4/19/24

As I visited schools this week, I was heartened to see students jumping right back into learning. Despite the recent stress in our community, our staff wasted no time welcoming students back to school and their everyday routines. For many of our students, school is their safe place, and our staff are their safe people. Your dedication and commitment to our students are invaluable. Thank you.

Our students continue to impress me as well. Just before spring break, I was lucky enough to witness our PAHS boys' baseball team volunteering at the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. I want to thank Coach Moore, the assistant coaches, and their players for making us proud in the classroom, on the field, and now in the community. Their dedication not only showcases the leadership of their coaches but also strengthens our community's ties to our schools and students.

NIKKY AND HER SON ZOROASTER

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Yakima WA. For the last six years I was living in Zillah, WA and was working at the Sunnyside School District as an American Sign language interpreter.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the kids. Coming from a not so great family dynamic I understand the need that kids just need someone to be there for them. Show up, be present and listen, rather it be laughing, crying or grieving with them.

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

My 3-year-old son, Zoroaster and I just moved here right before Thanksgiving 2023. I live in Sequim with my family on a dairy farm.

Do you have any hobbies?

Art, deaf culture, music and spending lots of time with my son. He is my world!

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

I would be in Ireland. I have never been, but since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to go there and sightseeing.

What is your goal for this year?

My goal this year is to focus on my family and start the process of building my home.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Living in my new home and having my bachelor's degree in Sped Ed.

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

In middle school and early high school I was an acrobat in the circus. It was called Professor Buds Mini Circus. We traveled all over Washington State doing shows and parades. I have been cut up into six pieces, quick change, some balancing acts, as well as clowning around. I did it for a total of four years before the owner passed away.

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

I will leave you with my favorite quote, “Every child needs a Champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” -Rita Pierson, Educator

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Community!

Last week, you all showed up in full force to support our fundraising efforts for the Annual Back to School Fair, and we couldn't be more grateful! This was a community-wide effort, with volunteers from the PAHS Key Club, AmeriCorps, Kiwanis, State Farm, Lutheran Community Services, and PASD transportation stepping up.

Our Paper Shredding Fundraiser for the Back to School Fair is an annual testament to the power of our community. The $2,150 of funds raised will provide essential school supplies for children in need, ensuring they are ready for the new school year.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

A big round of applause to our amazing administrative team who keep our school district running smoothly day in and day out! From managing schedules to providing essential support, your dedication is truly appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

Lincoln High School students Damon Woodward, Rayenn Blewett, Trinity Williams chat with Todd Ortloff about the new student-run Wildcat Café. Click here to listen to their interview.

The East Park Avenue Players are proud to present the play Mixed Connections, written and directed by Kelly Lovall. Set in the contemporary world of today, the play is a compilation of several vignettes that give a snapshot view of some of life’s most important moments.

This is a cumulative performance that showcases the work of drama students from the advanced drama class at Port Angeles High School under the direction of Kelly Lovall. Students and cast include Molly Beeman 10th, Felix Bubb 10th, Grace Burkhardt 11th, Dakota Cassinelli 11th, Mikey Frank-Barton 10th, Scarlet Fulton 12th, Alex Hines 11th, Allyson Jackson 10th, Madison McIntyre 11th, Liam Miller 10th, Brin Newlon 10th, Bailey Robinson 12th.

Mixed Connection will begin its debut at the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center. Show times are Thursday through Saturday, May 9, 10, and 11 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 12 at 2:00 matinee. Ticket prices are $10.00 for general admission, $8 for Senior Citizens, and students with a valid ID. Children under six years of age get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

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 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.