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McKay Basket Weaving 2025

Basket Weaving in 3rd Grade at McKay Elementary School

March 5, 2025/in District Site News, McKay Elementary /by rthornburg

There is a sign hanging in Noele Mead’s third grade class that says, “Perseverance is pushing yourself to work through challenges and obstacles.” Students have been practicing this concept while working on a basket weaving project for several weeks.

Mead wanted to start the basket project in November during Native American Heritage Month, but it didn’t work out. Gayla Blankenship, Indian Education Coordinator from CTUIR (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation), works with students at McKay Creek Elementary and is teaching the basket weaving. Blankenship said baskets like these are traditional root-gathering bags, and the hands-on learning the students are doing relates to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum.

Abigail, a third-grade student, said she found the weaving to be fairly easy and she likes that she will have a basket at the end to give to her dad. She is using colors of blue, white, and hot pink.

Another student in the class, Bryar, said, “I like how the basket grows up as you weave and it gets harder and harder; your fingers start hurting so it makes it feel like you’re working super hard.” Bryar chose pastel colors like Easter because he doesn’t like darker colors and will use the basket for huckleberry picking.

Third grader Benson said weaving the basket has been challenging and tricky, but fun to do. He said he will use his blue and green-colored basket, reminiscent of the ocean, to carry eggs from his family’s chickens at home.

Their teacher, Mead, said the students have really made progress working on their baskets, with some even taking them out to recess to work on them. The class will end the project soon, so some students will need to finish them at home.

Mead said she hopes the class project will demonstrate to her students that not everything is easy and that perseverance really matters. “Many students thought this would be easy to do, but it’s not, and it’s important just knowing that they can do hard things.”

McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025 McKay Basket Weaving 2025

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/McKay-Basket-Weaving-2025-7.jpg 665 529 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2025-03-05 09:24:492025-03-05 09:24:49Basket Weaving in 3rd Grade at McKay Elementary School
Patrick Gregg

The Pendleton School District Board of Directors Announces Finalists for Superintendent Interviews

February 25, 2025/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg

February 25, 2025

Contact:  Douglas Nelson, Ed.D.
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
541-410-8292

The Pendleton School District Board of Directors Announces Finalists for Superintendent Interviews

 Pendleton, Oregon – The Pendleton School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce that they have selected two candidates to interview for their superintendent vacancy. The district had twelve applicants for the position, and candidates were vetted through a variety of reviews prior to consideration by the school board. The results of these activities were presented to the school board at an Executive Session on February 24, 2025.  The two finalists were selected based on their educational attainment, depth and breadth of experience, and alignment to the priorities of the Pendleton School District stakeholder input. The candidates selected for interviews are:

  • Kevin Dinning, Human Resources Director, Pendleton School District
  • Michelle Jensen, Principal, West Linn, Oregon

Interviews are scheduled to be conducted on March 10, 2025, with both candidates.  Several stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to meet the final candidates and submit input to the board about each of them. The board intends to make their selection by the week of March 17. 

The Pendleton School District retained the services of McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., to assist in conducting their search. The consultants reviewed, screened, and conducted extensive background checks on all applicants. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the consultants presented the applicants to the Board of Directors and provided them with detailed background information on each applicant.

Kevin Dinning  Michelle Jensen

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/01/A-0890asm-scaled.jpg 2560 2048 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2025-02-25 14:31:122025-02-25 14:31:12The Pendleton School District Board of Directors Announces Finalists for Superintendent Interviews
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McKay Video – School Assemblies & Student Leadership

February 17, 2025/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News /by rthornburg

 

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/11/mckay-logo-clean.Blue_.png 960 1162 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2025-02-17 11:04:212025-02-17 11:04:21McKay Video – School Assemblies & Student Leadership
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2024 Pendleton School District Graduation Rates

January 30, 2025/in District Site News /by rthornburg

PSD has much to celebrate in recently released graduation rates.

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Oregon Department of Education released the graduation cohort and dropout data for all public school districts in Oregon. The Pendleton School District results are very strong, with a couple of very specific areas needing improvement.

