As summer winds down across Jefferson County, Jefferson County School District 509J is putting the finishing touches on preparations for the 2026-2027 school year. Teachers and staff have been in professional development sessions this week, with students expected to return to classrooms in the coming days.

The new school year arrives on the heels of a banner spring for Madras High School, where the graduating Class of 2026 earned a record number of Oregon State Seals of Biliteracy — a statewide credential awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language.

A Record to Build On

The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have worked to develop and maintain language skills beyond English — a particular point of pride at Madras High, where the student body reflects Jefferson County’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Spanish is the most common second language, but the seal is also awarded for Indigenous languages and others.

School officials have called the record result a testament to the hard work of students, families, and language arts teachers who have built the biliteracy pathway into a meaningful part of the MHS academic experience.

“Our students come to school already multilingual in many cases,” said one district official. “The Seal of Biliteracy gives them a chance to have that skill formally recognized on their diploma and transcript.”

Scholarships and College Readiness

The Class of 2026 also saw four seniors earn Ford Foundation Family Scholarships — a notable achievement for students from the Madras area. Details on the recipients were not immediately available, but the scholarships support students pursuing higher education and reflect a growing college-going culture within the district.

What to Know for the New Year

Families getting ready for the 2026-2027 school year should be aware of a few key details:

  • Monday late start: All JCSD 509J schools follow a late start schedule on Mondays — school begins at 9:20 a.m. instead of the regular 7:50 a.m.
  • School board meetings: The next JCSD 509J Board Meeting is scheduled at the Central Oregon Community College Madras Campus, 1170 E. Ashwood Rd.
  • School supply needs: Families in need of back-to-school supplies or assistance should contact the district office at 541-475-6192

With wildfire smoke periodically affecting air quality across the county, JCSD 509J is reminding families that the district monitors the Air Quality Index daily and follows Oregon Department of Education guidelines for outdoor activities when smoke levels are elevated. Parents with questions about air quality protocols can contact their child’s school office directly.

The full 2026-2027 school calendar is available at jcsd.k12.or.us.