Superintendent – Dorie Vickery

Dear Sheridan Community,

This Saturday we gather together in celebration of Sheridan High School’s Class of 2026. Members of this year’s class demonstrate resilience, simply by marking this goal. They fought their way through the disruptions of Covid during their middle school years. They have watched the rise of AI, and learned to recognize that it is necessary to find balance in activities on and off their phones. News and world events have been delivered to them in short-form videos and they have had to learn how to critically analyze information, remembering that complex problems rarely have simple solutions. On their best days, they have been encouraged by friends, family and members of their community to be the best version of themselves and they have strived to discover what it means for each of them. Students in this year’s graduating class have experienced change at every turn during their formative years and were able to navigate successfully through to this moment.

Sheridan’s Class of 2026 includes 5 Chemeketa Scholars: Lucas Brewster, Drizzt Gehrke, Angel Dryer, Taylor Lugo and Hunter Klingler, who each qualify for a full-tuition scholarship for two years valued at over $10,000. 14 students have qualified for the Oregon Promise grants with a value of $4,500 each. Collectively, class members have received a total of over $135,000 in scholarship funds to date, and more awards are expected to be received in the coming weeks. Three students, Hunter Klingler, Drizzt Gehrke, and Angel Dryer, will serve as valedictorians having all earned a 4.0 GPA; Lucas Brewster will serve as Salutatorian.

While the majority of the work has been done by the graduates themselves, support from family, caregivers and community has also been critical to our seniors. If you are one of the many people who got them to school, helped with homework and cared about their day-to-day successes, you share a piece of their achievement.

Sheridan High School Graduation is this Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 2pm and we look forward to celebrating our students together with friends, family and the community.

Dear Sheridan Community,

Last week I was able to attend a number of Senior Project presentations and once again found myself amazed by the time and energy our students put into the community each year. Senior Projects are a unique requirement for graduation from Sheridan High School. Each Senior must choose a project that requires a minimum of 30 hours of their time to complete, with additional class time spent on research and their final presentation.

Here are a few highlights of this year’s projects:

• Ivy Mirabito, Madison Blacketer, and Alondra Casillas organized the annual Dig Pink Volleyball event. They designed and sold shirts to raise money to help support breast cancer survivors. They raised $2,217 and were able to donate the money directly to a person in the community who is currently fighting breast cancer.
• Quinton Kelly & Logan Bergan organized and planned the Keegan Smith Memorial Basketball game. This event raised awareness for suicide prevention with funds going to support the annual Keegan Smith Memorial Scholarship.
• Lucas Brewster & NeVaeh Stewart worked with the Red Cross to organize 3 blood drives this year. They collected a total of 87 units.
• Other projects included work in support of track, drama, football, art and cheer programs, in addition to the Tree of Giving program over the holiday season and literacy initiatives.

In addition to their projects, seniors must research careers and make a plan for life after high school. Walking through the details of this process results in many of our students identifying scholarships, college campuses, apprenticeship programs, and other financial aid opportunities they may not have been aware of otherwise. Senior Projects are one way we encourage our graduating seniors to start thinking outside of the walls of Sheridan High School and into their community. We love seeing where students decide to focus their time and we look forward to seeing how they use their skills to impact our community for years to come.

Dear Sheridan Community,
Sheridan School District believes in addressing the needs of the whole child, and strives to remove barriers that can prevent students from learning.

We are very fortunate to have a vibrant Health Services team, District Nurse Rebecca Boris and Health Assistant Airan Ceballos, who work tirelessly to address vision, dental and hearing needs, in addition to the various individualized medical needs of our students. At the beginning of this year, the Health Services team identified over 40 Sheridan District students who had not passed their vision screening for two years in a row and, due to the lack of vision services in the West Valley, have been unable to receive a comprehensive eye exam.

