CTE Month 2025
Pendleton High School Spotlight
Meet Abbey Prevot, Digital & Media Arts Teacher
What do you teach?
I teach Multimedia Art, Visual Design Basics, Digital Art and Studio/Advanced Studio Art. Multimedia Art is a beginning, general art course. Visual Design Basics focuses on the design aspect of the artistic world, geared towards client/customer relationships. Digital Art is an advanced class that focuses on digital photography and Adobe programs for graphic design. Studio and Advanced Studio Art are for students who work independently on art projects throughout the year.
In your classes, what is the CTE focus for the 24-25 school year?
I am still strengthening and refining the foundations of my CTE program, which are connections with industry partners and creating curriculum with real-world simulations and practice.
Students engage with industry professionals through field trips to creative workplaces, gaining insight into careers in arts and graphic design. Our industry partners include Pendleton Center for the Arts, BMCC, Master Printers and Creative Signs.
We encourage students to enter pieces in local and regional art shows. Finally, students work on real-world simulated design challenges through TSA (Technology Student Association) competitions.
How do you think CTE work in your school is making a difference for students?
The Digital & Media Art CTE Pathway helps students build their portfolios, develop professional skills and explore potential career paths. We focus on collaborative teamwork and the design thinking process to help students develop soft skills such as communication and creative problem solving.
At times, students design for real events or publications, such as Main Street Show’s program cover and the Pendleton School District Art Show poster. I have seen the skills gained through CTE help prepare students for any industry. I love how CTE helps my students think outside of the classroom and prepares them for the workforce.
What is something people may not know about CTE in schools?
CTE is a crucial step toward making education more practical and aligned with the real job market and workforce training. Looking back at my own high school and college years, I wish there had been stronger connections between education and industry, as I felt unprepared for the workforce upon graduation.
CTE bridges that gap, ensuring that we, as educators, equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for their future careers—because, quite simply, it just makes sense.
District Recommends New Sunridge Middle School Principal
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District School Board will be asked at their next board meeting to approve the recommendation to hire Angie Horton to be the new principal of Sunridge Middle School, effective July 1st, 2025.
Horton is currently a principal in the Warrenton Hammond School District. Horton has held Principal, Vice Principal, Behavior Support Classroom Teacher, and a 3rd Grade teacher positions in her district. Before her time in Warrenton, she was a Child Treatment Specialist at the Grande Ronde Child Care Centre in La Grande.
Mrs. Horton attended Wallowa High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration in 2001 from Eastern Oregon University, a master’s degree in Special Education in 2019 from Western Governor’s University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governor’s University in 2022.
Mrs. Horton will officially take over as principal on July 1st. She is replacing Principal, Piper Kelm, who is retiring effective June 30th.
CTE Spotlight – Thomas Feller
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School
2025 CTE Month Spotlight
Meet Thomas Feller, Senior at Pendleton High School
He is taking classes in Robotics.
What do you enjoy about your CTE classes at PHS?
I enjoy the teacher and the tech. I’ve learned a lot from this pathway. I learned how to run 3D printers here, and now I run my own printer and print things for myself and my friends/family.
How are CTE classes making a difference in your education?
They are furthering my knowledge in this field. I knew a decent amount of things, but these CTE classes have helped me a lot.
Would you like to share anything else about CTE at PHS?
I would encourage new students to take CTE classes. They are great hands-on classes and teach you a lot of things about modern technology. These classes are my favorite ones in my schedule.
CTE Spotlight – AJ Nez
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School
2025 CTE Month Spotlight
Meet AJ Nez, Senior at Pendleton High School
She is taking classes in the Digital and Media Arts Pathway.
What do you enjoy about your CTE classes at PHS?
I enjoy being able to express my creativity in my work and being able to be my most authentic self.
How are CTE classes making a difference in your education?
I get to have a break from all my schoolwork to work on art. It is stress relieving so I’m not so foggy minded.
Would you like to share anything else about CTE at PHS?
PHS art classes have been my absolute favorite. Before high school, I felt I hadn’t been able to learn much about art and I felt put in a box. But now, I have learned so much in art class, and I get to use my creativity. I got to learn photography and work with Adobe software, which has definitely broadened my ability by a ton, and I discovered yet another medium I enjoy.
CTE Spotlight – Gaige Jordan
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School
2025 CTE Spotlight
Meet Gaige Jordan, Sophomore at Pendleton High School
He has taken Metals 1 and Metals 2, plus Multimedia Art, Foods 1 and Robotics.
What do you enjoy about your CTE classes at PHS?
I like the different activities we get to do. I also like the teachers because they make the class interesting.
How are CTE classes making a difference in your education?
They are enhancing my current life skills and teaching me more life skills.
Would you like to share anything else about CTE at PHS?
I highly recommend all of the CTE classes, especially if you want to enhance or learn new skills.
Pendleton School District Announces Superintendent Selection
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a contract for Superintendent of the Pendleton School District has been offered to Dr. Michelle Jensen, of West Linn, Oregon.
Dr. Jensen is currently a Primary School Principal in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. She has worked in her current position since 2019. Previously, she worked in the Hermiston School District as a counselor from 2005 to 2014 and Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives from 2014 to 2016; and as a principal in the Hillsboro Oregon School District from 2016 to 2019.
Eleven individuals applied for the position, and the Board interviewed two finalists for the position on March 10. Dr. Jensen will assume the duties of Superintendent beginning July 1, 2025.
Dr. Douglas Nelson and Mrs. Heidi Sipe of McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. served as consultants in the search process. Mrs. Sipe will continue working with the Pendleton School District Board of Directors and Dr. Jensen in helping establish performance objectives for her.
