• Facebook
  • Mail
  • District Home
  • Our Schools
  • Staff Resources
  • Facebook
  • Mail
Washington Phone: 541.276.2241
Washington Elementary School
  • Home
  • School Information
    • Announcements & News
    • Calendar
    • Continuity of Services
    • Daily School Schedule
    • Immunization Reports
    • Principal’s Page
    • Title IX
  • Parent Resources
    • 2023-24 School Supply List
    • Conscious Discipline
    • Early Intervention Services
    • Eastern Promise
    • Nutrition Services
    • Parents Club
    • Parents Guide to Google & Chromebooks
    • Parent Links & Resources
    • ParentVUE
    • Registration Forms
    • Report a Concern
    • Smarter Balanced Assessment
    • Student/Parent Handbook
    • Student Transportation (Bus)
  • Student Resources
    • Google Classrooms
    • Inside Recess Computer Activities
    • i-Ready
    • iXL Math
    • SORA – eLibrary
    • StudentVUE
    • Think Central
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Report a Concern
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
EllaMae Looney

Washington Elementary – New Painting by Native American Artist

August 29, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

August 29, 2023

When students at Washington Elementary School enter the building for their first day of school this week, they will notice a large, new painting hanging in the foyer of their school. The acrylic painting entitled “Generations Shall Never Fade” was created by EllaMae Looney, an artist who lives in Mission. Looney, of the Yakama Nation, attended Washington Elementary from kindergarten through fifth grade and graduated from Nixyaawii Community School in 2018.

The large, colorful painting has deep meaning for Looney. It shows a woman in the center, who Looney said symbolizes missing and murdered Indigenous women. A young girl and boy on either side of the woman represent Indigenous children who were taken away from their families, put into residential schools, and stripped of their cultural identity.

Looney said her time as a student at Washington is full of good memories of awesome teachers and being very excited to put on regalia during the school’s powwow in Native American Heritage Month to show her friends how proud she was of her culture. “I want Indigenous kids and all kids to be proud of who they are. When they see the painting, I want them to see that a Washington student did that, and they can do good things in their life, too,” Looney said.

Stacey Jacobs, Tribal Attendance Family Advocate for the Pendleton School District, is the person who commissioned Looney to create the painting. Funds came from the district’s TAPP (Tribal Attendance Promising Practices) grant. Jacobs is thrilled that a former Wildcat created the painting and that the Looney family, who have been a large part of Washington Elementary for a long time, have a forever connection to the school. “I don’t expect our students to get the entire meaning of the painting, but it’s a powerful reminder of difficult challenges that Indigenous people historically endured and still face. I hope students can look to the painting by a former student creating art now and think about what they can become,” Jacobs said.

Looney Painting

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/EllaMae-Looney.jpg 1150 1410 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-08-29 16:32:342023-08-29 16:33:07Washington Elementary – New Painting by Native American Artist
Kevin Dinning

Welcome Back from Principal Dinning

August 17, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!

Read Full Article
https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/Kevin-Dinning.png 435 339 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-08-17 14:42:262023-08-17 14:42:55Welcome Back from Principal Dinning
Coree Terjeson

Washington Elementary End-of Year Message

June 12, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg
Read Full Article
https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Coree-Terjeson.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-06-12 15:32:592023-06-12 15:37:03Washington Elementary End-of Year Message
Washington Students

4th Grade STEM Week at Washington Elementary

May 25, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

Washington Elementary – 4th Grade STEM Week

Washington Elementary had its annual 4th Grade STEM Week earlier this month. Every year, the teachers organize this special week of instruction focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math learning.

This year, there were five stations, each lasting one hour. Two stations used kits from GO-STEM to make catapults and straw structures. Another station involved the construction of tin foil boats, and another was marbles on ramps made from pipe insulation. The last station was coding on Code.org!

According to Michelle Herburger, 4th Grade Teacher, students enjoyed each session, returning ready to share what they had learned. The students also really enjoyed seeing their teachers dressed up as scientists in white lab coats and big white wigs.

