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PELC Art

Students and Local Arts Center Team Up to Create Books

May 22, 2025/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg

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.

PELC Art PELC Art PELC Art PELC Art PELC Art

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/PELC-Art-3.png 643 493 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-05-22 13:38:412025-05-22 13:38:41Students and Local Arts Center Team Up to Create Books
PELC Library

PELC Thanks Wildhorse Foundation & Others for Library Upgrade

May 16, 2025/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg

Kindergartners at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) have an upgraded school library with new shelving to display hundreds of new books, thanks to the Wildhorse Foundation and other donors.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, PELC staff gathered in the library to thank the donors and celebrate the new space. The Wildhorse Foundation grant was for $10,000. Other funding came from Title 1A, a TAPP (Tribal Attendance Promising Practices) Grant, and Title VI.

Angela Lattin, Principal of the PELC, thanked the Wildhorse Foundation. “This grant, braided with the other funding sources, was really game-changing for our school library. If not for the grant, we would have spent the next 10 years working on these projects.”

Ella Meyers, representing the Wildhorse Foundation, said the organization is really honored to be involved in something that directly impacts the youth in Pendleton and especially the connection to tribal culture. “It’s wonderful to be attending this event today, and it’s really lovely to see it turn into reality,” Meyers said.

The funding made these projects possible:

  • 6 units of book shelving across stage area
  • 4 units of book shelving on west wall
  • Shelving units on front wall
  • 806 new books
  • Native American book section with 144 books written by Native authors or about Native American topics
  • Stuffed animal buddies that students can read with

Principal Lattin said the PELC’s library is well utilized by students. After doing some calculations, she said this school year, there were 6,437 student trips to the library and 3,145 opportunities for students to check out books.

PELC Library PELC Library

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/PELC-Library-Photo-1-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-05-16 14:39:442025-05-16 16:56:19PELC Thanks Wildhorse Foundation & Others for Library Upgrade
read books

PELC Celebrates March Madness with Books

April 18, 2025/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg

College basketball teams and their fans across America were consumed by the March Madness basketball tournaments last month. But the Pendleton Early Learning Center was busy with its own March Madness!

For the fourth year in a row, the school staged its March Madness Book Battle, a competition to promote the love of books, reading and fun. The program is organized in much the same way as the big basketball competitions. First, the kindergarten teachers choose the Sweet Sixteen – 16 books they want to compete. Each classroom reads the books, then votes on which ones they like best, whittling down the 16 books to the Elite Eight.

Students in classrooms read the books again until they are down to the Final Four. Eventually, the competition comes down to two contenders. This year, they were Mortimer by Robert Munsch, about a boy who won’t be quiet and go to sleep, and Frankie by Mary Sullivan, about a new puppy who has to share with the dog already living in a house.

On the morning of Monday, April 7th, all classes read the two books for a final time and chose their champion. Then they waited for all the votes from all the classrooms to come in.

Teacher Rachele Johnson said the kids love getting to read two stories every single day, and reading the books repeatedly helps the students learn about intonation and punctuation. In the case of the Mortimer book, students were able to sing the song and thump their feet like the characters in the book.

“As teachers, we love to see their excitement about reading, and we get to read picture books that might not normally fit the themes we are doing,” Johnson said. Plus, teachers mix in math related to counting the votes and concepts like having your own opinion no matter what the group thinks, and having your favorite book.

So, who was the school’s March Madness Champion? It was Frankie by quite a lot of votes. It’s hard to compete with a story about a cute puppy.

 

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/read-books.jpg 543 800 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-04-18 13:43:482025-04-18 13:43:48PELC Celebrates March Madness with Books
pelc sign

Community Read-In at the PELC

April 2, 2025/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg

In early March, the Pendleton Early Learning Center celebrated its annual Community Read-In. More than 90 volunteers came to the school to read with the Kindergarten students. Volunteers included students from Sunridge Middle School, parents, grandparents, ALTRUSA members, law enforcement officers, and more!

 

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/pelc-sign.jpg 486 1532 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-04-02 17:17:172025-04-02 17:17:17Community Read-In at the PELC
psd logo

District Recommends New Sunridge Middle School Principal

March 14, 2025/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg

The Pendleton School District School Board will be asked at their next board meeting to approve the recommendation to hire Angie Horton to be the new principal of Sunridge Middle School, effective July 1st, 2025.

Horton is currently a principal in the Warrenton Hammond School District.  Horton has held Principal, Vice Principal, Behavior Support Classroom Teacher, and a 3rd Grade teacher positions in her district.  Before her time in Warrenton, she was a Child Treatment Specialist at the Grande Ronde Child Care Centre in La Grande.

