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.

Dear MMK Families,

What a week to be an OWL! As we step into March, I find myself reflecting on just how much our students and staff have poured into this school — and how clearly it shows.

Last Friday, we had the privilege of celebrating our February Awards Assemblies at both the elementary and secondary level, and I have to tell you — the energy in those rooms was something special. From our youngest Pre-K learners all the way through our secondary students, we recognized young people who are showing up every single day with Grit, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. Watching our kids receive that recognition — and watching their peers cheer them on — is exactly why we do this work. Congratulations to every student and staff member honored, especially our GRIT Students and Staff of the Month. You make Mary M. Knight a better place.

As we head into this week, I want to highlight a few things worth circling on your calendar:

National School Breakfast Week runs March 2–6, and our kitchen team has put together something really fun. Classes will compete all week for the highest breakfast participation — and the winning class earns the chance to choose the school menu for an entire day. That's a prize worth showing up for! Encourage your students to grab breakfast each morning and be part of the quest.

High School Spring Sports officially begin today, and Middle School athletes kick off on March 9th. If your student is interested in baseball, track & field, or golf, please get them registered through FinalForms as soon as possible at marymknight-wa.finalforms.com. Athletic Director Tom Kerr is available to answer any questions.

This Thursday, March 5th, ESD 113 will be hosting free Child Find developmental screenings for children ages 0–5 right here on our campus at the Counseling Portable from 9:30–11:00 a.m. If you have a younger child at home and any questions about their development, I encourage you to take advantage of this free resource. Please call our office at 360-426-6767, ext. 6500 to schedule a time.

Also a reminder — Wednesday is a late start, and our PTO meets at 3:30 p.m. in the library. We always love seeing family members there, so come if you can!

Finally, thank you for your continued partnership around our cell phone and device expectations. When home and school are aligned on this, our students benefit — and your support truly makes a difference in protecting our learning environment.

It is an honor to lead this school alongside such dedicated students, staff, and families. Let's make it a great week, MMK.

Monday 3/2

• HS Spring Sports Practice Starts

Tuesday 3/3

• Art Club 3:00 pm
• SkillsUSA meeting 3:00 pm

Wednesday 3/4

• Late start
• After School Metal shop Club 3:30 pm
• Board Game Club 3:00 pm
• PTO Meeting 3:30 pm in the library

Thursday 3/5

• After School Woodshop Club 3:30 pm

Friday 3/6

Mary M. Knight School District

A Message from the Principal's Desk

Dear Mary M. Knight Families,

As we continue working to protect valuable learning time in our classrooms, we want to remind families of our district expectations around personal cell phones and devices. Your support at home in reinforcing these expectations truly makes a difference, and we thank you for your partnership.

Secondary Students — Grades 7–12

Personal devices must be powered off and fully stored away during class time. This includes the use of headphones and earbuds. Students are welcome to use their devices before school, during passing periods, at lunch, and after school.

Elementary Students — PK–6

Personal devices should remain at home. If your child does bring one to school, it must stay completely put away throughout the entire day — including during recess and lunch.

Corrective Action

Students who do not meet these expectations may have their device temporarily confiscated until the end of the day, and parent pick-up may be required. Ongoing concerns may result in additional disciplinary action.

As always, if you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the school office and we will make sure your message gets to them.

Thank you for your continued support — we are grateful for the partnership between home and school.

🌱 March Character Focus: COOPERATION Part of our CharacterStrong Social-Emotional Learning Program

Dear MMK Families,

Spring is in the air, and so is a great opportunity to grow together! Throughout March, students across all grade levels at Mary M. Knight will be focusing on Cooperation as part of our school-wide CharacterStrong social-emotional learning curriculum. Cooperation is one of three core character traits woven throughout our school year that help our students Be Kind — to each other, to our community, and to themselves.

The best part? You can bring this learning home! Read on to find out what Cooperation means, what your child is working on at school, and some simple, fun ways to practice it together as a family.

What Is Cooperation?

"Working together to reach shared goals."

Cooperation isn't just about taking turns or getting along — it's about contributing your own strengths so that everyone can succeed together. Whether it's a group project in class, a game at recess, or pitching in at home, Cooperation is a skill our MMK students practice every single day.

What Your Child Is Learning at School

Across all grade levels, our teachers are guiding students through lessons that build the real skills that make Cooperation possible. This month, your child is developing:

• Perspective-Taking — understanding a situation from someone else's point of view
• Conflict Resolution — working through disagreements respectfully and finding solutions together
• Leadership & Followership — knowing when to step up and lead, and when to be a supportive and helpful team player

Conversation Starters for the Dinner Table

Try asking your child one of these questions this week — you might be surprised by what you hear!

• "What does Cooperation mean to you in your own words?"
• "What is one way our family could practice Cooperation together this week?"

