11/20/23

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to take a moment to share my genuine appreciation and gratitude for all of our staff. The past few years have been some of the most challenging for many, if not most, educators. We would never have overcome these obstacles without your resiliency and dedication. Please take time this week to take a breath and reflect on the impact you have all made on the lives of countless students and families.

I am beyond thankful for each member of our team and the unique contributions you bring to our community. As we celebrate this season of gratitude, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and connection.

Thank you for everything you do.

Say hello to Janelle!!! Janelle joins PASD this year as a special education teacher at Hamilton & Roosevelt Elementary.

Janelle, Sarah, and Nat in back. Noah and Rex (dog) in front.

Where are you from (my life's history) 😆

I'm a, "born in eastern South Dakota and raised in western South Dakota girl." Sturgis, specifically. No, I don't own a Harley or other two-wheeled motorcycle. After graduating from Black Hills State University in December of 1996 I did a long-term sub and took a position at Bennett County Middle/High School in a special education resource room. I left after a year to pursue my dream of moving to Oregon!!! The universe worked together with people I'd met along the way and I landed a special education teaching job in Seaside, Oregon. I was there for 4 years and then left to get married and landed in Vancouver, Washington. I accepted a third-grade teaching position in Portland, Oregon with Centennial School District where I spent 12 years. I then moved back to the coast and worked for Astoria School District teaching fourth grade for 8 years. Then I met the love of my life...spoiler alert...she lives in Port Angeles and I just HAD to move again. I'm grateful to have secured a position with PASD in special education. It's good to be back in special ed again! I work at Hamilton Elementary in the morning and then make my way to Roosevelt Elementary to end my day. I keep quite busy.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I absolutely love working with students and meeting and helping families. It is an immense privilege to get to do what I do each day. I've taught every grade between regular and special education and I love it!

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

My partner's name is Sarah, she is a para at PAHS. Together we parent two amazing children. Noah is 14 at PAHS, Nathaniel is 5 at Roosevelt. We purchased a home not far from Hamilton Elementary in April.

Do you have any hobbies?

I'm a complete and utter book nerd. I had a fabulous book club in Astoria that I miss a lot! My latest read is Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (amazing young-adult read about Inuit mother-in-law's experience at a residential school in the Arctic.)

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

Snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket, cup of tea or coffee, my cats, and a good book. And take a nap, wake and repeat.

What is your goal for this year?

Get to know my job and the people at my schools.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Port Angeles. Getting close to retirement 😊 🤞

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

I am a fraternal twin, I was born 30 seconds earlier.

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

Coffee and chocolate all the way will get you pretty much anything from me. 😄

OMC’s patient experience team received letters from Ms. Young’s 4th-grade students at Jefferson Elementary. They learned about September 11 and the heroes who helped that day. In class, her students decided that the doctors and nurses of OMC are our local heroes.

Each child wrote a letter about what they learned, a little bit about themselves, and included several questions. The students’ letters are absolutely precious. Thirty-six OMC doctors and nurses enthusiastically responded with thoughtful and personalized replies to their questions.

Last week, Ms. Young’s students were thrilled to receive a visit in their classroom from Patient Experience Manager Sophia Rognlien, Patient Experience Advocate Sabrina Hansen, Pediatrician Jonathan Freezer, and Hospital Nurse Casey Peterson.

PASD is currently below our average percentage of families who have submitted a Family Income Survey. We are asking staff to help spread the word to families. Please share the below image and message with families.

Message to Families

Have you completed the Family Income Survey? If not, we are asking that you take just a few minutes to complete the survey as the information you provide is essential in us securing resources for our schools and students. Your survey response ensures that we can continue offering high-quality education for all students, regardless of their economic circumstances.

You can complete the Family Income Survey by picking up and dropping off the form at your child's school. You can also access the form by clicking here.

Thank you for your support!!!

Calling Student Artists!!!

The Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are calling student artists to design posters that will educate people about invasive species.

The winning poster will be displayed for one year at all the aquatic invasive species check stations and in an educational trailer that travels statewide to schools, libraries, and events, educating people about invasive species that threaten Washington’s natural resources, economy, recreation, and ecology.

Who Can Enter?

Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade may enter in one of three categories:

• Grade school: kindergarten through fifth graders
• Middle school: sixth through eighth graders
• High school: ninth through twelfth graders.

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE!

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!

• November 22: 1/2 day for students - NO LATE START
  
• November 23 & 24: Thanksgiving Holiday
• December 18 - January 1: 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.