Kindergartners from the Pendleton Early Learning Center and first graders from the district’s elementary schools enjoyed the Pendleton School District Farm Day on April 24-25, 2024. The event was held at Sunridge Middle School. The event was organized by Kylee Hunt, Agriculture Teacher at Pendleton High School, and students enrolled in Agriculture classes at the middle school and Pendleton High School ran the event.
A variety of stations were set up in the large field adjacent to the school parking lot. Students rotated to each station, learning about the parts of a pig, different types of cows, what products goats can provide, and what commodities are grown and produced in Oregon. Animals, including swine, a steer, sheep, goats, ducks, chicks, and a bunny, were big hits for the young learners.
PHS Freshman Isabelle was helping at the sheep station, where fluffy wool was made into bracelets or key chains for the kids to take home. She said the students seemed ready to learn and were having a lot of fun doing it.
At one station, students made their own “Garden in a Glove” with grass, wheat, and bean seeds placed in each finger of a glove. The welding station highlighted welding equipment and let the students “weld” two crackers together with spray cheese.
Kaitlyn, an eighth grader at SMS helping at a station, said she was enjoying seeing all the kids’ faces and hoping the experience leads them to find new interests as they get older. “It’s also good to learn where everything comes from and how we get food on the table.”
Alden, Addison, and Bethel, three kindergartners who were asked about their favorite part of Farm Day, all agreed that petting the sheep was one highlight because they were so soft and petting the rabbit was also great, as he was very cute. It was fun to see him hopping around.
PHS Teacher Hunt said she is grateful for Abbie Wilks, who was the Farm Day Committee chair and did a lot of work organizing and planning the stations. Hunt also appreciates the help of the Ag students and the teachers and staff who bring the students. “Farm Day is a great opportunity for our older students to share what they have learned and for young students to see what agriculture is about; plus, it’s a lot of fun!” Hunt said.
Farm Day was on Wednesday and Thursday for students and also included an evening event open to the public on Wednesday.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/04/Farm-Day-April-2024-8.jpg17491677rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-04-30 16:08:162024-04-30 16:08:16Pendleton School District Farm Day
Hundreds of Pendleton School District students took field trips to the annual District Art Show on April 9 and 10 to see their own artwork and that of fellow students in the district. The event at the Pendleton Convention Center was also attended by hundreds of district parents, families, and community members.
A wide variety of artwork was on display at the event, from textiles, wooden collages, and painted masks to bird sculptures and paintings.
The show kicked off on Monday, April 8, with an Opening Night celebration that included free books and cookies handed out by Altrusa International of Pendleton.
Abbey Prevot, Art Teacher at Pendleton High School, and John Bradt, Art Teacher at Sunridge Middle School, organized this year’s show. “It’s very exciting to have the show up, and for me, it’s completely new. It’s great to see all K-12 art together. It’s helped our programs make connections with the elementary schools and be able to collaborate on this huge project,” Prevot said.
Bradt said since this is the first year he and Prevot have organized the event, it was a little stressful, but the show turned out great. His favorite part is the variety of the art, even within each classroom where they are doing the same project, but all the pieces look different.
The district thanks the Education Foundation of Pendleton for funding this year’s art show.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/04/IMG_3309-scaled.jpg25601920rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-04-11 15:19:092024-04-12 08:05:24PSD Art Show Recap
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/04/Art-show.png500566rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-04-05 17:46:082024-04-05 17:46:08District Art Show
Students at Sunridge Middle School will be presenting the play “The Raven & the Rue Morgue” on March 19-21, 2024.
The play is based on stories by Edgar Allan Poe. It has 14 actors, five singers, and three crew members doing technical work. Abby Foust, a senior at Pendleton High School, is also an assistant director. The play is rated PG as it is a “whodunit” mystery with some references to violence.
The play will be performed at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 3/19, Wednesday, 3/20, and Thursday, 3/21, at Sunridge Middle School.
