La Grande High School is celebrating its increased rate for the Freshman on Track program. This program offers extra support for freshmen who have a failing grade in a class. Read the article: https://www.lagrandesd.org/article/2776245
Talk to Youth about underage drinking. 22.3% of Union County eighth graders had their first alcoholic drink at age 12 or younger which is 7% higher that the state average. For more information, see: ucsafecommunities.org
Dear LHS Families,
As we prepare for the 2026/27 school year, La Grande School District is facing significant budget reductions due to flat funding, increased operations costs, and decreased student enrollment from pre-pandemic levels. The district has used stabilization funds, grants, and other sources of revenue to minimize these impacts to students and families, but, unfortunately, these tight budget times will necessarily impact some programming we have previously provided. For the 2026/27 school year, La Grande High School will no longer offer:
1. College credit scholarships for students who either take dual credit at LHS or on-site college classes at EOU, BMCC, etc. However, these colleges/universities will still provide high school students heavily discounted courses that are a great value to families who want to get an early start on college or university. Additionally, La Grande High School and our staff remain committed to maintaining dual credit options in a significant number of courses on campus, it will be up to individual families to opt into the dual credit portion of these courses and assume the associated financial burden.
2. La Grande High School will no longer offer unlimited access to online courses within student schedules. The district can no longer sustain the huge cost burden of sustaining unlimited online access and a comprehensive high school and attached extracurricular program. While we want to provide some flexibility to students and families, the district must prioritize in-person teachers, programs, and extracurriculars that engage students and provide strong learning and opportunities for personal and team competition.
3. La Grande High School will no longer offer an in-person alternative education program to support students who have struggled in the traditional learning environment. However, the GED program will remain an option for students and families.
Regarding access to online courses, students will be allowed to enroll in a full-time online schedule or select one online course per semester. This change is designed to ensure that students remain connected to in-person instruction while still allowing access to the flexibility that online learning can provide.
Students enrolled in a single online course will be required to complete their coursework in a supervised computer lab during the school day. This structure allows our staff to provide support, maintain accountability, and ensure students stay on track with their learning.
All online courses will be monitored by La Grande High School staff, and tests will be proctored in person to maintain academic integrity. Students may request an appeal for alternative arrangements (IEP, 504, medical accommodations) if they meet specific criteria. Information about the appeal process will be available through the counseling office and administration.
Thank you for your understanding as we make these adjustments for the coming school year.
If you have questions about the updated online course policy, please feel free to contact the LHS counseling office or administration.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Hurliman, LHS Principal
Scott Carpenter, La Grande School District Asst. Superintendent
As we prepare for the 2026/27 school year, La Grande School District is facing significant budget reductions due to flat funding, increased operations costs, and decreased student enrollment from pre-pandemic levels. The district has used stabilization funds, grants, and other sources of revenue to minimize these impacts to students and families, but, unfortunately, these tight budget times will necessarily impact some programming we have previously provided. For the 2026/27 school year, La Grande High School will no longer offer:
1. College credit scholarships for students who either take dual credit at LHS or on-site college classes at EOU, BMCC, etc. However, these colleges/universities will still provide high school students heavily discounted courses that are a great value to families who want to get an early start on college or university. Additionally, La Grande High School and our staff remain committed to maintaining dual credit options in a significant number of courses on campus, it will be up to individual families to opt into the dual credit portion of these courses and assume the associated financial burden.
2. La Grande High School will no longer offer unlimited access to online courses within student schedules. The district can no longer sustain the huge cost burden of sustaining unlimited online access and a comprehensive high school and attached extracurricular program. While we want to provide some flexibility to students and families, the district must prioritize in-person teachers, programs, and extracurriculars that engage students and provide strong learning and opportunities for personal and team competition.
3. La Grande High School will no longer offer an in-person alternative education program to support students who have struggled in the traditional learning environment. However, the GED program will remain an option for students and families.
