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M.A. Lynch Elementary School

Home of the Lion Cubs

Check out the April Lynch ROAR

Posted Date: 04/01/26 (01:52 PM)



 

A red background with the words 'M.A. Lynch ROAR' in black.
April 2026
 

Principal’s Message

Welcome to The Pride~

What an exciting time of year! As we head into April, our school community is buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. Over these final months of the school year, we have such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable growth we're witnessing in our students—both as learners and as people. Every single day, our educators see incremental progress that reminds us why we do this work. This month, we're focusing on reteaching and reinforcing key skills to help every student finish the year strong.

This month, we're celebrating Perseverance—a character trait that perfectly captures the spirit of April at Lynch! Our students in grades 3–5 will be taking the Oregon State Assessment (OSAS), starting this month with the English Language Arts test, followed by the Math test in May. These assessments give us valuable insights into how our students are progressing in reading, writing, and math. The results help us understand student learning at each grade level and contribute to our school report card—information that's gathered from schools across Oregon to track progress toward high school success.

We're thrilled to announce that field trips are happening throughout the spring! These experiences bring classroom learning to life and create meaningful memories. If you're interested in joining us on a field trip, we'd love to have you! Please note: All approved family volunteers must complete a background check, and forms should be submitted at least two weeks before the trip to ensure the process is completed smoothly. This requirement helps us keep our students safe both at school and on all our adventures together.

When we return our Spring Expectations Expedition happening on Wednesday, April 1st, is where we celebrate our school values: ROARS — Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility, and Safety.

We're so grateful for your partnership as we make April a month of growth, perseverance, and celebration.

With gratitude and pride,

Chris Wyland

M.A. Lynch Principal 

Upcoming Events/Menus


4/3-Nat’l School Librarian Day

4/13- PTO Meeting 4:30 pm

4/17- PTO 90’s Theme Dance 6-8pm

4/17-EGMS 5th gr Family Night at EGMS (6-7pm)

4/20 -Volunteer Appreciation Day

4/22-Nat’l Admin. Assistant Day

4/23-Student Store

4/28-4/30-ODS-Washington Family Ranch (5th grade)

4/30-Spirit Day (superhero)


ACCESS OUR BREAKFAST/LUNCH MENUS HERE 


Meet the Counselor
Hello Everyone!

I wanted to take this opportunity to share that I am officially back from maternity leave (obligatory photo of my chunky baby attached here!) and I am so excited to serve the students and families at MA Lynch for the remainder of the school year and beyond. Moving forward, I am here for individual check ins, guidance lessons, lunch bunches, 504 plans and more. If you need anything from me or would like to connect about your student, please do not hesitate to reach out to me! 

Thank you for all of the well wishes, patience and support while I was away and once again I am so excited to be back with my MA Lynch Family!
Colunselor and baby
News from Nurse Debbie

School nurse

Parent/Guardians,

There have been recent cases of pediculosis/head lice in the Redmond School District. Lice are mainly spread through head-to-head contact and most easily passed amongst siblings and in close friend groups, keeping long hair pulled back is a great preventative measure. It is also a good idea to talk to your child about not sharing hats, coats, sweatshirts, brushes, combs, etc.

The signs and symptoms of head lice include persistent itching of the head and back of the neck, infected scratches or a rash on the scalp, and most importantly nits- tiny tear-drop shaped whitish eggs which are firmly attached to an individual hair shaft.

Please check your child’s head regularly during the school year as a case of head lice caught early is much easier to treat!  If you discover lice, notify the school office right away and let your student know to keep their coats, hats, hair ties, combs / brushes, etc. to themselves. 

The RSD nurses in each building pay attention to individual lice cases to watch for outbreak situations. We work with families to educate and offer financial assistance as needed through FAN (Family Access Network). There have been a few cases where students have had lice and been treated at home without informing the school. If we are not aware of the cases we are unable to address the schoolwide impact. 

