Soft starts are planned for some PSD students

By on Monday, July 19th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – While the Pendleton School District waits for the final guidance from the Oregon Department of Education due this Thursday, the first day of school has already been set. It will be Tuesday, Aug. 31. Superintendent Chris Fritsch says that first week will include a soft start for kindergarteners and first graders so they can get familiarized with their new schools

“It gives us a chance to get to meet them,” Fritsch said. “With fewer kids you can get some individualized attention.”

Meanwhile, Sunridge Middle School is new to sixth grade students, and Pendleton High School is new to ninth graders. Fritsch said before the first day of school, targeted groups will be brought together to familiarize those students with their new learning environments.

“When that first day hits, they will have made a connection with some adults in the building and they know the building,” Fritsch said.

Details of the soft starts will be communicated to the applicable families in the near future.