HHES Students to Show off Science Skills
Excitement is buzzing as our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders prepare to display their projects in the annual HHES Science Fair on * new date * Thursday, Jan. 25. Students can choose between conducting an experiment, building a scientific model, or creating an invention to showcase.
Participating students are tasked with creating a display board detailing the scientific method behind their project. Students have been hard at work preparing their projects for display and are looking forward to showcasing their scientific interests. This event is open to all HHES students and community members. Join us to celebrate the scientific spirits of inquiry and exploration at the HHES Science Fair!
Please refer to this parent letter for additional details and project guidelines.
HHS Band Performs at Honolulu Memorial Sites on Pearl Harbor Day
Last month, HHS Band students traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to perform at the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Pearl Harbor Day. We wrote an article on our district website recapping this experience, but are so proud of our HHS Band that we want to highlight it here as well:
In early December, nearly 100 student musicians from HHS traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to perform as the only non-military band to take part in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events.
These performances provided a unique opportunity for students to engage with historical sites, contribute to the commemoration of significant events in American history and represent the Hockinson community on a national stage. In a special recognition of their performances, the students were presented with two American flags. The flags were previously flown above the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial.
“Our band students put their best effort forward with stellar performances,” said Corey McEnry, Band Director at Hockinson High School. “I think that says a lot about how Hockinson kids value our nation’s history, those who have served, as well as their own talents, time, and musical skills.”
Support from the community, parents, and educators make unique educational opportunities like this one possible for Hockinson School District students.
FBLA Gives Back to Community, Prepares for Competition Season
Future Business Leaders of America - or FBLA - is a national organization that provides leadership and career preparation opportunities to high school students. Here is an update from Ainsley Burckhard, HHS FBLA Chapter President, on what FBLA has been involved with this school year thus far:
Hockinson FBLA is a student-led business and career preparation club at HHS. This year, students have exceeded fundraising expectations by raising over $10,000 for competition expenses. The 25 members and one advisor have given back to their community by volunteering at the HHES Halloween Trick-Or-Treat event and holding a Giving Tree Toy Drive, in which they collected over 500 items, exceeding their original goal of 300 items by 66%. Toys from were donated to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
The club also held its first annual Hockinson Thrift Shop on January 12th at the doubleheader basketball games. For weeks, the club has been collecting donations of historic Hockinson gear from the community to sell at an affordable price. Funds will benefit upcoming travel expenses.
February 2 marks the students' first competition of the year. Groups and individuals will compete in business-related events such as advertising, data analysis, social media strategies and other events. The top competitive scorers will advance to the state-wide competition in Spokane this April. The group hopes to become part of the top 2% of national members to compete in Orlando, Florida in June for Nationals.
FBLA leadership is confident that their determination and work ethic will prove successful for them in competition and beyond. Last year, FBLA shined at the regional competition and advanced to the state competition where they won the Gold Seal Chapter Award.
January is School Board Recognition Month!
January is an opportunity for the HSD community to express its appreciation for the five devoted school board members who serve Hockinson's students, staff, and schools. Teresa VanNatta (District 1), Patrick Carter (District 2), Anne-Elissa Carter (District 3), Kat Stupka (District 4), and Gordon Smith (District 5) each represent the district in Hockinson in which they reside. Their integrity, collaboration, and leadership is critical to the success and ongoing improvement of Hockinson's schools. The Board will be honored at its January 22 regular meeting. Thank you, HSD School Board, for your dedication and commitment to our kids!
CAC Recap
The HSD Citizens Advisory Committee met in the HHES Library on January 9. On the agenda were one update:
- HHES Parent Pick Up/Drop Off and Literacy Program (Presenter: Cary Delbridge, Grade 1 Teacher)
and two presentations:
- HSD Budget At-a-Glance (Presenter: Aaron Villanueva, Business Services Director)
- Transitional Kindergarten's Impact on Student Learning (Presenters: Josh Robertson, Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Shawn Sears, TK Teacher)
Content from the budget and Transitional Kindergarten presentations can be viewed here.
The primary purpose of the CAC is to serve as a liaison between the Hockinson community and the HSD School Board. As part of their involvement on the committee, CAC members get acquainted with HSD staff and programs and share feedback they receive from HSD families. The next CAC Meeting will take place on Mon, Feb. 5 at 6 pm at the HMS Library. Community members are welcome to observe these meetings via the Zoom links shared on the HSD website calendar.
