PASD Staff Newsletter
NEWS & NOTES February 3, 2023
Marty's Minute
The month of February also brings Black History month. It is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black people, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today. I look forward to seeing how our school buildings celebrate and learn more about Black history this month.
Next Friday, February 10th, I will be heading to Olympia with a PASD Team. We will meet with our Legislators, and our goal is to share the importance and stress the critical need for funding for education, especially in rural districts like Port Angeles. I look forward to updating you next week on how it all goes.
Again, now is the time to reach out to our district's State Legislatures if you are inclined. You can find PASD's legislative priorities here.
Black History Month
Despite overwhelming obstacles, African Americans have given people of all backgrounds confidence and courage. There is still more to be done to ensure equality under the law and equal opportunity.
Let this month be a reminder that we can appreciate what connects us, regardless of color or national origins, and we move forward in the spirit of the Pledge of Allegiance: "with liberty and justice for all.
Students across PASD will celebrate Black History Month in creative ways by learning about the achievements of Black Americans and exploring black history from new perspectives.
What is your school or classroom doing to celebrate and learn more about Black History Month? Send in your photos and story to share across our district!
Port Angeles Community Awards - Educator of the Year
On Saturday, January 28th, the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce hosted the 6th annual Port Angeles Community Awards. John Gallagher was named the 2022 Educator of the Year! Congratulations to Mr. Gallagher and to Crystal Bennett and John Lorentzen for being finalists!
John wasn't able to attend in person but did make a FaceTime appearance to accept his award.
We are proud to hear that Educator of the Year received the MOST nominations out of all the award categories! Let's keep up that momentum for next year.
Dr. Josh Jones emceed the night and is pictured here with Mr. Gallagher, accepting his award via FaceTime!
8th Graders Showcase their Knowledge about Cells in Science!
Students in Stevens Middle School's 8th-grade science classes presented to 5th-graders across the district with virtual presentations about cells. The students constructed their models from everyday materials, and many used baked goods as their medium.
The objective of this project was for 8th graders to give 5th graders a relevant connection for their current life science curriculum and a preview of the more in-depth biology they will be learning when they get to middle school.
Elementary teachers from Jefferson, Dry Creek, Hamilton, Roosevelt and Franklin logged in at various times throughout the day with their 5th-grade classes. They watched as 8th graders showcased their cell models and had the opportunity to ask questions or provide comments.
Theresa Faires, a 5th-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, shared, "The kids enjoyed seeing the models and comparing the models. We were able to relate it to what we are learning -- I think most of them could identify parts of a cell based on the presentations. Several students talked about how they would do this project with various materials when they got to middle school. Great idea and learning experience!"
Stevens Middle School Teacher Dan Lieberman said students "elevated their maturity and responsibility above 8th-grade levels as they taught 5th-grade students about cells and their cell model design process."
What a delicious and fun way to learn about cells. Nicely done, teachers and students!
Behind the scenes peek at Audrey Rudd and Kai Lachner working on their cell model.
Audrey and Kai's cell model may have been "taste tested" before the presentation. :)
Audrey and Kai presenting virtually to 5th-graders.
Jordan Saluskin, Lily Leffers, and Miguel Ortega show off their delicious cell model.
Jordan, Lily, and Miguel's cell model. Yum!
Arthur Jemerigbe, Mia Mora, and Christian Snavely presenting virtually.
Arthur, Christian, and Mia's cell model up close.
A Lesson in Tribal Government
Jonathan Arakawa, a Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Member and Klallam Language Teacher, visited Stacey Sanders' College in the High School - Eastern Washington Unversity Civics classes to share about Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe's Government.
Jonathan did an amazing job and students and staff learned a lot about Tribal Government!
háʔnəŋ cn - Thank you, Jonathan!
Paper Shredding - Fundraising Event!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Join us for a paper shredding event on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10 AM – 1 PM at Steve Methner’s State Farm, 611 E. Front Street.
Bring your paper to shred and make a donation. Proceeds from this event will help fund our Back to School Fair held in August, where children in need receive supplies for the 2023-24 school year.
Thanks to our community for supporting this event year after year! Special thanks to our trusty volunteers and 2022’s Sponsors: Sound Community Bank, Port Angeles Kiwanis, and Steve Methner-State Farm.
Boys & Girls Club 2023 Youth of the Year - Kailani Rodriguez of Lincoln High School!
Please join us in congratulating Kailani Rodriguez, a senior at Lincoln High School, for winning the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula's 2023 Youth Of The Year!
Kailani is an intern for the B&GC and is a shining example of young leadership and community service! We are proud of you, Kailani!
Kaiser Permanente: Way to Wellbeing Webinar Workshop Series
These workshops are designed for teachers, staff, and administrators.
Healthy staff and teachers are our most valuable resource for creating safe and supportive learning environments. The Way to Staff Well-being in Schools workshop series explores resources and tips to strengthen staff well-being at the individual, collective, and policy levels. Free clock hours are available.
Our foundational course, The Way to Staff Well-being in schools – Creating a Culture of Well-being, will be offered 3:30-5:00pm PST on a bi-monthly basis (repeat):
• March 15, 2023 – Register on PDenroller
• May 10, 2023 – Register on PDenroller
Deep Dive Way to Staff Well-being in Schools. Presented by Kaiser Permanente, subject matter experts and offered 4:00-5:00pm PST:
• February 15, 2023: Mental Health for Educators – Register on PDenroller
• April 19, 2023: Stress Management for Educators – Register on PDenroller
• June 7, 2023: Healthy Habits for Educators – Register on PDenroller
Upcoming District Dates
- February 6 to 10 - National School Counselors Week
- February 9 - School Board Meeting, Lincoln Center, 6pm
- February 14 - Valentine's Day
- February 15 - School Resource Officer Day
- February 20 - President's Day - No School
- February 23 - School Board Meeting, Lincoln Center, 6pm