Kent School District -

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As we approached MLK Day, students across OneKSD honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through school assemblies and classroom learning that highlighted his message of justice, equity, and unity.

These moments gave students time to reflect, learn from one another, and connect Dr. King’s words to their own voices and experiences—bringing our schools together as OneKSD.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month: Highlighting Kent Youth and Family Services 💙

January is National Mentoring Month, and as OneKSD, we are proud to recognize the incredible work of Kent Youth and Family Services. For more than 55 years, KYFS has supported children, youth, and families in our community through professional counseling, education, and a variety of support services.

Their mission—to promote healthy development and help youth and families achieve their goals—reflects values we share as a district: equity, inclusion, partnership, and advocacy. By working together, we can help students thrive and build brighter futures.

We are grateful for partners like Kent Youth and Family Services who strengthen our schools and our community every day.

We are so proud of Kent Meridian High School Class of 2025 graduates Katherine Weiler-Medellin and Eliane Lo, who are now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in vital roles.

Katherine is a Weather Analyst & Forecaster, keeping missions safe with accurate meteorology for land, sea, and air operations.

Eliane is an Aviation Logistics Specialist, ensuring personnel, equipment, and supplies are ready for smooth, successful missions.

Their dedication, courage, and commitment to service embody the spirit of OneKSD. We celebrate their achievements and the impact they are making beyond the classroom! 💙

🏀🤼 Middle School Season 3 begins January 26! Girls Basketball and Wrestling are starting soon. Families who qualify are encouraged to complete the CNEEB Application (Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit) to help reduce or waive sports and activity fees and support student participation this winter. Apply today through the Nutrition section of the Kent School District website.

Final Reminder: OneKSD Art Contest 🎨

There’s still time to participate in the OneKSD Art Contest! We are still accepting digital entries until 11:59 p.m. on January 11.

This is your last chance to showcase your creativity and share what OneKSD means to you through art. We can’t wait to see the inspiring work from our talented students across the district! 💙💛

Don’t miss out—submit your digital entry before the deadline!

🎉 Big Wins for Kent School District Classrooms! 🎉

Thanks to the incredible support of the Kent Schools Foundation, 161 Classroom Enrichment Grants—totaling nearly $98,000—have been awarded! 🙌

✨ 224 educators

🏫 39 school sites & departments

 These grants are bringing learning to life with field trips, math and phonics manipulatives, classroom libraries, flexible seating, inclusive PE equipment, robotics kits, vertical whiteboards, and so much more! 🤖📖

This past month, Kent School Foundation representatives had the pleasure of visiting several schools to surprise educators with the exciting news that their grants had been funded.

At OneKSD, we believe in supporting educators and expanding opportunities, so every student thrives.

Save the Date: Community Budget Meetings In January

As OneKSD, we are committed to our mission of successfully preparing all students for their futures while living our core values of equity, excellence, and community. At the same time, we are facing financial challenges that require careful planning and thoughtful decisions.

We face a projected $35 million budget shortfall for the 2026–27 school year. To maintain a five (5) percent unassigned ending fund balance, significant reductions will be necessary across schools, programs, and departments.

The Kent School District community is invited to attend one of two Budget Update Meetings in January. The same information will be shared in both meetings.

Learn more at Budget Updates | Kent School District, and submit questions and feedback in advance to KSDBudget@kent.k12.wa.us. If you submit a question in advance, be sure to indicate which meeting you will attend.

Kent School District Community Budget Meetings for Families and Community Members

Monday, January 12, 2026, In-person
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Kent-Meridian High School, East Wing Auditorium
10116 SE 256th St, Kent, WA 98030

Saturday, January 24, 2026, Online
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom link will be available at Budget Updates when school resumes in January.

We are also hosting two separate Budget Meetings for Kent School District staff only. Kent School District staff meeting information is being communicated directly with our employees.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and community.

🎉 Happy Winter Break, OneKSD! ❄️✨

Today is the last day before Winter Break! All KSD schools will be closed Dec 22 – Jan 2.

Classes resume Monday, Jan 5, 2026.

Wishing all our students, families, and staff a warm, restful, and joyful break. 💙

Thank you for being part of our OneKSD community!

All schools are open today, December 17, 2025, except Sawyer Woods Elementary, which remains closed due to a power outage. Puget Sound Energy is actively working to restore power, and we will send updates directly to Sawyer Woods staff and families as the situation progresses.

Several bus routes are cancelled today due to lack of driver staffing.

• Route 2 serving Kentridge, Northwood, Martin Sortun, and Sunrise

• Route 15 serving Kentridge and Neely-O'Brien

• Route 20 serving Kentlake and Canyon Ridge

• Route 56 serving Kentlake, Cedar Heights, and Martin Sortun

• Route 114 serving Kentlake, Cedar Heights, and Horizon

Please note:

• Buses may be delayed picking up students due to combined or cancelled bus routes depending on driver staffing.

