As we head into the final month of the school year, there’s so much to celebrate and look forward to!
Inside this month’s newsletter you’ll find:
✨ Upcoming May events & important dates
📚 Student Celebrations
🍎 Staff Appreciation Week
🎶 Spring Concert details
🎓 8th Grade Celebration
☀️ End-of-year reminders & last day of school info
We’re so proud of our Timberwolves for a year full of growth, perseverance, and school spirit. Let’s finish strong together!
📲 Read the full newsletter here: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/Y3TEk5SIxmhtktLz?ref=Link
Go Timberwolves! 💚🐺
#CedarHeights #Timberwolves

Thank you for joining us for Future Timberwolf Night! We welcomed 200+ families and truly enjoyed connecting with our incoming Timberwolves.
We tried something new this year and would love your feedback, consider taking a moment to complete this feedback form —your input helps us improve future events.
You can view the presentations from the evening on our Cedar Heights Family and Community Canvas:
If we missed you, we’re looking forward to meeting you this fall!
Don’t forget: PTSA is sponsoring a Game Night for our future Timberpups and their families on May 29 from 5:30–7:00 PM at CHMS. Students must be accompanied by an adult.
See you soon, Timberwolves! 🐺


Do you have a passion for dance, working with middle school students, and building team spirit? The Sparks Dance Team is seeking an enthusiastic coach to lead and inspire our dancers!
We’re looking for someone who can:
⭐ Support dancers’ skill development and technique
⭐ Choreograph and prepare the team for performances and competitions
⭐ Foster teamwork, confidence, and school spirit
⭐ Create a fun, positive, and inclusive team culture
⭐ Mentor middle school students while helping them grow as performers and leaders
This is a great opportunity for someone who loves dance, enjoys working with students, and wants to make a meaningful impact while having a lot of fun along the way!
Interested or know someone who’d be a great fit? Apply online www.kent.k12.wa.us Careers #DanceCoachNeeded #SparksDanceTeam #MiddleSchoolDance #CoachOpportunity #SchoolSpirit

2025 – 2026 SBA and WCAS Assessment Schedule
We will be using the alternate schedule shown below for Math Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), English Language Arts Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) (8th grade only) testing. Students will test in their first period classes on each of the following days for the assessment listed. We have built one make up testing day into our assessment schedule in order to help reduce the amount of time out of class for students who require additional time or missed the initial testing date.
May 4th – SBA English Language Arts Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
May 5th – SBA English Language Arts Performance Task (PT)
May 7th – WCAS (8th grade only) & Make up English Language Arts SBA (6th and 7th grade)
May 11th – Math Computer Adaptive Test
May 12th – Math Performance Task
May 14th – Make up testing all grades
Time Testing, Class or Passing
8:15 – 10:13 - Testing with 1st period
10:13 – 10:17 - passing
10:17 – 10:49 - 2nd Period (32)
10:49 – 10:53 - Passing
10:53 – 11:25 - 3rd period (32)
11:25 – 11:29 - Passing
11:29 – 1:07 - 4th period (Class and lunch)
1:07-1:11 - Passing
1:11 – 1:43 - 5th period (32)
1:43 – 1:47 - Passing
1:47 – 2:19 - 6th period (32)
2:19 – 2:23 - Passing
2:23 – 2:55 - 1st period (32)
Here are a few reminders for test day in order to increase success:
• Be prepared by making sure Surface’s are charged the night before.
• Restart Surfaces on Monday.
• Bring headphones or earbuds for testing (wireless earbuds/headphones cannot be used). Headphones or earbuds available in class.
• Go to bed early to be well rested for the test.
• Eat a good breakfast to keep focus during the test.
• Relax and do your best.


Tomorrow is the CHMS Spring Dance! Last chance to get your tickets is tomorrow morning from Ms Hardie at the cashiers window. Don’t miss out on the fun! 💃🕺🪩

ABOUT THE APEX GAMES FUNDRAISER:
During the Apex Games PTA fundraiser, students will be challenged to get donations from family and friends to help our school. We’ll end the 2-week fundraiser with a celebratory event called Apex Games for students who participate in the fundraiser (think lots of games, snacks, music, high energy, and FUN!) And WE NEED YOUR HELP!
How the Apex Fundraiser Works:
The Important Details:
● Log on to MyApexEvent.com - Students will receive their own unique access code on Launch Rally Day. This year, funds raised will go towards Student Enrichment programs including Art & Science programs and supplies, Classroom Mini-Grants, Staff appreciation & SO much more!
Launch Rally:
March 30th
The Apex Games Event:
April 16th
● Help connect your students to potential donors by sharing your student’s MyApexEvent.com donation page through email, text, Facebook and Twitter using the Share Wizard tool! Through the shared link, donors can enter and pay their donations online.
● Students will be encouraged to participate in the fundraiser and have fun with the Apex team at school each day!
Thank you for your support of our PTA and School!



