Dear HSD Community,

We have now completed our first week of school in 2025 and I have accumulated a few timely updates that I wanted to pass along to everyone: 

This winter, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced that Hockinson School District will receive a $427,000 grant to fund energy-efficiency projects at HHES. The grant will enable the replacement of aging HVAC units on the east side of the HHES campus. It will also fund new tankless water heaters in the school’s classroom buildings.

In 2019, Hockinson School District leadership articulated a set of ambitious goals to guide our district’s progress over the following six years. As 2025 approaches, we’re reflecting on these goals and the strides we have made to achieve them. In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, here is a closer look at how our school and district teams have stepped up to implement these improvements.

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities article illustrates one of a number of repairs done over the winter break by the district’s 12-month maintenance and custodial staff.The problem: A roof leak above the Conference Room in the Blue Building at Hockinson Heights Elementary School was allowing water to drip into a conference room, causing minor water damage to ceiling tiles and a portion of a wall.

North County Honor Band will take place on February 8 at 6 pm at Hockinson High School. The concert is free and open to the public. This year, 64 middle school students and 75 high school student musicians were selected to participate in the 2025 North County Honor Band.

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities illustrates one example of how the Hockinson School District has responded to heating and cooling issues stemming from the aging HVAC units at Hockinson High School.

Catch up on HSD community service activities, important dates in 2025, the selection of HHS and HMS students for prestigious Honor Bands, how to join the district's Bond Oversight Committee, and other news from around the HSD. Find the December 19 edition of the HSD Round-Up here. 💙

In 2019, Hockinson School District leadership set ambitious goals to guide our progress over the following six years. Now, as 2025 approaches, we’re reflecting on these goals and the strides we’ve made to achieve them. In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, let’s take a closer look at how our school and district teams have risen to meet these challenges.

HSD Operations Supervisor David Wilson and Grounds employees Mario Cruz-Medina and Kade Hoots stepped up when they received the news of a break in a 2” water main at Hockinson Heights Elementary School.

We have so much to share in our latest edition of the HSD Round-Up! Learn about the fast-approaching community concert, how Hockinson schools are staying safe during cold & flu season, HHS Cheer's recent success, the upcoming bond proposal, and more in the Dec. 3 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it here!

In an effort to better protect the health of our students, staff, and community members, the HSD has updated and expanded the presence of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in our schools and facilities.

As we transition from autumn and winter, it is important that both our schools and families prepare for colder temperatures - and the possibility of late starts and school cancellations due to inclement weather. Parents, we encourage you to take this opportunity to update your contact information in Skyward Family Access if it has changed in the past year. We’re using a new text messaging system this year to notify families of important updates like inclement weather impacts.

Meet Bryce Mansur, a HMS student who joined us from another district and now serves on Leadership! Bryce takes on the responsibility of connecting with his peers, promoting inclusivity, and engaging in school events and activities. He’s doing an excellent job! More from Bryce:

The HSD is excited to announce that its three schools - Hockinson Heights Elementary School, Hockinson Middle School, and Hockinson High School - received the 2024 Culture Kickoff Award for their exceptional dedication to fostering a positive school culture and community.

While the recent announcement of the February 2025 Bond has put a focus on future facility improvements, our commitment remains to maintaining our current facilities in the here and now. Case-in-point: Earlier this month (when it was still sunny) Operations Supervisor David Wilson replaced the seats on the swings at HHES.

Each year, Identity Clark County (ICC) celebrates local school employees and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to student learning and school resources. This year, ICC recognized HHS English teacher Elizabeth Fortier and parent volunteer Jennifer Foster at its October 24 “Live Here, Learn Here Heroes” awards ceremony.

We have so much to share in our latest edition of the HSD Round-Up! Read about the HSD's recent bond announcement, an exciting award earned by all of our students and staff, important school safety updates, and much more. Find it here 

In Hockinson, it’s possible for students to connect across schools and form bonds that extend beyond the classroom. A recent case-in-point: You may have seen (and heard) HMS Band at the football game on October 18! HMS 8th grade band members joined the HHS Band on the field to perform the halftime show and in the stands at the game's conclusion.

Many Hockinson residents noticed a morning frost this week. This telltale sign of fall and winter ushers in a “winterization” mindset in the HSD that includes snow routes, inclement weather messaging, snow plow services, generator servicing, and our pre-winter facilities checklists that include an array of freeze prevention supplies and practices. When temperatures begin to fall and our roads become hazardous, it’s too late to plan. Instead, it is time to lean on prior preparations and put our safety plans into effect.

Congratulations to the HHS Band students at the Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association! Hockinson student musicians in grades 9-12 performed at the association's annual Honor Band Concert last month. Our award-winning band also performed beautifully at its recent Fall Concert alongside Washougal High School. We couldn’t be more proud of our dedicated student musicians.

