New this year at Sunridge Middle School is an opportunity for students to try their hand at pottery using electric pottery wheels. Principal Piper Kelm said the school purchased 25 new wheels for classes this year.
In a recent art class, students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades were each seated behind a pottery wheel with lumps of clay, working hard to create ceramic mugs.
Wayne Small is the new Art Teacher at SMS. He said one thing he really likes about pottery is that students who feel that they aren’t talented in drawing or painting can be given the confidence to excel with clay. “Pencils and paint are readily available materials, and the students who do well practice constantly. But with clay, everyone starts closer to the same ability level, so it gives those students a chance to feel successful in the visual arts,” Small said.
Natalie, a 7th Grader, was working on her project to make a mug for her little cousin. She had never worked on a pottery wheel before but said, “It’s pretty fun, and I like how it’s turning out.”
Two other 7th graders, Jacob and Miles, were working together on forming a cup. Jacob said it’s hard to shape the clay, but he took the class because he would like to do more art projects. Miles said he has liked the drawing and now the pottery. “I like the creativity of the class,” he said.
PSD Seeking Community Input
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District Board of Directors has selected McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, to assist them in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview.
The community can provide input into determining the qualities of the next Superintendent on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the PHS auditorium.
Your input is very important to us. We hope you will attend!
Holidays around the Pendleton School District – December 2024
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgSuperintendent Video Message – December 2024
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgWelcome to PSD – Sami Spriet
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgSami Spriet
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher
Sunridge Middle School
Sami grew up in Pendleton and graduated with the Pendleton High School Class of 2020.
She went to college at Eastern Oregon University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Ecological Biology as well as her Master of Arts degree in teaching.
“I am super excited to get to know all of the students as well as get to work with some amazing people!” Sami said about her new job.
When she has free time, Sami likes to attend concerts, read, be outdoors and spend time with friends and family.
Pendleton School District Superintendent Announces Resignation
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgPendleton School District Superintendent Kevin Headings announced he will not look to extend his contract past the 24-25 school year and will resign effective June 30, 2025. Headings was hired as Superintendent of Pendleton School District in April of 2022. He signed a three-year contract through June 2025.
Headings said upon being hired, he was thrilled with this new chapter in his life and excited about the opportunity to lead Pendleton School District as superintendent. Headings said he’s pleased with what’s been accomplished during his time as superintendent and positive with the direction the school district is headed.
However, while Headings said he was excited with the new opportunity and the progress of the district overall, he realized over time that his heart is still in working as a building principal. “I’m pleased with our work around improving instruction and making our buildings safe for our students and staff and I’m confident with the direction the district is headed. I look forward to finishing out the year strong.” Headings said, “But I’ve realized, over the past year and a half or so, that my heart just isn’t in it. I kept thinking it would change, but it really hasn’t. I’ve been a principal in several different districts and superintendent in two. Working as a building principal with daily interactions with teachers, staff, students and parents is truly where my heart and passion are,” Headings said.
Headings said he is grateful for his time in Pendleton and for the opportunity the Pendleton School District afforded me. He has enjoyed getting to know the people of Pendleton, working with the various staff in the district, and working with the school board, he said.
Welcome to PSD – Erin Zacharias
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgErin Zacharias
Special Education Teacher
Sunridge Middle School
Erin grew up in Pendleton and Pilot Rock. She attended Lincoln Elementary and graduated from Pilot Rock High School.
For college, she went to Grand Canyon University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Erin said, “I am excited I get to work with all the same coworkers I have had for the last two years and collaborate with them in a different role.”
In her free time, Erin likes to cook, bake, go on walks, and watch movies.
Sunridge Middle School Receives Grant for Weight Room Equipment
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgStudents at Sunridge Middle School have some new equipment to help them get physically stronger this school year. The school received a grant of $7,850 from the Pendleton Foundation Trust to purchase new items for the weight room.
They purchased 20 40-pound dumbbells, 10 weight benches and three floor mats.
Tim Cary, P.E. Teacher, said the new equipment has allowed them to expand the variety of lifts, allowed for a safer environment to exercise in, and provided the opportunity for several students to lift more weight and set new goals.
“We want to say thank you to the Pendleton Foundation Trust for helping us continue to improve our facilities. The grant money has truly changed the weight room and the students’ attitudes in a very positive way,” Cary said.
Sunridge Middle School Students Create Pottery
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgNew this year at Sunridge Middle School is an opportunity for students to try their hand at pottery using electric pottery wheels. Principal Piper Kelm said the school purchased 25 new wheels for classes this year.
In a recent art class, students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades were each seated behind a pottery wheel with lumps of clay, working hard to create ceramic mugs.
Wayne Small is the new Art Teacher at SMS. He said one thing he really likes about pottery is that students who feel that they aren’t talented in drawing or painting can be given the confidence to excel with clay. “Pencils and paint are readily available materials, and the students who do well practice constantly. But with clay, everyone starts closer to the same ability level, so it gives those students a chance to feel successful in the visual arts,” Small said.
Natalie, a 7th Grader, was working on her project to make a mug for her little cousin. She had never worked on a pottery wheel before but said, “It’s pretty fun, and I like how it’s turning out.”
Two other 7th graders, Jacob and Miles, were working together on forming a cup. Jacob said it’s hard to shape the clay, but he took the class because he would like to do more art projects. Miles said he has liked the drawing and now the pottery. “I like the creativity of the class,” he said.
FACT Oregon in Umatilla County
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgFACT Oregon is coming to Umatilla County October 15-17, 2024.
Pendleton School District is Seeking Applicants for Vacant School Board Position
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgDistrict Seeking Applicants for Vacant School Board Position
Pendleton – Due to a recent vacancy, the Pendleton School District is seeking applicants for Position 3 on the Pendleton School Board; 3 years remain on this term. Applicants must be legally registered voters who currently reside and will have resided within the district boundaries for one year immediately before the appointment.
Please submit applications no later than October 30, 2024, to the Pendleton School District Office at 107 NW 10th Street, or they may be emailed to Ronda Thornburg – Board Secretary
Application letters should include:
Address the following:
Should you have any questions, you may email Patrick Gregg, Board Chair.