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.

MMK Families,

We are officially into Week 2 of the fourth quarter — and what a week it's shaping up to be. With 8 weeks remaining in the 2025–2026 school year, every day matters, and I couldn't be prouder of the way our students and staff are showing up.

This month's GRIT theme, Success with Tenacity: Celebrating Growth and Setting New Goals, couldn't fit this moment better. Real success isn't just about the finish line — it's about the daily choices our students make to keep going, keep growing, and keep showing up for themselves and for each other. This week, you'll get to read about four incredible students who are doing exactly that: Marigold, Colton, Megan, and Taylor. Congratulations to each of them — they are the definition of tenacity in action.

This week also marks the launch of our spring benchmark assessments — i-Ready for our K–6 learners and MAPS for grades 7–12. These are not tests to stress over; they are tools that help our teachers ensure every student is challenged, supported, and growing. Please read our Benchmark Testing section for details on what to expect and how you can help at home.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate our CTE construction students, who stepped off campus and into the real world this past week — touring Grays Harbor College and an active Rognlins job site. Watching our students connect classroom learning to genuine career pathways is one of the most rewarding things we get to witness as a school community. Well done to them, and a sincere thank you to Mrs. Cole for making that experience possible.

And finally — last week we celebrated our staff during Staff Appreciation Week, and I hope our families felt that same spirit of gratitude. The people who serve your children every day at MMK are extraordinary, and they deserve to be celebrated far beyond one week a year.

Let's keep pushing together. Finish strong, MMK.

With OWL Pride, Mr. Stoney K–12 Principal, Mary M. Knight School District

Monday 4/20

• HS Golf - Sibley Tournament 9:00 am
• MS Baseball vs. Ocosta 4:00 pm

Tuesday 4/21

• Art club 3:00 pm
• HS Baseball vs. Wahkiakum 4:00 pm

Wednesday 4/22

• Late start
• Art club 3:00 pm
• SkillsUSA 3:00 pm
• HS Track @ Ocosta 4:00 pm
• HS Baseball vs. Ocosta 4:00 pm (Senior Day)

Thursday 4/23

• HS Golf (Girls) @ Oaksridge 3:30 pm
• MS baseball vs. Oakville 4:00 pm
• Next year's Kids club 5:00 pm

Friday 4/24

• HS Baseball @ Naselle 4:00 pm

Saturday 4/25

Completing Week 1 of Q4 | 8 Weeks to Go — Finish Strong, MMK!

Spring Break is behind us, and our OWLs are back in the building — and I couldn't be more proud of the energy and focus I've seen this first week back. As we wrap up Week 1 of the fourth quarter and head into Week 2, it's a great time to pause, look at the calendar, and recognize something important: we have 8 weeks remaining in the 2025–2026 school year.

This month, our school-wide GRIT theme is Success with Tenacity: Celebrating Growth and Setting New Goals. It's the perfect lens for this moment in the year. Success at MMK isn't just about grades — it's about how far our students have come, the effort they've sustained, and the goals they're setting for the weeks ahead. I'm asking our families to be part of that reflection right alongside us.

Here are a few ways to stay connected and finish strong together:

• ✅ Check Skyward Family Access regularly — grades, attendance, and missing assignments are visible in real time. A quick weekly check-in makes a big difference.

• 📞 Reach out early — if something feels off with your child's progress, motivation, or attendance, don't wait. Contact your child's teacher or our office. We are your partners.

• 🗣️ Talk to your child about growth — ask them what they've improved at this year, what they're proud of, and what goal they want to finish the year with. That conversation is GRIT in action at home.

• 📅 Watch this space — each week over the final 8 weeks, I'll use this message to share key reminders, celebrations, and a countdown to a strong finish.

We are a small school with a big heart. Let's celebrate how far we've come — and finish with everything we've got.

With OWL Pride, Mr. Stoney K-12 Principal, Mary M. Knight School District

One of the ways we ensure every student at MMK is growing and getting the support they need is through regular benchmark assessments. This week, we kick off our spring round of benchmark testing — and we want families to know what to expect!

Benchmark assessments are not pass or fail. They are simply a snapshot tool that helps our teachers and school team understand where each student is in their learning journey, identify areas of strength, and pinpoint where additional support or challenge may be needed. Think of it as a progress check — not a final exam.

🟡 Elementary Students (Grades K–6): i-Ready Assessment

Our K–6 students will be completing the i-Ready benchmark assessment in both math and reading. i-Ready is an adaptive tool, which means it adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your child's responses — so every student is working at a level that's just right for them. This is completely normal and by design!

How you can help at home:

• Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast on testing days.
• Remind them to do their best — and that there are no wrong answers when they try their hardest.
• Avoid scheduling appointments or early pickups during the school day this week if possible.

🔵 Secondary Students (Grades 7–12): MAPS Assessment

Our 7–12 students will be completing the MAPS (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment in math, reading, and science. Like i-Ready, MAPS is an adaptive assessment that gives us a detailed picture of where each student is performing and how they've grown over time.