Community members, students and families are invited to join us for a fun and nostalgic all-ages Journey tribute band concert on December 5!

Hockinson School District is seeking applications from persons interested in being appointed to committees to write for/against statements for the Clark County Local Voters' Pamphlets related to the district's bond ballot proposition to be considered at the February 11, 2025 election.

We are bringing back Student Spotlights! This month, we have the honor of introducing you to Catelyn Russell, a senior at HHS who participates in Leadership and played an active role in coordinating Unity Day activities. Here is more from Catelyn on her involvement with Unity Day:

Two years ago, leaders at Hockinson High School chose “Elevate” as its school improvement theme. Staff and students have since followed suit, increasing effort and achievement across the school’s academic and athletic programs. Ironically, one critical piece of machinery failed to elevate its performance: The elevator. Repairs are now completed for well under half of the amount quoted by the previous vendor.

Meet Courtney Tomlinson, a Hockinson parent and Facilities Planning Committee member!

This fall's community tour on Oct. 18 was a little different that years past. Instead of falling on a Wednesday, this year's tour was held on a Friday. Also, whereas the tour's focus is usually solely on student learning, Friday's tour looked at all three areas of the HSD Strategic Plan: Learning, school culture, and facilities. If you were unable to join us on the 18th, we hope you will be able to participate in our spring community tour next March.

We have so much to share in our latest edition of the HSD Round-Up! Read about fall festivities at our schools, upcoming student performances, a community concert (!), levy-funded programs, and other news from around the HSD. Find it here!

The HHS Theatre Company has been preparing for its fall play, “The Giver,” since June and the MPR doors finally open next Friday! “The Giver” is set in a future world where differences are outlawed and a committee of elders makes choices for community members down to what they wear. The play follows one boy’s journey to seeing beyond his community and understanding there was choice, diversity, and freedom in the past.

Did you know that our state only provides the HSD with funding for 1/3 of a nurse for all three of its schools? This is where levy funding comes in, making it possible for the HSD to have the equivalent of three full-time nurses at its three schools. But even at that staffing level, it's still a big job. For instance, Nurse Kat Young serves over 900 elementary students every day!

Michael Olson, Assistant Principal at HHES, is taking on an unexpected new role—volunteering as the advisor for the Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) club at HMS.

Hockinson Heights Elementary School recently installed a new book vending machine in its main office, a “novel” approach to early literacy and reading proficiency.

The sixteen members of the HMS Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams are now able to step out of the weather and store their backpacks and gear under their new team tent, donated by Hockinson parent and HHS JV Wrestling Assistant Coach Nate Governor.

As is often re-stated in our Spotlight on HSD Facilities posts: The HSD is committed to maintaining our community’s investment in Hockinson’s schools. That is a true statement. Another true statement is: The HSD is committed to the safety of our students and staff. These two commitments are “reflected” in the recent installation of reflective window films (also known as privacy window films) on HSD campuses.

This season marks Mallorie Henker's debut as HHS' volleyball head coach, and she's already embracing the "Go Hawks!" spirit. She brings over 15 years of coaching experience across various age groups, including a highly successful stint as the varsity coach at Washougal High School.

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities post is a slight departure from our past stories because it doesn’t involve a repair or replacement. Instead, it is more of a natural addition meant to enhance the school’s climate: Plants.

Hockinson schools celebrate Unity Day (called Kindness Day at HHES) each October in observance of National Bullying Prevention Month. Learn how all three schools have been preparing!

We have so much to share in our latest edition of the HSD Round-Up! Read about the new book vending machine at HHES, festivities leading up to Unity Day, exciting athletics updates, and much more. Find it here 💙

This year, HHS students Pavann Ou (Grade 11), Hunter Bledsoe (Grade 10), and Kaylin Truong (Grade 12) are serving on the Clark County Youth Commission to represent the voice of local youth alongside 27 other students.

Here is a rundown of final contests and upcoming league and district competitions for Hockinson's middle and high school fall sports athletes:

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities has an emotional storyline that includes surprise, disappointment, and ultimately happiness because it was resolved without negatively impacting the HSD’s finances and its services to students.

With 924 students using HHES’s play equipment and swings, keeping up with the wear in the school’s playground has become a frequent job responsibility. This past summer, Wilson replaced many of the support brackets on the swing sets and workers spread 30 yards of new cedar chips in the play area to absorb the impact should a student jump or fall from the equipment.

The Sept. 17 HSD Facilities Open House was the first of three opportunities to engage directly with HSD parents and community members about the district's facilities challenges. Join School Board members and school leaders at the Oct. 18 Community Tour and Oct. 24 Open House to learn about the district's facilities needs and discuss possible solutions.

HHES Counselor Nicole Starkey recently led a "Kindness Lesson" to 2nd-grade students at HHES. As you will see, it was smiles all around! 