Mrs. Horton attended Wallowa High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration in 2001 from Eastern Oregon University, a master’s degree in Special Education in 2019 from Western Governor’s University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governor’s University in 2022.

Mrs. Horton will officially take over as principal on July 1st.  She is replacing Principal, Piper Kelm, who is retiring effective June 30th.

Angie Horton

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png 1050 975 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-03-14 13:33:192025-03-14 13:33:19District Recommends New Sunridge Middle School Principal
PHS CTE Thomas Feller

CTE Spotlight – Thomas Feller

March 13, 2025/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburg

Pendleton High School
2025 CTE Month Spotlight

Meet Thomas Feller, Senior at Pendleton High School
He is taking classes in Robotics.

What do you enjoy about your CTE classes at PHS?
I enjoy the teacher and the tech. I’ve learned a lot from this pathway. I learned how to run 3D printers here, and now I run my own printer and print things for myself and my friends/family.

How are CTE classes making a difference in your education?
They are furthering my knowledge in this field. I knew a decent amount of things, but these CTE classes have helped me a lot.

Would you like to share anything else about CTE at PHS?
I would encourage new students to take CTE classes. They are great hands-on classes and teach you a lot of things about modern technology. These classes are my favorite ones in my schedule.

PHS CTE Thomas Feller

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/PHS-CTE-Student_Thomas-Feller_Social-Media.png 788 940 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-03-13 14:04:432025-03-13 14:04:43CTE Spotlight – Thomas Feller
psd logo

2024 Pendleton School District Graduation Rates

January 30, 2025/in District Site News /by rthornburg

PSD has much to celebrate in recently released graduation rates.

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Oregon Department of Education released the graduation cohort and dropout data for all public school districts in Oregon. The Pendleton School District results are very strong, with a couple of very specific areas needing improvement.

The four-year cohort graduation rates are calculated by following students from the fall of their first year in high school to the end of their fourth year. This tells us the percentage of those students who graduated within four years. The Pendleton School District graduation rates represent a combination of all students who attended Pendleton High School, Hawthorne High School, and Nixyaawii Community School.

This year’s four-year cohort is made up of the students who first entered high school in the fall of 2020. This is important to note since these students started high school 100% online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been much to overcome for these students and many challenges our staff have faced head-on to ensure these students graduate. We celebrate the successes of these students and staff and thank them for their efforts.

The Pendleton School District’s four-year cohort rate is 83.2%. This is a 6.5% increase from the year before and almost 2% higher than the state average.

We have listed areas to celebrate success and a few areas of improvement. Areas of success:

  • 5% increase in general graduation rate
  • 2% increase in Hispanic student graduation rate
  • 2% increase in students w/disabilities graduation rate
  • 7% increase in 4-year completion rate
  • No “gap” between general population and Native American students or between white students and Native American students
  • Student dropout rate lowered by 1% to 3.8% as compared to previous year
  • Exceeded state average in every area except dropout rate and 5-year completion rate

Areas of improvement:

  • A graduation rate of 83.2%, although an increase from the previous year, is still much lower than our goal to help all students
  • Our 5 year completion rate is 3% lower than state average (83.7%). This is much lower than the goal of helping all students receive a diploma, certificate or

We also look at specific school rates as we celebrate successes and try to replicate them in all schools. The Pendleton High School rates increased in nearly every area and exceeds the state average in every area. PHS’s outstanding graduation rates are a great tribute to the many hours of hard work our staff and community invest in our students.

The Pendleton High School four-year cohort rate is 88.8%. This is a 4.9% increase from the year before and 7% higher than the state average.

Areas of success:

  • Dropout rate lowered from 3.16% to 9%
  • Virtually no gap between Native American students and the general student population (1.3% difference)
  • Graduation rate for students with disabilities increased by 2.3% to 2%
  • Exceeds state average in all areas

Areas of improvement:

  • Graduation “gaps” still exist between some student groups and the general student graduation rate
  • 5-year completion rate, although higher than state average, is still an area to improve upon to ensure the success of all students

The Hawthorne High School four-year cohort rate is 55%. This is a 10.3% increase from the year before and almost 27% higher than five years ago.

Areas of success:

  • 4-year completion rate of 72.5%, highest ever achieved for Hawthorne
  • 5-year completion rate at 69.1%, highest ever achieved for Hawthorne Areas of improvement:
  • Dropout rate very high at 8%

The Nixyaawii Community School four-year cohort rate is 87%. This is a 14.3% increase from the year before and 6% higher than the state average.

