Pacific Ridge Principal's Update
Week of Monday, February 22nd- Friday, February 26th
It was an amazing first week of onsite hybrid!
K-1 New Routines & Procedures
Friendly reminders...
Masks:
- Please have your student put their mask on prior to exiting the car.
- A clean mask is required daily. It is important to wash masks between daily wearing.
Coats/Jackets:
- Please send your child with a coat with a hood each day. Rain or shine we try to get outside for recess & movement each day!
- Also, the buses have their windows down for extra ventilation. It may get chilly!
A few friendly reminders for our A Cohort Families: Thank you for your patience as we work to refine all of our procedures, but especially our drop off & pick up procedure. This is new for all of us and we are working to do this as safely and quickly as possible.
Morning Drop Off:
- Please do not arrive earlier than 7:45AM to drop off your child. We've had cars lining up starting at 7:30 AM and this is blocking the roadway. Many of our staff start their work day at 7:45. If they cannot enter the parking lot to park (due to a line of cars blocking their way), we cannot open the gates to drop off your puffin!
Morning Pick Up:
- The end of our morning session is 11:00 AM.
- We will open the gate at 10:55 AM. Please do not arrive earlier than 10:55AM.
Transportation Survey for Cohort B Families
Grades 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Cohort B (12:30-3:30 PM)
Calendar Reminders
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Monday, March 1st ~ 2nd & 3rd Grade AM/PM cohorts begin today
- Monday, March 15th ~ In-service Day ~ No School Today
- Tuesday, March 16th, 4th & 5th Grade AM/PM cohorts begin today
- Thursday, March 18th & Friday, March 19th ~ Parent Teacher Conferences
- Monday, March 22nd-Friday, March 26th ~ Spring Break
School Choice (Online Thrive, CDL, Hybrid)
Our 2nd Trimester Ends on Friday, March 12th
This is for families who wish to:
- switch from Online Thrive to Hybrid.
- switch from CDL to Hybrid.
- switch from Hybrid to CDL.
- move into Online Thrive.
Baking For Good!
Ahh, the aroma of baking bread. Nothing quite like it!
On Friday, February 26th, the King Arthur “Bake For Good” program is zooming into our 4th and 5th Grade classes for a demonstration of the joyful magic of baking bread. King Arthur’s goals are for students to learn, bake and share.
As part of this free program, they have delivered 400lbs of flour -along with other baking bread necessities - to make individual baking kits for each 4th and 5th Grader! These kits will be available for pick up at PRE starting Thursday, February 18th.
The hope is that, following the demonstration(not during), students and their families will bake bread together over the weekend. The kits provide enough ingredients to bake two loaves of bread -one to keep and one to share with others.
The sharing part is a very important component of this, and the 4th and 5th Grade teachers would love to hear back(or see video) of students spreading this aroma of kindness. There’s nothing quite like it!
Getting to Know our Specialist Teachers!
Mrs. Munoz, Special Education Teacher
Where did you go to school? University of Phoenix
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? 2 years: 1 year at the middle school and 1st year at Pac Ridge
What's your favorite subject to teach? Reading and Writing
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Spelling, Vocabulary. I loved learning about the meaning of words. As an adult, my favorite subject was Art History. One day I hope to visit some of the places I learned about.
Favorite hobby? Spending time with my family. Home decorating. Finding treasures with my husband.
Favorite color? I don't have just one: greens, blues & black
Favorite book? Currently: Front Desk. My granddaughter and I listened to it via audiobook on our road trip this past summer. We both loved it!
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Balkama, 7th grade. She was kind, she had rules, but she made you feel like you were special, never making you feel less than, but capable of doing hard things!
Interesting Fact? I am a Mimi of 5 beautiful grandchildren and a Mom to 5 amazing children. I have been married to the love of my life for almost 30 years now. I speak imperfect Spanish and embrace my husbands Mexican culture. I adore the students I work with and am so happy to advocate on their behalf every single day. They are my hero's!
Mrs. Albright, Special Education Teacher
Where did you go to school? Gresham High School, Western Oregon University, Western Governors University
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? This is my 27th year of teaching and I have taught all grades, K-8.
What's your favorite subject to teach? I love helping kids learn to write!
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? When I was in elementary school, reading was always my favorite subject.
Favorite hobby? My favorite pastimes are walking, hiking, gardening, and exploring beaches and forests.
Favorite color? My favorite colors are blues and greens.
Favorite book? Whenever I read books to my kids, at school or home, I start by introducing the book and I frequently say, "This is one of my favorite books." A few years ago I had a class that would always answer back, "You say that about all the books!" I have a lot of favorites. One of the books that I have read recently and really loved is called, Elijah's Cup. It's a beautiful story about a little boy's journey with autism.