The four-year cohort graduation rates are calculated by following students from the fall of their first year in high school to the end of their fourth year. This tells us the percentage of those students who graduated within four years. The Pendleton School District graduation rates represent a combination of all students who attended Pendleton High School, Hawthorne High School, and Nixyaawii Community School.

This year’s four-year cohort is made up of the students who first entered high school in the fall of 2020. This is important to note since these students started high school 100% online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been much to overcome for these students and many challenges our staff have faced head-on to ensure these students graduate. We celebrate the successes of these students and staff and thank them for their efforts.

The Pendleton School District’s four-year cohort rate is 83.2%. This is a 6.5% increase from the year before and almost 2% higher than the state average.

We have listed areas to celebrate success and a few areas of improvement. Areas of success:

  • 5% increase in general graduation rate
  • 2% increase in Hispanic student graduation rate
  • 2% increase in students w/disabilities graduation rate
  • 7% increase in 4-year completion rate
  • No “gap” between general population and Native American students or between white students and Native American students
  • Student dropout rate lowered by 1% to 3.8% as compared to previous year
  • Exceeded state average in every area except dropout rate and 5-year completion rate

Areas of improvement:

  • A graduation rate of 83.2%, although an increase from the previous year, is still much lower than our goal to help all students
  • Our 5 year completion rate is 3% lower than state average (83.7%). This is much lower than the goal of helping all students receive a diploma, certificate or

We also look at specific school rates as we celebrate successes and try to replicate them in all schools. The Pendleton High School rates increased in nearly every area and exceeds the state average in every area. PHS’s outstanding graduation rates are a great tribute to the many hours of hard work our staff and community invest in our students.

The Pendleton High School four-year cohort rate is 88.8%. This is a 4.9% increase from the year before and 7% higher than the state average.

Areas of success:

  • Dropout rate lowered from 3.16% to 9%
  • Virtually no gap between Native American students and the general student population (1.3% difference)
  • Graduation rate for students with disabilities increased by 2.3% to 2%
  • Exceeds state average in all areas

Areas of improvement:

  • Graduation “gaps” still exist between some student groups and the general student graduation rate
  • 5-year completion rate, although higher than state average, is still an area to improve upon to ensure the success of all students

The Hawthorne High School four-year cohort rate is 55%. This is a 10.3% increase from the year before and almost 27% higher than five years ago.

Areas of success:

  • 4-year completion rate of 72.5%, highest ever achieved for Hawthorne
  • 5-year completion rate at 69.1%, highest ever achieved for Hawthorne Areas of improvement:
  • Dropout rate very high at 8%

The Nixyaawii Community School four-year cohort rate is 87%. This is a 14.3% increase from the year before and 6% higher than the state average.

Areas of success:

  • Dropout rate lowered by 1.57% to 1%
  • 2% increase in 4-year completion rate
  • Native American student graduation rate is 87%, 17% higher than state average for Native American students Areas of improvement:
  • Dropout rate at 5.1% is higher than desired and above the state average of 3%
  • 5-year completion rate is 75.8%, well below the state average of 7%
https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png 1050 975 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2025-01-30 06:47:212025-01-30 06:47:212024 Pendleton School District Graduation Rates
Thank You School Board Jan 2025

School Board Recognition Month – January 2025

January 17, 2025/in District Site News /by rthornburg

January 2025 is School Board Appreciation Month.  Thank you for your hard work and continued service to the Pendleton School District.

Thank You School Board Jan 2025

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/Thank-You-School-Board-Jan-2025.png 1080 1080 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2025-01-17 09:40:532025-01-17 09:40:53School Board Recognition Month – January 2025
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Online Survey to Provide Input

January 13, 2025/in District Site News /by rthornburg

If you were unable to attend the open forum (January 13, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the PHS Auditorium) with the consultants from McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment, and Development, who were selected to assist the Pendleton School District in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview, you may provide input using the online survey link provided.

