Hello KE Families,

My heart is full of gratitude for each of you. Thank you for sharing your child with us every weekday. We want to love your children and make sure they are learning and growing each day. We work to welcome your child with a smile and a hug. We encourage attendance every day so that we can teach your child. Please let us know if there is anything we can do better to support your child's mental, physical, and academic health. We want to be partners in great successful outcomes for you and your child. Together we can do great things!

Dr. Rosa M. Villarreal

Principal and Lead Learner

Kent Elementary School

11/4- Volleyball Practice 3:45-4:30 pm at GYM

11/4- Tutoring Station at Calvary Chapel from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

11/6- Tutoring Station at Calvary Chapel from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

11/10- Teacher Workshop Day: NO SCHOOL

11/11- Veteran's Day: NO SCHOOL

11/13- Photo Retakes

11/13- Volleyball Practice from 3:45 to 4:30 pm

11/13- Tutoring Station at Calvary Chapel from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

11/18- Volleyball Practice from 3:45 to 4:30 pm

11/18- Tutoring Station at Calvary Chapel from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

11/20- Volleyball Practice from 3:45 to 4:30 pm

11/20- Tutoring Station at Calvary Chapel from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

11/20- PAWS Assembly (Kinder, 1st and 2nd grade from 2:05 to 2:25 pm & 3rd, 4th, and 5th from 2:30 to 2:50 pm)

11/25- Volleyball Practice from 3:45 to 4:30 pm

11/25- Tutoring Station at Calvary Chapel from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

11/27- Thanksgiving Day: NO SCHOOL

11/28- Native American Heritage Day: NO SCHOOL

School Start Time- 9:00 AM

Regular End Time- 3:40 PM

Breakfast

Everyday 8:40-8:55 AM

Early Release

Wednesdays 9:00 AM- 1:40 PM

Practice your personal best

Act responsibly

Work and play safe

Show respect

SCHOOL START TIME – 9:00 AM

REGULAR END TIME - 3:40 PM

BREAKFAST EVERY DAY 8:40 AM – 8:55 AM

EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAYS 9:00 AM – 1:40 PM

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 9:00 AM – 12:40 PM ***

Ingredients:

• 1 Package of fudge striped cookies

• 1 Package of miniature peanut butter cups

• 1 Tube of decorating icing (orange, yellow or white)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Lay the fudge strip cookie upside down on a plate or piece of wax paper, so that the chocolate bottom is facing up.

Step 2: Take the tube of decorating icing and squeeze a dollop of it onto the center of the cookie.

Step 3: Take a miniature peanut butter cup and unwrap it. Place the peanut butter cup (wide part down) on top of the dollop of icing and press down.

Step 4: Take the tube of decorating icing and squeeze a little dot onto the peanut butter cup, so that it resembles the buckle of the Pilgrim hat. Let the cookies sit for a few minutes so the frosting can set.

Step 5: ENJOY!!

Recipe from mommysavers.com

In November our focus for SEL, social emotional learning, will be Gratitude. Students will be reading stories, singing songs, and writing about gratitude all month! To show gratitude students will also be sharing compliments with each other. Each week classes participate in “Compliment Circles.” Ask your child about compliments!

Gratitude Activities to try at home:

• Writing thank you cards, emails, text, or notes for family and friends.

• Here’s a song you can listen to together: https://youtu.be/htUxMImEkwQ?si=QZ8GUcM_Sk2Ay9rb

• Establish a Gratitude Ritual ex. Asking your child what 3 things they are grateful for during dinner or bedtime routine.

• Here’s a book you can listen to together: https://youtu.be/nbuVI9ek2qc?si=TvgqfcqKEY1xkgjQ

November Parenting Tip: Parents Guide to TikTok Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok | Common Sense Media

Thank you for sending your children to Kent Elementary. I am extremely grateful to be a part of your child’s learning! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Karyn.higgins@kent.k12.wa.us or call 253-373-2764.

Karyn Higgins- School Counselor Monday-Thursday

(253) 373-2764

Email: karyn.higgins@kent.k12.wa.us

This year’s school vision screening is nearly complete. If a concern was identified for your student, you should have received a letter by mail indicating the concern. Teachers also shared this information with guardians during conference week. School screening is not a substitute for a full eye exam. Please follow up with your health care provider about any concerns and let the health room know the outcome of the visit. Unaddressed vision concerns can negatively impact a student’s ability to learn, so it is important that they are evaluated properly. If you need assistance obtaining a full exam, please contact the health room.

Keeping students safe and healthy is our highest priority. We strongly encourage families to stay up to date on immunizations. School immunization records are regularly reviewed for compliance. If your student is found to be missing immunizations, you will receive a letter indicating which additional vaccines are due. Students must show proof of vaccination to remain in school. If one or more of the vaccines conflicts with your beliefs, you may choose to exempt your child, but you must submit a Certificate of Exemption (COE). This form is available in the health room.

Thank you for helping keep our school community healthy!

Thank you for your cooperation as we seek to keep our community healthy and safe.

Mariel LePage

School Nurse

Kent Elementary (M, W, F)

(253) 373-2733 office

(253) 373-7499 fax

Reporting Absences

Hello KE Families, Everyday matters and makes the greatest difference in a student’s education when present in class. Instruction begins at 9:00 am so we kindly ask you to arrive between 8:40am and 8:50am to ensure student arrives to class on time. Especially if they plan to have breakfast at school. If arrival is after 9:05 am please have your student come into the office to receive a tardy slip for student to enter class. If a student will be absent for part of the day, or the entire day of learning, please notify the office to update your student’s attendance. In case we are unable to answer a call, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We thank you ahead of time for your cooperation.