PurposeFull Pursuits: Try These at Home!

These two family activities come directly from our CharacterStrong curriculum. They are simple, meaningful, and a great way to connect as a family while building real cooperation skills.

Pursuit #1: Team Goal Challenge

Choose a shared family goal that requires everyone's help — maybe it's cleaning up the house, cooking a meal together, tackling a yard project, or organizing a space. Give each person a specific role so that everyone has a part to play. When you're finished, take a moment to celebrate and talk about how each person's contribution made the whole thing possible. That's Cooperation in action!

Pursuit #2: Family Celebration Circle

Find a quiet moment to sit together and take turns sharing responses to these prompts. Remember to practice Cooperation while you listen to each other!

• Who in our family showed great Cooperation this month, and how?
• Share one time you were a leader this month. Share one time you were a great supporter or follower.
• What does Cooperation mean to you?
• What is one new way we can cooperate better as a family going forward?

Thank you for being our partners in raising kind, capable, and cooperative kids. Together, we are the MMK community — and that is Cooperation at its very best.

As always, if you have questions or just want to connect, our door is always open.

On Friday, we came together as a school community to celebrate the incredible hard work and achievements of our students at our February Awards Assembly! It was a wonderful afternoon filled with pride, cheers, and well-deserved recognition. Each classroom teacher took time to honor their students for outstanding effort in reading, math, attendance, and overall citizenship — and the energy in the room was a reminder of just how much our students have been growing this year.

In addition to our classroom awards, we were thrilled to recognize our February GRIT Students of the Month — students who have shown up every day with determination, perseverance, and a commitment to doing their very best. This month's honorees represent the very best of what our school community has to offer, and we could not be more proud of each of them.

Our Pre-School honorees were Marigold Guelzo, Annabelle Lounsbury, and Carmyn McCartney. Marigold was recognized for her positive attitude and determination in guiding and inspiring her classmates. Annabelle was celebrated for her initiative and encouraging spirit each and every morning. Carmyn earned her recognition by working hard to build her skills and inspiring those around her to push themselves further.

In Kindergarten, Braden Thomas was honored for his honesty, accountability, and his ability to problem-solve independently — a true example of GRIT in action. In 1st grade, Kinsley Lingnau was recognized for her incredible effort and growth in reading. Her excitement about her own progress is contagious and has inspired her entire class to work harder.

Barrett Frostad in 2nd grade was celebrated for his outstanding leadership, his thoughtful approach to both reading and math, and his ability to lift up the learners around him. In 3rd grade, Analea Atwood was honored for her unwavering integrity and strength of character. Analea consistently chooses to do the right thing — even when it's hard — and her honesty makes her someone her class can always count on.

Sadie Wulf in 4th grade was recognized for her quiet but powerful dedication, focus, and strong work ethic that motivates everyone around her to strive for excellence. In 5th grade, Addison Coppersmith was celebrated for diving into her new classroom with incredible focus, a willingness to support her classmates, and the initiative to lead discussions from day one. And in 6th grade, Avery Lohman was honored for her steady effort, positive leadership, and commitment to helping her group succeed every single day.

Finally, we were so excited to honor our February GRIT Staff Member of the Month — Mrs. Chambless! Mrs. Chambless exemplifies GRIT in everything she does. She shows up every day for every grade level with energy, enthusiasm, and a heart for her students. Whether she is leading music or PE, she brings joy and creativity to her lessons while modeling the same perseverance she inspires in her students. We are so grateful for Mrs. Chambless and everything she brings to our school community each and every day!

Thank you to our entire school community — students, families, and staff — for making McKenna Elementary such a special place. We are so proud of all that our students are accomplishing, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings. Keep up the great work!

February Theme: Leadership with Intensity

What a tremendous February it has been at Mary M. Knight Secondary! This past Friday, we had the privilege of pausing to recognize the students and staff who exemplify what it truly means to lead with intensity — not through volume or status, but through consistency, care, initiative, and a commitment to lifting others up. We are so proud of the individuals honored at our awards assembly, and we want our families and community to know just how special these young people and dedicated staff members are.

🌟 Secondary Students of the Month

Each month, staff nominate students who embody our monthly theme. This February, six outstanding secondary students were recognized for demonstrating Leadership with Intensity in their classrooms, their peer groups, and their daily choices.

Bella Buck leads in the truest sense of the word. She breaks down complex ideas to help her classmates think through challenges on their own, building both understanding and confidence in the people around her. Bella organizes group work, invites participation, and holds her peers to high standards — not out of criticism, but out of genuine care. Those around Bella work harder because of her presence.

Maelynn Nygaard is a quiet force. She leads from the background, making sure every voice is heard and every group stays on track. Her patience and clarity help teammates grasp difficult concepts, and her work ethic sets a standard that others naturally want to meet. Maelynn doesn't lead for recognition — she leads by simply choosing excellence, every single day.

