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Upcoming School, Community Events
KFCS Headlines
KUHS Alumni
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KFCS Board of Education

Teacher Appreciation Week

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, KFCS wants to take a moment to recognize the incredible work each of our certified staff does every day to support our students, families, and community. Whether you're in the classroom, on the playground, behind the scenes, or anywhere in between—your commitment makes a lasting difference.

We give a big thank you and recognize every single teacher we have in all our buildings at Klamath Falls City Schools. Your work as a teacher will forever be valued.

THANK YOU!!!

Biggs, Kupitz, Ortega-Delgadillo Earn Top Honors In State Solo Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2025

Contact: Allen Haugh, KUHS band director; 541-883-4710; haugha@kfalls.k12.or.us

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Klamath Union High School (KUHS) is celebrating remarkable musical achievements. After placing first in the district competition, which included students from Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass and other area high schools, sophomore Tommy Biggs secured fifth place in the trumpet category at the 2025 Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) Solo Competition, held May 4, 2025 at Portland State University.

Also representing KUHS was junior Daisy Kupitz, who competed in the soprano vocal category. After winning her district competition, Kupitz placed 11th out of 31 competitors. Her strong performance further demonstrates the school’s diverse musical talent.

And senior violinist Ulises Ortega-Delgadillo earned his spot at the state finals by clinching first place at the Southern Oregon district competition. His exceptional talent and dedication to music were further recognized with the prestigious Young Musician of Excellence Scholarship, awarding him $1,050. Ulises’ achievements serve as an inspiration to his peers at KU.

The OSAA oversees 297-member high schools and sponsors 426 interscholastic state championships, including solo music. The solo music competition begins at the district level, across 15 districts. Students qualify for the state solo competition through these district contests, with top performers advancing.

Biggs’ fifth-place finish at this prestigious state-level event made him the first KUHS band member to place since 2009, when former Pelican Alex Peterson earned first place on tenor saxophone. Biggs’s success highlights the resurgence of musical achievement at KUHS and the commitment of the music program under its dedicated directors.

Adding to the excitement, the KUHS band qualified and will compete in the OSAA Band State Championships on May 15, 2025, taking place at Oregon State University in the 4A class. Adjudicators will judge the band on its musicality, technique, and sound quality, as well as the band's sight-reading ability.

In addition, the KUHS orchestra will compete at the OSAA State Orchestra Championships at Oregon State University, having secured their spot by winning first place at the East Cascades Orchestra Festival. "We played our hearts out and won the room, giving us first place and automatic qualifiers to the State Orchestra Competition in May," said KUHS Orchestra Instructor Alexis Candy. The standout performance of the only high school orchestra in the Klamath Basin showcased their talent and dedication, setting the stage for their appearance at the state championships.

The KUHS community is proud of these students’ efforts as well as the band and orchestra’s upcoming opportunity to shine on the statewide stage. Congratulations to Tommy Biggs, Daisy Kupitz, and Ulises Ortega-Delgadillo for representing their school and community with excellence!

Klamath Union Band Car Show Shines with Classic Cars and Community Spirit

The Klamath Union High School Band hosted its first annual Car Show today, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant celebration of classic cars, live music, and community support. With 65 car entries, a lively performance by the KU Band, a silent auction, and delicious concessions from The Dogfather, the event drew car enthusiasts and families alike.

The star attraction was undoubtedly the impressive lineup of 65 classic and custom vehicles, ranging from meticulously restored vintage models to sleek hot rods. Attendees strolled through rows of polished chrome and custom paint jobs, admiring the craftsmanship and stories behind each car. Owners proudly displayed their vehicles, sharing tales of restoration and road trips with eager visitors. The diversity of entries—from 1950s Chevys to muscle cars of the 1970s—highlighted the Klamath Basin’s automotive culture.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Klamath Union High School Band took center stage, delivering energetic performances that echoed across the lot. The classic and contemporary tunes in the setlist showcased the talent of the student musicians. The band’s involvement underscored the event’s purpose: raising funds to support their music programs, including travel for competitions, and educational opportunities.

A silent auction offered attendees a chance to bid on an array of exciting items donated by local businesses and supporters. From gift baskets to automotive-themed merchandise and unique collectibles, the auction table buzzed with activity. Proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the KU Band, ensuring continued growth for the program.

“It’s amazing to see our community come together like this,” said Dawn Jones, a KU Band parent and the event organizer. “The cars are incredible, the band sounds fantastic, and everyone’s having a great time supporting a good cause.”

The KU Band hopes to make this car show a beloved tradition in Klamath Falls, blending the nostalgia of classic cars with the energy of youth music and community pride.

As car owners revved their engines and the final notes of the band’s performance faded, attendees departed with lasting connections and a deep appreciation for Klamath’s strong community spirit. The event reaffirmed a shared commitment to keep music education thriving at Klamath Union High School.

A former Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival student returns as an orchestra teacher

In 2016 a group of Newport classical music education enthusiasts gathered at the Performing Arts Center to discuss creating a new unique festival for Oregon high school music students.

The idea proposed by former Newport Symphony Orchestra board President Dr. Michael Dalton and board member Jim Myers was to create an annual Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival every spring where Oregon high school string orchestras would be invited to attend a four day event in Newport consisting of workshops, clinics, and two free public concerts at no cost to them.

