District News

Last night, Columbus teachers Reid Kimura and Eric Svec demonstrated Whole Brain Teaching strategies for the School Board, with the help of some student helpers. Columbus students paired with board members to show how Whole Brain Teaching works, a method designed to engage multiple parts of the brain to help children learn. ​In other business,…

This morning at approximately 10:15, the McMinnville School District participated in the “The Great Oregon ShakeOut,” a statewide earthquake preparation drill. “We hope the big earthquake never happens,” said Jack Crabtree, District Safety manager for the McMinnville schools.  “But if it does, being prepared is the best way to keep students and staff safe.” All…

McMinnville High School (MHS) students placed sixth as a team in the Lower Willamette District FFA Soils Contest.  Team members (from left) include Luis Garibaldo, Kaylyn Clevenger, Hailey Ginther, Marina Nash and Taylor Ames. Junior Kaylyn Clevenger placed ninth in the beginning soils contest. The competition involves evaluating soil texture and structure by viewing and…

As the school year moves into the colder seasons, the school district is preparing for the possibility of extreme weather conditions.  If inclement weather affects school operations, following are the ways the district will communicate information to families. Online The district will post updates on the website at www.www.msd.k12.or.us and school closures and delays are…

McMinnville High School (MHS) senior Jamie Graham has been recognized by the National Center for Women & IT (NCWIT)’s Aspirations in Computing Award.  Jamie won first place in the 2015 Oregon & SW Washington region and was a national runner up. The award is intended to build a talent pool for the growing technical workforce…

The McMinnville School District has launched a new website.  For the past several years, the previous site was hosted as part of a university project that is being discontinued.  We took advantage of the need to relaunch the site to freshen our look.  The school sites will be part of the new system and will…

The McMinnville School District has launched a new electronic flyer delivery system called Peachjar.  Flyers about school or district-approved community events that previously were sent home in student backpacks will now be posted on the school website and emailed to parents. This is an effort to save paper, reduce copy costs and help parents better…

After interning for the Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC), Nancy Suarez has changed her career goals. “I want to become a doctor,” said the recent McMinnville High School (MHS) grad.  “Maybe in the ER because I like the urgency, the rush.” The internship program is part of a partnership between the high school and the…

At last night’s business meeting, the School Board issued a proclamation declaring September “Be College Ready” month in McMinnville and Lafayette schools. The McMinnville School District is one of five districts across the state selected to pilot a new program to help families start planning for college.  “Be College Ready” kicks off in September 2015…

Chris Szedlak, owner of Concrete Solutions, Inc., hasn’t had many high school students working for him through the years.  Now he has two. “I’m happy to see kids out here working,” says Szedlak.  “A lot of people don’t want to do physical work anymore. “But I think it’s great that kids are getting trained in…