November Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/26/25 (12:00 PM)

District Newsletter

Monthly news and updates

November 26, 2025

Dear Santiam Canyon Community,

Welcome to our monthly newsletter, a vibrant reflection of the happenings and achievements within the Santiam Canyon School District community. This edition showcases a few of our student clubs at both at SES and SJSHS, a fun event our students were able to attend, where to find a schedule for our winter athletic teams, and some reminders of important dates during this holiday season.

I am thankful for our dedicated staff and the supportive community that stands behind our students each and every day. Your commitment, encouragement, and partnership make a tremendous difference in the lives of our young people.

Across our schools, students are continuing to do amazing things. In our classrooms, they are growing as thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. They are engaging in meaningful learning, working collaboratively, and striving to meet high expectations. On the playing fields and in extracurricular activities, they are demonstrating sportsmanship, perseverance, and pride in representing our district.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and their learning.

As always, please feel free to reach out at any time.

Ms. Nieraeth

In this issue:

Santiam's Cheer Club

Cheer Club is new this school year. Advisors Whitney Baker and Nicole Basl are excited to bring cheerleading back to the SJSHS! There are 22 students that joined, both middle school and high schoolers.

The students have been working hard on cheers and will be sideline cheering at home basketball games. The Cheer Club had their very first performance at the senior night football game.

Other things that the students do at club include dances, games, and team bonding activities. The girls earned an ice cream party already and got to make vision boards...it was a blast! The Cheer Club looks forward to adding tumbling and stunting in the future.

The Advisors and students are thankful for the warm welcome from the SCSD community and all the support!

If you would like to know more about Cheer Club, please feel free to contact advisor Whitney Baker at whitney.baker@santiam.k12.or.us.

After School 3D Printer Club

Mr. Schafer, one of SES's 5th grade teachers, hosts a 3D Printer Club for students in grades 3 - 5 each week after school. The students have been using the online program Tinkercad to design 3D models for printing on the SES 3D printer.

This club was created to integrate STEM activities into our school and to give students the opportunity to learn coding and explore 3D design. Thank you to Mr. Schafer for giving our students this opportunity!!

Students to OSU Women's Basketball Game

On Tuesday, November 18th, our 4th, 5th, and 7th grade classes attended an OSU women’s basketball game, courtesy of the OSU Department of Engineering. Students had the chance to watch the Beavers take on Utah State and join other schools from across the region in cheering on the team. The OSU women came away with a 71–52 victory, and our students enjoyed the opportunity to visit the OSU campus and experience what it’s like to be on a college campus.

Every Student....Every Day

Research tells us that when students miss school for any reason, excused or unexcused, this creates a gap in their learning. This learning gap becomes significant when a student misses 10% or more of school.

Some ways to help support your student's attendance at school include:

ESTABLISH ROUTINES THAT SUPPORT CONNECTION AND CONSISTENCY. For younger children, a regular bedtime and morning routine helps them to learn better. Most children and adolescents need 9–11 hours of sleep.
LIMIT NIGHTTIME SCREEN TIME. Encourage a technology-free bedtime routine by keeping phones and devices outside the bedroom. This can help them get the sleep they need to be present and engaged at school the next day.
GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDENT’S TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF. These caring adults help create safe, welcoming environments.
TALK ABOUT SCHOOL OFTEN. Ask how things are going with friends and with learning. This shows you care about their day and helps you learn where they might need support.
PLAN AHEAD FOR KNOWN ABSENCES, like medical appointments and cultural events. Communicate with the school when your student will be absent and collaborate with teachers to plan for maintaining connections to classroom learning.

Please reach out to your child's school if you have any questions about how to support your child in their attendance.

Winter Athletic Schedules

All of our updated Winter Athletic schedules can be found on the Santiam Jr./Sr. High School webpage located at https://shs.santiam.k12.or.us/. Please also like SJSHS's Facebook page, as well as subscribe to the SJSHS ParentSquare to make sure to stay updated for any changes to the schedules.

Upcoming Dates

Nov. 26 - 28 - Thanksgiving Vacation *NO SCHOOL*

Dec. 1 - School Resumes

Dec. 4 - SCSD Board of Directors Work Session - 6pm @ SCSD DO Conference Room

Dec. 11 - SES Winter Concert - 6pm @ SJSHS Gym

Dec. 16 - SCSD Board of Directors Regular Board Meeting - 6pm @ SES Commons

Dec. 19 - 1/2 Day of School for Students

Dec. 22 - Jan 2 - Winter Break *NO SCHOOL*

Jan. 5 - School Resumes

Santiam Canyon School District wishes all of our families and communities a Happy Thanksgiving!!