HHS sophomore Hunter Bledsoe was featured in a recent KXL Radio Everyday Hero segment for his ongoing efforts to feed those in his community. Hunter organizes a food drive every year, and last year he gathered 1,900 canned food items. In 2024, his goal is to fundraise enough to eclipse the 2,500 mark!

Hockinson School District is focused on ensuring student success through regular attendance, which is vital for academic and social growth. At HMS, students recently achieved 96.6% attendance, with 98.2% of students arriving on time. Good job, Hornets!

Meet Brian Hebert, a Hockinson parent and Facilities Planning Committee member!

Read a summary of FCP Survey #3 results here!

Two HHS seniors who distinguished themselves on last year’s Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test recently received some exciting news: They had earned commended status, meaning their scores placed them in the top 50,000 students in the country. Congratulations to Avery Berg and Brenton McNair!

Congratulations to the HHS Boys Tennis Team. The boys made school history this afternoon by posting their first-ever varsity win, defeating Mark Morris 4-1.

Last week, we illustrated how regular inspection and cleaning not only extends the lifespan of our school HVAC units, it helps those units operate efficiently. This week, the focus is on our hot water heaters. 

We have so much to share in our latest edition of the HSD Round-Up! Read about impressive student achievements, emergency preparedness updates, community feedback on facilities needs, and so much more. Find it here 

HHS English teacher Lauren Broer has her work cut out for her. Enrollment in her Advanced Placement Literature & Composition (AP Lit) class has quadrupled over the past three years! 

HHES is looking for parents and community members to share their time and knowledge with young learners through extracurricular activities and clubs.

Evergreen Home Loans’ Vancouver branch recently donated several computer monitors to the HHS Wrestling Team. These monitors are used to track results during meets more effectively. Thank you, Evergreen Home Loans Vancouver, for supporting our student athletes with this generous donation.

Hockinson Heights Elementary students are again using milk dispensers to fill reusable glasses during breakfast and lunch. This initiative reduces milk carton waste and is also expected to help conserve district funds

Hockinson Middle School opened in the Fall of 2017. So it’s still new, right? Well, kind of. The campus is only seven years old. However, a number of steps have been taken to keep its facilities in excellent condition. 

The HSD is excited to introduce our five Student Learning Advocates for the 2024-25 school year. These members came to us through the AmeriCorps’ Washington Reading Corps (WRC), a statewide program designed to improve K-12 students’ reading, math, and literacy skills.

Back in May, we shared a story about the planting of an Oregon Oak at the Hockinson Community Center to commemorate the HSD’s 150th anniversary. Today, we are introducing the addition of two new trees in front of Hockinson Heights Elementary School. 

We have exciting news. Boys Tennis is now offered at HHS! Not only has this team made history as…well, the first team in school history, with a turnout of 14 players, it has already exceeded expectations.

Hockinson Middle School received some big-time recognition…over the summer. Despite the awkward timing of this award, we are celebrating it now! HMS was one of only 21 schools across the state to be named as a “School on the Rise” by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP).

HMS’s XC team is gearing up for a strong start this season with 17 participants who all share a love of running and representing their school. The team has been hard at work preparing for one of their biggest events, the Steve Maas Run-A-Ree, scheduled later today.

This summer, 43 new LED canned lights were installed in the hallways of Hockinson High School adjacent to the school’s auditorium, gymnasium, and music room. Why? Many of the old fluorescent fixtures were failing and in need of replacement ballasts.The decision was an easy one for Dave Wilson, HSD’s Operations Supervisor.

Happy Friday! We are kicking off the first district newsletter of the 2024-25 school year with some exciting updates and stories: Read about HMS’s recent “School on the Rise” award, HHS launching a Boys Tennis team, the third Facility Planning Committee Survey (closing soon!), and more in the Sept. 6 edition of the HSD News Round-Up. Find it here! 💙

A safety message from Hockinson School District sent to all HSD families on September 4, 2024.

In May, HSD Operations Supervisor Dave Wilson anchored a metal friendship bench to a concrete semicircle that extended into the flower bed. Over the summer, maintenance employees installed cottage blocks to separate plants, barkdust, and dirt from the new courtyard. The final result looks great!

We have some timely news regarding Free & Reduced Lunch (FRL) applications that we need to share with our families.

Here is a rundown of some helpful bus information for our families as we head into the first weeks of school:

Evan Taylor, Hockinson High School class of 2024 graduate, led CPR trainings for ESD 112 employees this summer. He owns a local training and instruction business, which he plans to continue to manage while attending California Polytechnic State University this fall. Go, Evan!

This summer, Hockinson School District is in the process of replacing several outdated classroom technology devices including desktop computers, document cameras, projectors, and Chromebooks. Unlike many other districts that rely on a separate Tech Levy, HSD has managed to make this significant upgrade in classroom technology using existing Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy funds.

