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
Hello Central Families,
We would like to send out a friendly reminder about our school policy regarding smart watches. Smart watches should not be worn or used during the school day. Just like cell phones, they need to be turned off and kept in students’ backpacks while at school.
While smart watches can be useful devices, they can also be distracting during learning time. Keeping them turned off and stored in backpacks helps ensure students stay focused and engaged throughout the day.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a focused learning environment for all students!
We would like to send out a friendly reminder about our school policy regarding smart watches. Smart watches should not be worn or used during the school day. Just like cell phones, they need to be turned off and kept in students’ backpacks while at school.
While smart watches can be useful devices, they can also be distracting during learning time. Keeping them turned off and stored in backpacks helps ensure students stay focused and engaged throughout the day.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a focused learning environment for all students!
Our central students had a blast cheering on our Tigers HS basketball team today (and our 4th grade teacher/head coach Mr. Brooks)- The boys got a great win over Scappoose- Way to go Tigers!!
Hello 5th Grade Families!
Please join us in the Central gym tomorrow for our B.E.S.T. program graduation! Check out the attached flyer for more information!
Please join us in the Central gym tomorrow for our B.E.S.T. program graduation! Check out the attached flyer for more information!
Central Elementary is currently hosting the Artist-in-Residence program that focuses on theater techniques to foster social-emotional learning. The program lasts the week of March 9-13 and is led by theater artist Rikki Jo Hickey. All classes will work two days during the school week with the Artist-in-Residence. Activities include games and dancing during the week.
The program was set up by district Library Media and TAG (Talented and gifted) specialist, Ellen Lester. Lester says the La Grande School district is thankful to Moira Madde, Outreach Director at the Arts Center East, for providing this opportunity. The last visiting artist at Central Elementary was in the fall of 2024 and focused on “The Art of Fiddling and the Mystique of Louisiana”.
Theater artist Rikki Jo Hickey's residency at Central Elementary is made possible by the Artists in Rural Schools Program at Art Center East (La Grande) with the support of an Oregon Arts Commission Arts Learning grant.
The program was set up by district Library Media and TAG (Talented and gifted) specialist, Ellen Lester. Lester says the La Grande School district is thankful to Moira Madde, Outreach Director at the Arts Center East, for providing this opportunity. The last visiting artist at Central Elementary was in the fall of 2024 and focused on “The Art of Fiddling and the Mystique of Louisiana”.
Theater artist Rikki Jo Hickey's residency at Central Elementary is made possible by the Artists in Rural Schools Program at Art Center East (La Grande) with the support of an Oregon Arts Commission Arts Learning grant.
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
¿Conoce a algún educador que se esfuerce al máximo en su trabajo por nuestro distrito? ¡Nomínelo hoy para los Premios de Manzana de Cristal por “Excelencia en la Educación”! 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 nominación: 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
¿Conoce a algún educador que se esfuerce al máximo en su trabajo por nuestro distrito? ¡Nomínelo hoy para los Premios de Manzana de Cristal por “Excelencia en la Educación”! 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 nominación: https://forms.imesd.k12.or.us/crystal_apple_nomination_form
Hello Cougar families!
On Wednesday, our Central students had their final matchup for their "Battle of the Books" competition- our two final teams were team "KAJE" and team "Fantastic Five 4ths".
After a great battle, team "Fantastic Five 4ths" came out victorious! That team will now compete in the regional competition in Baker! We are so proud of all of our fantastic student participants here at Central.
We also wanted to give a big THANK YOU to the staff coaches and volunteers who helped with this event- your time and effort made this all possible! Also a thank you to all the parents who attended to support your child- we had a great turnout this year!
On to regionals!
Go Cougars!!
On Wednesday, our Central students had their final matchup for their "Battle of the Books" competition- our two final teams were team "KAJE" and team "Fantastic Five 4ths".
After a great battle, team "Fantastic Five 4ths" came out victorious! That team will now compete in the regional competition in Baker! We are so proud of all of our fantastic student participants here at Central.
We also wanted to give a big THANK YOU to the staff coaches and volunteers who helped with this event- your time and effort made this all possible! Also a thank you to all the parents who attended to support your child- we had a great turnout this year!
On to regionals!
Go Cougars!!
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.
Hey Central Families! Check out some of the art projects our students have been working on lately- we have some amazing aspiring artists here at Central!
Go Cougars!
Please see link from PTO to support our Classified Staff Taco Bar
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60B094AA9A62DA6FC1-62354591-classified
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60B094AA9A62DA6FC1-62354591-classified
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 Families: We kindly ask that you please notify the office of any after-school plan changes before 2:00 PM- this allows our office staff to ensure that the proper notifications get made.
