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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
Ronda Smith

Sherwood Elementary End-of-Year Message

June 14, 2023/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg
Read Full Article
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 rthornburg2023-06-14 07:35:592023-06-14 07:35:59Sherwood Elementary End-of-Year Message
Sherwood Students

Sherwood Heights Elementary Spring Field Trips

May 12, 2023/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg

Do you remember going on field trips in elementary school? Most people can remember a trip to a pumpkin patch, a local farm, a science center, a museum or art center, or maybe a local historical place. But combine more robust academic requirements, increased testing in schools, and the COVID pandemic, and many schools have not had field trips for a few years.

The principal and assistant principal at Sherwood Heights Elementary are changing that this spring. Principal Ronda Smith said they are trying to create a culture of memories through learning outside the school building. “Field trips offer an opportunity for students to be kind and responsible to each other in a different setting and learn to be a school family together,” Smith said.

In May and June, Sherwood students in various grades will go to the Heritage Station Museum, and Blue Mountain Community College, walk to a local park, participate in the Pendleton High School FFA Farm Day, attend track meets, and, have a field day.

TJ Presley, Assistant Principal, said many of the trips and events create chances for students to cooperate, take turns, and be independent. “This summer, when a little kid closes his eyes and thinks about school last year, what will he remember? We want them to remember something great and end the year on a positive note so the student can’t wait to return to their school family in August.”

Sherwood Students Sherwood Students Sherwood Students

https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230504_120644-scaled.jpg 2461 2560 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-05-12 09:57:572023-05-12 09:59:54Sherwood Heights Elementary Spring Field Trips
5th grade BMCC

5th Grade Field Trip to BMCC

April 25, 2023/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News, Sherwood School News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

All fifth graders in the Pendleton School District got a glimpse of the community college in their own hometown on Wednesday, April 19th.

Read Full Article
https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_8940-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2023-04-25 09:19:442023-04-25 09:24:325th Grade Field Trip to BMCC
Safety First

Sherwood Heights Elementary – Safety Efforts

April 4, 2023/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg

Fire, lockdown, and earthquake drills are all in a day’s work for today’s students. Because they practice these regularly, they know what to expect if and when a real emergency occurs. And that is what the leaders at Sherwood Heights Elementary are counting on.

“We have a fire drill every month, and we practice one other drill every month,” said TJ Presley, Assistant Principal at Sherwood. “By practicing these scenarios, our staff and students are all more prepared and able to remain calm in situations that do arise.”

Presley and Sherwood Principal Ronda Smith said they collaborate with local law enforcement officers when they have drills, so officers can be on site if possible to help discuss response time and things that could be improved. Pendleton School District School Resource Officer Lance Zaugg was in the building at the school’s March Lockdown drill and debriefed with school administrators afterward. “We test different modalities with our alarm system and phone system to ensure we practice different methods to initiate our emergency protocols when necessary and to be as quick and efficient in a real emergency,” Principal Smith said.

Sherwood recently received two grants totaling $10,000 from the Walmart Distribution Center in Hermiston to purchase new radios for all staff in their building. Presley said the new radios are helpful, as the ability to communicate quickly between all staff in the school is essential.

In addition to physical safety, Sherwood also focuses on social-emotional safety, with regular lessons about feeling safe, trusted adults, reporting concerns, and more.

At the school’s Open House last fall, several parents asked the school leaders to tell them about emergency procedures and protocols, which Smith said they were glad to communicate about. As part of a district-wide plan, Sherwood will host an after-school safety evaluation/walk-through in May with officers from several local law enforcement agencies to identify potential safety issues that can be resolved.

“Safety at our school for students, staff, and visitors is always our number one priority, no matter what,” Presley said. “Having consistent procedures, excellent communication, practice drills, and having everyone on board are essential for our teachers and assistants to facilitate learning and for students to feel safe and learn in the best environment possible.”

Sherwood Heights Elementary and the Pendleton School District use the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol for emergency response; visit https://iloveuguys.org/ for more information.

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Sherwood Students

Sherwood Elementary Celebrates Academic Progress & Plans for Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 6, 2023/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg

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:

  1. What kind of academic progress has my child made since the start of the school year?
  2. How is my child doing socially and while interacting in the classroom?
  3. 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 Students Sherwood Students Sherwood Students Sherwood Students

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Ronda Smith

Sherwood Principals Appreciate Staff

January 13, 2023/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg
Read Full Article
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 rthornburg2023-01-13 13:15:382023-01-13 13:15:38Sherwood Principals Appreciate Staff
Chinook

Chinook Helicopter Visit for Veterans Day

November 21, 2022/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg

Landing a Chinook helicopter next to a school playground was all in a day’s work for members of the National Guard unit in Pendleton on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Read Full Article
https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_5086-rotated.jpg 640 480 rthornburg https://pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pendleton-school-district.png rthornburg2022-11-21 13:40:492022-11-21 13:40:49Chinook Helicopter Visit for Veterans Day
New Faces in Pendleton Schools

New Teacher Feature: Katie Goad

October 27, 2022/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburg

The Pendleton School District is happy to feature new PSD teachers.

Read Full Article
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Symphony Strings

2022-23 Symphony Strings

October 17, 2022/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News, Sherwood School News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

Pendleton School District and the Oregon East Symphony are excited to begin a new season of Symphony Strings! This program is open to all 4th and 5th grade students in the PSD and is an exciting opportunity to learn to play violin, viola, or cello.

We meet Mondays and Wednesdays in the Pendleton High School music department from 3:45-4:15 (we are unable to provide transportation), and students can still enroll! Classes start October 19, and students may enroll up until Oct. 26.

Students can bring their completed registration form with them. Please note that financial assistance and instrument loans are available for anyone who needs them.

Please reach out if you have any questions to Emily Muller-Cary at ecary@pendletonsd.org or Zach Banks at education@oregoneastsymphony.org.

Registration forms and the information are below and also on the Oregon East Symphony website.

2022-23 Symphony Strings Flyer
2022-23 Symphony Strings Registration

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Latest Radio Spot

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Download PDF version Here
View Past Radio Spots Here

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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