Superintendent Newsletter | November 2023

Superintendent Newsletter | November 2023 IN THIS ISSUE Message from Maxwell 2023 Board of Distinction 2023 Excellence in Education Award Recipient WSDA Farm to School Grant Veteran's Day 2023 Native American Heritage Month PSD Employment Opportunities Upcoming Events    MESSAGE FROM MAXWELL November is the time of year when we begin to look forward to the holiday season and meeting with family and friends. It is also a time for many of us to relax, renew, and refresh. This month, I was fortunate to attend a professional development opportunity with motivational speaker Damon West, who co-wrote the book How to be a Coffee Bean: 111 Life-Changing Ways to Create Positive Change with fellow inspirational teacher Jon Gordon. Throughout the book, West’s recollection of his life journey is about the power to transform one’s world from the inside out. West’s story resonated with me as I have met students, staff, and community members who have shared experiences and personal stories about various life challenges with me. These deeply moving experiences can sometimes feel like a trial without purpose. West’s book and life story provide advice and strategies to help anyone searching for hope and positivity in the midst of adversity. Consisting of 111 short vignettes of powerful encouragement and strategies, How to be a Coffee Bean highlights ways to help make a difference in one’s life by focusing on how to make a difference in the lives of others. The book also notes the importance of maximizing hope and perseverance by tapping into your own background of experiences, successes, and failures.  I wish you all peace and joy this holiday season and hope you spend time with those you love or doing something that helps you feel self-reflective and brings hope and fulfillment. I personally recommend curling up and reading a good book such as How to be a Coffee Bean.  With gratitude and the kindest regards, Bob Maxwell, Superintendent   The Pullman School District Board of Directors has been selected to receive the 2023 Board of Distinction award from the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) This high honor recognizes exceptional collaborative leadership, oversight, and dedication to students and the community, as well as exceptional levels of correlation between data, board decisions, and positive student outcomes. To be awarded, boards had to show a clear link between their leadership in applying the Washington School Board Standards and closing gaps that impact student success.  Thank you for serving our community! IN OTHER NEWS Margee Dahmen, Jefferson Elementary Building Paraeducator, has been named the recipient of the 2023 “Excellence in Education” honor from our school board!   Margee Dahmen, Jefferson Elementary Building Paraeducator, has been named the recipient of the “Excellence in Education” honor from our school board! Each year, the board selects one classified employee to receive this recognition. Margee was recommended for this recognition by Jefferson Elementary Principal, Jim Bruce, who was so inspired by how Margee consistently demonstrates her true belief in all children and in making a connection with every single Jefferson Jaguar.  Margee has served the Pullman School District for 20 years! Principal Bruce shared, “Two of Jefferson Elementary School's Cultural Beliefs are "We Believe" (Children succeed when they are surrounded by adults who believe they can succeed.) and “We Connect” (Children succeed when they have meaningful, sustainable relationships with caring adults.).  From my first year as the principal at JES five years ago and prior to the adoption of Kids at Hope there was one staff member that immediately stood out to me as already possessing the fore-mentioned beliefs and that person was Margee Dahmen. Margee has two primary roles at Jefferson, supervision and instruction.  Margee’s experience coupled with her knowledge and connection with virtually every student makes for a safe playground and cafeteria environment for all students.  Margee is the ideal playground and cafeteria supervisor in that she is constantly moving about these areas supervising, assisting, and reinforcing her meaningful relationship with the students.  If I have question regarding a student’s behavior or connections on the playground or cafeteria, Margee is always able to provide me with the necessary information.  It’s truly amazing how much Margee knows about every student and their playground or cafeteria behavior.  Margee can do this while still ensuring that these areas are safe for all students.”  Congratulations Margee! Pullman School District thanks you for your many years of service!   2023 Excellence in Education Nominees: Rosemary Fleener, Special Education Paraeducator at Lincoln Middle School. Rosemary has served the Pullman School District for almost 12 years! Amber Deeds, CTE Program Secretary/Career Specialist at Pullman High School. Amber has served the Pullman School District for almost 12 years! Reem Nasralla, Special Education Paraeducator at Sunnyside Elementary School. Reem has served the Pullman School District for 7 years! Pullman School District thanks you all for your many years of service!    The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Farm to School Purchasing Grant is a competitive reimbursement grant to be used for the purchase and use of Washington-grown foods in child nutrition programs.  We are excited to announce  Pullman School District has been selected to receive a $20,000 WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant. The funds will be used to enhance our farm-to-school initiatives, and promote access to fresh, Washington-grown foods in our school cafeterias.  Read more about the WSDA Farm to School Program by clicking the link below:  https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/farm-to-school/wsda-farm-to-school-program   In honor of Veterans Day, students and staff around the district participated in a variety of activities to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve our country. PHOTO 1 : Rosauers Supermarkets proudly displayed Jefferson first graders' Veteran's Day banner they made in Mrs. Hathaway's classroom.  PHOTO 2 : Link to video honoring our Veteran's of Pullman Public Schools.  PHOTO 3 : Photo from Jefferson Elementary' s Veteran's Day Celebration.   November is Native American Heritage Month November is Native American Heritage Month! This month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans and to acknowledge their significant contributions to our world. In honor National Native American Heritage Month, Pullman Public Schools is proud to share our new land acknowledgment statement for Pullman Public Schools:  Pullman Public Schools reside on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people. We express our deepest respect for and gratitude towards the original and current stewards of this land. We acknowledge our role in building mutual respect and connections to support current and future generations. Want to learn more about Native American Heritage Month? Check out the links below: https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov OSPI Native Education - https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/native-education PSD Employment Opportunities We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman. To that end, the district will actively seek applicants who best meet the needs of the district. Current Job Postings: Core+ Paraeducator Custodians Coaches & Club Advisors Elementary Head Cook 1.0 FTE Speech Language Pathologist 0.5 FTE Occupational Therapist  Special Education Paraeducators Preschool Special Education Paraeducator Emergency Substitute Teachers Regular Route Bus Drivers If you are interested in applying for any of the positions listed above, please apply online at: https://psd267.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx   We are always looking for Substitutes! If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a: Emergency Substitute Teacher Substitute Custodian Substitute Nutrition Services Staff Substitute Paraeducator Please apply for these positions online at:  https://psd267.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a: Substitute Bus Driver  Substitute Nurse Please pick up an application at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St). For more information, please visit our website at https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources Upcoming Events Photo 1 :  PHS Boosters Christmas Tree Sales:  Sales will continue through Friday, December 15th.  Christmas Tree Sales Hours: Monday-Friday: 3:30pm-6:00pm Saturdays: 8:00am-6:00pm and Sundays: 9:00am-5:00pm Photo 2 : PHS Holiday Instrumental Concert - December 13th @ 7:00pm at Pullman High School (510 NW Greyhound Way) Photo 3: No School - Winter Break - December 25 - January 5  

