Mary M. Knight

Mission (our purpose):
Our Mission is to ensure that all students have the knowledge, skills, motivation, and confidence to be successful citizens.

Vision (who we must become):
We are a community of learners and leaders united to enrich the lives of all our students.

Dear MMK Families and Community,

What an incredible week it has been for the Mary M. Knight family! As I reflect on what we've accomplished and where we're heading, I'm reminded of why this small rural community and our school are truly special.

Last Saturday's Christmas Town Parade was a perfect example of what makes us strong. Our students lined those streets with pride, our families cheered with enthusiasm, and our community showed up to celebrate them. In a district of 185 students, moments like this matter deeply. When our young people see themselves reflected in the eyes of their community—when they know they are valued and celebrated—that's when real learning happens. Thank you for making that evening unforgettable.

This week, we shift our focus inward to assess where our students stand in their learning journey. Our Winter Benchmark Assessments (December 8-12) are an important tool, not a test to fear. They help us understand each child's growth and how we can best support them moving forward. I encourage families to support your students by ensuring they're well-rested, well-fed, and confident as they take these assessments. Our teachers have been preparing them beautifully.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible humans who work here every day. This month, we recognized Mrs. Tiara McCartney, Ms. Bingham, and Mr. Kerr as staff members of the month—but honestly, every person on our team shows up with this same level of dedication. Whether in the office, classroom, gymnasium, or on the field, our staff embodies what it means to serve students with excellence and heart.

And our students! The GRIT Award winners featured in this newsletter remind us that character matters just as much as academics. These young people are demonstrating Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity—exactly the qualities they'll need to be successful citizens.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Winter Fest Spirit Week (December 15-19) and our Elementary Winter Concert on December 18th. These celebrations are windows into the joy and learning happening in our classrooms every single day.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. Together, we are building excellence—one day, one student, one act of kindness at a time.

Go OWLS! 🦉

Monday 12/8

• MS basketball vs. Lake Quinault (8th grade fly up night) 5:30 pm

Tuesday 12/9

• Art club 3:15 pm
• HS basketball @ Naselle 5:30 pm
• HS Wrestling @ Taholah 4:00 pm

Wednesday 12/10

• Late Start
• MS basketball @ Wishkah 5:30 pm

Thursday 12/11

• Girls HS basketball @ Evergreen Lutheran

Friday 12/12

• Elementary Anywhere Library 9:30 am
• HS basketball vs. Willapa Valley 5:30 pm

Saturday 12/6

What an Incredible Night for Our OWLS!

Saturday evening brought a special kind of magic to downtown as our Mary M. Knight OWLS took to the streets for the Kiwanis Christmas Town Parade—and you showed up in force to cheer them on!

From the moment our students and staff stepped onto the parade route, the energy was electric. The crowd's enthusiasm, the twinkling lights, and the pride radiating from our participants created a moment that truly captured what it means to be part of the MMK family.

A Heartfelt Thank You:

• To our cheerleaders, students, and staff who represented our school with such spirit and excellence
• To our incredible Transportation Department for their dedication and creativity in showcasing our OWLS
• To the families who lined the streets with signs, cheers, and school pride
• To everyone who helped with preparation and logistics behind the scenes
• To our community partners who continue to support our students

Why Moments Like This Matter:

In a small rural district like ours, these community connections are everything. When our 185 students see their families, neighbors, and community members cheering them on, they learn that they matter—that their school matters—and that together, we are stronger. These are the memories and values that last a lifetime.

(Check out the photos below capturing the joy and pride of the evening!)

This is what #OWLPride looks like. Thank you for making Saturday night unforgettable for our students and staff. You remind us every day why Mary M. Knight is such a special place.

Go OWLS! 🦉

Next week, our students will participate in Winter Benchmark assessments to help us measure their progress midway through the year. These assessments give us valuable information about where each student is in their learning and how we can best support their continued growth.

What to Know:

Elementary (Grades K-6): Students will complete i-Ready assessments in math and reading in their classrooms. Your child's teacher will share specific testing dates.

Secondary (Grades 7-12): Students will complete MAPS assessments during advisory:

• Monday, Dec. 8: Math
• Tuesday, Dec. 9: Reading
• Thursday, Dec. 11: Science
• Friday, Dec. 12: Language Use

Why It Matters: These assessments help us measure student progress, identify opportunities for support and enrichment, and adjust our instruction to meet student needs. Remember—these are not about grades; they're tools to help us understand and support each child's growth.

How You Can Help: Encourage your child to do their best, ensure they get plenty of sleep, and make sure they eat a good breakfast. Our teachers are preparing students this week so they feel comfortable and confident.

Questions? Contact your child's teacher or our office at 360-426-6767.

I'm thrilled to share photos from our recent Winter Sports PEP Assembly—what a fantastic event celebrating the hard work and dedication of our winter athletes and the pride of our entire MMK community!

Last Week, our K-12 student body gathered to recognize the exceptional athletes representing Mary M. Knight in wrestling and boys and girls basketball. These young people have shown tremendous commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship both on and off the court and mat.

