dreams.”

The event served as a clear progression of the district’s choir program, showing how students can begin in fifth grade, continue through Ponderosa Middle School, and advance into Klamath Union’s upper-level ensembles.

Eagle Ridge New Tech High School Students participate in Klamath Community College’s Dream it. Do it. Career Day

Students from Eagle Ridge New Tech High School recently participated in Dream It. Do It. Career Day at Klamath Community College, where they explored a variety of career pathways the college has to offer.

During the Wednesday field trip, students from both Eagle Ridge and Klamath Learning Center had the opportunity to learn more about the college’s programs and resources. The experience helped connect their current studies to real-world opportunities, while sparking interest in potential career paths they are already beginning to explore in school.

Klamath Falls City Schools extends a sincere thank you to all families and staff who supported students throughout parent-teacher conferences this Wednesday and Thursday. Your partnership is essential in helping students feel confident and prepared as they take this next step in their educational journey.

As 8th grade students across Klamath Falls City Schools prepare for the transition to high school, many are officially making one of their first big academic decisions.

Recently, students at Ponderosa Middle School completed their high school selection forms during parent-teacher conferences, marking an important milestone in their educational journey. With the support of their families and guidance from teachers, students were able to thoughtfully consider their options and select the school that best fits their goals and interests.

Leading up to the decision, students had the opportunity to experience both Eagle Ridge New Tech High School and Klamath Union High School firsthand. Through a day-long visit last month, they explored each campus, connected with staff and students, and gained a deeper understanding of the programs and opportunities available. Both Eagle Ridge New Tech and Klamath Union hosted family engagement nights, helping families play an active role in the decision-making process.

During parent-teacher conferences held in the Ponderosa Middle School gym, instructor Rachael Guillen presented the high school selection form to Jayla Johnson. Students carefully reviewed their decision alongside their families before submitting their forms, and Johnson indicated she will be attending Klamath Union next year.

Klamath Falls Chess and Conger Elementary School’s Chess Club hosted the Chess for Success Region 22 Regional Tournament this past Saturday at Klamath Union High School.

This was a state qualifying individual event to help Klamath Falls City Schools chess students and fellow chess players in Klamath Falls make it to the state tournament in Portland.

Here are the top finishers from high school, middle school and elementary school, as well as team placings.

High School State Qualifiers
9-12th Grade:
1st Place: Liam Shaw (Henley) and Tristan Gomez (Klamath Union)

Middle School State Qualifiers
8th Grade:
1st Place: Braydon Henderson
7th Grade:
1st Place: Aiden McPherson, Wallace Stevens, and Parker Fields
2nd Place: James Xu
3rd Place: Isaiah Quintana
6th Grade:
1st Place: Bradley Wonser

Ponderosa Middle School also qualified to compete in Portland in the team middle school division.

Elementary School State Qualifiers
5th Grade:
1st: Brogan Henderson
2nd: Silas Moon
3rd: Aryani Sethi
Kindergarten - 4th Grade:
1st: Alex Huang
2nd: Olivia McPherson and Jaxon Ogborn
3rd: Brannon Henderson, Caleb Corey, and Caden Steele

Conger Elementary School also qualified for state in the elementary team tournament division.

Students at Pelican Elementary School took part in a vibrant and engaging Art Day this morning, participating in a variety of creative projects led by their classroom teachers. Each activity was thoughtfully designed to align with art standards while giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity in hands-on ways.

"Madison did a great job planning and the students absolutely loved it," Pelican instructional coach and mentor coordinator Shannon Kappas said. "We had many of our teachers who took time to plan this and each taught sessions for our students. All art projects were tied to art standards and led by classroom teachers; it is something we want to plan again."

Mills Elementary School students were celebrated on April 8 during a quarterly attendance incentive event recognizing those with strong attendance habits. Students earned their spot by showing commitment to being present and engaged in their learning.

As part of the celebration, students enjoyed playing bingo alongside their peers, with popcorn and bottled water served as staff supported their excitement and eagerness to win. The event created a fun, encouraging atmosphere while reinforcing the importance of consistent attendance.

The Roosevelt Elementary School kindergarten through second grade “Bagels With A Buddy” 95% or better attendance incentive was a great success! Roosevelt had 98 K-2 students earn the incentive for the month of March. Thank you Franz Bakery for donating the bagels for the event.

"Shout out and thank you to the Roosevelt team who makes this happen and shout out and thank you to our Roosevelt families who make sure our students get to school," Roosevelt Dean of Students Kjaersti Roberts said.

Ponderosa Middle School has launched a swag store! Currently, 10% of each order is going directly to the Ponderosa track and field team.

Look through the Pondo swag fundraiser shop and check out all the fun Pondo gear. Orders are typically shipped within 24 hours of purchase and can be delivered directly to you. See the link below to access the team shop:I'm a new paragraph block.

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!

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