HSD News Round-Up

Hockinson Schools recognized our community's veterans during the week of Nov. 7. Hockinson Heights Elementary put together an art- and music-based assembly that featured tributes to the service of students’ family members. Hockinson Middle School produced a video tribute to staff and community veterans. Hockinson High School hosted a veterans’ panel, during which guest veterans shared their experiences and answered student questions. HHS students also learned the flag code and paired up to write letters to veterans that were delivered to local assisted living communities.

HSD School Board members are aware that the Hockinson community has high expectations for its schools. To help move our schools forward and students upward, Board members take intentional steps to grow as both leaders and learners. One such step is to participate in the Washington State School Directors’ Association Annual (WSSDA) Conference. This year’s conference took place in Spokane, WA from Nov. 17-19 and focused on student belonging, a key factor in building a positive and productive school climate.

Individual Board members and the Superintendent attended breakout sessions on topics such as:

• Identifying and eliminating barriers to student academic achievement;

• The importance of listening to students and involving student Board representatives;

• Understanding and improving post-COVID student behaviors;

• Maximizing the impact of the school improvement planning process;

• Using research on Board governance to close student opportunity gaps;

• Increasing student participation in school activities.

Thanks to your levy support, the Hockinson School District is able to provide our students with top-quality activities, sports, and staff. We are putting a spotlight on Boys and Girls Wrestling and Student Clubs:

Winter Sports are underway. One of these sports is Wrestling, which is offered at HMS and HHS. Over the past few days, these wrestlers have hit the mat to practice skills such as stance, takedowns and escapes and learn life skills such as goal-setting, perseverance, and quick decision-making.

The arrival of first-year coaches Bruce Leibfried (HMS) and Brandon Redeau (HHS) has already sparked an increase in participation.. 22 wrestlers have turned out at HMS - up from nine last year. HHS has the largest turnout (38) in school history. So far, both coaches have been impressed with their wrestlers’ energy and effort. “Our wrestlers are doing everything that we ask of them - and more,” said Redeau.

Liebfried and Redeau encourage Hockinson’s elementary students to get involved in the sport. “Clark County Youth Wrestling is an incredible program, both for first-time wrestlers and those who have some experience with wrestling,” said Leibfried. The opportunity is open to students, ages 4 to 13. Both coaches also want parents to know that Wrestling is a co-ed sport open to both boys and girls. Seven girls are currently wrestling and Leibfied and Redeau would like to see those numbers grow.

HMS had great performances at its first match against Coweeman Middle School and Leibfried is excited to see who steps up on Monday, Nov. 21 when the Hornets take on wrestlers from King’s Way and Woodland and Monticello Middle Schools at home, “Our wrestlers compete hard and I can’t wait to see their practice pay off on the mat,” said Leibfried. HHS’s first match is on Wednesday, Dec. 7 against Washougal at WHS.

To learn more about our 19 high school sports and 7 middle school sports made possible by levy dollars, please visit the HHS and HMS Athletics pages.

Student clubs enable students to extend classroom learning, pursue interests, and build friendships with peers. HMS and HHS currently offer a variety of student clubs and - stay tuned - HHES is in the process of developing new ones. To be officially recognized as a club at the secondary level, a club must first meet a number of requirements, including: Application, Submission of a club charter which includes club officers and an adult mentor, and ASB and School Board approval. Click to view a current list of HMS and HHS Clubs.

Research shows that involvement in school activities benefits students both academically and socially. Extracurricular involvement is associated with higher grades and satisfaction with school. We would like to thank the Hockinson community for making it possible to provide these opportunities to HSD students.

It's been a tradition for 5th graders at Hockinson Heights Elementary School for over 40 years: The annual hot air balloon launch. To participate, HHES students craft handmade hot air balloons by gluing together 27 pieces of tissue paper. Last week, students put their creations to the test!

"Our 5th graders look forward to this activity every year," said Anna Hoffman, teacher at Hockinson Heights Elementary School. "The most rewarding part of being involved in this project is seeing teams work together and feel the sense of accomplishment when they watch their balloon soar into the sky. I think the kids feel a part of not only their class but also part of a longstanding tradition in the Hockinson community."

The hot air balloon launch teaches students to work together to solve engineering challenges. Students practice patience, perseverance and adaptability. After the launch, students discuss hot air balloon science back in the classroom and graph data collected from the launch day. While this year's hot air balloon launch may be over, our current 4th graders have an exciting project to look forward to next year

The hot air balloon launch is one of many hands-on science projects that enable students to engage with Science standards in a real-world and meaningful way. HSD’s 2022 Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science scores indicate that this kind of engagement contributes to a higher level of student learning. Last year, HHES 5th graders had the second-highest Science scores (69.6%) in the region (52.7% average). Across all content areas, Hockinson’s students have recovered post-pandemic faster than the Washington state average. To view a summary of the HSD’s performance in the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction report, view the district report card here.

Curious about your student’s Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) English, Math, and Science results? Paper results are no longer mailed to families, but parents can view their students’ 2022 SBA results and SBA history by clicking “Test Scores” in Skyward Family Access.

Thanksgiving came early for many HSD students. On Thursday, Nov. 17 all three Hockinson Schools served a special lunch consisting of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, string beans, rolls, and blueberry cobbler. The turkey was marinated in orange juice and garlic, the blueberries used in the cobbler were sourced locally from Majestic Farms, and the rolls were baked fresh in HSD kitchens. Moving forward, the whole-grain dough used to make the rolls will return to lunch trays as hoagie rolls. The dough was piloted at Hockinson High School in place of commercial buns and the response was so positive it was expanded to all three schools. “They have been a big hit, especially the jalapeño cheese bun,” said Nutrition Services Director Joshua Brown-Silva.

Besides being used for dinner rolls, the dough will also be used to make buns for entree sandwiches and made-to-order sandwich bars. The buns come in three varieties: Plain, Italian Herb, and Jalapeño Cheese.

Nov. 23-25 Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Dec. 6 HMS Winter Band Concert @ 7:00 pm at HHS MPR

Dec. 9 Hockinson Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting at 6:30 pm @ Hockinson Community Ctr.

Dec.13 HHS Winter Band Concert @ 7:30 pm at HHS MPR

Dec. 19 Winter Break (No School)

Jan. 3 School resumes

HSD Upcoming Events Calendar

Looking for a last-minute site for a holiday party? Contact alexander.elerick@hocksd.org

Email: justine.hanrahan@hocksd.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400