HSD News Round-Up
May 7, 2025
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Hockinson’s schools are powered by passionate, dedicated educators who routinely go above and beyond to support our students. To recognize their contributions, we are continuing our tradition of daily teacher spotlights throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. Follow along on the HSD Facebook page throughout the week to meet some of the amazing educators who make our schools so special.
Put Your (Clean) Hands Together for HSD's Nurses!
The HSD has an incredible nursing team consisting of Kat Young (HHES), Shawn Cass (HMS), and the combo of Shing Burkhart and Molly Scott at HHS. These nurses provide an array of important health services to our students every day. Many families may not know that without levy funding, the state would only provide funding for 1/3 of one nurse position...for the entire district! Thanks to the community’s support of the 2022 Levy and enhanced student safety funding from the state, we are now able to fund three nurses to support Hockinson’s 1,940 students. And wow, do we ever need them! Did you know that HHES Nurse Kat Young (r) pictured with Health Room Assistant Julie Nielson (l) have responded to over 7,500 separate health room visits this so far this school year?!
SBAC Testing Reminder
SBA testing continues throughout this month at all Hockinson schools. Testing is spread out over shorter sessions across multiple days to reduce testing fatigue and better set students up for success. Thank you for helping ensure students are present, rested, and ready to do their best! Testing dates are as follows:
SBAC Testing Dates
HHS: April 21-25, 2025 & May 19-22, 2025
-WCAS: April 25, 2025 & May 20-21, 2025 (11th grade only)
HMS: May 12-23, 2025
-WCAS: May 27-28 (8th grade only)
HHES: May 12-19, 2025 & May 27-30, 2025
-WCAS: May 6-8, 2025 (5th grade only)
Spotlight on Learning - SBAC Preparation at HMS
Like their counterparts at the elementary and high school, teachers at Hockinson Middle School have been hard at work in the weeks leading up to state testing! Teachers are guiding students through practice questions and reviewing data to identify specific standards in need of additional support. Students and teachers also talk about how their assessment performance supports their path to graduation and prepares them for success after high school.
One example of this preparation can be seen in Mrs. Lyon’s math class. Her students are immersed in a realistic testing environment and introduced to different types of practice tests. These include focused (1-3 targets), block (3-8 targets) and comprehensive assessments.
We are appreciative of the effort our HMS students and educators are putting into content mastery and academic skill-building. Ensuring a high level of student learning is a team effort. Thank you to our community members for donating snacks that keep students fueled and focused. We value your support!
HHS Transforms Gym into SBA Testing Venue
Hockinson High School created the school's largest-ever classroom for this year's English-Language Arts (ELA) SBA. While a gymnasium might be an unconventional testing site, Principal Tim Fox felt that single testing location created a more focused testing atmosphere for the performance task portion of the ELA test and acknowledged HHS English teachers for suggesting the format. "Teacher leadership is a huge factor in school improvement. The [English] teachers approached me with this idea, we went with it, and I think it positively impacted the testing environment and, hopefully, student achievement."
HMS Band Walks and Rocks at Loyalty Day Parade
Beyond the classroom, nearly 100 HMS students traveled to Long Beach, WA on Sunday, May 4 to participate in the Loyalty Day Parade. Following the parade, teams from around the region gathered at the awards ceremony and eagerly awaited the judges' ratings. Drum roll please...HMS won 2nd Place in the band category and 1st in flag team. Congratulations, HMS Marching Band, Band Director Jennifer Ritenburgh, and Flag Team Coach Christine Parker. Also, a big "Thank You" to our parents who helped to transport our students to Long Beach following a mechanical issue with one of our buses. Hockinson families will have the chance to watch these students perform songs like "Lowrider" and "Frankenstein" at the May 17 Hazel Dell and 31 Fun Days Parades!
Tik Tok Chromebook Challenge Puts Student Safety, District Property at Risk
We want to make HSD families aware of a dangerous and destructive social media trend that is trending with students. This recent Chromebook Challenge involves students recording themselves inserting conductive items such as pencil graphite, push pins and paper clips into Chromebook ports to start a fire. The videos are then posted to social media and shared widely.
