Investing In Staff Wellness: Kelso School District Receives Fourth Consecutive Zo8 Award (Photo) - 03/16/26

Kelso School District has once again been recognized for its commitment to employee health and wellbeing, earning the Zo8 Award from the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Washington Wellness initiative for the fourth consecutive year.

The Zo8 Award honors organizations that implement best practices aligned with the SmartHealth Workplace Wellness Roadmap, an eight-step framework designed to build strong, sustainable wellness programs that support employee wellbeing.

At Kelso School District, employee wellness is more than a program—it is a core part of the district’s commitment to supporting the people who serve students every day. The district’s strategic plan prioritizes staff wellbeing through a comprehensive approach that includes a robust Employee Assistance Program offering free, confidential counseling and resources, wellness training opportunities at school sites, and regular staff wellness surveys to better understand employee needs.

Central to these efforts is the district’s Wellness Committee, led by Human Resources Director Dr. Holly Budge and composed of staff members representing a wide range of roles across the district—including teachers, principals, counselors, administrators, and human resources personnel. The committee meets quarterly to review program results, identify emerging needs, and develop strategies to strengthen wellness supports for staff.

“When our staff feel supported and valued, it strengthens every classroom and every school,” said Dr. Budge. “This award celebrates the collective effort of our Wellness Committee and staff to build a culture of wellbeing across Kelso School District.”

Washington Wellness recognized Zo8 Award recipients during a celebration on February 24, where participating organizations received awards and certificates honoring the teams who lead their wellness efforts.

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

Remembering Bob Simmons: A Champion For Kelso Students And Schools (Photo) - 03/04/26

Kelso School District joins the community in honoring the life and legacy of former school board member Bob Simmons, whose 31 years of service helped shape the district and support generations of Kelso students.

Simmons served on the Kelso School Board from 1983 to 2014, making him the second-longest serving board member in district history. Over more than three decades of leadership, he helped guide the district through periods of growth and change, serving alongside five different superintendents while providing steady governance and a clear focus on student success.

A chemical engineer at Weyerhaeuser, Simmons brought a thoughtful and analytical approach to his work on the board. He was deeply committed to responsible, orderly governance and played an instrumental role in developing Kelso School District’s original Operating Principles, helping establish expectations for how the board would conduct its work on behalf of students and the community.

Simmons was also known for his strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability to taxpayers. He maintained a close watch on the district’s budget and believed in transparency around both financial stewardship and student performance. At the same time, Simmons remained firmly focused on the district’s core mission: student success. He championed high academic expectations for all students and supported interventions and systems designed to ensure every learner had the opportunity to meet those standards.

Simmons’ connection to the district was also personal. All three of his sons—Andrew, Michael, and Benjamin—graduated from Kelso High School.

Bob’s leadership and dedication helped build a strong foundation for our schools,” said Kelso Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “His commitment to thoughtful governance, fiscal responsibility, and student success has left a lasting imprint on the Kelso School District. I am forever grateful for the legacy he created and the impact his service continues to have on our students, staff, and community. His leadership will continue to benefit Kelso students for years to come.”

Bob Simmons passed away on February 28, 2026. Kelso School District extends its deepest condolences to Bob’s wife, Chris, and the Simmons family.

The memorial is Friday, March 6, at 6:00 pm at Highline Christian Church (14859 1^st Ave S) in Burien, Washington.

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.  When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).

Early Learning Registration Opens March 2 In Kelso (Photo) - 02/27/26

Registration and applications open March 2 for early learning programs in Kelso.

PRESCHOOL PUPS

Preschool Pups is a FREE, inclusive preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds who would benefit from a half-day, high-quality program. Classrooms are staffed by certificated teachers and paraeducators. This program is housed at Catlin site (404 Long Ave, Kelso) and open to all Kelso families.

• Open to three- and four-year-olds, must turn three prior to enrolling
• Students are enrolled as they apply until the program is at capacity
• Morning and afternoon sessions, four half-days a week
• Morning session provides breakfast; afternoon session provides lunch
• Enrollment packets can be picked up at Catlin, Kinderpalooza, or accessed online at bit.ly/ksd-early
• Learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early

TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN (TK)

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) is a FREE pre-kindergarten program for children who will be four years old by August 31, 2026, and would benefit from additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year. Classrooms are staffed by certificated teachers and paraeducators.

