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Winchester Elementary

Home of the Wolves

Community Corner Newsletter • Back to School Edition

Posted Date: 8/22/25 (4:30 PM)

Roseburg Schools logo featuring mountains and rivers

Community Corner • August 22, 2025

Message from the Superintendent

Inspiring a future of growth and opportunity

Dear Roseburg community,

Welcome to a new school year! As students and staff return to schools and classrooms, I am so excited for a fresh start full of hope, learning and incredible experiences. With the support of the entire community, our district is committed to inspiring growth, building community and expanding opportunities for every student.  

Our district is working nonstop to enrich student experiences. From fresh and engaging reading curriculum for our youngest learners to increased career pathway courses for high school students, the ability to provide a unique and meaningful educational journey for all students remains our highest priority. District staff and leaders are also deeply committed to ensuring every student feels safe, seen, heard and respected. 

Thanks to growing partnerships with local business leaders and Umpqua Community College, we are building career pathways for our students in healthcare, manufacturing, forestry and more — industries that need smart and talented young people excited to give back to their communities, boost the local economy and enhance overall well-being. 

Beyond academic initiatives, the safety and well-being of every student is essential. The district’s approach to the whole child integrates safety and security measures with a strong focus on mental, emotional and behavioral health. This well-rounded strategy, informed by the voices of our students, staff and families, ensures that every space in our schools offers a sense of sanctuary for students. (Read about our Safety and Security measures and an update about our cellphone use policy below.)  

You may have noticed our new district logo, which reflects our innovative spirit and desire to help the community thrive. This design is more than a new look. It symbolizes growth, the way a seed becomes a tree, the way curiosity becomes knowledge, the way students become leaders. Our new logo represents the beauty of our community and our shared commitment to helping every student grow and thrive.

It is my hope that all families and community members see themselves in our vision for a bright future. Student success is at the heart of that vision, and student success is a community-wide achievement.

As we look toward the first day of school, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every teacher, staff member, family and community partner for your dedication to our young people. With your support, we can ensure every student feels connected, supported and inspired to grow and achieve great things.

Wishing you a beautiful start to the year.

Sincerely, 
Jared Cordon
Superintendent
Roseburg Schools
Superintendent Jared Cordon standing in front of a colorful background.
 

Key Dates & Events

Back to School Dates:

ELEMENTARY
  • Kindergarten: Kindergarteners will be on a soft start schedule. Contact your child’s school for details.
  • Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: First day of school is September 2.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • Grade 6: First day of school is September 2.
  • Grades 7, 8: First day of school is September 3.
HIGH SCHOOL
  • Grade 9: First day of school is September 2.
  • Grades 10, 11, 12: First day of school is September 3.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
  • All grades: Contact your child’s school for details.

Back to School Hub
District Events Calendar
2025-26 School-Year Calendar
 

District and School Communications

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We are committed to serving our students, families and community. If you have a question about our district or your child’s education, we offer clear ways to get answers.

 

Safety and Security

Safety icons including a badge, thermometer and vape detector.

Our commitment to student well-being

At Roseburg Schools, our commitment to safety and security is rooted in a single, unwavering priority: the well-being of every student. We believe that a safe school environment is not just about physical security but also about creating spaces where all students feel safe, seen, heard and respected.

Our approach to the whole child integrates physical security measures with a strong focus on student mental, emotional and behavioral health. This comprehensive strategy is about ensuring that every space in our schools, from classrooms and common areas to our restrooms, is secure and provides a sense of sanctuary for our children.

Our Safety and Security web page outlines the ongoing investments and initiatives we are undertaking to achieve this goal, with a clear focus on fostering an environment where students thrive.

UPDATES FOR 2025-26

Cell phone use in schools

Our commitment to student safety and well-being includes ensuring a secure and focused learning environment for everyone. We want to update you on our work regarding the use of cell phones in schools.

For the start of the 2025-26 school year, our current policy, JFCEB - Personal Electronic Devices, remains in effect. This policy requires cell phones to be off and away during instructional time or at any other time where such use of the device would cause a disruption of school activities.

To ensure our policy aligns with the Governor’s Executive Order, we are developing an updated version that reflects the expectations and values of our community. Guiding students in the responsible and safe use of technology requires a coordinated approach among schools and families, and we will continue to prioritize that partnership.

More information about this process will be shared with parents and guardians next week.
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District and Community News

Back to School Bash a community success

1,240 kids and families. Thousands of school supplies. 400 backpacks. 99 sports physicals. Dozens of $50 shoe vouchers and raffle prizes. 49 student haircuts. Great food and countless smiles, all at no cost! This is the power of a community that puts children first.

Special thanks to Umpqua Health, Thrive Umpqua and Douglas Education Service District, who made it all possible. We’re so grateful for the 40+ community partners and nearly 20 school clubs/teams who came together to bring this event to life! We feel honored to work alongside each of you to create a thriving future, and proud to be part of a community that invests in its future leaders while taking care of one another like family.

We couldn’t be more excited to see this tradition continue to grow, bringing us together year after year to put our greatest investment first, our children.

Summer learning makes a lasting impact

This summer, Roseburg Schools offered targeted early literacy programs for K–4 students, inviting participants based on mid-year reading achievement data to provide extra support where it was needed most. Students from our elementary schools came together at Hucrest and Sunnyslope, with transportation and meals provided to ensure access for all. Read the full story.
A teacher works with a student during summer learning programs.
 

Contact information

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