This past Friday, Meeker Middle School Science and Robotics teacher Neeraj Agnihotri received the Washington Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award for Student Involvement. Neeraj was recognized for creating "a culturally responsive learning environment that directly impacts her students." Congratulations to Neeraj for receiving this incredible honor! #OneTeam #OneKSD
Click on the link to read more: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/article/2135150
🌟 April is Autism Awareness (& Acceptance!) Month! 🌟
This month, we celebrate the unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions of autistic individuals in our communities. 🧩💙 Together, we can build a kinder, more inclusive world. #OneKSD
📚 Celebrate School Library Month! 📚
This April, we’re honoring the heart of learning—our school library! 🎉 From fostering a love of reading to supporting research and creativity, libraries empower students every day. Let’s give a shoutout to our amazing librarians and the endless possibilities books bring! 📖✨#OneTeam #OneKSD
Superintendent Vela recently visited Ms. Esparza's 4th grade class at Scenic Hill Elementary, captivating students with his inspiring life story. As the son of migrant workers, he spent his childhood following the harvest from Texas to Washington each year. Despite the hardships, Superintendent Vela remained determined to pursue his passion for education, ultimately becoming a teacher and later rising to the role of superintendent. During his visit, he shared powerful lessons of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Ms. Esparza's students were deeply moved by his journey and left feeling inspired to embrace their own dreams with determination. "I want to say thank you to Superintendent Vela for taking the time to visit," Ms. Esparza said. "I knew our kids needed to be motivated and inspired by someone, and that his story would resonate with them." #OneClass #OneKSD
Spring Break is next week! There is no school from April 7-11. #OneKSD
Kent-Meridian High School Senior Jessie Neff won the Boys 3A Wrestling State Championship at the State Tournament in Tacoma last month. Jessie has been wrestling for three years at KM, and compiled an impressive 37 match wins this season leading up to the state tournament. In Tacoma, Jessie ran the table winning five straight matches to claim the State Title at 165 lbs. Jessie had an incredible season capping his senior year with a State Championship. The whole team stormed the mat to hug and cheer him on after his emotional finish at State. Way to go Jessie Neff! (photo courtesy of KSD community member) #OneClass #OneKSD
🚨 Tired of power struggles at home? 🚨 You're not alone! Join ParentMap and the Kent School District on Tuesday, April 1 for a live ParentEd Talk with “Raising Lions” author Joe Newman. Discover how to set firm yet compassionate boundaries that will lead to a more respectful and cooperative kid — and a calmer home. 🙌
Don’t miss it! Sign up for the live Q&A webinar and video replay using promo code KENTSCHDIST to attend for free (a $10 value). Register here: https://www.parentmap.com/newman
With 38 years of experience, current instructional coach and longtime teacher Jackie Kissler is the longest serving female educator in the Kent School District. Jackie has spent nearly her whole career at Neely-O'Brien elementary, mainly teaching fourth-sixth grades. "There's nothing quite as rewarding as working with a group of kids and seeing growth," Jackie said. "Seeing kids become more confident in learning and themselves brings me joy." As Women's History Month winds to a close, we want to honor all our female educators who like Jackie have impacted so many of our students' lives. #OneKSD #OneTeam
Read the whole story at https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/article/2109818
One of Kent School District's key community partners is the Kent Food Bank. Last week, members of the district's Communications, Nutrition Services, and Operations teams visited the food bank to learn more about how this organization supports members of our community, including KSD families. Thank you to Kent Food Bank for their continued partnership and helping those most in need in our community! Thank you to the volunteers, who spend their time every week supporting this important work. #OneKSD #OneCommunity
We close Music in our Schools month by shining on a spotlight on the Kentwood Choir, led by Choral Director Daisy Li-Emans. Later today, 23 students of the Kentwood Choir will perform Vivaldi's "Gloria" at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The choir was invited to audition based on their reputation and then was selected to perform based on the audition tape they sent in. Last week, the choir performed with a chamber orchestra and other choral groups at their mid-winter concert at the Kentwood Performing Arts Center. “I was excited for our chamber orchestra to collaborate with our choir students and do this baroque classical piece together,” Daisy said. Congratulations to our musical students! #OneClass #OneKSD
Read more at https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/article/2099604
Reminder: Tonight is the Together Committee Meeting 03/24: You are invited to attend the ongoing KSD Together Meetings, where your insights and input will help shape the future of bond and levy measures in the Kent School District. Our goal is to foster an environment of transparency and open communication. This committee will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, addressing concerns, and working together to develop strategies that support our commitment to equity, excellence, and community as we, together, successfully prepare all students for their future. #OneCommunity #OneKSD
March 24, 2025
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Join us in the KSD Board Room or virtually via Zoom.
