Klamath Falls City Schools

09/03/2026

KFCS Staff Refocus on Relationships and Student Connection During Capturing Kids’ Hearts Training

Klamath Falls City Schools staff came together for a day of learning, reflection and connection during a Capturing Kids’ Hearts training designed to help educators begin the 2026–27 school year with renewed energy and purpose.

Leading the training were Dr. Shane Naterman, Leadership Development Strategist with Capturing Kids’ Hearts, and Amanda Barbour, also a Leadership Development Strategist with Capturing Kids’ Hearts. Together, they guided staff through activities and conversations focused on strengthening relationships, communication and the ways educators show up for students and one another.

The afternoon began with an outpouring of support from the Klamath Falls community. KFCS staff were welcomed and encouraged by Mayor Carol Westfall, Klamath Promise Director Jessie McClung, Judge Sarah Dougherty, Oregon Institute of Technology Vice President Dr. Ken Fincher, Kelsey Bitzer and Nicole Trejo of the KFCS Board of Education, KBBH staff, other community members and members of the Klamath Union football and cheer team.

That support served as an important reminder that KFCS educators are not working alone.

Naterman emphasized that the training was not about piling more responsibilities onto educators. Instead, it was an opportunity to revisit tools and strategies staff have already learned through Capturing Kids’ Hearts, sharpen those skills and think intentionally about how they are being used.

“It’s not about just more to do, ” Naterman said.

A major theme throughout the training was reflection, particularly around how educators spend their time and whether that time reflects what they say they value.

Naterman challenged staff to consider what their daily choices communicate about their priorities. Everyone in the room, he noted, likely shares the value of showing up for students and investing in their success. The question is whether the way they spend their time consistently reflects those values.

Throughout the day, staff were encouraged to celebrate one another, recognize positive moments and to notice when people are doing good.

Interactive activities, teamwork, music and even some karaoke brought energy and laughter into the training, reinforcing the importance of connection not only with students, but among the adults who serve them.

Staff were seated together according to the schools and programs they represent, including Klamath Union High School, Eagle Ridge New Tech High School, Klamath Learning Center, Klamath Home Learning Academy, Conger Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Mills Elementary and Pelican Elementary.

Working alongside their colleagues, staff took part in activities designed to build teamwork and encourage connection, including the fast-paced Cup Game, where participants raced to be the first to grab a cup, as well as a “Price Is Right” game that brought plenty of friendly competition and laughter to the room.

The message from Naterman and Barbour ultimately left KFCS staff feeling motivated, empowered and reminded of the incredible impact they are capable of making for their students and one another.

"Educators already have a great deal on their plates, and the goal is not to add more. Instead, it is to be more intentional about the time, energy and relationships they already have," Barbour said.

Capturing Kids' Hearts The City of Klamath Falls Klamath Promise Klamath Basin Behavioral Health The Ross Ragland Theater Klamath Union High School Eagle Ridge New Tech High School Klamath Learning Center Roosevelt Elementary School Mills Elementary School Pelican Elementary School Joseph Conger Elementary School Oregon Tech Klamath County Early Childhood Intervention

09/02/2026

KFCS Staff Begin 2026–27 School Year Focused on Culture, Leadership and Student Success

Over 500 Klamath Falls City Schools staff gathered Tuesday at the Ross Ragland Theater for the KFCS 2026–27 In-Service, coming together to prepare for the new school year with a shared focus on leadership, school culture and creating meaningful experiences for students.

The day featured a keynote presentation from Dr. Shane Naterman, Leadership Development Strategist with Capturing Kids’ Hearts, who challenged KFCS staff to think intentionally about the culture they want to create in their classrooms, schools and areas of influence.

Naterman, who spent much of his career as an educator, coach and school administrator before joining Capturing Kids’ Hearts full time in 2017, shared stories from his own journey in education and encouraged staff to consider what they can do to help make 2026–27 their best year yet.