Kane Dunnington consistently brings a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and high engagement to his Digital Tools class — which happens to be 7th period, one of the toughest times of day to finish strong. Kane currently holds an A in the course, turns in quality work on time, and models respectful, dependable behavior that makes him a role model for everyone around him.

Izzy McCracken joined our 7th grade class and immediately made her mark through kindness, initiative, and a willingness to help others without hesitation. She is frequently among the first on task, participates actively in class discussions, and goes out of her way to support her peers. Izzy's warmth and positivity are contagious — she inspires those around her simply by being who she is.

Toni Koonrad is someone who notices what needs to be done and does it — without being asked. Toni volunteers for responsibilities, steps up for others, and leads by quiet, steady example. If there is a problem to solve or a person who needs support, Toni is already on it.

Aubrey Lake stepped into a leadership role naturally during a recent classroom activity, helping her group understand key concepts and encouraging full participation from everyone involved. When her group finished ahead of schedule, rather than stopping, Aubrey kept the momentum going and worked collaboratively on additional assignments. That kind of initiative speaks volumes.

🏅 Staff of the Month

Our February Staff of the Month honorees were nominated by students — and reading their nominations is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact our educators have every single day.

Mrs. Chambless was recognized for being someone students can truly count on. Students described her as relatable, kind, funny, and genuinely present for them — the kind of person they turn to when they need support. Her warmth and consistency create a sense of safety and belonging that lifts our entire school community.

Ms. Alex Fisher was honored for her steady, compassionate leadership — especially in students' most difficult moments. Students wrote that she has "helped me through the hard times" and that "she is there for everyone and does her job to the best of her ability." Ms. Fisher models what it looks like to show up fully, every single day.

Mr. Brandon Johnston was celebrated for making students feel seen and valued. A student noted that he is "always making sure to ask about students' days and make sure they feel appreciated." That daily investment in people — the simple, consistent act of checking in — is a powerful form of leadership that strengthens our entire school.

🦉 OWL Award Recipients

In addition to our monthly recognitions, we are proud to celebrate students who met the following achievement benchmarks for the month:

The Steadfast OWL is awarded to students who had zero tardies and zero unexcused absences — demonstrating that showing up, on time, every day, is itself a form of leadership and commitment.

The Wise OWL is awarded to students who carried no failing grades or D's — reflecting dedication to their academics and a commitment to doing the work.

The Peak of OWL Excellence — our highest honor — goes to students who achieved both the Steadfast OWL and the Wise OWL standards. These students exemplified full investment in their education this month, and we could not be more proud of them.

A full list of OWL Award recipients will be posted on our school's social media page and displayed in the school hallway.

We are so proud of every student and staff member recognized this month. At Mary M. Knight, Leadership with Intensity isn't just a theme — it's something we see lived out in our hallways, our classrooms, and our community every single day. Thank you to our families for the role you play in raising and supporting young people of such strong character.

National School Breakfast Week | March 2–6

OWLS, the adventure is officially ON!

Next week, Mary M. Knight is joining schools across the country in celebrating National School Breakfast Week, and this year's theme — "The Quest for Breakfast!" — means we are pulling out all the stops to make mornings something to look forward to!

Our kitchen team has been hard at work putting together a lineup of brand-new breakfast items for students to discover all week long. We can't wait for your kids to taste what's in store!

But here's where the quest really heats up...

Both our Elementary and Secondary schools will be running a friendly class competition all week. The class with the highest breakfast participation from March 2nd through March 6th will earn the ultimate reward — the power to choose the school menu for an entire day, breakfast AND lunch included! That's real student voice in action, and it's a pretty incredible prize.

Elementary families, your students will also receive a fun daily activity with breakfast each morning to keep the energy and excitement going throughout the week.

All it takes is showing up and grabbing breakfast — it's that simple. Every meal counts toward your class total, so encourage your Knight to be there each morning ready to eat, compete, and conquer!

Let the quest begin — and may the best class win! 🗡️

Do you have concerns about your child’s development? ESD 113 Special Education Co-op is offering FREE Child Find screenings for children ages 0–5 in the Mary M. Knight School District and surrounding districts.

When: March 5, 2026

Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am

Where: MMK Counseling Portable

Child Find screenings help identify possible developmental delays in areas such as speech, motor skills, learning, vision, hearing, and social-emotional development. Screenings are quick, easy, and provide families with helpful feedback and connections to resources.

To schedule: Call Mary M. Knight School at 360-426-6767, ext. 6500.

For more information about Child Find and available resources, please visit:

https://www.marymknight.com/page/resources

Early support makes a difference! If you have questions about early intervention or special education services, please contact the district for assistance.

Please share to help spread the word!

