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 approach the final week before winter break, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the energy, spirit, and excellence our entire school community continues to demonstrate. This week alone tells the story of who we are as a school and what makes Mary M. Knight truly special.

Our back-to-back Holiday Magic Parade victory is a testament to the heart and creativity that lives in our school community. Congratulations to our Transportation Team and Cheerleaders—your dedication and holiday spirit lit up the parade route and brought home 1st place honors for the second consecutive year. You represent our students and families with outstanding pride.

I'm equally proud of our eleven high school students who took center stage as community leaders this week. By sharing their voices in the Youth Employment Roundtable with the Economic Development Council of Mason County and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, our students showed that they are not just learners—they are active participants in shaping our region's future. Their insights and experiences matter, and I'm grateful to local leaders who recognize the value of student voice.

This week, we also celebrated three remarkable staff members—Mrs. McCartney, Ms. Bingham, and Mr. Kerr—whose dedication embodies the very best of our mission. Every day, they show up with grace, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our students' success. Their recognition reminds us that teaching and supporting our young people is never a quiet profession—it is powerful, purposeful work.

I encourage you to mark your calendars for our Elementary Winter Concert on Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 PM. This is always a highlight of our school year, and your presence means the world to our young performers.

As we move into winter break and look ahead to the new year, I invite you to reflect on our vision: We are a community of learners and leaders united to enrich the lives of all our students. That vision is alive and well at Mary M. Knight, and it's because of families like yours who support and believe in our work.

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and the joy you bring to our school community.

With gratitude and Owl pride,

Monday 12/15

• MS Basketball @ Taholah 5:30 pm

Tuesday 12/16

• Art club 3:00 pm
• HS basketball @ Ocosta 5:30 pm

Wednesday 12/17

• Late Start
• Board game club 3:00 pm
• MS Basketball @ Oakville 5:30 pm

Thursday 12/18

• Elementary Winter concert 5:30 pm
• HS basketball @ Tenino 5:30 pm

Friday 12/19

• Early dismissal 12:25 pm
• HS basketball vs. Lake Quinault

Saturday 12/20

• HS Wrestling @ Aberdeen

Dear MMK Families,

What an AMAZING night at Shelton's Annual Christmas Town USA Holiday Magic Parade! Our incredible Transportation Team and Cheerleaders brought home 1st PLACE in the Motorized Category — for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!

We are SO proud of this talented crew!

The beautifully decorated bus, driven by Transportation Director Toby Lane, and the festive cheer van, driven by Cheer Coach Barb Beste, rolled down the parade route in style, while our cheerleaders marched alongside with incredible energy and spirit — rain and all! From the twinkling lights to the bright smiles to the outstanding teamwork, they brought pure Christmas magic to our community!

Your energy, spirit, and dedication lit up the whole parade route on Saturday night. This back-to-back win is a testament to the creativity, heart, and pride that defines our MMK family!

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who participated — you brought the holiday cheer BIG TIME and made MMK shine bright! We hope you got to see them in action representing our school district with excellence!

We are #MMKProud! 🦉✨

Thursday, December 18 • 5:30 PM • MMK Gymnasium

Dear MMK Families,

We're excited to invite you to our Elementary Winter Concert! Our elementary students have been working hard preparing special performances to share with you, and we can't wait to celebrate the season together.

Important Details:

When: Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 PM

Where: MMK Gymnasium

Student Arrival: Elementary performers should arrive no later than 5:15 PM and meet in the secondary hallway high school classrooms. Please allow time for drop-off so students are settled before the performance begins.

What to Expect: Each elementary class will perform a winter song and dance. It's going to be a wonderful showcase of our students' talents and hard work!

After the Show: Please join us following the performance to recognize our elementary performers and enjoy treats together. This is a great time to celebrate our young artists and connect as a community.

We hope to see many families there to support our elementary students. These performances are always a highlight of our school year, and your presence means the world to our young performers.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this special evening!

Dear Families of Mary M. Knight School,

We're excited to announce our Winter Dress-Up Days happening next week! These special days are a wonderful way for our students to have fun, build school spirit, and celebrate the season together as a community.

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday, December 15 – Family Photo Monday Dress alike or wear coordinated outfits with your family! Students are welcome to wear matching or themed clothing with their families. A great way to show our MMK school spirit!

Tuesday, December 16 – Santa's Workshop Each grade level will dress for a special holiday role:

• Pre-K/K & 1st/7th: Kid on Christmas Morning
• 2nd/8th: Toys
• 3rd/9th: Presents
• 4th/10th: Reindeer
• 5th/11th: Elves
• 6th/12th: Santa

Wednesday, December 17 – Bring Your Own Sleigh Day Get creative! Dress up like anything but a backpack—and make it BETTER! This is a fun opportunity for students to show off their imagination.

Thursday, December 18 – Let It Snow Dress in white or like a snowman. Think winter whites, snow gear, or snowman costumes!

