Pullman School District Monthly Newsletter
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In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our school district is proud to celebrate the diverse and vibrant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. From September 15 to October 15, we will highlight the cultural richness and historical significance of these communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse heritage that enriches our school community.
Join us in commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month!
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At Pullman Public Schools, we know that coming to school every day is one of the most important habits your child can develop. That’s why improving attendance is one of our district goals this year!
When students show up regularly, they:
- Stay connected with teachers and friends
- Keep up with learning and build strong skills
- Develop routines that support success now and in the future
We’re working to make every school a welcoming and engaging place, celebrating students’ efforts to improve attendance and supporting families when challenges arise. Small steps, like arriving on time and attending consistently, make a big difference over the year.
How Families Can Help:
- Talk with your child about why being at school matters.
- Create consistent routines for mornings and bedtime.
- Let your school know if obstacles come up so we can work together on solutions.
Together, we can make every day count and ensure every student feels supported, connected, and ready to learn!
Resources:
OSPI, in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health, has released a new health infographic adapted from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. This easy-to-use tool helps guide decisions about when students should stay home due to symptoms and when it's safe for them to attend school.
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Stay informed and engaged with "Board Bulletin," a section of our monthly newsletter featuring updates from our School Board. Each month, we’ll share key highlights from board meetings, important decisions, and a message from the Board to keep you connected to the work shaping our schools. |
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Celebrating the achievements of our students, staff, and leaders making an impact in our schools and community. |
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School districts are required to provide the list of annual notifications to families each school year. They can be read in their entirety on the district webpage or you can call the school district office (509.332.3581) to request that a packet of all notifications be mailed to you. |
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October 10: No School for All Students - This is a professional learning day for teachers.
- Community Connections Hosted by Pullman School District
- Pullman School District Board of Directors is Hosting a Community Listening Session
- PHS Orchestra Presents: "Disney & Desserts"
- October 22 is Unity Day
- PHS Fall Drama Production: Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter
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We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman. To that end, the district will actively seek applicants who best meet the needs of the district. |
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We want to highlight the Teen Health Hub WA, a free and trusted online resource from the Washington State Department of Health. Created with input from youth across the state, this “one-stop shop” is designed especially for teens and young adults — and their families.
Inside the Hub, you’ll find easy-to-understand, youth-friendly information and links on a wide range of important health topics: mental and emotional wellness, sexual and reproductive health, relationships, navigating medical care, and more.
Created with input from youth across the state, this “one-stop shop” is designed especially for teens and young adults — and their families.
The Teen Health Hub is also available in Spanish.
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On July 17, 2025, the federal government shut down the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork. This specialized line launched in 2022 as part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It provided crisis support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) teens and young adults ages 13–24.
The crisis counselors who operated this line received training in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth, and many of them were LGBTQIA2S+ themselves. This made the line a safe and affirming space for teens and young adults to get help with thoughts of suicide, substance use concerns, mental health crises, and other emotional distress.
The shutdown of this important service has left many young people and those who support them wondering where to turn for help. But in Washington, LGBTQIA2S+ teens and young adults still have several options for affirming and compassionate support—including the 988 Lifeline.
The 988 Lifeline continues to support all people in need of crisis services, and all of Washington’s 988 Lifeline crisis counselors get specialized training in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ people, including teens and young adults. Since the LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork shut down, all 3 of Washington’s 988 Lifeline crisis centers have added training for crisis counselors specific to LGBTQIA2S+ youth cultural humility and challenges often experienced by LGBTQIA2S+ youth, including mental health and substance use concerns.
Other resources for LGBTQIA2AS+ teens and young adults include:
The Washington State Department of Health remains committed to supporting LGBTQIA2S+ teens and young adults, along with all people in need.
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Pullman Public Schools is proud to provide a Community Resources guide, featuring local programs and services that support students, families, and caregivers—from childcare and counseling to housing, senior care, health services, and more. These resources are organized by topic for easy browsing. You can view the full guide or search by category to find what fits your family’s needs.
Visit the guide at the link below to explore and connect with the support that’s available in our area.
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Join the Pullman School District Board of Directors for an open dialogue at our upcoming Community Listening Session!
Join the Pullman School District Board of Directors for a listening session focused on strengthening our schools and community. The session will be organized into three groups: Elementary, Middle School, and High School, with guiding questions in three key areas:
- Family Engagement
- Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Communication
Your voice matters! At the end of the session, participants will be invited to share additional feedback through a community survey.
Our School Board values your input and looks forward to hearing from you! If you have questions about the upcoming Community Listening Session, please reach out to our District Office by email at info@psd267.org or by phone at (509) 332-3581.
