Kent School District March 1, 2019
New in the Blue
In this edition of New in the Blue , see photos from Kent Phoenix Academy's winter graduation, meet our Teacher of the Year, celebrate our classified staff, see the new schedule for make-up days, check out information about the rescheduled KSD Career Fair and Kent Film Festival, and take a survey about the KSD State of Our District.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR AMAZING STUDENTS
Seven Students Graduate in Kent Phoenix Academy Winter Commencement
Congratulations to Kent Phoenix Academy's newest graduates! Superintendent Watts and Board Director Karen DeBruler spoke during the commencement ceremony and encouraged students to be proud of their accomplishments. Dr. Watts read from "What Do You Do With An Idea," by Kobi Yamada and encouraged students that they are each an idea whose time has come, and ideas can change the world. 
The 2018 R10 Youth Preparedness Council on their tour of the MERS facility in Bothell, WA. Photo by Jeffrey Markham - Aug 15, 2018
Attend a FEMA Preparedness Camp
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades 8-12 to participate in a Preparedness Camp this August!
Student presents a poster to an audience.
Apply for Awards Until March 8
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the President’s Environmental Youth Award and The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Award until March 8!
CELEBRATING OUR PREMIER TEAM
2018-2019 Teacher of the Year and Dr. Watts
Congratulations Teacher of the Year David VanHoomissen
"As a 25-year veteran teacher, he promotes and models a growth mindset, creates a safe learning environment by actively listening, responding and celebrating students' academic achievements and personal successes." Shared Dr. Watts at the presentation on March 1. Mr. VanHoomissen teaches at Emerald Park Elementary School.
Education Support Professionals Week
Education Support Professionals Week is March 11-15
Celebrating our staff who maintain buildings and grounds, prepare and serve meals, keep schools clean, assist in classrooms, provide safe transportation, and administrative support, along with many other specialized services. We recognize these dedicated individuals for the outstanding work they do to support student success across our district.
PROVIDING YOUR FEEDBACK
Kent School District Equity Excellence Community Successfully preparing all students for their futures
2019 State of Our District
Share your feedback on the information provided in the 2019 State of Our District. Knowing what your priorities are as a community will help us move forward together. There are 26 translations plus English of this survey, allowing us to reach 97 percent of our families. 
SHARING VALUABLE INFORMATION
Calendar
Revised Student Calendar
We worked with our labor partners to schedule make-up options for the days missed due to inclement weather. Check out the new schedule on our website. We will apply for a waiver from OSPI and expect to be notified on May 10 of the outcome.
Elementary student.
H ave You Seen Connected Yet?
You should have received our print publication, KSD Connected, in your mailbox in February. If you missed it, read the articles posted in district news on our website and then take a quick five-question survey about how you receive KSD information.
Kent Mountain View Academy Accepting Applications March 1 - April 30
Apply for 2019-2020 at KMVA
Kent Mountain View Academy (KMVA) is now accepting applications for the Choice Program, grades 3-12. Call the school office at (253) 373-7488 or visit the KMVA website to learn more.
Learn More About Careers in KSD!
Our career fair is Saturday, March 2 , from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kent-Meridian. Join Team KSD and help us ensure our students are prepared for their futures!
Free measles vaccine clinic while supplies last. Interpreters available. Catch up on all vaccines required for school. No appointment needed.
Free Measles Vaccine Clinic on March 5
Is your student up to date on their immunizations? Seattle-King County Public Health is hosting a FREE vaccine clinic on March 5 at Federal Way High School from 2:15 to 8:00 p.m.
COMING IN MARCH
Kent Film Festival Rescheduled
The Kent Film Festival has been moved to March 6 at Kent-Meridian High School from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Find information online and check out IB Film Kent-Meridian on YouTube.
Kate Alice Marshall
Author to Visit Mill Creek
Local Kent resident, Kate Alice Marshall, will be speaking to all ELA classes on March 7 about her journey as a writer to inspire students not to give up on their dreams.
Upcoming Events

March: Music in Our Schools Month
March: Women's History Month
March 6: Early Release Wednesday – All schools dismissed 2 hours early
March 8: Regular School Day - Teacher Workshop day cancelled
March 13: School Board Meeting
March 18-22: Elementary Conferences - All elementary schools dismissed 3 hours early
March 20: Not an early release for middle or high schools.
March 27: Early Release Wednesday – All schools dismissed 2 hours early
March 27: School Board Meeting
March 29: Regular School Day
Get Involved!
With over 26,000 students, 3,500 teachers and staff, and 4,500 volunteers doing great things across 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 .