Kent School District December 2021
New in the Blue
We understand the holiday season can be a difficult time for some students, families, and staff members. We want to share some of the many local resources available to help anyone in need.
It's December, and that means it's Guest Teacher Appreciation Month. Thank you to all of our guest teachers who come in within a moment's notice to support and help our students learn and be successful. This month we will be highlighting guest teachers on our social media accounts. So follow us and see how you can be a part of Team KSD as a guest teacher.
Due to the scope of work required to evaluate the School Boundary Review Report recommendations provided by MGT Consulting Group, create implementation plans, and the unusual circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, additional boundary changes are postponed until the 2023-2024 school year.
Be In The Know
Families, students, staff, and community are invited to listen, learn and ask Kent School District leadership questions about the upcoming Renewal Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy Election on February 8, 2022.
New Board Members Tim Clark and Awale Farah
Welcoming New School Board Members Tim Clark and Awale Farah
A big warm welcome to our new school board members Tim Clark and Awale Farah. Tim and Awale will be formally sworn into the Kent School Board during the December 8 school board meeting. We also will be highlighting Tim and Awale in January's New in the Blue newsletter. Stay tuned to learn more about what Tim and Awale hope to accomplish in their new roles.
KSD Community News
In the November issue of the AASA School Administrator Magazine, the Kent School District Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Team was highlighted for their work in promoting the use of trauma-informed, social-emotional learning (SEL) and well-being strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knights of Columbus Coat Drive
The Knights of Columbus donated winter gear to the students at Panther Lake Elementary. Students were able to select options from a few different coats, hats, gloves, and more. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus, our Panther Lake staff, and the many community volunteers for making this event a success.
Announcements
Second Annual KSD Student Equity and Inclusion Survey
The second annual KSD Student Equity and Inclusion Survey will be open December 8-17, 2021. Students and families, please check email, social media, and district and school websites for more information in the coming days and weeks for this important opportunity for students to share their voice!

Native American/Alaska Native Education Program
Kent School District (KSD) participates in a Native American/Alaska Native Education Program funded by Federal Title VI Grant monies based on Native American student counts and administered through Student Services.

The program is designed to assist Native American students in meeting district and state academic standards. Our goal is for each native student to graduate high school and continue their education in post-secondary opportunities.

Families can learn more and complete the eligibility form through their school or our district website. Students may be eligible to participate in the Native American/Alaska Native Education Program if they are registered on a Title VI ED 506 Indian Student Eligibility Certification Form (PDF). It is not required that a student be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe if the parents or grandparents of the students are enrolled. There is no blood quantum required to enroll and participate in the program. This form only needs to be completed once for a student’s entire time in Kent School District.

Inclusive Education Week is December 6-10
KSD prides itself on equity and inclusion, and we strive to structure work and school environments on those principles. During Inclusive Schools Week, we recognize the importance of this observance and those who work to ensure each student has access to a quality education.

Skyward Maintenance December 21-28
There is no access to Skyward during winter break: Upcoming maintenance is required in December to keep our Skyward systems performing optimally. As a result, Skyward will be unavailable to all users starting Tuesday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 28. As a result, there will be no access to Skyward for all users during this time. This includes staff, Teacher Access, Student Access, Family Access, and IEP Online.

COVID-19 Safety FAQs
Keep up to date on important safety and operational updates related to COVID-19 Safety and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Calendar Highlights
Check our district calendar and your school's calendar for details and more upcoming events!
December: Guest Teacher Appreciation Month
December 1: Early Release
December 6-10: Inclusive Education Week
December 8: Early Release
December 8: School Board Meeting
December 15: Early Release
December 20-31: Winter Break - No School