Admission is FREE and open to the public.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/10/SMS-Bronc.jpg282228rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-03-18 12:37:192024-03-18 12:38:32School Play at Sunridge Middle School
The Pendleton School District School Board has selected Mrs. Anne Sokoloski as the new Principal at McKay Creek Elementary School.
Sokoloski is currently the Dean of Students at Loma Vista Elementary School in the Hermiston School District. Prior to that, she was a Counselor at Desert View Elementary in Hermiston and a Child Development Specialist at the Pendleton Early Learning Center in Pendleton.
“I am thrilled to return to Pendleton to serve as principal of McKay Creek Elementary,” Sokoloski said. “The past two years as Dean of Students at Loma Vista in Hermiston have been invaluable in helping me grow as a leader. The Hermiston School District, colleagues, students, and families have played a pivotal role in my career, and I appreciate their support and collaboration.”
Sokoloski earned a bachelor of science in Speech Communication from Oregon State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Eastern Oregon University. She received her Professional Administrator Licensure from Lewis and Clark College in 2019.
According to Superintendent Kevin Headings, “Mrs. Sokoloski possesses the qualities we are looking for in our next McKay Elementary principal. She’s a skilled leader, student-centered and a strong communicator. Finding someone with knowledge and understanding of our region and who is familiar with Pendleton is an added bonus.”
Sokoloski will replace the outgoing principal, Sherri Kilgore. Sokoloski’s contract begins on July 1, 2024.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/Anne-Sokoloski-scaled.jpg25601920rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-03-13 08:07:212024-03-13 08:07:24District Selects New McKay Creek Elementary School Principal
PHS Forecasting Night was a success on February 28, 2024! Thank you to all the students and families who joined us to learn about opportunities at PHS.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/FC15.png737991rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-03-04 10:21:542024-03-04 10:25:36PHS Forecasting Night
All students and families of eighth through eleventh grade students in the Pendleton School District are invited to a Forecasting Family Night on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Pendleton High School.
The purpose of the event is to learn about academic opportunities and student activities available at PHS for students who will attend in the 2024-25 school year.
The event from 5:00 – 7:30 pm will include:
PHS counselors giving short, informative presentations in the PHS Auditorium at 5:15 and 6:00 pm
Dinner & drinks at food trucks; individuals who attend a presentation will receive a meal ticket
Information tables about academics, AP programs, CTE classes, athletics, music, clubs/activities, college credit opportunities, School to Careers & more
Prizes
Music
“This is an opportunity for us at PHS to showcase our school community and all we have to offer students,” said Karen Demianew, PHS Counselor, “plus a great chance for families to see the school and ask questions to help their students plan for next year.”
Attendees are asked to park in the PHS Student Parking Lot.
For more information or questions about Forecasting Family Night, please contact Pendleton High School at 541-276-3621.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/Forecasting-Flyer.png880682rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-02-22 08:10:422024-02-22 08:16:40Forecasting Family Night at PHS for Grades 8-11
When Lieutenant Colonel ShaiLin KingSlack spoke to students at Sunridge Middle School, she was open and honest about her experiences in school. “Going to school wasn’t always easy for me; there were some hard things, like being singled out for the color of my skin or not getting chosen for sports,” KingSlack said. But she just kept going and focused on what she was passionate about, like music, art, and things she liked, regardless of negativity from other people.
KingSlack was at SMS on January 23, 2024, speaking to Native American students about leadership. KingSlack works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Walla Walla District. A graduate of West Point Military Academy, she is an experienced and decorated soldier who was deployed to Iraq and served in Europe. KingSlack currently oversees more than 800 engineers and professionals in civil works, interagency programs, and operations of Corps of Engineers projects for Eastern Washington, Idaho, and parts of Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah.
When she started at West Point and in her early career in the U.S. Army, KingSlack said she didn’t know if she was cut out to be a leader, but she found her purpose in defending America by serving her country in the military.
