The months of January, February, and March before Spring Break may seem like a long, cold stretch without many days off, but for schools, that time is golden. This period of time offers the longest uninterrupted time in the school year, making it ideal for focused academic time for teachers and students. And at Sherwood Heights Elementary, they are making the most of it.
“Right now, we are really encouraging students and their parents to prioritize good attendance at school, to eat healthy meals, especially breakfast, and to get enough sleep, all of which make for a productive school day,” said Ronda Smith, Sherwood Principal.
Smith is pleased with recent data at her school that Sherwood Spurs are growing academically. Students recently completed i-Ready testing in math and reading. Comparing initial scores in September with January scores indicates that more students are on or above grade level in both math and reading, and the number of students below grade level in the subjects decreased during that time. “We are really happy with our mid-year check data, and we continue to use strategies to help students keep up the progress,” Smith said.
One strategy parents can help with is attending Parent-Teacher Conferences on the evenings of March 7 and 9. Sherwood encourages parents/guardians to make the most of the 20-minute conferences with teachers and to really focus on their child. At conferences, teachers will discuss a student’s i-Ready scores and academic progress, show samples of their work, and talk about their strengths and areas to work on and their social progress. Smith suggests parents ask these questions at conferences:
- What kind of academic progress has my child made since the start of the school year?
- How is my child doing socially and while interacting in the classroom?
- Is there anything I can do at home to help my child’s education?
Another thing parents can emphasize and work on with their child is “soft school skills,” which Smith explains include regular school attendance, active participation in the classroom, following school rules and teacher instructions, and completing and turning in assignments on time. Smith said these skills translate into middle school, high school, and adulthood, helping a child learn organization, time management, and the ability to focus and complete tasks. “Our goal at Sherwood is to help students grow and ultimately become a contributing part of their community.”
Sherwood Elementary Celebrates Academic Progress & Plans for Parent-Teacher Conferences
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgThe months of January, February, and March before Spring Break may seem like a long, cold stretch without many days off, but for schools, that time is golden. This period of time offers the longest uninterrupted time in the school year, making it ideal for focused academic time for teachers and students. And at Sherwood Heights Elementary, they are making the most of it.
“Right now, we are really encouraging students and their parents to prioritize good attendance at school, to eat healthy meals, especially breakfast, and to get enough sleep, all of which make for a productive school day,” said Ronda Smith, Sherwood Principal.
Smith is pleased with recent data at her school that Sherwood Spurs are growing academically. Students recently completed i-Ready testing in math and reading. Comparing initial scores in September with January scores indicates that more students are on or above grade level in both math and reading, and the number of students below grade level in the subjects decreased during that time. “We are really happy with our mid-year check data, and we continue to use strategies to help students keep up the progress,” Smith said.
One strategy parents can help with is attending Parent-Teacher Conferences on the evenings of March 7 and 9. Sherwood encourages parents/guardians to make the most of the 20-minute conferences with teachers and to really focus on their child. At conferences, teachers will discuss a student’s i-Ready scores and academic progress, show samples of their work, and talk about their strengths and areas to work on and their social progress. Smith suggests parents ask these questions at conferences:
Another thing parents can emphasize and work on with their child is “soft school skills,” which Smith explains include regular school attendance, active participation in the classroom, following school rules and teacher instructions, and completing and turning in assignments on time. Smith said these skills translate into middle school, high school, and adulthood, helping a child learn organization, time management, and the ability to focus and complete tasks. “Our goal at Sherwood is to help students grow and ultimately become a contributing part of their community.”
Superintendent Video Message – February 2023
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgSunridge Middle School – Principals’ Advisory Council
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgSchool leaders at Sunridge Middle School are trying a new concept this school year to get feedback from their most important stakeholders – their students. The Principals’ Advisory Council is a group of students from all three grades at the school who meet with Principal Piper Kelm and Assistant Principal Jared Tesch.
School counselors selected the students who participate. They were intentional about choosing students who represent the wide variety of students who attend SMS in order to get many different points of view.
The Principals’ Advisory Council meets twice a month during lunchtime – one meeting per month is with each grade level, and one is with all three grade levels. Kelm and Tesch ask the students what’s going well at SMS and what could be improved. “What we really want from them is input on the culture and climate of our school, how they feel when they are here,” Principal Kelm said.
The meeting with all the participants – about 27 6th, 7th and 8th graders – is scheduled for about one and a half hours. They start with an icebreaker and then discuss topics. Kelm said in addition to getting school feedback, the Council also is starting to help build relationships between students in different grades, which she hopes makes them more willing to share their thoughts.
Kelm said as the group dives into their work during the second half of this school year, they will write some tasks and goals on large pieces of paper and start to cross them off as they accomplish them, hopefully eventually hanging them up in The Commons to share will all SMS students.
