Welcome to PSD – Meghan Hoyt
Meghan Hoyt
Kindergarten Teacher
Pendleton Early Learning Center
Meghan grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and western Washington. She moved to Pendleton this past summer.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Washington University and her master’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on social and emotional learning from The University of Washington.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Meghan said, “I am so excited to connect with all of my students; I am looking forward to seeing their growth once spring comes. I enjoyed my initial teacher training through PSD. They inspired so many ideas that I look forward to implementing in the classroom, from academics to classroom management.”
When she has free time, Meghan said, “I am a new mom, so spending time with my daughter is my absolute favorite thing to do. We also love camping, hiking, and fishing.”
Welcome to PSD – Marjorie Carter
Marjorie Carter
Special Education Teacher
Washington Elementary School
Marjorie said she experienced a lot of different communities growing up but spent most of her time between Pendleton and Bothell, Washington. She attended school in the Pendleton School District from third to eighth grade before moving to Bothell. She has lived in Pendleton for a combined total of 40 years.
She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Western Governors University.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Marjorie said, “What excites me most about working in the Pendleton School District is that I get to support students from my own neighborhood to become the best version of themselves.”
In her free time, she loves to cook new foods.
Welcome to PSD – Makenzie McLeod
Makenzie McLeod
1st Grade Teacher
McKay Creek Elementary School
Born and raised in Pendleton, Makenzie left Pendleton only for college. She graduated from Pendleton High School in 2019.
She attended Eastern Washington University and earned a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in literacy.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Makenzie said, “I have an amazing team and look forward to working with and learning from them this year! And in the same district that I attended — what a great opportunity.”
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and walking her dog, Finley.
Welcome to PSD – Jillian Samp
Jillian Samp
4th Grade Teacher
Sherwood Heights Elementary School
Jillian was born in Pendleton and has lived here all her life. She graduated from Pendleton High School in 2020.
She attended Eastern Oregon University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Jillian said, “I’m super excited to be back in my hometown teaching and getting to teach with some amazing teachers in our district.”
In her free time, Jillian loves to spend time with her family and her dog, Scout.
Sherwood Elementary Focuses on 24-25 Year
Sherwood Heights Elementary has a new Principal and new Assistant Principal for the 2024-25 school year. Principal TJ Presley was previously the Assistant Principal. The school’s new Assistant Principal is Faith Lindley. They are focusing on these goals this year:
- Building safety
- Engaging learning environment
- Academic growth
Presley said staff and student safety has always been a priority, but this year, in addition to the standard monthly drills for fire and lockdowns, the staff is emphasizing active supervision. This means adults have high awareness and move around when supervising students inside the building and on the playground. “We have 450 students in our school to monitor so we want people to say something if they see something unsafe so we can address it,” Presley said.
Goal number two is geared toward developing a fun, positive atmosphere where academic and social emotional growth are happening daily. Presley said Sherwood has a great staff to work with. The school’s leadership team, including himself, Lindley, Lisa Roberts, Child Development Specialist, and Taylor Wilson, Behavior Specialist, collaborate to develop a positive school climate.
To further academic growth this year, the school added 10 minutes of extra time to reading and math skills. In addition to Sherwood’s strong teachers and 17 dedicated paraprofessionals, other adults are supporting learning. Volunteers from Altrusa of Pendleton are at Sherwood every week to help students with literacy, students from Eastern Oregon University are providing support in classrooms and some students from Pendleton High School are volunteering in second grade. “Growth is happening,” Presley said.
Head Secretary Amy Kline said Sherwood’s new administrative team is great to work with and supportive of the staff. Every new school year, Kline said, “it’s always fun to see the kids grow into a new grade.” Rhonda Daggett, the school’s Assistant Secretary, said the start of the year has gone smoothly, and she looks forward to seeing the students who struggle realize success throughout the year.
Here’s to a great year, Sherwood Spurs!
To read more about Sherwood Heights Elementary, visit their website at https://ses.pendleton.k12.or.us/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