When students return to school later this month, they will find a more appealing and reader-friendly format in the school’s library. The project was made possible thanks to Scott Tomlinson and 18 other volunteers who pitched in to reorganize the fiction section in the Hockinson High School Library in early August.

Maren Mayfield-Scott, a second-grade student at Hockinson Heights Elementary School, won first place for her exceptional blueberry pie at the annual pie-baking contest during the Hockinson Blueberry Festival event on July 13. Congrats, Maren!

Hockinson School District is currently conducting regular summer maintenance on its property located at the corner of 119th and 172nd to remove and control tansy ragwort, a common noxious weed.

Notice that the Board of Directors will hold an updated Zoom Digital Public Hearing on Monday, July 29.

As we shift our attention to the 2024-25 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of our district’s recent events and achievements. Some can be described with words, whereas others can be conveyed through numbers. This summary uses numbers to capture some of the many accomplishments of Hockinson School District students, staff, and families this season:

The Hockinson School District is soliciting proposals for Food Service Management Services (FSMC) for the upcoming school year starting September 1, 2024.

Congratulations to the HSD administrative leadership team! At the ESD 112's Regional WASA Awards Ceremony on May 17, the group was presented with the 2024 Student Achievement Leadership Award.

One of the gang sinks at HHES recently stopped working due to years of use. The sink, also known as a wash fountain, dated back to the 1970s. After spending weeks attempting to find replacement parts, HSD Operations Supervisor Dave Wilson finally had to shift his attention from sink repair to sink replacement.

Hockinson wouldn’t be having a Graduation ceremony tomorrow evening without a high school! Twenty-four years ago, a construction bond for a high school was approved by Hockinson voters by a margin of 1,364 Yes votes to 894 No votes. 

Check out the latest HSD Round-Up! Find it here 💙

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities returns to the Hockinson Community Center, which we profiled in September and January to illustrate enhancements to its parking lot and kitchen. This time around, we’re excited to share the center’s recent facility improvements that will better serve our students involved in the After School Adventures (ASA) program.

We’re going to take a casual jog back to the 2015-16 school year for today’s HSD History. It was in that spring that the HHES community rallied around the installation of a new track in the northwest corner of campus. The Columbian article “Track at Hockinson school puts students on solid ground” recounts how a HHES family led the effort to upgrade the school’s playground and running program. Unfortunately, this story has a post-script that is less than inspiring…but first let’s focus on the storyline of partnership, generosity, and a positive impact on a HSD school and student wellness.

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities highlights a campus feature that is a little different than the usual facility improvements we profile every week. Instead of a finished project done by a worker, it is a living addition that nature will change every year. 

Today’s HSD History not only looks backward, it looks forward to a Hockinson community tradition: Fun Days!

This Round-Up is chock-full of student and staff success stories. Learn about recent achievements, upcoming HCE summer programs, a second Facilities Planning Committee survey, and more in the May 21 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it here! 

Pacheco, HHS Associate Principal and Athletic Director, earned Certified Athletic Administrator status at the April 27-30 state athletic directors conference in Kennewick, WA. 

On May 16, over 600 Hockinson School District students and family members gathered in the HHS commons for the Launching Futures College and Career Fair event. The event brought together 94 representatives from local colleges, universities, trade schools, military, and career industries. This is part of a broader initiative to prepare students for Senior Launch Week, a week-long celebration packed with college and career readiness activities leading up to graduation day on June 7, 2024.

District and community volunteers  to set a number of 80-pound landscape blocks, lay down weed barrier, and spread 10 yards of “grind” donated by a local tree service in efforts to clean up the HMS slope.

Today’s HSD History takes us back six years to May 9, 2018 - the day the new Hockinson Middle School (HMS) was dedicated in a ceremony in the school’s new gymnasium.

Renae Skar, fourth grade teacher at Hockinson Heights Elementary School (HHES), is one of four state finalists for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST.) The PAEMST is the highest recognition for kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teachers in the United States. 

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities features the final building improvement project completed by HSD staff over spring break: The clean-up of the courtyard leading to the HHS Auditorium.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are shining a spotlight on five of our amazing HSD educators and celebrating all they do for our students. Learn more about these "Fantastic Five" HSD teachers.

The health inspection scores of the kitchens at HHES, HMS, and HHS were recently released and they were consistent: All were zeroes. In the health department’s scoring system, a perfect score is 0!

Hockinson's schools are filled with wonderful educators. This week is an opportunity to say "Thank You." May 6-10 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. This year's theme is: "Teachers are shining stars!"

Forty volunteers participated in this year’s HSD Earth Day Clean Up and succeeded in brightening up the HMS and HCC campuses. Thank you, volunteers, for beautifying Hockinson schools and our community.

Multicultural Night is a beloved springtime tradition at Hockinson Heights Elementary. On the evening of April 18, hundreds of students and families gathered at the school to experience and learn about a diverse array of cultures. Throughout the school year, each grade level has been studying a continent’s geography and the types of cultures and art found there.