But our assembly was about more than just celebrating our athletes—it was about celebrating all of us as one school community. Every student had the chance to participate in grade-level competitions and games that had our gym buzzing with energy, laughter, and genuine school spirit. From our kindergarteners to our seniors, everyone showed what it means to be an MMK OWL.

These moments matter. They remind us why we do what we do—to build a supportive, connected community where every student feels valued and celebrated.

Thank you to our families for supporting our athletes and for instilling in your children the values of hard work, respect, and good sportsmanship. Thank you also to our teachers and staff who helped make this assembly such a success.

Congratulations again to our winter sports teams. We're so proud of you!

Dear Mary M. Knight Families and Community,

Our elementary students are absolutely glowing with holiday spirit—and you won't want to miss the exciting events coming up this week!

Winter Fest Spirit Week (December 15-19)

Get ready to deck the halls with your OWLS! Next week, our students and staff will celebrate with daily holiday-themed dress-up days as we show our school spirit. It's a wonderful way for families to participate in the festive fun—dress up with your child at home and send them to school ready to celebrate together. This spirit week is all about bringing joy and togetherness to our elementary community.

Spectacular Classroom Door Decorations

As you walk through our elementary hallways, you'll be amazed by the creative artistry on display! Our OWLS have been busy designing and decorating their classroom doors with beautiful winter holiday themes. We are so proud of the imagination, teamwork, and artistic talent our students have shown. Take a moment this week to visit the school and admire their wonderful creations.

Elementary Winter Concert — December 18

Mark your calendars! Our elementary students have been working hard to prepare a delightful Winter Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 18th in our gymnasium. Come witness your OWLS light up the stage with beautiful holiday songs and spirited dances. This is a special opportunity to celebrate the talents of our young performers and feel the warmth of holiday spirit right here in our gym.

We look forward to celebrating with you and your family!

Celebrating Our Staff: November Award Winners

There are moments in a school day that happen quietly—when a student needs help finding the right bus, when a child needs supplies or extra clothes, when a scraped knee needs an ice pack and a kind word. There are also moments that happen in the classroom—when a student struggles with a challenging concept, when learning feels hard, when persistence is required to break through to understanding. These moments matter. And at Mary M. Knight School, they don't go unnoticed.

This month, our students recognized three exceptional educators who embody dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to student success.

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Elementary Staff Award Winner: Mrs. Tiara McCartney

Our elementary students voted, and they chose someone they see every single day making a real difference: Mrs. Tiara McCartney.

Why Our Students Chose Mrs. McCartney

Our students see everything. They notice who shows up. They remember who cares. And they recognize that Mrs. McCartney is there—always there—when they need her most.

Mrs. McCartney, you are our school superhero. You handle every situation with grace and care, whether it's solving a logistical problem, supporting a student in distress, or simply being present in the moments when kids need someone to believe in them. You do whatever it takes, every single day.

Your compassion isn't just something you talk about—it's something you live. Your dedication to our students and our school community is extraordinary. And your willingness to help, in big ways and small, makes Mary M. Knight School a warmer, more caring place for everyone.

This award comes straight from the hearts of our elementary students. When they think of someone who makes our school better, they think of you. We are so incredibly thankful for you.

🏆 Congratulations on being our November Elementary Staff Member of the Month! 🏆

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Secondary Staff Award Winner: Ms. Bingham

Willingness with Resilience

This month's secondary theme, Willingness with Resilience, celebrates staff members who demonstrate perseverance and adaptability in supporting student success. The attributes include keeping trying with every student, staying positive when things go wrong, helping students learn through struggle, making work hard and doable, and supporting other staff through challenges.

Ms. Bingham exemplifies these qualities in exceptional ways. Students recognized her unwavering commitment to their learning and growth, particularly in how she helps them develop independence and problem-solving skills.

One student captured her approach perfectly: "Ms. Bingham is very dedicated to helping students learn, keeps trying with them until they understand, helps them but doesn't do the work for them. She is good at keeping everyone on task and respectful while still keeping things fun in the classroom." This statement highlights multiple resilience attributes—her persistence with every student, her ability to scaffold learning rather than provide easy answers, and her skill in maintaining a positive, engaging classroom environment even while holding high expectations.

Another student simply but powerfully stated that she "Helps You Learn Through Struggle," directly connecting her teaching style to one of our core attributes. Ms. Bingham understands that true learning happens when students work through challenges, and she creates the conditions for that growth to occur.

Students also noted that she "showed owl spirit" and demonstrated brightness and dedication in her daily work. Her ability to balance rigor with support, to push students while making them feel capable, and to maintain a respectful yet fun learning environment makes her a worthy recipient of this month's recognition.

🏆 Congratulations, Ms. Bingham, for modeling what it means to be willing and resilient in service of student learning! 🏆

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Secondary Staff: Mr. Kerr

Resilience Across Many Roles

Mr. Kerr also deserves recognition this month for demonstrating resilience in a unique and demanding way. Students appreciate the many hats he wears and the dedication he brings to each role.

