Rose Valley Elementary Receives Washington School Recognition Award For Growth - 05/05/26

Rose Valley Elementary has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for exceptional growth, specifically for students receiving special education services during the 2024–2025 school year.

The Washington School Recognition Program honors schools across the state that demonstrate significant progress in key areas of student success. This year, only 16% of Washington schools earned this distinction, placing Rose Valley among a select group of high-performing schools.

Schools recognized for growth must show that at least one student group made some of the largest gains in the state across multiple measures between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years. These measures include English language arts and math proficiency, student growth percentiles (SGP), attendance, graduation rates, ninth-grade on-track rates, dual credit completion, and English learner progress.

To qualify, the identified student group must rank in the top 10% statewide for at least 60% of the measures for which it is eligible. Schools must also demonstrate progress in closing achievement gaps, with no declines in performance among the highest- or lowest-performing student groups.

“This recognition reflects the intentional work happening every day at Rose Valley to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and able to grow,” said Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “We are especially proud of the progress made by our students receiving special education services. Their growth is a direct result of dedicated staff, strong systems of support, and a belief that every student can achieve at high levels.”

Kelso School District Recognition History
Kelso schools have consistently been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program over the past decade:

• 2014 — Catlin Elementary
• 2016 — Rose Valley Elementary
• 2023 — Butler Acres Elementary
• 2024 — Butler Acres Elementary, Carrolls Elementary, Wallace Elementary
• 2025 — Rose Valley Elementary

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).

Kinderpalooza (May 5) Brings Early Learners, Families, And Community Together (Photo) - 04/22/26

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. The highly-anticipated event is a great way to introduce young learners to Kelso School District and get them excited about entering kindergarten.

Every elementary school in Kelso will have a table with school staff, fun ideas, give-aways, and even some school mascots will be present. Community organizations and resources will also be on-site, including Kelso Public Library, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Girl Scouts, Head Start/ECEAP, Ethnic Support Council, Kelso Christian Assembly’s clothing trailer, and more.

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 program
• 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 and other fun activities
• Enjoy some snacks
• AND MORE!!!!

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

Can’t make it to Kinderpalooza?

Kindergarten registration is open in Kelso for children who will be five years old by September 1, 2026.  There are two ways to register:

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

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.

Applications opened on March 2 for Transition to Kindergarten (TK) and Preschool Pups. These programs serve early learners ages 3 to 4.  

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 not in identified walking boundaries), 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

Families can learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early and can apply for the program online at bit.ly/ksd-tk-app.

PRESCHOOL PUPS

Preschool Pups is a FREE, inclusive preschool program comprised of typically-developing children who play and learn alongside children with disabilities. This program is housed at Catlin site and open to all Kelso families.

• Open to three- and four-year-olds, must turn three prior to enrolling
• Morning and afternoon sessions, four half-days a week
• Morning session provides breakfast; afternoon session provides lunch

Families can learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early and can enroll for the program online at Catlin.

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 click here for the document pdf.

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 High School Hosts Annual FFA Plant Sale April 24-25 (Photo) - 04/17/26

Spring is in full bloom at Kelso High School, and the community is invited to take part in a long-standing tradition that supports student learning and growth.

Kelso High School’s Annual FFA Plant Sale will take place Friday, April 24, from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will be held in the greenhouse located behind Kelso High School, with parking available at the rear entrance.

Inside the greenhouse is a wide selection of plants grown and cared for by students. Offerings include a variety of annual flowers such as geraniums, impatiens, coleus, petunias, and lobelia, as well as a selection of vegetable starts and more.

Plants are priced at: 4-inch pots for $5, 6-inch pots for $7, and hanging baskets for $35.

In addition to plants, there are unique, handcrafted metal items created by Kelso High School metal shop students, including yard art, fire pits, and other custom pieces.

The sale accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Tap to Pay for convenience.

All proceeds from the event directly support Kelso High School’s growing FFA program, helping provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, and skilled trades.

Community members are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and support local students while preparing their gardens for the season.