School Announcements

Laser light causes scare at West Hills

A green laser light caused a scare this morning at West Hills Intermediate School.

During opening instruction this morning at West Hills, students in Lori Powell’s 5th grade classroom noticed a green light shining on her chest. Powell looked out a classroom window and realized the light was a green laser coming from the window of a nearby residence. Mrs. Powell immediately shut the classroom window blinds and moved students away from the window. She then evacuated her students to the library, and administrators instructed all other staff to close the window blinds in their rooms.

West Hills Principal Brenda Giesen contacted School Resource Officer Glen Hamby with the Pendleton Police Department, who responded immediately. Mrs. Powell was able to pinpoint the actual window of the home from where the light came, and Officer Hamby investigated. Officer Hamby discovered two young adults were playing with a green laser by shining it out their window, not realizing just how far it would reach and the scare it would cause. This morning’s cloudy conditions allowed the laser light to travel quite a ways through Mrs. Powell’s window.

Officer Hamby spoke to both young adults, who then contacted Giesen to express their profound apologies.

Students and staff were never in any danger during this morning’s incident, though a few were shaken. Giesen commended staff and students for following emergency procedures and directions during that time.

“I would also like to thank the Pendleton Police Department for their quick response to resolve this incident,” Giesen said. “Safety of our students is the top concern in the Pendleton School District, so we take every incident seriously and with caution.”

A letter explaining the incident to parents was sent home with students today.
 

Report school safety concerns

Students: Do you have a school safety concern, such as bullying, harassment, drug issues, suicide or other area of concern? Or parents, are you aware of a school safety issue that needs to be reported? Now there are several easy -- and anonymous -- ways to report school safety concerns.

  1. Call the anonymous Safe Schools Hotline: 541-966-3256.
  2. Download a PDF form for reporting a concern.
  3. Fill out the electronic form here on our web site.

Remember, it's important for everyone's safety at school to report these concerns. West Hills Intermediate School wants to make sure students, staff and parents know there are safe ways to do so.

Welcome to West Hills

A Positive Environment

Our classrooms are positive and nurturing environments where students and parents feel welcome.  All students will be challenged academically according to individual ability.  The social and emotional needs of the child will be integrated into the classroom instructional program.  Our staff will establish orderly routines and serve as models of positive interaction, stressing, cooperation and teamwork among children and each other.

Mission Statement

We believe in every student striving for success and are committed to providing opportunities for all to reach their highest potential.

We value uniqueness and individuality but also emphasize the importance of teamwork.

We strive to create a positive and stimulating environment where staff and students care for each other.

All staff and students will work together to help everyone reach their fullest potential.  Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.

The following character traits will be emphasized:

  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Caring
  • Trustworthiness
  • Fairness
  • Citizenship