Support grew for such a Festival among the music community including Newport Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Adam Flatt and the late David Odgen Stiers among others. Financial support from grants, business and individuals help fund the project. In April of 2017 the Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival was launched in Newport with five Oregon High School orchestras attending and performing over two nights of free public concerts.

One of the original 2017 orchestras came from North Medford High School under the direction of Lynn Gervais. Among her orchestra students was a young cello player by the name of Lexi Candy. A talented cellist, she also was adept at playing other instruments and aimed for a career in music education following graduation.

Ms. Candy graduated from North Medford High School in 2020 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Oregon in 2024.

From a 2017 Festival student participant Lexi is now returning this April 25 and 26 as a Festival teacher and conductor of the Klamath Union High School string orchestra. She teaches grades 5 through 12 and travels between six different schools, working with a wide range of young musicians every day. Lexi said “I first attended the Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival in 2017 as a high school student. It was such a memorable experience to be invited to play and learn alongside students from five other schools across the state. I loved being able to connect with other orchestra students, teachers, and professionals in such a unique and supportive environment. We didn’t just make music; we built friendships, played games, and created a true sense of community.

Now, it’s incredibly special to return to the festival as a teacher. It’s a full-circle moment I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m honored to come back to the place that inspired me as a student and now have the chance to inspire the next generation of musicians.”

Candy’s Klamath Union String Orchestra will be performing Saturday, at 7 p.m. at the Newport Middle School gymnasium. The other high school orchestras from Grants Pass, Pendleton, South Eugene, Newberg and McNary will also perform on Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm in addition to special guest the Drake University String Ensemble (Friday) and the mass orchestra finale (Saturday) when all 150 perform numbers by Ernest Block and Soon Hee Newbold. For further information go to youthsymphonyfestival.org.

Liza Butler Named The Next Pelican Elementary School Principal

Klamath Falls City Schools is pleased to announce the selection of the next Pelican School Principal.

After an exhaustive nationwide search resulting in multiple candidates from around the nation, we ended up selecting a candidate very close to home.

Liza Butler will be the next Pelican School Principal.

Liza is currently the Assistant Principal at Ponderosa Middle School. Liza has worked closely with the PMS staff as they have engaged in intense staff development aimed at improving instructional practices. She has been a critical part of the PMS implementation team as well as an important part of implementing Capturing Kids' Hearts at PMS. Prior to working at PMS, Liza worked as an administrator in Tulelake, Calif. She served in multiple roles during her tenure in Tulelake, including Curriculum Director, Federal Programs Director, and Elementary School Principal.

Liza was unanimously selected by the Pelican Committee and has the full support of the district Administrators. She is a welcome addition to the Pelican family. As you see Liza, please welcome her to the building.

KU DECA Represented Well At National Competition

KU DECA made waves at the DECA National Competition!

Big congratulations to Jacob Martin for his incredible achievements:

Overall Finalist – Retail Merchandising Series

Top 20 Silver Medalist – Roleplay 2, Retail Merchandising Series

We’re so proud of your hard work and representation on the international stage!

KU Digital Media Awards Night

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Mills Elementary Attendance Reward Celebration

Mills Elementary School had its 3rd quarter attendance reward celebration for Mills students at or above 92% attendance.

Home Depot brought activity kits for students to build and create for this reward for Mills' kindergarten through fifth grade students.

Eagle Ridge New Tech FFA Chapter

The Eagle Ridge FFA Chapter has been able to attend three recent Career Development Events within the Southern Oregon District. These events include all FFA Chapters from Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, and Lake counties.

The first event was Floriculture, held in Eagle Point. Our Chapter took Daniel Phillips, Michael Driskell, Noelle Perez, Aden Jimenez, and Jessica Schei. They participated in Flower Identification, Tool Identification, Pest and Disorder Identification, transplanting, asexual propagation, product display, flower arranging, customer relations, problem solving, and general knowledge.

The second Event was Agriculture Mechanics, held in Central Point. Our Chapter had Rose Purkhiser, Daniel Phillips, Aden Jimenez, and Jessica Schei. They were able to observe the event and evaluate from industry professionals in the areas of welding, small engines, electrical wiring, electric motors, plumbing, surveying, and general knowledge.

The final event was Meat Identification and Evaluation. This event was attended by Marques Robinson, Marcus Woods, Jessica Shei, Aden Jimenez, and Noelle Perez. They participated in retail cut identification, carcass yield, carcass grading, retail cuts and carcass judging.

Earth Day

Eagle Ridge New Tech students kept a tradition alive when all students at the high school took a part in a cleaning during Earth Day.

With their teachers, students split into groups to make sure every area surrounding the high school was cleaned of trash.

Oregon Tech Men's Basketball Visits Pelican Elementary After Great Attendance

KECDC 4-H Petting Zoo

KECDC was filled with excitement and curiosity as students from 4-H brought a variety of animals and reptiles to this year’s May Family Engagement Event. Families and children had the unique opportunity to interact with friendly farm animals and fascinating reptiles in a hands-on petting zoo experience.

The event not only brought joy and laughter but also offered an educational glimpse into animal care and the agricultural sciences. Thanks to the 4-H students for sharing their knowledge and animals, making this event an unforgettable learning experience for all ages!