Last year, when students at Welches Middle and Elementary Schools returned
to class in the fall they encountered numerous changes, including a single
point of entry at the elementary school building.

This fall, there are not as many changes for the upcoming school year, but the
upgrades to the school’s entrance can’t be missed.

Upon entering the elementary school, a new set of doors will be installed to
the left (unlocked during student arrival time and locked at other times), while
the wall at the entrance will be extended to channel visitors to the school
office and block off access to the school’s multi-purpose room.

The office will feature a new set of double doors and a new service window
replacing an old glass window, to allow parents to perform basic interactions,
such as dropping off notes or lunch money and turning in paperwork, without
entering the office.

Visitors and volunteers will be “buzzed in” by the school secretary.

“It’ll change the feel of the building,” said Kendra Payne, principal for both
schools, adding that it will also help traffic flow. “It’s been such a wide open
space, but it’s going to be so much more secure.”

Another very noticeable change is new fencing around the buildings where an
old fence previously enclosed only part of the playground and stood four-feet
high.

Now, a six-foot high fence completely encloses the playground, featuring
smaller holes that do not allow for a foothold.

In addition, a 10-foot wide gate was included to allow access to the school’s
fields and for fire drills. And while the gate will be automatically locked during
the school day, it will be unlocked after 4 p.m. to allow for public access of the
playground.

In the classroom, Payne noted a new media specialist will work with all the
schools in the Oregon Trail School District on technology instruction, including
computer skills, typing and internet research.

Payne also added a homeroom period to the middle school schedule, with a
plan of including more monthly activities and friendly competitions between
the different homerooms.

Payne also made small changes in the elementary school literacy block so it is
not interrupted by recess or other conflicts.

“I think it is a little bit of an easier year,” Payne said, noting it was more
“maintaining and fine tuning” rather than larger changes.

A new program this year will allow parents and other community members to
help improve the technology at the schools.

As part of the “Click.Buy.Help” program, shoppers can access links to websites
for Amazon, Target and Old Navy, where their purchases will include
donations to the school that will be used to upgrade technology.

“The more people use (and) buy on the site, the more positive impact it will
have on the school,” Payne said.

Additional online vendors can be added as requested by shoppers.
For more information, or to access the shopping links, visit
oregontrailschools.com.