The Redhawks Orchestra and Band programs—led by Caitlin Malarkey and Kim Clarke—are more than just rehearsals and concerts. They are spaces where students build friendships, share creativity, and discover their potential. This was highly evident last Friday when our musicians took the stage for a series of performances that celebrated not only their talent but also the support and spirit of our community.
The day began with a joint performance by the band and orchestra at the high school, setting an upbeat tone that brought our student musicians together. The orchestra then took their show on the road where the performed both at Blue Heron and Salish Coast. While at the middle school, high school students were able to spend several hours mentoring younger string players. The day wrapped up with the band heading to Memorial Field to support our Rivals Football team and the orchestra playing one last show at the high school for families and the community.
For orchestra student Ben Shafer, performing for the elementary students was the most rewarding part of the day. “The kids were so engaged and paid close attention,” Ben said. “I always enjoy orchestra events, especially after our recent retreat.” Fellow orchestra member Lianne Piehl also appreciated the energy from the younger students, sharing, “Helping the middle school students was really fun, and it was neat seeing how the different ages reacted to our music. Playing for the elementary kids was definitely my favorite, especially when we ended with a fall medley of Ghostbusters, Scooby-Doo, and The Monster Mash.”
These programs foster dedication and teamwork in ways that often carry over into the classroom. Music teaches students to work together, express themselves, and be resilient—qualities that build motivation and confidence across their academic lives. Ben and Lianne’s experiences highlight how music creates a sense of belonging and accomplishment, helping students excel as both artists and learners.
With teachers like Ms. Malarkey and Mrs. Clarke guiding them, our band and orchestra students are growing not just as musicians but as individuals connected to something meaningful. Thank you to everyone who made Friday’s performances a success. The music brought us together, reminding us why these programs are at the heart of our school and community.
Freshman Rainier Smith Williams, a recent arrival from Asheville, North Carolina, has found a supportive community here at Port Townsend High School as he temporarily stays with his grandmother. Rainier’s family was affected by Hurricane Helene. One of his dads, a high school English teacher, the other, a special education teacher, are both volunteering to help with recovery efforts. Rainier has embraced life at PTHS with open arms.
Rainier shared how welcoming everyone has been, noting, “People have been really nice.” Coming from a much larger school, he’s found the smaller, close-knit environment at PTHS to be refreshing. “This school is so much smaller than what I’m used to, but I like it,” he said, adding that it’s allowed him to connect more personally with his classmates and teachers.
One of Rainier’s favorite classes is art with Ms. Soderstrom. He’s enjoyed the hands-on projects, particularly learning how to do special effects makeup, which he hadn’t experienced before. “I love how the class focuses on things we’re really engaged with,” he noted, clearly excited by the creativity it inspires.
In band, Rainier has also embraced the differences he’s found here. Back in Asheville, his band has over 200 members, focusing heavily on marching and performance, which is quite different from the approach in Port Townsend. “The band here is much smaller, but I really enjoy it. It’s more personal,” he said. Band Director Kim Clarke has been thrilled with Rainier’s contributions, "As Rainier gains more confidence, his contributions as a leader will continue to grow even farther."
Cross-country training has been another highlight for Rainier. With the guidance of coaches Alice and Ian Fraser, he’s found both motivation and support. “I love having two coaches here—they really make me feel heard,” he shared, adding that the beautiful surroundings make each run an experience in itself.
When asked what he’s most looking forward to when he returns home in November, Rainier didn’t hesitate: “My dads and their cooking!” Though his stay in Port Townsend is temporary, Rainier’s positive experience here will certainly stay with him. He’s become a valued member of the PTHS community, reminding us all of the welcoming spirit and kindness that define our school.
Studies showed that in emergency situations, young people are the most likely to act quickly to save a person's life and are more effective at providing the necessary care until professional EMTs arrive on the scene. With this knowledge in hand, a few weeks ago Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) teacher Jeff Taylor invited several East Jefferson Fire and Rescue personnel into his class to teach 34 of his students how to provide CPR, AED, and First Aid if faced with an emergency situation.
These hands-on activities allowed students to quickly evaluate patients in emergencies and determine the steps to take. In doing so, the class was able to practice CPR, rescue breathing, and how to properly use an AED. In short, students learned how to keep patients alive until emergency responders arrive. In addition, the class also learned how to apply splinting to broken bones, evaluate a potential opioid overdose and administer narcan, stop severe bleeding using tourniquets and packing, and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
At the conclusion of the training, students were able to gain their CPR certification, something they can certainly use for potential job applications. Funding for both the training and certification was provided by a grant written by Jefferson Health Care (JHC) in partnership with the Port Townsend School District.
- Monday, 10.28 @ 3:30 pm: Staff Collaboration in Ms. Olson's Room
- Monday, 10.28 @ 5:00 & 6:30 pm: Home JV & Varsity Volleyball (Senior Night)
- Wednesday, 10.30 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm: Staff Inclusionary Practices Workshop in the Library
- Wednesday, 10.30 from 12:05 - 1:10 pm: Financial Aid Advising Day in the Auditorium
- Friday, 11.1 @ 7:00 pm: Home Football at Memorial Field
- Saturday, 11.2: Varsity Cross Country Districts in Tacoma
- Monday, 11.4 @ 3:30 - 4:15 pm: Faculty Meeting in Mrs. Hagerman's Room
- Wednesday, 11.6 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm: Facilitated Collaboration in the Library
- Wednesday, 11.6 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Parent Financial Aid Advising Night in the PTHS Library and via Zoom
- Saturday, 11.9: Varsity Cross Country Districts in Pasco
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
