Kent School District - February 2024

At the board meeting on February 14, 2024, the Kent School District Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 1665 Capital Projects and Technology Replacement Levy for the April 23, 2024 ballot. Listed below are a few of the projects and technology systems these funds currently support and are necessary to continue the Kent School District mission of successfully preparing all students for their futures.

Teaching & Learning Tools

• Complete Microsoft platform - includes Outlook (district email system), Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Teams - online meetings, video, chat, project management, Microsoft security suite.
• Skyward - student information system. Families can access grades, email a teacher, find their student's report card, report an absence, and much more. This system is an integral part of how student information is managed.
• Canvas - student learning management system: course materials, communication tools, participation and grades. This tool is necessary to provide education to students.

Modernize Infrastructure

• Phone system updates.
• Classroom voice amplification system so that all students can hear the teacher.
• Intercom system - 50% of our schools' intercom system provides communication of information to students and staff in the school building, including safety situations.
• Updated disaster recovery system for ransomware protection.
• Updated infrastructure capable of connecting devices faster and more securely.

We invite you to learn more about how these replacement funds support our students and their learning environments and our staff as they prepare students for real-world jobs and life beyond high school.

Photo Courtesy of Addison A.

Working Towards a Better Future

Kentridge Student Implements New Mental Health Club

George Foreman once said, "Filling a need is not merely good business; it's a basic attitude towards life. If you see a need, do whatever you can to meet that need." That is precisely what a junior running start student at Kentridge High School, Addison A., is doing. She has always been interested in the topic of mental health and dealing with mental health issues herself and with her peers; she was curious to find resources to help make a change in her community. This led her to apply to the student advisory committee for the Providence Foundation's non-profit Work2BeWell (W2BW) program. Their website states that W2BW is a "mental health and wellness program focused on providing mental health resources and education for teens, parents, and educators." Their goal is to "promote teen wellness across the country, and work to normalize the conversation about mental health and reduce the stigma that surrounds it." Addison is one of 39 students selected nationwide to be on the student advisory committee and a part of the education team. She also recently started Washington's first W2BW club at Kentridge. "I wanted to create a club where students can meet on a more intimate level with other students who understand and can relate to their struggles," Addison shared. The club recently implemented the anxiety module from W2BW's resources to help students prepare for first-semester finals. Addison gave a presentation, and the club made slime afterward as a coping mechanism to help them destress. "We want to present the information and then do something fun associated with the curriculum we're introducing," she said. Addison hopes to have W2BW implemented throughout KSD and encourages her peers to remain curious and wanting to know more. She also urges adults to listen to the teenagers in their lives who may need help or support. Keep up the great work, Addison!

Northwood Students Shine Bright on Stage!

Northwood Drama put on a great production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. It was the first time many students were introduced to theater, and the passion for it was evident through their performance. Great job to adviser Brittany Todd and everyone involved!

Jessica A. Named 4A NPSL Most Valuable Player

Congratulations to Kentwood's (KW) Jessica A., on this great honor! This recognition is voted on by coaches throughout the league and speaks greatly to the teammate and athlete Jessica is. She is a junior guard for the KW Conquerors with great potential! We are KSD proud of you, Jessica!

Creating Opportunities for Students to Grow

Amber Gonzalez: Teacher Librarian and

Technology Integration Specialist

Going to the library is an experience the students at Sawyer Woods Elementary look forward to, thanks to the great science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lessons and activities planned by Teacher Librarian and Technology Integration Specialist (TLTIS) Amber Gonzalez. She was inspired to begin teaching STEM activities with her students after participating in the many excellent professional development opportunities provided by the KSD Digital Learning team. "I love that the library is a space where we can experiment with these concepts a little more freely. Being able to introduce kids to things that might be their next passion or even someday, their career is a joy," Amber said. When asked how they enjoyed these activities, student Layla S. said, "We get to learn how to be a person who engineers and have fun at the same time." Amber also says she enjoys the "ability to help connect students to tools and resources that help them be successful in elementary school and beyond." Providing students the opportunity to learn with STEM is important to Amber because she believes it can instill a passion for innovation, creativity, and collaboration and develop digital literacy and perseverance skills. Amber said, "It helps prepare students for their future because all of these ideas are critical to their education and careers." Thank you, Amber, for your phenomenal work to successfully prepare students for their futures.