For more information: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/ksd-together
Raising a strong-willed child? 💪 Instead of fighting their fire, learn how to guide it! 🔥
Join ParentMap and Kent School District on April 1 as we talk to experienced parenting coach and “Raising Lions” author Joe Newman. He’ll share game-changing strategies to turn power struggles into opportunities for growth and transform distracted and defiant children into kids who are motivated, respectful and attentive.
Register for the live ParentEd Talk using promo code KENTSCHDIST to attend for free (a $10 value). You'll also gain access to the replay video so you can watch it anytime, anywhere. Sign up here: https://www.parentmap.com/newman
Special Olympics Washington named Martin Sortun Elementary as a National Special Olympics Unified Champion School® and presented the staff and students with a banner in recognition of their efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students of all abilities. Martin Sortun is the first elementary school in Washington State to receive this prestigious honour. With help from Ray Roberts, a former Seahawks player, KW students and mascot, Marla Taylor-MS PE teacher, school and district administrators, along with Cool Bird from the Thunderbirds, the banner was unveiled to much fanfare. Congratulations to Martin Sortun for leading the way in this important endeavour and showcasing the values of what #OneCommunity means in our district. #OneKSD
Read more at: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/article/2099580
Happy First Day of Spring! Today marks the official start of spring, and we’re ready to shake off the cold and embrace the season of growth, renewal, and vibrant energy. Share how you're embracing the spring fever in the comments below. #OneKSD
Recently, the Kentwood High School auditorium buzzed with excitement as the Kent Area Council PTSA hosted its annual Reflections cultural arts competition reception. This year's theme, "Accepting Imperfection," inspired students to explore and express their creativity across various categories, including Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production.
The theme resonated deeply, encouraging young artists to embrace their unique perspectives and celebrate the beauty in imperfection. With over 70 entries from 18 schools—double the number of participating schools compared to last year—the competition showcased an impressive array of talent.
A heartfelt thank you to Kim Wells and Jennifer Ritchie for their unwavering dedication to making this event possible. Their efforts have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the students and the community, inspiring future generations to continue exploring and expressing their creativity. #OneClass #OneCommunity #OneKSD
Alison Landry, Nutrition Services Dietitian, had the exciting opportunity to inspire future professionals at Pine Tree Elementary’s Career Fair! As a Kids at Hope school, Pine Tree encourages students to "time travel" into their futures—imagining themselves thriving in their dream careers. Ms. Landry shared her journey in nutrition, helping students see the many possibilities ahead. #OneClass #OneKSD
Rick Hopkins and our Warehouse Services team are some of the unsung heroes of the Kent School District. Warehouse Services is responsible for delivering supplies to the district, including mail, textbooks, athletic gear, musical instruments, and more. With three drivers, this adds up to over 16,000 stops per year! The Warehouse Services team is an integral part in key initiatives that support the community, from transporting goods during the December canned food drive to distributing formal wear for students to choose from for prom and homecoming as part of the "Cinderella" clothing program. "The idea that we're supporting the kids and helping them on their educational journey helps keep us going," said Rick. #OneTeam #OneKSD
Read more at the link here: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/article/2092799
Ever look at your child and think, "Who even is this kid?" 🤯
Different doesn’t have to mean difficult! 💡 Join ParentMap and the Kent School District on March 20 for an empowering ParentEd Talk with pediatric psychologist and parent coach @dr.annlouise.lockhart. She’ll share practical tips to:
✨ Connect with your child, no matter how different they are
✨ Support their unique strengths and interests
✨ Navigate conflict toward cooperation
Sign up for the live Q&A webinar using promo code KENTSCHDIST to attend for free (a $10 value). You'll also gain access to the event recording so you can watch it anytime, anywhere. Register here: https://www.parentmap.com/lockhart
Sawyer Woods Elementary’s Green Team took their curiosity to new heights—literally! When they noticed Head Custodian Ken Hoyle preparing HVAC filters, they asked to learn more. Mr. Hoyle and Buildings Operations Lead Leslie Kramer gave the students an exclusive tour of the school’s mechanical space in the "attic," sparking excitement about careers in environmental services. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and engagement embody the spirit of lifelong learning. Thank you to the Environmental Services team for taking time to foster student interest and making sustainability a hands-on experience! #OneClass #OneKSD
Reminder: Next Monday night is the Together Committee Meeting 03/24: You are invited to attend the ongoing KSD Together Meetings, where your insights and input will help shape the future of bond and levy measures in the Kent School District. Our goal is to foster an environment of transparency and open communication. This committee will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, addressing concerns, and working together to develop strategies that support our commitment to equity, excellence, and community as we, together, successfully prepare all students for their future. For more information: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/ksd-together
