New Bend middle school’s name: Pacific Crest
The Bend-La Pine School Board unanimously chose Pacific Crest as the name for the new Bend middle school Tuesday night.
The name was chosen from a list of six finalist names, which also included: Bachelor Butte, Bridge Creek, Deschutes River, Manzanita and Discovery.
The new school is slated to open in the fall, near William E. Miller Elementary School and Summit High School in Bend.
“The name Pacific Crest captures and reflects the culture we intend to build at the new school,” said Planning Principal Chris Boyd. “The Pacific Crest Trail is local, but it also extends beyond our immediate geographic area. Students at our school will focus on subjects close to home as well as topics and events that shape the larger community and world.”
NewsChannel 21’s Emily Kirk will have more on the selection and school board meeting at 10 on Fox and 11 on NBC.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Ron Wilkinson and members of the district’s elementary school naming committee invited the community Tuesday to help name Bend-La Pine Schools’ next elementary school.
The committee launched an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ESNaming2015 to gather suggested names. The survey will be open through January 30.
Names of ‘persons’ should reflect distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community and education. Additionally, the person must be at least five years out of their career or have been deceased at least five years.
Names of ‘places’ should recognize historical and geological landmarks, or areas, and ‘theme’ names should reflect the character of the community or identify it by reference to indigenous and characteristic flora and fauna.
The naming committee will consider all suggestions and forward a list of finalists to the superintendent in early February. A short list of names will be brought before the school board in February for discussion and public input.
The 600-seat elementary school is under construction and is scheduled to open in the fall. The new school will be located south of Reed Market Road and west of American Lane in Bend.
