Kent School District - January/February 2024

Kent Elementary Student Wins

Washington State Board of Education Coloring Contest

Congratulations to Kalei'i of Kent Elementary for winning the Washington State Board of Education coloring contest! This contest was to celebrate a full year since Snorkels the seal began venturing to schools and educational environments within our state. Kalei'i received cake and a visit from Snorkels for his entire class! They enjoyed their time singing happy birthday to Snorkels and celebrating both him and Kale'i.

Photos courtesy of Suyapa Lorenzo

Kent Laboratory Academy Leadership

Lends a Helping Hand

Middle school leadership students from Kent Laboratory Academy (KLA) sponsored a Winter Break food drive. They partnered with Communities In Schools of Kent (CISK) and Panther Lake Elementary to get the 'Holiday Food Bags' to families in need.

They collected approximately $1500 in donations and were able to fill 45 large grocery bags. They then delivered the 'Holiday Food Bags' to Panther Lake, where the bags were given to the families. The KLA leadership team did a fantastic job setting up the food drive and assembling the bags. Panther Lake families showed so much gratitude when they received them from the school. Students said, "Let's share with our neighbors and make an impact in our community!" 

Thank you to KLA leadership, Karen Hauck, and Suyapa Lorenzo, the CISK Site Coordinators who partnered in this collaboration.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Students from Carriage Crest Elementary created a mural celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students shared ideas on actions they could take to continue Dr. King's legacy while also sharing messages about how their lives have been changed because of the impactful work that Dr. King began. The hands on the mural also say, "I am part of the Dream." Incredible work, Coyotes, and thank you to Gail McConnell and Denise Smith for leading this great activity.

Thank You KSD School Board!

School Board members are essential in setting a vision and helping enact policies that keep student learning first, staff support high, and making sure Kent School District holds our promise of preparing every student for their future.

Thank you to our school board members, who continue to represent and care for our students, staff, and the wider Kent community!

Thank You Mentors!

January is also National Mentoring Month! Eighth grade student leaders at Mill Creek Middle School recently served as student-mentors to sixth grade students during an all day event. This event consisted of an assembly and break-out sessions that focused on the Power Within, a strengths based approach to empowering students to take ownership of their learning and personal growth. Great job to the student leaders for hosting a phenomenal event!

Powerful Connections:

Guest Paraeducator - Amandeep Kaur

Making connections with students as a guest staff member can be challenging, but it comes naturally for Amandeep Kaur, a current guest paraeducator within KSD. While at a previous assignment at Ridgewood Elementary, Kaur demonstrated just how effortlessly making connections with students comes to her. Guest principal for that day, Michael Cohen, said, "Kaur handled the whole situation amazingly. I'm not exaggerating when I say I have goosebumps at how well she works with them (students)." She did such a fantastic job that Cohen requested Kaur to return to support the students while the position remained open. Cohen also stated that "she exudes comfort and confidence with them, and they are clearly comfortable with her." Thank you, Amandeep, for your excellent work and for gracefully supporting our students and staff.

Join Us For A Financial Aid Support Night

Our College and Career Readiness team is hosting a districtwide Financial Aid Support Night on February 12 via Microsoft Teams. This event is available to students and families who are looking for support with completing the FAFSA and/or WASFA financial aid applications. Please visit the following link to attend this event: bit.ly/KSDFinancialAidSupportNight2024

Graduation Rates

The graduation rates in Kent School District have been progressively improving since 2014-15. The district’s graduation rate in 2023 was 90.7%, compared to the state’s overall graduation rate of 83.6%. There are many factors that support the graduation rate including our amazing teaching, administrative, and support staff. The district takes pride in its graduates and dedicated staff members who work tirelessly to ensure that students receive the quality education and essential skills they need to embark on successful career paths.

Electronic Report Cards

As we prepare for Spring Elementary Conferences, we want to remind our community that report cards are now delivered electronically through Skyward Family Access. If you need help logging into Skyward, please contact the main office of your student's school.

Hazel Health Services Available to All KSD Students

KSD's continued partnership with Hazel Health grants physical and mental health care to students at no cost to families. Learn more and sign up today.

February is Black History Month

We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating Black history within our nation, community, and schools. We will be highlighting our amazing Black community leaders, staff and students along with sharing Black history facts all month long!

February is CTE Month

CTE stands for Career and Technical Education and is one of the ways students can learn through hands-on activities and build pathways towards potential career options after high school. Learn more about the courses students can take and help us celebrate KSD's amazing CTE team!

National School Counseling Week is February 5-9

During this week, we highlight the amazing work school counselors do every day. School counselors work to maximize student success, promote access and equity for all students by helping to create a school culture of success for all.

PTA Founder's Day is February 17

The vision of Washington State PTA is, "Every child's potential becomes a reality." PTA provides various support to our students and staff throughout the district. KSD is grateful of our partnership with our PTA groups and the amazing things they do for our schools.

Presidents' Break is February 19-21

All KSD schools will be closed during the break. The Administration Center will also be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of Presidents' Day.

Elementary Conferences is February 26-March 1

Conferences offer an opportunity for families and teachers to communicate about academic progress, build a supportive partnership, and foster a two-way conversation between the family and teacher. Be sure to add this to your calendar!

Remember to Vote!

The February 2023 Special Election is right around the corner and ballots have been mailed to registered voters. There are three ways you can return your ballot. You can mail it in, return it to a ballot drop box, or visit a vote center. KSD encourages all registered voters to vote in all elections. Learn more today.

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!

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



February: Black History Month

February: CTE Month

February 5-9: National School Counseling Week

February 7: Two Hour Early Release

February 12: KSD Financial Aid Support Night

February 14: Two Hour Early Release

February 14: KSD Board Meeting

February 17: PTA Founders' Day

February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 19-21: Presidents' Break - No School

February 26-March 1: Elementary Conferences

February 28: Two Hour Early Release

February 28: KSD Board Meeting