Catch up on what is going on in the HSD including recaps of the recent communication and facilities surveys, info on the HHS Spring Musical Mean Girls and upcoming "Launching Futures" event, and HSD Nutrition Services' 3-for-3 showing on recent health inspections. This edition also features a student Q&A and a preview of most of the upcoming end-of-year events. Read more here! 💙

The ever-lasting pothole at the west end of the HHES parking lot finally met its match over spring break. HSD Operations Director contracted with Clark County Paving to resolve this long-standing pavement issue to the delight of staff and parents alike.

What’s in a name? It’s a question that’s been asked since Romeo and Juliet. However, we disagree with Shakespeare that the naming of places and things is irrelevant. After all, it is the backstories that bring meaning to the names we might otherwise take for granted.

This year, fifth graders at Hockinson Heights Elementary school used principles of computer science and robotics to deepen their understanding of mixtures and solutions. By combining knowledge about substance and matter with coding skills, HHES students build their own miniature robots.

The Spotlight on HSD Facilities series is back with two additional spring break projects that upgraded district facilities for our students and community. This week’s post features improvements at Hockinson High School - one inside, one outside.

Today’s HSD History stretches back to 2010 when HHS graduate Sarah Porter was featured in an article documenting her quest to win a national collegiate 10k running event. 

Monday, April 22 is the official date of Earth Day 2024. However, the HSD will be celebrating Earth Day NEXT Saturday, April 27 from 9 am - 1 pm by cleaning up garbage from along local roads and beautifying all three school campuses. HSD is partnering with Burgerville and Heritage Safeway to provide lunch for volunteers.  Let’s make a difference together! Just put on your work clothes and bring a pair of gloves and a positive attitude. Sign up to volunteer for any amount of time using this link.

Read about HSD being awarded a regional grant from the Gates Foundation, recent victories of the HHS Theatre Company and student musicians, and the collaboration between CTE students and community partners as they build toolboxes and explore career paths together. Find all these stories and more in the April 19 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Click here!

Superintendent Steve Marshall shares an update about the Hockinson School District budget for the 2024-25 school year. Based on current financial projections, HSD does not plan to reduce the Hockinson School District workforce. The district is creatively using grant and levy funding to maintain student-centered programs.

Today’s HSD History goes back to 2011, when the article “Family has had five generations in the Hockinson School District” appeared in The Reflector. In addition, it has an amazing 2024 post script. First, though, let’s go back to when it all started...

The students and staff of HHES were treated to a surprise this past Monday: A brand-new sidewalk awaited them at the juncture of the school’s library and classroom buildings. The initial reviews were positive and enthusiastic.

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities reaches back 17 years into the yearbook vault. As you can see, these trailblazing graduates had style and spirit. The trailblazing legacy of Hockinson’s first graduating classes lives on at HHS. Go Hawks!

The HHS Jazz Band competed in the Clackamas Community College Instrumental Jazz Festival on March 15 and 16 and once again finished atop the 5A division! Levi Brown (trumpet) and Thilo Kluth (piano) were also recognized as outstanding musicians. You can watch the band perform here.

The HHS Boys and Girls Track relay teams have already set three school relay records this season! According to HHS Assistant Track Coach Melissa Peterson, participation in HHS Track and Field has nearly tripled over the past two years and with the new athletes has come a new energy. 

At its March 25 meeting, HSD School Board members voted unanimously to approve the purchase of over 700 new Chromebooks and protective cases. This purchase will help to put our district on a sustainable cycle for replacing Chromebooks as they reach the end of their usable life. 

Six students from HHS's Future Business Leaders of America initiated a fundraiser to provide high-quality feminine products in HMS and HHS restrooms. You can read about their service project in a recent article by The Columbian, linked here.

Read about levy-funded classroom technology and facilities upgrades, new course offerings within HHS' Career and Technical Education program, TK and Kindergarten enrollment information, and much more in the March 28 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it here! 💙

This winter, Hockinson educators participated in three trainings focused on utilizing trauma-informed social-emotional learning practices to build classroom cultures that promote students' sense of belonging. Teachers learned about effective classroom practices, teaching moves to promote deeper learning, and how to target support to meet the academic and behavioral needs of their learners.

There’s a new addition to campus security at HMS: A hallway security gate. The gate made its debut this winter sports season, enabling the school to 1. Better control spectator access and 2. Limit those spectators’ access to the rest of the building. 

Most Hockinson families are aware of the HSD’s robust K-12 music program - its high participation rates, its success in music competitions, and its amazing concerts and performances. However, not everyone is aware that music in our schools has a long tradition in Hockinson’s schools.

