Name suggestions sought for new Bend elementary school

Bend community members and interested individuals are invited to suggest potential names for Bend-La Pine Schools’ newest school – an elementary school slated to open in the fall of 2019 in north-central Bend.

To suggest a name, interested individuals can fill out an online survey available here. The survey will remain open through Sunday, Oct. 21.

The naming committee will review all suggested names and provide a short list of recommendations in December to the Bend-La Pine School Board, which will ultimately select the name for the new school.

“I am excited to hear ideas from community members and to collaborate with staff and families throughout this process,” said Kevin Gehrig, planning principal at the new school.

The suggested names should come from the following categories:

People: Names of distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community and education, who have demonstrated leadership in fields of education, arts and sciences, or public service, or who reflect the history and character of the community. Names to be considered are of persons or group of persons who have been deceased at least five years. Places: Names of recognized historical and geological landmarks or areas, geographic points of interest, or reflect national, state or local history. Themes: Thematic names which reflect the cultural and historical character of the community, or names which reference the indigenous and characteristic flora and fauna.

The new 600-seat elementary school is currently under construction in north central Bend at the corner of O.B. Riley and Cooley roads.

The more than 70,000-square-foot energy-efficient school is modeled on the architectural design for Silver Rail Elementary School, which opened in 2015. It is a two-story design with 24 classrooms, an open commons/cafeteria area, a dedicated gym and collaborative spaces for instruction.

Once open, this new elementary school will become home to students currently enrolled at nearby schools, which are experiencing overcrowding issues and classroom shortages.

Additionally, the opening of the new school will help balance enrollment at all elementary in Bend that are currently near or over capacity, thanks to an attendance area adjustment process that is getting underway.