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SMS Open House Sept 2023

Sunridge Middle School Open House

September 27, 2023/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburg

Sunridge Middle School students and their parents were invited to the school’s Open House on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.  In addition to serving Hill Meat hot dogs, chips, and Coca-Cola to families, school administrators hoped the event was a good photo opportunity and a chance for staff to interact with students and families.

It was the first SMS Open House for new Vice Principal Caleb Patterson. He said the school year has started out well and has been a lot of fun. “I hope tonight is a good chance for our students, especially the sixth graders, to show their parents around, for parents to put faces to teachers’ names, and for us to continue building that community feel,” Patterson said.

New teacher Noah Eckstine said his first weeks of teaching science have been great so far, with lots of support from SMS staff. At Open House, he said he hopes parents see him as a stand-up guy, know their kids are being supported and appreciated every day, and that teachers like the students as people.

Seventh grader Emilio Hernandez was showing his mom, Natasha Makin, around the school, taking her to each of his classes in the order he attends them every day. Makin said Emilio has three minutes to get from one end of the building to the other between two classes, so he showed her how he power walks to get there. Makin was happy about the Open House event, saying, “It’s a cool opportunity to meet his teachers in a fun way and not necessarily like at conferences when you might get more negative information.”

SMS Principal Piper Kelm said Open House is always an exciting night for the school. “I am always really happy when we can have our community in the building, put food in their bellies, and have them get a chance to meet our amazing teachers here at Sunridge.”

SMS Open House Sept 2023 SMS Open House Sept 2023 SMS Open House Sept 2023 SMS Open House Sept 2023 SMS Open House Sept 2023 SMS Open House Sept 2023 SMS Open House Sept 2023

 

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SMS-Sept-2023-2-2-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-09-27 10:36:332023-09-27 10:46:38Sunridge Middle School Open House
PELC Open House Sept 2023

Pendleton Early Learning Center Open House

September 25, 2023/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg

What do you get when you take big yellow school buses, tons of new kindergartners, smiling teachers, and a taco truck? A fun Back-to-School Open House at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC)!

Students and their families were invited to the event on Thursday, September 7, 2023, to tour the school and classroom, meet teachers, and enjoy an introduction to their child’s first year in the Pendleton School District.

Out in front of the school were two school buses, with bus drivers from First Student, Inc. (the bus company the district contracts with) standing next to them. The drivers were giving tours of the buses to students and families, showing students where to sit on the bus and sharing a few rules. Driver Brittney Breneman said being a bus driver is challenging, but fun. Bus driver Christina Williams said she showed students where the emergency exits and first aid kit are and the importance of sitting close to the front of the bus so the driver can see you. About being a bus driver for these youngest students, Williams said, “I absolutely love it. You have to be patient, but the kids are so sweet.”

Inside the school, walking along the hallway with her family, was new kindergartner Linnea Davis. Linnea, whose favorite color is red, said her teacher is Mr. Zimmerman. Linnea’s parents, Calvin and Kathy Davis said kindergarten is going great so far for their child. “We are looking forward to her getting to be more social, make friends, and make positive connections to being in school,” Kathy said.

In teacher Rachele Johnson’s class, the Gregg family was enjoying some time in the classroom chatting with Johnson. Patrick and Jill Gregg are the parents of three boys, and their youngest, Chris, is starting kindergarten in Johnson’s class. When Jill was pregnant with Chris, their oldest son, Jack, was a student of Mrs. Johnson’s. “It feels a bit like coming full circle. It really feels like a family here, and the PELC wraps around the whole family,” Jill said. Johnson said it’s nice for the younger sibling to already have that connection at the school, which can give them a bit more confidence.

PELC Principal Angela Lattin said the start of school at the PELC has been positive and smooth, and it’s been great getting to know the new students. “I love every school year, and I love watching students grow. The PELC has expert teachers and an amazing staff in a place that was built just for kindergarten, and there is great energy here.”

PELC Open House Sept 2023 PELC Open House Sept 2023 PELC Open House Sept 2023 PELC Open House Sept 2023 PELC Open House Sept 2023 PELC Open House Sept 2023

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PELC-Open-House-Sept-2023-5-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-09-25 10:05:232023-09-27 10:52:42Pendleton Early Learning Center Open House
EllaMae Looney

Washington Elementary – New Painting by Native American Artist

August 29, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

August 29, 2023

When students at Washington Elementary School enter the building for their first day of school this week, they will notice a large, new painting hanging in the foyer of their school. The acrylic painting entitled “Generations Shall Never Fade” was created by EllaMae Looney, an artist who lives in Mission. Looney, of the Yakama Nation, attended Washington Elementary from kindergarten through fifth grade and graduated from Nixyaawii Community School in 2018.

