A note from the Superintendent;

As we prepare to head into winter break, we want to share an upcoming adjustment to the daily schedule that will begin when students return on Monday, January 5.

Last spring, our school day was extended by 14 minutes to make up instructional time after a high number of snow days. That extended schedule continued into this year based on the information and feedback we had at the time.

Over the fall, it has become clear that the longer school day has reduced the time teachers have for planning, preparation, and important meetings, such as IEPs, without interrupting classroom instruction. After reviewing the impact, the district will return to the previous daily schedule starting January 5. This means the school day will be 14 minutes shorter than it has been so far this year. Each school will send specific start and end times to you.

We know that mid-year changes can create challenges for families, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we make this adjustment to better support teaching and learning.

We wish you and your family a safe and restful winter break.

Regards,

Keith A. Brown

By Joaquin Aguilar-Flores, KFCS

Ponderosa Middle School students were treated to a lively and meaningful cultural assembly Monday as members of the Wocus Boyz shared traditional Native dances, teachings and songs.

The group, representing The Klamath Tribes, visited four Klamath County and City Schools in one day, ending their schedule at Ponderosa, where students capped off the assembly by joining in a group dance on the gym floor.

Leading the visit was Chloe Say, Tribal Liaison for Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, who works closely with Native students across the region.

“We try to come when schools ask us, whether it’s sharing dances or even bringing in materials like basketry or beadwork so students can see and feel what that’s like,” Say said.

Ponderosa students watched several styles of traditional dance, including jingle dress, fancy shawl, traditional, and grass dancing.

“The jingle dress is a healing dress,” Say said. “Traditionally it has 365 cones, one for each day of the year. Every cone you add is a prayer. Today they’re made more contemporary, but they still carry that meaning.”

Say said the group enjoys most when students decide to take what she calls a “healthy risk” by stepping onto the floor to try a dance themselves.

“Sometimes they’re nervous, but when we can get kids out there experiencing something that makes us feel well, something that belongs to our culture, that’s what matters,” Say said. “We want to leave them with something they’ll remember.”

The visit was also an opportunity to highlight the monthly Native student gatherings hosted through Indian Education programs across the county. Students meet to explore culture, prevention education, peer connection and wellness.

“Culture is prevention,” Say said. “We want students to know their community, support each other, and have access to resources when they need them.”

Ponderosa seventh grader Sky Rondeau-Blacksun is also a part of the Wocus Boyz, along with his older brother, River, a freshman at Klamath Union.

“Sky Rondo goes to school here at Ponderosa. He usually sings with the drum group, but he wasn’t able to come today. We have a lot of tribal youth involved, and that is what is great about today, it is that students were able to learn more from us,” Say said. “We had a student come up to us even and ask if we are on Spotify and it is great to see how the music inspired them.”

The Official Klamath Tribes Page.

At Ponderosa Middle School, the cafeteria is experiencing some practical updates, led by a tight-knit food service team and a few clever changes meant to get more kids fed, faster.

Ponderosa head cook Jene Gamble, now in her fifth year, has been earning steady praise from district nutrition service staff after recent training sessions and the rollout of a new grab-and-go which was featured Tuesday, the walking taco.

Joseph Dominguez, Director of Culinary for Walker Quality Services, said the Ponderosa crew embraced the training from the start.

“They were fully engaged in the training,” Dominguez said. “We had a good time with the ladies … they had ideas, they asked questions, and they were open to learning new concepts. Jene does a phenomenal job orchestrating what they need to do. She’s the leader, and then you’ve got seasoned employees who know what to do.”

Ponderosa students were in awe of the new dish served, the Doritos walking taco, a handheld entrée assembled directly in a specialty Doritos bag.

“We simplified it and took what they already had in the system, and just showed them a more efficient way to do it faster,” Dominguez said.

The turkey taco meat used in the dish is a cost-saving commodity item.

“It’s free money in terms of product,” Dominguez explained. “It saves the district money and the kids love it.”

Klamath Falls City Schools Director of Dining Services Kimberly Welles highlighted another major improvement, the addition of a third breakfast line at the front of the cafeteria.

“Today was the first day we opened up the line for breakfast,” Welles said. “We had 62 kids go through the new line and 74 on each of the regular lines, and that was just day one.”

Dominguez added the new setup immediately reduced congestion.

“The kids came in, didn’t have to wait … more kids ate. Speed of service is the goal. If they’re not standing in line, they have enough time to enjoy the food before they go into class.”

Welles said the improvement was noticeable to students as well.

“Some of the kids would see the line and turn around. Now they have options.”

Welles added maintaining three lines takes coordination but is worth it. With enough trained staff, Welles wants to have the third breakfast line everyday.

Looking ahead, Dominguez said a snack-bar style station is planned for January, offering chips, cookies and slushies once students finish their reimbursable meal.

“It’s going to look like a real snack bar,” Dominguez said.

“I have been working at my job for five years and I love it. I love it. The students, everyone in our staff all does a great job,” Gamble said.

Earlier this school year back in early October, Walker Quality Services chefs visited Ponderosa Middle School to share samples of Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti during lunch. The dish quickly became a highlight of the day as students asked for seconds, sharing how much they enjoyed it and even asking for the recipe.

In a visit to Klamath Falls this week, WQS chef Joseph Dominguez emphasized how important it was to bring a new item to the food menu and worked closely with Ponderosa head cook Jene Gamble and her staff in training and tasting, even posting flyers around the school to help promote it would be the first day Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti was to be served.

Thanks to all the positive feedback from Ponderosa students, Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti will now be added to future Ponderosa lunch menus as student voices played a direct role in bringing the new item to school.

