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,

Spring break is just around the corner, but before we get there, we have something truly special ahead — Student-Led Conferences on April 1–3. This is one of my favorite events of the school year because it puts our students in the driver's seat. Your child will guide you through their own learning journey, and I promise it is worth every minute of your time. Please sign up this week — Elementary families can use Skyward Family Access, and Secondary families can reach out directly to your student's teacher or call our office at (360) 426-6767 ext. 6500.

This week's GRIT recognitions are also a wonderful reminder of where we are in the year. Thirteen students across every grade level are showing us what Tenacity looks like in real life — pushing through, finishing strong, and choosing effort even when it isn't easy. That energy is contagious, and it sets the tone for all of us.

Thank you for being such an incredible community. Let's finish this stretch strong — together.

Monday 3/23

• HS Golf (Girls) @ Adna 3:30 pm
• MS Baseball vs. Wishkah 4:00 pm

Tuesday 3/24

• Art Club 3:00 pm
• HS Baseball @ Wishkah 4:00 pm

Wednesday 3/25

• Late start
• After School Metal shop club 3:30 pm
• MS Track @ Raymond 3:30 pm
• HS Golf @ Oaksridge 3:30 pm
• School Board Meeting 6:00 pm

Thursday 3/26

• After School Woodshop Club 3:30 pm
• HS Track @ North Beach 4:00 pm
• MS Baseball @ Ocosta 4:00 pm

Friday 3/27

• K-3 Shelton Junior Programs
• HS Golf @ Winlock 3:30 pm

Saturday 3/28

Dear MMK Families,

One of our favorite times of the school year is just around the corner — Student-Led Conferences! This is a special opportunity for your child to sit down with you and take ownership of sharing their learning journey. We are so proud of the work our students have been doing, and we can't wait for you to see it through their eyes.

Conference Dates & Times Please mark your calendars for the following conference windows:

• Wednesday, April 1 — 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Please note: There will be no late start this Wednesday due to conferences)
• Thursday, April 2 — 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:40 PM
• Friday, April 3 — Early Release Day (no individual conferences scheduled)

Conferences are approximately 20 minutes. Please plan to attend with your student — these are student-led!

How to Sign Up

Elementary Families (K–6): Scheduling is quick and easy! Simply log in to Skyward Family Access and use the Conference Scheduler to select a time that works best for your family.

Secondary Families (7–12): Due to the complexity of secondary scheduling, we ask that families contact your student's teacher directly to schedule a conference time. You can:

• Email your student's advisory teacher, or
• Call the main office at (360) 426-6767 ext. 6500 and our office team — Barb, Tiara, or Shantel — will be happy to help get you scheduled.

Please know that your conference does not need to be with your student's advisory teacher — you are welcome to schedule with any of your child's current teachers based on your availability and preference.

We apologize for any inconvenience with the online scheduler for secondary families, and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve this process in the future.

If you have any trouble with scheduling at any grade level, please don't hesitate to reach out — we want to make sure every family has a spot!

What to Expect at a Student-Led Conference

Student-led conferences are a little different from traditional parent-teacher conferences — and in the best possible way! Your child is in the driver's seat. During the conference, your student will guide you through a meaningful conversation that may include:

• A review of their academic progress across classes
• Test scores and what they mean for their learning
• Personal highlights and reflections on their growth this year
• Work samples that showcase what they've been learning and creating

This format builds confidence, self-advocacy, and communication skills that go far beyond the classroom. Many families tell us it becomes one of the most meaningful conversations they have with their child all year.

🦉 GRIT Recognition — Week of March 16, 2026

Tenacity in Action: Finishing Strong

March is all about Tenacity — the steady, persistent effort it takes to push through challenges, stay the course, and finish strong. This week, we are proud to recognize thirteen MMK students across every grade level who are doing exactly that. Each of these students is a living example of what it looks like to keep going, even when the work is hard, spring break is on the horizon, and the finish line still feels far away. We are so proud of each of them!

Meika Garcia | 1st Grade Meika shows real GRIT through one of the most courageous forms of tenacity — honesty. When she makes a mistake, Meika doesn't hide it or shift the blame. She tells the truth, takes responsibility, and commits to doing better. That kind of character takes incredible courage and sets a powerful example for everyone around her. Way to go, Meika!