The large, colorful painting has deep meaning for Looney. It shows a woman in the center, who Looney said symbolizes missing and murdered Indigenous women. A young girl and boy on either side of the woman represent Indigenous children who were taken away from their families, put into residential schools, and stripped of their cultural identity.

Looney said her time as a student at Washington is full of good memories of awesome teachers and being very excited to put on regalia during the school’s powwow in Native American Heritage Month to show her friends how proud she was of her culture. “I want Indigenous kids and all kids to be proud of who they are. When they see the painting, I want them to see that a Washington student did that, and they can do good things in their life, too,” Looney said.

Stacey Jacobs, Tribal Attendance Family Advocate for the Pendleton School District, is the person who commissioned Looney to create the painting. Funds came from the district’s TAPP (Tribal Attendance Promising Practices) grant. Jacobs is thrilled that a former Wildcat created the painting and that the Looney family, who have been a large part of Washington Elementary for a long time, have a forever connection to the school. “I don’t expect our students to get the entire meaning of the painting, but it’s a powerful reminder of difficult challenges that Indigenous people historically endured and still face. I hope students can look to the painting by a former student creating art now and think about what they can become,” Jacobs said.

Looney Painting

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EllaMae-Looney.jpg 1150 1410 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-29 16:32:342023-08-29 16:33:06Washington Elementary – New Painting by Native American Artist
Ronda Smith

Welcome Back from Principal Smith

August 22, 2023/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg

August 22, 2023

It is a privilege and honor to serve as the principal at Sherwood Heights Elementary in Pendleton, Oregon.  This is a very special school with a positive culture of inclusiveness and acceptance for all.  Our dedicated staff serves 470 awesome students in the first through fifth grades.  We have four classrooms of each grade, making our school the largest attended elementary school in our district. 

Every Sherwood staff member believes that every child can and will learn. We strive to provide an excellent academic education for all students enabling them to reach their fullest potential.  We respond to the social and emotional needs of all students, making our school a safe environment to learn and grow.  All of our staff have been trained on Conscious Discipline, providing positive support for all students, and having effective responses to students who struggle socially or emotionally. Our caring staff is committed to the development of each child academically, emotionally, socially and physically.  

We value a safe, caring and respectful environment where each person feels like they belong.  Sherwood Heights Elementary is a place where the staff is proud to work, genuinely cares for our students, and is focused on making a difference in the lives of our students every day.

I get excited to come to work every day because of the amazing kids who attend Sherwood, the BEST staff members who work tirelessly to give students the best possible experience at school, and the wonderful families who send their kids to Sherwood, trusting that their education is in good hands.  Sherwood is simply a GREAT place to be!

Sherwood Heights is a great school where every student can be themselves and grow as a learner and a citizen.  The future is in our school, and we sure are proud of them!

Ronda Smith, Principal
Sherwood Heights Elementary

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ronda-Smith.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-22 07:30:172023-08-22 07:30:17Welcome Back from Principal Smith

Freshmen Link Crew Day at PHS

August 21, 2023/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburg

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Link-Crew-Day.png 547 602 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-21 14:56:162023-08-21 14:59:04Freshmen Link Crew Day at PHS
Sherri Kilgore

Welcome Back from Principal KIlgore

August 21, 2023/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News /by rthornburg

Dear Mustang Families and Students,

As the proud principal of McKay Creek Elementary School, I would like to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year.  McKay is Mustang Mighty and boasts a reputation of rigor, engagement and kindness.  It is nestled near McKay Creek and stables approximately 250 Mustangs grades first–fifth.  McKay has phenomenal teachers who practice instructional excellence, respond to the needs of all students, and who are innovative.  They promote high expectations for active learning while increasing emotional awareness, self-management, and leadership skills in all of our students.  The staff is dedicated to meeting students where they are and identifying and addressing the learning needs of all students through enrichment and student-specific interventions in reading, writing and math.

The staff and I are excited to have the opportunity to work with you and your child and provide a safe space where all students belong, succeed, learn and grow.  The Pendleton School District will occasionally send messages to families using School Messenger or Remind and the webpage and Facebook pages are also great resources for updates.

McKay and community are dedicated to establishing a safe, nurturing environment in which each student experiences success in learning and positive self-esteem. We hold the interest of children at the heart of all decision making. We nurture, instruct, and encourage our students to become lifelong learners capable of maximizing their potential as responsible, productive citizens. In addition, we value the culture and experiences of every family and welcome you to be part of our school family.

It is a pleasure and honor to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to every student and family as the school year begins. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, my door is open, and I am here to listen. As a staff, we look forward to joining you in this exciting partnership.