What do teachers want the kids to take away from STEM Week? “We really focus on thinking and trying during this time. We offer students the supplies with limited direction and allow them to work together to make mistakes and learn from each other. It is a structure we don’t get to utilize much, and students aren’t used to not having a scripted plan given to them. They persevere and process so many concepts in such a short amount of time,” said Herburger.

Washington’s teachers said it’s powerful to have fun with the students and to watch this style of learning. They said they listen to the conversations that students have with each other and appreciate the respect they have for their peers and their learning. “We love it when they see success after several failed attempts. We love it when it’s time to stop, and they don’t want to. It reminds us why we became teachers.”

Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students Washington Students

Posted 5/25/2023

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/STEM-1.jpg 320 240 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-05-25 13:51:592023-05-25 13:51:594th Grade STEM Week at Washington Elementary
5th grade BMCC

5th Grade Field Trip to BMCC

April 25, 2023/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News, Sherwood School News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

All fifth graders in the Pendleton School District got a glimpse of the community college in their own hometown on Wednesday, April 19th.

Read Full Article
https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/IMG_8940-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-04-25 09:19:442023-04-25 09:24:325th Grade Field Trip to BMCC
U of O logo

Native Voices Community Conversations

April 13, 2023/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg

You are invited to participate in a research study, Native Voices Across Generations: Reimagining Discipline in a New School Landscape (Native Voices or NV) project.

The Pendleton School District, in cooperation with a research team from the University of Oregon, is hosting a community conversation/listening session on Monday, April 24, at Washington Elementary, starting at 5:00 pm.  Dinner and childcare will be provided.

The research team is seeking to hear from parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and staff.

The purpose of this one-year project is to give voice to teachers, school and district administrators, and other school staff to look at discipline practices and investigate contributors to and consequences of disproportionate discipline for Native students in Oregon K-12 schools.

The findings of this project will inform, design and recommend school-based policies, trainings, resources, and supports that are culturally responsive and integrate Native tribal and community assets to shift any overrepresentation of AI/AN students in discipline data by researching (1) potential contributors to and consequences of disciplinary practices in Oregon K-12 school districts and (2) if district administrators, teachers, and other school personnel might benefit from professional development on Indian Education Policies and Language Restoration; Native Languages of Oregon; and Equity in School Policy for Native Students.

Equally important, this study queries what Native students, families, and communities envision as essential for healthy schools in which Native students belong and thrive culturally, socially, psychologically, and academically.

Community conversations/listening sessions will occur at the Washington Elementary School on Monday, April 24, from 5-7:30 pm. Each participant will receive an incentive of $25 for participating in the conversations.

This project involves the collaboration of the Center for Equity Promotion (CEQP) in the University of Oregon’s (UO) College of Education, the UO’s Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI), the Native Wellness Institute (NWI), and participating Tribes and School Districts with funding from and in partnership with the Office of Indian Education/Oregon Department of Education (OIE/ODE).

If you are interested in participating in this research study, please complete the Adult Consent form located here: https://tinyurl.com/NV-Adult-Consent.
Hard copies of the consent form will be available at the event.

If you have any questions about this study, please contact Rita Svanks at rsvanks@uoregon.edu, 541-346-4125.

 

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/U-of-O-logo.png 307 542 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-04-13 14:01:232023-04-13 14:01:23Native Voices Community Conversations

Pandemic EBT for Summer 2022 Benefits

April 4, 2023/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg

Did you know Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) for Summer 2022 Benefits may be on the way?  You can visit us at the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) website at PEBT.oregon.gov.

Questions can be answered using the call center:  844-673-7328 or 844-ORE-PEBT

FAQ for Families – ENGLISH | SPANISH

 

P-EBT

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/ODE-ODHS-logos.png 293 437 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-04-04 13:10:012023-04-04 14:06:14Pandemic EBT for Summer 2022 Benefits
pajama friday

Washington Elementary Last Fridays Events

February 24, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

Pajama 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?

pajama friday

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/pajama-friday.png 785 1048 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-02-24 12:43:072023-02-24 12:44:42Washington Elementary Last Fridays Events
KHC

Washington Elementary Kids Heart Challenge

February 22, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

Washington 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:

