Northwest Regional Education Service District
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See How This Year's Legislative Session Will Affect Schools in Our Region
The legislature adjourned on the afternoon of March 6, 2026. This summary provides a snapshot of Northwest Regional Education Service District’s work during the 2026 session.
03/11/2026 5:35 PM
No New Educator Should Go It Alone: Mentors Take Educators From Surviving to Thriving
The chocolate milk dripped off the table, and Crosby jumped back. But it was too late. The milk covered the front of his blue cargo pants, and he immediately cried out in distress. “The chocolate milk is all over my pants,” he said. “I need new pants, Miss Summer.”
03/10/2026 4:31 PM
Students Dream Big. Our Workforce Development Team Is Building the System to Match.
We recently sat down with Adam Whalen and Misty Wharton, two Oregon educational leaders who recently joined our organization, to reimagine how schools and employers prepare students for a future they’re excited about – one that’s resilient and provides a living wage.
03/05/2026 7:58 AM
Monthly Messenger - Outdoor School is a Rite of Passage
Across our region, there’s a lot of good work happening in our schools and programs right now. In this newsletter you’ll see students stepping up to lead school improvement efforts, educators supporting one another through mentorship, and teams building stronger pathways from school to careers.
03/12/2026 11:36 AM
Your March Guide to NWRESD Professional Learning & Events
We offer a range of professional learning events designed to support educators, students and communities across northwest Oregon. Explore highlights and register to secure your spot.
03/09/2026 9:49 AM
Caregiver Connection: Get Involved in Our Parent Groups
We believe that children thrive when families feel connected, supported, and valued. Parenting a child with a disability can be deeply meaningful — and at times, it can also feel isolating. That’s why building community with other families who understand your journey is so important.
03/03/2026 8:18 AM
Join Us April 29 for Our Next Cascade Alliance for Equity Student-Led Summit
Come hear from students about what's working in schools and what needs to change. The event is free and open to students, educators and community partners. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
02/27/2026 9:16 AM
Far Too Many Students Lag in Reading: Here’s What We’re Doing About It (FROM THE ARCHIVES)
At 10, Paige is already working on her first book. Whenever she gets a free moment, she pulls out her notebook and writes one or two more lines of her story. You might not guess that this enthusiastic reader and budding writer was getting reading help at school until very recently.
02/23/2026 9:37 AM
Board Proclaims March as Women's History Month
BE IT RESOLVED that the NWRESD Board of Directors honors March 1 - March 31 as Women's History Month.
02/13/2026 11:00 AM
Board Proclaims March 2-6 as Classified Employee Appreciation Week
BE IT RESOLVED that the NWRESD Board of Directors honors March 2 - 6, 2026 as Classified Appreciation Week
02/13/2026 10:30 AM
Supt. Dan Goldman Featured by Oregon Journalism Project
The Oregon Journalism Project recently sunk its teeth into the debate about local vs. state control over literacy instruction in schools. One major issue with the state assessment data in Oregon is that parents have been able to opt their children out of the tests for about a decade.
02/13/2026 10:24 AM
Join Us for a Student Leader Summit
This is an overnight sneak peek into the four-night Outdoor School experience. Training on-site gives you the opportunity to know your surroundings with the hands-on experience you need to lead with confidence. New and *returning Student Leaders are welcome! *Only for high school students.
02/13/2026
🥾 Get Your Columbia Sportswear Gear, Support the NWRESD Foundation
Our NWRESD Foundation is excited to partner with Columbia Sportswear this month on our first-ever Community Cares Event! You’re invited to shop the Columbia Employee Store from February 16–March 15, and 10% of your purchase will be donated back to the our foundation.
02/12/2026 1:17 PM
Ryan Blasquez Appointed Executive Director of Instructional Services
Ryan Blasquez will serve as Executive Director of Instructional Services for Northwest Regional ESD beginning July 1. In his current role as Director of Instructional Services, he oversees a portfolio that includes Early Literacy, Oregon Response to Intervention & Instruction, Attendance Services, S
02/11/2026 7:46 PM
Misty Wharton, Interim Special Projects Administrator, Steps into Permanent Role Leading Rural Workforce Development
Her portfolio will focus on expanding hands-on, career-connected learning in areas such as welding, health sciences, forestry, agriculture, engineering, and culinary arts — programs that significantly increase graduation rates and postsecondary readiness.
02/11/2026 7:28 PM
Outdoor School Funding Update: Help Shape What Comes Next
Last year, the Oregon Legislature cut the Outdoor School budget by 20%. We will not be able to provide the same level of Outdoor School programming next year as we have in years past. We invite you to attend one of the following virtual listening sessions to help inform our planning.
02/11/2026 3:01 PM
Watch - Learning Hospitality at McMenamins Grand Lodge with Cascade and Pacific Academies
We mic’d up a Pacific Academy student during a hands-on career exploration day at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove. Experiences like this help students build confidence, gain workplace skills and imagine what’s possible beyond the classroom.
02/11/2026 11:00 AM
Caregiver Connection: Kindergarten Registration, Early Learning Advisory and Autism Tools
Our monthly newsletter brings you news and updates, parenting tools and resources, community family events and our early learning calendar.
02/11/2026 8:59 AM
The Make-or-Break Year: What Happens When Schools Rethink Ninth Grade?
When she was in middle school, Brieah says the thought of high school used to scare her. Now that she’s a freshman, she doesn’t feel that way. “I actually enjoy it here,” she says.
02/10/2026 8:34 AM
Play, Explore, Connect: Free Sensory Playtimes for Families in Hillsboro
In partnership with Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Hidden Creek staff, our Hillsboro Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education teams are hosting free sensory playtimes this spring for babies, toddlers and preschoolers this winter and spring.
02/09/2026 1:05 PM