‘The Long Blue Line’: Bend Senior High students start school year in revamped campus

(Update: adding comments from principal)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Senior High School students began the new school year inside the newly completed first phase of the school’s campus replacement.

The voter-approved project brings open learning spaces, natural light, modern technology, and classrooms designed for their intended subjects—including new science facilities.

“These spaces are conducive to learning and are the learning environment that our staff and students deserve,” Principal Christopher Reese said. “In the old building, we were in science classrooms that were never designed to be science classrooms. Now, these science classrooms are better than I had in college.”

The design also incorporates details honoring Bend High’s history. The school traces its roots to 1904, when classes were held in a log cabin near what is now Drake Park.

That connection between generations is represented by what the school calls the “Long Blue Line.”

“Our current students are a part of that long blue line. Past generations are a part of that long blue line,” Reese said. “The long blue line also represents the future.”

Construction is far from finished. Phase Two will add new gymnasiums and an auditorium, but the work will create temporary challenges. Reese said the school expects to spend about a year without a gym and two years without an auditorium, requiring staff and students to find creative alternatives for athletics, assemblies, and other events.

“If all of this construction has taught me one thing, it’s patience, flexibility, and kindness,” Reese said. “We might have to change direction, and we’re okay with that.”

Reese said the school is keeping its focus on the completed campus, expected in about two years.

“When it’s all said and done, our community, our current students, and our staff are going to have something to behold,” Reese said.