HSD News Round-Up

At the June 8 School Board meeting, the school board discussed the possibility of transitioning 5th grade to Hockinson Middle School beginning in the 2027-28 school year, an option brought forward by the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). For the last several months following the February 2025 bond measure failure, the CAC has studied options to reduce overcrowding at Hockinson Heights Elementary School and gathered community survey input. The CAC is also studying ways to involve a steering committee of school staff and families to support 5th and 6th grade students with the potential transition. Learn more here.

The school board will continue the discussion at their July 27 board meeting. We will keep families informed with regular updates via email and Round Up e-newsletters.

In the most recent legislative session, the state significantly reduced Local Effort Assistance and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) funding for schools across Washington. As a result, Hockinson School District is moving TK to a tuition-based model and making some difficult staffing decisions and budget adjustments.

HSD is taking a conservative approach to the 2026-27 school year as the district adjusts to state funding reductions and next year’s enrollment picture continues to take shape. Read Superintendent Steve Marshall’s full message to staff and families here.

The 2025-26 school year is quickly coming to an end! Below are a few important reminders before we close out the year:

• Graduation Information: HHS graduation is June 12 at 7 pm, HMS promotion is on June 16 at 6 pm, and TK graduation is on June 11 at 5 pm.

• Chromebook Collection: Students in Grades 6–11 may keep their Chromebooks over the summer or return them (with charger) to their school's library. The HSD Assurance Policy remains in effect through the summer.

• TK + Kindergarten Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is still open! Visit our enrollment page (linked at the beginning of this item) to get started.

• School Calendar: The first day of the 2026-27 school year for Grades 1-12 is Monday, August 24. TK and Kindergarten students will begin on Thursday. August 27.

In late May, Hockinson High School band students performed on Main Street at Disney, representing Hockinson and showcasing their talent in front of park guests from around the world. They also stepped into the role of professional recording artists, recording movie soundtracks on a Disney soundstage alongside local Los Angeles studio musician and founding member of the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, Sal Lozano. What an unforgettable experience!

Hockinson High School honored the Class of 2026 at its June 10 Senior Award Ceremony, recognizing those who have gone above and beyond during their time at HHS. With graduation just days away, it is an exciting time for Hockinson's seniors as they prepare to close one chapter and begin the next. This Sunday will kick off our #SeniorSunday series on the HSD Facebook Page. Tune in each week to meet five graduating seniors each week and learn about their post-grad plans. Meet a few of them now!

Congrats, Class of 2026!

On Friday, June 12, HHS graduates will gather at the school's stadium for their graduation ceremony to close out their high school career with classmates, family, and staff. The Class of 2026 has laid the foundation for future success by contributing to a culture of kindness, determination, and hard work on the HHS campus. We look forward to seeing the great things that these Hawks accomplish! Senior students and families: Please check out the Senior Info document for an overview of festivities and other important information.

HHES/HMS Students to Cheer on 2026 Hockinson Grads

On June 11, students at HHES will get a glimpse of the future at the annual HHS Grad Walk, when Hockinson seniors make a pre-graduation trip to HHES and HMS. Grad Walk is not only a time for high school seniors to reflect on their accomplishments over the past 13 years, but also an opportunity for elementary and middle school students to envision graduation as a future milestone.

Post-Grad Plans

Graduation for the HHS Class of 2026 is right around the corner! We're very proud of our graduates and are excited to watch our seniors embark on their next journeys. Seniors were invited to fill out a Google form to share their post-grad plans. Here is an overview of fall plans for the class of 2026:

• 78% are attending a 2- or 4- year university
• 9% are attending a trade school or apprenticeship
• 7% are entering the workforce
• 4% are joining the military
• 2% are going on a church mission

TK Graduation - Next Up: Kindergarten

On June 11 at 5 pm, the Class of 2039 will experience their first graduation. Join us in celebrating the academic and social growth that these young students have achieved this school year. Our Transitional Kindergarten program prepares students to enter kindergarten with confidence in the fall.