Byron Strang Named Regional Middle-Level Activities Adviser of the Year

Congratulations Byron Strang, high school leadership teacher and ASB adviser at Kent Laboratory Academy! Byron believes that, "everyone has the capacity to be a leader. As an ASB adviser, it is my role to remove any barriers that keep students from being able to participate in leadership activities." Thank you Byron for your hard work and commitment to students.

Jordan Nero Named 4A NPSL Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Kentwood's Girls Basketball coach, Jordan Nero! He was selected amongst his peers as the 4A NPSL Coach of the Year. Coach Nero has been coaching at KW for 13 years and this is his sixth year as the Girls Varsity Head Coach. The program's motto is, "Hard Work Pays Off," and indeed it has. The KW Conquerors head to the WIAA State Tournament this weekend. Congratulations Coach Nero and good luck!

Kent Area Council PTSA Clothing Bank

In celebration of PTA Founder's Day, KSD highlights the amazing work being done through the Kent Area Council PTSA Clothing Bank. Our fantastic partners provide clothing to the children of KSD and we are grateful for their partnership and support. The clothing bank is currently located at 317 Fourth Ave S, Kent, WA 98032. They will be open on the following dates and times: March 7 and March 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Preparing Students to be Global Citizens

We believe all students can learn, be successful, and graduate prepared for their futures. Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is a huge part of achieving this goal. CTE provides students access to learn college and career readiness skills aligned with state and national standards, academic subject matter taught with relevance to the real world, employability skills, and career pathways that link secondary and post-secondary education. Their goal is to prepare all students for their futures by helping them build strong foundations in academic and social learning and providing high-quality CTE opportunities for students to explore their passions and strengths.

February is Black History Month

Throughout KSD, students are sharing facts about Black History. Kent-Meridian High School's Black Student Union and Civil Rights Club partnered together to share 29 Black historical figures on social media. This was one way they brainstormed to educate their fellow classmates and school community. Awesome job, Royals!

Daniel Elementary's Walking Bus

Counselors go above and beyond to help students succeed. A perfect example is Marek Bruckner. Each morning she meets students at a nearby apartment complex and walks them the mile to school. Multiple staff also support in this effort. Thank you Marek and Daniel Elementary staff for going above and beyond for students!

Music in Our Schools Month

The National Association for Music Education has designated March as Music in our Schools Month. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children.

Education Support Professionals Week

March 11-15 is Educational Support Professionals Week! Our mission, "successfully preparing all students for their futures" is made possible with the tremendous contributions of our educational support professionals.

National Women's History Month

KSD celebrates the vital role of women in American History during March. Join us as we share facts about these roles and impacts during Women's History Month.

National Nutrition Month

During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year's theme is, "Beyond the Table."

KSD is Hiring!

Become a substitute teacher, or paraeducator member in KSD! 

We have immediate openings for these positions. Learn more about the requirements and apply to join Team KSD today!

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Remember to spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 10.

Register to Vote

Have you registered to vote? The deadline to register or update your registration online or by mail for the March Presidential Primary Election is Monday, March 4. Election day is Tuesday, March 12. KSD encourages all registered voters to vote in all elections. Learn more today!

Check our district calendar and your school's calendar for details and more upcoming events!

The 2024-2025 Calendar is now available!



March: Music in Our Schools Month

March: National Women's History Month

March: National Nutrition Month

March 1: Last Day of Elementary Conferences

March 2: Read Across America Day

March 6: Two Hour Early Release

March 8: No School - Teacher Workshop Day

March 10: Daylight Savings Time Begins

March 11-15: Education Support Professionals Week

March 13: Two Hour Early Release

March 13: KSD Board Meeting

March 20: Two Hour Early Release

March 27: Two Hour Early Release

March 27: KSD Board Meeting