Regarding access to online courses, students will be allowed to enroll in a full-time online schedule or select one online course per semester. This change is designed to ensure that students remain connected to in-person instruction while still allowing access to the flexibility that online learning can provide.
Students enrolled in a single online course will be required to complete their coursework in a supervised computer lab during the school day. This structure allows our staff to provide support, maintain accountability, and ensure students stay on track with their learning.
All online courses will be monitored by La Grande High School staff, and tests will be proctored in person to maintain academic integrity. Students may request an appeal for alternative arrangements (IEP, 504, medical accommodations) if they meet specific criteria. Information about the appeal process will be available through the counseling office and administration.
Thank you for your understanding as we make these adjustments for the coming school year.
If you have questions about the updated online course policy, please feel free to contact the LHS counseling office or administration.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Hurliman, LHS Principal
Scott Carpenter, La Grande School District Asst. Superintendent
La Grande Kindergarten Round-Up and Pre-K Registration is Thursday, April 23rd, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the District Office, 1305 N. Willow St. We will have giveaways!! Please bring birth certificate, proof of immunizations and proof of residency. Questions? Email scott.carpenter@lagrandesd.org
La Grande High Boys Basketball Team will play in the Championship Game on Saturday, March 14th at 6:30 pm at Forest Grove High School. Let’s go Tigers!!!
La Grande Middle School has been busy wrapping up winter academics and activities and gearing up for spring. Check out this update from Principal Chris Wagner: https://www.lagrandesd.org/article/2767522
Congratulations to all the teams who participated in the Oregon Battle of the Books at all three elementary schools in the district and at La Grande Middle School! It was a great effort by students, staff and families to make this year a success. Read about the school winning teams and what they enjoyed about it: https://www.lagrandesd.org/article/2766813
La Grande School District Superintendent George Mendoza officially received his award as the 2026 Oregon Superintendent of the Year at the COSA (Coalition of Oregon School Administrators) Winter Conference in January. Mendoza was named in September as the recipient of the award by the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE).
Read the article: https://www.lagrandesd.org/article/2764376
Read the article: https://www.lagrandesd.org/article/2764376
Greenwood recently celebrated getting a new scoreboard in their gym! The scoreboard was in memory of Eldon W. Chandler. Thank you to all the community partners who made this possible. Read the article: https://ge.lagrandesd.org/o/ges/article/2763651
Do you know an educator who goes above and beyond in their work for our district? Nominate them today for a Crstal Apple “Excellence in Education” Award! Anyone can nominate.
Nominations will be accepted through April 1, 2026. Use the links below to find out more information about the Crystal Apple Awards and to submit your nomination today.
Crystal Apple Awards: https://www.imesd.k12.or.us/page/crystal-apple-awards
Nomination Link: https://forms.imesd.k12.or.us/crystal_apple_nomination_form
ÂżConoce a algĂşn educador que se esfuerce al máximo en su trabajo por nuestro distrito? ¡NomĂnelo hoy para los Premios de Manzana de Cristal por “Excelencia en la EducaciĂłn”! Cualquier persona puede nominar.
Se aceptarán nominaciones hasta el 1 de abril de 2026. Utilice los enlaces que siguen para obtener más información sobre los Premios de Manzana de Cristal y enviar su nominación hoy.
Premios Manzana de Cristal: https://www.imesd.k12.or.us/page/crystal-apple-awards
Enlace de nominaciĂłn: https://forms.imesd.k12.or.us/crystal_apple_nomination_form
Nominations will be accepted through April 1, 2026. Use the links below to find out more information about the Crystal Apple Awards and to submit your nomination today.
Crystal Apple Awards: https://www.imesd.k12.or.us/page/crystal-apple-awards
Nomination Link: https://forms.imesd.k12.or.us/crystal_apple_nomination_form
ÂżConoce a algĂşn educador que se esfuerce al máximo en su trabajo por nuestro distrito? ¡NomĂnelo hoy para los Premios de Manzana de Cristal por “Excelencia en la EducaciĂłn”! Cualquier persona puede nominar.