• Use caution when walking or driving, as there may be fallen debris in some areas.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

🌟 Student Spotlight: Kent Laboratory Academy

At Kent Laboratory Academy, students grow through strong relationships and meaningful learning experiences.

👩‍🎓 Ekampreet Singh is a sophomore who joined KLA in 7th grade and now serves as ASB President.

👩‍🎓 Graciana Kristenson is a sophomore who has attended KLA since 3rd grade and says the school has helped shape who she is today.

KLA is a choice school serving grades 3–12 with a focus on project-based learning and student connection.

Due to possible flooding in the Kent Valley, out of an abundance of caution, all after-school activities are canceled at these schools for Monday, December 15:

• East Hill Elementary

• Kent Elementary

• Meadow Ridge Elementary

• Mill Creek Middle School

• Neely-O'Brien Elementary

• Panther Lake Elementary

• River Ridge Elementary

• Scenic Hill Elementary

• Springbrook Elementary

Due to heavy traffic, school buses in the valley will be late.

The city of Kent confirmed that the messages sent from the National Weather Service and King County were to a broad audience. The city of Kent is working to provide additional communications.

Please know the district is closely monitoring the situation, working with the City of Kent Emergency Operations Center, and keeping the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority.

As always, keep monitoring your communications, be safe and cautious. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Again, continue to monitor your communications.

🌟 Inclusive Schools Week in oneKSD 🌟

This week, we celebrate inclusion and the strength of our community. In oneKSD, every student, staff member, and family is valued and supported. Together, we create welcoming schools where everyone belongs. 💛✨

We are one community, one purpose, oneKSD.

🎨 The OneKSD Art Contest is officially OPEN!

Students and staff—now’s your chance to show what equity means to you through your own original artwork. Help us celebrate opportunity, belonging, and the ways we lift one another up in our diverse OneKSD community.

Whether you draw, paint, design digitally, or create in your own unique style, we want to see your vision!

👉 Submit your artwork now and be part of this year’s showcase!

All details and submission info: www.kent.k12.wa.us/oneKSDart

🎉 We can’t wait to see what you create!

Kent School District is hosting a free vaccine clinic to help ensure students are healthy and up to date on required and recommended immunizations. For ages 6 months to 18 years are welcome—no cost, regardless of insurance status!

📅 Date: Thursday, December 12

⏰ Time: 12:00–3:00 p.m.

📍 Location: KSD Administration Building – Mt. Adams Room

💉 Routine & School-Required Vaccines Available:

• DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough)

• Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B

• IPV (Polio)

• Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae)

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

• MenACWY-TT (Meningococcal)

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Men B (Meningococcal B)

• PCV20 (Pneumococcal)

• COVID-19 & Flu (Influenza)

Secondary School Conferences – November 25

OneKSD families, this is a reminder that secondary school conferences will take place on Tuesday, November 25.

To support these important conversations between students, families, and teachers, secondary schools will follow a 3-hour early dismissal schedule.

Please note: This schedule applies to secondary schools only.

Thank you for partnering with us to support student learning and success across OneKSD.

🍎💙 Happy American Education Week! 💙🍎

From November 17–21, we’re celebrating EVERY person who makes learning possible in OneKSD—It takes a village to support our students, and we are proud of the incredible community that shows up every day with heart, dedication, and a passion for helping kids grow.

Here’s to a week of gratitude for the people who empower, inspire, and uplift our students! 📚✨

🎨 Get ready, KSD—It’s almost time! Building on the amazing momentum from last spring, the OneKSD Art Contest returns December 1! Students and staff are invited to show what equity means to them through original artwork celebrating opportunity, belonging, and helping everyone thrive in our diverse community.

🎉 Check out all the details and start dreaming up your design: www.kent.k12.wa.us/oneKSDart

💙 Happy National Education Support Professional Day!

Thank you for keeping OneKSD running. Our schools are better because of you! 🌟

🧥💙 Huge thanks to the Knights of Columbus and St. John the Baptist Church for gifting brand-new coats to all Springbrook kindergarten and 1st-grade students! A wonderful reminder of the warmth and support within our OneKSD community. ❄️✨

🏀🤼‍♀️🎉 Winter sports are heating up! Whether your student is hitting the court, the mat, or the sidelines, completing a CNEEB Application (Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit) , for those who qualify,  can help make participation more affordable.

By filling out the form, families can unlock:

✅ Reduced or waived fees for basketball, wrestling, cheer, and other activities

✅ More school funding for programs and student support

✅ A stronger, more connected OneKSD community

It’s quick, confidential, and makes a big difference all year long.

📝 Complete your CNEEB today and get ready for a great winter season!

 Fill it out here: Nutrition | Kent School District