ISOR–PH Students Celebrate Community at Bend’s “A Storybook Christmas” Parade

Insight School of Oregon–Painted Hills students came together in a special way this month as they participated in Bend’s long-standing holiday parade. The event, themed “A Storybook Christmas,” brought students and families from across Oregon together for a day filled with creativity, connection, and holiday joy.

In a typical school week, ISOR–PH students attend classes online, making opportunities for in-person interaction especially meaningful. On Saturday, December 6, students and families gathered in Downtown Bend to walk in the parade, joining an annual community celebration that honors a wide range of winter traditions, including Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, and Las Posadas.

Leading up to the parade, students participated in an in-person art workshop hosted at the Salem Multicultural Institute. Organized by the National Art Honor Society chapter and the PTO, the workshop invited students to build storybook-themed props using cardboard, paper-mâché, paint, and fabric. Families enjoyed warm drinks, donuts, and the chance to connect while students brought their creative ideas to life.

“The art workshop was a wonderful chance for our students to build friendships and feel the strength of our community,” said Executive Director Carrie Quinn. “These in-person moments create memories that stay with students long after the event ends.”

On the day of the parade, ISOR–PH students proudly showcased their handmade creations as they marched through Bend. The atmosphere was festive and filled with excitement, and even those unable to attend the parade enjoyed participating in the art day and contributing to the school’s presence in the celebration.

Community Engagement Specialist and PTO Chair, Kayla Page, shared her pride in the students’ participation, noting how events like this help online learners feel connected and celebrated. “Everyone was welcome to share their favorite holiday stories,” she said. “It was a joyful way to bring our school communities together.”

ISOR–PH continues to invest in activities that help students build meaningful connections, from wilderness excursions and college partnership experiences to seasonal meetups and enrichment workshops. The Bend Holiday Parade was a memorable celebration of creativity, community, and the unique spirit of ISOR–PH students.