Positively Pasco: Issue #166
April 4, 202
PEAK! Partners Celebrated During Annual Breakfast
PSD is LUCKY to have wonderful PEAK! Partners who support our schools and students. Thank you to everyone who attended our annual PEAK! Breakfast on March 16, where school and business representatives had a chance to hear district and PEAK! Partner updates and talk about future ways to support PSD students. Are you interested in supporting local Pasco students? Become a PEAK! Partner today!
Time to Enroll New K-12 Students
Online registration is now available to enroll new students in grades K-12 for the 2022-23 school year. Register your student today!
PSD Launches Calendar Art Contest
We want to see Pasco students' artwork shine in our 2022-2023 district calendar sponsored by Gesa Credit Union! Students in grades K-11 in the Pasco School District can enter our 2022-2023 Calendar Art Contest by submitting artwork inspired by the theme of ‘PSD is Where Bright Futures Are Made. See Us Shine!’
One grand prize winner will be featured on the cover and receive a $300 Visa Gift Card, and 12 winners will be featured on a designated month and receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. Submissions are due by May 13, 2022.
Apply for Two-Way Dual Language Program
PSD is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 kindergarten Two-Way Dual Language Program at various elementary schools. If you are interested in the program, and are an English-speaking Pasco resident who has a first-time kindergarten student, apply by May 13, 2022.
Acceptance into the program is based on eligibility, commitment for six years, and parent involvement. Applications are available at all Pasco elementary schools or online.
Highly Capable Services Update
Almost 2,000 students will be considered for highly capable services during the 2021-2022 school year for services offered in the 2022-2023 school year. Pasco received almost 600 referrals from parents, teachers, and community members. Thank you to everyone who reached out and advocated for Pasco students!
With the help of testing facilitators and first-grade teachers across the district, every first-grade student in Pasco has also been tested and are currently being considered for highly capable services.
If you know a student you want to be tested during the 2022-2023 school year for highly capable services during the 2023-2024 school year, please submit a highly capable referral. Families and staff can also email HiCap@psd1.org with questions.
View more details.
PSD Continues to Celebrate Crystal Apple Winner Maria Nuñez
Maria Nuñez, Pasco High World Languages teacher, was presented with her Crystal Apple Award by Michelle Whitney, PSD Superintendent, during the annual Crystal Apple Awards ceremony at the Educational Service District (ESD) 123 on Thursday, March 10. She was also celebrated during a special recognition at the PSD Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 22.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the school district and by the ESD. I cannot describe enough the feelings and the emotion,” Maria said. “There are so many great teachers in the school district, so to be singled out among them, that’s the biggest honor. It’s amazing.”
Congratulations, Maria!
Longfellow Students Rock Socks for World Down Syndrome Day
Longfellow Elementary students were rockin’ their socks on March 21 to bring attention to World Down Syndrome Day. Every year, on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes looks like mismatched socks!
Rowena Chess Students Bring Attention to Climate Change
Ms. Jones' third grade class at Rowena Chess Elementary is working hard to bring awareness to climate change in their school and beyond! They have researched pollution, recycling, and water conservation as a class. In addition, they have been working together in groups to create awareness posters to help educate other students and staff.
Chiawana High School Speech and Debate
With six of seven entries making finals, Chiawana Speech and Debate continued its run of top-10 finishes (going back to 2016) with its second-highest finish in the WIAA 4A Speech Tournament, finishing 4th in Sweepstakes. Individual finishes include:
- Michael Wood, 7th place Dramatic Interpretation
- Alecx Naungayan, 6th place Dramatic Interpretation
- Samantha Quiroga, 4th place Program Oral Interpretation
- Lorena Vegas, 4th place Original Oratory
- Canna Hyde, 2nd place Program Oral Interpretation
- Alecx Naungayan, STATE CHAMPION Humorous Interpretation.
Stevens Middle School Collects Items for Local Foster Kids
Students and staff at Steven's Middle School are collecting items for Beautifully Inspired, a local foster care nonprofit. Please join them as they support the foster care community in the greater Tri-Cities and beyond. Students are gathering personal hygiene products, undergarments, and new shoes through the end of April. For more information, please contact Megan Raihl at mraihl@psd1.org.
Pasco High School
Chiawana High School
Soup with the Superintendent
Superintendent Michelle Whitney invites you to join her for an informal discussion about Pasco Schools over a light lunch.
When: April 29, 2022
Where: PSD Administration Building, 1215 W. Lewis St, Pasco
Hispanic Academic Achievers Program (HAAP)
The Hispanic Academic Achievers Program (HAAP) is recognizing and celebrating students of Hispanic Heritage. The HAAP certificates will be awarded to the students by their principal/teacher at their school before the end of the school year. Only seniors who have applied and were selected for the HAAP Scholarships will be notified by the scholarship committee in mid-April and are invited to attend the celebration in person on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 6 pm. All other students can watch it live at www.haap.org or www.facebook.com/HAAP.org. For more information, please contact Gracie Valle-Chimal at 509-416-7412.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Cinco de Mayo Celebration in downtown Pasco is May 1 - 8 and will include a week full of fun family events and activities. The Pasco School District will host a booth and be providing student entertainment on the main stage. Come by our booth and visit us!
Schedule of events:
Sunday, May 1, 6-8 pm: Nuestra Belleza Pasco 2022 Pageant
Wednesday, May 4, 6-8 pm: Noche Cultural/ Cultural Night at Peanuts Park
Thursday, May 5, 6-8 pm: Art Exhibit at Salon Monte Carlo
Friday, May 6, 3-8 pm: Latin Fusion Friday on 4th and Lewis
Saturday, May 7: Parade will begin at 11 am followed by local entertainment from 1-4 pm on Columbia and 4th Street
Sunday, May 8, 12 -5 pm: Health Fair on 4th and Lewis
Seal of Biliteracy Exam
Attention parents of Pasco High School seniors! PSD is pleased to offer the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy to formally recognize 12th-grade students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English. Pasco High School and Chiawana High School will be offering the STAMP exam to current 12th-grade students who have met their ELA (English Language Arts) testing and credit requirements.
When: May 11
Where: Pasco High School and Chiawana High School
Learn more or pre-register online.