Friday, December 19 – Ugly Sweater Day The more colorful, cozy, and quirky the better!

We are incredibly proud of our Mary M. Knight students!

This week, our high school students took center stage as community leaders when the Economic Development Council of Mason County (MasonEDC) visited our campus for a special roundtable discussion. Eleven of our high school students participated in meaningful conversations about youth employment opportunities and the barriers young people face when entering the workforce in Mason County.

Our students brought thoughtful insights, shared personal experiences, and offered valuable ideas for improving career pathways for young people in our community. Their voices matter, and we're grateful they had the opportunity to be heard by local leaders who can make a real difference.

This roundtable is part of a larger Youth Employment Roundtable Series designed to connect student perspectives with regional workforce resources. Following the student discussion, representatives from the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) shared information about exciting opportunities available to our youth, including career pathways, training programs, and job support services.

Thank You
A special thank-you goes to our participating students for their leadership and willingness to share their experiences. We also extend our gratitude to MasonEDC for valuing student voice and to PacMtn for investing in the future success of our youth.

This partnership represents the kind of community connection that makes Mary M. Knight special—where our students aren't just learners, but active participants in shaping their futures and our region's workforce.

We can't wait to see where this partnership leads!

Celebrating Our Staff: November Award Winners

There are moments in a school day that happen quietly—when a student needs help finding the right bus, when a child needs supplies or extra clothes, when a scraped knee needs an ice pack and a kind word. There are also moments that happen in the classroom—when a student struggles with a challenging concept, when learning feels hard, when persistence is required to break through to understanding. These moments matter. And at Mary M. Knight School, they don't go unnoticed.

This month, our students recognized three exceptional educators who embody dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to student success.

_____________________________________

Elementary Staff Award Winner: Mrs. Tiara McCartney

Our elementary students voted, and they chose someone they see every single day making a real difference: Mrs. Tiara McCartney.

Why Our Students Chose Mrs. McCartney

Our students see everything. They notice who shows up. They remember who cares. And they recognize that Mrs. McCartney is there—always there—when they need her most.

Mrs. McCartney, you are our school superhero. You handle every situation with grace and care, whether it's solving a logistical problem, supporting a student in distress, or simply being present in the moments when kids need someone to believe in them. You do whatever it takes, every single day.

Your compassion isn't just something you talk about—it's something you live. Your dedication to our students and our school community is extraordinary. And your willingness to help, in big ways and small, makes Mary M. Knight School a warmer, more caring place for everyone.

This award comes straight from the hearts of our elementary students. When they think of someone who makes our school better, they think of you. We are so incredibly thankful for you.

🏆 Congratulations on being our November Elementary Staff Member of the Month! 🏆

_____________________________________

Secondary Staff Award Winner: Ms. Bingham

Willingness with Resilience

This month's secondary theme, Willingness with Resilience, celebrates staff members who demonstrate perseverance and adaptability in supporting student success. The attributes include keeping trying with every student, staying positive when things go wrong, helping students learn through struggle, making work hard and doable, and supporting other staff through challenges.

Ms. Bingham exemplifies these qualities in exceptional ways. Students recognized her unwavering commitment to their learning and growth, particularly in how she helps them develop independence and problem-solving skills.

One student captured her approach perfectly: "Ms. Bingham is very dedicated to helping students learn, keeps trying with them until they understand, helps them but doesn't do the work for them. She is good at keeping everyone on task and respectful while still keeping things fun in the classroom." This statement highlights multiple resilience attributes—her persistence with every student, her ability to scaffold learning rather than provide easy answers, and her skill in maintaining a positive, engaging classroom environment even while holding high expectations.

Another student simply but powerfully stated that she "Helps You Learn Through Struggle," directly connecting her teaching style to one of our core attributes. Ms. Bingham understands that true learning happens when students work through challenges, and she creates the conditions for that growth to occur.

Students also noted that she "showed owl spirit" and demonstrated brightness and dedication in her daily work. Her ability to balance rigor with support, to push students while making them feel capable, and to maintain a respectful yet fun learning environment makes her a worthy recipient of this month's recognition.

🏆 Congratulations, Ms. Bingham, for modeling what it means to be willing and resilient in service of student learning! 🏆

_____________________________________

Secondary Staff: Mr. Kerr

Resilience Across Many Roles

Mr. Kerr also deserves recognition this month for demonstrating resilience in a unique and demanding way. Students appreciate the many hats he wears and the dedication he brings to each role.

One student noted: "he is always a great teacher and has to juggle being the football coach, the sports director, and a teacher." This observation highlights Mr. Kerr's willingness to take on multiple responsibilities and his resilience in managing the competing demands of classroom instruction, athletic leadership, and program coordination. His ability to stay positive and effective across these roles models resilience for both students and staff.

