Dear Kent School District Community,

Following the November 2024 election, I am reflecting on the results and potential impacts on our community. Times such as these can evoke a range of emotions—hope, concern, and everything in between—especially for those among us who may feel more vulnerable or uncertain about the future.

First and foremost, please know this: our school community is here for you. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every student, family and staff member, no matter the background, story, or circumstances. Our goal is for every child to walk through our doors feeling valued and respected. To affirm this commitment, here are the protections and rights that are in place:

• Privacy Is Protected: Your privacy, and that of your child, is a priority. By law, we are required to protect this information, including citizenship status. This is a fundamental right under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and we take it seriously.

• Education for All: Every child has the right to learn and grow, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. In our district, we do not ask for or collect information about citizenship as part of enrollment. Your child is welcome and valued here, always.

• Respect and Confidentiality: Our staff members are here to support your children and you. Our staff members are not allowed to ask about or discuss a student’s or family’s citizenship status with anyone unless explicitly authorized to do so, and even then, with the utmost sensitivity.

• Safe and Inclusive Environment: Discrimination or mistreatment based on real or perceived citizenship status has no place in our schools. We strive to make every classroom a space where students can feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

• Trust in Reporting: While school staff are mandatory reporters for issues related to abuse or neglect to ensure student safety, reporting a student or family’s immigration status is not part of that responsibility.

• Guidance Without Judgment: We encourage any family with questions or concerns about privacy or legal rights to seek trusted legal resources.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our students, staff, families, and community. This season reminds us of the importance of coming together and supporting one another. I am especially thankful for the dedication of our educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our families and community members. Please take a few moments to reflect on the power of gratitude, giving, and kindness as we continue to work together to create a brighter future for all.

We are OneKSD, and we will continue to create a community where everyone is supported and embraced. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that our schools and programs reflect the strength of our diversity and the shared commitment to uplifting one another.

In partnership,   

Israel Vela, Superintendent

Thank you to those who joined us recently for a Community Connect meeting. I appreciate the participation which is a testament to the strong partnership we share in supporting our students, schools, and community.

These conversations are invaluable as we continue working together to ensure every student thrives in a supportive and equitable environment. I look forward to building on the dialogue and collaboration from this meeting. Your voices play a vital role in shaping the future of our schools and community.

There are three additional Community Connect: Chat with the Superintendent opportunities scheduled for the remainder of the school year. I hope to meet you at one of these events.

We value the rich diversity of our community and actively encourage all families and community members to participate. If an interpreter is needed, please email Translations@kent.k12.wa.us two business days prior to the meeting.

Thank you again for your engagement and commitment to the success of our students and district.

Kent-Meridian CTE Students Explore Careers in Electrical Apprenticeship

Kent-Meridian High School CTE Students participated in a Washington Alliance for Better Schools field trip to Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprentice Training Center. Students learned how to bend conduit and do a cable termination. They also learned about qualifications and how to prepare a successful application for the program.

Glenridge STEM Night 2.0: Building Creativity and Innovation Together

Glenridge recently welcomed its community for STEM Night 2.0, an engaging event filled with hands-on STEM activities for students. Participants explored challenges such as designing a "stuffy" chair in the makerspace, testing airplane flight capabilities, constructing the tallest tower, building bridges, creating marble runs, and more. This successful evening was made possible through the incredible support of our valued community partners.

Smith Brothers Farm supplied gallons of whole milk for the ice cream-making station. Students combined milk, sugar, and vanilla, then shook the mixture with ice and salt to create and enjoy a delicious homemade treat. Thank you to Gina at Smith Brothers Farm for coordinating this donation.

Blue Origin’s Club for the Future activity included informational videos and an opportunity for students to write a postcard that will be sent to space and returned to the student. Thank you to Joseph Chan, a Glenridge parent and Blue Origin employee.

Glenridge Parent Teacher Organization generously provided refreshments for the event ensuring everyone had a treat to enjoy.

Kentridge High School made a significant impact, with several groups generously volunteering their time and efforts.

• Kentridge Robotics showcased their robots and facilitated engaging activities, including robot design and interactive demonstrations. Thank you to those who volunteered their time.

• Kentridge Honor Society provided volunteers to assist with activities. Thank you to Madonna Brinkmann, Kentridge Honor Society advisor.

• Kentridge Environmental Club provided an informative display and actively supported the Glenridge Green Team's activity. Thank you to Barbara Segal, Kentridge Environmental Club advisor.

• Kentridge Math Club facilitated coding activities and engaged participants with card and dice games. Thank you to students Phillip, Kaeden, and Carter.

On behalf of the school board, staff, and students of the Kent School District, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the voters for supporting the Capital and Technology Replacement Levy. By approving this levy, our community has shown its commitment to providing our students with necessary technology and warm, safe school buildings where they can thrive in today’s world. Our continued focus on students and our core values of equity, excellence, and community reflects the shared values of our greater KSD community members. 

The passing of this levy will enable KSD to upgrade critical infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, and invest in technology that supports engaging, interactive learning for all students. This includes enhancements to our network systems, access to reliable internet, and necessary improvements to keep our students and staff safe.   

This levy was critical for our community given the current reality that state funding and revenue for KSD are not keeping pace with expenditures. We must thoughtfully plan to ensure continued fiscal responsibility. While our fund balance remains aligned with Board Policy requirements, we are mindful of the challenges posed by a long-term, ongoing structural deficit due to growing student support needs, decreasing enrollment, insufficient special education funding, and rising operating costs. We are committed to navigating these financial realities with care and transparency to support the success and well-being of our students, staff, and community. 

Thank you once again to our voters for empowering us to continue providing the best possible education for the students at the Kent School District. Together, we’re successfully preparing all students for their futures.