Woman fills survey with a pen and paper.

Community Survey Results Are In: Possible 5th Grade Move to Middle School in 2027-28, Plus Cell Phone Policy

Hockinson School District

May 5, 2026

Possible 5th Grade Move to HMS in 2027-28

Results from the April 2026 community survey show that 74% of respondents are open to moving 5th grade students to Hockinson Middle School. For many, this seems like a reasonable option to balance enrollment with the right student support in place.

The survey gathered 481 responses from community members as well as parents and staff at all three schools.

Pie chart shows that majority of respondents are supportive of the 5th grade move to the middle school if the right supports are in place.

Student Supports

To prepare for this change, school leaders would aim to support 5th and 6th grade students with a smooth academic and social transition. This includes maintaining important 5th grade traditions. Survey respondents expressed that all of the below student support measures are important for students new to the middle school:

  • Student support: Dedicated student support team, staff supervision, school tours and orientations

  • Daily structure: Dedicated spaces for 5th grade students, separate or stagger 5th grade schedules (lunch, recess) from other grades

  • School culture: Positive school culture initiatives, peer mentorship opportunities with older students

  • Carry over uniquely 5th grade activities such as FD3 student spray down and field trips.

  • 5th graders ride with K-4 students and are dropped off at Hockinson Middle School after the elementary stop for safety and traffic considerations.

  • Strong communication with families

  • Cost savings & efficiency

Bar graph shows that Hockinson community members prioritize student support and daily structure in a possible 5th grade move.

Cell Phone Policy

The majority of respondents agree with cell phone restrictions in school:

Pie chart shows that 84.6% of respondents agree with cell phone restrictions in school.

Learn more

The Citizens Advisory Committee will make a recommendation to the school board based on community input in June 2026.

Read more about the potential 5th grade move and FAQs based on community-submitted questions on our Family Engagement page here.