HSD News Round-Up
Dec. 5, 2025 HSD Round Up
Enroll, Enlist, Enter the Workforce: Students Become Certified in High-Demand Fields Through Cascadia Tech
Applications for the 2026 to 27 school year are now open for Cascadia Tech Academy (CTA). Interested students are also required to submit a letter of interest to HHS College & Career Specialist Angelina Sarkinen by Jan. 30.
This tuition-free program is available to high school juniors and seniors and allows students to take career and technical education courses alongside their academic classes at HHS. CTA offers 20 high demand program areas, and many pathways lead to industry certifications that help students stand out and be better prepared for life after graduation. Click here to learn more.
Local SP&O Levy: Remember to Vote by Feb 10
Hockinson School District has a renewal Student Programs & Operations (SP&O) levy on the Feb 10 ballot. The local SP&O levy funds 33 staff positions in Hockinson schools. If the levy renewal does not pass, HSD would face difficult decisions, including the potential reduction or elimination of:
Teachers & support staff beyond state funding, keeping class sizes small
Advanced Placement & elective classes
Athletics & extracurriculars
Arts & music programs
School nurses & security staff
Technology & curriculum
Safety & security technology
Building maintenance
Learn more at hocksd.org/levy
Levy FAQ
Q: Is this a new tax?
A: No. This proposal would renew an existing SP&O levy that expires at the end of 2026. By law, local levies are 1 to 6 years in length and require voter approval to renew.
Q: How is the SP&O levy on the Feb 10 ballot different from a capital levy or bond?
A: Local SP&O levy dollars support student programs and services that the state does not fully fund. This is different from a bond or capital levy, and cannot be used for school construction or renovation. See more commonly asked questions on the HSD Levy Information page at hocksd.org/levy
Getting Aligned & Climbing Upward: WSU Math Studio Partnership Strengthens Math Instruction at Hockinson High School
Hockinson High School launched a hands-on professional development program that helps math teachers engage students in meaningful classroom discussions. Supported by a two-year grant through a partnership with Washington State University Vancouver, the project runs from fall 2024 through summer 2026. Learn more.
New Device Pulls Bleachers, Not Backs
While all HSD maintenance expenditures are necessary, some prove to be more visible and popular than others. Case-in-point: The electric bleacher puller at HHES.
Unlike HVAC repairs and required annual maintenance activities like fire system inspections that are often done behind-the-scenes, the elementary school's new bleacher puller has attracted notice. It's also attracted appreciation. Because the school's bleachers are - ahem - mature and difficult to extend and attract manually, it was not uncommon for the bleachers to be be crooked and the uneven gaps created a safety issue for students and community. Worse yet, it was not uncommon administrators and custodians to fall victim to injury. Since deploying the new bleacher puller, there have been no injuries reported, which is why Associate Principal Michael Olson gives the device "five stars" and Lead Custodian Bruce Davis describes it as "one of the district's best-ever 'bang for the buck' purchases."
Join the Annual MLK Cleanup this Monday, Jan. 19
The HHS Music Boosters invite families, students, and community members to join the 6th Annual MLK Jr. Day Community Clean Up on Monday, January 19, from 10 am to 12 pm at the Hockinson Community Center.
This volunteer event, is part of the national MLK Day of Service and is an opportunity to beautify our community and give back to those who support the HHS music program throughout the year. Participation is free, and volunteers of all ages are welcome. Please click here for more information and here to register.
Contact Us
Email: justine.vazquez@esd112.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400