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 Mary M. Knight Families,

Welcome to November! As we transition into this season of gratitude and community, I'm excited to share what's happening in our Owl family this week.

Celebrating Our Students I'm incredibly proud of the GRIT Award winners featured in this newsletter. From our third graders picking up trash on their own initiative to our high schoolers demonstrating leadership through classroom volunteerism, our students are showing what it means to be caring, responsible members of our community. These moments—both big and small—remind us that character development happens every day at Mary M. Knight.

A Season of Gratitude November brings our Character Strong focus on Gratitude, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. In our small, close-knit rural community, we truly have so much to be thankful for. I encourage you to try the family gratitude activities included in this newsletter—simple practices like noticing small joys or creating a family gratitude jar can make a real difference in our children's well-being and happiness.

Get Involved This Week This is a busy and exciting week at MMK! Middle School Basketball kicks off Monday—students in grades 5-8, make sure you have your sports physical and register online. Our PTO meets Wednesday at 3:30 pm (after our late start), and I hope you'll join us. And don't miss the 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar this weekend (November 8-9)—it's a wonderful opportunity to support local vendors, our students, and get a head start on holiday shopping while enjoying photos with Santa!

Building Excellence Together Our mission is to ensure all students have the knowledge, skills, motivation, and confidence to be successful citizens. Every student recognized this week, every family activity we share, and every community event we host moves us closer to that vision. Thank you for being active partners in your child's education and for helping make Mary M. Knight a place where all students can thrive.

Keep soaring, Owls!

Monday 11/3

• MS Basketball begins 3:00 pm

Tuesday 11/4

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Wednesday 11/5

• Late start
• Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting 3:30 pm

Thursday 11/6

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Friday 11/7

• PTO Annual Holiday Bazaar (Saturday - Sunday)

Practice begins Monday, November 3rd — every day from 3:00–5:00 PM!

Open to boys and girls in grades 5–8.

Be sure to bring athletic shorts and shoes.

Students must have an up-to-date sports physical to participate.

Register online today: https://marymknight-wa.finalforms.com/

Questions? Contact Coach Kerr for more info.

Let’s go Owls!

What a fantastic way to wrap up October! Today we celebrated our elementary students who demonstrated outstanding achievement and character throughout the month. Our teachers recognized students in reading, math, attendance, music, and more - and I couldn't be prouder of every single one of them!

From Reading Rockstars to Math Whiz award winners, from perfect attendance to being great friends and working hard every day, these students showed what it means to be a Mary M. Knight OWL. They demonstrated GRIT - they worked hard, persevered through challenges, and showed up ready to learn each and every day.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate that these award ceremonies happened on Halloween? The combination of academic excellence AND creative costumes made this celebration extra special! From witches and zombies to Snorlax and bananas, our students (and teachers!) brought the fun while still focusing on what matters most - learning and growing together.

To our award winners: You make us proud every single day. Keep up the amazing work!

To our teachers: Thank you for recognizing and nurturing the unique gifts in each of your students. Your dedication to celebrating both academic achievement and character development creates a culture where all students can thrive.

To our families: Your support at home makes all the difference. When you encourage reading, help with homework, and ensure your child attends school regularly, you're setting them up for success.

Congratulations to all of our October award winners! Once an OWL, always an OWL! 🦉

#MMKPride #OWLStrong #GRIT #RuralEducation #MaryMKnightSchool

MMK Families and Community,

I'm thrilled to share an exciting addition to how we recognize and celebrate student excellence at Mary M. Knight School District!

While our classroom teachers continue to honor students each month with grade-level awards for academic achievement, attendance, and character (like the wonderful October celebrations we just shared), we're also launching a district-wide recognition program: GRIT Students of the Month.

What Makes This Different?

Each month, we focus on a specific theme that connects to our school-wide culture of OWLS and GRIT. These aren't just awards for good grades or perfect attendance - they recognize students who truly embody what it means to be a Mary M. Knight OWL through their daily actions, attitudes, and growth.

October's Theme: Ownership with Growth
"Taking Responsibility for Excellence"

This month, we looked for students who demonstrated:

• Personal accountability - taking responsibility for their learning and behavior
• Continuous improvement - embracing challenges as opportunities to grow
• Strong work habits - showing up prepared and ready to learn
• Academic responsibility - taking ownership of their education

In other words, we recognized students who showed a growth mindset in action - students who understand that excellence isn't about being perfect, it's about taking ownership of your journey and continuously working to be better than you were yesterday.

The GRIT Connection

At Mary M. Knight, GRIT means:

• Growth mindset
• Resilience
• Integrity
• Tenacity

Our October recipients didn't just earn good grades - they showed up every day with determination, bounced back from setbacks, acted with character when no one was watching, and persevered through challenges. They took ownership of their learning journey and inspired those around them.

