On Tuesday evening, May 21, 2024, Sunridge Middle School staff was on a mission to get fifth grade students and their families excited about middle school! The school hosted the 5th Grade Night to introduce fifth grade students from the district’s three elementary schools to Sunridge, where they will attend sixth grade in the 24-25 school year.
The event got off to a great start, with families enjoying hamburgers served by SMS Leadership students. Then, Principal Piper Kelm introduced all of the sixth-grade teachers and went through a short slideshow to discuss what sixth grade is like. She reiterated that some things are the same in middle school, like math, language arts, and science, but some things are different because students go to separate classrooms for each one. Other points Kelm made were the school’s No Cell PhoneUse policy for students during the school day and three-minute passing times to get to your next class.
Principal Kelm also mentioned that sports are available, more food choices at lunch, the importance of regular attendance, and the social-emotional learning and supports that Sunridge Middle School has in place for students.
A couple of students from SMS Leadership talked about fun school spirit/dress-up days, Friday reward activities, and student Activity Nights that occur throughout the year. “You will want to get involved in these activities here!” they said.
After the presentation, fifth graders and their parents toured the sixth-grade hallway and classrooms, met teachers, and asked questions.
Principal Kelm said that 5th Grade Night is always a positive time to showcase SMS and connect with fifth grade students and parents. “We want them to feel comfortable when they arrive at Sunridge in August, and introducing them to our building and teachers now helps in that process,” Kelm said.
Currently, the Pendleton School District has 238 incoming fifth graders to the middle school in the fall.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/5GN-5.png741958rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-05-24 09:06:332024-05-24 09:07:21Sunridge Middle School – 5th Grade Night
The Pendleton School District has announced the appointments of Kevin Dinning, Director of Human Resources, and Heidi Paullus, lead Principal of Washington Elementary School, for the 2024-2025 school year.
Dinning is currently the principal at Washington Elementary. Prior to his time in Pendleton, he was superintendent of Ione School District. Dinning began his administrative career as a secondary principal and then elementary principal with the Bonners Ferry School District in Idaho.
Dinning is pleased with his new appointment but will miss leading Washington Elementary. “Being part of the Washington family has been and continues to be a blessing. I am proud of the hard work, focus on improvement, and commitment to kindness that the staff and students have embraced this year. The Pendleton School District and community have continued to be a great place for my family. I look forward to supporting Washington Elementary School and the Pendleton School District from a position that allows me to engage with a broader range of the district staff and community.”
Paullus is currently the vice principal at Washington Elementary. Before becoming vice principal at Washington, she was an instructional coach with the InterMountain Educational Service District (IMESD). Paullus has worked in education for 25 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator.
“I’m pleased to remain at Washington Elementary as the lead principal. We’ve made good progress over the past year with our building goals and priorities, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside our teachers, staff, students, and families.” Paullus said.
According to Superintendent Kevin Headings, moving Dinning and Paullus into these administrative positions will be beneficial to the district. “HR responsibilities have been divided among our current directors, in addition to their other full-time responsibilities, for several years. Having Mr. Dinning assume all Human Resource responsibilities will allow our other directors to focus on supporting our schools with our district goals and mission.” Headings continued, “and appointing Mrs. Paullus to the lead principal position at Washington Elementary was the right move. She has gained the trust and respect of Washington’s staff, students, and parents over the past two years.”
Dinning and Paullus will begin their new positions on July 1, 2024.
https://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png1050975rthornburghttps://sms.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/03/Sunridge-Logo.pngrthornburg2024-05-08 11:04:452024-05-08 12:42:24Pendleton School District Announces Administrative Changes
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
Sunridge Middle School – 5th Grade Night
/in District Site News, Sunridge News /by rthornburgOn Tuesday evening, May 21, 2024, Sunridge Middle School staff was on a mission to get fifth grade students and their families excited about middle school! The school hosted the 5th Grade Night to introduce fifth grade students from the district’s three elementary schools to Sunridge, where they will attend sixth grade in the 24-25 school year.
The event got off to a great start, with families enjoying hamburgers served by SMS Leadership students. Then, Principal Piper Kelm introduced all of the sixth-grade teachers and went through a short slideshow to discuss what sixth grade is like. She reiterated that some things are the same in middle school, like math, language arts, and science, but some things are different because students go to separate classrooms for each one. Other points Kelm made were the school’s No Cell Phone Use policy for students during the school day and three-minute passing times to get to your next class.
Principal Kelm also mentioned that sports are available, more food choices at lunch, the importance of regular attendance, and the social-emotional learning and supports that Sunridge Middle School has in place for students.
A couple of students from SMS Leadership talked about fun school spirit/dress-up days, Friday reward activities, and student Activity Nights that occur throughout the year. “You will want to get involved in these activities here!” they said.
After the presentation, fifth graders and their parents toured the sixth-grade hallway and classrooms, met teachers, and asked questions.
Principal Kelm said that 5th Grade Night is always a positive time to showcase SMS and connect with fifth grade students and parents. “We want them to feel comfortable when they arrive at Sunridge in August, and introducing them to our building and teachers now helps in that process,” Kelm said.
Currently, the Pendleton School District has 238 incoming fifth graders to the middle school in the fall.
Pendleton School District Announces Administrative Changes
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District has announced the appointments of Kevin Dinning, Director of Human Resources, and Heidi Paullus, lead Principal of Washington Elementary School, for the 2024-2025 school year.
Dinning is currently the principal at Washington Elementary. Prior to his time in Pendleton, he was superintendent of Ione School District. Dinning began his administrative career as a secondary principal and then elementary principal with the Bonners Ferry School District in Idaho.
Dinning is pleased with his new appointment but will miss leading Washington Elementary. “Being part of the Washington family has been and continues to be a blessing. I am proud of the hard work, focus on improvement, and commitment to kindness that the staff and students have embraced this year. The Pendleton School District and community have continued to be a great place for my family. I look forward to supporting Washington Elementary School and the Pendleton School District from a position that allows me to engage with a broader range of the district staff and community.”
Paullus is currently the vice principal at Washington Elementary. Before becoming vice principal at Washington, she was an instructional coach with the InterMountain Educational Service District (IMESD). Paullus has worked in education for 25 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator.
“I’m pleased to remain at Washington Elementary as the lead principal. We’ve made good progress over the past year with our building goals and priorities, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside our teachers, staff, students, and families.” Paullus said.
According to Superintendent Kevin Headings, moving Dinning and Paullus into these administrative positions will be beneficial to the district. “HR responsibilities have been divided among our current directors, in addition to their other full-time responsibilities, for several years. Having Mr. Dinning assume all Human Resource responsibilities will allow our other directors to focus on supporting our schools with our district goals and mission.” Headings continued, “and appointing Mrs. Paullus to the lead principal position at Washington Elementary was the right move. She has gained the trust and respect of Washington’s staff, students, and parents over the past two years.”
Dinning and Paullus will begin their new positions on July 1, 2024.
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.