MAPS results help our secondary teachers make informed decisions about instruction, intervention, and enrichment — ensuring every MMK student is challenged and supported appropriately.

How you can help at home:

• Encourage your student to take the assessment seriously and give their best effort — the results are most useful when they reflect genuine performance.
• Ensure they arrive to school on time and are rested and ready to focus.
• Let your student know that this is a tool to help them — not something to stress about.

📅 Questions?

If you have any questions about benchmark testing or would like to learn more about what your child's results mean, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or contact the school office. We'll be sharing results with families once testing is complete and our team has had a chance to review the data.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student success here at MMK — we're proud of the hard work our students put in every day! 🦉

As we settle into the rhythm of Q4, I want to take a moment each week to go a little deeper into the values that make up our OWLS framework — the school-wide expectations that guide how our students show up every single day at Mary M. Knight. This week, I want to focus on the O in OWLS: Ownership.

At MMK, Ownership means that students take personal responsibility for their choices, their learning, and their actions — and that they do so even when it's hard, even when no one is watching, and even when things don't go as planned. It's one of the most important character traits we can develop in young people, because it's the foundation for everything else. You can't grow if you won't own where you are.

Here's what Ownership looks like in our school:

In the classroom, a student who demonstrates Ownership shows up prepared — with their materials, their attention, and their effort. When they get a grade back that isn't what they hoped for, they don't blame the teacher or make excuses. Instead, they ask, "What can I do differently?" They track their own progress, meet their deadlines, and follow through on the commitments they make to their teachers and their peers.

In the hallways and common areas, Ownership looks like a student who cleans up after themselves without being asked, who takes care of school property like it belongs to all of us — because it does — and who corrects their own behavior when they realize they've made a misstep, rather than waiting for an adult to redirect them.

When a student makes a mistake — and all students do, as all people do — Ownership sounds like "I was wrong, and here's what I'm going to do about it" rather than a deflection or an excuse. That takes real courage, and we celebrate it when we see it.

How you can bring Ownership home:

The most powerful thing we can do for our students is speak the same language at school and at home. Here are a few conversation starters and phrases you can use with your child this week:

• 🗣️ "What's one choice you made today that you feel good about?" — This builds the habit of self-reflection and helps kids recognize their own positive decisions.
• 🗣️ "If you could handle that differently, what would you do?" — This is a non-punitive way to help kids process mistakes and think through better choices, without shame.
• 🗣️ "What's your plan to get that done?" — When a task feels overwhelming or keeps getting pushed off, this question puts the ownership of the solution back with your child — with you right there to support them.
• 🗣️ "I noticed you took care of that on your own — that's real ownership." — Specific, positive recognition goes a long way. Name what you see, and they'll do more of it.

One of the most meaningful things parents can do is model Ownership in everyday moments. When you follow through on something you promised, acknowledge a mistake out loud and explain how you're making it right, or take initiative on something that needed to be done — your child is watching, and they are learning what accountability looks like in real life.

Ownership isn't about perfection. It's about honesty, follow-through, and the willingness to keep growing. That's what we're building here at MMK — and we're so grateful to be building it alongside you.

This week, MMK construction students — led by Mrs. Cole — traded the classroom for the field, embarking on an exciting CTE field trip that took them to two incredible destinations: Grays Harbor College and Rognlins Inc.

At Grays Harbor College, students got a firsthand look at state-of-the-art training facilities where instructors spoke candidly about career development, finding the right fit in industry, and the many pathways available in the trades. Students connected with faculty and current trainees, seeing up close how classroom knowledge becomes practical skill through hands-on learning and simulated construction environments.

The adventure continued at an active Rognlins job site, where students stepped into a real professional setting. They observed ongoing projects and were introduced to the day-to-day realities of the industry — site management, equipment coordination, and the kind of teamwork that keeps a job running smoothly. Industry professionals generously shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of precision, communication, and adaptability on the job. For many of our students, this visit did exactly what great CTE experiences are designed to do: it bridged the gap between theory and practice, reinforcing career goals and helping students see a clearer picture of their future in construction.

A huge thank you to the Carpentry & Welding teams at Grays Harbor College and the team at Rognlins Inc. for opening your doors and investing in the next generation of industry professionals. Experiences like these are invaluable — and our students are better for it! 🙌

Every day at Mary M. Knight, something remarkable happens — and most of it happens quietly, behind the scenes, before the first bell rings and long after the last bus pulls away. Last week, we made it our mission to shine a light on that remarkable work during Staff Appreciation Week.

This year's theme celebrated our staff as the true superheroes of our school — and they are. From our teachers and school counselor who guide and inspire students in the classroom each day, to our classified staff who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, to our administration team who work tirelessly to support both students and staff — every single person at MMK plays an essential role in making this school a place where kids can thrive.

