Bend-La Pine Schools celebrate College Day on Thursday

Classrooms, playgrounds and hallways throughout Bend-La Pine Schools will be bursting with school spirit as thousands of students and staff members wear the colors of their favorite college or university during the district’s annual College Day onThursday.

“College Day is a fun, interactive way for staff members to share their enthusiasm for higher education,” said Superintendent Shay MIkalson. “It’s never too early to get students excited about the idea of post-secondary education. This is one very visible way our staff members can encourage students to think about higher education or training.”

Within two years of graduation, 68 percent of Bend-La Pine Schools graduates go on to post-secondary education or training.

During College Day, all staff members in Bend-La Pine Schools are encouraged to wear gear from their alma mater, favorite school or the college their children attend — including the University of Oregon, Oregon State, Harvard, Oregon Institute of Technology, Stanford, Central Oregon Community College and so many more.

Mikalson noted he will be wearing gear from his alma mater — the University of Washington. “We look forward to this day each year, as it is a fun way to convey a serious message. We hope to plant the seed in the minds of our students and encourage them to continue their education beyond high school.”

In addition, visitors to our elementary school cafeterias are likely to see plenty of college spirit decorating the walls around each school’s kitchen. Nutrition Services staff members are hosting a coloring contest for students and awarding 12 students at each school black insulated water bottles.