Students also recognized his supportive teaching approach, sharing that "he gives us time to study for tests and makes learning new sports fun." This shows his willingness to adapt his instruction to meet student needs and his commitment to making challenging content accessible and engaging.

His coaching success was also celebrated by students who appreciated that "he got us to the championship game"—a testament to his persistence, strategic thinking, and refusal to give up on his team even when facing tough competition.

Mr. Kerr's ability to maintain high expectations across multiple contexts while staying calm, supportive, and positive makes him an excellent example of willingness with resilience.

🏆 Thank you, Mr. Kerr, for your dedication to our students and school community! 🏆

_____________________________________

A Special Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to all our staff members who show up every day to care for our students. Whether in the office, the classroom, the hallway, or on the field, you are the heart of Mary M. Knight School. Your willingness to serve, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your commitment to every student makes our school a place where children can thrive.

Week of December 8, 2025

Dear Mary M. Knight Families and Community,

We are thrilled to share this week's GRIT Spotlight—our celebration of students and staff who embody Growth, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity. These individuals inspire us all and strengthen the positive, supportive culture we're building together at Mary M. Knight School District.

⭐ STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Raegyn Ayres | 2nd Grade

Raegyn is a shining example of GRIT in action! Her classmates recognize her for being an incredible source of support—helping peers navigate challenging moments with encouragement and kindness. Raegyn also demonstrates remarkable perseverance in her academics, refusing to give up on Math and Reading, even when things get difficult. Beyond her strong work ethic, she's been a wonderful new friend to those around her.

Keep showing us that beautiful GRIT, Raegyn!

Jackson Short | 3rd Grade

Jackson brings joy and enthusiasm to Mary M. Knight every single day! His GRIT shines through in his commitment to trying his best, staying on task, and maintaining an awesome attitude even when learning gets challenging. Jackson's positive energy and friendship make our school community stronger.

We see your GRIT, Jackson—keep it up!

Remy Guelzo | 1st Grade

Remy is tackling multiplication with determination and heart! This young learner demonstrates true GRIT by refusing to give up, embracing challenges, and celebrating her growth along the way. Remy is learning that effort and persistence lead to success.

You're doing amazing, Remy! We're so proud of your hard work!

__________________________________________

⭐ STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Mrs. Henson

Mrs. Henson embodies the very heart of GRIT. When challenges arise, she doesn't give up—on herself or her students. Her unwavering presence and dedication create a safe space where students know they are supported and valued. Mrs. Henson's commitment to never backing down, no matter the obstacle, sets a powerful example for everyone at Mary M. Knight.

Thank you, Mrs. Henson, for your steadfast dedication!

Mary M. Knight Food Service Team

Our exceptional Food Service Team achieved an incredible 100% attendance rate throughout November—a remarkable accomplishment that speaks volumes about their character and commitment. During one of the busiest and most demanding months of the school year, this dedicated team demonstrated the resilience and tenacity that define GRIT. By showing up every single day, they modeled unwavering reliability and positive attitudes, ensuring our students receive the consistent care and nourishment they depend on. Their collective effort strengthens our entire school community and demonstrates what it truly means to live out GRIT at Mary M. Knight.

We are deeply grateful for your excellence and dedication!

Tawnya Strain

During benchmark testing week, Tawnya demonstrated exceptional willingness, resilience, and a genuine spirit of collaboration. With flexibility and grace, she gracefully adjusted her schedule at a moment's notice to accommodate testing makeups, detention, ISS, and her daily responsibilities. Her positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed had a direct, positive impact on our students. Thank you, Tawnya, for showing us what true teamwork looks like!

Your collaboration and positive spirit make a real difference!

Mrs. A. Johnson

Mrs. Johnson's years of experience and corporate knowledge make her an invaluable Testing Coordinator at Mary M. Knight. Her expertise, dedication, and commitment to our school community are truly irreplaceable. Thank you for your continued service and for sticking with us!

We are so grateful for your leadership and experience!

__________________________________________

Celebrating Our Community

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to recognize and celebrate the acts of GRIT in our school community. These spotlights remind us that every member of Mary M. Knight—from the youngest learner to our most experienced educators and support staff—plays a vital role in creating a culture where we celebrate effort, persistence, and kindness.

When we recognize and celebrate GRIT, we inspire everyone around us to grow, persevere, and support one another. That's what makes Mary M. Knight special.

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Menu

• Monday: Hamburger
• Tuesday: Beef gyro bowl
• Wednesday: Chicken tortilla soup
• Thursday: Sweet & sour chicken with rice
• Friday: Sausage pizza

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: MS basketball @ Taholah 5:30 pm
• Tuesday: HS basketball @ Ocosta 5:30 pm
• Wednesday: MS basketball @ Oakville 5:30 pm
• Thursday: HS basketball @ Tenino 5:30 pm
• Friday: HS basketball vs Lake Quinault 5:30 pm
• Saturday: HS Wrestling @ Aberdeen 10:00 am

📋 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