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Principal’s Message
Welcome to Jefferson Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year. I am excited to announce that I am the proud Principal of 328 students, 48 staff members, and numerous family and community members. This will be my tenth year in education and I am thrilled to work alongside all of you this school year
At Jefferson, we are a "Kids-At-Hope" school. What does that mean, you may ask. That means that we believe that every child is capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS! There are three universal truths of "kids at hope." We believe that children succeed when they are surrounded by adults who believe they can succeed. We connect because we believe children succeed when they have meaningful and sustainable relationships with caring adults. And we time travel. Children succeed when they can articulate their future in four domains: home and family; education and career, community and service; and hobbies and recreation. Kids at Hope is not just a belief, but rather a cultural belief here at Jefferson.
Next, I would like to take this time to share a bit about myself with all of you. I grew up in Colfax, WA (15 minutes from Pullman) and completed my K-12 education there. After graduating high school, I went to Nampa, ID to pursue an elementary education degree at Northwest Nazarene University. I graduated in May 2016 and went on to teach 5th grade at Iowa Elementary in Nampa, ID. During my time teaching, I returned to school and got my Educational Administration degree from Grand Canyon University in November 2019. After spending almost 10 years in the greater Treasure Valley, I decided it was time to come "home." In July 2021, I came to Pullman and served as assistant principal for three years between Jefferson, Franklin, and Kamiak Elementary. This is my second year as principal at Jefferson! I absolutely LOVE being a Jaguar. |
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I live in Colfax with my husband Ryan, our (almost) two year old daughter, Charlotte, and our golden-doodle, Maggie. I loved growing up within Whitman County and am excited to raise my daughter in the community that meant so much to me growing up.
Thank you for sharing your child with us. I am excited to team up with each of you to support your child as you have entrusted us with their education. Please know that you can reach out at anytime with any questions, concerns, or just to chat. The phone number at Jefferson is (509) 332-2617. You can also reach me at kwinningham@psd267.org I am looking forward to a wonderful year of growing and learning together. |
Sincerely,
Kelsey Winningham
Principal, Jefferson Elementary
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Assistant Principal’s Message
Greetings,
My name is Jake Gion, and I’m thrilled to join the Jefferson community! I grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in eastern Montana and earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montana State University. I began my career as a high school social studies teacher before moving into administration. This year marks my 15th in school leadership, most recently serving at Pullman High School.
I believe deeply in the power of collective efficacy—the shared belief among educators that through collaboration and commitment, we can make a meaningful difference in student learning. I’m excited to support a culture where every child is known, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
My wife, Shanny, is a professor in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho, and we have three children: Carter, Jessa, and Adrian. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching sports, and spending time with my family.
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| Important Reminders |
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Drop Off & Pick Up Reminders
School begins at 8:20 AM Tuesday-Friday. On Monday, school begins at 8:50 AM. We release at 2:50 PM. As a reminder, if you are dropping your student off in the morning or picking them up in the afternoon, please do not pull in front of the s chool. This is a bus only loading zone. Pick up and drop off zone is prior to the Jefferson Elementary sign where there is a large over-hang. We are asking all families to refrain from using the bus loop in front of the school unless you are parking for a meeting OR if you have an ADA handicap sign. Please reach out with any questions.
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Attendance
If your child is not going to be at school, please make sure to call 509-332-2617 or email jes-info@psd267.org to excuse them. As a reminder, if you have an extended vacation planned, please speak with our attendance secretary about filling out an extended absence form. This form is required prior to an absence exceeding three days.
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| Around Jefferson |
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Open House August 25, 2025
Please join us for Open House on August 25th. This is a great opportunity for you, your family, and your student to meet their teacher for this upcoming school year. Transportation, Nutrition Services, and PTA will all be in attendance to answer any additional questions you may have. As a reminder, open house for Kindergarten is from 4:30-5:30. Grades 1-5 will have open house from 5:30-6:30.
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Wednesday Mornings with Mrs. Winningham
 For our second year, I am excited to have an opportunity to spend time learning more about you, your student, and answer any questions you may have. A few times during the 25- 26 school year, I am offering a time to come in to the school, enjoy a donut + coffee and spend time discussing activities going on around the school. The first Wednesday with Mrs. Winningham will be on September 17 from 8:00 AM- 9:00 AM. This is a time for parents/guardians to spend time with Mrs. Winningham. Those with little ones (not school aged), please feel free to bring them with you! Please ensure that you have dropped off your child at school before coming in to the office for Wednesday's with Winningham. |
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Upcoming Events
8.11 Class Placement sent out via Parent Square
8.25 Open House
--- 4:30-5:30 (Kindergarten)
--- 5:30-6:30 (grades 1-5)
8.27 First Day of School (1st-5th)
9.1 Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
9.2 First Day of Kindergarten
9.11 Wednesday with Winningham
---8:00-9:00 AM
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