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,

As we begin this new week, I'm reflecting on what it truly means to show up—not just physically, but with intention, care, and commitment to who we are as a school community. That's what I see happening at Mary M. Knight every single day.

This week, we have so much to celebrate. Our elementary and secondary award winners are demonstrating the very best of what it means to be an OWL—trying even when uncertain, asking for help without hesitation, persevering through challenges, and taking pride in their work. These aren't just achievements; they're evidence of the character we're building together. I encourage you to take time this week to read through the detailed recognition of our award winners. Their stories are inspiring, and many of them offer powerful lessons we can reinforce at home.

However, this week also brings an important conversation we need to have as a community. We've identified a situation involving student social media use that requires our collective attention and partnership. Please read the detailed message in this newsletter about how we're addressing negative online content. This isn't about blame or shame—it's about helping our young people understand that their digital choices have real-world consequences, and that we care enough to guide them toward better decisions. Your partnership at home—monitoring, talking, and modeling positive digital citizenship—is essential.

We're also excited to support our Juniors and Seniors taking the ASVAB this Thursday morning. This assessment is an important tool for future planning, and we're proud to offer this opportunity.

What I want you to know: Building excellence together means celebrating our wins AND addressing our challenges with the same care and commitment. It means showing up for each other, believing in our students' capacity to grow, and never giving up on creating a school community we're all proud to be part of.

Thank you for everything you do to support our students and our mission. If you have questions or concerns about anything happening at MMK, please reach out.

Monday 2/2

• Boys Basketball @ Agape Christian 6:00 pm

Tuesday 2/3

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

Wednesday 2/4

• Late start
• Board Game Club 3:00 pm
• PTO Meeting 3:30 pm
• HS Basketball vs. Oakville 5:30 pm (Senior Night)

Thursday 2/5

• ASVAB Test

Friday 2/6

• HS Basketball vs. Taholah 4:00 pm (Mini Cheer performs)

Saturday 2/7

• SkillsUSA Regional Competition 8:00 am

We want to make you aware of a situation involving student social media use that requires our attention as a school community. Recently, we identified a TikTok account being used by students to post negative and damaging content about members of our school. This discovery came to light while addressing other school matters, and we are taking immediate steps to address it.

What We're Doing

Our school is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students. We are currently:

• Working with the students involved to have the account removed
• Teaching students about appropriate social media use and digital citizenship
• Helping students understand the lasting impact of their online decisions
• Addressing the disruption this has caused in our school community

Understanding School Authority

While social media posts may be created outside of school, when they cause disruption to our school environment or negatively impact our students, we have both the obligation and authority to respond. This may include disciplinary action in accordance with our student conduct policies.

How You Can Help

We need your partnership to address this issue and prevent future incidents. Please consider taking these steps:

• Monitor your child's social media accounts, especially TikTok – We've identified multiple accounts contributing to negative culture and climate
• Talk with your children about responsible online behavior – Discuss how online posts can have real-world consequences
• Model positive digital citizenship – Children learn from what they see at home
• Report concerning activity – If you become aware of problematic social media involving our students, please contact the school office

Social media can be a positive tool when used responsibly, but negative content creates an environment of distrust and anxiety that affects our entire school community. Through education, conversation, and consistent expectations at school and home, we can guide our students toward responsible online behavior.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community safe and supportive for all students. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the office.

— Mary M. Knight School Administration

Good news, families! This Thursday, our Junior and Senior students will have the opportunity to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test.

The ASVAB is a valuable assessment that provides students with important information about their strengths and interests as they plan for life after high school. Whether your student is considering military service, exploring career pathways, or working toward fulfilling their graduation requirements, this test offers meaningful data to support their future planning.

Please make sure your Junior and Senior students are present Thursday morning, as testing will begin at 8:30 am. Attendance is important to ensure students don't miss this opportunity.

If you have any questions about the ASVAB or need to discuss your student's attendance, please reach out to our office. We look forward to supporting our students as they take this important step toward their futures.