Kindly,

Sherri Kilgore
Office Phone: 541-966-3000

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sherri-Kilgore.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-21 14:24:402023-08-21 14:24:40Welcome Back from Principal KIlgore
Angela Lattin

Welcome Back from Principal Lattin

August 17, 2023/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg

Welcome to the Pendleton Early Learning Center!

Read Full Article
https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Angela-Lattin.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-17 14:47:332023-08-17 14:50:12Welcome Back from Principal Lattin
Kevin Dinning

Welcome Back from Principal Dinning

August 17, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!

Read Full Article
https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kevin-Dinning.png 435 339 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-17 14:42:262023-08-17 14:42:55Welcome Back from Principal Dinning
Pat Dutcher

Welcome Back from Principal Dutcher

August 17, 2023/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburg

Welcome back to a brand-new school year at Pendleton High School!

Read Full Article
https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Pat-Dutcher-1.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-08-17 14:27:282023-08-17 14:43:49Welcome Back from Principal Dutcher
Piper Kelm

Sunridge Middle School End-of-Year Message

June 15, 2023/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburg
Read Full Article
https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Piper-Kelm.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-06-15 07:21:542023-06-15 07:21:54Sunridge Middle School End-of-Year Message
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Latest Radio Spot

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Latest PSD News

  • SMS Open House Sept 2023
    Sunridge Middle School Open HouseSeptember 27, 2023 - 10:36 am
  • PELC Open House Sept 2023
    Pendleton Early Learning Center Open HouseSeptember 25, 2023 - 10:05 am
  • EllaMae Looney
    Washington Elementary – New Painting by Native American ArtistAugust 29, 2023 - 4:32 pm
  • Ronda Smith
    Welcome Back from Principal SmithAugust 22, 2023 - 7:30 am
  • Freshmen Link Crew Day at PHSAugust 21, 2023 - 2:56 pm
  • Sherri Kilgore
    Welcome Back from Principal KIlgoreAugust 21, 2023 - 2:24 pm

News Archives

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Upcoming Events

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  • District Wide
  • Early Learning Center
  • Hawthorne High School
  • McKay Elementary School
  • Pendleton High School
  • Sherwood Elementary School
  • Sunridge Middle School
  • Washington Elementary School
  • September 2023

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

1 event, 28

2023-08-28

All Staff In-Service

All Staff In-Service

August 28

All Staff In-Service

2 events, 29

2023-08-29

First Day of School

First Day of School

August 29

First Day of School

Welcome to 2023-24 school year! Today is the first day of classes for grades 2-12.

2023-08-29

K-1 Soft Start

K-1 Soft Start

August 29 - August 31

K-1 Soft Start

Kindergarten and Grade 1 will have a soft start from Aug 29-31.  You will receive letters in the mail with details.  If you have questions, please call your student's school […]

1 event, 30

2023-08-29

K-1 Soft Start

1 event, 31

2023-08-29

K-1 Soft Start

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

1 event, 4

2023-09-04

No School – Labor Day

No School – Labor Day

September 4

No School – Labor Day

1 event, 5

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

September 5 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

Held in the District Office Boardroom. 8:00-9:00 am

2 events, 6

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PHS

September 6 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PHS

Pendleton High School is hosting an Open House from 4:30-6:30

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Parents Club

September 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Parents Club

Sherwood Parents Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Sherwood Elementary cafeteria. Free childcare is provided to those in attendance. We hope to see […]

1 event, 7

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PELC

September 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PELC

The Pendleton Early Learning Center is hosting an Open House from 4:30-6:30

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

0 events, 10

1 event, 11

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11 - September 15

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 12

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 13

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 14

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 15

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

0 events, 16

0 events, 17

2 events, 18

2023-09-18

Late Start

Late Start

September 18

Late Start

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Board Meeting

September 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Board Meeting

Held in the District Office Boardroom. 6:00-7:00 pm

0 events, 19

1 event, 20

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Open House – SMS

September 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Open House – SMS

Sunridge Middle School is hosting an Open House from 5:00 - 7:00

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

1 event, 25

2023-09-25

Late Start

Late Start

September 25

Late Start

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

August 28
All day

All Staff In-Service

August 29
All day

First Day of School

All day

K-1 Soft Start

August 29
All day

K-1 Soft Start

August 29
All day

K-1 Soft Start

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 4
All day

No School – Labor Day

September 5
September 5 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

September 6
September 6 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PHS

September 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Parents Club

September 7
September 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PELC

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 18
All day

Late Start

September 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Board Meeting

  • There are no events on this day.
September 20
September 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Open House – SMS

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 25
All day

Late Start

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar
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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.

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