A note from the Superintendent;

Remembering 9/11/01.

On September 11, 2001, I was serving as a high school principal in East Texas. That morning began like any other until my librarian rushed into my office and said we needed to turn on the TV. Together, we watched in disbelief as the second plane struck the World Trade Center, and in that moment, we knew our country was under attack.

Almost immediately, parents began arriving at the school to pick up their children. Some came out of fear, others simply because they wanted to hold their kids close during such an uncertain and frightening time. Overhead, we began to hear the roar of fighter jets every six to ten minutes. Later, we learned they were providing cover for Air Force One, which had landed in Shreveport, Louisiana, before taking the President to safety.

Inside the school, we were faced with the challenge of helping students process something that even adults struggled to comprehend. Teachers balanced continuing with the day while also providing reassurance and a safe space for kids who were anxious, confused, or scared. We leaned on each other as a staff and did our best to keep calm for the sake of our students.

The rest of that week was unlike anything I had experienced as an educator. We mourned the loss of so many lives, and we felt the weight of a nation forever changed. But I also remember the sense of unity that began to grow; students, staff, and community members coming together in prayer, reflection, and support for one another.

One of the most powerful moments happened that Friday night before our high school football game. As both crowds stood together, they joined in unison to say the Lord’s Prayer. In that stadium, under the Friday night lights, there was a shared sense of faith, hope, and healing that words can hardly capture.

It is a day I will never forget, and the lessons of resilience, compassion, and the importance of human connection remain with me to this day.

Keith A. Brown

Dads on Duty on the forefront at Ponderosa

✨👊 Dads on Duty at Ponderosa Middle School 👨‍👩‍👧 ✨

For several years now, Dads on Duty volunteers have been showing up bright and early to welcome students with fist bumps, high fives, and plenty of encouragement as they wait to enter the front doors at Ponderosa.

Every morning, starting half an hour before school, these dads create a positive and supportive atmosphere that sets the tone for the day. Their presence shows Ponderosa students the community is behind them — cheering them on, one fist bump at a time!

Dads on Duty members Casey Coslet, Sam Stewart, Nic Phair, Vic Knill, Kenneth Benson, John Theros, and Steve Bitzer all showed up to greet students this morning, along with KFCS Superintendent, Keith Brown, KFCS Board of Education member, Kelsey Bitzer, Ponderosa Principal, Brett Lemieux, Ponderosa PTO President, Jaynee Coslet and Klamath Falls Police Department School Resource Officer, Zach Fuller.

Dads on Duty is always looking for volunteers such as dads, grandparents, uncles or other positive male role models to help greet students from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Find the KFCS volunteer application here:

https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NjgxNTplbi1VUw==

Contact pondopto@gmail.com or reach out to Coslet at 541-331-4220 once approved to be added to the PTO’s Teamsnap.

A full gallery from Monday's Dads of Duty can be found on the KFCS Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Klamath.Falls.City.Schools

Into the Mud: Ponderosa XC Takes on The Ultimook Race

The Ponderosa Middle School cross country team had an unforgettable experience this past weekend at The Ultimook Race in Tillamook, an event unlike any other for a long-distance runner.

Head coach Amanda Thompson, who competed at the race site herself in high school, made it a goal this season to give her runners experience outside of the Klamath Basin. The running course — Hydrangea Ranch — offered exactly that, with a rugged course featuring a deep mud pit, two river crossings, winding trails through forest, and fields of blooming hydrangeas.

“It is probably the most exciting meet we go to because all our races here are super flat, super dry. When I started coaching, I thought these were not really fun and was looking around for some meets that would be more true to the cross country experience,” Thompson said.

Team results and top runners

Ponderosa left the race with a lot to brag about as the school placed fifth out of 12 teams, finishing behind only private running clubs from Salem and Portland. Ponderosa competed against teams from across the state, scattering from Salem, Portland, Ashland, Astoria and cities near Idaho.

Eighth grader Harper McLain led the Ponderosa girls, placing 24th out of 119 runners in the 3,000 meter race with a time of 13:30.60. McLain originally joined cross country to build endurance for soccer but found a new love for a sport.

“I just sing songs in my head when I run. I try to do what my track coach (Thompson) tells me with my arms; I don’t have good arms but I am trying to get better each race,” McLain said.

This season also marks a milestone: Ponderosa now has an official girls’ cross country team. With five female runners, the squad can now score as a team for the first time, compared to last year’s group of three.

Seventh grader Aiden McPherson was the top Ponderosa boys’ finisher, taking 27th out of 156 runners in 12:25.10.

As just a sixth grader a year ago, McPherson was one of the top cross country runners Ponderosa has had in recent memory. McPherson finished in the top 50 last year in the state meet and finished with the best time out of any sixth grader.

