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.

Week 2 Down. 7 Weeks to Go. MMK, We Are Something Special.

MMK Families,

Last week I told you every day matters — and this week proved it.

As we close out Week 2 of the fourth quarter and step out of April into May, I find myself genuinely in awe of this school community. Not because everything is perfect, but because of what I keep witnessing in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, on a statewide competition stage, and in the quiet, consistent effort our students bring every single day. That's the real story of MMK — and this week, we have a lot of it to celebrate.

The Benchmark Numbers Are In — And They're Remarkable.

Last week we launched our spring benchmark assessments. This week, we're wrapping them up — and I have to be honest with you: the early results stopped me in my tracks. Our elementary students taking i-Ready and our secondary students taking MAPS didn't just show up. They showed out.

In some of our upper elementary classrooms, the median student — the middle of the class — grew at 100%, 120%, even 163% of their full annual Typical Growth goal. Before the year is even over. Some individual students grew the equivalent of multiple full grade levels in a single year. At the secondary level, we have students landing in the 95th–98th percentile for growth nationally — meaning they grew faster than nearly every comparable student in the country. One of our seniors grew nearly four times their projected math growth. A 7th grader more than tripled their projected reading gain.

These are not small numbers. These are the results of hard work, great teaching, and families who are showing up as partners in this process. Thank you for encouraging your child, getting them to school, and sending them in ready to give their best. It shows — in the data, and in the people your children are becoming.

We will have a fuller picture to share once all make-ups are complete. But I couldn't wait to let you know: our kids are growing.

OWLs on a Statewide Stage.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate three students who represented MMK at the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference this past week: Hayden Roberts, Hayden Hughes, and Lexi Stamper. Their entrepreneurship entry — The Study Locker LLC, a business concept built around supporting student-athletes and Running Start students — earned 3rd place in the state of Washington. Let that sink in. Three MMK students. A real idea rooted in real student experience. A statewide podium.

What makes it even more meaningful is how they got there — with Ownership, Willingness, Leadership, and Success. The full OWLS. That's not a coincidence. That's our culture at work.

Hayden, Hayden, and Lexi — we are so proud of you. You represented the Home of the Owls with excellence. 🦉

Senior Day on the Links.

And speaking of excellence — last week our Golf OWLs celebrated Senior Day at Oaksridge Golf Course, and our three seniors made sure it was a day to remember. Maelynn broke her own school record, carding a 43 to claim 2nd place. Cloey posted the best round of her season, shooting a 49 for 3rd place. Carissa finished with a season-best 62. Three seniors. Three personal bests. One afternoon that captured exactly what four years of showing up and putting in the work looks like. Congratulations to all three — we are rooting for you every step of the way.

Turning the Page to May.

As we step into a new month, we also step into a new GRIT theme. We've spent April living Success with Tenacity: Celebrating Growth and Setting New Goals — and I hope the benchmark results, the SkillsUSA podium, and this week's extraordinary GRIT honorees have felt like exactly that. Now, as May begins, our school-wide focus becomes:

🌱 Sustaining Excellence — "Carrying Forward Our Culture"

This theme is bigger than finishing the school year. It's about making sure the habits, the character, and the mindset our OWLs have been building all year don't stay at school when the final bell rings in June. All four pillars — Growth, Resilience, Intensity, and Tenacity — come together this month, working as one. The question we're asking our students to sit with is simple: What kind of person am I becoming — and how do I carry that forward?

Families, you are a critical part of that answer. The conversations you have at home, the way you ask about your child's day, the values you model in everyday moments — that's where Sustaining Excellence lives.

A Note on the Weekend — Old Timers Fair!

Before I let you go: one of Mason County's most beloved traditions is almost here. The Old Timers Fair is this weekend, and we hope to see the entire MMK community out there. Please mark your calendars for two important schedule adjustments:

🕧 Friday, May 1st — Early Dismissal at 12:25 PM 🚫 Monday, May 4th — No School

And while you're at the fair, make sure to stop by and cheer on our MMK ASB club students — they'll be out there representing our school and showing some real OWL Pride.

Seven weeks remaining. Our OWLs have done extraordinary things. Now we carry it forward — together.