This Friday’s post is an illustration of a quote by the famed Mr. Rogers: “It's not so much what we have…that matters, it’s what we do with what we have.” It is also an update to the Nov. 10 Spotlight on HSD Facilities post “HHS Gym: Updated, Refinished, and Safe.”

Read about what HMS has been doing to uplift school culture, HHS student artwork on display at the state's regional art show, HSD Facilities Planning Committee priorities, and more in the March 15 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it here!

Today’s HSD History story is not so much a throwback to the HSD’s past as it is to Hockinson’s. Some area residents are aware of the story of Otto Brown and his handcrafted bicycle, but not all. So, with springtime bicycle rides just around the corner, we thought we would share a unique story from the 1890s.

This Friday we again turn our attention to a facility in need of some attention: The HHS roof and HVAC units. We anticipate that this may come as a surprise to many, if not most, Hockinson families. After all, isn’t Hockinson High School relatively new? On one hand, yes. The building is 20 years old. On the other hand, 20 years is about the time when big-ticket items (roofs, HVAC, carpet, appliances) need to be replaced. 

Today’s HSD History piece takes us back nearly 7 years to the day when an article “High school art show celebrates exceptional student artwork” appeared in Clark County Today, which you can find here. The article saluted five then-students, Zoie Bryant, Juana Ladunskiy, Corey Brooks, Kyle Brabek, and Ben Tilkin, whose works received awards at the ESD 112 Southwest Washington Regional High School Art Show. Fast forward to 2024.

Today's Spotlight on HSD Facilities is about improvements to one of the most important spaces in a home or school: The kitchen! Specifically, we are talking about the HHES Kitchen and Cafeteria. Every day, over 900 students eat lunch in the HHES Cafeteria in shifts from a little after 10 am until a little after Noon.

This winter, middle and high school band students in Hockinson School District showcased their musical talents and dedication at North County Honor Band, Jr. All-State Jazz Band, and Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association (LCRMEA) performances. Twenty-two students from Hockinson Middle School and Hockinson High School were selected to rehearse with leading mentors and perform among top student musicians at regional and state-wide performances.

This HSD History post takes us back to 2016, when the HSD was profiled in the video Hockinson Schools: A Place to Grow. The video is a 4-minute time capsule that features past and present staff members, graduates from the Class of 2016, as well as students from the Class of 2024…when they were in 5th Grade!

February has been a busy month for the HSD. Read all about our two new AmeriCorps volunteers, student victories at regional and state-wide competitions, the upcoming Hockinson Silver Socials event, and more in the February 29 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it here! 

We initially planned to sprinkle upcoming facility needs into our Facility Friday posts beginning in January, but we had a lot of exciting Winter Break projects to share. Today, on the eve of HHS Spring Sports season, we turn our attention to a facility in need of some attention: The HHS track. 

Nearly a decade ago, an anonymous benefactor made a surprise donation that eased the minds of many HSD families. The donor did not want any attention, but he did want to pick up the tab for 300 Hockinson students who were struggling to pay for $1,080 in school meals.

With today being the official opening of Hockinson Public Schools Foundation (HPSF) Scholarships, we thought it would be appropriate to put the HSD History spotlight on the origins of this amazing community organization.

An increase in enrollment in the HSD’s After School Adventures program both led to, and financed, the installation of a new sound system in the program’s expansive play area. The area, formerly the HMS library and computer lab, has been updated for the 21st Century - it now has wireless microphones and in-ceiling speakers.

Today’s HSD History post takes us back thirteen years to a late February cold snap in 2011 that froze a water line in the sprinkler system at Hockinson Heights Elementary School. The pipes broke, sending water through the ceiling into two classrooms and forcing two 4th grade teachers and their students to relocate to other areas on campus. 

This month’s HSD Round-Up features many articles that focus on HSD staff and students, which is not all that surprising since education is so people-based. We hope you enjoy getting better acquainted with the HSD’s most important resources: Its students and staff. Read it here! 💙

Recently, something dramatic happened in the MPR at Hockinson High School. While it wasn’t a performance on the stage, it will enhance all of the school’s theatrical and musical performances in the future: New LED stage lights were installed over winter break and debuted at the school’s student-directed play Almost, Maine.

Nine years ago, HMS students realized the power of a group effort and a supportive community. Kendall Jones’ ASB Leadership Class set an initial goal of raising $1,000 in three weeks for the Pennies for Patients Drive to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. However, the student body reached the goal within the first week.

Today’s post is an exciting side benefit related to the DOC Grant. Because the HSD replaced older HVAC equipment with new, energy-efficient heat pumps, we qualified for a $24,500 Clark Public Utilities’ incentive! 

Today, we are going way back courtesy of a webpage entitled 7 Pieces of History Near Hockinson, WA. It reads kind of like an express version of Washington State History class with an emphasis on our local area. A transcript from the website is below. Enjoy! 