Areas of success:

  • Dropout rate lowered by 1.57% to 1%
  • 2% increase in 4-year completion rate
  • Native American student graduation rate is 87%, 17% higher than state average for Native American students Areas of improvement:
  • Dropout rate at 5.1% is higher than desired and above the state average of 3%
  • 5-year completion rate is 75.8%, well below the state average of 7%
https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png 1050 975 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-01-30 06:47:212025-01-30 06:47:212024 Pendleton School District Graduation Rates
Thank You School Board Jan 2025

School Board Recognition Month – January 2025

January 17, 2025/in District Site News /by rthornburg

January 2025 is School Board Appreciation Month.  Thank you for your hard work and continued service to the Pendleton School District.

Thank You School Board Jan 2025

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Thank-You-School-Board-Jan-2025.png 1080 1080 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-01-17 09:40:532025-01-17 09:40:53School Board Recognition Month – January 2025
psd logo

Online Survey to Provide Input

January 13, 2025/in District Site News /by rthornburg

If you were unable to attend the open forum (January 13, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the PHS Auditorium) with the consultants from McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment, and Development, who were selected to assist the Pendleton School District in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview, you may provide input using the online survey link provided.

The five-question survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open for participation from Monday, January 13, through Monday, January 20, 2025.

https://survey.k12insight.com/r/Pendleton2025

https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png 1050 975 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2025-01-13 09:31:582025-01-13 09:37:44Online Survey to Provide Input
pelc sign

Patriotic Assembly at the PELC

November 22, 2024/in District Site News, Early Learning Center News /by rthornburg
https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/pelc-sign.jpg 486 1532 rthornburg https://pelc.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/PELC-Logo.png rthornburg2024-11-22 09:32:192024-11-22 09:32:19Patriotic Assembly at the PELC
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Upcoming Events

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Calendar of Events

M Mon

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W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

1 event, 26

2025-05-26

No School – Holiday

No School – Holiday

May 26

No School – Holiday

No school due to Memorial Day observed.

1 event, 27

2025-05-27

Art Show

Art Show

May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

Pendleton School District Art Show at the Pendleton Convention Center. Evening only on 5/27/25.

3 events, 28

2025-05-27

Art Show

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HAHS Graduation

May 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HAHS Graduation

Hawthorne Alternative High School Graduation @ Hawthorne

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholarship Night

May 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholarship Night

Scholarship Night is by invitation only in the auditorium.

3 events, 29

2025-05-27

Art Show

2025-05-29

Seniors Last Day

Seniors Last Day

May 29

Seniors Last Day

Congratulations Class of 2025!

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Baccalaureate

May 29 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate in PHS Auditorium

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

PHS Graduation

June 1 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

PHS Graduation

Congratulations, Class of 2025!  Graduation will be held in the Round-Up arena on Sunday, June 1, 2025.  More details to come.

1 event, 2

2025-06-02

1 Hour Late Start

1 Hour Late Start

June 2

1 Hour Late Start

2 events, 3

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

June 3 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

Meets in the District Office boardroom

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

5th Grade Track Meet

June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

5th Grade Track Meet

1 event, 4

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

4th Grade Track Meet

June 4 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

4th Grade Track Meet

1 event, 5

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Grade Track Meet

June 5 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Grade Track Meet

2 events, 6

2025-06-06

School Ends

School Ends

June 6

School Ends

2 hour early release.  Last day of school in the 2024-25 school year.  Enjoy summer!

2025-06-06

End of 2nd Semester

End of 2nd Semester

June 6

End of 2nd Semester

0 events, 7

0 events, 8

2 events, 9

2025-06-09

In-Service

In-Service

June 9

In-Service

No school.  Staff in-service today.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Regular Board Meeting

June 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Regular Board Meeting

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May 26
All day

No School – Holiday

May 27
May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

May 27
May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

May 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HAHS Graduation

May 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholarship Night

May 27
May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

All day

Seniors Last Day

May 29 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Baccalaureate

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June 1
June 1 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

PHS Graduation

June 2
All day

1 Hour Late Start

June 3
June 3 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

5th Grade Track Meet

June 4
June 4 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

4th Grade Track Meet

June 5
June 5 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Grade Track Meet

June 6
All day

School Ends

All day

End of 2nd Semester

  • There are no events on this day.
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June 9
All day

In-Service

June 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Regular Board Meeting

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View Calendar
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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.

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