CTE Spotlight – Abbey Prevot
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgCTE Month 2025
Pendleton High School Spotlight
Meet Abbey Prevot, Digital & Media Arts Teacher
What do you teach?
I teach Multimedia Art, Visual Design Basics, Digital Art and Studio/Advanced Studio Art. Multimedia Art is a beginning, general art course. Visual Design Basics focuses on the design aspect of the artistic world, geared towards client/customer relationships. Digital Art is an advanced class that focuses on digital photography and Adobe programs for graphic design. Studio and Advanced Studio Art are for students who work independently on art projects throughout the year.
In your classes, what is the CTE focus for the 24-25 school year?
I am still strengthening and refining the foundations of my CTE program, which are connections with industry partners and creating curriculum with real-world simulations and practice.
Students engage with industry professionals through field trips to creative workplaces, gaining insight into careers in arts and graphic design. Our industry partners include Pendleton Center for the Arts, BMCC, Master Printers and Creative Signs.
We encourage students to enter pieces in local and regional art shows. Finally, students work on real-world simulated design challenges through TSA (Technology Student Association) competitions.
How do you think CTE work in your school is making a difference for students?
The Digital & Media Art CTE Pathway helps students build their portfolios, develop professional skills and explore potential career paths. We focus on collaborative teamwork and the design thinking process to help students develop soft skills such as communication and creative problem solving.
At times, students design for real events or publications, such as Main Street Show’s program cover and the Pendleton School District Art Show poster. I have seen the skills gained through CTE help prepare students for any industry. I love how CTE helps my students think outside of the classroom and prepares them for the workforce.
What is something people may not know about CTE in schools?
CTE is a crucial step toward making education more practical and aligned with the real job market and workforce training. Looking back at my own high school and college years, I wish there had been stronger connections between education and industry, as I felt unprepared for the workforce upon graduation.
CTE bridges that gap, ensuring that we, as educators, equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for their future careers—because, quite simply, it just makes sense.
CTE Spotlight – Adrie Fisher
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School
2025 CTE Month Spotlight
Meet Adrie Fisher, Senior at Pendleton High School
She takes classes in Advanced Metals and Vet Science.
What do you enjoy about your CTE classes at PHS?
I have been in welding classes since Freshman year and I have really enjoyed learning not only how to weld, but also how to wire multiple types of switches and learning lots of mechanical skills. A main part of my SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) is bumper making and other small welding projects. With the bumpers, the customer buys the kit and I weld it. I have enjoyed the creative aspect of that as well as the business aspect.
In Vet Science I have enjoyed learning about animals and how to care for them. I get to do hands-on activities such as pregnancy checking, giving vaccines and suturing. The class is very informative about what veterinarians do, and I am learning things I can take with me whether I become a vet or not.
How are CTE classes making a difference in your education?
In welding I am learning a handful of different things. Electricity will always be a part of my daily life and doing a unit on wiring has helped me to better understand how electricity works. Also in Vet Science, I am learning skills that I can take into the real world, like learning the behaviors of animals.
Would you like to share anything else about CTE at PHS?
My advisors are great! They are very intelligent about what they are teaching. They want to do hands-on activities with us and give us all the help we can get so we have a better understanding of what we are learning. They make it so fun and bring all students out of their comfort zones and get them involved. All the CTE classes at PHS are amazing and bring so many people in.
CTE Spotlight – Karen Demianew
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School Spotlight
Meet Karen Demianew, Counselor at Pendleton High School
How does Karen support CTE at PHS?
Throughout her 27-year tenure at PHS, Karen has been a tireless champion of CTE, emphasizing the value of hands-on, practical education and its ability to provide students with real-world skills that enhance their readiness for the workforce. She has worked diligently to promote CTE as a viable and valuable option for all students, ensuring they can explore careers in fields such as healthcare, engineering, hospitality and tourism, multimedia arts, agriculture, and the trades.
How is her work making a difference for students?
Karen consistently demonstrates innovative approaches to career exploration and development. She has been instrumental in developing programs like Pendleton’s “School to Careers” that helps students explore a wide variety of careers through internships, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local businesses and industries.
Her ability to connect students with resources and opportunities outside the classroom has empowered them to make informed decisions about their futures.
The Pendleton School District Board of Directors Announces Finalists for Superintendent Interviews
/in News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgFebruary 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:
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.
CTE Spotlight – Bailey Sitts
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgPendleton High School
2025 CTE Month Spotlight
Meet Bailey Sitts, Engineering Instructor at Pendleton High School
What do you teach?
I teach the engineering pathway at PHS including Intro to Engineering Design, Digital Design and Production, Robotics and Aerospace.
In your classes, what is the CTE focus for the 24-25 school year?
My focus is to work further within the Oregon Employability Skills curriculum and to further our Career Technical Student Organization connection through TSA by having more focus on my own involvement and student competition attendance.
How do you think CTE work in your school is making a difference for students?
It is teaching students that all of the basics they have learned so far have a connection to real life. CTE is a wonderful bridge between basic education and technical skills that shows students how to apply what they’ve learned already to more specific and real circumstances while they explore their strengths and abilities before entering trade schools, the job market, military or college. CTE at PHS is making a difference by showing students they can do anything and that no job, school or skill is out of their reach.
What is something people may not know about CTE in schools?
As a CTE teacher, I hear that our classes are “just electives” all too frequently; CTE is more than just an elective. CTE in schools is a necessary connection between professionals in the field, community, and students that is intended to build community connections and bring industry standard knowledge into the classroom for students.
Most CTE teachers are brought in from industry to teach what they know and bring a higher level work ethic and expectation into the classroom that more closely mirrors a workplace than a traditional classroom.