4/26/24

Last week was exciting as I visited several schools, but one visit especially stood out. Melissa Holcomb graciously invited me to visit her 3rd graders at Jefferson Elementary. I had an amazing time with these young writers as they shared their collaborative project, "Underwater Adventures," which they published using the Student Treasures Publishing platform.

Assistant Superintendent Michelle Olsen and Principal Ronda Kromm joined me to witness the students' energy and creativity, which was truly inspiring. Their enthusiasm for storytelling reminded me of the importance of fostering student passions and providing real-world learning experiences.

The hard work of these students reflects all of our students' boundless potential, nurtured by dedicated educators like Melissa Holcomb and the rest of the Jefferson Elementary team. This project was made possible by the generous support of the Port Angeles Education Foundation (PAEF), ensuring that each student took home a copy of their book.

Where are you from?

Born and lived in Arlington Texas until I moved here 7 years ago

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I really love working with my hands and thinking through problems to fix things. Sometimes I have to get creative and use some unorthodox materials or tools to make something work. I enjoyed working on my hot rod cars when I was young, and enjoy repairing and making things around my home. This job taps into that same skillset. It is very satisfying when a repair really makes a teacher or staff member or class super happy that we got things running for them again.

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

I am blessed with a lovely, talented and supportive wife and two daughters and three grandchildren. My kids and grandkids are all back in Texas…but I am still trying to tempt them into relocating to the PMW! We have five cats and three dogs. I am the cat lover!

Do you have any hobbies?

Beyond a hobby! More like an obsession! I am a semiprofessional musician. I play electric and acoustic guitar, sing and I am a published songwriter. I currently play lead guitar and sing with the hottest festival band on the peninsula, Black Diamond Junction, (voted best live entertainment on the peninsula 8 years in a row!) I also have an acoustic duet with my wife where I highlight my songwriting along with many of our acoustic favorites.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

I would love to have a day cowriting songs with some established professional songwriters or a known recording artist.

What is your goal for this year?

I am working to get a professional video produced to highlight one of my songs that we feel has real hit potential.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still playing music on random stages. I really hope that I will have established myself for my songwriting so I am being booked to play my music and not just covers.

What is a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?

I have been on TV and in the movies! I had a part as a preacher in “Walking Tall, The Payback” with Kevin Sorbo. I have been an extra in a couple other films and TV shows, and had starring roles in in independent films. The biggest thing I have done on camera was a few years as on air talent with KERA Public Television in Dallas during their fund drives.

Anything else you'd like to share with your co-workers?

Ilove Port Angeles and my coworkers in the school district. I plan to send the rest of my life here.

Stevens Middle School 8th grade science students hosted a "STEM Like Me!" event on April 22 & 23. The West Sound STEM Network brought the following professionals from our region whose careers involve science, technology, engineering, and math so students can learn more about the STEM career field.

• Rachele Bown, Education Manager for Feiro Marine Life Center
• Elise Fowler, HVAC Apprentice for MacDonald-Miller Mechanical Contractors
• Lora York, Flight Nurse
• Matthew Moore, Engineer for
• Ryan Jeffries, Engineer for City of Port Angeles
• Officer Sandgren, Officer for U.S. Customs & Border Protection
• Krista DeHart

The Port Angeles High School Thespian Society is pleased to be producing Super Short Shakespeare Parodies this spring. This hilarious abridged version of 10 of Shakespeare's well known plays including: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Julius Caesar. It is a fast paced one act that we are excited to share with the community. Performances will take place at the downtown pier and will be by donation.

Bring a chair or a blanket and come support the Thespian Society!

May 18th 2pm May 19th 2pm

Donations will be accepted for admission.

The following educators are receiving reimbursement from the Port Angeles Education Foundation’s (PAEF) Welcker Fund. The Welcker Fund was established in 2021 by donors to the Education Foundation who wish to recognize the extra effort made by educators who purchase supplies for their classroom using their own money.

Following an application process in February/March, $3,626.35 was awarded. Recipients will receive their check in the mail soon! Thank you PAEF for your ongoing support of our educators and students!!!

2024 Recipients

Brook Anderson, Hamilton

Kate Bradshaw, Franklin

Kathleen Dadd, Franklin

Jennifer DeMott, Stevens

Susan Dwyer, Franklin

Theresa Faires, Jefferson

Shirlene Fitzwater, PAHS

Lacey Goldsbury, Dry Creek

Carol Koenig, Jefferson/Roosevelt

Erika Kuch, Roosevelt

Jennifer MacDonald, Stevens

Lisa Martinez, Hamilton

Evan Murphy, Jefferson

Skylar O’Connor, Franklin

Janice Rhyne, Seaview/Lincoln

Stacy Ritchie, Hamilton

Stacey Sanders, PAHS

Debra Tiemersma, Stevens

Traci Tyson, Hamilton

We're thrilled to announce the revival of our 6th-grade field trips to NatureBridge! After a hiatus of several years, we're reconnecting students with the wonders of nature in Olympic National Park.

This program offers hands-on learning experiences for PASD 6th graders, focusing on forest ecology, watershed science, and more. NatureBridge educators lead students to explore old-growth forests, paddle on Lake Crescent, and work as a team to tackle team problem-solving challenges.

These trips are about learning, personal growth, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. We're excited to renew this tradition and partnership with NatureBridge.

The Port Angeles School District is accepting applications for the 2024-25 Transition to Kindergarten (TKK) Program!!!

Transition to Kindergarten is a FREE program for children who are four years old by Aug. 31st, who have a need determined by assessment, and those who do not have access to early learning experiences prior to Kindergarten. Registration paperwork for children is available at all Port Angeles Elementary Schools and the District Building .

Questions? Call 360-457-8575

Find out more: https://www.portangelesschools.org/.../transitional...

Do you have a fun event, classroom activity, or want to share a success story from your school building?

If so, fill out this communications request form ahead of time, and let's celebrate!

• May 5 - PAHS Spring Choir Concert
• May 21- SMS Orchestra Concert
• May 29 & 30 - PAHS Spring Concerts
• June 6 - All-City Strings
• June 7 - Seaview Graduation
• June 9 - PAHS Prom
• June 10 - LHS Graduation
• June 14 - PAHS Graduation

Port Angeles School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Port Angeles School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinators, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinators: Scott Harker, 905 W. 9th Street Port Angeles, WA 98363, (360) 457-8575, sharker@portangelesschools.org, for Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Dr. Rachel Summers, 905 W. 9th Street Port Angeles, WA 98363, (360) 457-8575, rsummers@portangelesschools.org.