HSD News Round-Up

Longtime Hockinson School Board member Dave Olson resigned from the Board at the April 24, 2023 Regular Meeting. Olson, who joined the School Board in August 2005, is stepping down to spend more time with family and pursue post-retirement interests, such as travel.

In a letter to fellow Board members, Olson thanked past and present Board members and Superintendents for their commitment and collaboration and expressed pride in the “Board’s oversight of the district’s finances and planning facilities for future growth.” Olson wrote that he was also pleased “that the HSD is still a place that draws families to a community where they and their students feel welcome.”

Superintendent Steve Marshall said he didn't know where to start when asked about Olson's contributions to the HSD. "Dave is an exceptional person and leader," Marshall said. "His wisdom, his compassion, and his commitment are remarkable. Dave has been a director for 18 years, but he approached the work with the energy and optimism of someone who just started in the role." Olson’s years of service to Hockinson Schools will be honored at a future school board meeting.

The Hockinson School District is now seeking qualified applicants to fill the vacancy for District 3 Director. Directors play a critical role in impacting the quality of education provided to Hockinson’s students. Interested residents of District 3 can find additional information here.

Book collection for the 2023 HSD Book Swap has entered the home stretch! Tomorrow and Friday, elementary students can still bring in new or gently used books to their classroom in exchange for Book Bucks. Middle and high school students can begin dropping their books off at their school front office to receive their Book Bucks.

The Book Swap will take place on May 5, 6-8 pm at Hockinson Heights Elementary School. This used book exchange is for students at all three HSD schools, Country Friends Preschool, and the Hockinson Community.

Community members can also bring new and used books to the front office at Hockinson Heights Elementary School, the front office at Hockinson High School, or to the Book Swap on the night of the event.

Literacy is a focus at Hockinson schools, especially at HHES. Studies have shown that early literacy skills are an important predictor of future academic success. Big thanks to Hockinson PWT for organizing this event and supporting Hockinson readers of all ages!

This April, Hockinson families made their voice heard in the 2023 HSD Communications Survey. Results from this survey provide helpful insights for schools and the district so both can best serve Hockinson families. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Families provided input on preferred communications methods and their perceptions of school/district communications. Based on survey feedback, we’re prioritizing electronic newsletters and social media more in future communications. Families indicated that school/district communications feel accurate, timely, trustworthy, transparent, and understandable.

We also heard that Hockinson families want to see more communications about student opportunities. Hockinson School District plans to prioritize more information about student extracurricular activities, scholarships, internship opportunities, and events in the 2023-24 school year. Read the Communications Survey web article for a more detailed summary of the 2023 HSD Communications Survey results.

Showtimes are May 11, 12, 18, 19, and 20 at 7pm

Join students in the Hockinson High School Theatre company for its spring musical: Beauty and the Beast. Abigail Hansen and Joey Koenig play leading roles in a cast of over 30 student actors in addition to a robust dance ensemble. Daniel Hall and Charlie Varney, members of FIRST Robotics Team Mean Machine, are providing technical elements for the production. Opening night is next week!

Tickets are going fast. Purchase your tickets HERE.

We have so much to be thankful for in Hockinson Schools. One of our greatest strengths is our amazing volunteers. So many community events, from Bingo Night to the upcoming Book Swap and Fun Days (and much more), would not be possible without our dedicated supporters. Additionally, our students and teachers benefit from the efforts of classroom volunteers, field trip chaperones, guest teachers, club advisors, and volunteer coaches.

While the roles and contributions vary according to school need, two groups that consistently answer the call are Hockinson’s People Working Together (PWT) and AAA Boosters. These 100+ volunteers donate their time and talents to create opportunities for students and our community. Please join us in celebrating these groups and everyone who helps lift Hockinson’s schools to new heights. We couldn’t do it without you!

Save the date: Hockinson Fun Days 2023 returns on June 2nd & 3rd! Don’t miss out on the Friday family-friendly Bingo kick off event at the Hockinson High School that includes a baked potato bar and strawberry shortcake. Yum! The fun continues on Saturday, which will feature the Fire District 3 Pancake Breakfast, Marketplace Bazaar & Food Court, and Country Carnival. Also on Saturday, the

The Boosters are organizing what they expect will be the largest Fun Days Parade ever, headlined by Grand Marshals Steve & Tacey Wrightson.

Visit the AAA Boosters website if you would like more information about Fun Days, including schedule details and links to sign up as a parade participant or a vendor in the bazaar. The Boosters are looking for adult volunteers, as well as middle school and high school student volunteers, for Saturday’s events. Please sign up HERE to help make the day a huge success.

“I can assure you that rain or shine this will be an amazing community event you won’t want to miss,” said Fun Days Coordinator Julie Atchley. Families can email Atchley at HockinsonBoosters@gmail.com with any additional Fun Days questions that are not answered on the links above.

Teacher Appreciation Week is fast approaching! The week, May 8-12, is an opportunity to show our teachers how much we value them and appreciate all they do for our students. Whether it’s sending a thank-you note or offering a kind word, HSD families are encouraged to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Hockinson's educators. Our teachers work tirelessly every day to teach, inspire, and support our students.

Next week, we invite you to stop by our HSD Facebook page and leave a nice comment in recognition of both the teacher profiled every day and the 117 HSD teachers who help our students learn and grow!