Tournament Baseball!
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PLACES TO STAY
IN TOWN LODGING
Contact
For more information about Sisters and Central Oregon, please come in, call or email us... we'd love to assist you with your specific needs.
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Please contact Turi for Membership, Marketing or Billing turi@sisterscountry.com |
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Please contact Kathy for Event or Business Information (including calendar and newsletter submissions) kathy@sisterscountry.com |
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Please contact Judy for Business Assistance, Advocacy or Grants judy@sisterscountry.com |
Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 430
257 S Pine Street, Suite 102
Sisters, OR 97759
Local: (541) 549-0251
ARTS & CULTURE
RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES
TRAILS AND MAPS
The Sisters Country is home to the best hiking, biking, camping, backpacking and outdoor adventure activities in the Northwest. Play in our 1.6 million acre backyard, called the Deschutes National Forest. If you're looking to get away in central Oregon, this is your resource.
Click here for the Summer Quick Reference Trail Guide (PDF)
Click here for the Winter Quick Reference Trail Guide (PDF)
Be sure to download the Day Use Guidelines before you head out on your Sisters Country Adventure!
Birding Trails (PDF)
Disc Golf (PDF)
Click to download our Complete Trail Guide » (PDF - 33.5MB)
Click to download our Complete Summer Trail Guide » (PDF - 19MB)
Click to download our Complete Winter Trail Guide » (PDF - 16.7MB)
OUTLAW ACADEMICS
Sisters High School has been designated a "School of Excellence" by the state of Oregon, awarded an "Accredited with Merit" certification by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, and earned an international accreditation designation. Check out the state report card for Sisters High School here. (PDF)
Sisters High School offers six career academies. Students are required to take elective credits in a career academy of their choice. The goal is to make education more meaningful and thoughtful for students. A variety of programs suited to the unique interests of the student body account for part of Sisters High School's success. There are many unique, grant-funded programs offered throughout the Sisters Schools which help to make this an extra special place.
The High School's college preparatory math programs integrate math concepts from everyday life into classroom lessons. Course offerings of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, and statistics build toward college-credit level calculus.
The science program incorporates laboratory work, chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, and wilderness ecology. The Sisters Science Club, a group made up of retired professors, doctors, and more have developed a co-curricular learning model that supports all sciences taught within the Sisters School District. The Sisters Science Club also hosts the annual Science Fair every year in February.
Other co-curricular learning opportunities for students interested in math and sciences include:
- Interdisciplinary Environmental Education (IEE)
- Sisters Science Club
- Lego Robotics
- Flight Science
- Fire Science
Business, multi-media, and other training classes prepare students for the world beyond the classroom:
- Information systems management
- Software applications
- Culinary arts
- Computer-aided design
- Web design
- Foreign language including Spanish and Mandarin
- Video production
- Woods and technology
Unique Programming & the Arts
Sisters Schools are well-supported through unique and innovative programming that help make the school experience memorable for all students. Unique, grant-funded, learning programs include:
- Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (IEE)
- Americana
- Mandarin Chinese
- Luthier Guitar Building
- Flight Science
- Fire Science
- Culinary Arts
SISTERS HIGH SCHOOL LUTHIER PROGRAM
Outlaw Guitars
Brief History of the Sisters High School Luthier Program
In 2005, Mr. Tony Cosby, Sisters High School Computer and Construction Teacher, wanted a class that would motivate his advanced students. He felt that a guitar class would be a perfect fit. In Woodworking II, students work throughout the whole trimester constructing guitars. Working with the help of one of the best Luthiers (guitar makers) in the northwest, Jayson Bowerman (Breedlove Guitars), they have been able to produce 30 guitars per year.
After the students complete their guitars, they are given the choice to keep their guitar or sell them with the school's help.
Many students that choose to keep their guitars, continue to use them to learn to play traditional folk music in the Sisters High School Americana class. Others dontate their guitars to raise funds for school programming.
Click here to be re-directed to the Sisters High School Woods Program website to learn more.
INTERDISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENTAL EXPEDITION
Outlaw Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (I.E.E.)
The Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (I.E.E.) course is composed of a community of learners working together to gain a balanced, in-depth understanding of the world around them.
Using an integrated approach, students will be provided with the educational opportunity to study and learn about the natural environment through a hands-on format. Students will learn critical thinking skills experientially by applying knowledge and skills to their surroundings. Students will be given the necessary tools to create positive change within their community and possibly even the world around them.