Throughout the week, we celebrated with a series of themed meals and gatherings: Super Starts to kick off the mornings, Command Center Fuel and Sidekick Sustenance to keep energy up mid-week, Hero Fuel to power through to Friday, and a Legendary Lunch to wrap up the week in style. It was a small — but heartfelt — way of saying thank you for the enormous impact this team makes every single day.

We also took time this week to recognize each group by name:

Our teachers and counselor — Kristine Barratt, Connie Bingham, Logan Chambless, Kristine Cole, Karen Ehler, Emily Ferguson, Patrick Ferguson, Alexandra Fisher, Molly Heidt, Jacqueline Jewett, Garrett Johannes, Simone Kemp, Thomas Kerr, Barbara Lohman, Deanna Niles, Todd Plaisance, Douglas Richert, Piper Thornock, and Ann Tracey — bring passion and dedication to their classrooms that shapes our students in ways that last a lifetime.

Our classified staff — Steven Bailey, Michelle Barrett, Barbara Beste, Carlie Covey-Buck, Remy Dewey, Rebecca Fraley, Kathy Glover-Burget, Paula Goeders, Darlene Henson, Ashlee Hughes, Alyson Johnson, Brandon Johnston, Ronald Larson, Rebecca Lofgren, Kiley Lohman, Tiara McCartney, Kiah Oien, Heidi Pflughaupt, Teddy Pierson-Rothrock, Kalah Ralph, Ronald Schmitz, Tawnya Strain, and Tyler Thompson — are the backbone of this school. Whether they're safely transporting our kids, preparing meals, supporting students in classrooms, or welcoming families at the front door, they show up with heart every single day.

And our administration team — Sarah Bell, Shantel Freeman, Toby Lane, Matt Mallery, Laurie Seymour, and Josh Stoney — leads with care, commitment, and a constant focus on what's best for students and staff alike.

To our MMK families: you see the results of this team's work every day in your children — in their growth, their smiles, and the ways they're becoming more confident, capable young people. Please join me in extending a heartfelt thank you to every member of our incredible MMK staff. They deserve to be celebrated not just one week a year, but every single day.

We are truly lucky to have them. 💙

— Mr. Stoney

🦉 GRIT Students of the Week

April Theme: "Success with Tenacity — Celebrating Growth and Setting New Goals"

This month, we are celebrating what Success with Tenacity looks like at Mary M. Knight — not just the big moments, but the steady, daily choices our students make to grow, persist, and lift others up along the way. This week's GRIT students remind us that real success is built one small act of effort, kindness, and commitment at a time. Congratulations to our GRIT Students of the Week!

Marigold Guelzo — Pre-Kindergarten

Marigold is living proof that a love of learning is one of the greatest strengths a student can have. This school year, Marigold has missed just one single day of school — an attendance record that is truly remarkable. Every morning, she shows up ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to be part of our MMK community. Marigold, your enthusiasm and dedication to being present are exactly what Success with Tenacity looks like. We are so proud of you! 🌼

Colton Rivard — 3rd Grade

Colton has a gift that doesn't always show up on a report card — the gift of making others feel included and valued. Whether on the playground or in the classroom, Colton goes out of his way to be kind, to look out for those around him, and to make sure no one feels left out. That kind of character takes real effort and genuine heart. Colton, your willingness to show up for others every single day is a beautiful example of Success with Tenacity in action. Keep being you! ⭐

Megan Miller — 5th Grade

Megan is the kind of friend and classmate that every student deserves. She brings a positive energy to those around her, helps keep others focused when things feel hard, and shows up with encouragement when it's needed most. Being a steady, reliable presence for your peers takes real strength of character — and Megan does it every day. Megan, your commitment to your classmates and your community reflects the very best of what Success with Tenacity means. We are so lucky to have you! 💛

Taylor McCartney — 6th Grade

Taylor has been showing up every day with a clear commitment to doing his best. In a school year that is winding down and in a quarter where focus can be hard to hold on to, Taylor is choosing to stay the course — working hard, giving his best effort, and growing. Taylor, that kind of daily dedication to your own growth is exactly what Success with Tenacity is all about. Keep pushing forward — you are doing great things! 💪

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Menu

• Monday: Hamburger
• Tuesday: Mac & Cheese w/ Hot dog
• Wednesday: Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Thursday: Sweet & Sour Chicken w/ Rice
• Friday: Sausage Pizza

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: MS Baseball vs Ocosta 4:00 pm
• Tuesday: HS Track @ Ocosta 4:00 pm / HS Baseball vs. Ocosta 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: MS Track @ Ocosta 3:30 pm / HS Golf @ Adna 3:30 pm / HS Baseball vs. Wishkah 4:00 pm
• Thursday: MS Baseball @ Oakville 3:30 pm / HS Golf (girls) @ Oaksridge 3:30 pm
• Friday: HS Baseball @ Naselle 4:00 pm
• Saturday:

📋 Important Reminders

• Benchmark testing begins this week: i-Ready grades K-6 / MAPS grades 7-12

🔗 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