One student noted: "he is always a great teacher and has to juggle being the football coach, the sports director, and a teacher." This observation highlights Mr. Kerr's willingness to take on multiple responsibilities and his resilience in managing the competing demands of classroom instruction, athletic leadership, and program coordination. His ability to stay positive and effective across these roles models resilience for both students and staff.

Students also recognized his supportive teaching approach, sharing that "he gives us time to study for tests and makes learning new sports fun." This shows his willingness to adapt his instruction to meet student needs and his commitment to making challenging content accessible and engaging.

His coaching success was also celebrated by students who appreciated that "he got us to the championship game"—a testament to his persistence, strategic thinking, and refusal to give up on his team even when facing tough competition.

Mr. Kerr's ability to maintain high expectations across multiple contexts while staying calm, supportive, and positive makes him an excellent example of willingness with resilience.

🏆 Thank you, Mr. Kerr, for your dedication to our students and school community! 🏆

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A Special Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to all our staff members who show up every day to care for our students. Whether in the office, the classroom, the hallway, or on the field, you are the heart of Mary M. Knight School. Your willingness to serve, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your commitment to every student makes our school a place where children can thrive.

This Week's Outstanding Scholars

As we continue celebrating GRIT this December—remembering that Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity help us overcome challenges and succeed—we're thrilled to recognize the following students who are demonstrating these values in remarkable ways!

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Second Grade Champions

Sunny Baughman
Nominated by Aaliyah McCartney & Nicholas Horn
"Sunny shows GRIT because she never gives up on her work. In math, she counted to 100 with Eden! She is getting smarter and smarter every day! Way to go, Sunny!" She's also a wonderful friend on the playground, playing well with others and being kind to her classmates.

Kenna Gillham-Hall
Nominated by Eden Johnson & Freya Weaver
"Kenna has shown GRIT by being a good friend, helping others and working hard in class." She's always finding her way through problems and is a great student who has a lot of fun while doing her best!

Freya Weaver
Nominated by Charlotte Metzger
"Freya is a good student and a welcoming friend. It makes me feel good to have a friend like her. She helps me with my mistakes in a nice way so I can learn from them. Thank you, Freya!"

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Third Grade Shining Star

Akari Mali
Nominated by Charlette Hammond
"Akari has been a great friend and classmate. She shows GRIT by staying on task, listening to our teacher and doing her best on all of her work. Great job, Akari!"

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Fifth Grade All-Stars

Jaxx Coleman
Nominated by Haven-May Metzger
"Jaxx has shown GRIT because he always does his work and has a positive attitude!"

Emmett Severson
Nominated by a Classmate
"Emmett was showing grit by helping out in class and being a great friend."

Koda Mali
Nominated by a Classmate
"Koda respects his peers and helps everyone who needs help."

Faith Reed
Nominated by Two Classmates
"Faith has been working hard on tasks, never gives up, and does what the teacher says." She's also shown kindness to her peers and is a great friend with a kind heart!

Bailee Mock
Nominated by Teacher
"I caught Bailee Mock showing...GRIT! Bailee is ALWAYS grateful and is an AWESOME friend! Nobody can knock Bailee off the podium, and if they do, she will get back up and try again! Way to go Bailee!"

Allie Finch
Nominated by Teacher
"Allie is just an awesome person! She always does her work and is an amazing friend! And if she gets knocked down, she will always get back up and try again! Way to go Allie!"

Haven-May Metzger
Nominated by a Classmate
"Haven-May is very kind!"

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Early Learner Spotlight

Cody Atwood (Pre-K)
Nominated by Analea Atwood
"Cody has shown GRIT by continuing to grow on his letter tests! Great job, Cody!"

Congratulations to all of our GRIT champions! You inspire us with your kindness, perseverance, and positive attitudes. Keep showing us what true GRIT looks like! 🎉

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Meno

• Monday: Chicken and Black Bean Chili
• Tuesday: Chicken Philly sandwich
• Wednesday: Hearty Beef Vegetable Stew
• Thursday: Chicken Drumstick & Mashed Potatoes
• Friday: Pepperoni Pizza

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: MS basketball vs. Lake Quinault 5:30 pm
• Tuesday: HS basketball @ Naselle 5:30 pm
• Wednesday: MS basketball @ Wishkah 5:30 pm
• Thursday: Girls HS basketball @ Evergreen Lutheran 6:00 pm
• Friday: HS basketball vs Willapa Valley 5:30 pm
• Saturday: HS Wrestling @ WF West Tournament 10:00 am

📋 Important Reminders

🔗 District Website: Access to district website

🔗 Skyward Family Access: Access grades and attendance

🔗 Athletic Schedules: MMK Sports Hub

🔗 Character Strong Resources: Available on district website

📧 Questions? Contact us at (360) 426-6767 or visit marymknight.com

Email: jstoney@mmk.wednet.edu
Website: https://www.marymknight.com/
Location: 2987 Matlock-Brady Road, Elma, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 426-6767
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMKOwls