Positively Pasco: Issue #192

Issue #192

August 6, 2024

Vea la versión en español del Boletín Informativo Positivamente Pasco aqui.

The anticipation is building as we gear up for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. We know time flies, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to prepare for a fantastic year ahead.

We've created a webpage to help you prepare for this summer. Visit our Back to School webpage to learn about before and after-school care, the 2024-2025 calendar, school supply lists, enrollment, meals, open houses, and more!

Do you have a child starting kindergarten or joining one of PSD's schools for the first time this fall? Our 2024-2025 school year online enrollment portal is now open.

Early enrollment will help establish a smooth transition, ensure timely communication from your child's school, and allow transportation routing for eligible students.

To enroll your child, visit our online enrollment website.

Are you passionate about education and looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students? Now is the time to start substitute teaching in Pasco.

Unmatched Compensation:

• Earn up to $239/day

• Plus, the opportunity to earn additional pay for subbing during planning periods!
  

Free Professional Development and Clock Hours:

• Enhance your skills and knowledge with our complimentary professional development opportunities and clock hours.

Don't miss out on this chance to make a positive impact while earning competitive compensation and advancing your professional growth.

Get started today by visiting our Earn More + Learn More webpage!

Websites for Pasco’s new Sageview High School and Orion High School are now live!

Discover more about the ongoing construction, explore architectural renderings, and get to know our dedicated principals. While we're still adding more content like schedules, programming, and extracurricular activities, you can expect regular updates as they become available.

PSD and Fowler General Construction celebrated a significant milestone at the construction site of Pasco School District’s Sageview High School with a Topping Out Ceremony!

During this special event, the final structural beam was placed on the new school, marking the completion of its frame. A topping out ceremony is a longstanding construction tradition that celebrates the hard work and progress made on a project.

Thank you to all the construction and iron workers for keeping Sageview High School on schedule for its Fall 2025 opening!

Learn more about Sageview High School and stay updated on our progress.

Congratulations to the talented winners of the 2024-2025 calendar art contest! This year's theme, 'Celebrating PSD Superstars,' inspired amazing artwork judged by community organizations and district employees.

Students were surprised in their classrooms with a copy of their artwork and a gift card generously donated by Gesa Credit Union, our calendar sponsor. You can view and download pictures from the 2024-2025 Calendar Art Contest webpage. Look for your copy of the PSD calendar in early September!

Discover PSD's preschool programs designed to ensure children enter kindergarten ready for success.

Our Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Head Start are state-funded, high-quality preschool programs serving qualifying 3- and 4-year-old children and their families. These programs are FREE for eligible families.

Our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program is available for children under five who have not had access to high-quality early learning experiences before kindergarten.

Complete our online interest form to find out which preschool program your child is eligible for in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, or visit our Preschool Programs webpage for more details.

We're thrilled to announce that our Internet Pasco Academy of Learning (iPAL) program has been approved by the Washington State OSPI as a Multi-District Online School Program! Starting Fall 2024, K-8 students across Washington State can join our innovative, free remote learning program. The program is still open to Pasco students in grades K-12.

Why Choose iPAL?

• Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. Perfect for balancing extracurriculars and family time.

• Diverse Course Offerings: From core subjects to electives, AP courses, and career readiness programs.

• Individualized Learning: Tailored support from dedicated educators to help each student reach their full potential.

For more info and to enroll, visit the iPAL website.

In early June, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Orion High School. During the ceremony, we were honored to have PSD's Board of Directors, Superintendent Michelle Whitney, Planning Principal and Principal of Orion High School Seth Johnson, contractors, PSD 6th and 7th-grade students, district administrators, and many guests celebrating with us.

Orion High School, inspired by Delta High School, will offer a unique educational experience. With a capacity of about 600 students selected through a lottery system, Orion High School will enable Pasco students to earn industry certifications and college credits alongside their high school diploma, preparing them for successful careers in high-demand industries. The school will feature signature health sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing programs. Orion High School will open in Fall 2025!

Visit the Orion High School website for more details.

Fourth and fifth graders from Livingston Elementary School proved they are the best at coding by defeating over 30 teams from 11 states in a national competition.

