School is in full swing! Eight weeks in, our hallways are alive, students are engaged and learning, and staff are working hard every day. It’s amazing how much has already happened and how quickly the year is moving. From classroom projects to school activities, there’s a lot to be proud of here in Santiam Canyon!
Our student-athletes have been busy representing Santiam, learning valuable lessons about teamwork, commitment, and perseverance along the way. The SJSHS music program has already held its Fall Concert, giving students an opportunity to share their talents and hard work. Our elementary students also put their energy into the Jog-A-Thon, raising money for new PE equipment. It’s exciting to see students getting involved, building confidence, and connecting with their school community.
At both schools, we’re focusing on attendance and helping students establish strong habits early in the year. Being at school regularly helps students stay connected to their teachers and classmates and keep moving forward in their learning. We know families sometimes face challenges that make attendance difficult, and we want to work together to address those barriers. Your partnership makes a difference!
I’m grateful for the care, energy, and dedication our staff bring to their work and for the many ways our families and community support our students. Whether you’re helping with homework, attending a concert, cheering from the stands, or helping your child arrive ready to learn, you play an important role in our students’ success. Thank you for helping make this a strong start to the school year!
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Every school day gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, and connect with teachers and staff who care about them. Regular attendance helps students keep up with lessons, develop strong habits, and feel a sense of belonging. Even missing a day here and there can add up, so families and schools working together makes a difference!
To encourage attendance and celebrate students for showing up, both schools are offering fun incentives:
At SES, families whose students attend 90% or more of the time are entered into a drawing for a basket filled with family activities! Students also have opportunities to Spin to Win prizes on surprise days when Mrs. Saari brings out the spinner and randomly selects students to participate.
At SJSHS, students earn one entry into a monthly drawing for a $100 Amazon shopping spree for every week of perfect attendance. More perfect weeks mean more chances to win! Each month, one winner will be drawn from each grade group: 6–8, 9–10, and 11–12.
The 2026–2027 School Year Calendar is available on our website at this link. Please take a moment to review scheduled breaks and non-school days as you plan appointments and family activities. Thank you for helping support regular student attendance!
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Our district is working with Assist Education Services to update our Strategic Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for the next several years, keeping student success at the center of our decisions. With input from students, staff, families, and community members, it identifies shared priorities, sets goals, and outlines steps to reach them. It also guides decisions about programs, staffing, and resources while helping us measure our progress. For Santiam Canyon, this is an opportunity to work together to shape the future of our schools and reflect the needs and hopes of our community.
Later this week, the district will send out a Community Survey to gather feedback about what you want to see in our schools. We will also be seeking volunteers to serve on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Committee members will review survey responses and other district data, identify priorities, and help develop a proposed plan to present to the School Board in June for approval. We hope you’ll share your thoughts and consider getting involved. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Santiam Canyon School District!
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Students in Mr. Hart’s high school anatomy and physiology class dissected owl pellets for a hands-on look at the skeletal system. By identifying and examining the bones and comparing them to the human skeleton, students explored similarities in bone structure and learned to distinguish between the axial skeleton, which includes the skull and spine, and the appendicular skeleton, which includes the limbs and the bones that connect them to the body. |
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Our 5th graders in Mr. Schafer’s class learned about soap making and put their creativity to work crafting their very own bars of soap. Students got to bring home their creations—a fun way to share their hands-on learning with their families! |
A HUGE shoutout to our local North Santiam Eagles organization for generously raising and donating over $2000 to both SES and SJSHS! These funds will directly support our students, and we are grateful for your generosity and commitment to our school community. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students! |
The SJSHS Pep Band has been bringing school spirit to our home football games this season! Under the direction of Mr. Burrough, students have entertained the crowd with music between plays and quarters and performed the National Anthem before each game. Thank you to our musicians for adding to the game day atmosphere! We look forward to hearing the Pep Band at more events throughout the year. |
Under the direction of Mr. Anderson, the elementary PE teacher, SES students brought energy and enthusiasm to this year’s Jog-a-Thon, raising an incredible $9,457! All funds will go toward new and updated PE equipment, giving students more opportunities to stay active, have fun, and build their skills.
Congratulations to 1st grade, which raised $2,071, and 5th grade, which raised $1,493! Both grades earned donut parties to celebrate their efforts.
Thank you to all the students, families, and community members who participated, donated, and cheered on our students. Your support made this fundraiser a success!
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In September, our sixth graders spent five days at the Oregon Coast for Outdoor School! Students participated in hands-on activities ranging from archery and boating to building survival shelters and starting a fire with flint and steel.
Throughout the week, students worked together to tackle challenges, practice problem-solving, and build teamwork skills. They explored how people care for the environment and learned that caring for one another is just as important as caring for nature.
The experience encouraged students to think beyond their own needs and recognize the positive difference each person can make. What a memorable opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with classmates and the outdoors!
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A big question we have been getting is where can people access our JH and HS sports schedules?
Here's the website where all of our schedules can be found:
GO WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!
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Our fall junior high sports teams had amazing seasons! Our student-athletes worked hard, grew as teammates, and showed perseverance and grit along the way. Congratulations to our all for their dedication and a job well done. Go Wolverines! |
The Santiam Canyon School District 129J Board of Directors is accepting applications to fill Position 5, an at-large position open to eligible residents living within district boundaries.
Interested applicants must complete the Board Member Vacancy Application, which is available online or at the District Office.
Completed applications must be submitted to Lisa Follis, Executive Assistant, by Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
The Board will appoint a new member at its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2026. The appointed member will serve through June 30, 2027.
For questions, please contact Lisa Follis at (503) 897-2321.
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November 11 - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
November 17 - School Board Meeting - 6pm
November 19/20 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
December 15 - School Board Meeting - 6pm
December 18 - 1/2 School Day for Students
December 21 - 31 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
January 5 - School Resumes
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