Brielle Dunnington | 1st Grade Brielle brings steady effort and a positive attitude to school every single day. She arrives ready to work, stays focused on the task in front of her, and when she finishes early, she picks up a book and keeps right on learning. Her responsibility, love of reading, and quiet determination make her a joy to have in class and an inspiration to her peers.

Andrew Ushman | 3rd Grade Andrew is putting in the work and it is showing! He has been mastering math facts and tackling 4th grade reading with focus and persistence. Andrew's willingness to push himself beyond grade-level expectations is a beautiful example of what it means to finish strong. Keep reaching, Andrew — you've earned it!

Colton Rivard | 3rd Grade Colton is working hard every day to build habits that matter — staying focused, raising his hand, following directions, and taking responsibility for his choices. This kind of sustained, intentional effort is exactly what Tenacity looks like in action. Keep it up, Colton — your hard work is making a real difference!

Nicholas Horn | 2nd Grade Nicholas shows GRIT by being the kind of friend that makes school a better place for everyone. His kindness, loyalty, and willingness to show up for others at recess reflects strong character and a generous spirit. Nicholas reminds us that tenacity isn't only about academics — it's also about being consistently good to the people around you. Thank you, Nicholas!

Freya Weaver | 2nd Grade Freya demonstrates GRIT by refusing to give up when her work gets tough. She keeps trying, keeps pushing, and keeps giving her best effort — even when it isn't easy. That perseverance is exactly what "Finishing Strong" is all about. Great job, Freya!

David Finch | Kindergarten David has been a wonderful classroom helper — putting materials away, noticing when something is out of place, and taking the initiative to make his classroom a clean, comfortable space for everyone to learn. That kind of quiet, consistent responsibility is a form of tenacity that benefits his entire class community. We're so proud of you, David!

Lucas Frostad | Kindergarten Lucas brings an infectious enthusiasm and joy to learning every single day. His smile, his humor, and his excitement for new ideas light up the classroom and lift everyone around him. Choosing to bring that kind of positive energy — day after day — is its own form of tenacity. Keep shining, Lucas!

Tristan Persell | 6th Grade Tristan is demonstrating real follow-through this month by staying on track and consistently turning in his work each week. Finishing strong means building habits of reliability and accountability — and that's exactly what Tristan is doing. Way to go, Tristan!

Koal Reed | 6th Grade Koal has been keeping pace with his assignments and turning his work in on time, week after week. Consistency like that is one of the most important skills a student can build, and Koal is building it right now. Keep up the great work, Koal!

Riley Coleman | 7th Grade Riley has shown real growth this semester by stepping up and asking questions when she needs clarification. Seeking help takes courage and self-awareness — and it's one of the most effective tools a learner has. Riley's willingness to advocate for her own understanding is a true act of tenacity. Keep asking, Riley!

Dylan Hansen | 9th Grade Right before spring break — a time when it can feel nearly impossible to stay focused — Dylan has chosen to lean in. He has been an active participant in science discussions, engaging with complex concepts around carbon and energy cycling, and putting in the mental effort to apply his learning to new and unfamiliar situations. Dylan's resilience and tenacity during this stretch of the year are truly commendable. Keep forging ahead, Dylan!

Raymond Oppelt | 12th Grade Raymond has stepped up in a big way this month, showing real ownership and growth — especially in Construction. He is fully participating in projects, seeking feedback, and demonstrating an improved work ethic that reflects the kind of student and person he is becoming. As a senior, finishing strong means everything — and Raymond is doing just that. We are proud of you, Raymond!

Congratulations to all of this week's GRIT recipients and their families! If your child was recognized, please take a moment to celebrate their hard work and character at home — your encouragement means the world to them. 🦉

🍽️ This Week's Lunch Menu

• Monday: Chicken Burger
• Tuesday: Mac & Cheese w/ Hot Dog
• Wednesday: Cheese Zombie & Tomato Soup
• Thursday: Mandarin Orange Chicken
• Friday: Double Cheese Pizza

🏃‍♂️ Athletics This Week

• Monday: HS Golf (girls) @ Adna 3:30 pm / MS Basetball vs. Wishkah 4:00 pm
• Tuesday: HS Baseball @ Wishkah 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: MS Track @ Raymond 3:30 pm / HS Golf @ Oaksridge 3:30 pm
• Thursday: HS Track @ North Beach 4:00 pm
• Friday: HS Golf @ Winlock 3:30 pm
• Saturday:

📋 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