Last week, Port Townsend High School celebrated one of the most memorable Homecoming weeks I’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t be more proud of our students, staff, and community. The level of participation was remarkable, and it truly showcased the spirit and unity of our school. Each day, the majority of students embraced our themed dress-up days, filling the hallways with creativity and enthusiasm.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our amazing ASB co-advisors, Samantha Massie and Logan Stegner, for their incredible dedication and hard work. Their efforts made this Homecoming week an overwhelming success, and their leadership was evident in every detail. The Homecoming assembly was a standout event, filled with energy and excitement. Students from every grade took part in class lip syncs, bringing a level of participation we hadn’t anticipated. To make it even more special, we welcomed Blue Heron Middle School’s ASB members as our guests of honor. The assembly ended in a powerful display of unity as our seniors invited students from all classes to join them on the gym floor for a final celebration.
The week’s festivities culminated in a packed stadium at Memorial Field for the Homecoming football game on Friday night, where our team played in front of a cheering crowd. This was followed by a truly unforgettable homecoming dance, which we hosted together with Chimacum High School. Over 440 students attended the dance! It was heartening to see such a tremendous turnout and feel the positive energy radiating from the dance floor.
Events like Homecoming are so much more than just celebrations—they’re key to building connections. When students actively participate in activities like Homecoming, clubs, and athletics, they develop a stronger sense of belonging, which helps foster a positive school culture. Students who feel connected to their school are far more likely to thrive in the classroom. By creating spaces where they can celebrate, lead, and bond with their peers, we’re building a foundation for their future success.
In fact, the excitement from last week has sparked conversations about adding a themed week mid-year, giving our students another opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant community that is PTHS. Stay tuned for more on that!
Thank you again to everyone involved in making Homecoming week such a success. I’m thrilled to see what the rest of the school year holds for us.
Go Redhawks!
Port Townsend High School’s recent Homecoming dance was a night to remember, not just for the music and celebration, but also due to the thoughtful efforts of parents from the Port Townsend Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Benji Project. These dedicated volunteers went above and beyond, creating a welcoming environment for all students and adding a unique touch to the evening.
Understanding that large gatherings can sometimes feel overwhelming, the volunteers set up a “quiet room” in the mini gym, providing students with a relaxing space to take a break from the main dance floor. The room was beautifully designed, featuring cozy furniture that made it feel like a comfortable living room. Soft, festive lighting added a warm atmosphere, and tables were set up for arts and crafts activities, giving students a creative outlet. To complete the ambiance, a silent movie was projected against one wall, offering a calm and engaging focal point for those looking to unwind. This thoughtful space provided a much-needed retreat for students who might have found the main event overwhelming.
Additionally, the volunteers prepared an array of snacks and refreshments that went far beyond the typical fare. From fresh pastries and an assortment of fruits and vegetables to freshly cooked pizza, the spread was a hit with students, providing delicious and nutritious options throughout the night. This level of care and detail in the refreshments helped to create a welcoming atmosphere that resonated with all attendees.
Because of this incredible work, the dance was one of the most inclusive events PTHS has hosted, with many students attending who might not have otherwise felt comfortable coming. The quiet room, in particular, made a real difference, providing a space where everyone could feel at ease and supported. This thoughtful, welcoming environment set a new standard for school events, showing how a little extra effort can have a big impact on inclusivity and student participation.
The dedication from the PTA and Benji Project volunteers truly made the Homecoming dance a memorable and inclusive experience for all. Their willingness to create an environment where every student felt comfortable and cared for is a testament to their commitment to our school community. On behalf of Port Townsend High School, I want to express my deepest gratitude to these wonderful volunteers. They’ve set a shining example of how volunteerism can enrich our school, and I’m excited to see what they bring to future events as they continue to support our students in meaningful ways.
The Port Townsend Maritime Academy, a unique partnership program between Port Townsend High School, the West Sound Technical Skills Center (WST), and the Northwest Maritime Academy, offers juniors and seniors a pathway to maritime careers. Led by Karl Jordan, a lifelong fisherman with roots in Sitka, Alaska, this immersive program combines hands-on training and career exploration in the maritime field, preparing students for life on and around the water.
Karl Jordan, who teaches the program, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Growing up in Sitka, he spent months fishing for halibut, cod, and various salmon species alongside his family in the Pacific Ocean. Even today, he continues to spend his summers commercially fishing for salmon. With Karl’s deep connection to the sea and years of practical knowledge, students gain insights from someone who knows the ocean and its rhythms well.