The nine-week Coder-Z and TeamViewer cyber robotics competition introduces students to programming and robotics, enhancing their problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

Livingston's teams, Onix and Rhydon, won two of the three top honors. Students mastered complex concepts like angles and coordinates. Principal Joe Jisa praised the school's commitment to coding, noting visible improvements in learning outcomes.

Congratulations Leopards!

The Pasco Welding Club took a handful of students on an exciting trip to Seattle to visit the Divers Institute of Technology. This commercial diving school specializes in underwater construction, safety, welding, and hazmat diving work. Notably, it is the only school in the world that offers an international certificate. The program lasts seven months and provides guaranteed employment opportunities upon completion.

During the visit, students were given an informative tour and saw a new class in action in the underwater welding and dive safety modules. This experience highlighted some excellent opportunities for potential articulation and/or earned credit options for students who commit to this program.

The Pasco Welding Club looks forward to exploring further collaborations and opportunities with the Divers Institute of Technology, ensuring our students continue to have access to exceptional educational and career pathways.

PSD would like to welcome and congratulate the following Principals, Assistant Principals, and District Administrators on their new positions.

Welcome Amy Kohn to her new role as Principal of Chess Elementary School! Amy brings a wealth of experience from her roles in Pasco, Othello, and Richland. She is passionate about creating a supportive learning environment, ensuring every student acquires the skills needed for future success, and fostering high expectations by using data to monitor progress. She is also committed to ensuring every student aquires the skills and strategies they need to become successful in their future academic career. Welcome to Chess Elementary, Amy!

Welcome Kelly Leonard to her new role as Principal of Frost Elementary School! With 16 years in education, Kelly served as Assistant Principal at Robinson Elementary for three years, has taught students from kindergarten through seventh grade, coached teachers in ELA and Math, collaborated on curriculum development, and directed school musicals. She is committed to building strong partnerships with staff, families, and the community to ensure all students achieve at high levels. Welcome to Frost Elementary, Kelly!

Welcome Amanda Wilson to her new role as Principal of Columbia River Elementary School. Amanda brings a wealth of experience, having taught 7th and 8th grade ELA and History at Liberty Christian School, served as a Technology Teacher at Stevens Middle School, and taught 6th grade at both Stevens Middle School and Curie STEM Elementary School. Most recently, she was the Assistant Principal at Captain Gray STEM Elementary School. Amanda is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Welcome to Columbia River Elementary, Amanda!

Welcome Alfredo Arroyo to his new role as Assistant Principal at Stevens Middle School. With experience teaching grades 3-7, dual language for grades 4 and 6, and leading schoolwide improvements, Alfredo is committed to supporting students in their academic and lifelong endeavors. His vision is to provide rigorous and engaging instruction, foster a community where relationships are valued, and ensure every student feels safe and valued. Welcome to Stevens Middle School, Alfredo!

Welcome Erin Martin to her new role as Assistant Principal at Pasco High School. Erin brings 23 years of experience as a high school science teacher in public and private schools across different states and countries. She holds a master's degree in physics education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Math and Science Education at WSU. Erin firmly believes that all students can learn with the right supports. Her vision for Pasco High School is to create an environment where all students are successful. She is dedicated to giving teachers the tools they need to encourage and support each student. Welcome to Pasco High, Erin!

Welcome Alejandra Mendoza to her role as Assistant Principal at Pasco High School. Alejandra has a diverse background, starting her career at Yakima Valley Community College as a Worker Retainer and WorkFirst Coordinator, then serving as an Academic and Career Counselor at Renton Technical College. She returned to Yakima Valley College to focus on the Open Doors Program and worked with high school students at Legacy High School, supporting Long-Term English Learners. Her vision for Pasco High School includes establishing open communication with parents and students, empowering teachers, celebrating achievements, and preparing students to be future leaders. She is committed to supporting instruction, academic achievement, family engagement, and college and career readiness. Welcome to Pasco High, Alejandra!

Welcome Kylee Sixkiller-Bossert as Assistant Principal of Robinson Elementary School. Kylee brings extensive experience, having taught for five years in the Yakima School District before moving to Pasco High School, where she taught for four years and then served as Assistant Principal for another four years. Most recently, she spent seven years as Assistant Principal at Rowena Chess. Kylee is committed to building strong partnerships with students, staff, and parents to promote academic achievement and social-emotional growth. She focuses on building positive relationships with students, honoring, and supporting them as individuals. Welcome to Robinson Elementary, Kylee!

