The new Principal and Assistant Principal at Washington Elementary School have started the 24-25 school year strong. Heidi Paullus and Rachael Olson are both new to their jobs, although they were both in the building last year. Principal Paullus was the previous assistant principal, and Olson was an administrative intern before assuming the role of Assistant Principal this year.
Their goals for Washington this year are to:
- Provide effective academic support to students
- Provide strong, solid support in classrooms
- Provide emotional resources to support students
- Effectively implement curriculum
- Ensure continuity in intervention strategies
Paullus’ and Olson’s overall goal is to address the needs of all students and to always have the attitude that every student can learn.
“We want to be leaders who want to know more about our students every day and what they need to grow,” Olson said. She is excited about a new app on teachers’ iPads called Notability, which allows teachers to move around the classroom while teaching. This app can lead to increased student engagement and help with classroom management.
Paullus said she and Olson working as a team is another key to success at the school, as well as knowing your “why” every day. “I love my job. Getting to be here with the kids is why I work in education. We have amazing students, an amazing staff, and amazing parents to work with,” Paullus said.
For the 420 Washington Wildcats at school every day, that sounds like an amazing start!
To read more about Washington Elementary, visit their website at https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
School Board Recognition Month – January 2025
/in District Site News /by rthornburgJanuary 2025 is School Board Appreciation Month. Thank you for your hard work and continued service to the Pendleton School District.
Online Survey to Provide Input
/in District Site News /by rthornburgIf you were unable to attend the open forum (January 13, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the PHS Auditorium) with the consultants from McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment, and Development, who were selected to assist the Pendleton School District in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview, you may provide input using the online survey link provided.
The five-question survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open for participation from Monday, January 13, through Monday, January 20, 2025.
https://survey.k12insight.com/r/Pendleton2025
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 – Marjorie Carter
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgMarjorie Carter
Special Education Teacher
Washington Elementary School
Marjorie said she experienced a lot of different communities growing up but spent most of her time between Pendleton and Bothell, Washington. She attended school in the Pendleton School District from third to eighth grade before moving to Bothell. She has lived in Pendleton for a combined total of 40 years.
She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Western Governors University.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Marjorie said, “What excites me most about working in the Pendleton School District is that I get to support students from my own neighborhood to become the best version of themselves.”
In her free time, she loves to cook new foods.
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 – Haley Robinett
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgHaley Robinett
4th Grade Teacher
Washington Elementary School
Haley was born in Middleton, Idaho.
She attended Eastern Oregon University and earned her bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and her master’s degree in Elementary Education.
About working in the Pendleton School District, Haley said, “I am most excited about creating relationships with both my students and coworkers this year, especially with it being a new town and school (to me)!”
In her free time, Haley likes to spend time outdoors, hang out with friends, and play/watch sports, especially basketball!
Washington Elementary Leaders Set Goals for the Year
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgThe new Principal and Assistant Principal at Washington Elementary School have started the 24-25 school year strong. Heidi Paullus and Rachael Olson are both new to their jobs, although they were both in the building last year. Principal Paullus was the previous assistant principal, and Olson was an administrative intern before assuming the role of Assistant Principal this year.
Their goals for Washington this year are to:
Paullus’ and Olson’s overall goal is to address the needs of all students and to always have the attitude that every student can learn.
“We want to be leaders who want to know more about our students every day and what they need to grow,” Olson said. She is excited about a new app on teachers’ iPads called Notability, which allows teachers to move around the classroom while teaching. This app can lead to increased student engagement and help with classroom management.
Paullus said she and Olson working as a team is another key to success at the school, as well as knowing your “why” every day. “I love my job. Getting to be here with the kids is why I work in education. We have amazing students, an amazing staff, and amazing parents to work with,” Paullus said.
For the 420 Washington Wildcats at school every day, that sounds like an amazing start!
To read more about Washington Elementary, visit their website at https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
FACT Oregon in Umatilla County
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgFACT Oregon is coming to Umatilla County October 15-17, 2024.