HSD News Round-Up
April 22, 2026 Round-Up

Pictured: Hockinson High School Theatre Company concluded its 2025-26 season with "Shrek the Musical," and the show was a hit! This was the second year in a row that tickets sold out for closing night. Your support helps make HHS Theatre possible, providing an unforgettable experience to members of the cast, crew, and pit orchestra - and audiences, too. Thank you, Hockinson community!
The May 21 edition of the HSD News Round-Up includes information on district budget planning amid state funding reductions, an update on the HHS Skilled Trade Center, a look at the three contributors who are making this project possible, and much MUCH more! (Really!)
HSD News Round-Up
May 21, 2026 | Memorial Day Weekend Edition
đź’ťHave a Happy Memorial Dayđź’™ and 4-day weekend! Reminder: No school on Monday, May 25 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday and no school on Friday, May 22 (designated snow makeup day...but there was no snow!). Classes resume Tuesday, May 26.
HSD Planning Conservatively for 2026-27 Amid State Funding Reductions
In the most recent legislative session, the state significantly reduced Local Effort Assistance (LEA) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) funding for schools across Washington. As a result, Hockinson School District is moving TK to a tuition-based model and making some difficult staffing decisions and budget adjustments.
HSD is taking a conservative approach to the 2026-27 school as next year’s financial and enrollment picture continues to take shape. Staff and family can expect to receive a more detailed update from Superintendent Steve Marshall next week.
HHS Road Warriors Open State Soccer Tournament with a Win!
Round of 16 Game Summary: Thanks to stellar defense, the Hawks entered halftime tied 0-0. The HHS offense came alive in the second half with Makhai Velazquez (Ronan Cabebe, assist) scoring first. Brady Clark (Xavier Ayala, assist) added a goal to put the Hawks up for good 2-0. The Hawks defense shut out the Greyhounds to secure the 2-0 victory. Way to go, boys. Best of luck in the Quarterfinals!
Building Permit Secured for HHS Skilled Trades Center
Generous donations from local benefactors and volunteers are fully funding this building, bringing this opportunity to HHS students at no cost to the district. Read more about the HHS Skilled Trades Building here, and learn more about the three primary contributors to this project below.
Regional Awards Honor the Community Leaders Behind the HHS Skilled Trades Building
Jon Girod
Doug & Heather Greene (with Supt. Steve Marshall)
Derek Huegel
Huegel, Hill Named "Live Here, Learn Here" Heroes
Identity Clark County (ICC) celebrated the dedication of school employees and volunteers who make a positive difference at area schools at its annual "Live Here, Learn Here" event on Tuesday, May 19. Among the honorees were Derek Huegel (see above) and Tasha Hill, who were recognized for their contributions to the Hockinson School District and the Hockinson community.
Huegel was recognized for volunteering as the project manager for a new Career Technical Education (CTE) building at HHS and for his organization and expertise in all phases of construction. Tasha Hill, who has served as the HSD's Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for the past six years, was recognized for supporting staff and students as well as her positive demeanor and effectiveness with developing students' social and emotional skills. You can learn more about Huegel, Hill, and the "Live Here, Learn Here" award program here.
From Kindergarten to Senior Year: Art Takes Center Stage in the HSD
Reminder: The 2026-27 School Calendar is Now Available
Hockinson Fun Days Returns May 29-30!
Hockinson Fun Days is a weekend full of community activities for all ages! Events include Friday night bingo at Hockinson High School, a Saturday pancake breakfast hosted by Fire District 3, the Fun Days parade, a country fair carnival, live music, local vendors, food, classic cars, and more. Free shuttle service will be available throughout the day on Saturday from Hockinson High School and Hockinson Heights Elementary. Learn more here.
Hockinson Students Honored by Cascadia Technical Academy
Leah Graves
Cascadia Teaching Academy
Cacadia provides HHS students with career training in 20 programs
Jesse Rosin
Cascadia Diesel Technology
Graduation🎓and Back-to-School Information🍎
Congrats, Class of 2026!
On Friday, June 12, HHS graduates will gather at the school's stadium for their graduation ceremony to close out their high school career with classmates, family, and staff. The Class of 2026 has laid the foundation for future success by contributing to a culture of kindness, determination, and hard work on the HHS campus. We look forward to seeing the great things that these Hawks accomplish!
Senior students and families: Please check out the Senior Info document for an overview of festivities and other important information.
HHES/HMS Students to Cheer on 2026 Hockinson Grads
On June 11, students at HHES will get a glimpse of the future at the annual HHS Grad Walk, when Hockinson seniors make a pre-graduation trip to HHES and HMS. Grad Walk is not only a time for high school seniors to reflect on their accomplishments over the past 13 years, but also an opportunity for elementary and middle school students to envision graduation as a future milestone.
Post-Grad Plans
Graduation for the HHS Class of 2026 is right around the corner! We're very proud of our graduates and are excited to watch our seniors embark on their next journeys. Seniors were invited to fill out a Google form to share their post-grad plans. Here is an overview of fall plans for the class of 2026:
- 78% are attending a 2- or 4- year university
- 9% are attending a trade school or apprenticeship
- 7% are entering the workforce
- 4% are joining the military
- 2% are going on a church mission
Middle School Promotion: Welcoming New Hawks!
Eighth-grade students at HMS open a new chapter of their student careers, preparing for high school at the 8th-grade promotion ceremony on June 16 at 6 pm. This is a free, ticketed event.
TK Graduation - Next Up: Kindergarten
On June 11 at 5 pm, the Class of 2039 will experience their first graduation. Join us in celebrating the academic and social growth that these young students have achieved this school year. Our Transitional Kindergarten program prepares students to enter kindergarten with confidence in the fall.
More HSD News
Upcoming Events - We've opened the lid on end-of-school events!
Fri. May 22: Designated Snow Make-Up Day - No School
Mon. May 25: Memorial Day - No School
Tues. May 26: School Board Regular Meeting 6 pm @ HCC and Zoom
Tues. May 26 & Wed. May 27: 5th Grade Science State Testing
Tues. May 26 - Fri. May 29: State Testing Make-Up @ HHES
Tues. May 26 - Fri. May 29: SBAC Math (10th) & WCAS (11th) Make-Up Testing @ HHS
Fri. May 29 & Sat. May 30: Fun Days
Mon. June 1: Citizens Advisory Committee 6 pm @ HSD and Zoom
Thurs. June 4: District Band Festival 6 - 8 pm @ HHS Gym
Fri. June 5: Hornet Fun Run @ HHES
Mon. June 8: Field Day @ HHES
Mon. June 8: HSD Budget Hearing and Regular Board Meeting 5 pm @ HCC
Thurs. June 11: TK Graduation at 5 pm @ HHES
Fri. June 12: HHS Graduation at 7 pm @ HHS
Tues. June 16: HMS Promotion at 6 @ HMS
Wed. June 17: Last Day of School - Early Release
Fri. June 19: Juneteenth - District Office Closed
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