Positively Pasco: Issue #170
August 1, 2022
Amentum Donates $15K to Support STEM in Pasco Schools
Thank you, Amentum, for donating $15,000 to support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs in Pasco schools during the 2022-23 school year. John Heller, CEO of Amentum, and other leadership team members presented the district with a check, which will be used to support and enhance STEM initiatives in PSD STEM elementary schools. We are grateful for Amentum's support of STEM, as it creates opportunities for our students and their futures.
Questions About the February Bond?
Do you have questions about the upcoming bond? We have added frequently asked questions and answers to the Bond 2023 webpage to address questions asked by staff, students, and community members.
Be sure to vote by February 14, 2023!
Now Hiring Bus Drivers
Help drive Pasco students to success! Apply to be a bus driver and take advantage of the many benefits this rewarding job has to offer, including:
- Competitive Pay
- Full Benefits
- Training Provided
- Many Buses are Air-Conditioned
K-12 Registration Now Open
Online registration is available to enroll new students in grades K-12 for the 2022-23 school year! You can also find the important dates for the beginning of the school year below:
First day of School:
- August 30: Grades 1-6 & 9
- August 31: Grades 7-8 & 10-12
- September 1: Kindergarten
New Mental Health Hotline is Live
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has created a new 3-digit (988) dialing code that will connect callers to the national suicide prevention hotline for a mental health crisis. The number will be open to help those in crisis find the support and resources they need.
PSD Preschool Programs
Did you know PSD offers free preschool programs to qualifying families?
A good foundation in preschool can make a lasting difference in a child’s academic development. Research shows the earlier a student starts learning, the more successful they will be. Our preschool programs provide high-quality, equitable learning experiences to support the whole child.
If you’re interested, please complete our online interest form in English or Spanish so we see if you qualify and suggest what program is best for your child.
Chiawana STEM Club Hosts Summer Camp for Kids
On July 9, students from Chiawana High School’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is FEM (Fun, Engaging, and Motivating) club organized a Kids STEM Day at Edgar Brown Stadium. The inspiration for the camp came from Chiawana Junior Kaylie McGuckin, who recognizes the importance of helping children experience and have fun with STEM concepts and STEM Careers.
The day featured hands-on stations where students built rockets, operated robots, created origami, learned about health systems, designed NASA mission patches, made slime, planted seeds, and looked at specimens through a scanning electron microscope. Olivia Primera-Pedroza, a Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presented and shared her career journey, the Tri-Cities Rocketeers launched air rockets for participants, and McGuckin demonstrated how to make elephant toothpaste. Students interacted at each station and kept track of their experiences by collecting stickers, and prizes were awarded for those who completed each station.
Learn more about STEM is FEM and future activities by visiting the website.
Welcome, Jaime Silva, to his role as Principal of Chess Elementary School. Jaime’s experience includes working as the Principal of Fuerza Elementary School in Kennewick and Assistant Principal at MLK Elementary School in Vancouver, WA. He has also worked for PSD in several roles, including Assistant Principal at Captain Gray Elementary, Literacy Squared Facilitator, and an Elementary Bilingual/Dual Language Teacher at McGee, Emerson, Twain, Angelou, and Longfellow Elementary Schools.
Welcome, KC Bennion, to her role as Principal of Delta High School. KC's experience includes serving in many positions for PSD, including Assistant Principal at Chiawana High School, a Career Counselor at Chiawana and Pasco High Schools, and an Extended Day Coordinator, Guidance Specialist, and Time Out Room Aide at Pasco High School.
Welcome, Tony Langdon, to his role as Principal of McGee Elementary School. Tony's experience includes working as the Principal of Lincoln Elementary School and Sunset View Elementary Schools in Kennewick. He was also an Associate Principal for Morris Schott Elementary School, and a kindergarten and second-grade teacher for Mattawa Elementary School, in Mattawa, WA.
Welcome, Julia Dudley, to her role as Principal of McLoughlin Middle School. Julia’s experience includes serving in several positions for PSD, including Assistant Principal, Behavior Intervention Specialist, and science teacher at Pasco High School. She also worked as a science teacher for Eagle Point School District.
Welcome, Dora Noble, to her role as Principal of Whittier Elementary. Dora’s experience includes serving in many positions for PSD, including Principal of Chess Elementary, Assistant Director of Special Programs-Literacy Squared, Assistant Principal of Robinson and Twain Elementary, Literacy Coach and Descubriendo La Lectura teacher at Frost Elementary, and as a third and fourth-grade bilingual spectrum teacher at Livingston Elementary.
Family Field Day at Chiawana High School
Are you looking for a family-friendly FREE activity this summer? Attend the Pasco Police Family Field Day on Saturday, August 6, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Chiawana High School. You will enjoy sports events, training, and a corn hole tournament. There will also be community booths (including PSD, so come say hi) and food vendors.
When: Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m. -1 p.m.
Where: Chiawana High School, 8125 W Argent Rd., Pasco
Register for field day activities, fun for all ages.
Community Members Invited to Share Info at All Staff Expo & Rally
We are hosting our annual Welcome Back Expo & Rally, where over 2,500 PSD employees will gather to kick off the 2022-23 school year! The Expo is an excellent opportunity for local businesses or organizations to highlight their offerings.
When: Monday, August 29, 2022, 7 – 10 a.m.
Where: Edgar Brown Stadium, 725 N. 18th Ave., Pasco
Cost: $50 non-profit, $100 for profit organization
Downtown Pasco Fiery Foods Festival
Join Downtown Pasco Development Authority on their annual event focusing on celebrating different cultures by sharing a wide variety of delicious and exotic foods. The day’s activities include exciting competitions like the Food Truck Faceoff and a hot pepper eating contest.
When: Saturday, September 10, 2022
Pasco Farmers Market: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fiery Foods Festival: 3-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pasco 4th and Lewis St.
S.H.A.K.E. School Supply Drive
Looking for a way to help kids and give back to the community? The nonprofit S.H.A.K.E. (Seniors Helping All Kids' Education) is running a school supply drive through August 10 and will donate supplies to schools throughout the Tri-Cities, including Pasco. The full list of items needed can be found on our website.
Donations can be dropped off M-F from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the PSD Booth Building at 1215 W. Lewis St., Pasco. Thank you for supporting local students!