12/8/23

As we approach winter break, I want to take time to thank you all for your dedication and service. I know that these last few days before break can be challenging as students are excited and often nervous for Winter Break to begin. Thank you all for working hard to maintain routines and deliver high-quality instruction this week and next, all while managing the many events and celebrations that come with Winter Break.

As you embark on a well-deserved holiday break, I encourage you to take this time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Whether you're exploring new destinations or embracing the tranquility of a staycation, I hope this season brings you moments of joy and relaxation.

Say hello to Alicia!!! Alicia is joining our team as our new Family Navigator.

Alicia and her grandson Zion.

Where are you from?

I was born in California, moved to Sequim in Middle School and graduated from Sequim High. I have lived in Port Angeles for the last 21 years.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

So far getting to be a helper and an ally helping families/children receive needed supports and services.

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

My husband Ben, and my 4 biological children Brenden, Grace, Seth and Molly are all PAHS grads.

We have hosted international students from Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia.

We also hosted a Ballet student from Yakima for 3 years. All of these and many more young adults we consider our bonus children. I am a grandma “Mimi” to Zion my 4 year old grandson.

Do you have any hobbies?

Travel, spending time with family, going to garage sales, refinishing furniture, going to the beach, doing art/playing with my grandson and walking my dogs.

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

Going on an adventure with my loved ones.

What is your goal for this year?

Work wise: to get fully trained and acclimated in my new position and truly help children and families.

Personal: To have a vacation with just my husband. We have only ever been away for long weekends due to life, and family needs.

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

I was a D-1 cheerleader my first semester in college.

I am a former Irrigation Festival Queen.

My first concert was last summer with my daughters and bonus daughters at Taylor Swift.

I don’t have any tattoos.

What a day it was – a cinematic celebration that brought the Jefferson Elementary community closer than ever! The air was filled with the irresistible scent of buttery popcorn, courtesy of the PAHS students from the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

The Jefferson gym was transformed into a cozy haven with blankets, pillows, and a warm atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for shared laughter and joy. What made this day truly special was the connections forged – new friendships, shared laughs, and the spirit of unity that defines the Jefferson Elementary community.

Christmas at the Caring for Kids clothing closet is right around the corner! This year we are making some important changes to our "boxes" and these changes come with a lot of thought and consideration. Since school started, the clothing closet has had many requests from families and schools for kids in need of clothes, shoes, coats, etc.

In response to this growing need, we want to serve as many kids as possible and stretch our resources as far as we can! As of today, we have over 80 kids on our shopping list and this is before we have a "complete" list.

Please consider partnering with us this year, as we work to bring joy and hope to those families in our community that need some extra help and love.

There are two ways to help…

• Adopt a child – We will assign you a child from our list and you provide the items needed for the box. We are happy to let you have a say in the age and gender of your child, until that is no longer possible. The items we need to provide for each child are as follows:

• Shoes
• Coat (0-11yrs) or Hoody (12 and up)
• Socks
• Underwear
• Age-appropriate toy or gift (as needed)

• Make a monetary donation – If a monetary donation feels like the best option for you, it will go to great use in helping fulfill our commitment to these students.
• Venmo Jen Riffle @Jen-Riffle for direct payment to the Caring for Kids account.
• Mail a check to Caring for Kids, 1727 E Wabash Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Please call, text, or email us and share this information with anyone you know who may be interested in helping us out!

Jessica Johnson: 360-461-0426

Jen Riffle’s: 808-2829

Email: caringforkidspa@gmail.com

Nominations are open until December 11th!

The 2023 Port Angeles Community Awards---Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.

Click here to submit a nomination.

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!

• December 18 - January 1: Winter Break
• January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - No School

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.