Based on this information the Health Services team has arranged for Pacific University Eye Vision Van to be onsite June 5 doing comprehensive eye exams for FCS and SHS students. (Appointments must be made in advance.) Exams are FREE for students on OHP/YCCO, however students with other insurance are encouraged to reach out and the Health Services team will help secure an appointment with another provider. SWEEP Optical will also be providing FREE glasses for students with appointments, as part of the clinic. There are just a few appointment spots left – please reach out as soon as possible if your student needs vision services! We will start a waitlist once all slots are filled, with priority given to younger students who are still learning to read. Email Rebecca Boris to add your student to the list: rebecca.boris@sheridan.k12.or.us

Twice a year this team also works with Capital Dental to provide students with sealants and basic dental exams. 48 sealants were placed this spring alone, with 2 students referred for further evaluation, however no students were identified with urgent needs, showing that these ongoing programs are working for our students. The “Tooth Taxi” is scheduled to visit again this Fall (September 21-24), and will offer full dental
exams, fillings, cleanings, procedures.

I am grateful for the work of our Health Services team and their commitment to the health of our students.

School districts across the state are facing serious budget gaps for the coming school year, and Sheridan Schools are no different. Our district expects a shortfall of at least $650,000 for the 2026–27 school year. This gap represents difficult decisions we will have to make in the coming weeks that will impact every student, family, and staff member. I am sharing this information as part of my commitment to being open and honest with our community.

Click this link to review a document that provides a picture of our budget situation.

Two main issues are causing this gap: fewer students and inadequate state funding. Oregon provides school funding based on student enrollment. The state’s Quality Education Model (QEM), shows how much funding schools need to provide a strong education, however the model has never been fully funded and schools are left each year to creatively fill the gaps. At the same time, our district is seeing fewer students. When enrollment drops, our funding drops too. Each student that leaves the District means about $11,767 less per year. On top of this, we are also facing rising costs, including utilities and fuel, in addition to salaries, benefits, and state-required expenses.
Over the past few weeks we have carefully reviewed our budget, including staffing and programs. We have already made the challenging decision that five teaching positions will not continue next year. Three of these changes were voluntary, and two were very difficult decisions involving valued staff members.

The formal 2026-27 budget season begins with the first Budget Committee meeting on April 27. As part of that process we will continue to look at additional areas to reduce costs. The Budget Committee currently has one opening for a three-year term and we welcome applications from members of our community who wish to be a part of this important process. Sheridan Schools remains committed to core values that center around our students and the factors that impact their ability to be at school each day, ready to learn. We will continue to prioritize academic growth by our students and to build relationships with the parents, caregivers and community members that support their growth. Our commitment is to be transparent, to responsibly steward the resources entrusted to us, and to keep students at the center of every choice. We will continue to share information as the budget process moves forward. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly: dorie.vickery@sheridan.k12.or.us
Those interested in serving on the Budget Committee can find more information at:
www.sheridan.k12.or.us/school-board/budget-committee/

Dear Sheridan Residents,
Sheridan Schools values the partnership between our schools and the parents/caregivers of our students!
There are two important opportunities available to you to impact your child’s education in the coming week:
A link for the “Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey” was sent out via Parent Square on Monday, April 6, and will remain open through Monday, April 20.
The survey is sent to three separate groups: Parents/Caregivers, Teachers/Staff and Students. Collectively the data received from all three surveys is used for strategic planning and serves as a tool to gauge what Sheridan Schools are doing well and what areas need improvement in the future. The District Leadership Team, which consists of building administrators, district staff and other key staff members, will spend time reviewing your feedback, noting practices that should remain in place for the next year, and starting conversations about changes to practices that are not working well.The information you provide is taken very seriously. Based on survey results last fall teachers were prompted to provide more positive feedback regarding what students were doing well throughout this year and significant increases have been reported in areas that include, “…my child’s learning is a high priority at this school” and “I believe school rules are enforced consistently at this school” after they were targeted focus areas for prior years. All survey responses are anonymous and no effort is made to identify individual responders.

Also, don’t forget Spring Conferences next week!
Thursday, April 16 | 11:30-7pm (Dinner break from 5-5:30pm)
Friday, April 17 | 8:30-2pm (Lunch break from 11:30-Noon)
**There is no school on Thursday, April 16th and 17th**
I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to influence your students’ educational environment, and encourage other parents and caregivers to participate as well.