The five-question survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open for participation from Monday, January 13, through Monday, January 20, 2025.

https://survey.k12insight.com/r/Pendleton2025

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png 1050 975 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2025-01-13 09:31:582025-01-13 09:37:44Online Survey to Provide Input
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PSD Seeking Community Input

December 23, 2024/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg

The Pendleton School District Board of Directors has selected McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, to assist them in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview.

The community can provide input into determining the qualities of the next Superintendent on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the PHS auditorium.

Your input is very important to us. We hope you will attend!

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/02/PSD-Shield-logo-color.png 1050 975 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2024-12-23 13:47:072024-12-23 13:47:07PSD Seeking Community Input
Christmas packages

Holidays around the Pendleton School District – December 2024

December 20, 2024/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg

 

https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/12/dreamstime_m_133938036.jpg 1287 2330 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2024-12-20 10:46:012024-12-20 10:46:01Holidays around the Pendleton School District – December 2024
Kevin Headings

Superintendent Video Message – December 2024

December 16, 2024/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburg
https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Kevin-Headings.jpg 604 490 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2024-12-16 15:59:092024-12-16 15:59:09Superintendent Video Message – December 2024
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Pledge and Student Jobs at McKay Creek Elementary School

November 13, 2024/in District Site News, McKay Creek School News /by rthornburg
Read Full Article
https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/11/mckay-logo-clean.Blue_.png 960 1162 rthornburg https://mces.pendleton.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/03/Mckay-Logo.png rthornburg2024-11-13 14:57:042024-11-13 14:57:04Pledge and Student Jobs at McKay Creek Elementary School
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Calendar of Events

M Mon

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T Thu

F Fri

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1 event, 26

2025-05-26

No School – Holiday

No School – Holiday

May 26

No School – Holiday

No school due to Memorial Day observed.

1 event, 27

2025-05-27

Art Show

Art Show

May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

Pendleton School District Art Show at the Pendleton Convention Center. Evening only on 5/27/25.

3 events, 28

2025-05-27

Art Show

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HAHS Graduation

May 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HAHS Graduation

Hawthorne Alternative High School Graduation @ Hawthorne

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholarship Night

May 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholarship Night

Scholarship Night is by invitation only in the auditorium.

3 events, 29

2025-05-27

Art Show

2025-05-29

Seniors Last Day

Seniors Last Day

May 29

Seniors Last Day

Congratulations Class of 2025!

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Baccalaureate

May 29 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate in PHS Auditorium

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

PHS Graduation

June 1 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

PHS Graduation

Congratulations, Class of 2025!  Graduation will be held in the Round-Up arena on Sunday, June 1, 2025.  More details to come.

1 event, 2

2025-06-02

1 Hour Late Start

1 Hour Late Start

June 2

1 Hour Late Start

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8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

June 3 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

Meets in the District Office boardroom

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

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June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

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9:00 am - 2:00 pm

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June 4 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

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9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Grade Track Meet

June 5 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Grade Track Meet

2 events, 6

2025-06-06

School Ends

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June 6

School Ends

2 hour early release.  Last day of school in the 2024-25 school year.  Enjoy summer!

2025-06-06

End of 2nd Semester

End of 2nd Semester

June 6

End of 2nd Semester

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2025-06-09

In-Service

In-Service

June 9

In-Service

No school.  Staff in-service today.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Regular Board Meeting

June 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Regular Board Meeting

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May 26
All day

No School – Holiday

May 27
May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

May 27
May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

May 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HAHS Graduation

May 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholarship Night

May 27
May 27 @ 8:00 am - May 29 @ 5:00 pm

Art Show

All day

Seniors Last Day

May 29 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Baccalaureate

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June 1
June 1 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

PHS Graduation

June 2
All day

1 Hour Late Start

June 3
June 3 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Board Work Session

June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

5th Grade Track Meet

June 4
June 4 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

4th Grade Track Meet

June 5
June 5 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Grade Track Meet

June 6
All day

School Ends

All day

End of 2nd Semester

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June 9
All day

In-Service

June 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Regular Board Meeting

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Pendleton School District
107 NW 10th Street, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone:  541.276.6711  Fax:  541.278.3208

The Pendleton School District assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or income as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related authorities, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Pendleton School District sponsored program or activity.

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