Hello PSD Parents and Families,
This is not how I planned to introduce myself, but sometimes the best laid plans go astray. With that said, I’m Kevin Headings, and I’m Pendleton School District’s new superintendent.
As many of you know, there was an armed robbery and shooting at Wildhorse Casino yesterday afternoon around 1:00 p.m. Some of our Pendleton School District (PSD) staff were on site for a school function and witnessed much of the event. One of our staff was injured by the gunfire. We’re glad to report that the injuries, while serious, aren’t life threatening.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the PSD staff and families affected by this tragic event. Unfortunately, acts of violence like this are difficult to comprehend and explain.
In light of this event and school starting soon, you, as parents and your students, may be nervous and apprehensive. Building principals and school counselors are aware of this and are prepared to support and keep our kids safe.
The Pendleton School District has many safety procedures in place, such as designated entrances and exits at our schools, safety drills, and more. The safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority. It might be helpful to talk to your child and review what their school does every day to keep them safe.
In addition to the things above, here are a few things that parents can do to help their child through a stressful time like this:
- Limit access to social media
- Talk with children if they have concerns and focus on what they can do.
- If you are not comfortable sending your child to school in the wake of tragic events, work with your child’s school.
Finally, If a student hears or becomes aware of others planning or talking of committing violent acts, they should report it to an adult immediately, or they can use the SafeOregon tip line at safeoregon.com “If you hear something, say something.”
The beginning of school is fast approaching. The Pendleton School District is committed to making the start of school, and the year, as positive and supportive as we can for all our students.
Thank you,
Kevin Headings
Superintendent
New Teacher Feature: Laurie Cameron
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District is happy to feature new PSD teachers
SMS Welcomes the 2022-23 School Year
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgPiper Kelm, Principal of Sunridge Middle School welcomes students and families to the 2022-23 school year.
Back to School Community Message
/in Sunridge News /by pkelmSchool is back in session in our community! Please watch for students walking and riding bikes to school and waiting at bus stops, and please remember to drive carefully in school zones. Thank you!
Sunridge Middle School 6th Grade Orientation Day
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgAugust 29, 2022
A little less than 200 incoming sixth grade students gathered at Sunridge Middle School on Monday, August 29th for 6th Grade Orientation Day. The day is intended for these new middle school students to explore their new school without the upperclassmen there and to learn about being an SMS Bronc.
SMS Principal Piper Kelm said the students are grouped into their Advisory Classes for the orientation and learn the layout of the school, rules, and most importantly, how to navigate lunch. Kelm welcomed the students in the morning, introduced their teachers and asked the sixth graders to look around at their fellow Class of 2029 students. “Unless you were at the PELC for kindergarten, this is the first time your class has been together. Look left, look right and see who you will be learning with and experiencing school with for the next seven years.”
Kelm said orienting the sixth graders to SMS lunch is really important because many of them aren’t used to eating in a really large group. Plus, she said “choice paralysis” happens when the students are faced with which line to get in and what to order for lunch. A practice lunch on Monday meant one less new thing for the first day of school on Tuesday.
“We really want all our middle schoolers, including 7th and 8th graders, to have a great first day, but the sixth graders feeling more comfortable on Tuesday helps them have a smoother transition,” Kelm said.
Integrated Pest Management Notification
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgHere is a copy of Pendleton School District’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for the 2022-23 school year.
IPM Notification Letter 2022-23
2022-23 Bus Routes Posted
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe 2022-23 bus routes are now posted under Parent Resources/Student Transportation. First Student, Inc. is the transportation provider for our district. If you have any questions, please call Joannie, Manager, at 458-213-5709 or Tiffany, Dispatch, at 458-213-5286.
View the 2022-23 Bus Routes
Meet Pendleton School District’s New Leader
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgPSD Superintendent Kevin Headings will begin his new job on July 1, 2022.