Dear CSD Families,

As we settle into 2022, I want to take a moment to thank you for the patience and flexibility you have shown for the district over the past two weeks.  As relayed in my recent correspondence, our schools were not spared from COVID-19’s recent surge, requiring hard work of each and every CSD staff member to protect in-person learning opportunities and maintain district operations.  After examining this week’s attendance numbers, I am encouraged by the trend in reported absences and hope that last week marks the peak of the omicron variant’s impact on our community. If you are interested in receiving free at-home COVID-19 tests to have available when you need them, visit COVIDtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.

I am excited to share some additional positive news. Yesterday, Oregon Department of Education released 2020-2021 graduation rates. Despite pandemic challenges, 83.75% of Creswell High School’s class of 2021 graduated in 4 years, demonstrating their resilience and exceeding the average 4-year graduation rates for both Oregon (80.63%) and Lane County (77.82%). The statewide average of 80.6% represents the second-highest 4-year graduation rate recorded in Oregon’s history. With our commitment to improving access and opportunities for students who have been historically underserved in the education system, it’s a point of pride to report that within CHS’s cohort, 82.61% of our economically disadvantaged students, more than 95% of Hispanic/Latino students, and 81.82% of students experiencing disabilities were able to earn their diploma within 4 years. Our educators are dedicated to the success of our students and will continue working to ensure their progress towards graduation.

Thank you again for remaining diligent in your efforts to help us keep students in our classrooms. Your cooperation in keeping students home when sick and following new isolation and quarantine guidance are helping both students and staff remain in-person and return to school sooner.

I hope you have an enjoyable and healthy weekend ahead – be safe and stay well!

Best regards,

Mike Johnson
Superintendent