Educational standards in Oregon are increasing. The state has adopted the Common Core State Standards as have 44 other states across the country. The common core are adopted standards for instruction in English Language Arts and Math. Teachers, parents and community members have all provided input into the development of the common core standards. This link will take those interested to the common core web site where you can read what the common core state standards are in the two areas listed (http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards). Starting next year, students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed on their understanding of the common core. The assessment that has been selected is the Smarter Balanced Assessment. As in the past, this assessment will chart a students progress in demonstrating their understanding of the common core in grades 3-8. At the 11th grade, students will be expected to demonstrate that they meet the standards in English Language Arts and in math in order to graduate. There are two options for demonstrating this, one is by passing the Smarter Balanced Assessments or they may demonstrate it by passing local assessments in reading, writing and math. These local assessments will be offered numerous times during a high school students career as a part of their classroom work. We are continuing to develop local assessments in reading, writing and math so that our students will have many chances to demonstrate that they have met the standards. Our goal is to have all students meet graduation requirements in reading, writing and math (Oregon calls these the essential skills) by the end of their 11th grade year. Congratulations to our football and volleyball teams! Both finished their league seasons undefeated and football is a perfect 9-0 for the full season. On to the playoffs for these two sports.