Hockinson Schools Kick Off the 2023-24 School Year with Spirit
Last Wednesday marked the much-awaited first day of school for the 2023-24 school year in the HSD. Our three schools were excited to welcome nearly 2,000 students and families through their doors. It was inspiring to see our students connect and show their readiness to learn and get involved.
In the weeks leading up to the new school year, our teachers and staff were hard at work to create the conditions school environments that create academic achievement, positive experiences, and a sense of belonging for all of our students.
Strong family involvement is a hallmark of Hockinson Schools and we encourage you to stay engaged with your student’s education. We will continue to keep our families in the loop with frequent communications. Keep an eye out for updates, events, and extracurricular activities.
Our district is looking forward to an amazing year filled with collaboration, growth, and success. Click through this slideshow to view some fun first-week-of-school photos from HHES, HMS, and HHS!
Meet Katie O’Malley-Soot, Interim Community Education Coordinator
Join us in welcoming HSD’s Interim Community Education Coordinator, Katie O’Malley-Soot! Her diverse background working with children, building maintenance, and substituting in Hockinson schools has prepared her for this unique position that bridges our schools and community.
In college, Soot studied art and psychology with a focus on art therapy while working in a residential setting for teens. Her passion for serving the community led her to continue working for a private youth and family services group upon graduating.
Since then, Soot spent five years working in interior design and home remodeling and supervising the plumbing department at a home improvement store before becoming a stay-at-home mom and parent volunteer. For the past six years, Soot has worked in nearly all roles as a certified and classified substitute in all three Hockinson schools. For the past year, she has led the Garden & Art Club alongside HHES art teacher Nancy O’Neill.
“HSD has provided me with multiple opportunities for growth,” she said. “I want to find that potential in others and find a way that Community Education can benefit our community.”
Soot is excited to draw upon her experiences as well as develop new skills by providing the Hockinson community with an array of opportunities for people to connect, share, and learn. “We can find the educator within everyone and, in the process, meet the needs of our families and community. We can facilitate that opportunity,” said O’Malley-Soot. Another one of her goals is to ensure each facility is a welcoming space for all Hockinson residents. “The community center and schools are places for our students during the day, but they are owned by the community and I want to find additional opportunities for community access and use.”
Before
Governor Jay Inslee Visits Energy Efficiency Projects at HSD
Governor Jay Inslee visited Hockinson School District on Wednesday, September 6, to discuss recent commerce-supported energy efficiency projects in the Hockinson School District. Energy efficiency grant dollars from the Washington Department of Commerce allowed Hockinson School District to make facilities improvements that lower energy costs while improving comfort and air quality at Hockinson Heights Elementary School, Hockinson Community Ed Center, and the District Office.
“The center of the solar system for fighting climate change is not Paris, it’s not Tokyo, it’s right here in Hockinson,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Through the Climate Commitment Act, $50 million is in the pipeline for exactly these kinds of initiatives. As I travel for these programs, I am going to be telling Hockinson’s story.”
Did you know?
HSD has saved a total of 1,608,891kWh as a result of energy efficiency projects over the last 15 years. In total, energy efficiency projects have lowered our energy bills by $78,835. Over the past four years, HSD has lowered energy consumption by 19%.
Hockinson School District applied for and was awarded the largest Energy Efficiency Grant of the 2021 cycle based on demonstrated need. Beginning in February 2023, contractors began work at the Hockinson Community Ed Center and the District office to retrofit the HVAC systems. In March 2023, work replacing controls and lighting began at Hockinson Heights Elementary School.
The energy retrofits at Hockinson School District align with the district’s commitments to fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and continuous improvement. By saving over 1.6 million kWh of electricity the Hockinson School District has lowered its energy bills and conserved taxpayer dollars to be put toward educational purposes.
The Key to School Success: Attendance and Punctuality
As we gear up for the 2023-24 school year, we would like our students to remember HERO: Here, Every day, Ready to learn, and On time. 2022-23 attendance and tardy records show there's a lot of room for improvement in these areas at all HSD schools.
Why are attendance and punctuality so important?
Every minute missed is a minute of learning lost. Regular attendance ensures students benefit fully from each instructional day. Punctuality is equally important. Arriving on time and ready to learn instills self-discipline and sets a positive tone for the day.
Academic Success: Positive attendance rates coincide with stronger academic performance. Students who regularly attend class are more likely to comprehend core concepts and actively participate in classroom discussions.
Preparation for the Future: The habits students form now shape their futures. Regular attendance and punctuality sets them up for success as they practice tenacity and accountability. Learning to manage time is a life skill that extends beyond the classroom and prepares students for their future careers.
We understand things do not always go according to plan. If unforeseen circumstances lead to absences or tardiness, please communicate with our school attendance secretaries. As we embark on a new school year, let’s work together to set our students up for academic success, build character, and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
News Bites
Traffic Study Shows Need to Slow Down in School Zones: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission recently released data from its AM observations of HSD school zones. The results…well, they show Hockinson drivers need to reduce speeds when driving to or by Hockinson’s schools when students are present. Only 7.8% of drivers obeyed the posted speed limit of 20 mph. Of the 92.2% who exceeded the speed limit, nearly ¾ were traveling 26-35 mph. 1 in 10 drivers were traveling 15 mph or more over the speed limit! Whether you are dropping off, picking up, or driving by, the message is the same: For the safety of our students, please obey the posted school zone speed limit of 20 mph.
Let’s stay healthy, HSD: Although we are only two weeks into the 2023-24 school year, we are hearing of elevated levels of respiratory illnesses in our county and community. It’s time for everyone to take some small steps so our students can stay healthy and in school. Please follow these everyday practices to prevent colds, influenza and COVID-19:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Stay home and away from others when symptomatic.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
Parent Perception Survey Submission Deadline Extended: Over 100 parents have responded to our perception survey so far, but we are leaving it open a few more days to hear from as many families as possible. This 3+ minute survey will help inform us how the HSD is doing overall, particularly in the areas of Academics and School Culture & Facilities. Survey results will help inform district and school goal-setting and school improvement planning. You can access the survey HERE through Monday, Sept. 11.
Don’t Forget! FRL Applications Due ASAP: Families, please note that applications for the federal free lunch program (and fees/services covered by HB 1660 such as ASB and sports fees) must be submitted in the first 30 days of each school year. Parents can access the Free/Reduced Lunch application HERE or apply through Skyward Family Access. Applications and a Consent to Share form must be turned in every year to qualify for benefits.
Contact Us
Email: amelia.holmes@hocksd.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400