Friday, Dec 01 2023

SCHOOL ON-TIME - Tuesday, November 14

All Pullman Public Schools and the district's preschool program will be starting ON-TIME tomorrow, November 14. There will be no delay to the start of the school day, and buses will operate as usual.

Monday, Nov 13 2023

2-HOUR DELAY - Monday, November 13 - Natural Gas Res...

Natural gas service has been successfully restored in all of our school buildings.  School will resume tomorrow, Monday, November 13th and school start times will be delayed 2 hours (see below). We understand that many of our staff and families are still waiting for Avista to restore their service and as a result, tomorrow, Monday, November 13, all Pullman Public Schools will be delayed two (2) hours. This delay is intended to provide additional time for our staff and families who may still be waiting for Avista to complete the restoration of their natural gas service. District AM preschool programs, zero-period classes, and all before-school activities, programs, and clubs will be canceled. Please note that buses will also be running on a 2-hour delay schedule. Monday, November 13 - School start times are as follows: Please note: The delay time is based on your school's normal Tuesday-Friday start time. Franklin and Jefferson will start at 10:20 am. Sunnyside and Kamiak will start at 10:35 am. Lincoln Middle School will start at 10:25 am. Pullman High School will start at 10:30 am. Student Transportation Questions: PSD Transportation Department: 509-334-3911 Pullman City Transit: 509-332-6535 

Monday, Nov 13 2023

UPDATE: Natural Gas Service Outage

Staff and families will be notified by 6pm today the status of operating school tomorrow (Monday, 11/13).

