Principal Appreciation Month: Recognizing Meredith Gannon, HMS Principal
Let's celebrate National Principals Month! Meredith Gannon, principal at Hockinson Middle School, is a champion for student involvement and voice. "My favorite part of being the principal of Hockinson Middle School is the opportunity to work with our amazing students and staff each day," said Gannon. "Our staff believe in the limitless potential of each student and we work hard to celebrate students' successes, to encourage them to pursue their interests and passions, and to make positive connections with every student. Seeing our students master a new skill, take an academic risk, or make a new friend is inspiring to me and I feel fortunate to be a part of the HMS community."
Hockinson Middle School supports the Student Advisory Group, a collection of ten students who are passionate about making HMS a great place to learn. Students apply to be a part of the team and then share ideas for school improvements, student recognition, and ways to build school culture. Members of the students advisory group also report about HMS school life at monthly School Board meetings.
Exciting New Scholarship Program for HHS Seniors Announced
Longtime Clark County resident Chuck Borstad recently donated a portion of his estate to Hockinson Public Schools Foundation, resulting in $55,000 of annual scholarship funds for Hockinson High School seniors. These scholarships will positively impact our students by supporting their access to post-secondary college and career educational options.
"The Foundation board is presently working to establish the specific parameters & processes for the awards," said Chris Turner of the Hockinson Foundation for Schools. "We are extremely humbled and honored by the generosity of Mr. Borstad and look forward to honoring his philanthropy with the scholarships to deserving HHS Seniors."
Scholarship applications will open in the spring and are awarded during Senior awards day in June each year. This scholarship is open to all Hockinson High School graduating seniors. More information will be available through the Hockinson High School Counseling Department later this school year.
Spotlight on HHES School Counselor Vickie Hermann
Vickie Hermann has served as the School Social Worker at Hockinson Heights Elementary School for the past seven years. She matches families with social, emotional, academic, and financial resources to help students do their very best at school.
"I love everything about my job. Narrowing it down to my favorite part is crazy difficult. The word that keeps popping in my mind though is "Future". The best part of my job is working with youth, families, and staff and seeing their expectations, hopes, and dreams for their future happen," said Hermann. "Our students can be anything they want to be and seeing that evolve is a fabulous thing to witness!"
Parents, Community Invited to Tour HSD Schools
The HSD is extending an invitation to the Hockinson community to take an inside look at a day in the life of our students and teachers on Tuesday, October 18. This special “Focus on Learning” School Tour is an opportunity to experience first-hand what school is like in our three Hockinson schools. “Every day, our students and staff create an amazing dynamic that advances learning and growth," says HSD Superintendent Steve Marshall. “This event provides an opportunity for others in our community to observe and experience what it’s like to attend school today. Our guests will visit classrooms to see what students are learning and how our schools are working to equip them for success every step of the way, even after graduation."
Participants will learn about each school's improvement plan, get better acquainted with campus, and join a class or program in progress and see firsthand what and how our students are learning. They will also meet School Board members Patrick Carter and Dave Olson, Superintendent Steve Marshall, and Principals Josh Robertson, Meredith Gannon, and Tim Fox.
Space is limited! Click HERE for additional details and registration information.
Volunteers Needed for District XC Meet
Hockinson High School is hosting the District Cross Country Meet on Thursday, October 20 and is looking for volunteers to help make this event a success.
According to Head Coach Melissa Peterson, “The jobs are super simple. Volunteers just need to stand in one place and make sure the kids go in the right direction or stand in the finishing area and make sure the kids stand in the order they finish while we collect their tags off of their bibs.” Races begin at 4:15 and 4:45 pm at Lewisville Park and volunteers need to arrive by 4 pm.
All interested volunteers will need to sign up as a district volunteer on the HSD’s new online registration site HERE if not already registered as a school volunteer and send an email to melissa.peterson@hocksd.org.
Join Us in Scaring Up Support for HSD Programs this “Hawk-o-ween”
This fall, the Hockinson AAA Boosters have again made it fun, easy, and healthy to support our students. Click HERE to find out more information about the October 22-29 Hawk-o-ween Virtual Auction and October 29 Haunted Hustle 5k and Kids Costume Mile. “There are so many amazing items in this year’s auction,” says Boosters President Julie Atchley. “But right now I want to encourage people to register for the Haunted Hustle by the 14th so they can get our incredible swag bag.”
With the generous support of the Hockinson community, the AAA Boosters have raised nearly $800,000 for Hockinson’s athletic, academic, and activity programs over the past decade. These funds directly benefit HSD students in the form of scholarships, equipment, and uniforms. Research shows that the experiences students gain through sports, activities, and special learning opportunities lead to higher levels of social connectedness and academic achievement!
Contact Us
Email: justine.hanrahan@hocksd.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400