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Rice was my 6th grade teacher. At a challenging time in my life, she was able to make our classroom a wonderful, safe place. She taught us all the usual subjects, but also provided many fun projects and experiences. Best of all, we learned so much about being a team and caring for each other.
Interesting Fact? My extended family owns a nursery. I love helping out in the greenhouses and playing in the dirt whenever I can.
Ms. Barnes, Special Education Teacher
Where did you go to school? Portland State University and Pacific University
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? This is my first year teaching. This year I am a special education teacher for grade 2 and 3.
What's your favorite subject to teach? I love to teach math, especially patterns and fractions!
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? My favorite subject as an elementary student was reading, and as a high school student it was history.
Favorite hobby? I love to read, paint, and go on walks with my dog.
Favorite color? My favorite color is yellow.
Favorite book? How do you pick just one?? My favorite genre is historical fiction. My favorite series of all time is Harry Potter, and my favorite book from my childhood is The BFG.
Who was your favorite teacher and why? I had the same teacher for kindergarten and first grade. She read to us all of the time. I still remember when she first read The BFG. When I was in sixth grade, I wrote to her during Teacher Appreciation Week, and she wrote back. We were pen pals for awhile, and we have been in contact ever since. She really showed us that she cared, and she was the one I talked to about wanting to become a teacher. I decided to become a special education teacher after volunteering at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp over a summer and when my parents started two adult foster care homes. Equity in education and life is important to me.
Interesting Fact? I'm excited and proud to be a Puffin!
Mrs. Glasson, Special Education Teacher
Where did you go to school? I graduated from Oregon City High School, got my Undergrad from Linfield College, and my Masters from Washington State University.
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? I have been teaching for 25 years and I have taught 2nd-5th grade and K-5 Special Education.
What's your favorite subject to teach? I actually love teaching all of them for different reasons.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? My favorite subjects in school were reading, writing, and student government.
Favorite hobby? When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family going places, and when I am here, I love being outside: hiking, walking, biking, kayaking, camping, riding my motorcycle and hanging at the beach with a bonfire. I LOVE spending time with my friends!
Favorite color? My favorite color is the blue on the Pepsi cans.
Favorite book? Harry Potter Series HANDS DOWN! Go Gryffindor!
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Burton and Mrs. Knuths were my favorite teachers. They always made me feel welcome and cared for; they really challenged me too. I wanted to become a teacher to make learning: safe, fun, and challenging.
Interesting Fact? I have 3 AWESOME boys, Ross 27, Dylan 16, and Jackson 14, a dog named Oreo Severus Pace, and a little rabbit named Lily Simone Glasson. I was also lucky enough to get a scholarship to college to play basketball when I was younger.
Mrs. Bowles, Special Education Teacher
Where did you go to school? I graduated from Brigham Young University with my bachelors degree in Special Education. I graduated From Portland State University with my masters degree in teaching students who are blind or have visual impairments.
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? I have been teaching for 24 years. I have taught grades K-6.
What's your favorite subject to teach? I love teaching during pivotal response training when students are learning communication and social skills.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Reading
Favorite hobby? I love to run and research about my family history.
Favorite color? Green
Favorite book? A Monster Calls
Who was your favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher was my chemistry teacher in high school. He provided lots of hands on activities and worked hard to make sure I understood everything.
Interesting Fact? I feel very blessed to get to work with my students each day. Their smiles and laughs brighten my day and make it totally worth it!
Mrs. Hurd, Speech Teacher
Where did you go to school? The University of New Mexico
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? I was a special education teacher at a middle school for 5 years. I have been a speech therapist for 18 years
What's your favorite subject to teach? Speech therapy/ My favorite age of students to work with / early elementary.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Math
Favorite hobby? Quilting
Favorite color? Black and red.
Favorite book? Too many to name!
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Martinez. She taught me to read.
Interesting Fact? I am ready to see students in person. : )
Ms. Knutson, Speech Teacher
Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lewis & Clark College and Portland State University
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? This is my first year as a speech-language pathologist!
What's your favorite subject to teach? I love to talk to students about stuttering and speech sounds.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Language Arts and Spanish
Favorite hobby? When I'm not teaching, I love to knit, play guitar, and play with my cat, Chai.
Favorite color? Orange
Favorite book? The White Cat by Robert San Souci
Who was your favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher was my high school English teacher Mr. Lundquist. He chose great books for us to read and encouraged us to think outside the box.
Interesting Fact? There are very few foods in the world that don't go with either cheese or chocolate. Can you think of one?
Mrs. Wintjen, English Language Development Teacher
Where did you go to school? I grew up in Cannon Beach and attended Cannon Beach Elementary, Broadway Middle School, and Seaside High School. I graduated with my teaching degree from Pacific University.