Sunday, Nov 12 2023

Natural Gas Service Outage - SCHOOLS CLOSED THURSDAY...

Pullman Public Schools have been impacted by the natural gas service outage in our area. School district's are required to maintain heat occupied areas of school buildings during school hours at a minimum temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of the outage, we may not be able to maintain that minimum temperature in school/district buildings and will need to close all Pullman Public Schools tomorrow, November 9th.  There will be NO SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9.

Thursday, Nov 09 2023

October 2023 Monthly Superintendent Newsletter

Superintendent Monthly Newsletter   |   October  2023     In This Issue:   Message from Maxwell   IN OTHER NEWS NEW! PSD Educational Equity Webpage School/District Report Cards District Highlights National Principals Month PHS Drama Fall Production - November 2023 Unity Day 2023 Free, Filtered Internet Access Available - Eligibility Requirements Action for Healthy Kids - PSD Grant Recipient Meet Our TOSAs PSD Employment Opportunities Professional Learning Day Recap - October 6th   October is  Disability History & Awareness Month During the month of October, each public school conducts or promotes educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. Want to learn more? We have created a page with a multitude of resources. Go to  www.pullmanschools.org : -->DEPARTMENTS -->SPECIAL SERVICES --> DISABILITY AWARENESS   MESSAGE FROM MAXWELL One of our commitments this school year is to continue our focus on professional learning communities as part of our educational equity for all students. This involves increasing academic success, removing barriers within our system, and refining systems to help ensure equal access and opportunity for all students. Two years ago, we expanded our commitment to this work by engaging in the tenets of a Professional Learning Community (PLC.)  Each school and our district are identifying a guaranteed and viable curriculum that ensures each student is able to access the same learning standards regardless of the school a child attends or the teacher a student has.  Teacher teams across our district work collaboratively to identify strengths and needs of each student in relationship to this most important learning.  This approach leads to common assessment, implementation of proven teaching practices, and an increase in student achievement. In addition, our district and building guiding coalitions are working to define what should be “loose” verses “tight” regarding the PLC process. As stated in the book, A Guide to Action for Professional Learning Communities at Work (Richard & Rebecca DuFor & Eaker &Thomas & Many & Mattos,2016, p.13), the PLC culture requires a culture that is simultaneously loose and tight.  The PLC process empowers educators to make important decisions and encourages their creativity and innovation in the pursuit of improving student and adult learning.  Teachers working in teams analyze evidence of student learning and develop instructional strategies they believe will be most effective in helping students learn. At the same time, however, there are elements of the PLC process that are “tight,” that is, they require everyone to adhere to those elements that have been identified as “tight.” Teachers working in collaborative teams working interdependently to achieve common goals which all members are mutually accountable. This includes a guaranteed and viable curriculum with common formative assessments backed by a system of interventions and extensions to help all students learn and at the same time inform a teacher’s professional practice.  As we continue this journey, we know that high performing PLC’s (aka collaborative teams) engage educators in an improvement process that empowers them to make decisions and at the same time are accountable to the core elements of the PLC process.   In closing, thank you for your support and partnership. As always, please reach out to me at 509-332-3581 or email me at rmaxwell@psd267.org if you have questions I can help address. Sincerely, Bob Maxwell Superintendent Pullman Public Schools National Principals Month October marks the celebration of a special group of leaders in our community – our school principals. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in shaping our students’ futures and the trajectory of our education system. This month-long celebration is an opportunity to recognize and thank our principals for their unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and remarkable impact on student success. Select a thoughtful e-card and infuse it with a personalized message that truly reflects the magnitude of your gratitude for your principal’s invaluable contributions! https://www.principalsmonth.org/send-e-card   New! PSD Educational Equity Webpage We're excited to introduce our new Educational Equity webpage on our school district website! This resource is designed to provide families with valuable information, resources, and updates related to our ongoing commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and access for all students. Explore the page to stay informed and engaged in our pursuit of educational equity. LINK TO WEBPAGE : https://www.pullmanschools.org/district/educational_equity Annual Report Cards The 2022-2023 Washington State Report Cards for Pullman School District and all of our schools are available now on our district website. The purpose of the Washington School Report Card is to share information about our K-12 schools with the community.  