Running runs in the family for McPherson — his grandfather earned a college scholarship for the sport. As an elementary school student, McPherson recalled running a mile every Sunday, which got him hooked and realized his potential.

Though the race would be unlike any other the Bobcats would have this season, it would not represent each runners’ best time. McPherson’s average time for a 3,000 meter race is about 10 and a half minutes.

“The mud pit was challenging because it was deep, and we couldn’t really run that fast in it. You had to walk sometimes because of how sticky it was,” McPherson said. “I surged ahead during a river crossing when others slowed down. That race was fun, not as competitive as some of the races I have been to but I really liked the course.”

Sixth grader Nicholas Harwood is a newcomer in cross country who competed in his first meet in Tillamook. Harwood is one of 12 male runners Thompson has on her team.

“I have set a goal of shaving 10 seconds from my time each race,” Harwood said. “I was camping with Aiden one time at Lake of the Woods and we went on a three-mile run. I got back and my mom told me, ‘I’m signing you up for cross country.’ Aiden just forced me to run that day, and it was fun.”

More than racing

The experience was more than competition — it was also a weekend of camping in which the Bobcats were able to camp at the race site. For many students, it was their first time setting up a tent.

“It took us about 30 minutes to get our tents up until we found the manual,” Thompson said. “But that is what it was about — we all bonded as a team and I wanted the kids to have that experience with each other.”

Find a gallery from The Ultimook Race on the KFCS Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Klamath.Falls.City.Schools

Miss Klamath Union

Representing Klamath Union High School at this year’s Potato Festival is Emily Say!

Emily is a dedicated student who has challenged herself with AVID, Honors, and dual-credit courses through Klamath Community College, all while preparing for her future career in healthcare. She’s also been a leader and athlete, competing in volleyball, wrestling, and softball, and even serving as Cheer Captain for KU.

Beyond the classroom and athletics, Emily shines with her many passions—she enjoys baking, cooking, paddleboarding, and spending time with her family. Her energy and commitment show in everything she does, making her a true representative of Pelican pride.

After graduation, Emily plans to earn her Medical Assisting license and pursue a career as a Surgical Technician. With her drive, leadership, and heart for others, she is sure to make a lasting impact in the healthcare field.

We are proud to have Emily Say, KU senior, representing Klamath Union at the 2025 Potato Festival!

Ponderosa Open House

Ponderosa Middle School put together its open house Thursday for parents to get a chance to meet every single one of their teachers and ask them questions about expectations and materials covered in each class.

Ponderosa teachers had their classroom doors open as parents flooded through with their children.

The open house also included community partnerships Ponderosa has which offer resources to families during and outside of school, including Ponderosa Parent Teacher Organization, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, Squibb Counseling Services, The Klamath Tribes, Safe Families For Children and Connect Restore Thrive Counseling Group.

Videos to watch

Please click the following link or click on the image above to be directed to a YouTube video filled with photos KFCS parents shared with us from their child's first day of school. Video link: https://youtube.com/shorts/eF4rx5t95_U

KFCS Board of Education Student Presentations

Klamath Union High School seniors Talon Chancellor, right, and Ariah Miller present in front of the KFCS Board of Education Monday, September 8.

Eagle Ridge New Tech High School student Noah Clayton presents in front of the KFCS Board of Education Monday, September 8.

Ponderosa Middle School eighth graders Ashlyn Lemieux, left, and Olivia Fenner present in front of the KFCS Board of Education Monday, September 8.

Klamath Union Athletics

For coverage of live games this year for KU athletics, make sure to follow and subscribe to KUTV on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@klamathuniontv.
KU Cross Country

After coming up with first place victories for both boys and girls teams in the Mazama Mud Run, Klamath Union cross country had another great showing in the West Orthodontics Invitational (formerly known as the Max King meet) this past Tuesday in Central Point.

Hallie Pyfer was the top girls’ runner for KU and finished fourth overall in the 5,000 meter race with her time of 19:13.60. Leona Higgins was the Pels’ second top finisher and earned eighth place overall at 20:22.20.

Elsie Baumann and Eleanor Rodriguez cracked the top 20 for Klamath Union. Baumann was in the 14th spot (20:53.00) and Rodriguez ended in 17th place (21:11.30). Keegan Spivey was in 24th place (21:58.70), while Hazel Squibb was in 29th place (22:11.80).

KU girls cross country finished in second place as a team with 65 points, while Crater earned the top spot.

For the boys team, Jonas Southwell was the top Pelican, earning 15th place with his time of 17:12.40. Mark Madsen was just behind him in 17th place, 17:20.80. The finish line was a wave of red, white and black as Callum Squibb was in 19th place (17:23.30) and
Kanoa Kranz-Kahopea in the 20th spot (17:25.30).