With OWL Pride, Mr. Stoney K–12 Principal, Mary M. Knight School District

Monday 4/27

• HS Golf @ North Beach 3:30 pm
• HS Baseball @ Hoquiam JV 5:00 pm
• School Board Meeting 6:00 pm

Tuesday 4/28

• Art club 3:00 pm
• MS Baseball vs. Oakville 4:00 pm

Wednesday 4/29

• Late start
• After School Metal Shop Club 3:30 pm
• MS Track@ North Beach 3:30 pm
• HS Golf @ Adna 3:30 pm
• HS Baseball vs. Elma JV 4:00 pm

Thursday 4/30

• After School Wood Shop Club 3:30 pm
• HS Baseball vs. Wahkiakum 4:00 pm
• HS Track @ Hoquiam 4:00 pm

Friday 5/1

• Early Dismissal 12:25pm

Saturday 5/2

• Old Timer's Fair

Completing Week 2 of Q4 | 7 Weeks to Go — We're Measuring Growth, MMK!

What a week to be an OWL. As we close out Week 2 of the fourth quarter — and just like that, we're already wrapping up April — I want to take a moment to recognize something important happening in our classrooms right now: our students are showing up and doing the work.

Last week, we launched our district benchmark assessments, and this week we finish them out. Our elementary students are completing their i-Ready assessments in math and reading, and our secondary students are wrapping up their MAPS assessments in math, reading, and science. I want to say this clearly to every family: these assessments aren't something to stress about — they're a snapshot of growth. They tell us where your child is right now, how far they've come since the beginning of the year, and where we can focus our energy together over these final 7 weeks. Our students have been working hard, and these assessments give us the chance to see that effort reflected in real data.

Thank you to every family who has encouraged your child to get a good night's sleep, show up ready, and give their best effort. That partnership shows.

As we step out of April and into May, we're also turning the page to a new GRIT theme. This month, we've been living Success with Tenacity: Celebrating Growth and Setting New Goals — and I hope these benchmark weeks have felt like exactly that. Now, as May begins, our school-wide GRIT focus becomes:

🌱 May: Sustaining Excellence — "Carrying Forward Our Culture"

This theme is about something deeper than finishing the school year. It's about the habits, the mindset, and the character our students have been building all year long — and making sure those things don't disappear when the final bell rings in June. All four pillars of GRIT come together this month: Growth, Resilience, Intensity, and Tenacity — working as one. Our hope is that the work ethic, the kindness, the ownership, and the persistence our OWLs have developed this year aren't just school-year habits. They're life habits. And families play a huge role in that.

Here's what I'd encourage this week and as we head into May:

• 📊 Ask about the assessments — when your child comes home this week, ask them how testing went. Not "did you do well?" but "did you give your best?" That question reinforces the right message.
• 🔍 Check Skyward Family Access — with 7 weeks remaining, now is a great time to review grades, attendance, and any missing work before the final stretch.
• 🌱 Talk about carrying it forward — ask your child: What's one habit or strength you've built this year that you want to keep? That's the May GRIT theme in action, right at your kitchen table.

Seven weeks. Our OWLs have done so much. Let's sustain it — together.

Last week I shared that we were kicking off our spring round of benchmark testing with i-Ready (K–6) and MAPS (7–12). Our students showed up and gave genuine effort — and while we are still wrapping up make-up testing this week for students who missed their original testing window, the preliminary results are already telling us something worth sharing.

The short version: our kids are growing. And in some cases, growing in ways that are genuinely remarkable.

Before I share a few highlights, I want to be clear — we will have a more complete picture to share once all make-ups are finished and our team has had a chance to review the full dataset. What you're reading today is a preview, not the final story. But the early numbers were too good not to mention.

🟡 Elementary Highlights (i-Ready — Grades K–6)

The i-Ready Diagnostic measures student growth relative to what is considered "Typical Growth" — the expected progress for a full school year. Hitting 100% of Typical Growth means a student met their full annual goal. Anything above that means they exceeded it.

Here's what our preliminary data is showing:

• In one of our upper elementary reading classes, the median student — the middle of the class — hit exactly 100% of their full annual Typical Growth goal. That means at least half the class met their yearly target before the school year is even over. Within that group, we have individual students who grew at 300%, 400%, even over 600% of their Typical Growth target — meaning some kids grew the equivalent of multiple full grade levels in a single year.
• In another upper elementary reading class, the median student grew at 163% of Typical Growth — meaning the typical student in that classroom grew more than one and a half times what was expected for the whole year.
• In an upper elementary math class, 11 out of 14 students who completed the diagnostic met or exceeded their full annual Typical Growth goal, with a class median of 120%. Several students in that group came in above 200%.

These results reflect what happens when students take learning seriously and teachers build real relationships with their kids. This is not luck — this is hard work paying off.

🔵 Secondary Highlights (MAPS — Grades 7–12)

The MAPS assessment measures growth using a Conditional Growth Percentile (CGP) — a number that tells us how a student's growth compares to similar students across the country who started from the same place. A CGP of 70 or above means a student grew faster than 70% of students nationwide with the same starting point. That context matters.

