The Pendleton School District has received the 2023-2024 state assessment results from the Oregon Department of Education. The Statewide Assessment System (SBAC) includes summative assessments administered annually, as required by the State and Federal Departments of Education. These assessments are given to students in grades 3 – 8 and 11 in the areas of math, language arts and science.
Scores improved from the previous year in 9 of the 17 areas tested, specifically in the following grades and subjects: grade 3 math, grade 3 language arts, grade 4 math, grade 4 language arts, grade 7 math, grade 8 language arts, grade 11 science, grade 11 math and grade 11 language arts.
The highest gains are in grade 11 language arts with a 19.9% increase in the number of students meeting the achievement standards, grade 8 language arts with an 11.6% increase and grade 7 math with an 11.8% increase.
The areas where test results dropped by 5% or more were grade 5 science, grade 5 math, grade 5 language arts, and grade 6 math.
PSD administrators, teachers and staff continually work toward academic improvement and success for all students in all areas. The district will dive deeper into the test results in the coming weeks to identify specific areas which may need a more focused effort.
“Although we’d like to see improvement and growth in all areas, we are encouraged by these preliminary results. These improvements in nine areas, some very significant, validates all the hard work our staff do each day to educate every student, every day.” -Kevin Headings, Superintendent
“We appreciate the support from families and students who participate in these assessments. The results of these assessments provide feedback to our teachers and administrators to help identify where our greatest needs are.” – Matt Yoshioka, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Detailed state, district and school results may be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Pages/Assessment-Group-Reports.aspx
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.
2023-24 State Assessment Results
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District has received the 2023-2024 state assessment results from the Oregon Department of Education. The Statewide Assessment System (SBAC) includes summative assessments administered annually, as required by the State and Federal Departments of Education. These assessments are given to students in grades 3 – 8 and 11 in the areas of math, language arts and science.
Scores improved from the previous year in 9 of the 17 areas tested, specifically in the following grades and subjects: grade 3 math, grade 3 language arts, grade 4 math, grade 4 language arts, grade 7 math, grade 8 language arts, grade 11 science, grade 11 math and grade 11 language arts.
The highest gains are in grade 11 language arts with a 19.9% increase in the number of students meeting the achievement standards, grade 8 language arts with an 11.6% increase and grade 7 math with an 11.8% increase.
The areas where test results dropped by 5% or more were grade 5 science, grade 5 math, grade 5 language arts, and grade 6 math.
PSD administrators, teachers and staff continually work toward academic improvement and success for all students in all areas. The district will dive deeper into the test results in the coming weeks to identify specific areas which may need a more focused effort.
“Although we’d like to see improvement and growth in all areas, we are encouraged by these preliminary results. These improvements in nine areas, some very significant, validates all the hard work our staff do each day to educate every student, every day.” -Kevin Headings, Superintendent
“We appreciate the support from families and students who participate in these assessments. The results of these assessments provide feedback to our teachers and administrators to help identify where our greatest needs are.” – Matt Yoshioka, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Detailed state, district and school results may be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Pages/Assessment-Group-Reports.aspx
Orange Shirt Day
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgSeptember 27, 2024
PSD Families,
Monday, September 30th, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. This day has become known as “Orange Shirt Day” along with the mantra “Every Child Matters.” This is a message that honors the lives of our Indigenous children who have been lost and symbolizes the importance of every child.
On Monday, September 30th, the Pendleton School District will recognize this day by encouraging our students and staff to wear the color orange as a sign of our support. The Pendleton School District is dedicated to honoring the interests and values of all children by creating school environments that help them feel valued, respected, and safe. Thank you for all you do to bless the lives of your children, our students. It takes the whole community to keep our kids safe, valued, and cared for.
Sincerely,
Kevin Headings – PSD Superintendent
Back-to-School Message
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgImmunization Clinic and Well Child Visits
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Student Based Health Clinic is holding well child visits and immunization clinics at the Pendleton Early Learning Center. This is available to all PSD students with no cost to families.
October 14, 2024
November 18, 2024
December 9, 2024
January 27, 2025
Services offered :
Well Child Exams
Vision Screening
Immunizations
Referrals as needed
Please call ahead to make an appointment at 541-966-3857 or 541-966-3432
2024-25 Bus Routes Posted
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgDistrict Seeking Applicants for Vacant School Board Position
/in District Site News /by rthornburgDistrict Seeking Applicants for Vacant School Board Position
Due to a recent vacancy, the Pendleton School District is seeking applicants for Position 6 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 July 15, 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 contact the board chair, Beth Harrison.