Huge thank you to Deputy Matt Colbenson for taking the time to come out this morning and be such a positive, welcoming presence in our hallways. Our students loved getting the chance to connect with you—and those chocolate donut bars were definitely a hit! It was such a great way to start the day, and we truly appreciate you for supporting our school and helping create a warm, friendly environment for our students. Thanks for making our morning a little brighter!

We were excited to welcome Representative Emily Randall to our classrooms, including our CTE programs, during her visit! She showed great interest in our electric school buses, toured our bus garage, and even took a ride on one of our electric buses (all smiles!). We truly appreciate her time, enthusiasm, and interest in visiting the Mary M. Knight School District.

January is School Board Appreciation Month!

Thank you to the Mary M. Knight Board of Directors for your continued dedication to our students and community. We appreciate your leadership and commitment to the success of the Mary M. Knight School District!

#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #ThankYouSchoolBoard #MaryMKnightProud

The Heart of Learning: Celebrating Our January Elementary Award Winners

Dear MMK Families,

There's something special about watching young learners discover what they're capable of. In our elementary classrooms this January, we've seen students tackle challenging math problems with determination, raise their hands to ask thoughtful questions, try new strategies when the first one doesn't work, and say "I'll give it a try" even when they're not quite sure they can.

These moments—small as they might seem—are where character is built. They're where students learn that effort matters more than getting it right the first time, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that taking pride in your work means something important.

This month, our elementary teachers nominated seven remarkable students who embody these values every single day.

Starting Strong: Our Youngest Learners

Henry Backhaus (Pre-School) is showing us what intensity and focus look like at the very beginning of the educational journey. Henry has been applying his attention to each activity and worksheet with the goal of producing his best work. That determination is paying off—his teachers have noticed real growth in his writing and drawing skills. At an age when it's easy to rush through tasks or get distracted, Henry is learning that focused effort leads to real improvement. That's a foundation that will serve him well for years to come.

Robbie Metzger (Kindergarten) has become known for one powerful phrase: "I'm not sure I can, but I'll give it a try." Think about the courage in those words coming from a five or six-year-old. Robbie doesn't let uncertainty stop him—he gives every task his all and asks questions when he needs help. And here's the beautiful part: he often succeeds on his first try! But when he doesn't, he doesn't give up. He listens to feedback and tries again. That "I'll try" attitude is exactly the mindset we hope to nurture in all our students.

Elementary Excellence: Grades 1-3

Kaison Gonzales (1st Grade) approaches his work with a level of focus and intensity that stands out. When faced with challenging problems, Kaison doesn't rush. He takes his time to carefully think things through, staying locked in until he truly understands. He works hard to be neat and accurate, making a real effort to avoid careless mistakes. In 1st grade, when many students are still learning to sustain their attention, Kaison's determination and attention to detail are remarkable.

Aaliyah McCartney (2nd Grade) shows us what it means to take pride in everything you do. Aaliyah doesn't settle for "good enough"—she consistently puts forth her best effort, never settling for less than excellence. She actively participates in classroom discussions, sharing thoughtful ideas and listening respectfully when others speak. She follows directions carefully and completes all her classwork and homework with care and responsibility. Her teacher describes her as "an all-around fabulous student," and that dedication to learning shines through in everything she does.

Matthew Mock (3rd Grade) is a master of perseverance. When Matthew doesn't know how to solve something, he doesn't shut down—he asks questions. He takes his time on his work. He tries several different strategies before asking for help. Through it all, he never gives up. Matthew is showing his classmates what real problem-solving looks like: it's not about knowing all the answers immediately; it's about being willing to work through challenges until you find your way. That's a life skill that extends far beyond the classroom.

Upper Elementary: Grades 4-6

Becky Fischer (4th Grade) gives her full attention during lessons, raising her hand to ask thoughtful questions and engaging with her classmates during partner work. But what really sets Becky apart is what she does after the lesson: she carefully completes assignments, checks her work, and uses feedback right away to fix mistakes. She's not just completing tasks—she's learning from them. Becky stays focused and is always willing to try new things, approaching each day with her best effort. That combination of attentiveness and follow-through is powerful.

