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Cascade Opportunity Center

CSD Newsletter—June 12, 2026

Posted Date: 06/12/26 (12:15 PM)


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Cascade Weekly Newsletter

Highlights and News from Cascade School District

June 12, 2026

Last Newsletter of the School Year!!!

A yellow school bus with 'CASCADE SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 5' written on its side.
A man in glasses smiles, next to a quote bubble that says 'Message From Superintendent Drill'.

To our Cascade Community,

We've finished another great year with your students. We are so grateful that voters recognize the good work we are doing year after year at Cascade, and said yes to supporting our schools by renewing a bond. Thank you!

We couldn't do this if we didn't have a great staff at every one of our schools. We appreciate them all, and we also want to recognize the following staff for their outstanding contributions during the third trimester.

Have a good summer and stay safe,
Superintendent Darin Drill
A young man in a blue tie-dye shirt with 'Oregon West 2024' text smiles, standing next to a woman with blonde curly hair and glasses.
A young woman with long blonde hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a blue t-shirt.
LINDA BRYAN (Cascade Opportunity Center, Classified)

We want to express our sincere appreciation for Linda’s incredible dedication to the Adult Transition Program (ATP). She has done a phenomenal job equipping her students with essential kitchen safety and cooking skills, and the delicious Friday breakfasts they prepare together have truly become a highlight of the week for our staff. Linda’s impact extends well beyond the kitchen. She has successfully brought ATP and OC students together to grow beautiful flower baskets for the community and develop our school garden. She has helped deepen a sense of community among staff and students from all programs across the Opportunity Center.

HANNAH HAWKINS (Cloverdale Elementary, Certified)

We are beyond thrilled to celebrate our amazing PE teacher, Hannah Hawkins! She constantly goes above and beyond to ensure that gym class is fun, welcoming, and an active experience for every single student. From organizing our rock star participation in the Salem Kids Relay to putting together absolute masterpieces for Field Day, her dedication to our kids is unmatched. We absolutely love her infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm. Thank you for everything you do to keep our school moving, smiling, and thriving!
A smiling woman with glasses and curly brown hair wears a patterned blue and green shirt.
A woman with dark, wavy hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a light yellow t-shirt.
LISA CRAWFORD (Aumsville Elementary, Classified)

For years, Lisa has been the heart and soul of our school’s reading program, bringing an unparalleled expertise and a reputation that is entirely above reproach. She doesn’t just teach children how to read; she has gifted generations of students with a lifelong love for stories and learning. Her wisdom and dedication set the standard for our entire team. As she enters retirement, she leaves behind a legendary legacy of literacy and lives forever changed.

KATIE ELSASSER (Aumsville Elementary, Certified)

It takes a truly special educator to turn a third-grade classroom into a place where magic happens every day. Mrs. Elsasser’s instruction is nothing short of spectacular. She effortlessly turns complex new concepts into joyful moments. Beyond the brilliant lessons, she has a fantastic classroom culture. Her classroom is a warm, inclusive space where every student feels safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate one another. Her positive impact will stay with her students for a lifetime!
A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles warmly, wearing a blue tie-dye t-shirt with a tornado logo.
A woman with glasses and long, light brown hair smiles warmly.
SAVANNA WILCOX (Turner Elementary, Classified)

Savanna embraces every aspect of her role as a first rate instructional assistant. Not only does she perform her tasks expertly, from teaching RTI groups to working in classrooms, but she also organized events, such as Turner Tie-Dye. She possesses a positive attitude that spreads to anyone fortunate enough to be in her presence.

RACHEL CROFF (Turner Elementary, Certified)

Rachel is an expert instructor who consistently uses effective instructional strategies to propel learning forward. Her students make magnificent growth, while fostering a love of learning in a supportive environment. She is full of positive gratitude, which radiates warmth and is welcomed and appreciated.
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A smiling woman with long brown hair wears a green floral dress and a beaded lanyard.
EMILY NUNEZ (Jr. High, Classified)

Emily is our first year registrar. She has been a great addition to the team. She has a positive, professional attitude and is easy to work with. She was willing to fill in at the main office while one of our Administrative Assistants was out. We are lucky to have her!!