We are excited to announce that our Spring Sports season is just around the corner! This is a wonderful opportunity for our middle and high school students to stay active, build teamwork skills, and represent Mary M. Knight with pride.

Important Dates & Sports

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Baseball • Track & Field • Golf
Start Date: Monday, March 2nd

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS
Baseball • Track & Field
Start Date: Monday, March 9th

How to Register

All students interested in participating must register through FinalForms. This online system makes registration quick and easy, and ensures we have all necessary information on file.

Register now at: https://marymknight-wa.finalforms.com/

Please complete registration as soon as possible to ensure your athlete is ready to go on day one!

Questions?

Our Athletic Director, Tom Kerr, is here to help! Contact him with any questions about sports, schedules, or registration:

📧 tkerr@mmk.wednet.edu
📞 360-426-6767

What an incredible week it has been at MMK! Our teachers have been busy recognizing students across every grade level who are living out our school values through Grit, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. We are so proud to share these highlights with you, because the moments happening in our classrooms and hallways every day are truly worth celebrating.

Pre-Kindergarten had no shortage of GRIT this week! Amelia Lounsbury impressed her teachers by challenging herself to dig deeper during Rotation Stations, choosing to take on tracing sheets when she could have taken the easy road. Cody Atwood pushed himself to hang on the green bar for 20 full seconds — a personal best that shows just what determination looks like, even at four years old! Rosalynn Austin has been keeping her eyes, ears, and heart fully focused on her learning, soaking in every lesson with intention and purpose. And sweet Annabelle Lounsbury has been practicing her counting with a willingness and persistence that her teachers absolutely love to see.

Kindergarten shoutout goes to Leo Larson, who has been putting in real effort to manage his body and emotions — which, as any parent knows, is some of the most important and hardest work a young learner can do. Leo is also giving his best on his assignments, and his teachers want you to know they love hearing his stories and having him in class every single day!

In 1st Grade, two students are showing their classmates what it truly means to never give up. Kynslee Lingnau is tackling reading head-on — sounding out tricky words, rereading when something doesn't click, and pushing through until it makes sense. Her teacher wants her family to know that kind of determination is powerful and is making a real difference. Dominic Franco is bringing that same energy to math. He takes on new concepts with confidence, tries different strategies when something is hard, and doesn't stop until he understands. His growth has been remarkable, and it comes entirely from his own hard work and persistence.

Our 2nd Grade teachers have a lot to celebrate this week! Sunny Baughman has taken true ownership of her learning in both math and reading, working carefully and persistently to reach her fullest potential — her teacher says her work ethic "screams persistence," and we couldn't agree more! Eden Johnson is not only a tremendous help to her teacher, but she goes above and beyond to support her peers and immediately takes action when she sees something that needs attention. What a leader! Aaliyah McCartney brings a smile to school every single day, and that positivity is contagious — she lifts up her classmates, leads by example, and brings creativity and teamwork to everything she does. And Barratt Frostad was nominated by a fellow student for being a wonderful friend at recess and for consistently completing his work and following directions. How special is that!

In 3rd Grade, Willow Metzger has demonstrated remarkable grit by getting her work done on time and giving her absolute best effort day after day. Her teacher wants her family to know that her work ethic is proof of just how much a student can grow when they simply don't give up. Analea Atwood has become a cornerstone of her classroom community — helping classmates solve problems, clean up, and even learn how to type. Her generosity and kindness make her classroom a better place for everyone. Charlette Hammond showed a different kind of grit this week — the grit of honesty. When Charlette noticed an error in her homework, she immediately brought it to her teacher's attention so it could be corrected. That kind of integrity takes real courage, and we are so proud of her.

4th Grade gives a big shoutout to Audi Short, who shows up every day ready to help and extends kindness to everyone around her. Her teacher is grateful for her generous spirit and her ability to be a true friend to others.

Our 6th Grade teachers recognized two outstanding students this week. Koal Reed missed his mile run during Fit Testing while he was sick, and rather than simply taking the absence, he came back and asked to run it on his own time — then turned in an even better time than before! His teacher says they have always been impressed with Koal's work ethic and can't wait to see what he does in the secondary building. Emma Holmes has been a model student, consistently working hard and turning her assignments in on time. Keep it up, Emma!

We are so grateful to have such an amazing group of students at Mary M. Knight, and we are equally grateful to the teachers who take the time to see each child and lift them up. If your child was recognized this week, please take a moment to celebrate them at home — they have earned it!

Have a wonderful week, MMK families. 💙

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Menu

• Monday: Salisbury Steak & Mashed Potatoes
• Tuesday: Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
• Wednesday: Bison and lentil Chili
• Thursday: Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
• Friday: Chicken Nachos

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: HS Sports Begin
• Tuesday:
• Wednesday:
• Thursday:
• Friday:
• Saturday:

📋 Important Reminders

🔗 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