Did you know your student could automatically get into a Washington public university with a 3.0 GPA and College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) completion? Or into Pacific Lutheran University with a 3.3 GPA and Algebra 2?
It’s all part of the Guaranteed & Automatic Admissions Program—no stress, no surprises!
• Opt-in between Sept 1–30 in Qmlativ.
• Connect with your school’s career center staff for details!
Kent School District will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 7. Schools and the Administration Center reopen for normal hours on Tuesday, September 8.
Kent-Meridian High School celebrated the dedication of a new sensory garden made possible through a partnership with Home Depot . Featuring raised garden beds and accessible seating, the garden creates opportunities for students in inclusive education programs and those with mobility challenges to participate in hands-on agricultural learning.
The project transformed an aging garden space through the efforts of Speech-Language Pathologist Barbara Arnett and Home Depot, which donated $10,000 in materials and volunteer support. Student-grown produce will be donated to the Kent-Meridian Food Bank and the Kent Community Food Bank, and a commemorative plaque honors Irene Terrado-Paradeza, a Home Depot employee whose contributions helped make the project possible.
Thank you to everyone who helped create this space for learning, growth, and community connection!
The project transformed an aging garden space through the efforts of Speech-Language Pathologist Barbara Arnett and Home Depot, which donated $10,000 in materials and volunteer support. Student-grown produce will be donated to the Kent-Meridian Food Bank and the Kent Community Food Bank, and a commemorative plaque honors Irene Terrado-Paradeza, a Home Depot employee whose contributions helped make the project possible.
Thank you to everyone who helped create this space for learning, growth, and community connection!
Welcome, Kindergarten!
Today, Kent School District welcomed our newest learners for their very first day of kindergarten!
From first-day smiles and new classroom adventures to meeting teachers and making new friends, it was a day filled with excitement and memorable milestones.
Take a look at our photo gallery to see some of the special moments as our kindergarten students begin their educational journey. Welcome to OneKSD—we're so glad you're here!
As we start into a great school year, KSD is thrilled to have students back on busses! Whether they’re getting to or from school, or traveling for an exciting event, it’s important to follow transportation guidelines to ensure everyone has a safe and successful ride.
Students, here are helpful tips and guidelines to follow around roads and school busses:
⏰ Arrive Early: Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus arrives.
🫷 Wait Safely: Stand at least 10 feet (about 5 giant steps) from the curb and avoid running or playing.
🚌 Board and Exit Carefully: Wait until the bus stops completely, the door opens, and the driver signals it is safe to get on or off. Always use the handrails getting on or off the bus.
🚷 Never Walk Behind the Bus: Always stay where the driver can see you.
🚸 Cross Safely: If crossing in front of the bus, walk to a point at least 10 feet in front of it and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
❌ Watch for the Danger Zone: Make sure the driver can see you at all times near the bus.
🎒 Dropped Item? Ask for Help: Never reach under or near the bus to retrieve an item. Tell the driver so they can assist safely.
Drivers:
· Be aware of your surroundings and obey traffic signals and crossing guards.
· Slow down and be alert to the actions of pedestrians and other drivers.
· Pay attention to and abide by the speed limit, which in school zones is 20 miles per hour.
· Be alert for children in school zones.
· Never pass a school bus or vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
· Drop off and pick up students as close to school as possible. Check with your school for specific guidelines.
· Reduce traffic congestion and keep children visible. Do not double-park, stop in crosswalks, or interfere with school buses in the bus loading area of a school.
Let’s remember to always be safe and aware around busses and roads, and let’s have a fantastic year here at KSD!
For more information, visit https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/transportation.
Students, here are helpful tips and guidelines to follow around roads and school busses:
⏰ Arrive Early: Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus arrives.
🫷 Wait Safely: Stand at least 10 feet (about 5 giant steps) from the curb and avoid running or playing.
🚌 Board and Exit Carefully: Wait until the bus stops completely, the door opens, and the driver signals it is safe to get on or off. Always use the handrails getting on or off the bus.
🚷 Never Walk Behind the Bus: Always stay where the driver can see you.
🚸 Cross Safely: If crossing in front of the bus, walk to a point at least 10 feet in front of it and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
❌ Watch for the Danger Zone: Make sure the driver can see you at all times near the bus.
🎒 Dropped Item? Ask for Help: Never reach under or near the bus to retrieve an item. Tell the driver so they can assist safely.
Drivers:
· Be aware of your surroundings and obey traffic signals and crossing guards.
· Slow down and be alert to the actions of pedestrians and other drivers.
