Sherwood Spurs were thrilled to welcome representatives from the Portland Trail Blazers for an energetic assembly on September 17, 2025. The Rip City Rally, which included mascots Blaze and Douglas Fur, broadcaster Lamar Hurd, and two members of the Trail Blazers dance team, was sponsored by Moda Health.
The event was led by Todd Bosma, Director of Game Operations & Events for the Portland Trail Blazers. He shared with students the importance of starting the new school year right by eating healthy food, including breakfast, getting a good night’s sleep, and getting outside to stay active. “We want you to have an active, healthy lifestyle for your entire life,” Bosma said. He also emphasized being respectful to your teachers, paying attention in class, and doing the work, as well as being caring, compassionate, and taking care of each other in your school.
Moda Health donated 12 new playground balls to the school. Then, the real fun began – races between students and teachers involving jumping rope, jumping jacks, and riding tricycles. Fifth grade students participated, along with two teachers, with enthusiastic cheering from students in the bleachers. The Trail Blazers leader recognized competitors who didn’t win the races, saying that trying your best until the end is a great trait and that “whether we win or lose, we support each other.”
TJ Presley, Sherwood Principal, said he started working with the Trail Blazers last spring to bring them to the school, and he was happy it worked out. Presley said the message of being a good teammate, being a good classmate, and taking care of each other really ties in with what Sherwood is doing this school year. “New this year, we are really focused on being kind, safe, and respectful, and their message directly aligned with what we are trying to do here,” he said.
Thanks, Trail Blazers, for an awesome assembly!

Welcome to PSD – Bailey Weinke
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgBailey Weinke
PE Teacher
Sunridge Middle School
Bailey was born and raised in Pilot Rock and graduated from Pilot Rock High School in 2015.
She attended Eastern Oregon University to earn both her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and her master’s degree in Secondary Education.
What is Bailey most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am super excited to be working with all the great students who attend PSD and be a part of such a caring team of coworkers.”
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, coaching sports, and helping out on her family’s ranch.
Welcome to PSD – Kristin Olson
/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburgKristin Olson
Special Education Teacher
Pendleton Early Learning Center
Kristin grew up in Spokane and Neah Bay, Washington. She is new to Pendleton.
She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Northwest Indian College, her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga University, and her Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University.
What is Kristin most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am excited to return to working with younger students. I was teaching high school math the last three years.”
Welcome to PSD – Katie Groshong
/in District Site News, McKay Elementary /by rthornburgKatie Groshong
5th Grade Teacher
McKay Creek Elementary School
Katie grew up in Pendleton and has lived here most of her life, only moving away a couple of years for college. She graduated from Pendleton High School in 2010.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University and her master’s degree from Southern Oregon University.
What is Katie most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am excited to be back in my hometown and to work among friends and family in the district. I’m simply excited to be here!”
In her free time, she loves to craft, bake, play games, and travel.
Welcome to PSD – Laura Castro
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgLaura Castro
Special Education Teacher
Sunridge Middle School
Laura grew up in Delta, Utah, a small town that gave her a strong sense of community. She is new to Pendleton and is looking forward to becoming part of the community.
She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in General Education and Special Education. She also has an associate’s degree in General Education from Olympic College in Shelton, Washington.
What is Laura most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I’m most excited about making a meaningful impact on students’ academic growth in English Language Arts while working alongside the supportive staff at Pendleton School District.”
In her free time, she enjoys staying active by taking walks and riding her bicycle; she likes to unwind by drawing and reading books.
Welcome to PSD – Rebecca Lauer
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgRebecca Lauer
Social Studies & Math Teacher
Sunridge Middle School
Rebecca grew up in Pendleton and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1992. She left for college in 1996 and moved back last summer from Salem.
She received her Associate of Arts degree from Blue Mountain Community College, her bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Western Oregon University and her master’s degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University.
What is Rebecca most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am excited to be working at the middle school that I attended.”
In her spare time, Rebecca likes to travel and learn new things about history; she also likes growing and preserving her own food.
Welcome to PSD – Kate Evans
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgKate Evans
1st Grade Teacher
Sherwood Heights Elementary School
Kate grew up in Newberg, Oregon, and is brand new to Pendleton.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Oregon University.
What is Kate most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am most excited to work with such a fun team at Sherwood Elementary.”
In her spare time, Kate likes to read books, hang out with friends, or play hacky sack.
Welcome to PSD – Blakely Rudolph
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgBlakely Rudolph
English Language Arts Teacher
Pendleton High School & Hawthorne High School
Blakely grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and moved to the Pacific Northwest when she was 15 years old. She moved to Eastern Oregon a year ago.
She attended Whitworth University to earn her bachelor’s degree and later earned her master’s degree at Eastern Oregon University.
What is Blakely most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am most excited to watch Buckaroo sports and learn the culture of Pendleton School District this year.”
In her free time, she loves concerts, hiking, crocheting, and cooking!
Welcome to PSD – Tabitha Kopf
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgTabitha Kopf
5th Grade Teacher
Sherwood Heights Elementary School
Tabitha grew up in Meridian, Idaho, and has lived in Pendleton for one year.
She attended Eastern Oregon University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching.
What is Tabitha most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “Getting to know more about the community through working with my students.”
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son and husband or reading.
Sherwood Heights Elementary Rip City Rally
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgSherwood Spurs were thrilled to welcome representatives from the Portland Trail Blazers for an energetic assembly on September 17, 2025. The Rip City Rally, which included mascots Blaze and Douglas Fur, broadcaster Lamar Hurd, and two members of the Trail Blazers dance team, was sponsored by Moda Health.
The event was led by Todd Bosma, Director of Game Operations & Events for the Portland Trail Blazers. He shared with students the importance of starting the new school year right by eating healthy food, including breakfast, getting a good night’s sleep, and getting outside to stay active. “We want you to have an active, healthy lifestyle for your entire life,” Bosma said. He also emphasized being respectful to your teachers, paying attention in class, and doing the work, as well as being caring, compassionate, and taking care of each other in your school.
Moda Health donated 12 new playground balls to the school. Then, the real fun began – races between students and teachers involving jumping rope, jumping jacks, and riding tricycles. Fifth grade students participated, along with two teachers, with enthusiastic cheering from students in the bleachers. The Trail Blazers leader recognized competitors who didn’t win the races, saying that trying your best until the end is a great trait and that “whether we win or lose, we support each other.”
TJ Presley, Sherwood Principal, said he started working with the Trail Blazers last spring to bring them to the school, and he was happy it worked out. Presley said the message of being a good teammate, being a good classmate, and taking care of each other really ties in with what Sherwood is doing this school year. “New this year, we are really focused on being kind, safe, and respectful, and their message directly aligned with what we are trying to do here,” he said.
Thanks, Trail Blazers, for an awesome assembly!
Welcome to PSD – Dana DeCasas
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgDana DeCasas
Special Education Teacher
Washington Elementary School
Dana grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon, and recently moved to Pendleton.
She attended Western Governors University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education.
What is Dana most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “Being part of a close-knit community that supports every student, every day.”
In her free time, she enjoys barrel racing with her horse, Static, and spending time outdoors with her dog, Pepper.