August 21, 2023
Dear PSD Parents –
The start of school is only a few days away. This time of year is always exciting, with new classes, new teachers, new faces, and the overall start of a new year.
Our teachers and staff are excited to serve you and your child(ren). The principals are already back at work, along with the secretaries, teachers, and support staff, preparing their buildings, yearly plans, and school functions for the 2023-24 school year.
The safety and security of our district facilities is always our highest priority. We’ve spent a good portion of the summer making sure our emergency plans are highly functional and in place and that our buildings have strong security. Recently, our district safety team attended a regional “Safety Summit” at the Pendleton Convention Center. Our plans, procedures, and security measures are comprehensive, strong, and effective.
After attending this summit, there are several things that are important for you, as parents, to do and not do if there is an emergency/crisis at your child’s school. Please see below.
Do:
- Go to the district website for the latest information, including where to pick up your child or what to do next.
- Listen to local radio – 1290 KUMA or 103.5 FM – for information
- Visit the Pendleton School District Facebook page
Don’t:
- Call the school or district office, as the phone lines will be needed for the school/district to communicate with 1st responders and emergency personnel.
- Go to the school – you won’t be able to get in as it will be sectioned off. First responders and emergency personnel need the space to operate.
While we know that in situations like this, stress levels will be high, it is best to be prepared ahead of time.
And now, a few logistics for the new school year. The first day of school for all our students is Tuesday, August 29. We will have bussing routes and bussing information on our district website the week before school starts. Additionally, we have added 5 minutes to our school day, so please check the website of your child’s school, or call the school for school day start times and end times, along with any other questions you may have.
One more logistic about our school year. 6th and 9th graders will have orientation on Monday, August 28. Kindergarten and 1st graders will have a soft start from August 29-31. Again, please visit the school’s website, or call the school’s office for specific information regarding K-1, 6th, and 9th grade soft start and orientation.
We are excited to see our students and families back in our buildings and looking forward to serving you for the 2023-24 school year. I wish you a great start to the school!
Sincerely,
Kevin Headings, Superintendent
New Faces in Pendleton SD – Cambree Shields
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District is happy to feature new PSD teachers.
Superintendent Video Message – September 29, 2023
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgStart of the 2023-24 School Year
Live Broadcast of PHS Football Games
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgExciting news for PHS football! EOA Network will be broadcasting PHS football games this year, and they are starting tonight, September 1, 2023. You can stream the games on the following platforms:
EOAlive.TV
https://www.facebook.com/EOAliveTV
https://www.youtube.com/eoalivetv
GO BUCKS!!!!
Welcome Back from Principal Smith
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgAugust 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
Summer Lunch Program
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Summer Lunch Program will be at the PELC from 11:30-12:30 beginning June 19 – August 18, Monday – Thursday (Closed July 4).
Rules of the Summer Lunch Program:
1. Must be 1-18 years of age
2. All food and milk must be consumed in the cafeteria
3. No one over the age of 18 or under the age of 1 can eat or drink any part of the meal
4. Shoes and Shirts must be worn
5. No horseplay
Sherwood Elementary End-of-Year Message
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgEnd of Year Message
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgPHS 2023 Graduation Live Stream Link
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton High School Class of 2023 Graduation will be live-streamed on the PHS Media YouTube account: https://youtube.com/@PHSMedia
June 3, 2023
Ceremony begins at 10:00 am in the Round-Up Stadium.
Gates open at 9:00 am
Seating is at the West end of the stadium
Programs are handed out in three locations (Top of stairs to West Grandstands. Bottom of rail to West Grandstands. South entrance)
Bathrooms are open on the second level of West Grandstands
Suggestion: Bring a water bottle with you
Sherwood Heights Elementary Spring Field Trips
/in District Site News, Sherwood School News /by rthornburgDo 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.”