Summer break is winding down across Jefferson County, and families are shifting into back-to-school mode. Jefferson County School District 509J — which serves roughly 2,700 students across nine schools in Madras, Culver, Warm Springs, Metolius, and surrounding communities — is preparing to open its doors for the 2026–27 school year.

The district held a school board meeting on Aug. 14 at the COCC Madras campus to finalize plans for the upcoming year, with board members reviewing staffing, transportation, and academic programming ahead of the start of school.

Warm Springs Back-to-School Barbecue

Families in the Warm Springs community have a community celebration to look forward to: the annual Warm Springs Back-to-School Barbecue is scheduled for 4–6 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, at the WS K-8 Academy. The free event welcomes students and families to reconnect with teachers and staff before the first day of classes, with food and activities for kids.

The barbecue is especially meaningful this year, given how profoundly the Bench Fire affected the reservation community over the summer. For many families, the school year represents a return to routine and stability after a difficult few months.

Fall Sports Kicking Off

Madras High School White Buffalos athletes are already in preseason preparation mode. Fall sports — including football, volleyball, cross country, and soccer — typically begin official practices in late August, with the first competitions scheduled for early September.

The OSAA fall sports season brings some of the county’s biggest community gatherings, and White Buffalo home games draw fans from across Jefferson County. Schedules will be posted on the Madras High School athletics page and through the OSAA website as the season approaches.

Air Quality and the School Day

With the ongoing wildfire smoke advisory in effect, parents should know that Jefferson County schools monitor air quality daily and follow Oregon Department of Education guidance on outdoor activity. When air quality reaches Unhealthy levels (AQI above 150), outdoor recesses and PE classes may be moved indoors or curtailed.

Parents with children who have asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to provide updated emergency action plans to school nurses before the first day.

Key Dates to Know

  • JCSD 509J School Board Meeting: Aug. 14 (completed) — next meeting TBD
  • Warm Springs Back-to-School BBQ: Sept. 3, 4–6 p.m., WS K-8 Academy
  • First day of school: Check jcsd.k12.or.us for official dates
  • MHS Fall Sports: Preseason underway; first games expected early September

For the most up-to-date information on school schedules, supply lists, and transportation routes, visit the Jefferson County School District website at jcsd.k12.or.us or call the district office at (541) 475-6192.