Coree 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.
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.”
PHS Recognizes Their Counselors
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgKaren Demianew, Maddy Stuvland and Ron Murphy serve as advocates, mentors, coaches, cheerleaders, and teachers, and they are truly the glue that holds so many aspects of our schools together. As we recognize their hard work and dedication this week, we want to express our appreciation and gratitude to each of our amazing school counselors. We know students cannot learn unless their social and emotional needs are being tended to, and our school counselors are there to remove barriers and help students to navigate challenges. We are so lucky here at Pendleton High School to be surrounded by such a talented and creative group of school counselors.
National School Counseling Week – February 6-10, 2023
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgNational School Counseling Week 2023 (Feb. 6-10), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the essential contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Every student deserves a school counselor to help with academic achievement strategies, managing emotions and applying interpersonal skills, and planning for postsecondary options. School counselors are #HelpingStudentsDreamBig. Take a moment to thank your local school counselor(s).
PELC Visual Communication Board
/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburgThe Pendleton Early Learning Center has installed a visual communication board on its playground so that non-verbal students can communicate during recess. The board has about 60 small word-picture icons with a variety of subjects, actions, and more — things like “run, slide, yes, no, go, cold, bathroom.” Students can point to one of the icons to communicate with adults or with other students.
On a smaller scale, this visual communication tool is used in classrooms for non-verbal students as well.
Angela Lattin, Principal at the PELC, said there are several non-verbal students in the school who will benefit from the communication board, as will many of their classmates. “Our goal is that every child can communicate their needs. These boards provide exactly that access in the play setting,” Lattin said.
A second communication board will be installed on the other playground soon.
SMS Student Activity Hour
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgThe staff at Sunridge Middle School are always looking for ways to motivate students to grow academically while having a little fun along the way.
PELC Field Trip to the Arts Center
/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburgPELC students see and make art.
Sherwood Principals Appreciate Staff
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgMessage from Superintendent Headings – January 12, 2023
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg1/12/2023 @ 10:45 am
This morning across the street from McKay Elementary School a power pole “transformer” blew and set off the fire alarms at the school. Students were safely evacuated and the fire department was dispatched. The building was checked inside and out by the fire department and once deemed safe, students were allowed back into the school and will continue with classes.
Pendleton High School Holiday Season Wrap-Up
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPHS students found several ways to give back to their community during the recent holiday season.
Last month, an annual tradition they completed was PHS Adopt-a-Child, where PHS teams/groups/staff “adopt” a child to provide holiday gifts through Salvation Army in Pendleton. In December, PHS adopted 45 children, an “outstanding effort by our students and staff,” said Stu Clem, PHS Leadership Advisor.
Also, during the holiday season, all district schools — elementary, middle, and high — participated in the Canned Food Drive, with students collecting hundreds of non-perishable food items for local families.
Finally, PHS Leadership hosted their annual Little Bucks Day on December 15th. The purpose of this half-day event is to give back to the Pendleton community and provide a fun day with various activities for some Little Bucks, pre-elementary children, with Big Bucks (PHS students) as role models. The Little Bucks are children of PHS staff members and friends.
There were 20 participants in Little Bucks Day this year. According to Advisor Clem, “We have had about ten former Big Bucks in our leadership class bring their own Little Bucks to this event the last three to five years.” Clem thanked PHS student Grace Pitner, who he said was an amazing chairperson of the Little Bucks committee. “It was the best Little Bucks Day we have had!” Clem said.