The Port Townsend Maritime Academy is a free, half-day program that runs Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at the Northwest Maritime Center. It offers students from Port Townsend and neighboring districts, including Chimacum, Quilcene, Coupeville, North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, South Kitsap, and Bremerton among others, a valuable opportunity to earn up to three high school credits across English language arts, physical education, and career technical education. These credits come through practical, hands-on experiences that move beyond traditional classroom walls and onto the waters of Port Townsend Bay.
Units of Study and Skills Gained
In this dynamic program, students engage in a range of activities designed to provide both foundational maritime skills and industry-standard certifications. Units of study include:
- Rowing: Building physical strength and teamwork skills.
- Outboard and Inboard Boat Operation: Learning essential skills for operating various types of vessels.
- Outboard Engine Maintenance: Gaining technical skills in engine repair and upkeep.
- Navigation: Understanding marine charts, compasses, and electronic navigation systems.
- Boatbuilding and Tool Use: Developing hands-on craftsmanship while learning about vessel construction.
- Safety at Sea: Earning first aid, CPR, and AED certifications, as well as the WA State Boaters Card, to ensure readiness for emergencies.
- Sailing: Exploring the principles of wind and weather while mastering sailing techniques.
- Knots: Practicing the essential maritime skill of tying and using various knots.
Why Maritime Academy?
For some students, the Maritime Academy aligns with their plans to pursue a career on the water or within marine trades. For others, it’s a way to explore potential career paths while gaining valuable skills outside the traditional classroom environment. Regardless of their career intentions, students share a common interest in hands-on learning and connecting with the unique culture of maritime life.
The Maritime Academy is more than just a technical program; it’s an opportunity to dive into the maritime world, where learning is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. For juniors and seniors ready to expand their horizons and explore careers at sea, the Port Townsend Maritime Academy is a step in an exciting direction.
Port Townsend High School’s own Natalie Hollow-Bist is blazing a trail in the world of equestrian eventing, a sport known as the “equestrian triathlon.” Eventing is no small feat, testing the partnership between horse and rider in three demanding phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Originating as a cavalry test, eventing challenges both horse and rider in ways few other sports can, requiring grace, precision, bravery, and endurance.
Natalie, who has been riding since the age of six, is now in her third competitive season. She has already placed in several events across the state and region, and she’s become a standout competitor. When asked what draws her to eventing, Natalie emphasizes the sport’s unique balance of teamwork and self-reliance. “I love being part of a team, yet still self-reliant,” she says with a smile. “With a little help from a horse.”
Each phase of eventing brings new challenges and opportunities for Natalie and her horse, Zoomer. In dressage, they demonstrate their harmony and precision with a series of graceful movements. Cross-country pushes their bravery and endurance as they navigate varied terrain and solid obstacles. Finally, in the show jumping phase, they tackle a course of fences, striving for accuracy and focus to keep their penalty points low.
Beyond the thrill of competition, Natalie has found that eventing teaches valuable life lessons. When asked what she has learned from the sport that she applies beyond the saddle, Natalie shares that it has taught her the importance of commitment and dedication. “Eventing has taught me a great deal about commitment and being completely dedicated to what you love,” she reflects. This dedication shines through as she continues to push herself and Zoomer to new heights, planning to advance through the levels of eventing. Once Zoomer retires, Natalie hopes to adopt and train an untrained horse, a challenge she’s eager to take on.
Natalie’s passion for equestrian eventing and the life skills it instills make her a source of inspiration for her fellow students at Port Townsend High School. Her journey reminds us all of the power of dedication and the joy of pursuing what you love. We wish Natalie and Zoomer continued success and look forward to seeing where their partnership will lead them next!
- Monday, 10.7 @ 3:30 pm: Faculty Meeting in Mrs. Hageman's Room
- Monday, 10.7 @ 3:30 pm: Home Boys Tennis Match
- Tuesday, 10.8 @ 3:30 pm: Home Boys Tennis Match
- Wednesday, 10.9 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm: Certificated Professional Development at BH
- Wednesday, 10.9 @ 5:00 & 6:30 pm: Home Girls JV & Varsity Volleyball at Chimacum
- Thursday, 10.10 @ 5:30 pm: Home Girls Varsity Soccer at Memorial Field
- Saturday, 10.12 @ 12:00 pm: Home Girls JV Soccer at Chimicum High School
- Monday, 10.14 @ 3:30 pm: Cabinet Meeting in Mr. Dow's Room
- Wednesday, 10.16 @ 1:30 pm: Certificated & Paraeducator Professional Development at BH
- Wednesday , 10.16 @ 5:00 & 6:30 pm: Home Girls JV & Varsity Volleyball at Chimacum
- Thursday, 10.17 @ 3:30 pm: Home Boys Tennis Match
- Thursday, 10.17 @ 5:30 pm: Home Girls Varsity Soccer at Memorial Field
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