Stay Tuned!

Throughout the month of November, we'll be featuring our K-12 GRIT Students of the Month from October on our social media pages and school website. Each student has a unique story of how they demonstrated ownership and growth, and we can't wait to share them with you!

This is what makes our small, rural school community special - we know every student, we see their growth, and we celebrate not just where they are, but how hard they're working to get there.

Follow along on our Facebook page and website to meet these outstanding OWLs!

Once an OWL, always an OWL! 🦉

Have questions about our GRIT culture or monthly themes? Reach out anytime - I love talking about the amazing things happening in our school!

November 3-7, 2025

Dear Mary M. Knight Families,

I'm excited to share information about a special event happening next week that brings together fun, friendly competition, and meaningful community service. Our Mary M. Knight ASB has organized a fantastic initiative from November 3rd through 7th—Penny Wars for a Cause—with all proceeds benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation.

I'm incredibly proud of our student leaders for choosing this event and this worthy cause. Their commitment to honoring our nation's veterans through this fundraiser demonstrates the leadership and character we cultivate here at MMK.

How Penny Wars Works

This is a classic fundraising competition with a twist! Here's how students can participate:

• Coins BUILD your class total (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters all add UP)
• Bills SABOTAGE other classes (paper money subtracts from their total)

Students can bring spare change from home throughout the week, and each class will have a collection jar. The friendly competition creates excitement while teaching our students about generosity and working together for a greater purpose.

Why the Gary Sinise Foundation?

Our ASB intentionally chose to partner with the Gary Sinise Foundation for this Veteran's Day Penny Wars because it reflects the same values we work to instill in our students every day: gratitude, service, and community.

The Gary Sinise Foundation stands out among veteran support organizations for several important reasons:

Efficiency & Impact – Over 94¢ of every dollar donated goes directly to programs supporting our wounded heroes, first responders, and their families. This means our students' contributions will make a real, measurable difference.

Meaningful Programs – The foundation builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans through their R.I.S.E. Program, supports Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in service, and provides educational opportunities for children of fallen heroes.

Proven Excellence – With a 4-star (100%) rating from Charity Navigator and top marks from CharityWatch, this organization demonstrates the accountability and transparency we value.

Why This Matters for Our Students

This week is about more than collecting coins—it's about teaching our children important life lessons:

• Gratitude: Recognizing the sacrifices made by those who serve our country
• Service: Contributing to causes that make a measurable impact
• Integrity: Choosing organizations that use donations responsibly

Together, we're helping our students understand that even small contributions can rebuild lives, restore independence, and remind America's heroes that they are never forgotten.

How You Can Help

Encourage your child to bring spare change throughout the week. Talk with them about why this cause matters and what it means to serve others. Most importantly, help them understand that every penny counts—both in the competition and in making a real difference in veterans' lives.

Let's show our MMK Owls spirit while honoring those who have served! Thank you to our ASB for their leadership in organizing this meaningful event.

To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.

Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday, November 9 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Mary M. Knight School

2987 W Matlock Brady Rd, Elma, WA 98541

Join us for two festive days of shopping, food, and fun!

Shop from local vendors and student-made crafts

Photos with Santa from 12–2 PM each day

Delicious treats, handmade gifts, and more!

Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and students. Don’t miss it!

Dear Mary M. Knight Families,

As we move into November, our elementary students will be focusing on Gratitude as part of our Character Strong curriculum. In our small, close-knit MMK community, we have so much to be thankful for—from the beauty of our rural Mason County surroundings to the supportive relationships we build with one another every day.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is "choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives." Research shows that practicing gratitude can increase our well-being and even our happiness! This is the first of three character traits we'll focus on this year that help our students Be Well. Throughout the year, students will develop important skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress management.

Family Activities: PurposeFull Pursuits

We encourage you to practice gratitude together as a family this month! Here are two activities to try at home:

Activity #1: Notice the Small Things

What are some small, specific things you're grateful for? Maybe it's your favorite water cup, the way the cat sleeps on the chair, or when your grandma bakes banana bread. Challenge your family to think of at least 10 small things you have gratitude for, then choose to notice them throughout the week with a smile.

Activity #2: Create a Family Gratitude Jar

Find a glass jar and place it somewhere visible in your home. Cut small slips of paper and keep them nearby. Throughout the month, family members can write or draw special people, places, events, and memories they're thankful for. Each week, add new slips to your jar. Having a challenging day? Pull out the slips and read them aloud together as a reminder of your grateful moments.

