((Left) R.E. Jewell 1974 (Right) R.E. Jewell 2024 | Photos courtesy of Bend-La Pine Schools)
Over the past 50 years, R.E. Jewell Elementary School has helped shape over 25,000 lives. To celebrate the milestone, the school community is rolling out the red carpet on Thursday, September 26 to welcome back current and former students, families, and staff members.
School staff and administrators are taking the opportunity to look back at five decades of history with the community celebration. On September 26 from 5-7pm, community members can explore the school’s exhibits which focus on each decade at the school and throughout Central Oregon. Families can also enjoy food carts, a photo booth, and games.
“R.E. Jewell Elementary School has been proud to serve Bend for the last 50 years and in that time, we’ve had the honor of building an incredible community,” Principal Jesse Rasmussen said. “We’re excited to welcome current and former students and staff back to Jewell on September 26 to join us in celebrating the powerful legacy of this special school.”
R.E. Jewell serves 450 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school connects to families and students through innovative programming such as hosting a strand of the district’s dual language immersion program and continuing to serve the diverse neighborhood that makes up Jewell’s community.
“We are excited to celebrate the meaningful legacy of Jewell and the generations of families who have attended Bend’s fifth elementary school,” Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said. “For 50 years, hundreds of dedicated and talented staff members have made positive impacts on families in a growing community. We can’t wait to honor them!”
The school welcomed its first elementary students in September 1974. The school is named after Robert Ewart Jewell, district superintendent from 1950-1973. He served the families of Bend-La Pine beginning in 1930 as a science and math teacher at Bend High School (now home to the District’s Education Center). He later served as the principal of Bend High before becoming superintendent. The district was recognized statewide and nationally during his tenure for its quality and educational programs.