Vanessa Cejas Villegas

Attendance Clerk

(253) 373-7497

keattendance@kent.k12.wa.us

We celebrate birthdays on the first FRIDAY of the month during lunch. If you wish to bring any treats or snacks, consider class allergies.

Please inform your child's teacher. The parent should plan to serve the snack in the cafeteria during the lunch period.

 

Kinder and 1st Grade Lunch: 11:15-11:40 a.m.

2nd and 4th Grade Lunch: 11:45 a.m. -12:10 p.m.

3rd and 5th Grade Lunch: 12:35-1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at rosa.villarreal@kent.k12.wa.us.

Family Life Center

32275 32nd Ave S., Federal Way, WA 98001

All are welcome! Come join us for support, connections, and resources.

Dates:

October 3rd, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

November 7th, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

December 5th, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

 

Contact Us

Vicky Navarro (206) 601-0093 vicky@promotersnetwork.org

Lori (206) 769-7780 loricooperbec@gmail.com

Referral Period: October 1- November 21

Referral period open for services beginning in the 26-27 school year.
Kindergarten services begin second semester of the 25-26 school year.

REFERRAL GRADES: KINDERGARTEN - 11th GRADE
The Kent School District oers Highly Capable (HiCap) program services for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The HiCap Program is designed to provide an equitable, quality education for all students in a safe environment that nurture
and support the learning and social-emotional strengths and needs of our most Highly Capable learners.
Students may be referred for possible identification of services in the Highly Capable Program by a parent, teacher, p eer, community member, or themselves. Individuals referring a child for possible identification for these programs need to fill out
the Referral Form. A teacher, or other individual, may refer a student for identification, however parents/guardians must give
permission to test and review the students' data by signing the Referral Form and completing the Parent Inventory Survey.

Students in grades 2 and 5 will be universally screened and do not need a referral.

To fill out a referral form or learn more about the Hi Cap Program, please visit www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/highly-capable or scan the QR code

For additional questions, please contact KSDHiCap@kent.k12.wa.us

Dear Families,

At Kent Elementary School, we are committed to building an inclusive community where every student feels seen, valued, and respected. As part of our equity and diversity work, we help students learn about the many cultures, traditions, and histories that shape our world. Throughout the year, we highlight important cultural observances in our rotunda displays to encourage curiosity, empathy, and understanding. These displays are designed to promote learning and reflection for all students.

 

In September, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring activists, artists, and athletes who have made lasting contributions to our society. Students explored the rich cultures and histories of Hispanic and Latino communities and reflected on how these voices continue to influence our shared story. These displays help students recognize both the differences and the similarities that connect us all, fostering meaningful learning through observation and discussion.

 

For October and November, our rotunda features a display about Diwali, a five-day festival that celebrates the Hindu New Year and the triumph of good over evil. The word Diwali means “row of lights,” and it is marked by lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with colorful lights and rangoli designs, sharing sweets and gifts, and spending time with family and friends. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and many people of South Asian heritage around the world. This year, Diwali began on October 20 and reminds us of the importance of light, hope, and new beginnings. Through learning about Diwali, students gain a greater appreciation for global traditions and the values we share.

Looking ahead to November, we will honor Native American Heritage Month. This observance provides an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the history, cultures, and contributions of Native American peoples.

 

All of these displays and learning experiences are part of our ongoing effort to educate students about both differences and similarities among cultures—helping them grow into informed, compassionate, and respectful citizens of our diverse world.

Thank you for supporting our work in fostering equity and understanding. We encourage families to discuss these topics at home and to share your own traditions and stories with us throughout the year.

 

Each display we create is a learning opportunity—an invitation for students to observe, ask questions, and broaden their understanding of the diverse world they are a part of. Through these shared learning moments, we hope to inspire curiosity, respect, and a lifelong appreciation for diversity.

 

Warm regards,
Kent Elementary Equity Team

KINDERGARTEN

Liu:Israel Cesaire Jean Pierre, Moahammad Nazari and Dewa Sadaat

Crosier: Mohamed Diakite, and Jesus Gomez Bautista

Ceras-Garibay: Daylin Bustos, Valeria Cortes and Aron Benitez

1st Grade

Rios: Emilia Hernandez and Juan Rodriguez

Baluca: Brittny Moreno and Haukea Meador

Lutsyuk: Noah Ortiz and Victoria Martinez Aguilar

 

2nd Grade

Hernandez:  Maria De La Luz C. and Diana Tamayo Villa

Neri/Kovacs: Alisson Revelorio and Aasenat Nabizada

McCloud:Kanaiela and Kalei'i

Ch. Smith: Bayhar and Ruwaydah

3rd Grade

Marshall: Benjamin Cruz and Micah Rankin

K. Harris:Nahomi Zacarias and Ja'Marcus Ponds

Wells:Najma Makame

Cox:Amena Muhsen and Virah Foa

Vladyka:Michael Manery

4th Grade

Brin:Bianca Valdovinos and Nickolas Gomez

Maldonado: Auriyana Taylor and Edgar Antunez

A. Saucedo:  Durranie and Rosiana

Trujillo:  Marie Ladnier and Jahed Hakimi

Vladyka:Ahmad Shirzad

5th Grade

D. Saucedo:  Jensen Heacock and Samuel Maciel Lopez

Copeland:David Santiago and Alexis Vega

Dela Paz:Elssa Ramirez-Velasquez and Ruben Alvarez

L. Harris:Melat Woldeab and Jose Melchor Alvarez

Practice Personal best

Act responsibly

Work and play safe

Show respect

A Reminder for Parents who would like to VOLUNTEER for field trips, crosswalk, etc:

Please Contact MONICA MARQUEZ PEDROZA 253-373-2722.

Approval prior to participation is required. You may also walk-in, and Office Staff can assist with completion of required forms.