Parent Newsletter
April 17, 2026
Note from the Principals
State Testing
This May, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will participate in state testing. Students will take an assessment in English language arts and mathematics. Fifth grade students will also complete the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science. The state assessments give our teachers an important picture of each student's mastery of grade level standards and of their progress over time. The results of the state tests are used by our teachers to plan future instruction and to analyze students strengths and areas for growth.
Our state testing schedule is listed below. Please do your best to ensure that your child is present at school on the following days (unless they are ill). Research shows that students perform their best when they complete their tests in their regular classroom with their peers.
- May 5 - 7: ELA Testing - Grades 3-5
- May 11 - 15: Make-up testing
- May 19 - 21: Math Testing - Grades 3-5
- May 26 - 27: Science Testing - Grade 5
- May 28 - 29: Make-up testing
*Please note that students will work on their assessment over multiple days and students/classes may complete their test early.*
If you are curious about what the SBA test looks like, you can check out released items and practice questions here and can access the practice tests here.
Mr. Olson and I will be visiting each third, fourth, and fifth grade classroom in the coming week to encourage students to take their time and show their best work. We are also excited to unveil this year's testing video soon.
~ Meredith and Michael
HHS National Honor Society Game Night
HSD Earth Day Events
Fourth and Fifth Grade Comprehensive Health Instruction
Human Growth and Development Instruction will take place at Hockinson Heights Elementary School between May 19 and 21, 2026. For our fourth grade students, instruction will take place over two days and will cover healthy friendships, being assertive, and bullying. For our fifth grade students, instruction will take place over two days and will cover Human Growth and Development (one day of instruction in the classroom) and HIV / AIDS (one day of instruction in PE class). It is important to us that HHES families be aware of this upcoming instruction and that they are able to preview all materials prior to the date of instruction. You can view the Human Growth and Development and HIV / AIDS videos here. There is an opt out form for parents to complete if they would NOT like their student to participate in some of all of this instruction.
Parent Input Forms
Our staff is currently working to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. We will soon begin the process of placing students into classes for the coming year. Teachers will place their students into classes for the next grade level. They will use their knowledge of each student's strengths and areas for growth to help place students into a classroom environment where they can thrive. Our teachers work hard to ensure that classes are balanced and consider factors such as learning styles, abilities, and behaviors when placing students. Our teachers will also consider your input as a part of this process. Please note that we do not accept specific teacher requests, but value your insights into what kind of environment will help your child to succeed. If you have input to share with your child's teacher regarding your child's learning needs or ideal learning environment, please complete the Parent Input Form and return it to the HHES office by April 24, 2026 at 3 p.m. Families will be notified of their child's class placement in August, just before the beginning of the school year.
Notice to Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services
Our district is participating in a parent survey from Washington’s Office of Superintendent of
Public Instruction (OSPI). If your child is receiving special education services, please check your email. An initial invitation to complete the survey was sent out on March 23. An additional email will be coming to your inbox shortly.
This short survey is anonymous, and it’s a great way for you to share your thoughts,
suggestions, and feedback about your child’s educational experience. OSPI will use the results
to measure parent engagement in the state and share them with our district to help improve our
parent engagement efforts.
Please watch for the survey and take a moment to fill it out. Your feedback is important to us
and helps improve programs and services for children with disabilities. Thank you for being an
active part of your child's education!
Hockinson PWT - People Working Together
Upcoming Events Calendar
Upcoming Events
April 20 - 24: E-Waste Drive - Bring items to HHES
April 21: Vancouver Pops Assembly - 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (students / staff only)
April 24: Fourth Grade Salmon Release Field Trip
April 24: Second Grade OMSI Field Trip
April 24: Parent Input Forms Due
April 25: Earth Day Clean Up - 9 - 2 p.m.
April 27, 28, and 30: Third Grade Field Trips to Pomeroy Farms
April 28: First grade Field Trip - HHS Shrek Live!
April 30: Fourth Grade Concert - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
May 1: 3-5 Student Recognition Assembly - 8:15 - 8:45 a.m.
May 1-2: Books and Blooms Event
May 4: K-2 Student Recognition Assembly - 8:15 - 8:45 a.m.
May 4 - 9: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5: State Testing Begins - Grades 3-5
May 8: Fourth Grade Toolbox Build @ HHS
May 9: District Visual Arts Show - HHS - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
May 12: Kindergarten Dairy Days Field Trip
May 14: Kindergarten Concert - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Important Information
Hockinson Heights Elementary School
Website: https://hhes.hocksd.org/
Location: 20000 Northeast 164th Street, Brush Prairie, WA, USA
Phone: (360)448-6430
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HockinsonHES/