Click the links below to view the report card for the district and each of our schools. Pullman School District  Franklin Elementary Jefferson Elementary Kamiak Elementary Sunnyside Elementary Lincoln Middle School Pullman High School   Meet Our TOSAs! Teachers on Special Assignments (TOSAs) are certificated instructors who serve our district in a specialized capacity. They plan and lead valuable professional trainings, provide support to our families, and coach and mentor our classroom teachers. Our TOSAs continually strive to ensure all students are achieving their full potential. Grace Grow - Curriculum, PD & Assessment Teacher Specialist Joni Stevens - Math Teacher Specialist Natalie Dobbins - Positive Behavior Teacher Specialist Kelli Cox - Highly Capable Program Teacher Specialist Dom Ventresco - Special Education Teacher Specialist   Action for Healthy Kids has awarded nearly $30 million in subgrants to 264 school districts across 44 states and the District of Columbia. Pullman Public Schools received one of these grants, totaling $77,708! The grant funds will be used to help improve the nutritional quality of our school meals and modernize our operations.  District Highlights Unity Day - October 18, 2023  In honor of October being Bullying Prevention Month, Pullman School District participated in Unity Day on October 18!   PHS Leadership Class - Unity Day Video! In honor of Unity Day, Pullman High School students created a video to promote unity, kindness, and acceptance within our school community! Click the link below to watch: LINK TO VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzLZoqoLKs   Free, Filtered Internet Access Available to PSD Families living in Albion In December of 2022, the school district received a grant to pilot new wireless technology which was constructed over the summer. The district partnered with the Town of Albion who provided one of the site locations. We are now seeking Albion families within range of this new cellular network who are willing to pilot this system.  Here's what you need to know: Free, Filtered Internet Access : Students who meet the criteria for this service will receive free, filtered internet access ensuring a reliable and consistent internet connection. Eligibility : Families must live in Albion and  have a student (or students) enrolled in Pullman School District.   Easy Application Process : To apply to receive free, filtered internet for your family, click the link below to submit an application. Supplies are limited. Click  HERE   to apply today! Application Follow-Up : After you submit your application, a member of our technology department will follow up with additional information. They will be available to answer any questions you may have and provide support as needed. We want to emphasize that families will be prioritized based on neediness. We understand the additional financial and logistical challenges that limited or no internet access can pose, and our goal is to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. Have questions?  Please contact our Technology Department by emailing support@psd267.org or by calling 509-336-7210. PSD Employment Opportunities We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman. To that end, the district will actively seek applicants who best meet the needs of the district. Current Job Postings: Coaches & Club Advisors 3rd Grade Teacher - Leave Replacement Position Elementary Head Cook Lunchroom Paraeducator - Lincoln Middle School 1.0 FTE Speech Language Pathologist 0.5 FTE Occupational Therapist  Special Education Paraeducators Emergency Substitute Teachers Regular Route Bus Drivers If you are interested in applying for any of the positions listed above, please apply online at: https://psd267.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx We are always looking for Substitutes! If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a bus driver, custodian, food service worker, paraeducator, nurse, or teacher, applications can be picked up at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St). For more information, please visit our website at https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources Professional Learning Day Recap - October 6th Professional development is the strategy schools and school districts use to ensure that educators continue to strengthen their practice. The most effective professional development engages teachers to focus on the needs of their students. They learn and problem solve together in order to ensure all students achieve success. On Friday, October 6th Pullman Public Schools certificated staff engaged in a professional learning day. The schedule of professional development activities included a wide variety of offerings that provided a collaborative learning environment and work time for teachers. Here are the sessions that staff had the opportunity to engage in: Team Defined Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Learning Part of the day was spent on deepening our PLC learning. Foundations 101 - Guest Speaker: Dr. Allen Sutton, Executive Director - Outreach & Education, Washington State University In this interactive workshop, participants learned about their core values and explored key terms related to equity and inclusion, examined notions of intent versus impact, and discussed affirming and inclusive language. They also explored how to foster critical self-awareness as they explored their our own identities, including their unique characteristics and social locations. October 2023 | Superintendent Monthly Newsletter