Jace Oakes (5th Grade) demonstrates what it means to be fully engaged, no matter what. It doesn't matter how many students are at school, how loud the classroom gets, or how difficult an assignment is—Jace puts 100% of his effort into engaging with his peers, his teacher, and the lessons at hand. He willingly participates in every section of the day and sets a responsible example for his friends. He doesn't hesitate to ask for help when he needs it, and he perseveres no matter the circumstance. That consistent engagement and positive influence make Jace a true classroom leader.

Emma Holmes (6th Grade) approaches her work with care and precision. She completes assignments and checks her work for accuracy. She manages distractions by avoiding unnecessary conversations with other students, keeping her focus where it needs to be. Emma takes genuine pride in her work—she seeks out feedback and makes the recommended changes. As our oldest elementary student, Emma is modeling the kind of self-directed learning and personal responsibility that will prepare her well for the transition to secondary school.

What These Students Teach Us

When we look at these seven award winners together, a clear pattern emerges. These students:

• Try, even when they're uncertain. They say "I'll give it a try" instead of "I can't."
• Ask questions when they need help. They understand that seeking support is smart, not weak.
• Take their time and work carefully. They resist the urge to rush just to be done.
• Use feedback to improve. They see corrections as opportunities, not criticisms.
• Persevere through challenges. They try multiple strategies and don't give up when things get hard.
• Stay focused and engaged. They give their attention to learning, even when distractions are present.
• Take pride in their work. They care about doing things well, not just finishing them.

These aren't just academic skills—they're life skills. They're the habits and mindsets that will help our students navigate challenges throughout their lives.

A Word to Our Elementary Families

Young students learn these behaviors from the adults around them. When you model persistence at home—when you talk through problems, try different approaches, ask for help when you need it, and stick with difficult tasks—your children are watching and learning.

Thank you for reinforcing these values at home. Thank you for celebrating effort, not just outcomes. Thank you for helping your children understand that mistakes are part of learning, and that character is built through small, consistent choices every single day.

To our award winners: You are showing OWL Pride in the best possible way—through your daily actions, your positive attitudes, and your willingness to keep growing. We are so proud of you.

What It Means to Show Up: Celebrating Our January Award Winners

Dear MMK Families,

Every January, when we return from winter break, there's always a moment of uncertainty. Will students settle back into routines? Will the momentum from fall semester carry forward? This January, our students answered those questions with a resounding yes—and the results speak for themselves.

This month's awards tell a story that goes beyond lists of names. They tell the story of students who chose to show up, every single day. They tell the story of young people who kept trying when assignments got tough, who asked for help when they needed it, and who took pride in doing things the right way instead of just doing them fast. They tell the story of the kind of culture we're building together at Mary M. Knight.

More Than Perfect Attendance

When we talk about the Steadfast OWL Award, we're recognizing something profound: the commitment to be present. Not just physically in the building, but truly here—ready to learn, ready to engage, ready to be part of this community. This January, 26 students achieved perfect attendance with no tardies and no unexcused absences.

In 7th grade, eight students showed this commitment: Camryn Koch, Emmett Jones, Riley Coleman, Preston Vogland, Kylie Fischer, Macy Masteller, Kodi Oakes, and Alaina Tinoco. Our 8th graders weren't far behind, with Katelynn Blanchard, Peyton Gonzales, and Rylee Cook maintaining perfect attendance. Cash King and Peyton Hughes represented 9th grade, while Gabe Buck and Nic Wulf stood out among our sophomores. Junior Bella Buck and seniors Cloey Fletcher, Hayden Roberts, and Maelynn Nygaard rounded out our Steadfast award winners. But showing up is only part of the equation.

The Work Behind the Grades

The Wise OWL Award recognizes students who maintained passing grades throughout January—students who did the daily work, turned in assignments, and refused to let any class slip through the cracks. This month, 13 students earned this recognition: Kane Dunnington and Jaxson Blanchard in 7th grade; Katelyn Blanchard, Yohan Carrillo, and Caroline Beard in 8th; Dayton Triggs and Dillon Smith in 9th; Jude Severson and Caleb Moran in 10th; Hayden Hughes in 11th; and seniors Cloey Fletcher and Nolan Baughman.

