Kristin Olson
Special Education Teacher
Pendleton Early Learning Center

Kristin grew up in Spokane and Neah Bay, Washington. She is new to Pendleton.

She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Northwest Indian College, her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga University, and her Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University.

What is Kristin most excited about working in the Pendleton School District? “I am excited to return to working with younger students. I was teaching high school math the last three years.”

Kindergartners at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) recently flexed their artistic skills and had a great time working with staff from the Pendleton Center for the Arts to make their own small books.

The project happened through Roberta Lavadour, Executive Director at Pendleton Center for the Arts. She works with a group called Arts Learning Northwest that supports teaching artists; the organization had some funding available for an in-classroom art activity. Lavadour said that because the arts center loves working with the staff at PELC, it seemed like a perfect partnership.

Lavadour and Kate Brizendine, Coordinator of Education and Outreach at the arts center, spent two days teaching all PELC students how to make their own little book. Lavadour said the simple structures are perfect for highlighting the amazing growth the kids have had this one school year. Once they put together the book structure, students drew pictures and wrote words to make little how-to books. “They were absolutely adorable, and I had one parent tell me a week later that her son was still carrying it with him everywhere,” Lavadour said.

She added that there’s a particular pride in making your own book, and in addition to teaching them the skill, they wanted to provide materials so students could continue to explore handmade books and other art-making activities with their teachers. “Having nice materials to work with really helps engage people of any age in creative expression,” Lavadour said.

Pendleton Center for the Arts donated paint, sticks, liquid watercolors, crayons, cardstock, and a few other items to the school.

PELC Principal Angela Lattin said they appreciate the donation of the art supplies and the ongoing collaboration with the Pendleton Center for the Arts.