Dear Sheridan Residents,
When students return from spring break next week we will start the fast-paced march through the final weeks of the 2025-26 academic year. Although it seems like a long time, April and May
seem to fly by every year!
The events that mark the end of the year are very important to our students. When families and community members show up for school events, it sends a powerful message to students: you matter.
Whether it’s sitting down for a conference, applauding at a spring concert, or celebrating at graduation, these moments tell students they are seen and valued beyond the classroom. When friends and family attend events it builds confidence and motivation and helps students take pride in their work. Students that know an adult is invested in their lives experience more academic success and emotional well-being.
When families, educators, and community members engage side by side, it creates a supportive network that enriches the educational experience and builds a culture where students feel encouraged and celebrated.
Please mark these events on your calendar now as we plan to support our students and celebrate their successes!

• Spring Conferences: April 16 & 17
• Kinder Round-up: May 1 (AM session 9-10:30 / PM session Noon-1:30)
• Senior Awards Night: May 14 @ 6pm
• FCS 2nd & 3rd Grade musical: May 21 @ 5pm
• FCS Concert (Other grades): To be announced.
• Sheridan FFA Banquet: To be announced.
• SHS Band/Choir: May 27 @ 6:30
• Graduation: June 6 @ 2pm
• 8th Grade Promotion: June 8 @ 7pm

Over the past several months we have continued to move forward with the Bond work that was approved by voters last spring. We are very excited to share that the first three projects are now scheduled for THIS summer:

• SHS parking lot repairs and repaving
• SHS exterior lighting
• SHS roof repairs

Work on these three projects will begin June 22, following Hometown Days on June 20. These three projects were selected based on careful consideration of multiple factors including:

• Little (or no) permitting required
• No need for internal stakeholder meetings
• Availability of materials
• No overlap with other projects that would cause work to be redone when other bond projects are completed
• Community Impact

The rest of the Bond-related projects are scheduled to be completed in Summer 2027. Those projects are currently going through a scope and scaling process that allows us to understand the work that needs to be done at a deeper level, and develop a more accurate picture of the financial impact. In some cases specific projects may have to be scaled back based on updated costs, in order to remain in budget.

Work on these projects over the next year includes:

• County & City Permitting
• Architectural & Engineering Assessments and Design
• Stakeholder meetings with teachers and staff who use specific spaces to ensure designs meet functional needs.
• Ordering for items with extended lead-times
• Scheduling-out our 2027 work on the calendars of our ideal contractors

This timeline allows us to meet our goal of moving as quickly as possible to deliver quality work for our students at the lowest possible cost to our community. We are very excited to start delivering on our promises to voters and to keep you informed on the progress of these projects.

Classified staff are the steady heartbeat of Sheridan Schools. While teachers and administrators often receive the most visible recognition, our schools simply could not function without these dedicated professionals working behind the scenes every day to feed, support and communicate with our students and families. Classified employees who keep our schools running smoothly include instructional assistants, office staff, librarians, custodians, nutrition services workers, health and medication support, and many others.

Members of the Nutritional team are the first to arrive each morning at 5 A.M. to ensure each student has access to a delicious breakfast and lunch that also meets their nutritional needs.

Custodians arrive at 5:30 and 6 A.M., to make sure buildings are safe, clean and ready for the day.

Instructional assistants help students succeed in classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds by building trusting relationships, especially those who need extra support, encouragement, or stability.

Throughout the buildings classified employees also serve in various other supportive roles. They can be found in the front offices of each building, on the playground or dispensing items ranging from ice packs and bandages to the books in the library. Employees in these roles create a critical connection between students, families and schools, greeting students and guests each morning, answering calls and assisting teachers.

Together, these employees create the structure and environment that allows educators to focus on teaching.

Recognizing and supporting classified staff is essential to strengthening Sheridan schools. Their work is not secondary—it is foundational. When classified employees are valued, students thrive, schools operate effectively, and our community grows stronger.

March 2-6 is Classified School Employees week and I hope you will join me next week in taking every opportunity to thank each of them for their service and work for students, and for the future of Sheridan.

In June 2021 Sheridan School District was awarded state Lottery funds to purchase property for the development of a regional Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) that would serve students from rural districts throughout Yamhill and Polk counties. Since that time equipment and resources have been purchased through grants and donations in support of four potential pathway programs: Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Fire Science/EMT, and Diesel Tech & Truck Driving.

