At the recent Kent School District Board meeting, Panther Lake Elementary—and one of its standout students, Johnny Alejandro Arboleda—were recognized for embodying the spirit of OneKSD, where belonging, growth, and shared success guide our work across the district.
Panther Lake Elementary Celebrated for Culture of Belonging and Growth
Panther Lake Elementary presented an inspiring update on their continued efforts to strengthen a culture of belonging—a core priority of our OneKSD vision. These efforts have not only shaped positive experiences for students and staff but have also earned recognition at both district and state levels.
In 2024, Panther Lake received the Inaugural Belonging Award, honoring the school’s commitment to ensuring that every student feels connected, supported, and valued. Their dedication aligns closely with the OneKSD focus on creating environments where all learners thrive.
Their work has also been celebrated statewide; Panther Lake was named an OSPI Washington State Recognized School for demonstrating growth on the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). This recognition highlights the school’s continued improvement and its focus on equitable student outcomes.
This year, Panther Lake continued its momentum by receiving the School on the Rise Award for sustained growth and ongoing efforts to deepen student belonging. The award reinforces the school’s commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment—an essential part of what makes OneKSD strong.
Student Spotlight: Johnny Alejandro Arboleda
The Board also honored Panther Lake student Johnny Alejandro Arboleda, whose personal growth and leadership reflect the heart of OneKSD’s commitment to student success.
Johnny earned recognition for achieving the most growth on i-Ready last year, a testament to his perseverance and hard work. His impact extends beyond academics—Johnny serves on the Student Leadership Team, where he leads by example and supports his peers.
Described as a role model who consistently demonstrates school virtues and expectations, Johnny exemplifies the values that help our OneKSD community thrive: responsibility, kindness, leadership, and a dedication to learning.
A Proud OneKSD Moment
The Board meeting celebration highlighted Panther Lake’s shared achievements and the power of collective effort. From schoolwide accomplishments to individual student success, Panther Lake continues to show what is possible when students, staff, families, and the district work together as OneKSD—lifting each other up and celebrating growth at every level.