The hospitality and support of the community to start the school year has been something special.  Random community supporters have brought treats, and this past week, the DC Social Committee recognized the September birthdays of our employees with a delicious cake.  All of our DC employees are very appreciative.

The first Parent Club meeting is Wednesday, September 12 at 4:30 pm and intended to be an informal meet and greet with your new Interim Superintendent.  The meeting will take place on campus in room 215 and is intended to last 30 minutes or less.

Coming this Saturday, September 15 from 9 am to 5 pm, eligible drivers will have the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser on the Days Creek Charter School campus.  Ford Motor Company has agreed to donate $20 to our school for every test drive completed. Proceeds will benefit all sports programs, and there is no pressure to buy. There are also plans to provide refreshments and fun games and activities for all ages.  

If you come Saturday, you will also have the opportunity to view our new weight room equipment and hear how the Days Creek community will benefit.  What a great way to build school spirit and connect with other community supporters!

This week marks 17 years since the 9/11 attacks.  Most of our students were not born when the attacks occurred, but the topic will surely be mentioned. Some teachers may plan something simple around the Pledge of Allegiance while others coordinate conversation relevant to grade and subject area.  Whatever is said or done, it is important we work together to help students understand what occurred that day and how to respectfully honor those who lost their lives.  

Days Creek Charter School is a special place.  We are not the largest nor the smallest school in existence, but we do have great people who want the best for every student here.  Let’s keep a strong partnership striving for excellence!

Go Wolves!

Mr. Woods

Students brought plenty of smiles and energy the first week of school and the varsity football and volleyball teams opened with victories!  What a great way to begin the 2018-19 school year. 

Just a few reminders as we enter into our second week of school. 

1. We will have “FRIDAY SCHOOL” on Friday, September 7 to make-up for our Labor Day absence. 

    

2. We will continue the Fancy Friday tradition for All Friday School Days.  Students and teachers are encouraged to dress in extra nice clothes to make Friday a special day.  If you are not sure what Fancy Friday attire looks like, think about how you would dress if you were going to a wedding or if you were meeting a very important person.

    

3. Attendance is important for student success.  Thank you for doing all you can to support student achievement and classroom attendance.

    

4. DIBELs and EasyCBM screening and progress monitoring assessments will be conducted this week.

    

5. Our first Parent Club meeting is set for Wednesday, September 12 at 4:30 pm.  This first meeting is intended for you to get to know your new Interim Superintendent.  Future meetings will be a time for you to provide helpful insight and connect with other members of the community. Gathering input from parents, grandparents and other important community supporters are valuable to our success.   The meeting will take place on campus in room 215.

Thanks to everyone in the community who are supporting DC Charter.  Our goal is to be the best school serving the best students in Southern Oregon!

Go Wolves!

Mr. Woods

Have you ever not fully appreciated something special?  I must say, as a kid growing up in Oregon, I often took the beauty and natural resources for granted. Now that I am back in the Beaver state, my time outdoors and working in such a beautiful location will be much sweeter.

So how did I get here? After graduating from Corvallis High, I left to play college baseball in Texas thinking one day I would be playing in the majors.  Alas, that dream ended, and my focus moved to pursue a career in business and computer science after earning a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University.

While in college, I found my involvement in community outreach organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club and Meals on Wheels seemed to renew my spirit and left me wanting more.  Not long afterward, a school in Georgia looking for a coach and teacher approached me with a job offer, and I accepted. 

The idea of changing careers and moving to Georgia a year after I was married stirred thoughts in my wife’s head that I was going through a premature mid-life crisis.  In many aspects, she was right. 

Making a change of this magnitude did not make sense financially nor was the change going to be easy; however, the opportunity to serve where I could impact lives the way my life was affected by my public school teachers was the right decision!  

The journey has been fantastic!  Along the way, I completed my administrative certification at Portland State University, earned two master’s degrees; one in Education from Abilene Christian University, and another in Sports Science and Administration from the United States Sports Academy. 

I have gained extensive experience overseeing all spheres of school operations having served as Assistant Superintendent, Building Principal at the elementary and secondary level, Teacher, and Coach at schools varying in size and geographic location. 

One highlight on the journey was being selected to represent educators in the United States during the Olympic Torch relay in Nagano, Japan, during the 1998 Winter Olympics.  The Olympic experience allowed me to network with other educators around the world and crystalize the importance of competing in a global environment.  

Days Creek Charter School will be a place for students to finish projects, improve reading and math skills and solve real-world problems. However, the most potent and long-lasting memories will be the people and the relationships that will develop.  Whether the connections come from the classroom, hallway, or extra-curricular activity, the personal contacts will be the most meaningful. 

There is a reason why we are all part of Douglas County SD #15 this school year.  I am excited to partner with each of you so we can impact lives, empower minds, and serve the greater South Umpqua community.  Like you, I believe every student should enter Days Creek Charter School with a promise and leave with a purpose!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Interim Superintendent. Together, we will strive to help the DC community succeed.

Go Wolves!

Mr. Woods