A huge thank you to our Ponderosa food service team for continuing to bring fresh ideas and food and great experiences to our middle schoolers.

Roosevelt, Conger and Pelican elementary school's showcased their winter music programs with a kindergarten through fifth grade performance at Mills Auditorium and Pelican Elementary School.

Music instructor Gretchen Harwood led the students with various holiday songs, with students playing some selections with their flute.

Orchestra instructor Alexis Candy and band instructors Drew Langley and Allen Haugh began the second concert later in the evening with performances from orchestra and band students in the fifth grade.

Roosevelt Principal Scott Olsen said Roosevelt has the largest amount of students in the fifth grade who are involved in orchestra at Klamath Falls City Schools.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Drew Langley, Assistant Director of Bands, Klamath Union High School and Director of Bands, Ponderosa Middle School; 541-891-1525; langleyd@kfalls.k12.or.us

Klamath Falls, OR – December 9, 2025 – Klamath Union High School proudly celebrates the exceptional achievement of six student musicians who were selected to perform at the 2025 Western International Band Clinic (WIBC), held November 21-24 in Seattle, Washington. WIBC is one of the premier honor band clinics in the United States, drawing top high school musicians from across the country and around the world.

From more than 2,700 auditionees across the western United States and beyond, only 600 were chosen for the four elite honor bands. The following Klamath Union musicians earned their places based on ability:

Thomas Biggs – Trumpet

Bentley Harmon – Flute

Lonmonte Jefferson – Clarinet

Daisy Kupitz – Standing Bass

Elaina Nork – Alto Saxophone

Tanner Reit – Trumpet

Additionally, percussionist Ethan McCalister was named an alternate.

Over four intensive days, the students rehearsed and performed under renowned guest conductors, including internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Tyler S. Grant; Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, a legendary figure in music education since the first WIBC in 1979; Dr. Elizabeth Peterson; and Erik Leung, Director of Bands at Oregon State University. Many of these leaders guided the bands through their own compositions, giving students the rare privilege of performing under the creators of the music.

The clinic opened with an inspiring address by Dr. Lautzenheiser to all 600 students. He reminded the musicians that true leadership is not something you do, but something you are, inspiring everyone to become the best version of themselves.

Each evening concluded with outstanding concerts featuring two of the band world’s most celebrated soloists: jazz trombonist Harry Watters and tuba virtuoso Patrick Sheridan. Before the conference began and after the final performance, the Klamath Union group, accompanied by band director Drew Langley, explored Seattle landmarks such as Pike Place Market and the downtown waterfront.

The experience peaked on Monday morning, when each of the four honor bands delivered powerful performances. The concerts culminated in a breathtaking grand finale, with all students on stage for a massive, enveloping sound that created an incredible, unifying experience for performers and audience alike.

While the students rehearsed, Drew Langley—who has attended WIBC for 27 consecutive years—participated in the directors’ clinic, continuing his own professional growth alongside the nation’s top band educators.

“This trip highlighted the leadership, work ethic, and dedication these students bring to everything they do,” said Langley, Assistant Director of Bands at Klamath Union High School and Director of Bands at Ponderosa Middle School. “Music builds discipline, resilience, and the ability to work as a team toward a shared goal. It teaches grit and perseverance—qualities that serve students throughout their lives. Best of all, music is one of the few passions you can enjoy throughout your entire life—whether performing professionally, jamming with friends in a community band or garage group, or simply sitting in the audience feeling the power of a live performance. These students have discovered a lifelong gift and forged friendships that will last forever.”

This year marked the triumphant return of Klamath Union musicians to WIBC after a long absence, made possible by the renewed commitment and generous fundraising efforts of the Klamath Union High School Band Boosters, along with parents and community supporters.

Klamath Union High School congratulates Thomas, Tanner, Daisy, Lonmonte, Bentley, Elaina, and Ethan on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to their continued growth as musicians and leaders.

OSAA Class 4A boys soccer all-state first team selection

Omar Garcia, senior forward, Klamath Union

Second team 

Caleb Morton, senior midfielder, Klamath Union

Third team

Dallin Petersen, junior midfielder, Klamath Union

Carlos Garcia, junior defender, Klamath Union

Emanual Garcia, junior goalkeeper, Klamath Union

OSAA Class 4A girls soccer all-state second team selection

Kenzi Freid, junior defender, Klamath Union

Kinna Freid, senior defender, Klamath Union

Third team

Allie Nelson, sophomore forward, Klamath Union

Kenzi Freid, junior defender, Klamath Union

Steps you can take

Individuals can

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.

• Learn and use proper handwashing technique.

• Teach children the correct way to wash their hands.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly.

Information presented comes from the Center of Disease Control. Click this link for more information.

La temporada de gripe y resfriados ya está aquí. Ayúdenos a prevenir la propagación del virus haciendo estas cosas en casa, en la escuela y en el trabajo.

Las personas pueden:

• Cubrirse la boca y la nariz con un pañuelo desechable al toser o estornudar; botar los pañuelos desechables usados a la basura; y si no tienen un pañuelo de este tipo, toser o estornudar cubriéndose con el ángulo interno del codo, no con las manos.

• Aprender y usar la técnica correcta de lavado de manos.

• Enseñarles a los niños la forma correcta de lavarse las manos.

• Limpiar con regularidad las superficies que se tocan con frecuencia, como mesones, barandas y manijas de las puertas.

La información presentada proviene del Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener más información.

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 - Kelsey.bitzer@kfcityschools.org

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

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Klamath Falls City Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in its programs, activities, or employment practices. For more information, please visit our website at Nondiscrimination and Title IX webpage