This course is committed to developing community partnerships that result in a shared vision of stewardship and a sense of appreciation for and responsibility to the world around us. Above all, this course is committed to providing non-traditional education that not only challenges students, but makes learning relevant.
Core Beliefs of the I.E.E. Program and Leadership
Learning and understanding will increase when students can see and apply connections to relevant situations.The key concepts of stewardship and responsibility can truly be learned by experiencing and problem-solving within the natural environment. To solve contemporary and future problems, students must develop and practice teamwork skills. Experience-based learning develops knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate future decision-making. Active learning promotes awareness and appreciation of our environment. A love and respect for the natural environment must be developed and nurtured. Knowledge and practices nurtured at this time, promote lifelong health, wellness, and learning.
Program Components:
Students at the Junior level at Sisters High School are eligible to participate in the I.E.E. program which covers three subjects: English, Environmental Science, and Outdoor Recreation in the period of 2 trimesters. Students spend a two-period afternoon block working on this program which build up to two major 3-day expeditions and numerous field study opportunities.
Students, parents, teachers and community members say there are many benefits to the I.E.E. Program including:
- Career Preparation
- Easier transition to college or career
- Teamwork and teambuilding exercises
- Utilizing critical thinking skills
- Relevant education
- Helped to give students a sense of place and tie them in with their own community
- This program has helped to foster community partnerships
- Raised the bar with students, for example, and demanded excellence.
- Students are required to give presentations to community audiences (other than their peers) which encourages public speaking and preparation skills.
- Teaches students to be open-minded and look at multiple sides before making a decision.
- Decision and critical thinking skills based on research.
- Encourages awareness in community activities.
- Showcases to students they can have a voice in community events and public process.
- Students receive 3 credits (vs. the normal 2)
Click here to be re-directed to the Sisters High School I.E.E. website to learn more.
OUTLAW ATHLETICS
Despite being one of the smallest 4A schools, Sisters High School repeatedly produces state champions in football, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, swimming, cross-country and track.
Supported in part by the Sisters High School Outlaw Booster Club, Friday night football games, varsity baseball, volleyball, lacrosse and more are certainly a community event!
Tim Roth, Athletic Director from Sisters High School is proud to say: "We purposefully categorize Sisters Athletics as "co-curricular", not "extra-curricular" because, as a coaching staff, our goal is to be an integral part of the teaching mission of our school. Our coaches believe that their work is an extension of the classroom."
Click here to be re-directed to the Outlaw Athletics Home Page to learn more.
AMERICANA PROJECT
The Americana Project is an innovative music and arts education program with deep community outreach. Classes each day at both Sisters High and Middle schools provide opportunities for self-expression in music and many visual-arts mediums.
Students learn to play guitar, write songs, record, engineer, perform and, through the Community Luthier program, build custom guitars and ukuleles. Young people in Sisters also work with national, regional, and local guest artists, where they are mentored and great insight is shared on life as an artist, from the business to the art form.
From kindergarten through high school, kids in Sisters are exposed to and have immersive experiences in all aspects of Sisters Folk Festival programming. Through their exposure to guest artists, guitar- and ukulele-building, and participation in My Own Two Hands, young children expand their thinking to see the arts as a lens through which to view life, and a poet’s perspective as being valuable.
These young folks participate in classes, community events, and song-writing academies that enhance their skill-sets and artistic vision. Select high school students have the opportunity to teach, mentor, and intern in community radio, recording/engineering, and with the Sisters Folk Festival organization. Many of our alumni go on to find meaningful work in artistic endeavors as recording artists and engineers, performers, luthiers, graphic designers, and teachers. Students for over a decade have received scholarships as well as providing great service within the community.
The Americana Project also includes outreach programs and opportunities for participants including the Americana Song Academy and Academy for Youth provided by the Sisters Folk Festival.
Click here to be re-directed to the Sisters Folk Festival Americana Project website to learn more.
Sisters High School Flight Science Program
Sisters High School Flight Science course introduces students to the world of sport aviation through a unique partnership with Sisters Eagle Air, the Sisters Science Club and other partners.
All enrolled students begin as "Young Eagles" in the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) training program and get a free one-hour flight with a certified flight instructor (CFI). Students also receive logbooks and additional supplies donated from Sporty's Pilot Shop, the largest aviation supply shop in the country.
