Dear Redhawk Community,
As we move further into November, I want to take a moment to reflect on how thankful I am to be part of the Port Townsend community. Since stepping into the role of PTHS Principal at the start of the school year, I have been impressed by the dedication of our students, the support of our families, and the hard work of our staff. It has been a privilege to build relationships with our students and to witness their determination, creativity, and Redhawk pride.
So much of what we do at PTHS is dependent upon the feedback from our students and families. To this end, I'm asking that families please complete the brief survey below this letter.
This week, we have two important events that I want to highlight, along with some thoughts as we approach the Thanksgiving break.
Family & Community Member Tour of PTHS
Tomorrow evening, we are excited to welcome families and community members to our campus for a Family & Community Member Tour of PTHS. This event, running from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the programs at PTHS and OCEAN, explore the current condition of our facilities, and see examples of recent upgrades.
The evening will include guided tours led by student and adult volunteers. These tours will visit key areas of the school, where participants will learn more about how our spaces support student learning and creativity. After the tour, attendees will return to the Commons for a debrief and an opportunity to share feedback with the Design Advisory Committee.
We are excited to offer this event as a way to connect with our greater community, and I encourage all families and community members to join us as we celebrate and discuss the future of PTHS.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
On Thursday, November 21 from 1:10 - 4:00 pm and 5:00 - 7:00 pm (we ask that families arrive by 3:40 or 6:40 pm to allow adequate time for conversations with teachers), we will hold arena-style parent-teacher conferences in the PTHS gymnasium. This format allows parents and guardians to meet multiple teachers in a single location, making it easier to have productive conversations about your student’s progress.
The conferences will be divided into two sessions to accommodate different schedules. Parents can choose either an afternoon or evening time slot. As you arrive, you will receive a schedule with your student’s teachers listed. Each teacher will be stationed at an individual table, and we ask that conversations be kept to five minutes to ensure everyone has the opportunity to meet with teachers. If you need additional time, you are welcome to email the teacher to arrange a longer meeting.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the conferences as we work together to support our students’ success. To accommodate the conferences, both Thursday and Friday will be early dismissal days, with school ending at 12:10 pm.
Thanksgiving Gratitude
As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude for the PTHS community. I can't say enough how great it's been to get to know our students, staff, families, and community members and have been amazed at the level of support this community has for our students.
Whether you’re staying local and enjoying the natural beauty of Port Townsend or traveling to spend time with loved ones, I hope you all have a safe, restful, and rejuvenating Thanksgiving.
Thank you for your continued support of our school, and I look forward to connecting with you at tomorrow evening’s tour as well as Thursday’s conferences.
Go Redhawks!!!
Mr. Moss
The Port Townsend High School Audio Visual Club (AV Club) is thrilled to announce the release of its highly anticipated 2025 PTHS Media Photography Calendar, a stunning compilation of student creativity and talent. Featuring breathtaking photographs taken by PTHS students throughout the year, this calendar highlights the artistic excellence of the school’s young photographers.
The AV Club is led by David Egeler, the club’s advisor and a PTHS teacher specializing in photography, videography, and graphic design. Under his guidance, students have developed their technical skills and artistic vision, resulting in this exceptional showcase of their work.
The 2025 calendar includes the work of the following talented students:
- Aleena Diaz
- Emma Goodwin
- Isabel Henry
- Natalie Hollow-Bist
- Django Lynge
- Kepler Edmundson
- Bradan Eldridge
- Makayla Matheson
- Ryan Olson
Additionally, the calendar features contributions from Ocean Smith and Lhotse Rowell, who graduated in 2024.
Each photograph in the calendar captures unique moments and scenes, reflecting the students’ diverse perspectives and artistic growth. From landscapes to portraits, the images showcase a range of styles and techniques, offering something for every admirer of photography.
The calendar will be available starting November 22nd for $20. Proceeds will support the AV Club, helping to fund equipment, projects, and future student initiatives.
Where to Purchase:
- Directly from AV Club students
- The Port Townsend High School office
- Local events, including:
- PT Farmers Market
- Chimacum Arts & Crafts Fair
- Finnriver Arts & Crafts Fair
Don’t miss this opportunity to support PTHS students and bring home a beautiful piece of their artistry. The 2025 PTHS Media Photography Calendar makes a perfect gift for the holiday season or a keepsake to celebrate the talents of Port Townsend’s young creatives.
Mark your calendars for November 22nd and get your copy while supplies last!
Port Townsend High School senior Jack Cole has reached an impressive milestone in his musical journey. Jack, a dedicated tuba player, was recently selected to perform with the All-Northwest Wind Symphony during the National Association for Music Education Northwest Conference. The event will take place February 14–15 at the Spokane Convention Center in Spokane, Washington.
Jack’s achievement is no small feat. He was chosen from a highly competitive pool of high school musicians from six Northwest states, each submitting recorded auditions in October. This honor comes after Jack’s prior selection to perform with the Washington All-State Wind Symphony last year, showcasing his consistent excellence in music.
Jack’s love of the tuba began in sixth grade and has flourished ever since. In addition to his contributions to the PTHS Band and Symphony Orchestra, Jack has performed with the Port Townsend Community Summer Band and the Port Townsend Community Symphony Orchestra. This past summer, Jack attended a music camp at Central Washington University, further honing his skills.
Reflecting on his instrument of choice, Jack shared a unique perspective: “You’re mostly in the background, but because of that, you’re paying attention to the little details. You’re able to fill the background and emphasize the finer details of music that otherwise may not be noticed.”
For Jack, being selected for the All-Northwest Wind Symphony is a testament to his hard work and dedication. “It means my practicing has paid off,” he said. “And I’ll get to enjoy playing with other tuba players, something I’ve rarely had the opportunity to do.”
Jack is quick to credit his band teacher, Kim Clarke, for her encouragement and mentorship. “Mrs. Clarke has always been the one to introduce me to events like honor band, the public symphony, and the Port Townsend Summer Band,” he shared. Her guidance has played a pivotal role in shaping Jack’s musical journey.
Jack’s passion for music and his commitment to excellence exemplify the spirit of Port Townsend High School. The community eagerly anticipates seeing him represent PTHS on the regional stage this February.
Congratulations, Jack, on this well-deserved achievement!
- Wednesday, 11.20 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm: Teacher PBL Project Work & Conference Prep
- Wednesday, 11.20 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm: PTHS Family & Community Campus Tour
- Thursday, 11.21 at 12:10 pm: Early Dismissal
- Thursday, 11.21 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm & 5:00 - 7:00 pm: PTHS Conferences in the Gym
- Friday, 11.22 at 12:10 pm: Early Dismissal
- Monday, 11.25 - Friday, 11.29: Thanksgiving Break
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
