Big Idea Next

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2023 by attending graduation in person at Spiegelberg Stadium or by watching virtually. Friday, June 2nd MOA Gates Open at 4:30 p.m., Ceremony Begins at 5 p.m. Central Gates Open at 6:30 p.m., Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd South Graduation, Gates Open at 8:30 a.m., Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. North Graduation, Gates Open at 11:30 a.m., Ceremony begins at 12 p.m. Find streaming links here: https://www.medford.k12.or.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=5359&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=30295&PageID=1

Big Idea Next continues to grow with challenging programs that are educational and culturally appropriate. Mrs. Lathrop, a science teacher from Crater Lake Academy, offers hands-on experience through events and activities like the Southern Oregon Regional Envirothon. Since last year, some of our students have taken it upon themselves to form clubs based on self-identification. The Youth Pride Summit at Armadillo Technical Institute and the 5th Annual Black Youth Leadership Summit at Southern Oregon University were heavily attended by our local school population. Other clubs included during this year were the Zoology Club, Leadership, Alternatives Times, Pride Club, and Spanish Club. Some of our students are getting the jump on college through the Pathways program in conjunction with Rogue Community College. 26% of the students at Crater Lake Academy attend Pathways and earn college credits. Big Idea Next continues to encourage students that have chosen alternative paths to graduation.

The latest edition of Alternative Times, our student-led magazine, is out! The theme is Acceptance. It's a great topic because of the range of responses from students with a consensus of individuals opting for the concept of the looking glass-self (which means seeing themselves through the eyes of others). Acceptance also meant understanding where you are in life and the continuum of getting better, and not being upset because of the perception of others being a head of you. And lastly, loving yourself enough to identify the setbacks and move forward. The beauty is that most individuals develop their own coping strategies, and the teachers and mentors are there for moral support. https://unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Alternative-Times_2.2.pdf

Big Idea students: Scholarship opportunities abound. Get to it!

There's still time to apply for our 2023 scholarships! Learn more and find the right scholarship for you. Applications are due March 31: https://zcu.io/EvbO

So proud of these Central Medford High School students! Their project-based learning model is a Big Idea!

GREAT NEWS: Phoenix High School Pirates on-time graduation rate for the 2021-22 school year hit 95% for the second year in a row and was the highest rate in the Rogue Valley!
Here's the story:
https://www.phoenix.k12.or.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1307&ModuleInstanceID=5404&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=12518&PageID=2859