Here's a glimpse of what we're seeing at the secondary level:

• We have multiple students who landed at the 95th–98th percentile for growth nationally — across math, reading, and science. These are students who didn't just grow; they grew faster than nearly every comparable student in the country.
• One of our seniors posted one of the most remarkable individual data points in the entire dataset, growing nearly four times their projected growth in math. Finishing a senior year like that takes real intentionality and commitment.
• In reading, we have a 7th grader who grew more than three times their projected RIT gain — starting from a low baseline and moving substantially in a single year. That kind of trajectory genuinely changes a student's story.
• Several students showed strong growth across multiple subjects simultaneously — meeting or exceeding growth benchmarks in math, reading, and science. That kind of across-the-board momentum is something we want to celebrate.

We are proud of these early results — and even prouder of the effort that produced them. Once make-ups are complete and our data review is finished, we will share a fuller picture with families. Keep an eye on coming newsletters for a more detailed look at what this year's growth data means for our students heading into next year.

As always, thank you for your partnership in making sure your child arrived rested, ready, and prepared to do their best. It shows in the numbers. 🦉

Last week, we talked about Ownership — the foundation of our OWLS framework and the starting point for everything we hope to build in our students. This week, I want to turn our attention to the W: Willingness.

At MMK, Willingness means that students approach their day with an open and engaged spirit — a readiness to participate, to try hard things, to ask for help when they need it, and to receive feedback with humility rather than resistance. If Ownership is about taking responsibility for where you are, Willingness is about committing to do something about it. The two go hand in hand.

Willingness isn't the same as being naturally excited about everything. Let's be honest — not every lesson is a student's favorite, and not every challenge feels worth taking on. Real Willingness is showing up and engaging anyway. It's the student who raises their hand even when they're not sure of the answer, who picks themselves back up after a hard test, who leans into feedback from a teacher rather than shutting down. That takes more courage than most of us give young people credit for.

Here's what Willingness looks like at our school:

In the classroom, a student who demonstrates Willingness is actively present — not just physically in their seat, but mentally in the work. They participate in discussions, even when it feels risky. When a concept is confusing, they don't quietly check out — they ask the question, seek out the teacher, or use the resources in front of them. When they get feedback on their work, they don't take it personally; they take it seriously.

In the hallways and common areas, Willingness looks like a student who embraces transitions with calm and readiness, who helps out when something needs to be done, and who stays engaged with the community around them rather than withdrawing. It's the student who, when something feels hard or uncomfortable, leans in rather than steps back.

When things don't go as planned — and they won't, not always — Willingness sounds like "What can I try next?" rather than "I give up." It's perseverance in action. Not perfection, not fearlessness, but the quiet determination to keep going.

How you can bring Willingness home:

Just as we talked about last week with Ownership, the most powerful thing we can do is speak the same language at school and at home. Here are a few conversation starters to try with your child this week:

• 🗣️ "What's something you tried today, even if it was hard?" — This shifts the focus from outcomes to effort and helps your child recognize their own courage in the attempt.
• 🗣️ "Did you ask for help today? What happened?" — Normalizing help-seeking at home removes the shame many kids attach to not knowing something. It's a skill, not a weakness.
• 🗣️ "What's some feedback you got this week — and what do you think about it?" — This opens a conversation about receiving feedback as a gift rather than a criticism, and gives you a window into how your child is processing their school experience.
• 🗣️ "I'm proud of you for sticking with that, even when it got tough." — Willingness thrives on recognition. When you name it, they internalize it.

One of the most powerful things you can model for your child is your own Willingness — to try new things, to ask for help, to sit with discomfort rather than avoid it. When your child sees you engage openly with something unfamiliar or difficult, they learn that Willingness isn't just a school value. It's how people grow, at any age.

Willingness is what keeps learning alive — in our classrooms, in our homes, and in our community. We're so grateful to be growing it together with you.

One of Mason County's most beloved traditions is right around the corner — the Old Timers Fair is happening this weekend, and we hope to see the entire MMK community out there!

Before the fun begins, please take note of the following school schedule adjustments around the fair:

🕧 Friday, May 1st — Half Day | Dismissal at 12:25 PM 🚫 Monday, May 4th — No School

Please plan accordingly for transportation and childcare on both days.

While you're at the fair, be sure to stop by and support our MMK ASB clubs! Our students will be out there selling and representing our school — show them some Owl Pride and cheer them on!