Friday, Oct 27 2023

A Letter to our Families and Community

A Special Message from Superintendent Bob Maxwell & Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors   Dear Pullman Public Schools Staff, Students, and Families,   Our hearts are with our students, staff, and families impacted by the horrific events in Israel and Gaza that began over the weekend. This is a scary and emotional time, especially for our Pullman community who is so connected to this part of the world. Our staff are ready to assist students in any way they need us.    Pullman is home to families with cultural ties to Israel, Palestine, and the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. Violence is unfortunately not uncommon, but it has been unavoidable in such a politically, culturally, and religiously complex area of the world. While we may hold different or congruent opinions about the years of war and conflict, we worry that the escalation this weekend will spark a rise in   Antisemitic   and Islamophobic incidents in our own community. Our  Pullman Promise clearly states our commitment to an “inclusive culture in which we value each individual and celebrate our community’s diversity”.  We take this commitment seriously, and are committed to creating safe and supportive learning environments and encourage anyone who is subject to or observes hate speech of any kind to report it to our staff members or administrators in the school district.    A focus for this year has been fostering a deep sense of belonging for students in our schools. Regardless of political, cultural, or religious ideology, every student should feel welcome to show up as their authentic self. We offer the following resources to our educators and families to support students during this difficult time.     Teaching Resources Facing History and Ourselves – Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter   Judy Pace – Teaching Controversial Issues: A Framework for Reflective Practice Street Law – Classroom Deliberations Constitutional Rights Foundation – Conducting a Civil Conversation in the Classroom   Social and Emotional Resources for the Classroom and Home How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War : Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics. Talking to Your Kids About War : VeryWell Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage. How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War : UNICEF’s guide offers eight tips to support and comfort your children. Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises : Learning for Justice offers recommendations and resources to help guide conversations with young people and to manage potential subsequent actions and reactions. Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children : This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults guide their young children beyond fear and to resilience.  Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children : The American Psychological Association provides tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.   Our school counselors are available to provide emotional support to students who may be feeling anxious or distressed due to the conflict. Please do not hesitate to reach out if your child needs assistance or additional support. The more we know about how the world around our students is affecting them, the better we can partner with our families to support them. We know our community has family, friends, and loved ones right at the epicenter of the violence. We are committed to supporting our students and their families during this challenging time. We are hurting together.   In Solidarity, Bob Maxwell, Superintendent & Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors

Monday, Oct 09 2023

District Seeks Pro/Con Committee for February 13, 2...

DISTRICT SEEKS PRO/CON COMMITTEE FOR FEBRUARY 13, 2024 LEVY MEASURES As part of the election process, the district is required to make a request for committee members to prepare pro and con statements for the voter’s pamphlet regarding the levy measures. Pullman School District is seeking applications from persons interested in being appointed to committees to write the for/against statements for the Whitman County Local Voters’ Pamphlet related to the district’s ballot measures to be considered at the February 13, 2024, Special Election. Those interested should send their name, address, phone number and which position they represent to Courtney Hodge, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, Pullman School District, 240 SE Dexter St, Pullman, WA 99163 or via email at chodge@psd267.org by 12:00pm on October 19, 2023 .  More information about the pro/con committee and the replacement levies can be found on our website at: https://www.pullmanschools.org/news/whats_new/pro_and_con_committee_for_levy_2024 [Thursday, Oct 12 at 5:12 PM] Reminder! Persons interested in being appointed to committees to write the for/against statements for the February 13, 2024 Levy Measures, must submit their name, address, phone number and which position they represent by October 19, 2023.