If your student presents with signs of lice while at school a confidential screening by designated trained staff will be performed. Children with live lice or nits do not need to leave school early, but should be treated before returning to school. The parent/guardian will be informed by the school nurse or the school office. Before your student returns to school please use a lice treatment product and clean the home or homes. Once your child is treated and all live lice have been removed, you are asked to bring your child to the office on the day they return to the school building to be screened by a designated trained staff member before returning to the classroom. 

Redmond School District follows the suggested school measures for head lice provided in Communicable Disease Guidance for Schools issued by the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority. 

The following information will be helpful regarding lice facts, care and treatment.

Head Lice Facts

Head Lice Care

Head Lice Treatment

Contact your School Nurse with any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Debbie Willitts BSN, RN

School Nurse





Meet our new Nutrition Educator 

Paige Welsh-New Nutrition Educator

My name is Paige, I’m the Nutrition Educator for M.A. Lynch Elementary and Tumalo Community School. I come from a Montessori background, am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and have worked in nonprofit and health clinic settings across Central Oregon.

This winter, students participated in the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) through our weekly Tasty Tuesday tastings. They sampled a wide variety of produce, including jicama, raspberries, arugula, kiwi, pineapple, watermelon, pomelo, celery, cherries, cantaloupe, mini bell peppers, cucumber, radish, dragon fruit, cotton candy grapes, and honey grapes.


This March, students participated in the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) through our weekly Tasty Tuesday tastings. All students had the opportunity to mindfully try a variety of fresh produce, including pineapple, watermelon, mangoes, sweet peppers, grapefruit, strawberries, lemonade apples, rainbow carrots, sugar snap peas, and lemon plums.

These tastings continue to support nutrition education by encouraging food exploration, self-awareness, and positive relationships with food. By engaging all five senses, students build confidence, develop an appreciation for fresh foods, and strengthen lifelong healthy habits.

In addition to FFVP, we conducted another cafeteria waste audit following the introduction of new fruit and vegetable “marketing” strategies. During one lunch period, with students observing, we measured fruit, vegetable, and milk waste, as well as overall consumption. After implementing new posters and veggie of the month promotional techniques in the cafeteria, we saw a 21% increase per student in vegetable consumption compared to last month and a decrease in vegetable and milk waste.

With spring just around the corner, we are beginning to prepare the school garden for the growing season. Students will be helping clean up garden beds and get everything ready for planting after spring break.

If you would like more information about the school garden, the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program, or ways to support nutrition and garden education at our school, please feel free to reach out!


Children sit at lunch tables in a school cafeteria, with some eating and others holding food.
Three smiling boys stand on a paved outdoor court, each holding a strawberry.
A young girl smiles while holding a baby carrot next to a person in a large carrot costume.Paige Welsh
Nutrition Educator
Tumalo/Lynch
Redmond School District 
651-252-8939 | 
paige.welsh@redmondschools.org



News from the Lynch Library


The library has a fundraising campaign that will last the entire year. 100% of funds raised go to putting new books on our shelves. 
Library Wish List

Meet our FAN Advocate

The Family Access Network logo features the letters FAN in a black box with a blue accent.

Welcome  Families:
Want to get your student in a summer sport or activity but fees are too high? Having difficulty navigating the scholarship options? Feel free to reach out to me and we can go over ways to get your student in the activity that they're wanting to do! 

Every Friday in Redmond there is the Neighbor Impact Mobile Food Pantry which rotates locations between Redmond High, Ridgeview HS, and American Legion Park
If you are unable to access these pantries for any reason, please reach out to me for the possibility of more resources. 


Potential food resources via FAN - I may have additional resources that I can offer.  Please reach out to me if you are in need of additional resources. 

As always, I can be reached via email at jordan.chandler@redmondschools.org or by call/text at 541-699-8849
 
 
NeighborImpact Headstart
The NeighborImpact logo features a stylized yellow flower and text on a white background.
NeighborImpact Lynch Head Start (ages 3-5) are always very busy bees learning and playing; we love hearing the sounds of those little voices in the classroom. Currently, we are learning all about pets. If you know anyone looking for preschool, encourage them to check out Neighborimpact.org and fill out an application for Head Start. 
 
