Mary M. Knight Family Newsletter

Dear Mary M. Knight Families,

This is the week.

On Tuesday morning, our hallways, classrooms, playgrounds, and learning spaces will once again be filled with our OWLS as students in grades 1–12 begin the 2026–2027 school year.

Over the past several weeks, I have shared a consistent message with our families:

• You belong here.
• We are getting ready together.
• And this year, we are pursuing GRIT with Intentional Excellence.

Now it is time to put those words into action.

The beginning of a school year brings excitement, but it also brings transition. Students are learning new schedules, meeting teachers, reconnecting with friends, adjusting to routines, and figuring out what will be expected of them. Our staff will be doing something equally important: getting to know our students, building relationships, teaching routines, establishing clear expectations, and creating classrooms where students know both what they are learning and that they belong.

That matters because a strong school year is not created on the first day.

• It is built through hundreds of small decisions over time.
• Showing up on time.
• Beginning work when it is time to begin.
• Putting distractions away.
• Asking for help.
• Treating another person with dignity.
• Responding to feedback.
• Taking responsibility when we make a mistake.
• Trying again when something is difficult.
• Those are the daily choices behind Growth, Resilience, Intensity, and Tenacity. That is GRIT with Intentional Excellence.

We are also not expecting the first week to be perfect. Students will forget things. Schedules may need adjustment. Younger students may need extra reassurance. Routines will take time to become habits.

Our job is to teach, support, redirect, listen, and help students grow.

What I ask from families this week is simple: help us establish the habits that will make everything else possible.

Get students to school consistently and on time. Help establish a predictable evening and morning routine. Talk with your child about their day. Reinforce our expectations around respectful behavior, phones, school property, and learning.

Most importantly, remind them that they do not have to have everything figured out on Day One.

They simply need to arrive ready to begin.

We are ready for them, and we are excited to get started.

Welcome back, OWLS. Let's make this a great year—one intentional choice at a time

With OWL Pride,

Josh Stoney
K–12 Principal

Instead of asking only, “How was school?” try one of these questions during the first few days:

• What is one thing you learned today?
• Who helped you feel welcomed or connected today?
• What was one good choice you made today?
• What is something you want to do even better tomorrow?

Those conversations reinforce an important message: growth happens one day at a time.

Monday

• High school athletic practices begin

Tuesday

• First day of school for 1st - 12th
• MS & HS Cheer practice begins

Wednesday

• Late start 9:00 am

Thursday

A smooth first week begins with everyone knowing where to go.

Family Drop-Off

Families driving students to school should use the secondary building entrance for drop-off.

The secondary doors will open at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving before classes begin will remain in the cafeteria until staff release them to their classrooms.

Please keep the elementary entrance clear for buses during arrival.

Bus Arrival

Buses will unload students at the elementary building doors.

Families with questions regarding bus routes or transportation should contact:

Mr. Toby Lane
360-426-6767, ext. 123
tlane@mmk.wednet.edu

Parents & Guardians Entering the Building

We understand that some families—especially families of younger students—may want to help their child transition during the opening days.

Parents and guardians entering the school or accompanying a student beyond the normal drop-off area must check in and sign in through the school office first.

This allows us to remain welcoming to families while also maintaining safe and secure buildings.

Our youngest OWLS begin on a slightly different schedule.

Kindergarten

First Day: Monday, August 31

Mrs. Tracey is connecting directly with Kindergarten families regarding WaKIDS Family Connection meetings before students begin their regular school schedule.

Preschool

First Day: Tuesday, September 8

Mrs. Lohman will communicate directly with Preschool families regarding beginning-of-year information.

We are excited to welcome our youngest OWLS soon!

Friday, September 4, 2026

Fall Student Picture Day is coming quickly!

Families will receive additional information as picture day approaches.

Get those OWL smiles ready!

GRIT With Intentional Excellence

One of the traditions we are excited to continue this year is recognizing the students and staff members who bring our culture to life.

Each week, we will celebrate GRIT Students of the Week and a GRIT Staff Member of the Week who demonstrate:

• Growth — improving through feedback and practice
• Resilience — recovering, adapting, and continuing forward
• Intensity — bringing focus, energy, and purpose
• Tenacity — following through when something becomes difficult

And this year, we will be looking especially closely for Intentional Excellence—people making deliberate choices that help themselves and others grow.

Because students return on Tuesday, our first GRIT recognition cycle begins this week.

Teachers and staff will be watching for the everyday actions that deserve to be noticed:

• A student helping someone feel like they belong.
• Someone asking for help instead of giving up.
• A student responding positively to feedback.
• Someone demonstrating exceptional effort.
• A student taking responsibility for a mistake.
• A staff member going above and beyond for students or colleagues.
• Someone quietly doing the right thing without needing recognition.

Our First Honorees Are Coming

Our first 2026–2027 GRIT Students and Staff Member of the Week will be featured in next week's family newsletter.

We cannot wait to begin telling their stories.

At MMK, what we recognize becomes part of the culture we build.

Fall Sports Are Underway!

The fall sports season officially begins this week!

High School Fall Sports

🏈 Football
🏐 Volleyball

First Day of Practice: Monday, August 24

We are excited to welcome our student-athletes back and begin another season of competition, teamwork, commitment, and OWL Pride.

Middle School Fall Sports

First Day: Monday, August 31

Additional information regarding middle school practices and schedules will continue to be communicated with families.

Students planning to participate in Mary M. Knight athletics must complete their sports registration through FinalForms.

Access MMK FinalForms for Athletic Registration

Families are encouraged to complete registration as soon as possible so athletes are cleared and ready for the start of practices. Please make sure all required forms, signatures, and medical information are completed before participation.