If the Principals’ Advisory Council continues next school year, some of the same students could participate. “We really want this group to serve as a diverse representation of students at SMS with an opportunity for student’s voice,” Kelm said.
McKay Creek Elementary Wax Museum
/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News /by rthornburgAfter a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, McKay Creek Elementary announces the return of the 4th Grade Wax Museum.
Washington Elementary Last Fridays Events
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgPajama Friday at Washington Elementary
Who doesn’t love Friday? Well, at Washington Elementary School, staff and students are taking Friday fun to a whole new level.
On the last Friday of each month, everyone is allowed to wear their pajamas to school. That day there is also a monthly Snack Sale organized by the school’s Parent Club. Snacks are donated each month by parent volunteers from a designated grade level. Students are allowed to purchase reasonably priced snacks, and proceeds go to the Parent Club.
“This is a fun, easy way to have a little celebration in our building once a month,” said Principal Coree Terjeson.
And what’s better than eating M&M’s in your pajamas?
Pendleton Early Learning Center Bus Driver Appreciation Event
/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburgOn the snowy morning of Wednesday, February 22, 2023, kindergartners at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) found a great way to thank the bus drivers from First Student, Inc., who serve the Pendleton School District.
Washington Elementary Kids Heart Challenge
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgWashington Elementary kicked off its annual Kids Heart Challenge on Friday, February 17, 2023. This program focuses on whole-body wellness, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association to help kids facing heart-health issues.
The Kids Heart Challenge is held at schools across the country.
Washington Wildcats will learn how to keep their hearts and brains healthy, get moving with fun activities and meet kids with special hearts.
At a special assembly on Friday, students learned about choosing a heart-healthy challenge to Move More or Be Kind. In the next few weeks, students will ask family members and friends to donate to the Kids Heart Challenge. Prizes for fundraising will be awarded, including:
Families are encouraged to register online at: http://www2.heart.org/goto/WashingtonElementaryOR
According to Erin Donnelly, P.E. Teacher at Washington Elementary, the students are always excited to kick off this program in February. “Kids Heart Challenge is a great way to teach kids how to embrace a heart-healthy, active lifestyle while raising money for a good cause with some fun competition.”
The challenge runs through March 13, 2023. The school’s fundraising goal is $3,000.
National FFA Week – February 18-25, 2023
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburg“Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” is the motto of FFA.
FFA and agricultural education provide a strong foundation for the youth of America and the future of food, fiber, and natural resources. FFA promotes premier leadership, personal growth, and career success among its members.
Pendleton High School FFA Advisors Marty Campbell and Kylee Hunt invest in their students who work hard before, during and after school to succeed. This includes working on projects, continuing their SAEs, and practicing for Career Development Events such as Ag Mechanics, Meats Evaluation, and Livestock Evaluation, all of which have enlisted the help of many community members. Mr. Campbell shares some of the recent student successes.
A big thank you to the advisors and congratulations to the students!
Washington Elementary Staff Connection
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgCoree Terjeson, Principal at Washington Elementary School, understands how hard it is some days to be an elementary school teacher or educational assistant, and that was before the global pandemic. Supporting teachers and staff in her school building is something Terjeson takes seriously. Well, not too seriously, because building relationships and connecting with one another is what it’s all about….and occasionally, adding a little fun.
Starting in August, Terjeson and Assistant Principal Heidi Paullus organized a retreat at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, funded by the OEA Choice Trust to welcome all Washington employees to the school year. Since then, they have had several other fun events to connect with each other, create a positive staff culture, and support one another. They have been celebrating the Washington staff since the beginning of the school year by planning staff events and treats. “It always makes for a fun time when staff gets together to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” said Terjeson.
“No matter what we do each month during these activities, our goal is the same – to help the
60+ employees at our school feel safe and welcome, and to create a positive workplace climate
so they want to continue to be part of our Wildcat family,” Terjeson said.
Most recently, on a Monday in-service in January, Terjeson and Paullus planned a fun icebreaker that brought many laughs and smiles of appreciation. Each teacher was given a balloon and a permanent marker to write their name. While the music was played, the teachers tossed their balloons in the air and tried to keep them off the ground. When the music stopped, they grabbed the nearest balloon and wrote positive qualities about their coworkers or words of encouragement. “Even though this activity was first thing in the morning, everyone seemed to enjoy their balloons,” said Terjeson.
The activities are funded at all Pendleton School District buildings by a grant to help support the retention of staff.
A Message from Superintendent Headings – February 17, 2023
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgA report was made this morning to the Pendleton High School administration about a possible threat posted on social media to harm students at the school today. Law enforcement was contacted immediately, and with the help of the school administration, the student in question was contacted without incident. At no time were students at PHS unsafe or in any danger from this incident. “We want to thank the student who came forward to make the report and the Pendleton Police Department for their quick response and continued support to keep our students safe.”