We are excited to announce that Julia Kahl, Primary Bridges Teacher at Mark Twain Elementary, has been selected as a Washington State Employee Credit Union (WSECU) Teacher of the Week!

Nominated by parent Jennifer Yaniz, Mrs. Kahl was one of just 24 teachers chosen from hundreds of nominations. Yaniz praised Mrs. Kahl for her dedication and positive impact on her son, noting a dramatic improvement in his behavior and academic performance.

Mrs. Kahl received a $500 classroom grant, an additional $500 grant for Mark Twain Elementary, and two suite tickets to the August 4th Seattle Mariners game.

Congratulations, Mrs. Kahl! We are so proud of you!

Superintendent Michelle Whitney presented our latest round of North Star winners with awards to acknowledge them for shining brightly in their profession and putting students first!

Congratulations to the following employees:

• Olga Sandoval, English Language Development Teacher, Ochoa Middle School

• Mary Valencia, English Language Development Teacher, Ochoa Middle School

• Rosa Olvera, Student Achievement Specialist, Ochoa Middle School

• Stacy Fangman, Teacher, McLoughlin Middle School

• Tatyana Gorbatyuk, Custodian, McLoughlin Middle School

• Delia Whitlake, English Language Development Teacher, McLoughlin Middle School

• Natasha Foster, Paraeducator, McLoughlin Middle School

• Brandon Hoeft, Teacher, Reynolds Middle School

• Christina Young, Counselor, Reynolds Middle School

• Heather Johnson, Health and Fitness Teacher, Chiawana High School

• Kevin Clayton, Music Teacher, Chiawana High School

• Peter Blake, Music Teacher, Chiawana High School

• Rosie Garza, Assessment Specialist, Chiawana High School

• Jesus Herrera, Bilingual Tutor, Chiawana High School

• Ana Tuiaea-Ruud, Community Engagement Manager, Chiawana High School

The Pasco School District is happy to partner with the Tierra Vida Community, the City of Pasco, and the Pasco Police to celebrate National Night Out 2024.

National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to strengthen police and community partnerships and promote education and safe neighborhoods. You are invited to bring the family and enjoy food, games, entertainment, and a resource fair.

Come and meet the Pasco Police Chief, Law Enforcement Officers, Pasco City Officials, Senator Nikki Torres, Pasco Fire Department, and Pasco School District principals and staff.

When: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Where: Tierra Vida Rec-Center, 3525 E. A Street, Pasco

For more information, contact Gracie Valle-Chimal.

Save the date for Pasco Back to School Night with the Dust Devils, sponsored by Gesa Credit Union. It's Pasco School District Night, and we want you to be part of the excitement. Get discounted tickets, free giveaways, and back-to-school information.

When: Thursday, August 22; doors will open at 6:05 pm, and the game begins at 7:05 pm

Where: Gesa Stadium, 6200 Burden Blvd., Pasco

How to Get Your Tickets:

Visit the Dust Devils Ticketing website and access discount tickets with the promo code PSD24.

Don't miss out on this fantastic event—get your tickets today and join us for a night of baseball fun!

For more information, contact Ana Munguia.

We are hosting our annual Welcome Back Expo & Rally, where over 2,500 PSD employees will gather to kick off the 2024-25 school year! The Expo is an excellent opportunity for local businesses or organizations to highlight their offerings.

When: Monday, August 26, 2024, 7:30 – 9:00 am

Where: Chiawana High School, 8125 W Argent Rd., Pasco

Cost: $50 non-profit, $100 for-profit organization

For more information, contact Ana Munguia or visit our website.

Join the City of Pasco for their annual Fiery Foods Festival event focusing on celebrating different cultures by sharing a wide variety of delicious and exotic foods. From the culinary arts' captivating aroma to the chili pepper contest's thrill, the day promises to be nothing less than hot and happening! Be one of the hundreds of people to witness and participate in the ultimate celebration of all things fiery and flavorful.

When: Saturday, September 14, 2024, 11 am – 7pm

Where: Downtown Pasco, 4th and Lewis St., Pasco

For more information, contact Gracie Valle-Chimal.

August 27: Grades 1-6 and 9

August 28: Grades 7-8 and 10-12

August 29: Kindergarten