Makers Market Craft Fair THURSDAY 5:30-7:30
Do you enjoy giving and receiving handmade gifts?
Do you love supporting Cedar Heights students?
Then you won't want to miss this MEMORABLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE ON THURSDAY 😊
Students will have 40 vendor booths set up for shopper's to choose from at their Maker's Market Craft Fair... AND raffle tickets for your chance to win incredible prizes! Stop by Cedar Heights between 5:30-7:00 this Thursday and support our Timberwolves' small businesses. All are welcome to this free community event.
PTSA needs your help to make this event a success for students. We could use a few more volunteers to assist students with set-up, check-in, raffle tickets, and tear-down - specifically looking to fill that 'check-in' role as a welcoming presence at the entry point. Our community would be so grateful for your gift of time. Volunteer Sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948AAA828A2F49-62306795-cedar
Thank you all for supporting Cedar Heights students! ❤️
Warmly,
Cedar Heights PTSA
PTSA Website




Ramadan begins soon. For parents whose students will be observing while at school, please check your email for important information and the required parent permission form.
We are aware that the holy month of Ramadan will take place from February 19 through March 19, 2026. In order to support our Muslim students during this special time, we ask that if your child will be participating in fasting and/or prayer during Ramadan, you please complete the attached prayer permission slip and return it to the Cedar Heights main office by Monday, February 23rd.
If your child will be absent to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, please be sure to request the absence in advance.
Cedar Heights will provide the following supports for students observing Ramadan:
Students who are fasting will have the option to go to the library during lunch.
Teachers will contact families if they observe a significant change in a student’s academic performance or behavior.
A designated room will be available for prayer for up to 15 minutes. Students will receive an eHallpass for their assigned time and will check in and out accordingly.
Prayer times will follow the Muslim World League Calendar and the Muslim Pro prayer app.
Students are expected to follow all school expectations during prayer time. Students who do not follow reasonable requests or who use prayer time inappropriately will have the following consequences:
First offense: Parent/guardian will be contacted.
Second offense: Loss of prayer room privileges.
Physical Education During Ramadan
All students will continue to participate in Physical Education during Ramadan.
Islam encourages individuals to continue their normal daily routines while observing fasting, adapting as needed. The Muslim Council of the U.S. notes that the majority of students who are fasting are able to participate in most physical activities during Ramadan without risk or danger.
PE staff recognize that fasting students may experience decreased energy levels and increased risk of dehydration. As a result:
Activity intensity may be adjusted as needed.
Staff will remain responsive to individual student needs.
Participation expectations will be balanced with student health and safety.
We are committed to supporting our students academically, physically, and spiritually during this important month.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful Ramadan and wonderful Eid celebrations.
Sincerely,
Cedar Heights Middle School


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.




📘 Cedar Heights Middle School Registration: 2026–2027
Registration for 2026-2027 is here!
8th-9th grade Registration
Kentlake will be at Cedar Heights
Thursday, January 15th, for registration presentations.
Friday, January 16th, KLHS Elective Fair and Q & A session will be held during lunches .
Wednesday, January 21st, Registration forms due to advisory teacher.
6th-7th grade and 7th to 8th grade Registration
All Cedar Heights Middle School registration information is centralized in one place for easy access on the Cedar Heights Family & Community Canvas. Families can also use the QR code to view materials anytime.
🎥 Registration Video
All 6th and 7th grade students will watch the CHMS 7th & 8th Grade Registration Presentation 2026–2027 during advisory on Wednesday, January 14.
📝 Registration Forms
Registration forms will be distributed to students on Wednesday, January 14 during Advisory
Students will take forms home to review course selections with their families.
Completed forms are due Friday, January 16.
📌 How to Return Forms
Students return completed forms to their 4th period teacher by Friday, January 16th.
The school will collect all forms and ensure they are processed.
💬 Need Support?
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please reach out to counseling lead: Alexis.Lewis@kent.k12.wa.us Cedar Heights Middle School. We appreciate your partnership as we plan for the 2026–2027 school year.

🏀🤼 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.

Dear Cedar Heights Families,
We are excited to welcome you and your student to Cedar Heights Middle School! As your child prepares to begin 6th grade in the 2026–2027 school year, we want to share important information about registration, electives, and upcoming transition events.
We appreciate your patience and grace as we work on a rapid staffing timeline to best support our incoming students. Thank you for partnering with us during this exciting time!
📋 6th Grade Registration Information
Registration materials, timelines, and videos can be found on the Cedar Heights Family & Community Canvas. You can access everything easily by scanning the QR code included with this message.
🗓 Important Registration Dates
January 12–14
Registration forms will be sent home from elementary schools
5th-grade teachers will share the registration video with students
Families can access registration information through CH Family and Community Canvas
Friday, January 16
Registration forms are due back to your child’s 5th-grade teacher
If a registration form is not returned, your student will automatically be enrolled in Survey 6 (Applied Arts / STEAM).
📚 6th Grade Classes
All 6th-grade students are automatically enrolled in:
Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Health/Fitness
CHMS 101 (Middle School Success)
Students will also choose one elective:
Performing Arts: Band, Orchestra, or Choir
(If your student plans to continue Band or Orchestra, please list their instrument on the form)
Applied Arts (Survey 6)
🎉 Spring Transition Events
Elementary School Visits: CHMS staff will visit elementary schools in the spring
Save the Date: Future Timberwolf Night:
📅 May 6
📍 Cedar Heights Middle School
More information to follow!
We are truly excited to meet our future Timberwolves and partner with you for a successful middle school experience. Thank you for being part of the Cedar Heights community, we can’t wait to welcome your student!
Warmly,
Erika Hanson
Principal
Cedar Heights Middle School 🐺

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!

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.