Each student will receive one hour of flight training per week for the 30-week course, this will fulfill half of the requirements for flight time for each student to receive a private pilot's license. Upon successful completion of the class, students will have finished all the ground-school requirements needed for this same license.
Students have the option to articulate this class with Central Oregon Community College (COCC) aviation program to work toward their first-level commercial license.
Contact the Sisters School District Office at 541-549-8521 for additional information on the Flight Science program.
Arts Programming at Sisters Schools
Supported in part by Sisters' thriving community of artists and musicians, the high school art program includes painting, design, ceramics, sculpture, music, theater arts, jewelry-making, and photography.
Music classes are top-notch throughout the Sisters Schools, and the unique Americana Project, the educational outreach program of the Sisters Folk Festival helps to teach students to play guitar, write and record their own music, and much more.
Sisters High School is also proud to offer a culinary arts program that is top-notch. Classes include Cooking with Comfort, professional baking, culinary essentials, international foods, and much more. Students even get real-world experience when they have their own opportunity to run the "Outlaw Cafe."
Many of the programs offered at the high school in the visual and performing arts are supported in a modified fashion in both Sisters Middle School and Sisters Elementary School.
Click here to learn more about the Visual Arts.
Click here to learn more about the Performing Arts.
Click here to learn more about Culinary Arts Program.
Outlaw Mandarin Chinese
Chinese
We offer Chinese in six levels in the Sisters School District. Students can begin Chinese at the Middle School, as early as the seventh grade, and can complete two years of Chinese for high school credit before beginning the ninth grade at the high school. They can merge into Chinese 3 at that time, if they so choose that option. Students who begin Chinese upon entering high school can complete up to four years of Chinese, if they so choose. Chinese 4 and 5 are AP courses. In addition to David Perkins, we have three native speaker Chinese teachers sponsored by Hanban, a part of the China Ministry of Education.
Our curriculum uses a text and workbook entitled “Easy Steps to Chinese” and corresponds to ACTFL standards. Students who continue their Chinese study in college are often able to quiz out of Chinese levels 1 and 2 at college level.
Also beginning in 2017, through working with the GRO scholarship program, we are offering scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to either major or minor in Chinese in college, and who have taken a minimum of two years of Chinese at Sisters High School. We are very excited about this new opportunity!
Chinese Teacher Bio: Ada Chao, originally from Taipei, Taiwan, immigrated to Bend, Oregon in 1989. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon. Masters in Education from Michigan State and Masters in Teaching from Pacific University. Ms. Chao taught in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for seven years before moving back to Central Oregon.
Click here to be re-directed to Foreign Language Department page on Sisters High School's website >>
Click here to go back to Outlaw Academics >>
Sisters Elementary School
Sisters Elementary is a high-performing academic school enriched by generous community support. The school provides a well-rounded curriculum in academics and the arts. Students receive strong instruction in reading, math, and writing with regular monitoring of progress and opportunities for remediation and acceleration. They participate in physical education and music classes each week on alternate days. There is an emphasis on making learning fun in an environment that is highly respectful and safe.
According to Principal, Mark Stewart, "the core of Sisters Elementary is relationships - every student, every day! Our goal is to build an authentic foundation on relationships, community, culture, and trust. Honestly, a place where students and staff want to be. With this foundation, we can take the wonderful journey of learning anywhere!"
Sisters Elementary is a K-4 school offering small class sizes and an excellent staff. Our Title 1 reading program provided by a reading specialist is exemplary in its ability to help students reach grade-level standards and provide assistance to teachers to ensure quality reading instruction throughout the grade levels.
Sisters Elementary provides a very nurturing environment that upholds high academic and behavior standards. The staff takes pride in their love for children and giving the gift of learning.
Click here to be re-directed to the Sisters Elementary School website to learn more >>
THE ANNUAL SISTERS OUTDOOR QUILT SHOW
The "World's Largest Outdoor Quilt Show" is always the second Saturday in July.
Join us Saturday, July 13, 2024 - Please check the quilt show website for updates.
More than 1300 quilts will be on display, representing fiber artists from around the world.
Visit the quilt show's website for more information: https://www.soqs.org
BEER/WINE/LIQUOR
THE ANNUAL SISTERS FOLK FESTIVAL
Join us this September 26-28, 2025
Please check the SFF Presents website for updates and more information: https://www.sffpresents.org