Although the vision for a dedicated center remains, organizers are currently shifting focus to a regional model that will house purchased equipment and curriculum in existing classrooms and educational spaces throughout participating districts. This model will create opportunities for students in rural communities to immediately begin exploring hands-on career learning instead of waiting for the construction of a permanent facility.

The regional model will maintain momentum for the project, allow visible progress to continue, and ensure that students have access to all purchased equipment rather than sitting in storage. Access to classes will strengthen recruitment efforts and build interest in rural career pathway programs for students, industry leaders, and potential funders. Once construction of a permanent BRCTEC building is complete, all purchased equipment and curriculum will move into the center and become part of the permanent program.

The vision for the Barbara Roberts CTEC remains the same: Create a thriving future for rural Yamhill and Polk County students by preparing them for high-skill, high-wage technical careers using strong partnerships with local industry leaders to align workforce needs with pathway programs that inspire interest in education, equip students with relevant technical skills, and generate growth in our rural communities.

Although the full pathway programs will take longer to develop, the proposed changes will shorten the timeline for students to start engaging in hands-on instruction. With the regional model we hope to have learning opportunities available this fall in manufacturing, truck driving and fire science. We are very excited to see students engaging in these areas in the coming year!

The Nutrition Services team works hard in our schools to make sure meals are about more than just filling trays –  they are designed to make sure every student is fueled up and ready to learn. 

Sheridan Schools offer two meals, breakfast and lunch, to students each day. Breakfast is offered to most grades after the first bell to ensure as many students as possible are able to eat.

Although monthly menus are designed and managed by our food services team, they must follow strict rules set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For a meal to be received at no cost it must include five components: fruits, vegetables, grains, meat (or a meat alternative like beans), and milk. At least 1/2 cup of a fruit or vegetable must be on the student’s tray for the meal to be complete. 

Working within regulations that include the number of times specific colors of vegetables must be served each week, our Nutrition team finds creative ways to get students excited about healthy eating.

SHS recently introduced an iced latte option and they are seeing more students get breakfast and then socialize (now without their phones!) in the cafeteria each morning. The Nutrition team at Faulconer-Chapman adopted a cow, Ginger, and posts regular updates from her caretakers at the OSU Dairy Center in the cafeteria in order to help students connect more with their food sources. 

Members of the food services team also incorporate holidays and themes when crafting menus. Past menus have included rainbow carrots and a variety of green foods on St. Patrick’s Day, as well as orange/black/purple foods on Halloween. Teams also seek out less common fruits and vegetables, such as Dragon Fruit or Jicama, to add variety and allow students to explore new options.

More information on food services standards can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/schoolmeals/nutrition-standards

For questions regarding Nutrition Services in Sheridan Schools, please contact Jenn Vesper / jennifer.vesper@sheridan.k12.or.us.

When SHS students return to the school this week they will have access to two updated spaces that were rolled out just before the Winter Break: an updated weight room and a “Care Closet” that is available to all students.

Both of these projects were led by OHSU nursing students who have been working in Sheridan Schools as part of their internship programs and both started with surveys of current SHS students. Based on student feedback, the updated weight room now features a new stereo, shatterproof mirrors, a PR chalkboard and the entire space has been thoroughly cleaned and organized. The walls feature quotes from two Olympic athletes: Dave Johnson and Joni Huntley, who worked for or attended Sheridan High School, as a reminder that the future holds many possibilities for our students.

A second survey regarding a Care Closet asked students what they would like to have available to them on a day-to-day basis, as needed. Per their requests, basic hygiene items such as shampoo, body wash, lip balm, combs, menstrual products, and some clothing have been obtained and organized for their use. Our interns also spent a week promoting the updated Care Closet, to make sure students are aware of everything that is available, and posters have been added throughout the high school to bring awareness to the closet.

Updates like these are important to building a positive culture in our schools. Changes that reflect student feedback help build school pride, which in turn builds connection, confidence and a sense of belonging that can transform our schools from classes and buildings into a supportive community. Students who take pride in their school see increases in their academic achievement and feel more ownership of their surrounding environment.