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? This is my 26th year teaching and I have taught kindergarten, a 1st/2nd grade blend, 2nd grade, fifth grade, Title I reading and math, and now ELD!
What's your favorite subject to teach? I love teaching reading and writing!
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Social Studies was my favorite subject because I enjoy learning about events in history.
Favorite hobby? I love to spend time with my family, run and bake yummy things, especially mini cupcakes!
Favorite color? Beachy blues and greens!
Favorite book? Anything by Jane Kirkpatrick. She is an Oregon author who writes historical fiction.
Who was your favorite teacher and why? I was lucky to have so many amazing teachers, which is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher. My 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Chatalas, was my favorite because she always made everyone feel so special.
Interesting Fact? I can't wait to be back in school with all the other puffins!
Mrs. Brown, Title I & Intervention Teacher
Where did you go to school? Linfield College in McMinnville, OR
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? 34 years Grades 2, 4, 6, 7, English Language Development (ELD) & Title 1 Intervention
What's your favorite subject to teach? Writing
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Learning new languages (Spanish, French, and German)
Favorite hobby? Gardening
Favorite color? Lavender
Favorite book? The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Who was your favorite teacher and why? My nursery school teacher. She taught me how to juggle!
Interesting Fact? I was born in England.
Mrs. Whisler, TOSA/Behavioral Support Teacher
Where did you go to school? I earned my undergraduate degree at Portland State and my Masters in Teaching from Pacific University in Forest Grove. Both degrees I drove from Astoria to attend in person.
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? 18-19 years? I started at Broadway Middle School teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade math plus art, creative writing, and other electives. I have been at The Heights and a bit at Gearhart for 5 years, now PRES supporting Social and Emotional Learning, Trauma Informed Practices, Positive Behavior, and Student Engagement
What's your favorite subject to teach? Math, and Social- Emotional Learning
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Social Studies
Favorite hobby? Growing our own food, flower gardening, and hiking.
Favorite color? Purple
Favorite book? Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mr. McQuary my high school counselor He pushed me way out of my comfort zone and impressed on me to think outside of typical solutions
Interesting Fact? You will never BE just one thing. You do not have to stay in one career. When new things come up say YES more than you say no.
Ms. Alice, Online Thrive Teacher
Where did you go to school? I graduated from Seaside High School, then Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, and got my Masters in Education from Arizona State University in Phoenix.
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? This is my 10th year! My first years of teaching were 2nd grade in Phoenix, AZ; I then moved to Newark, NJ where I taught grades Kindergarten and 1st; and I joined Gearhart Elementary to teach 4th grade in 2017. Now, I am the teacher who is supporting all K-5 families in Online Thrive.
What's your favorite subject to teach? I love teaching Science and Social Studies. I love it when faces are lit up with questions and wonderings about our world and its history.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Reading and Writing: I never went anywhere without a book and my journal. I ended up reading over 100 books in the summer before 6th grade!
Favorite hobby? I love traveling, practicing yoga, hiking, reading, trying out new foods, and LEGOs.
Favorite color? SO MANY come to mind! Purple, turquoise, coral, and green are my current ones but it changes monthly.
Favorite book? I have so many! But The Hobbit and Harry Potter are books I can remember the time and place(s) I read them.
Who was your favorite teacher and why? It's all a tie! My 3rd grade teacher because we did such fun, hands on science and wrote engaging things; my high school English teacher because she introduced authors and perspectives that gave me a glimpse of the wide range of peoples' experiences in the world - and she taught me so much grammar; and my Marine Biology teacher because he taught me study skills, so much about the ocean and life in it, took me to Hawaii, AND he was an approachable, joyful teacher.
Cate Blakesley, Instructional Coach
Where did you go to school? U of O
How long have you been teaching and what grade levels? Before I became a teacher in Oregon I taught English at a high school in Japan. I have been teaching in Seaside for 15 years, third and first grades.
What's your favorite subject to teach? Reading, of course !!!! A strong reader can accomplish anything!
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? English, which really means reading and writing.
Favorite hobby? I adore skiing, love mountain biking, and spend a lot of time in my yard.
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite book? War and Peace
Who was your favorite teacher and why? I was held back in third grade so I didn’t feel very smart. Mrs. Elkins was my fourth grade teacher and she pushed me to try harder and to do my best work. She rekindled my love of school and studying.
Interesting Fact? I feel blessed to live and work in such a caring community.
Pacific Ridge Elementary School
Email: jwozniak@seasidek12.org
Website: https://pre.seaside.k12.or.us/
Location: 2000 Spruce Drive, Seaside, OR, USA
Phone: 503-738-5161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pacific-Ridge-Elementary-School-104961557933403