What makes these achievements especially meaningful is that they represent students who might be juggling challenging coursework, family responsibilities, part-time jobs, or athletic commitments—and yet they found a way to keep all the plates spinning.

The Peak: Where Excellence Meets Commitment

When a student achieves both perfect attendance AND no failing grades, they've reached what we call The Peak of OWL Excellence. These are students who have truly mastered the art of showing up and following through. This January, 15 students reached the peak.

In 8th grade: Madilyn Horn, Peyton Gonzales, and Kheiron Sjolie. In 9th grade: Peyton Hughes, AJ Vogland, and Joe Seymour. Our sophomores at the peak included Gabe Buck, Bleyden Jenkins, and Natalie North. Juniors Bella Buck, Gabe Walters, and Destiny LaRance joined seniors Maelynn Nygaard, Lexi Stamper, Hayden Roberts, and Chase Tupper in this achievement. These students have shown us what's possible when consistency meets determination.

Semester Success: Honor Roll

While we celebrate January's achievements, we also want to recognize students who finished first semester with a 3.0 GPA or higher. These students demonstrated sustained excellence over an entire semester—not just a single strong month, but four months of consistent academic performance.

Our 8th grade Honor Roll students set a powerful example: Bash Buck, Jax King, Madilyn Horn, Layla Thomas, Liam Jones, Layla VanBoven, Toni Koonrad, Gage Winkler, Ryder King, and Kheiron Sjolie. In 9th grade: Cash King, Tarin Lovejoy, Alivia McNair, Joe Seymour, and Dayton Triggs. Our 10th graders included Brandon Lawrence, Myles Thompson, Bleyden Jenkins, and Caleb Moran. Junior Hayden Hughes and seniors Chase Tupper and Andiana Ziegler rounded out our Honor Roll.

What GRIT Really Looks Like

Each month, our staff nominates students for our GRIT Student of the Month award. These aren't always the students with the highest grades or the most visible accomplishments. Instead, they're students who embody something deeper: resilience, focus, determination, and growth. This month's six GRIT award winners show us what these values look like in action.

Gabe Walters (11th) has transformed his approach to both athletics and fitness. In weights class, Gabe isn't just going through the motions—he's working with purpose toward personal goals, making real progress in all his core lifts. But what makes Gabe's nomination especially meaningful is the leadership role he's taken on the boys basketball team. He shows up every day with a commitment not just to his own improvement, but to making his teammates better. That's the kind of leadership that changes team culture.

Bella Buck (11th) demonstrates what it means to embrace challenges with a positive attitude. In yearbook class, when pages needed reformatting—a task that could easily feel frustrating or overwhelming—Bella tackled it with a can-do attitude. She's always on task, always striving for quality, and never afraid to ask questions when she needs help. That combination of focus and humility is powerful.

Layla VanBoven (8th) embodies what an engaged learner looks like in practice. She gives her undivided attention in class—actually looking at the teacher, asking relevant questions, keeping distractions at bay. She completes assignments carefully and checks her work for accuracy. But what really sets Layla apart is how she seeks feedback and uses it to improve. She doesn't just want to finish her work; she wants to do her best work.

Caroline Beard (8th) has made significant academic strides this semester, and what makes her growth especially inspiring is the path she took to get there. This didn't happen overnight. Caroline's improvement came from showing up consistently, being willing to ask for help when she needed it, and having the determination to keep going even when things got hard. Her story reminds us that growth isn't always linear—sometimes it's about small steps forward, day after day.

Preston Vogland (7th) shows us what intensity and focus look like in a 7th grader. During first semester, Preston completed more Math Lab assignments than were even required—not because he had to, but because he was committed to his learning goals. He approaches each week with purpose, and when he encounters confusion, he doesn't shut down or give up. Instead, he proactively seeks help and uses feedback thoughtfully to deepen his understanding. That's mature problem-solving.

Chase Tupper (12th) brings a level of consistency and care to everything he does that makes him a true role model. Whether in advisory, in his academic classes, or on the basketball court, Chase shows the same qualities: he's attentive, focused, and respectful. He engages meaningfully in conversations, manages distractions well, and takes genuine pride in doing his best work. His discipline, effort, and teamwork don't change based on the setting—they're simply who he is. That integrity of character is exactly what we hope to develop in all our students.

