Hockinson Middle School (HMS) welcomed families on October 19 for a 5th Grade Transition Parent Night. The event provided families with an opportunity to learn more about the 5th grade move to HMS in 2027-28, ask questions, share concerns and offer suggestions to help shape the transition process. About 70 family members attended the event.
Throughout the evening, HMS staff members joined families in small table groups for conversations in a "listening post" format. Staff listened to parent feedback, answered questions when possible and documented questions and concerns for future family communications. The feedback gathered during the event will be consolidated into key priorities to help guide transition planning. Families also toured the separate wing at HMS that will provide fifth graders with their own age-appropriate learning space.
Fourth grade families are asking, “What about 5th grade traditions?”
We’ve heard from families at the information night and in other community engagement efforts that it is a priority to maintain 5th grade traditions. Middle school leaders provided the following information at the event to help address these concerns:
Electives: 5th grade students will continue to have access to band, art and PE electives. All 5th grade electives will take place during 7th period.
5th grade students in band will rotate every two days between band and PE in an A/B day schedule. Band and PE will be offered for the entire school year. 5th grade band students will take a bus down to HHS to take band class with the talented Mr. McEnry.
5th grade students who are not in band will rotate every two days between music or art and PE in an A/B day schedule. Music will be offered to students for one semester, art for the other semester and PE for the whole year.
Annual Balloon Launch: The annual balloon launch will continue at Hockinson Middle School.
Biztown Field Trip: 5th grade students will continue to go to Biztown next year.
After School Clubs: In order to create a sense of belonging, after school clubs for 5th graders will be similar to how they run currently.
Leadership: 5th grade leadership group will meet after school and align projects with our 6-8 leadership classes.
Firehose Spraydown: After this year, the firehose spraydown will continue as a 4th grade tradition.
We are committed to supporting and listening to families throughout this process. Families can find up-to-date information about the 2027-28 5th grade move on the 5th Grade Transition Family Resources page.