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At the September 10, 2025 Regular Board meeting, the Pullman School District Board of Directors received reports from Franklin Elementary School highlighting the Fox Den and Fox Minds Matter, Pullman High School's ASB, an update from Pullman High School on their ALE and Summer School program, a Linewize technology update, and a compliance update from Superintendent Bob Maxwell. The Board also reviewed and discussed policies on student discipline and civility in the workplace.
Read the full agenda at the link below:
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At the September 24, 2025 Regular Board meeting, the Pullman School District Board of Directors received a report on the Highly Capable Services program, and discussed topics including the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Task Force appointment, the 2025–26 Board professional development plan, adult school meal prices, and a pool use agreement with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.
The Board also took action to update officer roles. Outgoing Board President, Director Nathan Roberts, and Vice President, Director Amanda Tanner, stepped down from their officer positions. Per the rotation outlined in Board Procedure 1210P, the Board elected Director Arron Carter as the new Board President and Director Lisa Waananen Jones as Vice President.
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You can view the Pullman School District Board of Directors meeting schedule on our website. Board meetings are conducted at Pullman High School in the Board Room starting at 6:30pm and are open to the public. If you are interested in engaging with the school board during the public comment section, please visit our website for more information.
We make every effort to post board meeting packets prior to 5:00pm on the Friday before a board meeting. Please note that the most updated version of a board packet is posted online. No updates are made the 24 hours prior to a board meeting.
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District Article Submitted by: Bob Maxwell, Superintendent
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Board Article Submitted by: Lisa Waananen Jones, Board Director District 2
Principal Article Submitted by: Pam Brantner, Sunnyside Elementary Principal
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Congratulations to Melissa Mayer, our incredible Business & Marketing teacher and DECA advisor, for being named as the 2025 Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Teacher of the Year!
The Washington ACTE Teacher of the Year Award recognizes the finest Career and Technical Education teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students, and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
We are incredibly proud of Melissa Mayer for being selected to receive this achievement and for the positive impact Melissa has had on our students and school community!
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Pullman Public Schools is proud to celebrate Jill Bickelhaupt, PHS Family/Consumer Science Teacher & CTE Director, who has been named the 2025 Washington Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Educators (WA-FACSE) Outstanding Administrator of the Year.
This award honors administrative CTE professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting teacher and student success. Award recipients are recognized for their innovative and effective contributions to Career and Technical Education and Family and Consumer Sciences programs at the school, district, and state levels.
We congratulate Jill on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her outstanding service to our students and community!
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From all of us at Pullman Public Schools, we extend our congratulations to Pullman High School senior Abby Wu on being selected as the 2025–26 student representative for the Washington State Board of Education!
We are proud of Abby’s accomplishments and know she will represent students across Washington with excellence.
Learn more about Abby at the link below:
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This honor highlights Sunnyside’s commitment to building strong professional learning communities (PLC) where collaboration, data-driven instruction, and a shared focus on student success are at the heart of their work. Promising Practices is a step toward becoming a Model PLC at Work school. |
Thank you to the Nez Perce Tribe for their generous $9,500 donation to Pullman Public Schools!
This support will allow our district to strengthen our practices and pedagogy as we implement the Since Time Immemorial curriculum more deeply across our classrooms. It will also enhance our fifth-grade outdoor education program, giving students opportunities to develop a richer understanding and respect for the history, traditions, and stewardship of the land that has always been central to the Nez Perce people.
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Pullman Public Schools extends heartfelt gratitude to Emmanuel Baptist Church for their generous $5,000 donation to help pay down student meal debt. Thanks to their support, families in our district will experience less financial stress and greater peace of mind. Most importantly, their gift helps us uphold the dignity of every student—ensuring they can focus on learning and thriving in a positive school environment. |
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Thank you to Gesa Credit Union of Pullman for their generous annual donation of $5,000 to Pullman Public Schools.
Their support directly benefits students across our district by expanding meaningful learning opportunities and providing the resources needed for success.
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We would like to recognize the following employees for their many years of service:
10 YEARS
- Sandy Coulter
- Mimi Dissmore
- Ryan Dunlap
- Rachel Handley-Chartrand
- Matt Heiszler
- Courtney Hodge
- Ann Lee
- Robin McDougle
- Stephanie Rudd
- Kelly Schultheis
- Barb Travis
- Kim Turner
- Dom Ventresco
- Erin Willy
- Penny Zimmerman
- Sarah Zylstra
20 YEARS
- Sandra Casanova
- Adam McPherson
- Jill Patera
- Tammy Storey
- Jodi Winchell
FROM ALL OF HERE AT PULLMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE!
