Washington Students

4th Grade STEM Week at Washington Elementary

/in , /by

Washington Elementary – 4th Grade STEM Week

Washington Elementary had its annual 4th Grade STEM Week earlier this month. Every year, the teachers organize this special week of instruction focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math learning.

This year, there were five stations, each lasting one hour. Two stations used kits from GO-STEM to make catapults and straw structures. Another station involved the construction of tin foil boats, and another was marbles on ramps made from pipe insulation. The last station was coding on Code.org!

According to Michelle Herburger, 4th Grade Teacher, students enjoyed each session, returning ready to share what they had learned. The students also really enjoyed seeing their teachers dressed up as scientists in white lab coats and big white wigs.

What do teachers want the kids to take away from STEM Week? “We really focus on thinking and trying during this time. We offer students the supplies with limited direction and allow them to work together to make mistakes and learn from each other. It is a structure we don’t get to utilize much, and students aren’t used to not having a scripted plan given to them. They persevere and process so many concepts in such a short amount of time,” said Herburger.

Washington’s teachers said it’s powerful to have fun with the students and to watch this style of learning. They said they listen to the conversations that students have with each other and appreciate the respect they have for their peers and their learning. “We love it when they see success after several failed attempts. We love it when it’s time to stop, and they don’t want to. It reminds us why we became teachers.”

Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students

Posted 5/25/2023

graduation caps

PHS 2023 Graduation Live Stream Link

/in /by

The Pendleton High School Class of 2023 Graduation will be live-streamed on the PHS Media YouTube account: https://youtube.com/@PHSMedia

June 3, 2023
Ceremony begins at 10:00 am in the Round-Up Stadium.
Gates open at 9:00 am
Seating is at the West end of the stadium
Programs are handed out in three locations (Top of stairs to West Grandstands. Bottom of rail to West Grandstands. South entrance)
Bathrooms are open on the second level of West Grandstands
Suggestion: Bring a water bottle with you

graduation caps

ODS

SMS Outdoor School

/in , /by

About 190 sixth graders from Sunridge Middle School recently enjoyed the annual Outdoor School during three separate weeks in April and May.

Read Full Article
Middle School

SMS 5th Grade Parent Night

/in , /by

Sunridge Middle School – 5th Grade Parent Night
Discovering what the first year of middle school will be like is the purpose of a May event at Sunridge Middle School. All fifth grade students and their parents in the Pendleton School District are invited to 5th Grade Parent Night on Tuesday, May 23rd from 5 to 7 PM at SMS.

Fifth graders who will be attending the school, along with their parents, will meet sixth grade teachers, take tours of the building, watch a slideshow about electives offered at Sunridge and have hamburgers.

SMS Principal Piper Kelm said the event is a great opportunity for the school to communicate “What does Sixth Grade look like at SMS?” Kelm said, “This is the first time these students and families will all be together as their class, the one they are in from sixth grade through the end of high school. We want them to experience the building and share a meal together.”

Native American students and their families are invited to a special presentation at 4:30 PM in addition to regular Parent Night activities.

For more information about 5th Grade Parent Night, visit the Sunridge Middle School website at https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/.

Posted 5/19/2023

Signage

Native American Outreach Grants

/in /by

Three schools in the Pendleton School District recently received Native American Families Outreach Grants. The Pendleton Early Learning Center received $10,000, Washington Elementary received $7,000 and Sunridge Middle School received $10,000. The purpose of the grants is to support Native American students in navigating public school systems.

SMS Principal Piper Kelm said the majority of the grant at Sunridge will be used to produce signage in the school that incorporates the Umatilla language. Similar signage is already in place at Washington Elementary School.

Kelm said she believes the new signage will help Native American students to feel seen at their school while offering the opportunity for non-Native students to be exposed to words in a different language that is right next door. “We hope this helps foster a school climate of neighbors together in community and also helps sustain this native language for future generations,” Kelm said.

Pendleton Early Learning Center received $10,000 and is also producing signage incorporating native language.

Washington Elementary received $7,000 and has scheduled a Native American Family Dinner on May 25th, during which the Pendleton High School food truck will provide dinner. Washington is also planning some other projects.

Signage

Sherwood Students

Sherwood Heights Elementary Spring Field Trips

/in , /by

Do you remember going on field trips in elementary school? Most people can remember a trip to a pumpkin patch, a local farm, a science center, a museum or art center, or maybe a local historical place. But combine more robust academic requirements, increased testing in schools, and the COVID pandemic, and many schools have not had field trips for a few years.

The principal and assistant principal at Sherwood Heights Elementary are changing that this spring. Principal Ronda Smith said they are trying to create a culture of memories through learning outside the school building. “Field trips offer an opportunity for students to be kind and responsible to each other in a different setting and learn to be a school family together,” Smith said.

In May and June, Sherwood students in various grades will go to the Heritage Station Museum, and Blue Mountain Community College, walk to a local park, participate in the Pendleton High School FFA Farm Day, attend track meets, and, have a field day.

TJ Presley, Assistant Principal, said many of the trips and events create chances for students to cooperate, take turns, and be independent. “This summer, when a little kid closes his eyes and thinks about school last year, what will he remember? We want them to remember something great and end the year on a positive note so the student can’t wait to return to their school family in August.”

Sherwood Students Sherwood Students Sherwood Students

PELC Farm Day

PELC Farm Day Field Trip

/in , , , /by

If you think there is nothing cuter than a kindergartner petting a cute, fuzzy chick, you are probably right.

Read Full Article
psd shield logo

Pendleton School District
107 NW 10th Street, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone:  541.276.6711  Fax:  541.278.3208

The Pendleton School District assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or income as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related authorities, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Pendleton School District sponsored program or activity.

Accessibility Statement   |   Nondiscrimination Policy   |  USDA Nondiscrimination Statement  |  Public Complaint Procedure  |  Safe Oregon
© Pendleton School District 16R. All Rights Reserved