Se aceptarán nominaciones hasta el 1 de abril de 2026. Utilice los enlaces que siguen para obtener más información sobre los Premios de Manzana de Cristal y enviar su nominación hoy.
Premios Manzana de Cristal: https://www.imesd.k12.or.us/page/crystal-apple-awards
Enlace de nominaciĂłn: https://forms.imesd.k12.or.us/crystal_apple_nomination_form
There is NO SCHOOL in the La Grande School District during SPRING BREAK from March 23-27. Have a safe and restful break! School resumes on Monday, March 30!
Three classes that focus on Career Technical Education (CTE) at La Grande High School recently teamed up for a sweet, fun project. The CAD (Computer Aided Design), Hospitality and Tourism, and Business classes collaborated on chocolate! Read the article: https://www.lagrandesd.org/article/2733192
NBC Camps will be back in La Grande this Spring AND Summer providing basketball and volleyball camps. These camps are full of fundamental drills, player development and competitive games designed to help you gain the edge. You will walk away motivated and inspired to elevate your game and your life! Register soon to secure your spot!
Spring
La Grande Middle School –9am-1pm
Complete Hoops Clinic
Date: March 23, 2026 | Age Groups: Boys and Girls ages 9-14
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/basketball/camps/nbc-basketball-clinic-la-grande-or
Summer
Eastern Oregon University – overnight and extended day available
Complete Player Basketball Camp
Dates: June 22-25 | Age Group: Boys and Girls ages 11-17
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/basketball/camps/eastern-oregon-university
Eastern Oregon University – overnight and extended day available
Complete Player Volleyball Camp
Dates: June 28-July 1 | Age Group: Girls ages 11-17
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/volleyball/camps/volleyball-camp-eastern-oregon
La Grande Middle School – day camp 9am-3pm daily
Complete Skills Junior Basketball Day Camp
Date: June 17-19, 2026 | Age Groups: Boys and Girls ages 8-12
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/basketball/camps/la-grande-or-basketball-day-camps
Spring
La Grande Middle School –9am-1pm
Complete Hoops Clinic
Date: March 23, 2026 | Age Groups: Boys and Girls ages 9-14
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/basketball/camps/nbc-basketball-clinic-la-grande-or
Summer
Eastern Oregon University – overnight and extended day available
Complete Player Basketball Camp
Dates: June 22-25 | Age Group: Boys and Girls ages 11-17
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/basketball/camps/eastern-oregon-university
Eastern Oregon University – overnight and extended day available
Complete Player Volleyball Camp
Dates: June 28-July 1 | Age Group: Girls ages 11-17
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/volleyball/camps/volleyball-camp-eastern-oregon
La Grande Middle School – day camp 9am-3pm daily
Complete Skills Junior Basketball Day Camp
Date: June 17-19, 2026 | Age Groups: Boys and Girls ages 8-12
Register here: https://www.nbccamps.com/basketball/camps/la-grande-or-basketball-day-camps
Art Center East has posted their Spring Youth Classes! Call 541-624-2800 for more information.
National FFA Week is here, and we're celebrating the incredible journey of cultivating leadership, fostering growth, and making a positive impact on our communities. Come together with us to commemorate everything that FFA Week represents, let's make this National FFA Week one to remember!
Central Elementary fourth and fifth graders have been pumping up their physical fitness this year with Cougar Fitness: https://ce.lagrandesd.org/o/ces/article/2708697
The LHS Senior Class of 2026 did an awesome job on attendance and school spirit last semester and enjoyed a movie day reward in January: https://lhs.lagrandesd.org/o/lghs/article/2707994
La Grande School District school calendars for 2026-2027, 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 are now online! Check them out here: https://www.lagrandesd.org/documents/information/district-calendars%2Fschool-times/152184
Buckskin Coffee is supporting the Class of 2026 on February 14th! 20% of sales go to the Senior Class for their Senior Class Trip!