• Full day, five days a week
• Access to transportation (for those who do not live in identified walking boundaries)
• Access to specialists, recess, lunch, and all aspects of the kindergarten school day
• To the greatest extent possible, students will be placed for TK at their home school
• Apply for the program online at bit.ly/ksd-tk-app
• Learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten is for children who will be five years old by September 1, 2026. To determine which school children should attend, families can enter their address at bit.ly/school-site. Documents needed for enrollment include: birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records. There are two ways to register:

1. Fill out a paper packet. Enrollment packets may be picked up at any elementary school, Kinderpalooza, or downloaded from the Kelso School District (KSD) website at bit.ly/enrollatksd.
2. Enroll online at bit.ly/enrollatksd.

Not sure which program is right for your child? For a detailed comparison between TK, Preschool Pups, and Head Start—including program staffing, calendars, and qualifications—visit bit.ly/ksd-early or see the document at bit.ly/ksd-earlyinfo.

KINDERPALOOZA
Kinderpalooza, a fun event for Kelso kindergartners, early learners, and their families, is Tuesday, May 5, at Coweeman Middle School (2000 Allen St, Kelso) from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. At this event you can:

• Register for school if needed (even if you’ve already registered, please come)
• Meet Kelso staff
• Board and ride a school bus
• Learn about summer learning activities in our community
• Get information about the breakfast and lunch programs
• Learn how to become a parent volunteer
• Talk to a school nurse about medications and immunizations
• Take a picture at the Class of 2039 photo booth
• Enjoy some snacks
• AND MORE!!!!

For additional information or questions, families can contact their school office or email early.learning@kelsosd.org.

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.  When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).

Kelso Students Will Represent Washington State In National Special Olympics Leadership Role (Photo) - 02/20/26

Kelso High School has two students and one staff member heading to the national stage for something special. Unified athlete Isayah Eddleman, partner Mallory Wells, and Head Coach/Paraeducator Karen Cloke were selected to represent Washington at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this June not as competitors, but as Youth Leaders. They are the only Washington Youth Activation Committee team traveling with athletes to experience the 10-day event.

Before heading to nationals, Isayah, Mallory, and Cloke will continue their leadership journey at the Winter State Games in Wenatchee, February 27–March 1, as part of the Youth Leadership Experience. There, they will deliver presentations about Unified Sports, lead activities, participate in student Q&A panels, build social media outreach, and assist with Winter Games events. Cloke will also collaborate with Unified coaches and school directors from across the state, mentoring and guiding schools as they expand their programs and deepen their impact.

For Cloke, the results of Unified Sports are visible far beyond the basketball court.

“Experiences with Unified sports seeps into the whole school,” said Cloke. “Students who had limited opportunities to interact with each other before are now giving each other hugs and high fives in the hallways. They greet one another with smiles and excitement. Thanks to Unified sports, their compassion grows and they form genuine bonds of friendship that go beyond athletics.”

As Kelso High School prepares to represent Washington on the national stage, one thing is clear: Unified Sports is not just building teams—it’s building leaders, friendships, and a culture where everyone belongs.

How They Were Selected

During the 2024–25 school year, the trio interviewed and were selected to serve on the Washington Youth Activation Committee (YAC) for Unified and Special Olympics. In their interview, they were asked to reflect on their experiences in Unified Sports and its personal impact. Isayah and Mallory shared how their friendship—formed through basketball—has shaped who they are as both athletes and individuals. Together with Cloke, they spoke passionately about their mission to expand inclusion and ensure every student feels accepted and supported in school and in sports.

Last June, the team attended a statewide conference where they met other Washington YAC members. They engaged in meaningful discussions about what inclusion looks like in their schools and how it changes lives. The Kelso team also assisted with the Special Olympics Summer Games—participating in events, conducting interviews with athletes and volunteers, and amplifying the voices of the Unified community.

Soon after, Cloke received extraordinary news from Morgan Larche, Director of Unified Schools for Special Olympics Washington: Isayah and Mallory had so impressed leaders with their authenticity, leadership, and commitment to inclusion that they were invited—along with Cloke—to represent Washington at the 2026 USA Special Olympics competition in Minnesota this June.

Why It Matters

Unified Sports is about more than competition — it’s about belonging.

By bringing together students with and without disabilities on the same team, Unified Sports creates authentic relationships that extend far beyond the court. At Kelso High School, those relationships are reshaping school culture.

Programs like Unified Sports directly support Kelso School District’s commitment to Climate & Culture by:

• Expanding opportunities for every student to feel seen and valued
• Creating student leaders who model inclusion
• Building empathy and compassion across peer groups
• Strengthening school connectedness — a key indicator of student success

When students feel that they belong, they show up differently — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Unified Sports is not just building teams. It’s building a school where everyone belongs.