Dear PTHS Families,
As winter break approaches, we encourage all Port Townsend High School students to focus and finish the calendar year strong. These next two weeks are an opportunity to refine time management strategies, tackle remaining challenges, and set a foundation for success—both academically and personally. With a little planning and focus, students can enter the break stress-free and ready to recharge.
Tips to Maximize Your Time
Here are some strategies to help our Redhawks make the most of this important time:
- Set Weekly Goals: Focus on one or two priorities each week, whether it’s catching up on assignments, preparing for finals, or starting long-term projects.
- Use Your Planner: Record deadlines, commitments, and important dates to stay organized. Remember to balance academics with Port Townsend traditions like extracurriculars and community events.
- Break Down Big Tasks: Approach essays, presentations, or projects in small, manageable steps to avoid last-minute stress.
- Limit Distractions: Cut back on screen time and dedicate focused blocks to schoolwork—just 30 extra minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Stick to a Routine: Consistency is key. Dedicate a specific time each day to reviewing notes, completing assignments, or tackling projects.
Stay Healthy During the Short Days of Winter
As the days grow shorter, it’s important for students to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. Staying active and spending time outdoors, even in the cooler weather, can make a big difference in maintaining energy levels and focus. Encourage your student to:
- Take Walks: A brisk walk, even for 10-15 minutes, can clear the mind and provide a needed energy boost.
- Get Outside: Whether it’s enjoying the natural beauty of Port Townsend or simply stepping outside for fresh air, being outdoors can help combat the effects of shorter daylight hours.
- Exercise Regularly: Activities like stretching, yoga, or light workouts at home are great ways to stay active and improve mood during the winter months.
- Get Enough Sleep: Adequate rest is essential for staying healthy and focused. Encourage students to aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Creating a consistent bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed can improve sleep quality and ensure they’re refreshed for the day ahead.
Need Extra Support? Tutoring is Available!
To help students finish the semester strong, after-school tutoring sessions are available every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. These sessions provide support for all subjects and are staffed by volunteers, many of whom have extensive experience in math. This is a great opportunity for students to get personalized help, whether they’re working on catching up, studying for tests, or simply reinforcing their learning.
Plan for Winter Break
A well-earned two-week break is on the horizon. By getting organized now, students can enjoy their time off to relax and reset without lingering academic stress.
By finishing this semester strong, our students will be poised for success as we head into January and the new year. Redhawks, let’s make the most of this time—you’ve got this!
Go Redhawks!
Mr. Moss
As the holiday season unfolds, the Port Townsend High School music program is ready to share its gift of song and harmony with the community. Mark your calendars for two evenings of spectacular performances that highlight the talent, dedication, and artistry of our students.
- Orchestra Concert: Led by Caitlin Malarkey, the PTHS orchestra will perform on Wednesday, December 11th, at 6 PM in the high school auditorium.
- Band Concert: Under the direction of Kim Clarke, the PTHS band will take the stage the following evening on Thursday, December 12th, at 6 PM. This performance will be held at Blue Heron Middle School in collaboration with Blue Heron musicians.
Music: A Pillar of Port Townsend’s Identity
Music is woven into the fabric of Port Townsend’s vibrant community. It’s not just a pastime but a cornerstone of how we connect, express ourselves, and celebrate creativity. This ethos extends to our students, who thrive in the unique opportunities provided by our music programs. For many, music becomes a space where they discover their strengths, develop confidence, and achieve authentic success.
The benefits of music education reach far beyond the concert stage. Research consistently shows that students involved in music are more likely to excel academically and socially. In addition, music education has been shown to benefit skills such as memory, discipline, and teamwork while fostering emotional growth. At PTHS, these lessons are evident as students carry their success in the music room into other areas of their lives, from excelling in academics to building meaningful relationships.
Celebrate Our Students’ Hard Work
These winter concerts are more than just performances; they are a celebration of our students’ hard work, talent, and dedication. Each note played and every chord struck is a testament to countless hours of practice and passion. For audience members, it’s an opportunity to come together and support the arts, recognizing how these young musicians contribute to the spirit of Port Townsend.
We hope to see you there to experience the magic of music and the joy it brings to our school and community. Let’s fill the auditorium and middle school with applause as we cheer on our talented orchestra and band students.
Go Redhawks!
For Sabina Funaro, poetry has been more than just words on a page—it’s been a lifeline. Since the age of 10, Sabina has been journaling to process life’s complexities. By the time she entered high school, her journaling evolved into poetry, offering her a powerful way to express emotions, navigate challenges, and find clarity.
Now, for her senior project at Port Townsend High School, Sabina is bringing her passion to life by creating and publishing her own book of poetry.
An Ambitious Goal
Sabina considered several ideas for her senior project but chose to publish a poetry book because it was the most ambitious—and the one she felt she’d be most proud of accomplishing. The collection, which currently includes about 60 poems, reflects her personal journey over the past five years.
To bring her vision to reality, Sabina is collaborating with Corvus Crafts Printery, a local artisan printer, to produce the book. She is also working with her mentor, Velda Thomas, a locally published poet, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping the project.
Though the book does not yet have a title, it promises to be an intimate and moving reflection of Sabina’s growth and experiences.
Beyond High School
After graduation, Sabina plans to attend one of the several colleges she has applied to, where she’s considering majoring in business with a minor in humanities. Her passion for writing and storytelling will undoubtedly continue to influence her academic and personal pursuits.
A Poem from Sabina's Collection
One of the sample pieces from Sabina’s upcoming book is a poem titled "Poetry".
Poetry
Everyday there is poetry in my head
Seldom it finds its way to the page
It crawls out of the cracks in every brick wall I pass
And nestles itself in my ventromedial
It's only the drive I lack to meet the ink and the crinkled pages
How her flowing darkness would not mind
The way he was bent and torn
At my hands
Sabina’s project is a testament to the power of creativity and the courage to share one’s story. Her poetry book is sure to inspire her peers and community, reminding us all of the beauty in self-expression and the strength in vulnerability.
Stay tuned for updates on the release of Sabina’s book, and join us in celebrating her incredible achievement.
About Port Townsend High School
Website: https://highschool.ptschools.org/
Location: 1500 Van Ness Street, Port Townsend, WA, USA
Phone: 360.379.4520
Non-discrimination statement
Port Townsend School District No. 50 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, immigration status, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Title IX Officer:
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Shelby Macmeekin
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 379-4501
Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
