10/27/23

I hope you're all doing well. Next week, we'll once again be holding our annual Parent/Teacher Conferences. I would like to briefly discuss the importance of these conferences for our families. These conferences go beyond mere formality; they serve as a cornerstone for effective communication, collaboration, and the ultimate success of our students.

Parent-teacher conferences give us a unique opportunity to involve parents in their child's education actively. When parents are engaged, the academic and social well-being of our students is significantly enhanced. These meetings establish a platform for open dialogue, enabling parents to comprehend their child's progress, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Simultaneously, teachers gain valuable insights into a student's home environment, which allows them to fine-tune their teaching strategies accordingly.

I am grateful for your dedicated efforts in fostering connections with our families.

Say hello to Britney! Britney is the new principal at Franklin Elementary.

Britney with her husband (Shane) and their daughter (Brylie) and son (Brayden).

Where are you from?

I graduated from Port Angeles High School. Prior to that I lived in Kirkland. If we take it way back, I am a Southern California girl born in Mission Viejo.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Getting to be a part of helping kids grow and the relationships I build with my colleagues. It really is a privilege to come alongside our students and see the gains they make academically, socially, and emotionally. Families trust us each day with their most precious treasures, and our “why” as educators is so much bigger then just academics. This truly is my driving factor. Getting to work with a group of people who truly are all in to support kids through the good, challenging, and downright tough moments is incredibly rewarding.

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

I have two high schoolers now!! Time flies. My kids have been with the PASD their whole schooling career, so I am not only an employee of the district but also a parent. Grateful for all the amazing teachers and coaches who have been a part of my family’s journey over the years.

Do you have any hobbies?

You can find me moonlighting as a fitness instructor down at Onyx Sweat Society. I also love getting outdoors to hike or loosing myself in a good audiobook series (since I’m usually multitasking with something!)

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

Head to Forks to grab a fresh maple bar (if you know you know) then head out to the coast for the day.

What is your goal for this year?

Build solid relationships with my students, families, and staff. I have an INCREDIBLE staff at Franklin, and want to do all I can this year to support them in the ways they need so they can do what they are so darn good at!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Probably traversing the US with my husband in an RV exploring National Parks and discovering local restaurants where I can enjoy good food and drinks.

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

I was a realtor for a few years and was on National TV for an episode of a real estate show.

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

I just want to brag on my staff again. Franklin seriously is an amazing place to be and I feel so lucky that I get to be there this year!

Hi-Cap referrals are due November 15th. Please share Hi-Cap referral information with families during conferences. Click the images below and contact your principal for more info.

It’s out of the tower and on the run as a zany cast of friends and foes help Rapunzel’s harrowing escape from the towering imprisonment of Madame Gothel. Add a dash of French flair and a pinch of personal triumph and friendship and you have a story you won’t forget!

The Missoula Children’s Theatre and more than 50 Hamilton students presented an original musical adaptation of RAPUNZEL at Peninsula College Little Theatre on Saturday, October 14th. This is the seventh year Hamilton Elementary has performed a production with The Missoula Children’s Theatre.

The Missoula Children's Theatre residency at Hamilton was brought to you by The Port Angeles Education Foundation, Hamilton PTO, Peninsula College, and the families/students/staff of Hamilton Elementary School.

Our 2023-2024 AmeriCorps team members virtually attended the state wide Serve Washington Swearing-in Ceremony and AmeriCorps 30th anniversary kickoff on Friday, October 20th.

PASD AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, Michell Gentry states, “The annual launch is a wonderful way to connect with AmeriCorps members across the state. As we’re also celebrating the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps, hearing from our Governor was an extra treat. Here at PASD, we’re thrilled to have two returning members and three new members on our team this year. Recruitment is continuing for more members to join us in January.”

The 23-24 AmeriCorps team is: George Sullivan (Roosevelt), Kristi Adams (PAHS), Dan Sullivan (PAHS), Susan Roberts (Dry Creek) and Patricia Kingsley (SMS).

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!

• October 31 - November 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 day for students)
• November 10: Veterans Day Observed (No School)
• November 22: 1/2 day for students - NO LATE START. Regular work day for staff.
• November 23 & 24: Thanksgiving Holiday
• December 18 - January 2: Winter Break

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.