Friday, Sep 29 2023

September 2023 Monthly Superintendent Newsletter

Superintendent Monthly Newsletter   |  September  2023     In This Issue:   Message from Maxwell   IN OTHER NEWS Recognize Years of Service Welcome to Our Team! NEW STAFF Annual Notifications District Highlights PEF Innovation Grant U.S World News Best Highschool Ranking Free Flu & COVID Immunization Clinics Educator Awards 2023 Unity Day Wellness Fair Resource Fair PSD Employment Opportunities District Seeks Pro/Con Committee for 2024 Levy Measures   September 15 - October 15 This month we are celebrating the vibrant culture, rich history, and countless contributions of the Hispanic community!    The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is offering eligible households high-speed internet for $30 a month with no additional out-of-pocket costs!  Read more and see if you qualify here:  http://ow.ly/fni250J5BE3 MESSAGE FROM MAXWELL One of our commitments this school year is to continue our focus on educational equity for each student. This involves increasing academic success, removing barriers within our system, and ensuring equal access and opportunity for all students.   Two years ago, we expanded our commitment to this work by engaging in the tenets of a Professional Learning Community (PLC.)  Each school, and our district, is identifying a guaranteed and viable curriculum that ensures each student is able to access the same learning standards regardless of the school a child attends or the teacher a student has.   Teacher teams across our district work collaboratively to identify strengths and needs of each student in relationship to this most important learning.  This approach leads to common assessments, implementation of proven teaching practices, and an increase in student achievement.   In addition to continuing our PLC focus in pursuit of equity in our school district, we have engaged the expertise and support of Dr. Allen Sutton, Executive Director of the Office of Outreach and Education at WSU. At our back to school opening meeting, Dr. Sutton shared the results of a staff survey (administered June 2023) to gauge the organizational climate concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, respect, and value.  Dr. Sutton identified three major themes from the survey results: 1) Communication within the district and within our schools including clear DEI reporting structures: 2) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging/Respect and Value training, expectations, communication, and translation of DEIB principles into action; and 3) School/office climate opportunities related to bias, cliques, respect, value, empathy, and relationship building. After discussing the results, Dr. Sutton shared our path forward regarding professional development for the 2023-2024 school year targeted to align with the identified themes. The professional learning will take place during our regularly scheduled learning improvement days, and will include foundational knowledge around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and tangible skills/tools that staff can use in the classroom, breakroom, and office settings. In addition, Pullman Public Schools will also have a representative on the city of Pullman’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. This partnership will help strengthen our community response to supporting DEIB. More information will be posted on the Pullman Public Schools website under the educational equity tab which is currently under construction. As we continue this journey, we know that fostering a sense of belonging is an ongoing commitment. As Brene Brown reminds us, “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are. ” Together, we will continue building a community where every individual is valued and respected for who they are because in Pullman Public Schools everyone belongs. In closing, thank you for your support and partnership. As always, please reach out to me at 509-332-3581 or email me at rmaxwell@psd267.org if you have questions I can help address. -Bob Maxwell,  Pullman Public Schools Superintendent FROM ALL OF HERE AT PULLMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE! Years of Service Recognition We would like to recognize the following employees for their many years of service: 10 YEARS Claudia Bishop-Haynes Malia Held Cooper Jaquish Bob Maxwell Geoff Reilly Denise Thompson Scott Thompson 20 YEARS Margee Dahmen Marla Haugen Heather Lohrmeyer Garren Shannon Meghan Solak   25 YEARS Jake Bledsoe Jan Estep Tammy Lehmitz Chris Lippay Michael Riley Rex Thornton Welcome to Our Team! New Employees (as of 9.27.23) Franklin Elementary Evan Guthmiller , Custodian Hayley Gray , 5th Grade Teacher Delaney Vallely-Barrett , Assistant Cook Cashier Jefferson Elementary Majid Al-Hadrami , English Language Development Teacher Emily Busch , Special Education Teacher Robin Hendrickson , Core+ Teacher Colby