Today’s Spotlight on HSD Facilities article is being published a day early to salute our team members who often work behind the scenes, but make a difference inside and outside our schools every day: The thirteen employees who maintain our grounds and buildings. We also hope sharing this now creates some mojo and we can finally get back to school tomorrow!

The distinctive structure on the corner of 182nd Ave. and 159th St. has been a Hockinson landmark for 50 years. It has an interesting history.

The first HSD Round-Up of 2024 is here! Read about the upcoming HHS Science Fair, HHS Band’s recent out-of-state performance in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and meet the three newest additions to our school board. Find all this and more in the January 17th edition of the HSD Round-Up. Read it HERE!  

Over Winter Break, Operations Supervisor Dave Wilson coordinated a small exterior lighting project that has made a big difference in the safety and security of the buildings and walkways at the entrance to the HHS Stadium.

Our recent wintry weather and forecasted low temperatures set the stage for today's HSD History web article, which looks back at the 2016-17 school year when schools were surprised by an afternoon December snowstorm and, once the snow finally melted, had to make up nearly two weeks’ worth of snow days!

Just before winter break in December 2023, Superintendent Steve Marshall sent a "By the Numbers" summary to Hockinson families and staff. Read a copy of his message here to learn more about what the Hockinson team of students, staff and parents have accomplished this year! 

In early December, nearly 100 students from Hockinson High School performed at the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Pearl Harbor Day. The student musicians traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to perform as the only non-military band to take part in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events.  

Today, we look back seven years ago to February 20, 2016 - the date HHS senior Cameron Loos claimed Hockinson’s first-ever state wrestling title. Loos came back in the 220 lb finals to pin Cheney’s Michael Ferguson and secure the championship. Read more: “Focus Fuels Hockinson’s First Champion Wrestler.” This accomplishment was an amazing capstone to a remarkable senior year. In addition to his state wrestling title, Loos was named first team All-State, first team All-Region as a Linebacker, GSHL Defensive MVP, and first team All-League punter! Loos went on to play football at New Mexico State and Portland State Universities.

Before Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks, HSD staff members receive an email asking them to assist our energy-saving efforts by shifting classrooms and work spaces into “break mode.” The email outlines a number of steps that will conserve electricity and reduce utility costs during times when rooms are unoccupied or common spaces are not in full-day use (eg, turning off computers, unplugging all appliances, and closing blinds or drapes). Staff are also informed that building heating will be reduced to a minimum for the full duration of the break.

In honor of the HMS Food Drive concluding tomorrow, today we will be focusing on this annual HSD holiday tradition over the last several years. This event has flourished each and every year due to our students, families, and local fire department joining forces to help those in need within our community. 

Since HMS teacher Joe Loper took over organizing the drive in 2015, we have collected over 31,000 food items. This equates to over 25,000 pounds of food donated by the HMS community. In 2021, HMS collected over 8,600 food items - a record-breaking amount!

We believe that Hockinson's schools really are the heart of our community.  Whatever your connection to the HSD - community member, parent, employee, coach, or volunteer - we want to thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure that every student belongs and is prepared for lifelong success. Have a wonderful holiday!

We want to shine a light on some of our recent facility improvement projects that improve the maintenance, safety and appearance of HSD schools. In this latest installment of HSD Facility Friday posts, we are revisiting the transformation of the former Hockinson Middle School into the Hockinson Community Center.

Today, we are revisiting a special milestone in HSD Athletics. Five years ago, the HHS football team made history by winning back-to-back state championship titles in 2017 and 2018. With the 42-37 victory over Lynden in the Finals, the Hawks extended their win streak to 27 games! Although football is a team sport, there was a unique storyline in that game: Junior Sawyer Racanelli scored all 6 of the team's touchdowns (5 rushing, 1 passing), prompting Head Coach Rick Steele to say: "He took over that game."

Read about HHES’ participation in the Science Olympiad, the month-long HMS Holiday Food Drive, students’ beloved wintertime family traditions, and more in the Dec. 7 Holiday Edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it HERE!

Go Hawks! Earlier this week, HHS Principal Tim Fox (center) was presented with his school's AESD Accreditation. As its name implies, accreditation gives a secondary school "credibility" with post-secondary institutions. This research–based approach to school improvement documents areas of quality and areas of ongoing focus.

The Hockinson High School Field House is the epitome of a “great value.” Despite all of its advantages, it still needed a few finishing touches. That is where a number of Hawk fans stepped in to enhance the facility.

Today, we're revisiting 1970, which marked the 100th year of public education in Hockinson. HSD staff and students put together a program called “From a Forest Clearing: Portraits of History” to celebrate this centennial. From what we can tell from these artifacts, the performances included theatrical recreations of key moments in Hockinson’s history and a sing-a-long of select songs from the district’s decades of existence.