“I want to encourage you, but I’m not a motivational speaker,” Naterman told staff. “I want to serve you well right now and give you an opportunity to just think through some stuff that might help this … maybe in the best year we’ve ever had.”

His keynote centered on what he called the “Big Three” ... three practices that can help leaders and educators build the culture they want to see.

Model Well

Naterman’s first message was simple: model the culture you want to see.

“If you want more of something, the first question you should ask yourself is this: How am I modeling that?” he said.

Whether the desired culture is kindness, respect, collaboration, positivity or something else, Naterman encouraged staff to first look at their own actions and determine whether they are demonstrating those qualities for others.

“There is no substitution for modeling,” Naterman emphasized.

Celebrate Success

The second part of Naterman’s framework focused on recognizing and celebrating the positive things happening throughout a school or organization.

He encouraged staff to intentionally look for examples of the culture they want to strengthen and celebrate those successes.

“Some of y’all are great at celebration,” Naterman said, while encouraging leaders to make recognition a deliberate part of their routines.

Naterman also reminded staff that celebrating success is not simply about making others feel good. It helps reinforce the behaviors and values an organization wants to see continue.

“If we want to see more of it, it’s celebrated, and you see it,” he said.

Naterman challenged staff to identify someone in their organization who already demonstrates the cultural quality they hope to see more of and recognize that person for it.

Provide Clarity

The third piece of the framework was providing clarity.

Naterman encouraged leaders and educators not to assume that others automatically understand what is expected of them.

“Don’t expect people to pick up what you’re putting down,” he said.

Naterman challenged staff to be explicit about the behaviors and standards they want to establish, pointing out that what an organization repeatedly accepts can eventually become its culture.

“The lowest accepted behavior over time will become our culture,” Naterman said.

That message applies everywhere, from classrooms and hallways to athletic teams, staff meetings and district offices.

Throughout his presentation, Naterman returned to the importance of being intentional about culture and reminded staff that the principles discussed in a professional setting also apply at home and in everyday life.

“I am convinced that if we, whatever our position is … will follow the Big Three,” he said. “There’s no guarantees, but I think it gives us the best chance of getting further down the road with whatever it is that we just shared.”

Naterman also thanked KFCS staff for the way they welcomed him to Klamath Falls.

“I want to thank you for what you do,” he said. “What you do matters.”

The KFCS In-Service also provided an opportunity for KFCS to recognize the extensive preparation taking place across the district ahead of the new school year.

KFCS Executive Director of Human Resources Renee Clark highlighted the work of staff members, administrators, maintenance and custodial teams, technology staff, curriculum teams, Human Resources, the business office, payroll and federal programs teams who have spent countless hours preparing schools and classrooms for students.

Special recognition was given to the teams working to launch Klamath Falls City Schools’ new KFCNES initiative at Mills Elementary and Ponderosa Middle School, a vision that began last fall and has required extensive planning and preparation throughout the summer.

“Most importantly, all of that hard work has been for one reason, our students,” Clark said. “I truly believe KFCNES is going to be something amazing for our students, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.”

The district also welcomed 28 new certified staff members through a video introducing new teachers and other educators joining KFCS for the 2026–27 school year.

The day continued with lunch catered by Woodsy Kitchen, followed by opportunities for staff to participate in a benefits fair and additional Capturing Kids’ Hearts professional learning.

Naterman’s message provided a fitting challenge to catapult KFCS staff into a new school year.

"I want you to do something for me that only you can do," Naterman said. "I want you to create the culture you want to see by modeling it, celebrating it and clearly communicating it. This is only something that can come from you; it is yours and your oppurtunity."