  • Top student in grades 1-2 and 3-5 will get to be the P.E. teacher for their class
  • Top participating class in grades 1-2 and 3-5 get FREE choice P.E.
  • Second top fundraising students in grades 1-2 and 3-5 will get a special lunch with the Principal
  • When a student raises $50, you will instantly earn a Be The Torch wristband, 4 Heart Heroes, and a Mystery Gift

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 Kids Heart Challenge Washington Kids Heart Challenge Washington Kids Heart Challenge

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/Kids-Heart-Challenge-Image-1.jpg 230 346 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-02-22 09:46:432023-02-22 14:08:43Washington Elementary Kids Heart Challenge
Washington Staff

Washington Elementary Staff Connection

February 17, 2023/in District Site News, Washington School News /by rthornburg

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 Staff

https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/IMG_7005-scaled.jpg 2560 1920 rthornburg https://wes.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/washington-wildcats.png rthornburg2023-02-17 16:21:442023-02-17 16:21:44Washington Elementary Staff Connection
Page 1 of 12123›»

News Archives

  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019

Upcoming Events

Loading view.
  • District Wide
  • Early Learning Center
  • Hawthorne High School
  • McKay Elementary School
  • Pendleton High School
  • PVLA
  • Sherwood Elementary School
  • Sunridge Middle School
  • Washington Elementary School
  • September 2023

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

1 event, 28

2023-08-28

All Staff In-Service

All Staff In-Service

August 28

All Staff In-Service

2 events, 29

2023-08-29

K-1 Soft Start

K-1 Soft Start

August 29 - August 31

K-1 Soft Start

Kindergarten and Grade 1 will have a soft start from Aug 29-31.  You will receive letters in the mail with details.  If you have questions, please call your student’s school […]

2023-08-29

First Day of School

First Day of School

August 29

First Day of School

Welcome to 2023-24 school year! Today is the first day of classes for grades 2-12.

1 event, 30

2023-08-29

K-1 Soft Start

1 event, 31

2023-08-29

K-1 Soft Start

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

1 event, 4

2023-09-04

No School – Labor Day

No School – Labor Day

September 4

No School – Labor Day

1 event, 5

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

September 5 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

Held in the District Office Boardroom. 8:00-9:00 am

1 event, 6

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PHS

September 6 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PHS

Pendleton High School is hosting an Open House from 4:30-6:30

2 events, 7

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PELC

September 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PELC

The Pendleton Early Learning Center is hosting an Open House from 4:30-6:30

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House

September 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House

PELC is hosting an open house from 4:30-6:30

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

0 events, 10

1 event, 11

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11 - September 15

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 12

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 13

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 14

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

1 event, 15

2023-09-11

No School – Pendleton Round Up

0 events, 16

0 events, 17

2 events, 18

2023-09-18

Late Start

Late Start

September 18

Late Start

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Board Meeting

September 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Board Meeting

Held in the District Office Boardroom. 6:00-7:00 pm

0 events, 19

1 event, 20

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Open House – SMS

September 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Open House – SMS

Sunridge Middle School is hosting an Open House from 5:00 – 7:00

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

1 event, 25

2023-09-25

Late Start

Late Start

September 25

Late Start

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

August 28
All day

All Staff In-Service

August 29
All day

K-1 Soft Start

All day

First Day of School

August 29
All day

K-1 Soft Start

August 29
All day

K-1 Soft Start

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 4
All day

No School – Labor Day

September 5
September 5 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

September 6
September 6 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PHS

September 7
September 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House – PELC

September 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Open House

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

September 11
All day

No School – Pendleton Round Up

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 18
All day

Late Start

September 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Board Meeting

  • There are no events on this day.
September 20
September 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Open House – SMS

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 25
All day

Late Start

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar
psd shield

Pendleton School District
107 NW 10th Street, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone:  541.276.6711  Fax:  541.278.3208

The Pendleton School District assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or income as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related authorities, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Pendleton School District sponsored program or activity.

Accessibility Statement   |   Nondiscrimination Policy   |  USDA Nondiscrimination Statement  |  Public Complaint Procedure  |  Safe Oregon
© Pendleton School District 16R. All Rights Reserved

Scroll to top