· Pay attention to and abide by the speed limit, which in school zones is 20 miles per hour.
· Be alert for children in school zones.
· Never pass a school bus or vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
· Drop off and pick up students as close to school as possible. Check with your school for specific guidelines.
· Reduce traffic congestion and keep children visible. Do not double-park, stop in crosswalks, or interfere with school buses in the bus loading area of a school.
Let’s remember to always be safe and aware around busses and roads, and let’s have a fantastic year here at KSD!
For more information, visit https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/transportation.
What a day, OneKSD!
It was wonderful to see students back in our classrooms, reconnecting with friends, meeting their teachers, and beginning a new year of learning. Just look at these photo highlights from yesterday—so many smiling faces!
Here’s to a successful school year. We’re excited to learn and grow together as OneKSD!
🎉 Welcome Back, OneKSD! 📚💙
The first day of school is here, and our campuses are once again filled with smiling faces, eager learners, and the excitement of a new school year. From reconnecting with friends to meeting new teachers and exploring new classrooms, today was all about fresh starts and new opportunities.
Thank you to our students, families, educators, and staff for making today a wonderful start to the school year. Together, we're creating schools where every student feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to learn.
Here's to a great year ahead. Together, we're OneKSD.
The first day of school is here, and our campuses are once again filled with smiling faces, eager learners, and the excitement of a new school year. From reconnecting with friends to meeting new teachers and exploring new classrooms, today was all about fresh starts and new opportunities.
Thank you to our students, families, educators, and staff for making today a wonderful start to the school year. Together, we're creating schools where every student feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to learn.
Here's to a great year ahead. Together, we're OneKSD.
The wait is almost over! Tomorrow we welcome students back for another incredible year of learning, discovery, and growth.
Tonight, remember to:
🎒 Pack your backpack.
⏰ Set your alarm.
💙 Get a good night's sleep.
😊 Bring your smile and excitement for a new beginning.
Whether it's your first day, entering your senior year, or somewhere in between, we're ready to support you every step of the way.
Together, we're OneKSD—a community where every student is valued, every family is a partner, and every day is a chance to succeed.
We'll see you tomorrow!
School Starts on August 26: Recently, our administrators met to prepare for the start of the school year! Their professional development included a focus on creating welcoming and inclusive environments for students, families, and staff. Our school leaders are excited and ready to welcome everyone back for a year filled with learning, connection, and community. We can’t wait to see you on August 26! #OneKSD #BacktoSchoolKSD #BacktoSchool
School is right around the corner, and we are so excited to begin the school year!
Everyone here at KSD looks forward to being back in school, walking through the doors and greeting you!
The first day of school is August 26 for first through twelfth graders, and August 31 for kindergarteners. Before the big day arrives, Kent School District is here to help you get ready. Visit our social media to catch the latest updates, reminders, and helpful information for students and families.
For new families, find online enrollment and enrollment FAQs at https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/enrollment.
We are One KSD, and we are getting ready for the 2026-27 school–every student, every voice, every day! #OneKSD #OneClass #BacktoSchool
FinalForms is Expanding in Kent School District!
To help streamline K–12 athletic, activity, and field trip registration for the 2026–27 school year, Kent School District is creating FinalForms accounts for all enrolled families using the email addresses listed in Skyward Qmlativ Family Access.
✅ Watch your inbox on August 10! Parents/guardians of enrolled KSD students will receive an email from mailman@finalforms.com with a personalized link to confirm their account.
🔹 New to FinalForms? Click the link in the email and follow the steps to confirm your account.
🔹 Already using FinalForms? No action is needed—you may ignore the email.
Be sure to confirm your account and log in to FinalForms before fall athletic and activity registration opens on August 10!
FinalForms provides a convenient, secure, and accessible way to register for school sports, clubs, and field trips.
For more information about FinalForms and student activities in Kent School District, visit our website.
☀️ Summer just started... but we're already getting excited for back-to-school! 🎒📚
We're thrilled to announce that FREE school supply kits will be available for Kent School District students to help families get ready for a successful school year!
Each grade-level kit is packed with the supplies students need, including items like notebooks, pencils, crayons or colored pencils, folders, glue sticks, headphones or earbuds, and more.
🎨 Pre-K
🖍️ Crayons, water paints, Play-Doh, and glue sticks.
🍎 Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Primary notebooks, headphones, pencils, crayons, water paints, folders, glue sticks, a pencil pouch, and an eraser.
📓 2nd & 3rd Grade
Composition notebooks, headphones, pencils, crayons, folders, glue sticks, a pencil pouch, and an eraser.