Zoe Tschanz
Lynch Site Coordinator
541-410-6908
Mosaic Community Health
      
Mosaic Community Health logo with contact information and social media icons.                                               
The Lynch School Based Health Center is an independent pediatric health center located on the grounds of M.A. Lynch Elementary. The Lynch School Based Health Center will see any patients between the ages of 0 – 18 years regardless of their enrollment status in school or ability to pay. The Lynch School Based Health Center provides services such as Annual Well Visits, Immunizations, Illness and injury diagnosis and treatment, ADHD evaluations and follow-ups, and Specialty referrals. The Lynch School Based Health Center does NOT provide crisis services and suicide intervention or contraceptives/ birth control.
 
The School-Based Health Center (SBHC) is open and here to support your child’s health needs during the following hours:
Mosaic’s hours:
Monday 8am-5pm
Tuesday 8am-5pm
Wednesday closed
Thursday 9am-6pm
Friday 8am-5pm
April Health Update: Supporting Students This Spring
As we head into April, it’s a great time to reset routines, get outside, and focus on overall wellness. The School-Based Health Center is here to support your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health as we move into the busy spring season!
🌼 Spring Wellness Tips
  • Get outside daily: Longer days mean more opportunities for fresh air and movement. Even 20–30 minutes outside can boost mood and focus.
  • Prioritize sleep: With changing schedules and more daylight, keeping a consistent bedtime helps students stay rested and ready to learn.
  • Stay hydrated: Warmer weather means kids need more water throughout the day.
  • Watch for seasonal allergies: If your child is experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion, we can help manage symptoms.
For appointments, please contact Mosaic at 541-383-3005 and ask to be scheduled at the Lynch School-Based Health Center.
Wishing your family a healthy, happy spring!
 Thank you. 
Ali Trueblood Barrett
Outreach Coordinator - School Based Health Centers
Phone: 541-383-3005
Fax: 541-383-1883
Website - www.MosaicCH.org
Bend - Redmond - Madras - Prineville
PTO - Lynch Lion Pride


 Hello Lynch Family! 

This Parent/Teacher Organization, also known as the “Lynch Lion Pride,” stays busy volunteering at the school for various tasks and is throwing a fun event for the whole family!  April 17th 6-8 pm there will be food trucks, photo booth, and a 90’s THEME DANCE.  $5 per person or $20 per family, plus extras for photos and food. We love having a good time with our MA Lynch Family and hope you can come! Follow our Social Media for more details and other fun events we provide: Facebook/Instagram Lynch Lion Pride


 

We continue to welcome volunteers for a variety of school events to help out and stay involved. Notify us through our email lynchlionpride@gmail.com.

     

      

90's dance party
   
We still have Papa Murphy cards available. If you would like to purchase, plea  se email us at lynchlionpride@gmail.com


Champions
The Champions logo features the word 'CHAMPIONS' in white on an orange rectangle.

 
Hello from your local Champions!
 
Before and After School is here for your family! We would like to welcome you to our curriculum-based program that pairs up with your child's school to ensure improvements in their learning and emotional growth. We provide care for students (k-5th) throughout the year and even during the holiday breaks. Students will gain skills in Problem Solving, Creativity, Construction, Science and Conflict Resolution themed activities. We also love to host parties to celebrate their improvements and community culture. Come do a walk through and meet our Champions! 

Phone: 541.527.9710.
Spanish Family Hotline: 800.246.2154





Yearbooks are Coming

The online portal to order yearbooks is now open.  You can either order your child's yearbook online or pay with the form in person.  Order forms are coming home this week.  We have only ordered 125 copies so supplies are limited. Make sure to place your order to reserve your yearbook now.  Yearbooks will be handed out the last week of school.