Old Timers Fair Hours:

• Saturday, May 2nd | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday, May 3rd | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate local tradition, and show your support for MMK students. We hope to see you there! 🦉

Mary M. Knight had a remarkable showing at this year's SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference, and we couldn't be more proud of the students who represented us.

Congratulations to Hayden Roberts, Hayden Hughes, and Lexi Stamper on earning 3rd place in the Entrepreneurship competition — competing against students from across the state of Washington!

Their entry, The Study Locker LLC, is more than just a business concept — it's a solution rooted in real student experience. Their idea centers on providing tutoring, academic guidance, and access to training facilities specifically designed to support student-athletes and Running Start students. It's the kind of forward-thinking, community-minded entrepreneurship that we love to see from our OWLs.

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is watching these students take Ownership of a real-world challenge, show Willingness to put in the work, step into Leadership on a statewide stage, and earn the Success that comes from genuine dedication and teamwork.

To Hayden, Hayden, and Lexi — you represented MMK with excellence. We are so proud of you! 🦉

Last week, the MMK Owls Golf Team celebrated Senior Day at Oaksridge Golf Course in Elma — and our seniors made absolutely sure it was a day to remember.

The Owls came ready to compete, and the results speak for themselves:

🥈 Maelynn didn't just have a great round — she broke her own school record, carding an outstanding 43 to claim 2nd place. That kind of performance on Senior Day? Simply special.

🥉 Cloey turned in the best round of her season, shooting a 49 and earning 3rd place on the day. All that hard work showing up at exactly the right moment.

🏌️‍♀️ Carissa also brought her best, posting a season-best 62 and finishing her Senior Day strong.

Three seniors. Three personal bests. One incredible afternoon on the course.

What made this day so meaningful goes beyond the scorecards. These young women have shown up, put in the work, and continued to grow as competitors and as leaders throughout their time as Owls. Watching them shine on Senior Day is a reminder of what dedication and heart can produce.

To Maelynn, Cloey, and Carissa — congratulations, and thank you for representing MMK with such pride and excellence. We are rooting for you every step of the way! 🦉

🎓 Scholarship Opportunity: MMK Seniors — Don't Miss This One!

Attention MMK Seniors and families — there is a scholarship available exclusively for Mary M. Knight students, and we don't want a single senior to miss out on this opportunity!

The Grade 13 Fund, administered through the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, awards $1,000 to MMK graduates who may need financial assistance to attend a school, college, or training program after graduation. This scholarship was created with our students in mind — if financial barriers stand between you and your next step, this is exactly the kind of support it was designed to provide.

📋 How to Apply: Applications are available through MMK staff — see Ms. Alex as soon as possible to get your application started. This is not an online application — you need to connect with her directly.

🔗 Learn more about the scholarship here: Grade 13 Fund – Community Foundation of South Puget Sound

Don't wait — opportunities like this don't come around often, and this one was made for you. 🦉

What a week to be an OWL.

As we close out April, I find myself reflecting on just how much growth I've witnessed across our school — in classrooms, on the playground, in the hallways, and in the quiet moments where a student pushes through something hard and comes out the other side stronger for it. That is the heart of our April GRIT theme: Success with Tenacity. Real success isn't a single moment — it's the result of showing up, again and again, with persistence, purpose, and heart.

This week's GRIT honorees are living proof of that truth. From first graders who take initiative without being asked, to fourth graders who returned from spring break with renewed focus and ownership — these students inspire all of us. I hope you take a moment to read each spotlight and celebrate these incredible young people with us.

As we step into May, we carry a new challenge forward: Sustaining Excellence. The habits we've built together this year don't belong to the school year alone — they belong to your children. Let's finish strong and carry this culture forward together.

With GRIT and gratitude, Mr. Stoney

🌟 GRIT Spotlight — Celebrating Our OWLS!

April Theme: Success with Tenacity — "Celebrating Growth and Setting New Goals"

As we wrap up the month of April, our GRIT Spotlight is full of exactly what this month has been all about — celebrating real growth and recognizing the tenacity it takes to get there. Success at MMK isn't just about a grade on a quiz or a finished assignment. It's about the daily choice to keep going, keep improving, and keep showing up. This week's GRIT honorees are living proof of that.

Tristen Ushman | 1st Grade Tristen walks into the classroom every single day ready to work — no reminders needed. He finishes one task and, without waiting to be told, finds something productive to keep his learning moving forward. His independence, focus, and quiet persistence set a standard that speaks louder than words. Tristen, your tenacity is the very definition of what GRIT looks like in action. We are so proud of you!