“Being a leader can be inherent, but it can also be taught,” she said. Things leaders do are encouraging others and being loyal to others, she emphasized to students. She encouraged students at this stage of their lives to discover their “mission,” which could be getting good grades, becoming better at playing a musical instrument, or doing well in sports.
KingSlack said that students can later turn their strengths into leadership skills. “Not every leader is a good leader, but try to be a good one.”
In addition to visiting SMS, KingSlack spoke to students on January 23rd at Pendleton High School and Nixyaawii Community School. The presentations were organized through the Title VI program in the Pendleton School District.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/IMG_2639-scaled.jpg19202560rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-02-08 09:35:272024-02-08 09:37:47Guest Speaker Discusses Leadership at SMS
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Oregon Department of Education released graduation rates for school districts in Oregon.
The Pendleton School District’s graduation rate for 2022-2023 was 76.70%, as compared to 81.99% the previous year. This number includes Pendleton High School, Hawthorne High School, and Nixyáawii Community School. Kevin Headings, district superintendent, said, “Our rate dropped slightly, and while that’s of some concern, there are a lot of positives in our numbers. Considering all our students have been through the past few years, we’re considering these numbers a success.”
The graduation rate for Pendleton High School (PHS) for 2022-2023 was 82.4%, above the state average, but a decrease from 89% in 2021-22. Hawthorne High School’s rate continued a 5–year upward trend with a 44.7% rate, as compared to 39.1% in 2021-2022. Nixyáawii Community School’s rate was 76%, which was a slight decrease as compared to 2021-2022.
Headings said the real improvements were among our Native American students. PHS’s Native American graduation rate was 82.4%, which represents a 10% increase from last year and is 13% above the state average. Nixyáawii Community School’s Native American graduation rate was 78.3%, which is a 2% increase over last year and well above the state average. PSD’s overall Native American graduation rate was 80%, which is 12% above the state average and a 13% increase from last year. “Our staff have not stopped working to help all students graduate. Our overall numbers continue to be positive with continued improvements in key areas,” Headings said.
“Although the district would like to see more students graduate, the results across the board are positive, especially with our Native American students,” Headings said, “These increases reflect the many hundreds of hours PSD staff, students, and families pour into their efforts to find success. We are working to improve and grow at all levels in our schools and remain committed to every student, every day,”
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/04/2019-PSD-ESED-logo-color.jpg480446rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-01-25 08:04:322024-01-25 08:04:32District Responds to ODE Graduation Rate Release
Pendleton School District Farm Day
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgKindergartners from the Pendleton Early Learning Center and first graders from the district’s elementary schools enjoyed the Pendleton School District Farm Day on April 24-25, 2024. The event was held at Sunridge Middle School. The event was organized by Kylee Hunt, Agriculture Teacher at Pendleton High School, and students enrolled in Agriculture classes at the middle school and Pendleton High School ran the event.
A variety of stations were set up in the large field adjacent to the school parking lot. Students rotated to each station, learning about the parts of a pig, different types of cows, what products goats can provide, and what commodities are grown and produced in Oregon. Animals, including swine, a steer, sheep, goats, ducks, chicks, and a bunny, were big hits for the young learners.
PHS Freshman Isabelle was helping at the sheep station, where fluffy wool was made into bracelets or key chains for the kids to take home. She said the students seemed ready to learn and were having a lot of fun doing it.
At one station, students made their own “Garden in a Glove” with grass, wheat, and bean seeds placed in each finger of a glove. The welding station highlighted welding equipment and let the students “weld” two crackers together with spray cheese.
Kaitlyn, an eighth grader at SMS helping at a station, said she was enjoying seeing all the kids’ faces and hoping the experience leads them to find new interests as they get older. “It’s also good to learn where everything comes from and how we get food on the table.”
Alden, Addison, and Bethel, three kindergartners who were asked about their favorite part of Farm Day, all agreed that petting the sheep was one highlight because they were so soft and petting the rabbit was also great, as he was very cute. It was fun to see him hopping around.