Capturing Kids' Hearts Woodsy Kitchen Klamath Union High School Eagle Ridge New Tech High School Ponderosa Middle School Klamath Learning Center Roosevelt Elementary School Joseph Conger Elementary School Mills Elementary School Pelican Elementary School Pelican Babies Klamath County Early Childhood Intervention The Ross Ragland Theater

09/01/2026

Ponderosa and Mills Staff Begin the School Year Focused on Unlocking Student Potential

Staff from Ponderosa Middle School and Mills Elementary School came together Monday at Ponderosa Middle School for the KFCNES In-Service, beginning the school year with a focus on collaboration, professional learning and the potential of every student.

The morning began with a warm welcome as administrators stood at the entrance to greet staff arriving for breakfast. Blue and red balloon arches framed the doorway, creating a festive entrance as educators gathered for a day of learning and preparation ahead of the 2026–27 school year.

The keynote address was delivered by Jenice Pizzuto, founder and CEO and lead consultant of IMPACT Lead Succeed and co-author of Implement With IMPACT. Pizzuto challenged staff to think differently about potential, both in their students and in themselves, and emphasized that meaningful change in education requires people to work together.

“You may not know it, but people like you have presented your ideas and been a part of this work,” Pizzuto told staff, emphasizing the importance of educators having a voice in the work taking place in their schools.

Throughout her keynote, Pizzuto shared stories of people who were once considered underdogs or were overlooked, including the Harlem Raging Rooks chess team, the Golden 13, the first African American naval officers, Mount Everest climber Allison Levine and NASA astronaut José Hernández.

The stories shared a common theme: potential is not always immediately visible.

Pizzuto encouraged educators to look beyond assumptions about what students can or cannot accomplish.

“It’s a mistake to judge people by the heights they’ve reached,” she said. “We want to not miss the potential they might have.”

That message became a central theme of the morning as Pizzuto challenged staff to consider where Ponderosa and Mills are today, where they want to go and how they will get there together.

“We need everybody together to do this work,” Pizzuto said. “Because it’s big work.”

Pizzuto emphasized that creating lasting change cannot rest on the shoulders of one person or one group. Teachers, administrators, support staff, students, families, school board members and community partners all have a role to play.

“We didn’t get here alone, and I promise you we won’t get better alone,” Pizzuto said.

Pizzuto also outlined three major ideas for educators to carry with them throughout the school year: keep learning, build collective intelligence and have the courage to act.

She encouraged staff to view professional learning as something that should directly influence practice rather than simply being another event on the calendar.

“Professional learning should change what we do,” Pizzuto said. “If we do professional learning, we go back and keep doing the same thing, can we expect different results?”

Her message also centered about the idea that failure can be part of meaningful growth.

“Failure is an option,” Pizzuto said, encouraging educators to learn, adapt and continue moving forward when challenges arise.

Building collective intelligence, she said, means recognizing that the best ideas do not necessarily come from the loudest voice in the room. Strong teams find ways to draw on the knowledge, experience and perspectives of everyone.

“The best teams aren’t the ones with the best thinkers,” Pizzuto said. “They’re the teams that find and use the best thinking from everyone.”

Ultimately, Pizzuto challenged staff to see themselves as trailblazers who can help create a different future for their students and community.

“We need to be the trailblazers in Oregon,” she said. “We can do it here in Oregon.”

As staff moved into the day's professional learning sessions, the message was clear, which was that unlocking student potential begins with believing in that potential, continuing to learn and having the courage to work together toward something better.

Pizzuto ended her keynote with a video, showing Ponderosa and Mills staff a video of the very students they have impacted at their school.

“You’re not just changing the life of the kids you have this year,” Pizzuto reminded staff. “Look at the students you see in this video, their smiling faces. You’re changing the family tree.”

Ponderosa Middle School Mills Elementary School Impact Lead & Succeed

08/29/2026

https://kfalls.edurooms.com/newsletters/klamath-falls-city-schools/newsletters/kfcs-friday-news-flash-08-28-2026

Newsletters

08/29/2026

Take Flight with Eagle Ridge: A New Way to Do High School

Eagle Ridge New Tech High School is inviting students to "Take Flight" with a different approach to high school built around hands-on learning, real-world projects, and smaller classes where students are known.