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Notifications:
- Academic Acceleration Policy
- Admission Requirements
- Annual Summary of Pesticide Use
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines
- ASB Activities Reports
- ASB Opportunity Gap Reduction Plan
- ASB Financial Reports
- Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Inspection Report
- Assessment Plan
- Child Find
- Community Resources for Families
- CTE Nondiscrimination Notice
- Diplomas/Transcripts Withheld on the Basis of Outstanding Fees/Fines
- District Policy for Waiving and Reducing ASB Fees
- Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Excused and Unexcused Absences
- Explanation of Roles & Responsibilities of Safety and Security Staff
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Federal Program Notifications
- FERPA Directory Notification
- Food and Snack Policy & Approved Snack List for Classroom Events
- Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) and Discrimination Information
- Home Language Survey
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- Immunizations Required for School Attendance
- Language Access Plan
- Learning by Choice – Student Enrollment Options in Washington State
- Maintenance of Grounds and Integrated Pest Management (Pesticides applied on a regular basis)
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Students- Annual Notifications
- Media Opt-Out Information
- Non-Discrimination Policy
- Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
- Public Records Act (PRA)
- Right to Request Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
- Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy
- Title I – Parental Involvement Policy
- Tobacco Free Environment – Policy Related to Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices
- Washington State Office of Education Ombuds
- Water Quality in Our Schools
- Pullman School District Wellness Committee
If you have any questions regarding any of these notifications, please contact your student's school office, or the district office at 509.332.3581 or email info@psd267.org
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Unity Day, started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center as the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month continues to grow every year as a tangible representation of the universal message that our society wants to promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion to prevent bullying. Plan to support the event by participating in the simple call to action—wear and share the color orange.
Why the color orange? Unity Day is celebrated in October, and orange is a color commonly identified with the month and the autumn season. It is also a color that is associated with safety and visibility. It is a color described as warm and inviting, and its vibrancy makes an impactful statement.
For more information about Unity Day and bullying prevention, visit PACER’s website at:
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Pullman Public Schools’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force invites you to our first Community Connections event on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Jefferson Elementary (1150 NW Bryant St, Pullman, WA 99163).
This event brings together families, students, and community organizations to connect, share resources, and build community.
- Keynote Session: Parent Resource Partnership - Information for families with students who have—or may need—an IEP or 504 plan.
- Flu Shots Available: CHAS Health will be on site to provide flu shots. Please bring your insurance card. No insurance? A sliding fee option is available (based on income & family size, self-reported).
- Community Resources: Meet with organizations including Whitman County Public Health, Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Community Action Center, Pullman Transit, United Way of Whitman County, Boys & Girls Club, Palouse EDJE, and more!
We would love to see you there—come explore local resources and connect with others in our community!
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Join PHS Orchestra for an afternoon of Disney tunes, character visits, and desserts!
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm (doors open at 1:30pm)
Location: Pullman High School (510 NW Greyhound Way)
$5 for students and seniors; $10 for adults. All ages welcome. Tickets sold at door (cash, check, or card).
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT PHS ORCHESTRA
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
PHS.ORCHESTRA.267@GMAIL .COM
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Don’t miss Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter — a brand-new play that’s equal parts funny and gothic. Think Pride and Prejudice meets Scooby-Doo in this spooky, smart, and laugh-out-loud comedy!
Location: Pullman High School (510 NW Greyhound Way)
Dates and Show Times:
- November 6, 7:00pm
- November 7, 7:00pm
- November 8, 2:00pm and 7:00pm
- November 13, 7:00pm
- November 14, 7:00pm
- November 15, 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Tickets: $5 Student and $10 Adult
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We are in need of:
- 1st Grade Teacher (Leave Replacement - KES)
- Building Paraeducator (SES)
- Special Education Paraeducators
- 0.8FTE Speech Language Pathologist (Leave Replacement)
- Head Cook (KES)
- Regular Route Bus Drivers
- 1.0FTE Occupational Therapist
- Bus/Equipment Mechanic
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Coaches/Advisors:
- Assistant Boys Basketball Coach (LMS)
- Assistant Girls Basketball Coach (LMS)
- Head Wrestling Coach (LMS)
- Pokémon Club Advisor (LMS)
- Spirit Club Advisor (LMS)
- Yearbook Club Advisor (LMS)
- Drama Club Advisor (LMS)
- Assistant Boys Swim Coach (PHS)
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We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman.
To submit an employment application, click the button below.
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If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:
- Emergency Substitute Teacher
- Substitute Custodian
- Substitute Nutrition Services Staff
- Substitute Paraeducator
Please apply for these positions online at:
If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:
- Substitute Bus Driver
- Substitute Nurse
Please pick up an application at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St).
Questions about employment with Pullman School District?
Contact: Dagny Myers
Phone: (509) 332-3581 | Email: dmyers@psd267.org
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The Pullman School District Board of Directors and the Pullman School District shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities programs without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Assistant Director of Special Services (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org. 240 SE Dexter Street, Pullman, WA 99163. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application process by contacting the Personnel Coordinator at (509) 332-3584. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: https://www.pullmanschools.org/hib-discrimination
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