3/15/24

I want to take a moment to share my recent experience at a vital community event. Recently, I was lucky enough to volunteer at the Friendship Dinner hosted by the Kiwanis Club and then again noontime Rotary at First Methodist Church. We worked together to prepare a home-cooked meal for dozens of community members. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for participating in an event that reminded me of the mission of the Port Angeles School District community. “The Port Angeles School District creates learning communities that prepare students to live, work, and learn successfully in a changing world”.

We achieve this mission through our dedication to our students and passion for creating a brighter future for Port Angeles families. Collaboration is the key to our success. By embracing the values of teamwork and service, we strengthen our bonds as colleagues and our impact as a school district in the broader community. I want to thank you for your service to our community and express how grateful I am to serve alongside you all.

Where are you from?

I was born in Moscow, Russia; grew up in Renton/Kent, Washington.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

This is my first time in the educational department, but so far, the “a-ha” moments the students have when they figure out a problem are my favorite.

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way, and a mini polar bear (golden doodle) named Bobo.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love to spend time with my family/friends, fish, work in the yard and do anything BBQ

What would it be if you could choose to do anything for a day?

I would roam the streets of Barcelona with my wife and eat as much food as possible.

What is your goal for this year?

To keep on learning how to be a great Paraeducator

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Working at Hamilton with my AWESOME colleagues

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

in my previous job at Safelite Autoglass, I set a record time for changing a Subaru windshield, which was 14 minutes.

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

Let me know if you want to try the world's best ribs! :)

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's recognize women's significant impact on public education. From pioneering educators challenging norms to modern innovators shaping learning approaches, women have been instrumental in shaping the minds of generations. Let's honor their resilience and commitment to creating inclusive educational environments where every student can thrive.

From early pioneers like Emma Willard and Mary McLeod Bethune to modern-day educators who led innovative approaches to teaching and learning, women have played a central role in shaping the minds and futures of generations. This month serves as an essential reminder of the invaluable contributions of women in public education, highlighting their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Happy Women's History Month!

Our 3rd graders at Dry Creek Elementary explored scientific concepts through "Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster" by Mary Cerullo and Clyde F. E. Roper. Inspired by Dr. Roper's work, they collaborated to create a striking 3D Giant Squid replica. Here's what they had to say about the project:

• "Love seeing our artwork in the hallway!"
• "Working together made it special."
• "This project united us as one."
• "Next time, let's make it even more realistic!"
• "Seeing our hard work hanging up is the best."
• "Cooperation creates magic."
• "Completing it together was friendship in action."
• "Cooperation was key."

We are proud of our students' and staff's teamwork and creativity! Let's keep exploring and creating together!

The Port Angeles Education Foundation (PAEF) will award a total of $4,000 to Port Angeles School District educators as reimbursement for classroom items purchased using personal funds. Awards are limited to $250 per person.

A Google application will be available from February 1 through March 31, 2024. Receipts for purchased items must be included with the application. Receipts may be dated from September 1, 2023, to the date of application. http://tinyurl.com/PAEF-reimbursement2024

Reimbursements are for basic classroom materials that are depleted during the school year. Items that last more than one school year will also be considered, but permanent items are not likely to be reimbursed.

Applicants will be notified after April 17 whether or not they will receive reimbursement. Successful applicants will receive checks by the end of April.

PAEF and the Welcker family appreciate your extra efforts to ensure students have basic materials for education and fun in the classroom.

Contact AdminDirector@PA-EF.org for questions or more information.

PASD elementary schools recently opened our doors to families for our annual Family Literacy Night Event. Jefferson Elementary rolled out the red carpet for their families with a special night, welcoming 250 people to the event. The evening started with a pizza dinner followed by milk, cookies, and gift basket drawings for different grade levels.

Dedicated Jefferson staff members added to the magic by dressing up as beloved book characters and bringing stories to life in various classrooms. Families rotated through classrooms, enjoying captivating stories read by different staff members. This extraordinary event fostered a love for reading and strengthened the Jefferson Elementary community.

Barhop Takeover & Silent Auction

Join the Class of 2024 Senior Parents for a fun night at Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza. Delicious food and tasty beer will be available for purchase, as well as a raffle and silent auction. All money raised from the raffle and silent auction will fund the safe and sober senior class party. Barhop will also donate a portion of the night's sales to the event.

Papa Murphy's Takeover

April 24th—ALL DAY! Plan a pizza night for your family on Wednesday, April 24th. Papa Murphy's generously donates 40% of all sales to support the 2024 Senior Class Party.

Lei Orders Due April 1st

It's time to order a lei for your graduation senior. Please use the below linked form to find out more information and place your order. You can scan the QR code to pay or use the link I've shared below. Please include the name(s) of the seniors you are purchasing for.

https://account.venmo.com/u/PAHSSENIORPARENTS2024

Spring Rumnage Sale, April 13-14

Don’t miss this HUGE Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Port Angeles High School Auxiliary Gym (304 E. Park Ave.)

All items will be sold by donation to help provide an incredible graduation party and prizes for the 2024 Senior Class.

Rummage DONATIONS gladly accepted!! Please drive up and drop off your unneeded treasures at the gym door on Friday, April 12, from 5-8 p.m. or Saturday, April 14, from 8-10 a.m. We’ll accept any useful things people might buy at a rummage sale: household items, clothing, shoes, books, small furniture items, art, tools, toys, sporting goods, etc.

Facebook event link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/BLjSLP8D2PtCKWx1/?mibextid=9l3rBW

Happy Pi Day, everyone!

Jon Hamilton, PAHS math teacher, planned a special lesson to celebrate Pi Day! Students delivered pie to folks on campus and had a great time celebrating the fun and joy of math.

WAY TO GO JON!!!

During AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of the millions of Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors and encourage others to follow in their footsteps of service. They are often the first on the ground and last to leave, leaving their projects better than they found.

The Port Angeles School District thanks our current and past AmeriCorps members who have served our students and community.

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!

• March 27-- All-City Choir Concert
• April 1-5: Spring Break - No School
• 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 & Last School Day (1/2 Day)

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.