About 550 students, parents, and families attended the PHS Forecasting Night at the end of February. The hallways were filled with 55 booths highlighting academic areas, elective classes, clubs, sports, activities, and community partners.
Attendees could get informed at a presentation in the PHS Auditorium, browse the booths, and enjoy dinner at one of three vendors — PHS Culinary Program Food Truck, The Dog House, and Panchitos.
PHS Principal Pat Dutcher said the event was a great success. “We appreciate all the families who joined us to plan with their students for success next school year. Family Forecasting Night is one of those Pendleton High School events that reminds us what we do all of this for. It’s a celebration of our students, our programs, and the people who make PHS special, while also giving families clear, practical information to help their students plan a strong path to graduation.”
Dutcher said he is incredibly grateful to Jill Gregg, ASPIRE Coordinator, who plans all of the logistics for the entire event and keeps everything running smoothly from start to finish. He also thanked PHS counselors Karen Demianew and Ron Murphy for their outstanding presentations that helped families make sense of course options and future planning. “And a special thanks to Maria Davis for leading our first-ever presentation in Spanish, which was a meaningful step in making sure every family feels welcomed, informed, and connected at PHS.”
PHS Forecasting Night Helps Students Plan for Next Year
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgAbout 550 students, parents, and families attended the PHS Forecasting Night at the end of February. The hallways were filled with 55 booths highlighting academic areas, elective classes, clubs, sports, activities, and community partners.
Attendees could get informed at a presentation in the PHS Auditorium, browse the booths, and enjoy dinner at one of three vendors — PHS Culinary Program Food Truck, The Dog House, and Panchitos.
PHS Principal Pat Dutcher said the event was a great success. “We appreciate all the families who joined us to plan with their students for success next school year. Family Forecasting Night is one of those Pendleton High School events that reminds us what we do all of this for. It’s a celebration of our students, our programs, and the people who make PHS special, while also giving families clear, practical information to help their students plan a strong path to graduation.”
Dutcher said he is incredibly grateful to Jill Gregg, ASPIRE Coordinator, who plans all of the logistics for the entire event and keeps everything running smoothly from start to finish. He also thanked PHS counselors Karen Demianew and Ron Murphy for their outstanding presentations that helped families make sense of course options and future planning. “And a special thanks to Maria Davis for leading our first-ever presentation in Spanish, which was a meaningful step in making sure every family feels welcomed, informed, and connected at PHS.”
Community Read-In a Great Success!
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgReaders of all ages enjoyed books, books, books at the annual Community Read-In at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) on March 2, 2026.
About 60 volunteers visited the school that morning to read to Kindergartners and share their love of books and reading. Volunteers included parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, retired PELC staff, Sunridge Middle School Leadership students, PSD staff and school board members, IMESD Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub, Walmart employees, and law enforcement.
PELC would like to thank Pendleton Walmart for their donation of books and their employees who came to read with students.
“The Community Read-In was a roaring, reading literary success that we look forward to every year! We thank all the volunteers who showed up to spend time with our students,” said Angela Lattin, PELC Principal.
The event is the traditional kickoff to Read Across America week.
Classified Appreciation Week: Celebrating Our Maintenance & Custodial Team
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgBehind every safe, welcoming school is a dedicated maintenance and custodial team working tirelessly — often before the day begins and long after it ends.
From keeping our buildings clean and safe to responding quickly when challenges arise, their work ensures students and staff have spaces where learning can thrive. Their pride in our schools shows in every hallway, classroom, and shared space.
Thank you for the care, skill, and commitment you bring to our district each day. Our schools shine because of you!
#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #ThankYouTeam
Classified Appreciation Week: Celebrating Our Paraeducators
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThis week we proudly celebrate our amazing paraeducators — the caring adults who work side-by-side with students every day to support learning, confidence, and growth.
Paraeducators build relationships, provide encouragement, and help ensure every student has access to meaningful learning experiences. Their patience, flexibility, and commitment make classrooms stronger and students more successful.
Thank you for the compassion and dedication you bring to our schools. You truly change lives through your daily work. 💚💛
#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #StudentSuccess
Classified Appreciation Week: Celebrating Our School Secretaries
/in Washington School News /by rthornburgDuring Classified Appreciation Week, we want to recognize the incredible school secretaries who keep our schools running smoothly every single day.
They are often the first friendly voice families hear, the calm presence during busy moments, and the organizational heart of our buildings. From supporting students and staff to solving a hundred unexpected challenges before lunch, their work makes a lasting difference in the experience of everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and dedication to our students and school communities. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💚💛
#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #GratefulForOurTeam
Classified Appreciation Week: Celebrating Our School Secretaries
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgDuring Classified Appreciation Week, we want to recognize the incredible school secretaries who keep our schools running smoothly every single day.
They are often the first friendly voice families hear, the calm presence during busy moments, and the organizational heart of our buildings. From supporting students and staff to solving a hundred unexpected challenges before lunch, their work makes a lasting difference in the experience of everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and dedication to our students and school communities. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💚💛
#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #GratefulForOurTeam
Crystal Apple Award Nominations
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgDo you know an employee in our school district who is doing an amazing job? Nominate them for a 2026 Crystal Apple Award! Nominations are NOW OPEN.
These annual awards, organized by InterMountain ESD, recognize excellent educators in our region. Any district employee is eligible – teachers, paraeducators, office staff, cafeteria staff, etc. Anyone can nominate at this link: Crystal Apple Award Nomination Form
DEADLINE to nominate is April 1, 2026.
National School Counseling Week
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThis week, we invite our community to join us in celebrating our school counselors.
You may not always see their work—but its impact is felt every single day. School counselors support students academically, socially, and emotionally. They listen when students need to be heard, help navigate challenges, advocate for student needs, and partner with families and staff to ensure every child feels supported and valued.
They are trusted adults, problem-solvers, advocates, and leaders within our schools. Their work strengthens not only individual students, but the culture and well-being of our entire school community.
To our school counselors: You are seen. You are heard. You are deeply appreciated.
Thank you for the compassion, expertise, and care you bring to our students and families—today and every day. 💚💛
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Mason Murphy
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Mason Murphy.
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Patrick Gregg
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Patrick Gregg:
If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I am an attorney and partner at the law firm Corey Byler & Rew, LLP in Pendleton.
What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I have three children in the district, my wife works as the ASPIRE Coordinator at Pendleton High School, and I volunteer as a mock trial coach at the high school.
Why do you serve on the School Board?
I was the beneficiary of an excellent public school education, which allowed me to succeed academically beyond high school and laid the groundwork for me to be professionally successful. I want all of our students in Pendleton to have that same excellent education so that they have the opportunity to succeed, whatever their path after high school.
What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
Pendleton is a great place to live and raise a family, and our community has a tremendous sense of pride in our schools.