Conversation Starters

• Can you share or show what it means to practice gratitude?
• What is something you are grateful for every day?

Thank you for partnering with us to build a culture of gratitude and well-being at Mary M. Knight!

Dear Mary M. Knight Community,

This week's GRIT nominations showcase the beautiful ways our Owls are making a difference—from our youngest learners to our high school students. We're inspired by the community spirit, academic determination, and genuine kindness on display throughout Mary M. Knight!

Student Highlights:

Community Service and Environmental Stewardship

• Analea Atwood, Charlette Hammond, and Grace Johnson (3rd Grade) chose to spend their recess making our school community better by picking up garbage around the playground—all on their own initiative! Thank you for showing respect to our school and community by making it a beautiful place to be.
• Goldie Krumland (3rd Grade) demonstrated respect by helping a friend clean up when no one else would step in. Her willingness to help without being asked models what it truly means to be an outstanding peer.
• Graysyn Johnston (5th Grade) exemplifies quiet leadership and collaboration. Each morning, he holds the door for the line of students heading toward the high school—no one asked him to do it, he just knew it was the helpful and courteous thing to do. His kindness keeps our youngest learners safer too!

Reading GRIT and Academic Excellence

• Freya Weaver (2nd Grade) has been a "reading fool" these past couple of weeks! She made a personal commitment to read each evening after school, and her perseverance is paying off—her reading is improving by the day. We're so proud of your hard work, Freya, and most importantly, we know how proud you are of yourself!
• Eden Johnson (2nd Grade) shows grit and determination in everything she does, never giving up even when work feels challenging. She takes her learning seriously, especially in math and reading, and her thoughtful questions show she's deeply engaged. Her focus and effort inspire others to keep working hard!
• Raegyn Ayres (2nd Grade) shows incredible perseverance and focus, always working hard no matter how tough the task. She gives her best effort in every assignment and pushes herself to grow each day. Her strong work ethic and determination encourage those around her to stay motivated and keep trying their best!
• Ava Nutter (6th Grade) demonstrates GRIT by staying on task during work time and maintaining focus. Her dedication to her work shows what responsibility looks like!

High School Leadership and Dedication

• AJ Vogland (9th Grade) consistently demonstrates grit and focus as a volunteer in the classroom. Whether organizing materials or grading papers, he approaches every task with determination and care. His careful listening, thoughtful questions, and pride in his work set a strong example of responsibility and leadership for others. Great job, AJ!

Early Learning Ownership and Respect

• Dominic Franco (1st Grade) always comes to the library willing to take on new tasks. His use of "please" and "thank you" brings warmth to our learning space, and he strives to do right with a smile on his face no matter the challenge.
• Haiden Franco (2nd Grade) is a joy to have in the library! He's always on task, asking questions, and offering to help with a smile. His positive attitude makes him a wonderful member of our school community!
• Ian Weaver (Kindergarten) has shown GRIT by learning to find his way around problems and being a good friend at recess. That's the spirit of an Owl!

Kindness and Character

• Aaliyah McCartney (2nd Grade) has been a wonderful friend on the playground. She plays with kindness, is always truthful, helps when others need her, and keeps her promises. Thank you for being such a caring friend!
• Hazel Krumland (3rd Grade) has been awesome at being polite and fair to everyone in our class and school. Your kindness matters!

Peer-to-Peer Recognition We celebrate our students lifting each other up! Matthew Hett and Barratt Frostad support each other on the playground and with math. Allie Finch continues to shine as a great group member and caring friend. Audi Short (6th Grade) demonstrates responsibility by staying focused on her work every day and every week. These peer nominations show that our Owls are learning the true meaning of community—recognizing and celebrating each other's efforts and character.

Reflections on GRIT

This week's nominations beautifully illustrate what GRIT means at Mary M. Knight. It's not just about academic excellence—though we're thrilled to celebrate our strong readers and focused learners. GRIT is also about showing up for your community, being kind on the playground, helping a friend without being asked, and maintaining a positive attitude through challenges. Our Owls are learning that growth happens in the classroom, on the playground, and in the small moments of service and kindness we show each other every day.

Thank you to all our students, families, and staff for creating a culture where Owls genuinely care for one another and want to grow together!

Keep soaring, Owls!

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Meno

• Monday: Hamburger
• Tuesday: Breakfast Platter
• Wednesday: Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Thursday: Sweet & Sour chicken with Rice
• Friday: Sausage Pizza

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: MS Basketball begins
• Tuesday:
• Wednesday:
• Thursday:
• Friday:
• Saturday:

📋 Important Reminders

• PTO Meeting this week
• PTO Holiday Bazaar

🔗 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