August 21, 2023
Dear PSD Parents –
The start of school is only a few days away. This time of year is always exciting, with new classes, new teachers, new faces, and the overall start of a new year.
Our teachers and staff are excited to serve you and your child(ren). The principals are already back at work, along with the secretaries, teachers, and support staff, preparing their buildings, yearly plans, and school functions for the 2023-24 school year.
The safety and security of our district facilities is always our highest priority. We’ve spent a good portion of the summer making sure our emergency plans are highly functional and in place and that our buildings have strong security. Recently, our district safety team attended a regional “Safety Summit” at the Pendleton Convention Center. Our plans, procedures, and security measures are comprehensive, strong, and effective.
After attending this summit, there are several things that are important for you, as parents, to do and not do if there is an emergency/crisis at your child’s school. Please see below.
Do:
- Go to the district website for the latest information, including where to pick up your child or what to do next.
- Listen to local radio – 1290 KUMA or 103.5 FM – for information
- Visit the Pendleton School District Facebook page
Don’t:
- Call the school or district office, as the phone lines will be needed for the school/district to communicate with 1st responders and emergency personnel.
- Go to the school – you won’t be able to get in as it will be sectioned off. First responders and emergency personnel need the space to operate.
While we know that in situations like this, stress levels will be high, it is best to be prepared ahead of time.
And now, a few logistics for the new school year. The first day of school for all our students is Tuesday, August 29. We will have bussing routes and bussing information on our district website the week before school starts. Additionally, we have added 5 minutes to our school day, so please check the website of your child’s school, or call the school for school day start times and end times, along with any other questions you may have.
One more logistic about our school year. 6th and 9th graders will have orientation on Monday, August 28. Kindergarten and 1st graders will have a soft start from August 29-31. Again, please visit the school’s website, or call the school’s office for specific information regarding K-1, 6th, and 9th grade soft start and orientation.
We are excited to see our students and families back in our buildings and looking forward to serving you for the 2023-24 school year. I wish you a great start to the school!
Sincerely,
Kevin Headings, Superintendent
Jack & Jill Events at PHS
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgThe purpose of some fun activities this year at Pendleton High School (PHS) is to increase participation in school events and boost PHS spirit. One of the ways to increase participation is to be involved in or watch a Jack and Jill event.
The Jack and Jill events are so named because teams who participate must consist of male and female students. There are a variety of competitions planned – volleyball, black light volleyball, pickleball, badminton, and spike ball. The events are scheduled once a month in Warberg Gym. Teams pay $2 per person to register to participate.
According to Stu Clem, PHS Leadership Advisor, the high school has been having Jack and Jill events for more than 10 years, and they are a true PHS tradition, as he hasn’t heard of any other high school that does them.
The winners of each competition get to participate in a really fun event in the spring/end of the school year. Each student team goes up against a PHS Staff Jack and Jill team.
Jaydon, a Junior, said he and his friends participate in the Jack and Jill events because it’s fun.
Aubrie, a Junior, said it is a break from Advisory class. “I’m terrible at some of the events/sports, but it’s fun,” she said.
Grace Pitner, PHS Senior, is the Assembly Director for PHS Leadership this year, and she said planning the Jack and Jill events has been fun. “I like yard games, and it’s fun to play against kids your age and not your parents. It’s also good because it makes for fun competition because the students who sign up for Jack and Jill are playing because they want to.”
Last year, Pitner and her teammate won three events – pickleball, volleyball, and black light volleyball. So they were able to compete against staff teams for two events – pickleball and volleyball (the two volleyball competitions were combined). They lost both events, which she said was embarrassing but still a great experience.
New Faces in Pendleton SD – Carissa Smith
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District is happy to feature new PSD teachers.
PHS Homecoming
/in District Site News, High Schools News, Pendleton High News /by rthornburgOctober 12, 2023
Students at Pendleton High School have been traveling back in time this week for Homecoming. This year’s theme featuring the school mascot is “Bucky Travels in a Time Machine!”
The planned dress-up days have been:
Monday 10/9: Bucky starts his time travels to the crazy 1960s; wear Hippies clothes like flower power and tie-dye
Tuesday 10/10: Bucky goes back in time and listens to his favorite music; wear your favorite band/music group T-shirt of any genre
Wednesday 10/11: Bucky travels back in time to when his parents were in high school; wear anything 1980s or 1990s
Thursday 10/12: Bucky returns to PHS for “Go Bucks” Day; wear anything Bucks or Buckaroos and go crazy with green and gold.
Due to State In-Service on Friday, 10/13, there are only four days of school this week. On Thursday morning is the all-school Homecoming Assembly. The football game against Ontario is Thursday night at 7:00 PM at the Round-Up Grounds. The Homecoming Court will be presented during halftime, and the Queen will be crowned. The Homecoming Dance is Friday night at the high school.
The annual Mud Wars competition will be held Wednesday, 10/18, at the Happy Canyon Arena. This traditional PHS event usually happens during Homecoming week, but it was moved to next week due to a scheduling conflict at the arena.
Grace Pitner, PHS Senior and member of PHS Leadership said the week has been really fun for students to dress up and get in the Buckaroo spirit. Pitner said, “Homecoming is a lot of work for the Leadership students, and the weeks leading up to now have been very busy. But it’s great when it all happens, and students have a good time participating in the fun!”
Superintendent Video Message – September 29, 2023
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgStart of the 2023-24 School Year
Live Broadcast of PHS Football Games
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgExciting news for PHS football! EOA Network will be broadcasting PHS football games this year, and they are starting tonight, September 1, 2023. You can stream the games on the following platforms:
EOAlive.TV
https://www.facebook.com/EOAliveTV
https://www.youtube.com/eoalivetv
GO BUCKS!!!!
Freshmen Link Crew Day at PHS
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgWelcome Back from Principal Dutcher
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgWelcome back to a brand-new school year at Pendleton High School!
Summer Lunch Program
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Summer Lunch Program will be at the PELC from 11:30-12:30 beginning June 19 – August 18, Monday – Thursday (Closed July 4).
Rules of the Summer Lunch Program:
1. Must be 1-18 years of age
2. All food and milk must be consumed in the cafeteria
3. No one over the age of 18 or under the age of 1 can eat or drink any part of the meal
4. Shoes and Shirts must be worn
5. No horseplay
End of Year Message
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg