Community Tour Puts the “Focus on Learning”
The Oct. 18 HSD “Focus on Learning” Tour started, appropriately enough, at the site where public education was first established in Hockinson over 150 years ago. Gathering at the Hockinson Community Center, HSD parents were welcomed by Board members Dave Olson and Patrick Carter and given a brief tour by Community Education Coordinator, Alex Elerick, who showed how the facility is currently being used. Superintendent Steve Marshall provided an overview of the district’s “Upward Together” efforts to improve student achievement as well our students’ overall school experience.
The tourists then hit the road in a school bus, which stopped for hour-long visits at HHES, HMS, and HHS. At each stop, principals provided an overview of their school improvement plans before giving parents the opportunity to visit classrooms to meet students and see teaching and learning in action.
For those parents who were unable to join us this time, the HSD will be offering another tour opportunity later this year. Here are links to the tour’s presentations: HSD, HHES, HMS, and HHS as well as pictures from the day. A longer “virtual tour” will be shared on the next newsletter once we have had an opportunity to filter all photos through our do-not-photograph permissions.
Activities Spotlight: HHS Band
Nearly 1 in 6 students at Hockinson High School are enrolled in band. Music classes attract HHS students from all grade levels and walks of life. For many students at Hockinson High School, it is both a creative outlet and an avenue to be part of a smaller community at school.
With support from the HHS Band Boosters, HHS band director Corey McEnry is incorporating more opportunities for students to interact with guest musicians and college/university instructors in class. Students practice their specific instrument with local professionals. By receiving individualized instruction from specialists, students are able to fine-tune their musical skills and grow as musicians.
McEnry views music as an integrator of all subjects. "Music is math, science, history, a foreign language, and art. Music is physical. Music is social-emotional. Being a musician teaches discipline, perseverance, teamwork, critical thinking, compassion, creativity, sensitivity and the list goes on," said McEnry.
Sports Spotlight: Girls Swimming
Wake up at 4:30 am for practice, followed by 0 Period Band? Done that. Go to practice after dinner? Done that, too. Practice at three different facilities in four years? Yep. There is no debating that the four seniors on the HHS Swim Team have shown their dedication to their sport and school. They also have the memories and friendships to show for it - and the friendships stretch far beyond Hockinson.
At this past Tuesday’s practice, Seniors Milan McIntosh, Fin Henwood, Rosie Carter, and Ludovica Guardamagna shared a few of their experiences in the HHS Swim Program. . When asked about their favorite experiences, the girls agreed that last Friday’s night swim (no lights!) and the van rides (music, friends, and snacks) ranked near the top. Responses to the question “Why swim?” included “It’s definitely not the uniforms,” “It clears my mind,” “It’s the best workout of any sport I’ve done,” and “Bonding with people you might not get to know otherwise.” How true! Ludovica is an international student from Italy and, because Hockinson’s team is a cooperative program, the girls have befriended swimmers from La Center, Ridgefield, Kings Way, and Washougal.
The team has one final regular season meet before they turn their focus to the Sub District and District Meets on Oct. 26 and Nov. 5. It is at those meets where they will compete against their “teammates” from Ridgefield and Washougal, attempt to set personal and school records, and make the most of their final van rides together.
Staff Spotlight: Daniel Platero
Some staff members have served the district for over 30 years. Daniel Platero, HMS General Duty Aide, has been on the job for 8 days! Daniel’s position, which is partially funded with grant dollars, has a number of different responsibilities. In addition to supervising students to make sure they are safe and healthy and delivering interoffice mail to all three HSD schools, Daniel also provides academic support to our multilingual students at both HHES and HMS
Daniel, who is originally from Cuba and speaks Spanish, has a personal understanding of how he can support the success of our students who are learning a new language.
Asked about his first few days on the job, Daniel is enthusiastic: “I love my job. Every one of the students I have met and worked with so far has been positive and inspiring. I look forward to coming to work.”
HSD Schools Stay Inside and “Stop, Drop, and Hold” for Safety
This week’s poor air quality prompted schools to move recess, lunch, and sports practices indoors. Schools will shift back to outdoor activities when our local air quality index returns to “Moderate” and “Good” levels. Families can check air quality here. On Thursday, Oct. 19 Hockinson’s three schools took the opportunity to complete an indoor safety exercise: The Great Shake Out earthquake drill. In addition to holding monthly safety committee meetings, HSD schools conduct monthly safety drills that prepare for a variety of scenarios including: Internal/External Lockdown, Shelter in Place, Fire, and general Evacuation.
Boosters Online Auction and Fun Run Support HSD Sports and Activities
The AAA Boosters are back at it again this year, organizing two special events for Hockinson families that benefit our students.
The first is the Hawk-o-ween Online Auction that features 269 amazing items and experiences, including: Yard work provided by HHS Teams; Seahawks, Trailblazer, and Winterhawks tickets; Golf and vacation packages; reserved Graduation seating and parking; Pony Parties; Custom Cakes; Spa and Beauty services; Hockinson andHawk gear; and a bonanza of handmade items and gift baskets!
The auction features two Make a Difference donation projects: A new, home-side concessions stand and HHS Weight Room remodel. The auction site went live at 8 am on Saturday and will close at 5 pm Saturday, Oct. 29.
And don’t forget about the Booster’s Haunted Hustle 5k walk/run and Kid’s Costume Mile on Saturday, Oct. 29. Register here.
Contact Us
Email: justine.hanrahan@hocksd.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400