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

Klamath Falls City Schools wishes all our students and families a joyful and restful winter break. We hope you enjoy special time with friends and family and take time to recharge.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on January 5, 2026. Stay safe and enjoy the break!

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech Athletics is excited to announce that Friday, January 30, has been designated as K–12 Field Trip Day as the Owls take on Lewis-Clark State College. The women’s game will tip off at 12:00 PM, followed by the men’s game at 2:00 PM. All students in kindergarten through 12th grade will receive free admission.

In partnership with schools throughout the Basin, the Athletic Department is using this event as an opportunity to reward students for exhibiting positive behavior and achieving strong academic performance, providing them with a chance to experience the excitement of college basketball during the school day.

For more information, please contact Michael Garrard at michael.garrard@oit.edu or 541-885-1851. 

By Joaquin Aguilar-Flores, KFCS

Students in the Klamath Falls City Schools Vocational Independence Program (VIP) took a special trip just before winter break, celebrating hard work and teamwork.

Throughout the school year, VIP students have been busy supporting school sites across the district. Their work includes cleaning and disinfecting cafeteria tables, setting up chairs, sweeping floors, taking out trash, and breaking down cardboard after lunches at both Ponderosa Middle School and Klamath Union High School.

The VIP students lend a helping hand to Ponderosa head custodian Tyven Snook and Klamath Union head custodian Kyle Baird.

Students also assist with bottle and can collection at KU, helping support Klamath Union instructor Johanna Morris’ GOALS class while learning valuable job skills along the way.

In addition to on-campus job sites, VIP students are working toward a shared fundraising goal: purchasing a gaming console for the VIP house. As part of the effort, students help collect bottles and cans throughout KU’s main building and outbuildings one to two times each month.

“At Ponderosa, students clean and disinfect tables, sweep, take out trash, and help break down cardboard for the custodial staff,” VIP instructor Stephanie Mattingly said. “At KU, they help clean and set up the cafeteria so staff can sweep and mop. But we also help the head custodian at KU, Kyle, do the bottles and cans for Johanna's Goals class so he and his staff don't have to.”

To recognize their effort, Mattingly and her students participate in what they call “VIP Fun Friday,” a weekly reward that allows students to relax, connect with peers, and practice social skills in the community. Past activities have included bowling at the Epicenter, and this week, a visit to the Rogue Valley Mall.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the group set aside Thursday, December 18, for an all-day outing. Students spent time shopping, socializing, and enjoying the festive atmosphere, with a few even stopping to take photos with Santa.

“These experiences are about more than just having fun,” Mattingly said. “They give students a chance to build independence, confidence, and connections outside the classroom.”

Pictured are VIP students Caleb, Mimi, and Khalil, along with volunteer Joseph, who helped support the group during their work and activities.

VIP selling scented pinecones

The group has also taken on a seasonal fundraising project, creating and selling scented pinecones to support the VIP program.

Each bag of pinecones is $5, with all proceeds going toward the class fundraiser. Students collected, washed, dried, scented, and bagged each pinecone themselves.

The pinecones are available in cedarwood, cinnamon, and spearmint, with each bag either decorated by the students or prepared using pre-decorated bags.

The bags of pinecones can be purchased by emailing Mattingly at mattinglys@kfalls.k12.or.us, and pinecones can still be purchased after winter break.

Klamath Union High School musicians filled Pel Court with holiday favorites during the school's winter concert on December 15. The evening featured performances by the Jazz Band, Bel Canto Choir, Pel Belles, Men’s Ensemble, Acapella Choir, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra.

Musical selections included A Charlie Brown Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Carol of the Bells, You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, and The Polar Express. The KUHS Orchestra also performed Lujon and The Can Can, adding a lively instrumental touch to the program.

Highlights included performances by “The K.U. TestosterTones,” with soloists Tommy Biggs and Lenin Heaton featured on White Christmas, and a moving finale of The Polar Express performed by the KUHS Symphony Orchestra that brought the concert to a memorable close.

We are still basking in the glow of this week's magnificent annual Mills Winter Concerts! A heartfelt congratulations to every single student performer for sharing their incredible talents with our school community.

The magic we all enjoyed, the beautiful singing, the spirited instrumental pieces, and the infectious festive cheer, was the direct result of weeks of unwavering dedication and countless hours of diligent rehearsals. From learning complex harmonies to mastering new instruments, our students poured their hearts into preparing for these performances.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our exceptional music department staff for their guidance and mentorship, and to the Mills parents and families, for their continued support, encouragement, and guidance.

Thank you Mills families for joining us and celebrating the hard work, passion, and collaborative spirit of our amazing Mills students. We hope the Mills Winter Concerts filled your homes with joy this holiday season!

🎶 Ponderosa Middle School Choir, Orchestra and Band Winter Concerts ❄️

Ponderosa Middle School choir and orchestra students filled the evening with music during their winter concert Tuesday night, showcasing their hard work and talent. The program featured festive and moving selections including Snow Suite, La Llorona, Jingle Through the Night, Minka, A Holly Jolly Holiday, Starry Night of Winter, and Winter Fantasy.

Under the direction of choir and orchestra teachers Perry Dean and Lexi Candy, and accompanied by Suzanne Stewart, students in the Intermediate and Advanced Orchestra along with the PMS Treble Choir delivered a wonderful performance for family and friends.

Ponderosa Middle School band students showcased their hard work and growth during the Winter Concert on December 18. The program featured performances by the Beginning Band, 6th Grade Advanced Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band, highlighting students at multiple stages of their musical journey.

Beginning Band students opened the evening with musical selections from Essential Elements for Band, while the 6th Grade Advanced Band performed Christmas Overture. The Beginning and Advanced Bands joined together for Carol of the Drum.

The Ponderosa Jazz Band added energy with performances of Winter Wonderland and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On. The concert concluded with the Symphonic Band performing Brazilian Sleigh Bells, selections from The Polar Express alongside the Concert Band, and Deck the Halls with Dazzling Drummers, bringing the festive evening to a strong finish.

Thank you to the students, music staff, and families whose time and support made the winter concert possible.

Ponderosa Middle School teachers came together yesterday during their professional development time for a special occasion.

Right before the Thanksgiving break, students in Ponderosa leadership helped assemble Thanksgiving food boxes, packages which went to some of the school’s highest-need families.

This time, Ponderosa’s teachers stepped up as they prepared boxes which will go toward Ponderosa families for Christmas time.

Ponderosa would like to thank Staunton Farms for the potatoes included in each box, as well as Howard’s Meat Center for donating 50 pounds of ground beef.

“We were able to feed 11 large families with high quality food boxes,” Ponderosa Vice Principal Katey Limb said. “We had donated potatoes and meat and then our Ponderosa Teacher Organization generously donated $500 to pay for the rest so we were able to make some hearty food boxes for our families in need.”

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