Kent School District May 2022
New in the Blue
May 2-May 6 is Teacher Appreciation Week! Their amazing work done in the classroom every day is the reason for our students' success. Join us to celebrate our fantastic educators by sending your teacher a message of thanks, shouting them out on social media and tagging KSD, or telling them how much you appreciate them. Check out this video of Anna Nguyen, a senior at Kent Laboratory Academy, going to teachers who have impacted her and sharing her thanks.
On Wednesday, April 20, during a special board meeting, our Kent School District (KSD) Board of Directors selected Mr. Israel Vela as KSD's next superintendent. Mr. Vela was chosen after an extensive superintendent search process conducted by McPherson and Jacobson, LLC that culminated in three finalists visiting our district and participating in virtual interviews, staff meetings, and town halls. All stakeholders were invited to attend meetings, ask questions, and provide feedback by completing a survey or emailing the school board directly.

The Board of Directors and Mr. Vela are beginning contract negotiations. His tenure will begin as soon as negotiations are complete.
COVID-19 Update
As a follow-up to the March communication, we have been navigating this pandemic with flexibility and resourcefulness, and I commend our students, families, staff, and community for continuing to stay strong. As we look to finish the school year strong, at this time, there will be no changes to the current COVID-19 mitigation strategies.  
This Months Happenings
Join us on May 11 to celebrate our amazing nurses. Nurses in KSD are the foundation of the health and wellness of our students and staff. They have been the most critical piece to us being able to open safely over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember to thank your school nurses for all they do and help us celebrate on social media during this day by tagging KSD with a picture of you and your school nurse.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and we recognize the many generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans who have enriched our schools, community, and country. Please join us in appreciating and celebrating the culture and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans in our incredible community.
We have some exciting theatre productions in Kent School District that we are very eager to share with you all! Kentridge, Kentwood, Kentlake, and Kent-Meridian drama programs, are putting on productions in the musicals, Catch Me If You Can, Mama Mia, Gypsy The Musical, and Unstable Connection, respectfully. We hope to see our community there!
Save the Date for Graduation!
KSD graduations are happening in person this year at the ShoWare Center for our comprehensive high schools and Kent-Meridian High School for our academies. Save the dates! We can't wait to celebrate our amazing seniors!
KSD Community News
This year, Cedar Valley partnered with the community and created a March to Your Future month, which ended with a Tunnel of Hope celebration.
Mill Creek leadership students hosted mindfulness activities during lunch, to provide an outlet for students to relieve their stress and anxieties.
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph recently visited a second-grade class at Panther Lake Elementary, where students showcased brochures they made about Kent. They also got to learn about the day-to-day duties of a mayor.
All students entering grades 6-12 are invited to attend our new virtual school for the 2022-2023 school year. Learn more about the online enrollment process and complete the form in Skyward Family Access to get started. 
Announcements
Update Student Information via Skyward Family Access
Families will need to annually validate their demographic information and update annual forms through Skyward Family Access. This form will be available starting May 9 and will be accepting submissions until May 23. Learn more about how you can update student information on our website.

2022-2023 Transfer Application Opens May 2-31
The student transfer process is open and will accept student transfer applications until May 31. Learn more about the transfer process on our website.

KSD is Hiring!
Become a substitute teacher, paraeducator, or clerical staff member in KSD! 
We have immediate openings for these positions. Learn more about the requirements and apply to join Team KSD today!

Kindergarten Registration Open for 2022-2023 School Year
Do you have a child who will be five years old by August 31? Registration is open for the 2022-2023 school year for kindergarten.
Calendar Highlights
Check our district calendar and your school's calendar for details and more upcoming events!
May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May: Jewish American Heritage Month
May: Better Hearing and Speech Month
May 2-6: National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 2-6: National Children’s Book Week
May 2-6: National Physical Education & Sport Week
May 3: National Teacher Day
May 4: 2-Hour Early Release
May 7: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
May 11: National School Nurses Day
May 11: 2-Hour Early Release
May 11: Child Find Screening
May 11: School Board Regular Meeting
May 18: 2-Hour Early Release
May 25: 2-Hour Early Release
May 25: Free Vaccination Clinic
May 25: School Board Regular Meeting
May 27: No School: Teacher Workshop
May 30: No School: Memorial Day