Coree Terjeson, Principal at Washington Elementary School, understands how hard it is some days to be an elementary school teacher or educational assistant, and that was before the global pandemic. Supporting teachers and staff in her school building is something Terjeson takes seriously. Well, not too seriously, because building relationships and connecting with one another is what it’s all about….and occasionally, adding a little fun.
Starting in August, Terjeson and Assistant Principal Heidi Paullus organized a retreat at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, funded by the OEA Choice Trust to welcome all Washington employees to the school year. Since then, they have had several other fun events to connect with each other, create a positive staff culture, and support one another. They have been celebrating the Washington staff since the beginning of the school year by planning staff events and treats. “It always makes for a fun time when staff gets together to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” said Terjeson.
“No matter what we do each month during these activities, our goal is the same – to help the
60+ employees at our school feel safe and welcome, and to create a positive workplace climate
so they want to continue to be part of our Wildcat family,” Terjeson said.
Most recently, on a Monday in-service in January, Terjeson and Paullus planned a fun icebreaker that brought many laughs and smiles of appreciation. Each teacher was given a balloon and a permanent marker to write their name. While the music was played, the teachers tossed their balloons in the air and tried to keep them off the ground. When the music stopped, they grabbed the nearest balloon and wrote positive qualities about their coworkers or words of encouragement. “Even though this activity was first thing in the morning, everyone seemed to enjoy their balloons,” said Terjeson.
The activities are funded at all Pendleton School District buildings by a grant to help support the retention of staff.
Washington Elementary Staff Connection
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgCoree Terjeson, Principal at Washington Elementary School, understands how hard it is some days to be an elementary school teacher or educational assistant, and that was before the global pandemic. Supporting teachers and staff in her school building is something Terjeson takes seriously. Well, not too seriously, because building relationships and connecting with one another is what it’s all about….and occasionally, adding a little fun.
Starting in August, Terjeson and Assistant Principal Heidi Paullus organized a retreat at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, funded by the OEA Choice Trust to welcome all Washington employees to the school year. Since then, they have had several other fun events to connect with each other, create a positive staff culture, and support one another. They have been celebrating the Washington staff since the beginning of the school year by planning staff events and treats. “It always makes for a fun time when staff gets together to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” said Terjeson.
“No matter what we do each month during these activities, our goal is the same – to help the
60+ employees at our school feel safe and welcome, and to create a positive workplace climate
so they want to continue to be part of our Wildcat family,” Terjeson said.
Most recently, on a Monday in-service in January, Terjeson and Paullus planned a fun icebreaker that brought many laughs and smiles of appreciation. Each teacher was given a balloon and a permanent marker to write their name. While the music was played, the teachers tossed their balloons in the air and tried to keep them off the ground. When the music stopped, they grabbed the nearest balloon and wrote positive qualities about their coworkers or words of encouragement. “Even though this activity was first thing in the morning, everyone seemed to enjoy their balloons,” said Terjeson.
The activities are funded at all Pendleton School District buildings by a grant to help support the retention of staff.
National School Counseling Week – February 6-10, 2023
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgNational School Counseling Week 2023 (Feb. 6-10), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the essential contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Every student deserves a school counselor to help with academic achievement strategies, managing emotions and applying interpersonal skills, and planning for postsecondary options. School counselors are #HelpingStudentsDreamBig. Take a moment to thank your local school counselor(s).
Message from Superintendent Headings – January 12, 2023
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg1/12/2023 @ 10:45 am
This morning across the street from McKay Elementary School a power pole “transformer” blew and set off the fire alarms at the school. Students were safely evacuated and the fire department was dispatched. The building was checked inside and out by the fire department and once deemed safe, students were allowed back into the school and will continue with classes.
Washington Elementary Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgThe gym of Washington Elementary School was filled with Native American drumming, dancing and applause from students during the school’s Native American Heritage month celebration event on Friday, November 18, 2022.
The Nixyáawii Golden Eagles performed drumming for students & staff while dozens of Washington students joined the dance floor.
Fred Hill, Sr., Umatilla Language Teacher, and Mentor, spoke to the students about Native American culture, rites of passage for tribal youth, styles of the dances, and the different regalia. “We really appreciate this invitation to be here to share our culture, songs, and dance,” Hill said.
Washington Principal Coree Terjeson said “Recognizing & celebrating culture in our school is a critical experience for all of our Wildcats. A big shout-out goes to our Title VI staff and Mr. Heinrich from Nixyáawii for coordinating this event at Washington!”
Letter to Families – Illness and Staying Home
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgDecember 9, 2022
Dear Pendleton School District Families and Guardians –
There is a lot of illness going around our community and our schools. We hope your family is staying well, and we wish you the best. However, if your student is displaying symptoms of illness, please keep them home until they are better. To see the different symptoms of the illnesses going around, see the attached list.
PLEASE KEEP ILL STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL
Thank you,
Kevin Headings
Superintendent
Pendleton School District
NEW! Bus Tracking App – ParentView
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgPendleton School District, along with First Student, is excited to announce the launching of ParentView, a bus tracking and parent communication app.
Kindness Assemblies at Washington Elementary
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgStudents at Washington Elementary School got a concentrated boost of positivity and kindness at two special assemblies on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Nov 14 – 18 Indigenous Dress Week at Washington!
/in Washington School News /by hpaullusMonday the 14th: Bust Out Your Beadwork!
Tuesday the 15th: Rock Your Mocs Day!
Wednesday the 16th: Wear your Braids!
Thursday the 17th: Wear Orange Day!
Friday the 18th: Ribbon Work Day! Drummers and Dancers Assembly at 10am in the Gym
Pendleton School District Seeks Input
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgWe are asking you to help us by completing a survey.