Kent School District November 26, 2019
New in the Blue
Earlier this month, we honored our veterans and thanked them for their service, our students headed to state competitions, and we said farewell to three board members. We hope you and your families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and happy Thanksgiving holiday!
OUR STUDENTS
High School Student Athletes Shine At State Competitions
Congratulations to all the students and teams who qualified and competed at state competitions this fall!
Kent Community Members Help Students Stay Warm
Second and third grade students at Neely-O'Brien received 300 coats and 180 hand-knit hats from volunteers.
Students Explore College Pathways
41 Kentridge and Kentwood High School students  attended the University of Washington Tacoma's senior preview day .
TEAM KSD
Thank You Debbie, Ross, & Karen for Your Service on Our School Board
We said farewell to three of our school board members and thanked them for their 23 years of combined service to our students, staff, families, and community.

Newly elected board members will be inducted at our December 11 meeting.
Thank You Guest Teachers!
December is guest teacher appreciation month and a great time to recognize and appreciate those who help support our staff and ensure learning can continue in
their absence.
When Our Schools Are Strong, Our Community Thrives
In the spirit of the season, we want to thank th e many organizations and volunteers in our community who provide ongoing support to our students, staff, and families.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers Help East Hill Sparkle
Thank you to the 60+ volunteers who participated in the first annual East Hill Campus Cleanup to help make a better place for students.
Know Any Future Kindergartners?
Ready! for Kindergarten classes are available in Spanish and open to families who live within the boundaries of a Title I school.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Student, Family and Community Input
We're using a new tool called Thoughtexchange to gather your input . You'll be asked to answer one open-ended question with as many responses as you like and then move on to the next step which is Star. In Star, you'll see your thoughts and the thoughts of others and assign stars to each thought (from 1-5) depending on how strongly you agree or support that idea.

Thoughtexchange keeps confidential who shared each thought and who assigned what ratings. You can rate as many thoughts as you'd like before moving on to Discover where you can see all the thoughts sorted by the average star rating.

You can also navigate by using the bar across the top to go back and share more ideas or star some more thoughts at any time.

We are excited to launch this exchange . Your input will help us move our action learning project forward. Our leaders believe effective KSD schools and classrooms are welcoming to all students, with caring teacher, joy and engagement in learning, and students all working to their potential. This extends from our classroom to our front offices, to our board room. Our first districtwide Thoughtexchange centers on creating or sustaining a welcoming environment in all KSD schools and buildings for all students and families.

Thank you in advance for your contribution. Your input is a critical part of our focus on priorities in support of student success.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Does Your Student Need a Winter Coat or Warm Clothing?
Check out our  list of local resources   available for students and families and the Kent Area Council PTA  Clothing Bank's schedule.
Talk With Your Child About the Risks of Substance Abuse
There has been a significant increase in King County overdose deaths among young people due to fentanyl-laced drugs and powders .
New to Washington or King County?
Register to vote and make sure your information is up-to-date.
The February 11, 2020 election is sooner than it seems!
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Upcoming Events

November 26-27:  Secondary Conferences
December: Guest Teacher Appreciation Month
December 4: Early Release Wednesday – All schools dismissed 2 hours early
December 11: Early Release Wednesday – All schools dismissed 2 hours early
December 11: School Board Work Session
December 11: School Board Meeting
December 18: Early Release Wednesday – All schools dismissed 2 hours early
December 23- January 3: No School – Winter Break
Contact Us
With more than 27,000 students, 3,500 teachers and staff, and 5,190 volunteers doing great things in our 42 schools, there are thousands of stories to share. We want to hear about the incredible people, events, and things happening in your corner of KSD! Please share your news with us by emailing communications@kent.k12.wa.us