Today, we're going back to November 20, 1953. That's when The Busy Buzzing Bee school newsletter reminded Hockinson families about the upcoming Thanksgiving lunch for students. The special meal cost 25 cents, 5 cents more than the usual lunch.

After being opened a few years, the school recognized the need for an ASB counter and ticket window. So, over Spring Break, Operations Director Dave Wilson took action on a small, but important remodel. This modest remodel checked all of the boxes: It was designed with students and families in mind, its form followed its function, and it was cost-effective. We feel good about it and we hope HSD families do too.

Today, let’s look back at some pages from a few early 2010s HHS yearbooks. From car enthusiasts striking poses to the ever-evolving trends captured in the "What's 'in'" section, each snapshot tells a unique story of that era. While fashion may have changed, the joy captured in those smiles remains timeless.

Read about HHS students qualifying for the North County Honor Band, SBA scores, the conclusion of fall sports, and more in the Nov. 16 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it HERE! 

We want to shine a light on some of our recent facility improvement projects that improve the maintenance, safety, and appearance of HSD schools. Wooden gym floors are typically refinished every 10 years. This summer, the main gym floor at HHS, originally installed in 2003, was freshened up in more ways than one.

Music and music education have long played an important role in Hockinson’s schools. Today’s TBT puts the spotlight on this HSD tradition.This undated picture shows students playing Tonettes, a simple flute, under the supervision of Dorothy Person. The caption reads: “Those little black tonettes still are serving youngsters to learn the fundamentals of music, such as in Dorothy Person’s classes at Hockinson School. 

The Hockinson School District is providing notice of a technology surplus sale. Surplus items will be for sale to the general public on December 6, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at our district office: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606. Sales will be cash only at this time.

The HSD is committed to maintaining our community’s investment in Hockinson’s schools and meeting the needs of our students. We involve our parents and community when it comes to planning how to best address current and future facility needs.

Today we revisit August 23, 1900, when the Eureka Schoolhouse Social Committee hosted an ice cream social. For just 10 cents, students had their choice of ice cream or a slice of cake. Who knows? Maybe for 20 cents they could choose to go “a la mode!”

HHES teacher Hollie Rose and HSD volunteer Evelyn Weed were recognized at the October 26, 2023 “Live Here, Learn Here” event organized by Identity Clark County. Their citations are below:

Our latest HSD Round-Up lives up to its name. It recaps inclement weather protocols, covers recent and upcoming events (as in THIS weekend), and contains a whole lot of shout-outs about our amazing students, staff, and families. Find it here! 💙

It stored athletic equipment. Now it feeds a community. The conversion of the HHS storage shed into a full-service concessions stand was a labor of love for the AAA Boosters. Local businesses and individuals rallied around the endeavor by donating over $100,000 in funds, building supplies, and in-kind labor.

Did you know the Halloween Carnival being held this Saturday has been an annual Hockinson tradition for over 70 years? Today, we are going back in time to the 1953 Hockinson Halloween Carnival.

Hockinson families provided the HSD with valuable perspectives about the school district and its schools through the 2023 Parent Perception Survey. Parent input allows Hockinson Schools to respond to family and community needs and best serve our students, now and in the future. 

HSD celebrated Unity Day on October 18. Check out what all three schools did to foster kindness and togetherness.

This summer, Operations Director Dave Wilson set out to reduce safety risks for HMS students by installing a new 6’ fence on the west side of campus. Aside from being a finishing touch to a campus constructed 6 years ago, the fence has another advantage for students: Playground balls stay in the playground, reducing interruptions to before-school and lunchtime games.

This past Monday’s Tornado Warning was a reminder of the importance of school safety
planning. It was also a reminder of two scary episodes from our area’s history: tornado events from October 1972 in Vancouver and January 2008 near Hockinson High School

The HSD has a longstanding commitment to energy efficiency but has really ramped up its efforts in the past three years. Over the last 15 years, the HSD’s efficiency projects have saved a total of 1,608,891 kWh.  Over the past four years alone, the district has lowered energy consumption by 19%, which equates to over 700,000 kWh and $55,000 in savings!

We are going way, way back to September of 1894. The district posted a handwritten “Wanted” poster for an in-house janitor that included a brief job description. Duties included: Sweeping, dusting, and ringing the school bell at 8:30 am every morning.

Make sure your family calendar is updated! HSD’s parent-teacher conference schedule will look different for our secondary schools than in years past.

Read about the upcoming fall festivities organized by the Boosters and PWT, an FBI online safety warning, a chance to tour your HSD schools, the updated parents-teacher conference schedules, and much more in the Sept. 29 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it HERE!

Learn how the community came together to build the new HHS concession stand, meet our new community education coordinator, recap the first week of school, and more in the September 8 edition of the HSD Round-Up. Find it HERE!

HMS has a new position - and a new addition - in its main office this fall. Sid Slom will join the middle school as its Dean of Students.

Find important 2023-24 back-to-school info here!