Family & Community Engagement
Current Community Engagement Topics
Exploring a Potential Move of 5th Grade to Hockinson Middle School in 2027-28
Overview
The Citizens Advisory Committee is exploring moving 5th grade students to Hockinson Middle School beginning in the 2027-28 school year to help balance enrollment and address overcrowding at Hockinson Heights Elementary School.
HHES is the largest elementary school in Clark County.
Large elementary enrollment impacts:
personalized student support,
campus safety,
lunch schedules,
portable classroom use
traffic and more.
Moving 5 grade would put HMS enrollment in line with the county average.
Community survey results
In the April 2026 community survey results, 73.4% of respondents are open to moving 5th grade to the middle school with the right student supports.
74%: Open to moving 5th grade to the middle school
41%: This makes sense for facilities and enrollment balance
32.4%: I have concerns but am open to it with the right student supports
22.5%: I don't think this is a reasonable option.
4.1%: I need more information.
Supporting a positive experience for 5th and 6th grade students
Community survey input helps to shape student support for 5th and 6th grade students new to the middle school:
Family open houses and orientations,
Planning for age-appropriate spaces and routines,
Exploring age-appropriate transportation options,
Maintaining 5th grade traditions and field trips.
If the change is implemented, a steering committee of staff members and CAC representatives will help shape details of the decision in 2026-27. No changes will be made prior to 2027-28.
Timeline
February 2025: A bond measure to build a second elementary school in Hockinson was not approved.
March 2026: Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) gathered parent, staff and community input on the possible 5th grade move through a survey.
April 2026: The CAC gathered initial parent, staff and community input through a follow-up survey.
June 2026: The CAC brings a recommendation to the School Board in June 2026.
No changes would be implemented before 2027-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you to our community for sharing your input and questions on the surveys. We have updated these FAQs based on open-ended survey responses:
Other Community Engagement Topics
Cell Phone Policy
Some school districts are implementing cell phone policies that limit student cell phone use in school. The CAC and HSD Board of Directors are weighing options based on community feedback.
In the April 2026 survey (see below), a strong majority of respondents supported limits to student cell phone use.
School Calendar
In the March 2026 community survey, the majority of respondents preferred to continue a calendar similar to the 2025-26 school year, with full week breaks in November and February.
