Good Monday Morning,
I hope you all had a beautiful and joy-filled Mother's Day weekend. To the amazing mothers on our staff — thank you for the endless love, patience, and care you pour into both your families and your students each day. The nurturing heart of a mother is much like the heart of an educator — steadfast, compassionate, and always giving. Your impact stretches far beyond the classroom walls.
Last week's VIP Staff Appreciation was a wonderful celebration of the incredible work you do. Thank you to everyone who helped make the week so special — from decorating to organizing treats and surprises, it was truly a team effort that reminded us just how strong and united we are. You are each very important people, and it was an honor to celebrate you!
As we head into another week of state testing, let's continue to model the focus, perseverance, and commitment we hope to see in our students. Your leadership and encouragement make all the difference.
Let's finish strong and keep lifting each other up. We've got this, together!
Over the past several years, our K–8 team has worked incredibly hard to strengthen core instruction, collect meaningful data, and align interventions to meet student needs. It's been truly inspiring to watch our students grow — and while overall achievement is still developing, we are unquestionably moving in the right direction.
At the end of last year's state testing window, I had multiple conversations with staff who were emotional — even in disbelief — about the data. Two individuals were nearly in tears. I reminded them then, as I do now, that the growth we are seeing is real, and it matters. We are doing the right work, and our students are showing meaningful gains. Even when it feels like few notice, I want to affirm this truth: your efforts are paying off.
And now, we have something to celebrate together.
This past week, I received exciting news: the Middle School has been recognized by the Washington State School Recognition Program for outstanding performance in the 2023–2024 school year. The school earned the "Closing Gaps - Comprehensive" award — placing us in the top 16% of schools across the state.
This recognition reflects the incredible effort you've poured into improving student outcomes and closing achievement gaps. A recognition banner will soon arrive, and we'll be sharing this accomplishment with our families and the greater Mary Walker community.
Thank you for continuing to show up with passion and purpose. Your work is changing lives — and it's being noticed.
Slight Change in Schedule
This week, the admin team will be traveling to Sunnyside to participate in a P2P Cohort meeting. In the past, we've prioritized staying on campus during these sessions, but we've been strongly encouraged to engage with the cohort, and we believe this collaboration will bring valuable insights to our work. I'll be out of the building on Wednesday morning for this meeting but will return in time for the BLT and 6th Grade Camp Parent Meeting later that day.
State Testing
We are in full swing with our state testing window, and I want to thank you all for your focus and support. I encourage each of us to be active encouragers—champions for our students as they do their best.
Please ensure your classrooms are clean, calm, and test-ready when escorting students in on their designated testing days. A focused environment sets the tone and shows students this is important. Also, please encourage students to use the available online tools within the test platform and the physical resources at their desks.
Printed copies of the following schedules will be share with you, but here is the link too.
Intermediate Prep Schedule for Testing
Cameron and Taylor will double up classes on test days to create a creative peer mentoring sessions. Here is the following schedules:
PLC Tuesday
Please ensure your current unit plans accurately reflect your instructional focus and that you are actively using assessment data to inform classroom-level interventions.
Primary Team: You've done a great job aligning your work and integrating your LETRS learning. Keep reviewing your priority standards and maintaining your collaborative focus.
Intermediate Team (Grades 3–5): State testing will be your main PLC priority this week. Please ensure your testing spaces are set up, testing tickets are printed, and student devices are ready.
Middle School Team: Please plan to meet promptly at 7:15 AM to review unit plans and Gradient data.
Thank you for your continued dedication. You are doing great work, and our students are better for it!
LID Friday,
This week is our LID Friday. A detailled agenda will follow later this week.,
Gradient Survey for MS Team
Middle School team, please complete the following gradient survey prior to our PLC times.
Survey Monkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMTCMZM
Monday, 05.12
SBA Testing: MS ELA/Math
K8 Core Leadership Check-in, 10 AM
Office Meeting, 1 PM
K8 Department Meeting, 1:30 PM
Softball/Baseball vs Valley @ 3:30
Tuesday - 05.13
SBA Testing: MS ELA/Math and 3&5 ELA CAT
PLC Time, 7:15-8:00 AM
Student Support Team- K8 Conference Room, 10 AM
Brett's Behavior Academy Group, 1 PM
Wednesday - 05.14
SBA Testing: MS ELA/Math
Brett in Sunnyside for P2P
K8 Core Leadership Check in, 12:30 PM
MS Track Meet @ Valley Christian, 3:30 PM
BLT @ 3:30 PM
6th Grade Camp Meeting @ 5:30 PM
Thursday - 05.15
SBA Testing: MS ELA/Math and 3&5 Math CAT
2nd Grade Field Trip Kettle Falls - Cancelled
Gradient Learning Meeting, 10:30 AM
SIP Planning Session @ 3:45 PM
School Board Meeting @ 6 PM
Friday - 05.16
LID, Schedule to be shared later this week.
Up and Coming Events:
State Testing: Start May 5
6th Grade Camp: June 4-6
3-5 Field Trip to the Tribal Fish Hatchery, June 9
8th Grade Promotion: June 10 @ 7 PM
8th Grade Silverwood Field Trip: June 11
Middle School Field Trip: June 12
K-5 Field Day: June 12
Last Day of School: June 12
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