West , 4th Grade Teacher Lacey Robbins , Special Education Para Kamiak Elementary Anna Burt , School Nurse Chloe Callow , Specialist Teacher Court Crocker , Elem Orchestra/General Music Teacher Ujwala Ganjyal , Special Education Para Natalie Hall , Special Education Teacher Shiari McNeil , 4th Grade Teacher Corey Shumard , Custodian Tanya Stewart , Special Education Para Crystal Coriano , Special Education Para Sunnyside Elementary Crystal Adams , 5th Grade Teacher Marki Dauenhauer , 4th Grade Teacher Whittney Graham , Office Support Para Grace Hug , Special Education Para Donna Moore , LAP Paraeducator Stephanie Newman , Core+ Teacher Anissa Terres , Head Cook Sheri Wadsworth , School Nurse Lincoln Middle School Keeley Doherty , Special Education Para Nicole Jewell , Special Education Para Joshua Latella , Math Teacher Taylor Roberts , Special Education Teacher Rozalyn Strong , Science Teacher Edward Wilhelm , Science Teacher Pullman High School Bryce Gravel , Math Teacher Alice Hardin , Special Education Para Troy Kietel , Custodian Carrie SaintPierre , Assistant Cook/Cashier Firuza Sattorova , Custodian Erin Sutton , Special Education Teacher Jordan Vivier , Assistant Cook/Cashier Josh Wheatley , Science Teacher Hannah Winter, Math Teacher Jason Olson , Custodian District Staff Cortney Cook, Bus Driver Zena El Chabib , Fiscal Services Technician Andrew Johnson , Director of Special Services Aydan Marsh , Speech Language Pathologist Kelli Cox , Highly Capable Program TOSA Ashley Richardson , Special Education Teacher - Preschool Nelson Sams , Bus Driver Karen Silcox , Bus Driver Richard Wesson , Bus Driver Gloria Wheatley , Special Education Para Preschool Annual Notifications Pullman Public Schools is required to provide the following notifications to parents each school year. They can be read in their entirety on the district webpage or you can call the school district office (509.332.3581) to request that a packet of all notifications be mailed to you. Notifications: Academic Acceleration Policy Admission Requirements Annual Summary of Pesticide Use ASB Activities Reports ASB Opportunity Gap Reduction Plan ASB Financial Reports Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Inspection Report Assessment Plan Child Find Community Resources for Families Diplomas/Transcripts Withheld on the Basis of Outstanding Fees/Fines District Policy for Waiving and Reducing ASB Fees Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Excused and Unexcused Absences Explanation of Roles & Responsibilities of Safety and Security Staff Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Federal Program Notifications FERPA Directory Notification Food and Snack Policy Approved Snacks List for Classroom Events Home Language Survey Immunizations Required for School Attendance Language Access Plan Learning by Choice – Student Enrollment Options in Washington State Maintenance of Grounds and Integrated Pest Management (Pesticides applied on a regular basis) McKinney-Vento Homeless Students- Annual Notifications Media Opt-Out Information Non-Discrimination Policy Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) Public Records Act (PRA) Right to Request Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications Sexual Harassment Policy Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy Title I – Parental Involvement Policy Tobacco Free Environment – Policy Related to Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices Washington State Office of Education Ombuds Water Quality in Our Schools Pullman School District Wellness Committee If you have any questions regarding any of these notifications, please contact your student's school office, or the district office at 509.332.3581 or email info@psd267.or Upcoming!  Unity Day 2023 - Wear and Share ORANGE! Wear and share ORANGE   on October 18, 2023 to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying .   Resource Fair Families of middle/high school students with disabilities, 504 plan, or individualized educational plan WHEN : October 4, 2023 WHERE : Pullman High School Time : 5:30pm Visit with representatives from federal, state, and local agencies Wellness Fair Hosted by School-Based Mental Health Therapists & Our Minds Matter Clubs WHEN : October 25, 2023 WHERE : Lincoln Middle School Time : 3:00pm-5:00pm Connect with community resources Get to know various wellness providers of the Palouse Learn about school resources and our minds matter clubs District Highlights PSD School-Based Mental Health Therapists & Occupational Therapists selected as Pullman Education Foundation Innovation Grant Recipients The Pullman Education Foundation has donated $10,000 to the district's School-Based Mental Health Therapists & Occupational Therapists as the recipients of the Innovation Grant to bolster the current occupational therapy offices/sensory spaces, the Intensive Learning Centers at Jefferson Elementary & Lincoln Middle School, and the sensory library at each school.   