EMILY BUCZYNSKI (Jr. High, Certified)

Emily is amazing! She is our yearbook teacher, AVID, 8th grade health, and 6th grade PE. She does a little bit of everything – always with a smile on her face. This year she looked into a career/tech school for our AVID class which was a great, new opportunity for our AVID students. She is a great person to have at the Junior High!!
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiles warmly, wearing a navy and white striped shirt with a green collar.
A woman with long dark hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a pink v-neck shirt.
TINA CHRISTENSEN (High School, Classified)

Tina is the rock of the high school! She knows everything, and does everything. She puts on our outstanding graduation and senior events. She is literally irreplaceable!

CRISTINA WILLIAMS (High School, Certified)

Cristina serves in our counseling office and does it all! She works tremendously with our seniors to support and guide them through to graduation. The Class of 2026 will have a tremendously high graduation rate because of her assistance! She is so important to our school!
Image features logos of various schools and organizations, with the text 'Around the District'.
Three young girls in sparkly dresses stand on a stage decorated with balloons and gold fringe at Turner Elementary.

Turner Elementary Talent Show

The "Turner Has Talent" show last Friday at Turner Elementary was so great!

Enjoy our talented students, with more pictures on our Facebook page.
 
A smiling boy in a green t-shirt stands in front of his school project, a diorama of a soccer field.
A young girl smiles while presenting a diorama of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" with miniature figures and lights.

Potato Biographies at Aumsville Elementary

Potatoes? As historical figures and pop stars and sports heroes? Yes indeed!

Fourth graders at Aumsville Elementary researched and learned about people they chose, and then represented them using...potatoes!

Parents, Grandparents, and staff members came today to learn from the students. You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.
 
A group of smiling teenagers and an adult take a selfie at an outdoor amusement park with rides in the background.
A group of young people pose for a photo with a friendly mascot character in a park setting.

7th and 8th Grade Choir to Oaks Park

Last week the 7th and 8th grade choir spent a day celebrating their hard work at Oaks Park. They rode rides, played games and enjoyed the sun.
This group worked very hard this year and deserved a day of fun! You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.
 
A group of children in graduation caps stand on a stage with their hands raised.
A group of young children in green graduation gowns and caps raise their fists in celebration.

Kindergarten Promotion

The class of 2038 (!?!?!), this year’s kindergarten class, are moving on to first grade!
Congrats to Aumsville Elementary, Cloverdale Elementary, and Turner Elementary kindergartners!

 
Children gather around a large, colorful inflatable obstacle course on a sunny day.
People gather around a table laden with hot dog buns, hot dogs, chips, and condiments, preparing for an outdoor meal.

Cloverdale Elementary Family BBQ and Picnic

Family BBQ and Picnic night at Cloverdale Elementary!

Jump houses, kickball, hot dogs, and fun together for the end of the year. You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.
 
A large audience fills a gymnasium, seated on chairs arranged on the floor and in bleachers, with banners celebrating athletic achievements hanging from the ceiling.
A man in a suit shakes hands with a young woman in a light blue dress, presenting her with a certificate.

8th Grade Promotion

Wednesday night was the 8th grade promotion ceremony for Cascade Junior High School!

Students were recognized for academic achievements, clubs and activities, and athletics. Staff and parents and grandparents loved the chance to honor these students! You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.
 
Children slide down a wet, black plastic sheet on a sunny day.
Children in a tug-of-war competition pull on a thick rope on a grassy field.

Field Day

For the last day of school, we had perfect weather for field day!

Students had so much fun at Aumsville Elementary, Cloverdale Elementary, and Turner Elementary! You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.
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Two children jump joyfully under a bright sun and paper clouds, promoting Oregon Summer Meals.

Summer Meals

When school is not in session, Summer Meal Programs can help fill the nutrition gap children may face without access to school meals. Summer Meal Programs include the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). Children and teens between the ages of 1 and 18 are eligible to receive meals at no charge under both of these programs.

Use this link to find a summer meal site near you:
 
A colorful flyer for the Cascade School District's Back to School Resource Fair, featuring a school bus overflowing with school supplies.

Fill the Bus with Supplies

The Family Resource Center is sponsoring a "Fill the Bus" supply drive, to help students next year who need them.

 
Children happily play with colorful building blocks at Big Dreams Academy Preschool & Daycare.

New Preschool and Daycare Opening in September

The Cascade Famliy Resource Center is pleased to announce that Preschool and daycare services will be offered in the building next to the Aumsville Elementary Campus, starting in the fall.

You can find more information on cost and what will be offered by contacting Big Dreams Academy at (971) 301-2686, or clicking here to visit their website.

(Big Dreams Academy is renting and not affliated with Cascade School District.)

Have a great weekend, Cascade!