From building robots and welding to working with animals, creating art, and exploring the arts and leadership, Eagle Ridge gives students the chance to discover new interests and build skills for whatever comes next.

Tours are available now, with limited space open at all grade levels.

Interested families can call 541-884-7627 or visit the school at 677 S 7th St, Klamath Falls, OR.

Eagle Ridge New Tech High School

08/29/2026

KFCS SpEd Bootcamp

The KFCS Special Services Bootcamp, an annual training event for SpEd teachers, brought staff together this year under the leadership of Executive Director of Special Services Dena Haudenshild and her staff this past Wednesday at the KFCS District Office.

Throughout the day, participants explored a range of topics relevant to special education, with strong engagement and open communication among staff members. The event reflected a continued commitment to collaboration and professional growth within the KFCS Special Services team.

08/29/2026

Ponderosa Administration Cooks Up a Warm Welcome for Staff

Nothing says welcome quite like a hot breakfast, and that's exactly what the Ponderosa administration team served up Thursday morning.

The Ponderosa administration team, including new Principal Chandler Pogue and Assistant Principals Katey Limb and Sam McCormick, spent the morning cooking breakfast for the front office staff, custodial team, and new teachers and teaching assistants at their school.

The gesture reflected a warm welcome and a strong sense of community as the new school year gets underway.

Ponderosa Middle School

08/28/2026

Klamath Falls City Schools 2026–2027 First Day Details

First day of school is almost here! Most KFCS students head back Tuesday, Sept. 8, with 10th, 11th & 12th graders at Klamath Union and 7th & 8th graders at Ponderosa starting Wednesday, Sept. 9.

We can't wait to welcome our Pelicans, Eagles, Hawks, Bobcats, Dragons, Cougars, Roughriders, Pirates & Mustangs back!

08/26/2026

Putting Relationships First: KFCS New Teachers Dive Into Capturing Kids’ Hearts

As part of KFCS new teacher training, new educators spent the day learning about Capturing Kids’ Hearts, presented by KFCS Attendance/Behavior Coordinator Jeff Haudenshild.

The training focused on an important idea for educators entering a new school year, understanding strong relationships are at the heart of successful classrooms.

Throughout the day, teachers explored the why behind Capturing Kids’ Hearts, leadership and relationship-building, the EXCEL Teaching Model, Social Contracts, and strategies for responding to student behavior in a proactive and supportive way.

Teachers also had opportunities to reflect, collaborate and work through practical ideas they can take with them into their own classrooms. The EXCEL model emphasizes how educators can Engage, X-plore, Communicate, Empower and Launch with students, while Social Contracts help establish shared expectations for how everyone in a classroom wants to be treated.

For our newest KFCS educators, the day was about more than learning a new approach to classroom management. It was about creating classrooms where students feel known, respected, supported and ready to learn.

The daylong training provided a great foundation as our new teachers prepare to welcome students for the 2026–27 school year.

“You all did a great job today," Haudenshild said. "All I'm hoping for all of you is that you begin building your own legacy, because so many of you are just starting to build that legacy."

Capturing Kids' Hearts

08/25/2026

Welcome to KFCS, New Teachers!

Today, Klamath Falls City Schools welcomed our newest teachers from across the district during a New Teacher Inservice hosted by our Human Resources Department.

Throughout the day, our new educators had the opportunity to meet KFCS administrators from across the district and learn important information, resources and expectations to help them feel prepared and confident as they begin their first year with KFCS.

The day also provided an opportunity to build connections. Following the administrator introductions, principals joined their new staff members for lunch at their tables, giving teachers a chance to connect with their school leaders and future colleagues in a more personal setting.

We are excited to welcome our newest members to the KFCS family and look forward to all they will bring to our schools and students this year.

New teachers, welcome to KFCS. We’re glad you’re here!