Brielle Dunnington | 1st Grade Brielle is the kind of learner every teacher admires — self-directed, steady, and reliable. She gets started right away, stays focused, and follows through on her responsibilities without needing a nudge. Her calm determination and consistent effort reflect a maturity and grit that is truly impressive. Brielle, keep carrying that work ethic forward — it will take you places!

Harper Finch | 1st Grade Harper brings her whole heart to school every day. She never gives up on being kind, she lifts her friends up when things get hard, and she stands up for the people around her. That kind of courage and compassion is its own form of grit — and our school is better because Harper is in it. Way to go, Harper!

Grayson McCracken | 2nd Grade Grayson is earning a double spotlight this week — and he has earned every bit of it. On the playground, Grayson didn't hesitate for a second when a younger student needed a helping hand at the swings. His enthusiastic "Sure!" and the joy he brought to that kindergartener's day reminded us all how powerful a simple act of kindness can be. And in the classroom, Grayson has been showing up with an "I can" attitude, completing his work with persistence and pride. Grayson, you lead with your heart and your effort — that is a powerful combination. Keep shining!

Ronan Jones | 2nd Grade Ronan has been on fire in math lately — and not just for himself. While mastering the concept of money with focus and perseverance, Ronan has consistently taken time to guide and support his classmate along the way. That is the definition of success with tenacity: growing and lifting others as you go. Ronan, we are so proud of the learner and teammate you are becoming!

Nicholas Horn | 2nd Grade Nicholas has been absolutely "rockin'" his math work, demonstrating a deep understanding of money concepts and consistently bringing his best effort to classwork, homework, i-Ready, and every quiz that comes his way. His focus and persistence are impossible to miss — and impossible not to celebrate. Nicholas, your strong work ethic is paying off in a big way. Keep it up!

James Horn | 4th Grade Since returning from spring break, James has come back with purpose. He gets started without being asked, raises his hand when he needs help, and gets every assignment turned in on time. That kind of ownership of learning — especially in Q4 — is exactly what "Success with Tenacity" looks like in practice. James, your teachers and Mr. Stoney are proud of the commitment you are bringing every day. Don't stop now!

Becky Fischer | 4th Grade Becky walks in each morning and gets right to work. No waiting, no wandering — just focused effort from the first moment of the day. By doing what is expected without being asked, Becky quietly leads by example every single day. That is the kind of leadership that makes a classroom better for everyone. Becky, thank you for showing up in everything you do!

Anita Balzer | 4th Grade Anita brings a positivity to every partner and group activity that is genuinely contagious. No matter who she is working with, she adapts, engages, and lifts the team up. In a world where collaboration is not always easy, Anita makes it look natural. Thank you, Anita, for the respect and energy you bring to our classroom community every day!

Luka Thomas | 4th Grade Luka is always asking, "What can I do to make this better?" — and that curiosity drives everything about how he shows up at school. He looks for ways to improve the classroom, suggests new ideas, and never stops inventing and creating. Luka, your innovative spirit is exactly the kind of thinking that makes our school community stronger. Thank you for showing us all what it looks like to never stop learning!

🌟 Looking Ahead: May GRIT Theme

Sustaining Excellence — "Carrying Forward Our Culture"

As we turn the calendar to May and begin our final full month of the school year, we are asking every student, family, and staff member to embrace our new GRIT theme: Sustaining Excellence. This month is about more than finishing the year — it is about carrying forward the habits, character, and culture we have built together into everything that comes next.

The finish line is in sight, but the work is not done. This May, we challenge our OWLS to bring all four elements of GRIT — Growth, Resilience, Intensity, and Tenacity — together for one final, strong push. The habits you build now do not disappear when the school year ends. They come with you. Let's make sure they are worth carrying.

We cannot wait to see how our OWLS close out the year. 🦉

— Mr. Stoney

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Menu

• Monday: Chef's Choice
• Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets
• Wednesday: Bison and Lentil Chili
• Thursday: Chicken Parmesan Sand which
• Friday: Chicken Nachos

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: HS Baseball @ Hoquiam 5:00 pm / HS Golf @ North Beach 3:30 pm
• Tuesday: MS Baseball vs. Oakville 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: HS Baseball vs. Elma 4:00 pm / MS Track @ North beach 3:30 pm / HS Golf @ Adna 3:30 pm
• Thursday: HS Baseball vs. Wahkiakum 4:00 pm / HS Track @ Hoquiam 4:00 pm
• Friday:
• Saturday:

📋 Important Reminders

• Early release Friday - Old Timer's Fair Saturday / Sunday

🔗 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