Hello PSD Parents and Families,
This is not how I planned to introduce myself, but sometimes the best laid plans go astray. With that said, I’m Kevin Headings, and I’m Pendleton School District’s new superintendent.
As many of you know, there was an armed robbery and shooting at Wildhorse Casino yesterday afternoon around 1:00 p.m. Some of our Pendleton School District (PSD) staff were on site for a school function and witnessed much of the event. One of our staff was injured by the gunfire. We’re glad to report that the injuries, while serious, aren’t life threatening.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the PSD staff and families affected by this tragic event. Unfortunately, acts of violence like this are difficult to comprehend and explain.
In light of this event and school starting soon, you, as parents and your students, may be nervous and apprehensive. Building principals and school counselors are aware of this and are prepared to support and keep our kids safe.
The Pendleton School District has many safety procedures in place, such as designated entrances and exits at our schools, safety drills, and more. The safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority. It might be helpful to talk to your child and review what their school does every day to keep them safe.
In addition to the things above, here are a few things that parents can do to help their child through a stressful time like this:
- Limit access to social media
- Talk with children if they have concerns and focus on what they can do.
- If you are not comfortable sending your child to school in the wake of tragic events, work with your child’s school.
Finally, If a student hears or becomes aware of others planning or talking of committing violent acts, they should report it to an adult immediately, or they can use the SafeOregon tip line at safeoregon.com “If you hear something, say something.”
The beginning of school is fast approaching. The Pendleton School District is committed to making the start of school, and the year, as positive and supportive as we can for all our students.
Thank you,
Kevin Headings
Superintendent
Washington Elementary Welcomes the 2022-23 School Year
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgThere are a lot of new things at Washington Elementary this school year.
PELC Square 1 Art
/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburgWhat could be better than a gift with your own child’s artwork on it? Probably not a lot. Students at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) are currently creating art for the Square 1 Art program, which has been going on at the PELC since it opened.
Essentially, each classroom teacher creates a theme/idea for students to do – handprints, animals, hearts, etc., and each student creates a colorful piece of art. Then, the teachers mail the artwork to the company, Square 1 Art. About two or three weeks later, the company sends back a personalized brochure for each student featuring their artwork that parents and family members can browse through and order online products like tote bags, ceramic tiles, mugs and more with their child’s artwork on it.
Rachele Johnson, a Kindergarten Teacher, helps coordinate the program at the PELC, saying it’s great because it’s fairly easy to manage and “the children and families absolutely love to see the kids’ artwork on items they will enjoy using, plus they make great holiday gifts for extended family members.”
A percentage of the money raised from the purchased items goes back to each teacher’s classroom, which amounted to about $118 per teacher last school year, Johnson said. She also explained that this fundraiser is nice because it doesn’t require young students to sell candy bars or something like that outside of school.
The Square 1 Art program is also operated at some elementary schools in the Pendleton School District.
Welcome to Sherwood Elementary
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgRonda Smith, Principal, and TJ Presley, Assistant Principal, welcome everyone back to Sherwood Heights Elementary for the 2022-23 school year.
Pendleton High School Freshman Link Crew Day
/in District Site News, Hawthorne High News, High Schools News, Pendleton High News /by rthornburgPendleton High School Freshman Link Crew Day
August 29, 2022
When was PHS founded? How long are the passing periods between classes? What is a Buckaroo Spirit Morning?
These are some of the questions posed to incoming freshmen at Pendleton High School during Freshman Link Crew Day on Monday, August 29th. The day is intended for the newest high school students to have a few hours in the high school building to themselves to be introduced to being a PHS Buckaroo. After a large group assembly in Warberg Gym, the freshmen were divided into teams to play a version of the Amazing Race game, following their upperclassmen Link Crew Leaders around to get answers to those questions and many more.
Freshman Shevany Fernandez said she is excited to start at PHS. “The thing I am most worried about on the first day is getting lost,” she said.
Dillion Elrod, another incoming freshman, said high school life will definitely be something to adapt to. Still, he is looking forward to more diverse class choices, like metal fabricating which he is taking.
After the Amazing Race activity, the freshmen groups gathered in classrooms to participate in some “getting-to-know-you” games, complete with a little confusion and some laughter.
The freshmen class has 232 students and remains in the same Link Crew group during their entire freshman year. Principal Pat Dutcher said Link Crew Day is always a positive way to start the school year. “I always look forward to meeting the freshmen and seeing them start to explore their role here at PHS in the next few years.”
Riley Kennedy, a Senior, was a Link Crew leader on Monday. She said when she drove to PHS this morning, she thought about this being her senior year. “I remember when I did Link Crew my freshman year and how exciting it was. I am looking forward to all the senior fun this year, but it’s definitely a different feeling.”
And the answers to those questions – 1888, 5 minutes, and the designated day to go all out on Dress-Up Days.
Sunridge Middle School 6th Grade Orientation Day
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgAugust 29, 2022
A little less than 200 incoming sixth grade students gathered at Sunridge Middle School on Monday, August 29th for 6th Grade Orientation Day. The day is intended for these new middle school students to explore their new school without the upperclassmen there and to learn about being an SMS Bronc.
SMS Principal Piper Kelm said the students are grouped into their Advisory Classes for the orientation and learn the layout of the school, rules, and most importantly, how to navigate lunch. Kelm welcomed the students in the morning, introduced their teachers and asked the sixth graders to look around at their fellow Class of 2029 students. “Unless you were at the PELC for kindergarten, this is the first time your class has been together. Look left, look right and see who you will be learning with and experiencing school with for the next seven years.”
Kelm said orienting the sixth graders to SMS lunch is really important because many of them aren’t used to eating in a really large group. Plus, she said “choice paralysis” happens when the students are faced with which line to get in and what to order for lunch. A practice lunch on Monday meant one less new thing for the first day of school on Tuesday.
“We really want all our middle schoolers, including 7th and 8th graders, to have a great first day, but the sixth graders feeling more comfortable on Tuesday helps them have a smoother transition,” Kelm said.
Pendleton High School Student Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School Student Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs
Pendleton High School students excelled in College Board assessments and schoolwork to earn these awards, which colleges use to identify academically competitive underrepresented students.
Pendleton High School students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service.
Abigail Thorne has been selected as a College Board National Rural and Small-Town Awardee.
“We’re thrilled that Abigail has earned this recognition. We are very proud of her for her achievements in the classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said Patrick Dutcher, Principal of Pendleton High School. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions.”
Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams, and attended school in a rural area or small town.
“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of Big Future. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”
CONGRATULATIONS, Abigail!
Integrated Pest Management Notification
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgHere is a copy of Pendleton School District’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for the 2022-23 school year.
IPM Notification Letter 2022-23
2022-23 Bus Routes Posted
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe 2022-23 bus routes are now posted under Parent Resources/Student Transportation. First Student, Inc. is the transportation provider for our district. If you have any questions, please call Joannie, Manager, at 458-213-5709 or Tiffany, Dispatch, at 458-213-5286.
View the 2022-23 Bus Routes