U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Ranking - Pullman High School Pullman High School earned high National and metro-area rankings in 2023-2024 Best High Schools. Pullman High School was ranked 32 in Washington State, and 1,864 in the nation by U.S. World News.  Per U.S. News, the U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. By earning a national ranking in the top 40%,  Pullman High School achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School.  To learn more about Best High Schools U.S. News Rankings, visit: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools   Free Flu & COVID Immunization Clinics *First come, first serve October 18 @ Pullman High School in the Community/Board Room Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm October 25 @ Lincoln Middle School in the Commons Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm Link to form to bring to clinic: https://whitmancountypublichealth.org/assets/forms/WCPHSids-Immunization-Consent-Form.pdf     Tune in on September 30th! Celebrating the regional 2024 Classified School Employees and Teachers of the Year which includes are very own Carmen Roberts (SES) & Mimi Dissmore (LMS). State award winners will be announced at 10:00am a iring live at:   https://www.facebook.com/waOSPI / . PSD Employment Opportunities Overall staffing has presented some challenges for our school district. We continue to seek applicants for all positions. However, we are currently in need of food and nutrition services staff, substitute teachers, bus drivers, and paraeducators. If you or someone you know would like to become a food and nutrition services staff member, substitute teacher, or paraeducator for the district please contact our human resources department at (509)332-3584. We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman. To that end, the district will actively seek applicants who best meet the needs of the district. Current Job Postings: Coaches & Club Advisors Sunnyside Elementary Kindergarten Teacher - Leave replacement position beginning approximately 10/23/2023 through 2/9/2024 English Language Development (ELD) Paraeducator - Kamiak Elementary/Sunnyside Elementary Elementary Head Cook Lunchroom Paraeducator - Lincoln Middle School 1.0 FTE Speech Language Pathologist 0.5 FTE Occupational Therapist  Special Education Paraeducators Emergency Substitute Teachers Regular Route Bus Drivers If you are interested in applying for any of the positions listed above, please apply online at: https://psd267.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx We are always looking for Substitutes! If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a bus driver, custodian, food service worker, paraeducator, nurse, or teacher, applications can be picked up at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St). For more information, please visit our website at https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources District Seeks Pro/Con Committee for February 13, 2024 Levy Measures As part of the election process, the district is required to make a request for committee members to prepare pro and con statements for the voter’s pamphlet regarding the levy measures. Pullman School District is seeking applications from persons interested in being appointed to committees to write the for/against statements for the Whitman County Local Voters’ Pamphlet related to the district’s following ballot measures to be considered at the February 13, 2024 Special Election: Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy; and, Replacement Technology Levy Those interested should send their name, address, phone number and which position they represent to Courtney Hodge, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, Pullman School District, 240 SE Dexter St, Pullman, WA 99163 or via email at chodge@psd267.org by noon on October 19, 2023. The Board will take action on the appointments at its October 25, 2023 regular board meeting.  There is a limit of three members per committee; however, a committee may seek the advice of other people. “For” and “against” statements must be 250 words or less and must be in block paragraph format.  Timeline: October 19, 2023: Pro/Con Committee Interest Email Due November 2023 (date TBD): Pro/Con Committee Statements Due Posted per RCW 29A.32.280 More information about the pro/con committee or the replacement levies can be found on our website at: https://www.pullmanschools.org/news/whats_new/pro_and_con_committee_for_levy_2024   September 2023 | Superintendent Monthly Newsletter

Friday, Sep 29 2023

Wellness Fair hosted by Our Minds Matter Clubs

Location : Lincoln Middle School (315 SE Crestview St)  Connect with community resources Get to know various wellness providers of the Palouse Learn about school resources and our minds matter clubs

Friday, Sep 22 2023