✏️ 4th & 5th Grade
Composition notebooks, headphones, pencils, colored pencils, folders, glue sticks, a pencil pouch, an eraser, and (5th grade) index cards.
🎓 Middle School
Composition notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, folders, highlighters, index cards, a pencil pouch, an eraser, and wired earbuds.
🎒 High School
Composition notebooks, pencils, highlighters, index cards, a pencil pouch, an eraser, and wired earbuds.
💙 We know summer is for making memories, but we're excited to help students head into the new school year feeling confident and prepared!
For more information visit: School Supplies | Kent School District
Summer Office Hours
Please note that the Kent School District Administration Office will observe the following summer schedule:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed
These summer office hours are now in effect. If you need assistance, please plan your visit during these hours or contact the Administration Office by phone or email.
Thank you, and have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Kent School District is offering free summer meals for children ages 0–18 through August 8, 2026, at 30 locations across the district. Meals are served only on weekdays, with no service on July 3 and 4 in observance of the holiday. See our summer meals page for more information: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/summer-meals #OneKSD #OneCommunity
🚀 Kent School District's partnership with The Museum of Flight is helping third-grade students bring science to life through hands-on STEM experiences.
During the 2025-2026 school year, students from eight KSD elementary schools participated in curriculum-connected field trips that explored forces and motion, engineering design, and aerospace careers. Thanks to support from community partners, these enriching experiences were provided at no cost to schools.
The successful first year of the program has already led to plans for expansion, giving even more KSD students opportunities to learn, explore, and discover future possibilities through STEM education.
Read the full story: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/article/3006469
Last Day of School – Early Dismissal Reminder
Tomorrow marks the last day of school for the 2025–26 school year in the Kent School District. As we close out another successful year, we want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for their continued partnership and support. Together as OneKSD, we have celebrated growth, achievement, and connection across all schools.
Please note that tomorrow is a 3-hour early dismissal for all students.
We wish all of our families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer break. We look forward to welcoming students back for the first day of school on August 26, 2026, for the start of the 2026–27 school year.
🎉 Celebrating Our National Board Certified Teachers 🎉
We are proud to recognize ten exceptional educators who have earned National Board Certification, one of the highest professional credentials available to teachers. This accomplishment reflects their commitment to excellence, continuous professional growth, and student achievement.
Congratulations to:
• Emily Abrams — Generalist/Middle Childhood
• Alyxandria Crosier — Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
• Sarah Gonzales — Science/Early Adolescence
• Kristin Mazder — Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood Through Young Adulthood
• Taylor Sarmiento — Generalist/Middle Childhood
• Ruth Smith — Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
• Emily Stentz — Generalist/Middle Childhood
• Jessica Swanson — Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
• Katherine Walsh — Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
• Lynn Wells — Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
National Board Certification is a voluntary, rigorous process that recognizes accomplished teaching practices and a deep commitment to student learning. We are grateful for the impact these educators make every day in our classrooms and school communities.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding teachers on this remarkable achievement!
Kentwood Graduation Ceremony updated live stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/lW-_tZGuDQs?si=JNoPPJsvQ1PnmvcT
Due to an issue with the live stream vendor, they have issued a new live stream link for the Kentwood Graduation Ceremony.
Please use this updated link to watch the ceremony live stream.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the live stream is available for viewers.
Thank you for supporting our graduates.
Due to an issue with the live stream vendor, they have issued a new live stream link for the Kentwood Graduation Ceremony.
Please use this updated link to watch the ceremony live stream.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the live stream is available for viewers.
Thank you for supporting our graduates.
Kent School District proudly congratulates Brian J. Smith, Director of Athletics and Activities, on being recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. 👏🏆
This prestigious distinction recognizes Brian’s exemplary leadership, professional contributions, and commitment to ongoing growth in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The certification process includes a comprehensive evaluation of educational background, experience, leadership, professional involvement, and completion of a practical written project.
Brian joins an elite group of athletic administrators nationwide who have achieved this highest level of certification.
We are grateful for Brian’s dedication to supporting student-athletes, activities programs, and educational excellence across Kent School District. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
📚 Kindergarten Registration Reminder 📚
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is open!
If your child will be 5 years old by August 31, 2026, now is the time to enroll and begin preparing for an exciting year of learning, growth, and new experiences.
At OneKSD, we look forward to welcoming our newest students and partnering with families as they begin their educational journey.
Families can complete the online enrollment process by visiting the Kindergarten Registration page on the district website.
We can't wait to meet the Class of 2039! 💙