I want to thank OHSU interns Erika, Tolo, Sydonna and Miranda for their work, as well as our own Rebecca Boris, Sheridan School District Nurse, for her guidance and leadership on these projects. Thanks also to all of the SHS students who provided feedback, time and support on the various aspects of these projects. Go Spartans!

The Christmas week is finally here!

Students are home for winter break and as I reflect on the past year one of the brightest spots for me as Superintendent has been the work of our Care Team, which I’ve shared in prior articles, and the ongoing impact of our Community Care Fund.

The Sheridan Schools Community Care Fund exists to meet some of the most basic needs for our students and families, such as clothing, household essentials, school resources and holiday support. It was established during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained active through the generosity of local businesses and community members as a way to meet the emotional and physical needs of many students. 

Every day our teachers and staff see students with needs that extend beyond the classroom and the Community Care Fund has become a place where they can access sweatshirts, socks, hygiene items, and other necessities. In past years, we have also helped provide Christmas gifts to students who missed deadlines for community giving programs, supplied groceries to families facing food insecurity, distributed coats, and restocked our school’s clothing room. Our team meets weekly to identify students who are struggling emotionally, or with the abrupt changes in their lives, to identify how they can best be supported.

Local businesses and individuals have continued to support this fund, offering generous donations that allow us to provide clothing, cleaning supplies, care baskets for families experiencing loss, reading glasses, groceries, and other essential items. We are grateful to them every time we are able to offer a coat, socks, shoes or other items to a student. 

Thank you to everyone in our community who has supported Sheridan students this year, whether financially, by donating items, or simply getting your child to school. Together we are better!

P.S.~  A quick reminder from our partner organization, Churches United for West Valley, that they will be serving Christmas dinner at the Sheridan Methodist Church on Christmas Day at 1pm for sit-down meals, and 2pm for take-out.

Working alongside children and families everyday gives educators a deep appreciation for locally-available healthcare resources. Travel to McMinnville can be a barrier to getting the care families need and those who can easily travel are often faced with shortages of providers and long wait-times for appointments.

Over the past few months we have been happy to welcome Virginia Garcia Medical Center to Sheridan and to promote the services they are bringing to our community. Primary care, close to where our families live and work, ensures that essential treatment is accessible regardless of financial status or location. The Sheridan clinic treats patients of all ages in Sheridan, Willamina, and the surrounding areas.

The new clinic, which opened on Jefferson Street (across from the high school tennis courts) in October, currently provides primary care with long-term plans to add additional services as well. Until additional services can be permanently established at the new location, VGMHC will offer services through their mobile medical vans.

On Wednesday, December 17 they are coordinating with Yamhill County Public Health to offer both dental services and a vaccine clinic on the same day:

• Virginia Garcia Dental Van: December 17, 8am-5pm will offer Exams, Radiographs, Fluoride, Cleanings, Fillings, and simple Extractions. Appointments call: 503-883-4860
• Flu Shot Clinic: December 17, 10am-2pm at Sheridan High School Main Gym in the concessions area. No appointments needed.

Thank you to our local providers who have taken an interest in the health of our community!

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Sheridan Schools are committed to making the holidays a festive time for all of our students and families. As we enter the holiday season, it’s a great time to remember there are a number of organizations who share this mission and are working hard to make the season bright for everyone, whether you want to help or need some extra support.

• Holiday Food Boxes – Contact your local food bank if you need to receive a food box. Churches United for West Valley is collecting donations from those wishing to help cover costs, $25 covers the cost of one box.
• Sheridan Tree of Giving – pick up a gift tag at any of the following locations: Mercantile, Sheridan Pharmacy, First Federal Bank.
• Coat Drive – Various locations around town are collecting new coats through December 1 for students in West Valley.
• Wrapping Paper – Sheridan Methodist Church is collecting wrapping paper to wrap donated gifts.

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the following holiday concerts:

• SHS Choir/Band Concert: Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30pm
• FCS Elementary Christmas Concert: Wednesday, December 17 at 5pm
• FCS Middle School Christmas Concert: Thursday, December 18 at 6pm All are free and open to the public.

Sheridan Schools will be closed for the holidays on the following days:

• Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28
• Christmas Break: Monday, December 23 to Friday, January 3 Wishing you all a safe and happy Holiday Season,