PHS Teacher Hunt said she is grateful for Abbie Wilks, who was the Farm Day Committee chair and did a lot of work organizing and planning the stations. Hunt also appreciates the help of the Ag students and the teachers and staff who bring the students. “Farm Day is a great opportunity for our older students to share what they have learned and for young students to see what agriculture is about; plus, it’s a lot of fun!” Hunt said.
Farm Day was on Wednesday and Thursday for students and also included an evening event open to the public on Wednesday.
PSD Art Show Recap
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgHundreds of Pendleton School District students took field trips to the annual District Art Show on April 9 and 10 to see their own artwork and that of fellow students in the district. The event at the Pendleton Convention Center was also attended by hundreds of district parents, families, and community members.
A wide variety of artwork was on display at the event, from textiles, wooden collages, and painted masks to bird sculptures and paintings.
The show kicked off on Monday, April 8, with an Opening Night celebration that included free books and cookies handed out by Altrusa International of Pendleton.
Abbey Prevot, Art Teacher at Pendleton High School, and John Bradt, Art Teacher at Sunridge Middle School, organized this year’s show. “It’s very exciting to have the show up, and for me, it’s completely new. It’s great to see all K-12 art together. It’s helped our programs make connections with the elementary schools and be able to collaborate on this huge project,” Prevot said.
Bradt said since this is the first year he and Prevot have organized the event, it was a little stressful, but the show turned out great. His favorite part is the variety of the art, even within each classroom where they are doing the same project, but all the pieces look different.
The district thanks the Education Foundation of Pendleton for funding this year’s art show.
District Art Show
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District is having its annual District Art Show April 8 through 10 at the Pendleton Convention Center.
School Play at Sunridge Middle School
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgStudents at Sunridge Middle School will be presenting the play “The Raven & the Rue Morgue” on March 19-21, 2024.
The play is based on stories by Edgar Allan Poe. It has 14 actors, five singers, and three crew members doing technical work. Abby Foust, a senior at Pendleton High School, is also an assistant director. The play is rated PG as it is a “whodunit” mystery with some references to violence.
The play will be performed at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, 3/19, Wednesday, 3/20, and Thursday, 3/21, at Sunridge Middle School.
Admission is FREE and open to the public.
District Selects New McKay Creek Elementary School Principal
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District School Board has selected Mrs. Anne Sokoloski as the new Principal at McKay Creek Elementary School.
Sokoloski is currently the Dean of Students at Loma Vista Elementary School in the Hermiston School District. Prior to that, she was a Counselor at Desert View Elementary in Hermiston and a Child Development Specialist at the Pendleton Early Learning Center in Pendleton.
“I am thrilled to return to Pendleton to serve as principal of McKay Creek Elementary,” Sokoloski said. “The past two years as Dean of Students at Loma Vista in Hermiston have been invaluable in helping me grow as a leader. The Hermiston School District, colleagues, students, and families have played a pivotal role in my career, and I appreciate their support and collaboration.”
Sokoloski earned a bachelor of science in Speech Communication from Oregon State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Eastern Oregon University. She received her Professional Administrator Licensure from Lewis and Clark College in 2019.
According to Superintendent Kevin Headings, “Mrs. Sokoloski possesses the qualities we are looking for in our next McKay Elementary principal. She’s a skilled leader, student-centered and a strong communicator. Finding someone with knowledge and understanding of our region and who is familiar with Pendleton is an added bonus.”
Sokoloski will replace the outgoing principal, Sherri Kilgore. Sokoloski’s contract begins on July 1, 2024.
PHS Forecasting Night
/in District Site News, High Schools News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgPHS Forecasting Night was a success on February 28, 2024! Thank you to all the students and families who joined us to learn about opportunities at PHS.