We appreciate your support and cooperation!
We appreciate your support and cooperation!
Central Families- Please see the below message pertaining to a family activity, organized by EOU for our Central community!
If you are able, please take a moment to read and respond to the survey to help our planning process! :
My name is Peyton Jacaway, and I am a junior at Eastern Oregon University completing my Community Health capstone project. For this project, I am developing a health promotion program focused on reducing stress and anxiety among elementary-aged students in partnership with Central Elementary School.
The proposed program is a Family Yoga Night designed to provide students and caregivers with a relaxing evening while learning simple breathing and calming techniques that can be used at home.
Below is a brief survey to help guide the development of this program. Participation is voluntary, responses are confidential, and the survey takes about 2 minutes to complete. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the program meets the needs of Central Elementary families.
Thank you for your time and support.
Peyton Jacaway
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNH98cwMfUMcJ4rBYr9pIRZ3V8CDSL3vqhUTIDdoNQqFre6Q/viewform?usp=publish-editor
If you are able, please take a moment to read and respond to the survey to help our planning process! :
My name is Peyton Jacaway, and I am a junior at Eastern Oregon University completing my Community Health capstone project. For this project, I am developing a health promotion program focused on reducing stress and anxiety among elementary-aged students in partnership with Central Elementary School.
The proposed program is a Family Yoga Night designed to provide students and caregivers with a relaxing evening while learning simple breathing and calming techniques that can be used at home.
Below is a brief survey to help guide the development of this program. Participation is voluntary, responses are confidential, and the survey takes about 2 minutes to complete. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the program meets the needs of Central Elementary families.
Thank you for your time and support.
Peyton Jacaway
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNH98cwMfUMcJ4rBYr9pIRZ3V8CDSL3vqhUTIDdoNQqFre6Q/viewform?usp=publish-editor
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
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
Lost & Found Reminder for Parents:
Starting tomorrow, Friday, February 13, and continuing each Friday until Spring Break (March 20), school staff will place Lost & Found items out in front of the building near the pick-up area.
Parents are encouraged to take a few minutes during pick-up to look through the items and claim anything that may belong to their student. 👕🧢🧥
Please note: Any items not claimed by Spring Break (March 20) will be donated.
Thank you for your help in clearing out our Lost & Found and reuniting students with their belongings!
Starting tomorrow, Friday, February 13, and continuing each Friday until Spring Break (March 20), school staff will place Lost & Found items out in front of the building near the pick-up area.
Parents are encouraged to take a few minutes during pick-up to look through the items and claim anything that may belong to their student. 👕🧢🧥
Please note: Any items not claimed by Spring Break (March 20) will be donated.
Thank you for your help in clearing out our Lost & Found and reuniting students with their belongings!
Central families! Another reminder about our Central food drive this week, which runs through Friday, February 13th. Check your cupboards for any extra, unopened non-perishable items and send them in with your child. Our goal is to have more than 2000 items collected that we will distribute to local Central families. We had a great first day and collected over 400 items!!
Central students will win extra recess if we reach this goal! Your contributions are critical to helping our local families in need.
FAMILY VACCINE EVENT
Thursday, February 12th
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Center for Human Development
2301 Cove Ave, La Grande
School-required immunizations
Covered by health insurance or the Oregon Vaccines for Children Program
School Exclusion Day is February 25, 2026
Flu, RSV, DTaP and COVID Vaccines for eligible groups
Free help with health insurance & other resources
Free raffle drawing and giveaways
Pizza and refreshments will be provided
Translation in Spanish, Marshallese, and Chuukese
No appointment needed to attend
Thursday, February 12th
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Center for Human Development
2301 Cove Ave, La Grande
School-required immunizations
Covered by health insurance or the Oregon Vaccines for Children Program
School Exclusion Day is February 25, 2026
Flu, RSV, DTaP and COVID Vaccines for eligible groups
Free help with health insurance & other resources
Free raffle drawing and giveaways
Pizza and refreshments will be provided
Translation in Spanish, Marshallese, and Chuukese
No appointment needed to attend
Central families! Please do not forget the Central Food Drive that begins this Monday, February 9th and runs through Friday, February 13th. Check your cupboards for any extra, unopened non-perishable items and send them in with your child. Our goal is to have more than 2000 items collected that we will distribute to local Central families. Central students will win extra recess if we reach this goal! Your contributions are critical to helping our local families in need.
