​Because of increased enrollment throughout the district, the Banks School District has made the current Banks Middle School Principal, Shelley Mitchell, full-time Special Services Director next year.  That has enabled for a full time principal position at Banks Middle School.  “It’s what’s best for our students.  They are deserving of full time people in both positions.  With our increased enrollment in the district and middle school, it was time to make the positions full time.  It will better serve students at Banks Middle School and students receiving Special Services in our district.  It will also provide more support for our staff” states Superintendent Jeff Leo. 

After a lengthy process, the new Banks Middle School principal next year will be Daniel Van Winkle.  Mr. Van Winkle comes to Banks from Baker School District in eastern Oregon where he has taught at the middle school level in math, social studies, and language arts and has been the director of the Baker Summer Academy which serves over 130 students during the summer months. 

Mr. Van Winkle is a graduate of Century High School in Hillsboro.  After starting at Western Oregon University in 2003, Mr. Van Winkle had to take a year off when he was deployed to Iraq in 2003.  After returning, Mr. Van Winkle studied in Spain for a semester and then returned to Western Oregon University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and philosophy.  He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from New York University in 2008 in interdisciplinary humanities and social thought.  He then worked in New York City Schools as an educational assistant and began his teaching career at the William W. Niles School in Bronx, NY.  In 2010, he earned his Master of Science degree from the City College of New York in Mathematics Education.  Mr. Van Winkle completed his administrative licensure through Concordia University in 2016.  He also continues to serve in the Army Reserves as a First Sergeant of the 455 Combat Engineer Company based in Hayden, Idaho.

Mr. Van Winkle is happily married to Ashley and they have two children together, son James (4) and daughter Eleanor (1).

Superintendent Jeff Leo states, “We are very excited with our selection for the next middle school principal at Banks School District.  Mr. Van Winkle is an excellent addition to our administrative staff and the Banks School District.  Mr. Van Winkle has the middle school experience we were looking for and also has shown in his past experiences to be a great leader in many different capacities.  We look forward to the transition for the upcoming school year and what educational knowledge he will bring to our students.”

Banks conducted 63 tests for lead levels in June 2016.  One drinking fountain was replaced, and the lead levels in Banks School District are below the EPA's recommended. Levels.  The official record of lead testing is available in the District Office.  Click here for the Lead Testing Report for 2016.

All school districts in Oregon must develop a plan to accurately measure school buildings for elevated radon levels.  Please click to see Banks School District's 2016-17 Radon Plan.  Click here for the Radon Report.

​Exciting news, we are near the end of the mascot re-branding process.  After working successfully with the Grand Ronde Tribal Council to keep the “Braves” name, we have had an imagery re-design.  With the help of Nike, we are near the finish line with the process.  As part of the process, we will trademark our new designs.  That will not limit anybody from having access to the digital templates, but will require businesses and people wanting to use the imagery to follow the designated designs that were developed by the Nike Graphic Identity Group.  In order to have access to the digital imagery for use, we are putting a process in place for businesses and/or people to follow.  Again, this is not to limit the use, but to protect all of the hard work that the Banks School District, Grand Ronde Tribal Council, and the Nike Graphic Identity Group has put in over the past year and a half.  We cannot have people editing or changing the imagery in any way.  This would be a violation of the agreement approved by the State Board of Education, the trademark, and will not be permitted. 
 
Here is a summary of the process:

• 2012 – State Board votes to ban Native American mascots
• 2014 – Legislature passes law to allow school district to work with their local tribal representatives
• 2015 (Dec.) – Initial meeting with Grand Ronde Tribal Council
• 2016 (Jan.) – State Board defines guidelines for building partnerships
• 2016 (June) – Public hearing for five-year agreement with the Grand Ronde Tribe and to remain the “Braves” with new imagery
• 2016 (June – Present) – The Banks School District, Grand Ronde Tribe, and Nike Design Team begin and continue to work on the re-branding of the Banks “Braves”
• 2017 (Jan.) – Proposed imagery at open house which is attended by over 60 community members
• 2017 (May) – Working on the process to Trademark the new imagery.  This will protect all of the hard work put into the process.  It will not limit access to the imagery by businesses or community members, but guidelines will need to be followed. 
• 2017 (August or possibly sooner) – Policy and process in place for gaining access to new mascot imagery and the guidelines to follow

 
We will keep the community informed and meet with businesses who are requesting access to the new imagery.  We will continue to work on finalizing the process, but want to make sure that the process is complete before releasing the digital imagery to our Banks School District supporters. 
 
Thank you for your patience in this process,
​ 
Jeff Leo
Superintendent
Banks SD