A flyer for Lynch Elementary yearbooks with ordering information and a deadline of April 30, 2026.
Kindergarten 2026

  If you or anyone you know has a child that will be 5 years old by September 1st, 2026-online registration is now open.  Please plan on joining us for our Welcome to Kindergartend event on May 6th from 4-5pm. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our office at 541.923.4876

Kindergarten Welcome Event

Redmond Pre-K Information

Thank you for inquiring about PreKindergarten opportunities for your child. The Redmond School District has 2 PreK programs - one at Tumalo Community School and a Title 1A PreK at Hugh Hartman Elementary. If you live within the school boundary of Tumalo or are interested in learning more about their program, please contact that school directly (541-382-2853).  


The Title 1A PreK is a federally funded program for 4 year olds (by Sept. 1) who qualify based on literacy, behavior, and development screenings. This program prioritizes students who need additional support gaining Kindergarten readiness skills. Screening is mandatory and the screening will begin in May. For further information, please email Cheryl Casey at Cheryl.Casey@RedmondSchools.org .   

 

The High Desert ESD has PreK programs at locations in Redmond. You can find information about those programs at the following Typical Peer Program | High Desert Education Service District .  


Other agencies include:


En Español:

Gracias por solicitar información sobre las oportunidades de Pre-Kindergarten de su hijo. El Distrito Escolar de Redmond tiene 2 programas de Pre-K - uno en la Escuela de la Comunidad de Tumalo y un título 1A Pre-K en Hugh Hartman Elementary. Si usted vive dentro de los limites escolares de Tumalo y esta interasado en aprender mas sobre los programas, comuniquese directamente con esta escuela (541-382-2853).

  

El Título 1A Pre-K es un programa de fondos federales para  los niños de 4 años de edad cumplidos (para el 1 de septiembre) y que califican basado en la alfabetización y los inspectores de principios saludables. Este programa da prioridad a los estudiantes que necesitan apoyo adicional para adquirir habilidades para el kindergarten. La evaluación es obligatoria y el evento de evaluación comenzará en mayo.

Para más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Cheryl Casey at Cheryl.Casey@RedmondSchools.org


High Desert ESD tiene programas de Pre-K. Usted puede encontrar información sobre estos programas en la siguiente pagina Typical Peer Program | High Desert Education Service District  


Otras agencias incluyen:



Student Store
Check out the next date for the Lynch Student Store April 23rd

      lynch lion store


Spirit Day
Thursday, April 30th is our next Spirit Day.  It is Superhero Day!!
Superhero Day
Central Oregon Job Fair
  Central Oregon Educator Job Fair – April 14, 2026

The High Desert Education Service District is hosting the Central Oregon Educator Job Fair on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 2:00–5:30 p.m. at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center (Middle Sister Building) in Redmond.

This free event connects educators and school staff with district leaders from across Central Oregon. Attendees can learn about current openings, meet hiring teams, and may even participate in pre-screening or full interviews on-site. Positions include math and special education teachers, counselors, speech language pathologists, dual immersion/bilingual educators, and more.
There is no cost to attend, but participants are encouraged to register in advance at hdesd.org so their resumes can be shared with hiring districts prior to the event.
For more information, contact debi.brazelton@hdesd.org or kristen.johns@hdesd.org.
Kitchen Substitutes Needed
Nutrition Subs

Volunteering at Lynch
Volunteer
There are always opportunities to be able to volunteer at Lynch.  Throughout the year we hold family events, field trips, laminating and class project prep, just to name a few.  If you would like to volunteer, please follow these simple steps.
  1.  Fill out the Volunteer Application through Redmond School District.  
If applicants need additional information or assistance, please call Bchex a BIB Company at 704-439-3900 or contact Mel.McCabe@redmondschools.org
  2.  Let your child's teacher know you have been cleared (you will receive an email) and would like to help
  3.  Contact our Lynch Lion Pride to help with PTO sponsored events.




[Thursday, Apr 2 at 11:27 AM]