Jonathan Higgins was in 32nd place with his time of 17:57.30 and Aurelio Ratliff in 41st place, 18:36.00.

As a team, the Pelicans finished in third place with 99 points, behind second place South Medford and first place Crater.

KU football

Klamath Union had a strong showing in this year’s installment of the Canal Bowl on Viking Field last Friday but fell to Mazama, 34-19.

In its first game of the year on Modoc Field yesterday, Klamath Union was relentless against fellow Class 3A opponent La Pine and won, 38-10.

While the Hawks struck first with a defensive touchdown and an early field goal, things quickly turned into a showcase for KU’s high-powered passing attack.

Klamath Union junior quarterback Reese Johnson was electric, throwing for 376 yards and six touchdowns. Johnson had pinpoint accuracy as he completed 19-of-27 passing attempts.

Johnson’s six touchdown passes came after he had three touchdown passes against Mazama and 357 passing yards.

His favorite target Thursday against La Pine, Gavin Coe, simply couldn’t be stopped. Coe hauled in seven catches for 260 yards and three long touchdowns, including back-to-back 64-yard and 65-yard highlight scores.
Johnson spread the wealth as well — Tildon Coffman snagged two touchdown passes, and Nolan Baker capped off the first half with a 23-yard scoring grab that sent KU into halftime ahead, 32-10.

Defensively, the Pelicans set the tone by bottling up La Pine’s rushing game. Turnovers came easy as KU’s defense came away with four interceptions on the night.

Coffman, Nicco Kovacic, Travyn Ruano and Johnson each came up with interceptions.Coe, Griffin Johnson, Ruano and Darius Thompson anchored tackling for KU.

Though the Pelicans did not need to run the ball with Reese Johnson’s superb showing, Ruano led the Pelicans with 52 yards rushing, off seven carries.

The Pelicans will have back-to-back road games the next two Fridays and will play at South Umpqua next Friday and at Sutherlin the ensuing week.

KU volleyball

Klamath Union volleyball had an impressive showing this past weekend at the Basin Best volleyball tournament at Bonanza High School last Saturday, earning the consolation bracket championship.

The volleyball team has now won three consecutive volleyball matches, including beating Bonanza at Basin Best, 2-0, and beating Crosspoint Christian, 25-14 and 25-19.

KU volleyball will play in the Marist volleyball tournament next weekend.

KU girls soccer

Klamath Union girls soccer opened its season with a pair of wins at the Oregon HS Soccer Showcase last weekend.

KU made a statement in its season opener against Madras with an 8-0 victory last Friday. The Pelicans had four goals in the first half and four in the second half before a mercy rule ended the matchup.

Junior Zoe Bitzer led the way for the Pelicans and had a hat trick against Madras. Nora Welch and Allie Nelson added two goals each, while Dahlia Bunnell added a goal.

In KU’s game the following day, Klamath Union beat La Grande, 4-0. The Pelicans were led by the two goals of Nelson and single goals from Adalie Giampietri and Norah Welch.

Klamath Union’s hot streak ended this past Tuesday as The Dalles/Dufur won in a shutout, 2-0.

KU will have an entire week off before it plays its next game, and will play at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 22 at Class 5A Ashland.

KU boys soccer

Klamath Union boys soccer opened its season with a strong showing against Madras and beat the Buffaloes, 5-0. The Pelicans’ second game against Cottage Grove was cancelled.

KU suffered its first loss of the season yesterday (Thursday) against The Dalles, and was shutout, 2-0.

The boys soccer team will have its first game on Modoc Field this coming Tuesday, starting at 4:30 p.m. against Cascade High School.

KU Bike Team

For the first time ever, the Pelican Bike Team brought home a team trophy, taking third place overall in its event last week. Hazel Heaton took second place, Finley Chase earned third and Walter Kersey was in fifth place.

What is the “Benadryl Challenge?”

Primarily found social media platforms like TikTok, the “Benadryl challenge” encourages young people to take dangerous amounts of the over-the-counter (OTC) drug diphenhydramine (DHP), commonly found in products as Benadryl and other OTC medications.

The challenge urges viewers to take as many as 12 tablets at a time to supposedly induce hallucinations. For perspective, the maximum allowed dose in a 24-hour period is six tablets for children 6 to under 12 years of age and 12 tablets for adults and children over 12 years of age. Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to nausea, seizures or even death.

Following the report of an alleged overdose and death of one teen, as well as several reported hospitalizations, Benadryl maker Johnson & Johnson took action, issuing a warning about the challenge and working with social media platforms to remove harmful content. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) followed with a health warning about taking Benadryl at more than recommended doses. Several organizations partnered to educate parents and caregivers about the risks of online challenges and the importance of medication safety.

Please follow this link for more information: Click here