FIRST Robotics Competition at PHS
/in District Site News, High Schools News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgForecasting Family Night at PHS for Grades 8-11
/in District Site News, High Schools News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgAll students and families of eighth through eleventh grade students in the Pendleton School District are invited to a Forecasting Family Night on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Pendleton High School.
The purpose of the event is to learn about academic opportunities and student activities available at PHS for students who will attend in the 2024-25 school year.
The event from 5:00 – 7:30 pm will include:
“This is an opportunity for us at PHS to showcase our school community and all we have to offer students,” said Karen Demianew, PHS Counselor, “plus a great chance for families to see the school and ask questions to help their students plan for next year.”
Attendees are asked to park in the PHS Student Parking Lot.
For more information or questions about Forecasting Family Night, please contact Pendleton High School at 541-276-3621.
Guest Speaker Discusses Leadership at SMS
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgWhen Lieutenant Colonel ShaiLin KingSlack spoke to students at Sunridge Middle School, she was open and honest about her experiences in school. “Going to school wasn’t always easy for me; there were some hard things, like being singled out for the color of my skin or not getting chosen for sports,” KingSlack said. But she just kept going and focused on what she was passionate about, like music, art, and things she liked, regardless of negativity from other people.
KingSlack was at SMS on January 23, 2024, speaking to Native American students about leadership. KingSlack works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Walla Walla District. A graduate of West Point Military Academy, she is an experienced and decorated soldier who was deployed to Iraq and served in Europe. KingSlack currently oversees more than 800 engineers and professionals in civil works, interagency programs, and operations of Corps of Engineers projects for Eastern Washington, Idaho, and parts of Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah.
When she started at West Point and in her early career in the U.S. Army, KingSlack said she didn’t know if she was cut out to be a leader, but she found her purpose in defending America by serving her country in the military.
“Being a leader can be inherent, but it can also be taught,” she said. Things leaders do are encouraging others and being loyal to others, she emphasized to students. She encouraged students at this stage of their lives to discover their “mission,” which could be getting good grades, becoming better at playing a musical instrument, or doing well in sports.
KingSlack said that students can later turn their strengths into leadership skills. “Not every leader is a good leader, but try to be a good one.”
In addition to visiting SMS, KingSlack spoke to students on January 23rd at Pendleton High School and Nixyaawii Community School. The presentations were organized through the Title VI program in the Pendleton School District.
District Responds to ODE Graduation Rate Release
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgOn Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Oregon Department of Education released graduation rates for school districts in Oregon.
The Pendleton School District’s graduation rate for 2022-2023 was 76.70%, as compared to 81.99% the previous year. This number includes Pendleton High School, Hawthorne High School, and Nixyáawii Community School. Kevin Headings, district superintendent, said, “Our rate dropped slightly, and while that’s of some concern, there are a lot of positives in our numbers. Considering all our students have been through the past few years, we’re considering these numbers a success.”
The graduation rate for Pendleton High School (PHS) for 2022-2023 was 82.4%, above the state average, but a decrease from 89% in 2021-22. Hawthorne High School’s rate continued a 5–year upward trend with a 44.7% rate, as compared to 39.1% in 2021-2022. Nixyáawii Community School’s rate was 76%, which was a slight decrease as compared to 2021-2022.
Headings said the real improvements were among our Native American students. PHS’s Native American graduation rate was 82.4%, which represents a 10% increase from last year and is 13% above the state average. Nixyáawii Community School’s Native American graduation rate was 78.3%, which is a 2% increase over last year and well above the state average. PSD’s overall Native American graduation rate was 80%, which is 12% above the state average and a 13% increase from last year. “Our staff have not stopped working to help all students graduate. Our overall numbers continue to be positive with continued improvements in key areas,” Headings said.
“Although the district would like to see more students graduate, the results across the board are positive, especially with our Native American students,” Headings said, “These increases reflect the many hundreds of hours PSD staff, students, and families pour into their efforts to find success. We are working to improve and grow at all levels in our schools and remain committed to every student, every day,”