Building Something Together

These awards represent more than individual achievement—they represent the culture we're building together at MMK. When students see their peers being recognized for showing up, for working hard, for asking questions, for helping teammates, and for refusing to give up, it sends a powerful message about what we value and who we aspire to be.

To our award winners: congratulations. Your efforts matter, and they haven't gone unnoticed.

To our families: thank you for the ways you support these values at home—for getting your students here on time, for encouraging them when homework feels overwhelming, for celebrating their successes and helping them learn from setbacks.

This is what OWL Pride looks like in action.

It is my pleasure to share this week's GRIT Award winners! These students have been recognized by their teachers and peers for demonstrating Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. We are incredibly proud of the way our students are embodying these values every day.

Pre-Kindergarten

Rosalynn Austin has made remarkable progress with her growth mindset! She has learned the powerful word "yet" and now says, "I can't do it, yet" when facing challenges. Rosalynn has also joined the 26 Club by learning all her alphabet letters and consistently works hard during Station Activities.

Henry Backhaus made a great leap in learning and attitude this month. He has accepted the importance of letter formation, begun memorizing words, and is actively decoding as he reads. His positive attitude shift shows true GRIT!

Annabelle Lounsbury demonstrates perseverance through practice. She stays engaged during Rotation Stations and eagerly participates in Math discussions. Her consistent effort is paying off!

2nd Grade

Nick Horn was nominated by classmate Matthew Hett for being a helpful friend who supports others throughout the school day. Thank you for your kindness, Nick!

4th Grade

Anita Balzer has shown remarkable GRIT as a new student to our school. She helps others and maintains a positive attitude while doing her best. Welcome to MMK, Anita!

5th Grade

Ryen King demonstrates resilience by staying strong even when things are hard, all while being a good friend and maintaining a positive attitude.

Haven Metzger was recognized by peers Kynlee Mezzell and Faith Reed for being welcoming and caring, checking on classmates when they're down, and encouraging others to stay on task and do their best.

Jace Oakes shows tenacity by working through challenges without giving up. He learns from his mistakes and supports his classmates when they need help.

Kynlee Mezzell was nominated by Haven Metzger for being kind to everyone, very helpful in class, and working hard without giving up on assignments.

James Reed participates in classroom and specialist activities with a great attitude while being a wonderful friend to his peers.

Marlen Gutierrez Cabrera faces challenges with courage and kindness. Even when communication is difficult, she keeps trying and is a wonderful friend and student.

Koda Mali shows respect to all his peers and is a great friend to his classmates.

7th Grade

Our 7th graders demonstrated exceptional leadership while working with first graders during circle talks:

Amberlyn Gutierrez Temertizo showed strong leadership and maturity, coming prepared and guiding younger students with confidence and care.

Kane Dunnington took his leadership role seriously, staying fully engaged and setting a positive example for peers and younger students.

Elsie Richards led her circle talk with patience and purpose, listening carefully and keeping the discussion thoughtful and focused.

Preston Voglund stepped into the leadership role with confidence and maturity, helping create a successful experience for everyone.

Macy Masteller was prepared, attentive, and respectful, creating a positive and structured learning experience for younger students.

Camryn Koch demonstrated leadership and perseverance, staying focused and engaging first graders in a meaningful way.

Congratulations to all our GRIT Award winners! We are so proud of the character and determination you show each day. Thank you to our teachers, staff, and students who took the time to recognize their peers.

Let's continue to encourage our students to show Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity in all they do!

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Menu

• Monday: Chicken & Black Bean Chili
• Tuesday: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
• Wednesday: Bison & Lentil Chili
• Thursday: Chicken Drumstick & Mashed Potatoes
• Friday: Pulled Pork Nachos

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: Boys Basketball @ Agape Christian 6:00 pm
• Tuesday:
• Wednesday: HS Basketball vs. Oakville 5:30 pm
• Thursday:
• Friday: HS Basketball vs. Taholah (mini cheer performance) 4:00 pm
• 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