Today is National School Custodian Day, and we love to celebrate ours!

Their work goes unnoticed (unless something goes undone, THEN they get noticed), but every single day they help us all take pride in our buildings. We are grateful for our staff in our buildings, as well as the ones who come from Total Solutions, a local cleaning agency.

Take some time to thank our awesome custodians!

Aumsville Elementary: Ken Maben

Cloverdale Elementary: Troy West

Turner Elementary: Esa Korkeakoski

Jr. High and High School: Josetta Jarrett

A creative writing project: imagine a trip to get your favorite Dairy Queen Dessert!

In Audrianna Miller's 4th grade class at Aumsville Elementary, the class recently wrote about going to Dairy Queen. They had to come up with a story, and then when they were finished, integrate some art by drawing a picture from the story as well.

Elijah enjoyed it! Just more #everydaylearning here at Cascade.

What can you learn from a tree?

Amanda Bracket from the Oregon State School of Forestry came to Cascade Junior High School on Tuesday to teach Ms. Roden's science students what they study in trees.

Each ring of the tree tells a story, as the tree has one every year. In core samples of trees, they can see when good conditions made fat rings, and hard conditions made skinny rings. 

Each of the scientists memorizes major droughts, so when they go through each core sample by hand, they can orient the years.

But then some individual trees are different, because of insect infestations or fires. Scientists can learn a lot about the past with careful study and comparison.

Students got to have hands on learning with core samples and even some cross-sections of trees. One, cut down in 1931, started growing before the year 1000! You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.

Great career advice on Wednesday in Mr. Lowder's "Intro to Sports Media" class!

Guest speaker Fletcher Johnson was invited because he serves as the voice of the Portland Timbers soccer team. He is also Director of Corporate Alliances for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

He encouraged students to think beyond their interests and money when they are considering a career. What about quality of life? What about finding something that is fulfilling to you?

As a high school student, he knew he wanted to be involved in sports, and after a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he eventually worked up to the drive-time radio host at a sports radio station. But the hours were long, and something that had been a passion became a job.

He has ended up finding great fulfillment working full time for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, while also finding the joy return to sports as a part time broadcaster for the Timbers. His advice was great!

Thursday morning, the district had a check in with law enforcement. Our great relationships with Aumsville Police Department, Turner Police Department, and Marion County Sheriff's Office make all the difference in keeping our students and staff safe!

We talked about many things, including communication and protocols, threat assessments, and what we all need to make things safer. Huge thanks to our dedicated law enforcement officers!

The Cascade Opportunity Center has a Student Success class, focusing on social, academic, and future-ready skills. They often bring in guest speakers from various industry partners, who share their stories and help them see the career paths that are out there.

Thanks to student leadership and our staff for making this time happen!

Could you be a substitute in one of our kitchens?

We're always in need of people who can step in! Our substitutes come from our contractor, Edustaff.

If you have time and interest, go sign up at Edustaff at this link! After you go through their process, please let our Director of Nutrition Kendal Harris know so she can have a list to request from Edustaff. You can email her at: kharris@cascade.k12.or.us

Our friends at Horses of Hope invite families to a free fall festival: Party in the Pasture, on Sunday Oct. 4 from 11 am to 4 pm.

Meet the therapy horses, paint pumpkins, get your face painted, and more!

The event will be at 2895 Cloverdale Dr. SE in Turner.

Parents! We want your students to thrive!

What comes next after graduation? Trade school? College? Military? And how do we pay for it?

YOU can be a part of things too! Parents, make plans to come to the Community College Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Students will attend during the day, but for the first time parents can join from 3:30 - 5:00 pm, to meet and ask questions.

Then, stick around for the Financial Aid Night at 5:15 pm in the library. We want to support you!