Levy (and Theater!) Spotlight: HHS Winter Play “Almost, Maine”
Our recent winter weather is an appropriate tune-up for the HHS student-led play "Almost, Maine." Students will perform the first of three performances at the HHS Auditorium on Fri, Jan. 19 at 7 pm. The play is composed of 9 love stories from all stages in a relationship: New love, old love, broken hearts, and hearts being mended.
This production is special because each scene is directed by a different student director. These directors played an active role in the audition panel and worked together to decide which actor would be best suited for which role. This process facilitated student cooperation and leadership as well as a sense of ownership for their casting and directorial choices.
The directors, cast, and crew are grateful for the community's support, in particular: HHS custodians for maintaining and preparing the theater space, Hockinson AAA Boosters for the group's fundraising efforts, and HHS theater parents, who have volunteered their time and resources to this production. Also, opportunities like this would not be possible without the HSD's educational program's levy, which provides financial support for arts, music, sports, and other student activities.
HHS English teacher and theatre director Stephanie Evans has been inspired by the dedication and talents of her students. In a note to students, Evans wrote: "To my lovely student directors, cast, and crew: You all have worked so incredibly hard on this show. You have turned a black-and-white script into a vibrant, colorful production. This is truly YOUR baby and you should be incredibly proud of your efforts and dedication - I know I am!”
We hope you are able to attend performances on Fri, Jan. 19 @ 7 pm, Jan. 21 @ 2 pm, and Thur, Jan. 25 @ 7 pm.
Get Healthy with Community Education Classes
Have you resolved to be healthier in 2024? If so, maybe our Community Education offerings can help you stick to your resolutions. Check out the options listed below and reach out to katie.omalley-soot@hocksd.org if you have: 1. Any questions. 2. A special skill you would like to share with others as an instructor; we are always on the lookout for exciting classes and activities! 3. Or an interest in renting a Community Ed facility for an event or special occasion.
Men’s Basketball ($5 Drop In Fee)
Tuesdays | Hockinson Middle School - Gym
7:30 PM
Dance with Monica Rech ($12 per class)
Tuesdays | Hockinson Community Center - Commons
6:30-7:45 pm Beginner ; 7:45-9 pm Intermediate
Jazzercise
13 Classes a Week, 7 days a Week | Hockinson Community Center - Gym (Register online HERE)
Intermediate Pickleball ($3.50 drop-in fee)
4 Sessions a Week | Hockinson Community Center - Gym (Register @ playtimescheduler.com)
New for 2024: Hockinson Senior Hours for our community's honored citizens 55+. More information to come! Let Katie know if you are interested in volunteering or supporting this program.
News Bites
Mark your calendars: Friday, March 15 is now a school day. The day was originally designated as the HSD's snow make-up day so the 1/16 snow day activates it as a student attendance day. Also, due to the 1/17 snow day, the final day of school is now Friday, June 14.
HHS Awarded Grant & Another Exciting TBA Opportunity: Hockinson High School was recently selected for an OSPI Dual Credit Grant. This funding will support the school's college and career readiness initiatives by defraying PSAT costs, student and staff course fees, adaptive materials for students with special needs, and Advanced Placement Summer Institute tuition. The school will also benefit from a second, much larger college and career-focused grant that will be announced soon!'
Thank you, Greg Gospe: There will be a short reception prior to the January 22 Regular School Board Meeting to celebrate Greg Gospe's 20 years of service to the HSD. Gospe, who joined the Board in 2003, has the distinction of opening two HSD schools: Hockinson High School (2003) and Hockinson Middle School (2017). Community members interested in honoring Greg are invited to drop by the Hockinson Community Center Commons from 5:30 - 6:00 pm.
HMS Boys Basketball begins Mon, Jan. 22: Girls Basketball and Wrestling wrapped up their successful seasons prior to Winter Break. Now it is time for the HMS Boys Basketball season to kick off their season with tryouts this coming Monday! Participants will need to complete their Final Forms registration prior to Monday and bring water and basketball shoes/attire to practice.
Contact Us
Email: justine.hanrahan@esd112.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400