Do you want to know something about America’s National Parks? Just ask a fourth-grade student at Washington Elementary. They recently completed a unit about the national parks, where they researched a specific park, created a presentation, and made a diorama of their park. The unit culminated with a visit from former National Park Director Chuck Sams.

Sams is Cayuse and Walla Walla and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). He was the first Native American to lead the National Park Service, serving in the role from 2021 to 2025. On Friday, April 10^th, he shared some of his experiences in that role with fourth graders at Washington Elementary.

Sams attended second through fourth grade at the previous Washington Elementary School. He said growing up, hearing his people’s creation stories of how humans were created helped forge his connection with the natural world.

During his tenure leading the National Park Service, Sams visited 132 national parks and many more National Park historic sites. He worked with more than 20,000 employees of the agency, which he really enjoyed.

“Each of our national parks is unique and special and has its own story to tell. You represent all that’s good about America; each of you owns our national parks, but are equally responsible for protecting them,” Sams said.

Washington fourth graders recently took a field trip to Fort Walla Walla and the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, and will visit Spring Creek, the Heritage Museum in Baker City, and the Sumpter Dredge before the end of the school year. Students’ park dioramas will be on display at the District Art Show, May 5-7, 2026, at the Pendleton Convention Center.

Kindergartners at the Pendleton Early Learning Center recently attended one of the school’s favorite events of the school year – the Salmon Field Trip. All the students visited the CTUIR (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation) Fisheries site on Mytinger Lane in Pendleton in April.

To prepare for the trip, PELC classroom teachers and Shawndine Jones, Umatilla Language Teacher, conduct lessons about salmon and lamprey and their life cycle and teach Umatilla language words about them.

At the field site, students view the salmon ponds and see live lamprey. The students can feed the salmon and have a chance to hold a lamprey. Staff at the fisheries site talk to the children about raising salmon, releasing them into local rivers, and about lamprey.

Angela Lattin, PELC Principal, said the field trip is highly engaging, and students who often struggle in the regular school setting find huge success on the trip. “This event brings together two worlds – Tribal history and culture alongside our modern changing society. Science, language arts, social studies, and Indigenous history are blended together in a high-quality memorable experience,” Lattin said. After the trip, students return to the classroom to write about the experience.

The PELC thanks the CTUIR Fisheries staff for their time and generosity in making the event possible.

Marty Campbell, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Pendleton High School, was honored by the Oregon FFA Association in March. He was selected by the Oregon FFA Executive Committee to receive the Honorary State FFA Degree.

Each year, the Oregon FFA Association recognizes individuals whose service and leadership have had a significant impact on agricultural education and FFA at the state level through the Honorary State FFA Degree. Educators nominated for this honor have demonstrated sustained commitment to student success, program growth, and the advancement of agricultural education across Oregon. While each educator’s impact is unique, the influence of their work on students, colleagues, and the broader FFA community is both meaningful and lasting.

“The Oregon FFA Association is strengthened each day by the dedication and commitment of exceptional agricultural educators who invest their time, expertise, and heart into developing students through classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), and FFA leadership opportunities. It is because of teachers like Marty Campbell that students gain real-world skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the school day,” stated the association’s press release.

About receiving the award, Campbell said, “I think the fact that this award is bestowed by my peers, it means a lot. Ag teachers are some of my best friends and biggest heroes, so to have them select me is pretty cool.”

The thing he enjoys most about being an FFA Advisor, Campbell said, is the students. “When I get to watch them walk on water, to see them do things they never imagined they could do, that’s pretty amazing.”

Marty received his Honorary State FFA Degree at the Oregon FFA State Convention on March 20, 2026, in Redmond.

The Honorary State FFA Degree is the highest recognition the Oregon FFA Association bestows upon its supporters and leaders.

PHOTO CAPTION
From left: Marty Campbell is pictured with his award and with fellow recipients of the Honorary State FFA Degree: Krysta Sprague (Scio), Allyssa Davies (Silvies River Academy) and Jamie Brentano (Bend) at the FFA State Convention on March 20, 2026.

About 550 students, parents, and families attended the PHS Forecasting Night at the end of February. The hallways were filled with 55 booths highlighting academic areas, elective classes, clubs, sports, activities, and community partners.

Attendees could get informed at a presentation in the PHS Auditorium, browse the booths, and enjoy dinner at one of three vendors — PHS Culinary Program Food Truck, The Dog House, and Panchitos.

PHS Principal Pat Dutcher said the event was a great success. “We appreciate all the families who joined us to plan with their students for success next school year. Family Forecasting Night is one of those Pendleton High School events that reminds us what we do all of this for. It’s a celebration of our students, our programs, and the people who make PHS special, while also giving families clear, practical information to help their students plan a strong path to graduation.”

Dutcher said he is incredibly grateful to Jill Gregg, ASPIRE Coordinator, who plans all of the logistics for the entire event and keeps everything running smoothly from start to finish. He also thanked PHS counselors Karen Demianew and Ron Murphy for their outstanding presentations that helped families make sense of course options and future planning. “And a special thanks to Maria Davis for leading our first-ever presentation in Spanish, which was a meaningful step in making sure every family feels welcomed, informed, and connected at PHS.”

Behind every safe, welcoming school is a dedicated maintenance and custodial team working tirelessly — often before the day begins and long after it ends.

From keeping our buildings clean and safe to responding quickly when challenges arise, their work ensures students and staff have spaces where learning can thrive. Their pride in our schools shows in every hallway, classroom, and shared space.

Thank you for the care, skill, and commitment you bring to our district each day. Our schools shine because of you! 

#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #ThankYouTeam