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.
Superintendent Message – Snow Make Up Day
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgHello PSD Families,
The Pendleton School District will be conducting school as normal on Friday, May 12th. This day was originally put on our 2022-2023 Calendar as a “snow make-up day.” It’s hard to believe, but we have had six late starts and two full “snow days” this school year. Each of these days represents lost instruction for our students. The state requires a minimum number of instruction hours each year, and when we fall below this number, we find ways to make up for the lost time. As a result, we create our yearly school calendar with at least one “snow make-up day.” If we don’t need to use it, great. If we need to make up instructional hours, as we do this year, we use it without adding days to the end of the year. So again, there will be school on Friday, May 12th, so please plan accordingly. Here is the link to the updated school calendar.
Sincerely,
Kevin Headings
Superintendent
Superintendent Video Message – February 2023
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgWashington Elementary Last Fridays Events
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgPajama Friday at Washington Elementary
Who doesn’t love Friday? Well, at Washington Elementary School, staff and students are taking Friday fun to a whole new level.
On the last Friday of each month, everyone is allowed to wear their pajamas to school. That day there is also a monthly Snack Sale organized by the school’s Parent Club. Snacks are donated each month by parent volunteers from a designated grade level. Students are allowed to purchase reasonably priced snacks, and proceeds go to the Parent Club.
“This is a fun, easy way to have a little celebration in our building once a month,” said Principal Coree Terjeson.
And what’s better than eating M&M’s in your pajamas?
Washington Elementary Kids Heart Challenge
/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburgWashington Elementary kicked off its annual Kids Heart Challenge on Friday, February 17, 2023. This program focuses on whole-body wellness, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association to help kids facing heart-health issues.
The Kids Heart Challenge is held at schools across the country.
Washington Wildcats will learn how to keep their hearts and brains healthy, get moving with fun activities and meet kids with special hearts.
At a special assembly on Friday, students learned about choosing a heart-healthy challenge to Move More or Be Kind. In the next few weeks, students will ask family members and friends to donate to the Kids Heart Challenge. Prizes for fundraising will be awarded, including:
Families are encouraged to register online at: http://www2.heart.org/goto/WashingtonElementaryOR
According to Erin Donnelly, P.E. Teacher at Washington Elementary, the students are always excited to kick off this program in February. “Kids Heart Challenge is a great way to teach kids how to embrace a heart-healthy, active lifestyle while raising money for a good cause with some fun competition.”
The challenge runs through March 13, 2023. The school’s fundraising goal is $3,000.
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.