Students and families need to know that Hockinson School District has an assurance policy on the Chromebooks that are checked out to students. But this coverage includes incidental damage or damage resulting from normal use. It does not extend to intentional damage. Damage caused by the intentional misuse of Chromebook devices is the responsibility of the student and their family. The replacement cost of a Chromebook is close to $400. Moreover, due to the inherent safety risks of tampering with an electric/electronic device, any student proven to participate in this challenge will face disciplinary action.
As with any issue, the solution will depend on a team approach. Schools have communicated expectations regarding safe and responsible use of Chromebooks with students. Students are asked to report any unsafe or destructive behaviors to school administrators. Parents, we ask that you talk with your student about steering clear of this challenge; please reach out to your child's school or to the HSD District Office if you have any questions or concerns.
Path With a Purpose
Twenty yards of wood chips, donated by Reyes Tree Service, were used for the new HMS walking path. This will bolster access for Science field studies, serve as a soft running track for athletes, and offer a peaceful walking path for community use.
We will Miss our AmeriCorps!
Rachelle Hymas, Keeley Hall, Olivia Witherspoon, Adam Haris-Bloom, and Elin Bony joined us in September as AmeriCorps members and were slated to serve through July 15. Their impact will be felt long after their departure.
HHES Student Musicians
Students at HHES build their musical foundation through grade-level performances and classroom instruction led by Ms. Miles and Ms. Ramirez. Pictured here are general music education students learning fan dancing in honor of the Lunar New Year.
HMS Band
Participation in HMS Band, led by Jennifer Ritenburgh, gives students the opportunity to build confidence and a lifelong appreciation for music. Pictured is the 8th-grade band performing at the LCRMEA Band Festival, where they received three Superior ratings along with valuable feedback.
HHS Celebrates Students Taking the Next Step in Athletics, Music
Traditionally, signing days at high schools have been limited to college-bound athletes who sign a letter of intent committing to play a sport for a certain college or university. As part of its commitment to have 100% of its graduates to be enlisted, employed, or enrolled in a post-secondary program or school, HHS is expanding its recognition efforts at events such as signing day, senior launch event, and graduation. At yesterday's signing day, ten athletes and band members had the opportunity to publicly commit to college sports and music programs. Those students (along with their activity and college) are:
- Jasper Armstrong (Wrestling, Minot State University)
- Ian Guasco (Track/XC, St. Olaf’s University)
- Graham Learing (Baseball, Lower Columbia Community College)
- Madsen Richardsen (Track, Southern Virginia University)
- Alonzo Flores (Soccer, University of Puget Sound)
- Paige Dangleis (Swim, Whitworth University)
- Makoa Lewis (Band, Vanderbilt University)
- Cadyn Lanier (Band, Oberlin College and Conservatory)
- Zieynita Stidum (Track, University of Portland)
- Allyson Railsback (Gymnastics, Grand Canyon University)
It is exciting that these soon-to-be graduates get to take their talents at the next level. But they could not have done it alone. So it was very special to see them share their success with their friends, family, and community that have supported them.
New HSD App Ties Together School and District Communications
We’re excited to share that Hockinson School District has launched a new, all-in-one family communications app. Built on the Apptegy platform, this app integrates our website, messaging system, and social media into one convenient place. Families can stay up to date with school news, events, and announcements—all from their phone. Download the app by searching Hockinson School District, WA on the App Store or Google Play. Watch a quick intro video here.
Don't Forget! Annual "Books and Blooms" Event - May 9-10 at HCC
Two Days of Book (and Puzzle) Swapping & Hunting
Bring in your new or gently used books and puzzles for this free book swap event! All reading levels are welcome. Used books will also be available for purchase for 50 cents each. This year's Books and Blooms will take place at the Hockinson Community Center on:
- May 9 at 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- May 10 at 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
and One-Day Garden Sale
Come buy vegetable starts, annual and perennial flowers, seeds, and more from local organizations and farms.
- May 10 at 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
This community event is a collaboration of People Working Together (PWT) and Hockinson Community Education.
It's Coming! Hockinson Fun Days
Join us on May 30 & 31 for Hockinson Fun Days! This annual community tradition is fun for the whole family. Activities include bingo night, pancake breakfast, a lively community parade, bazaar, and carnival. Learn more here!
Contact Us
Email: justine.hanrahan@esd112.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400