Dear Klickitat Families,

We look forward to seeing students later this month as all grades K-12 return to the classroom on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. This first day back will be an early release at 1:25 pm.

I am eager for this new school year, my second year here at Klickitat, as we continue to advance our school's educational opportunities and positive outcomes for all students. In leading this advancement, I have some areas of focus, staff roles, and other news to share for this 23-24 school year.

Our primary focus this year will be to increase student engagement at school and in the classroom school-wide K-12. Regular, consistent, attendance is a must for all students! Our early-grade children need to be steady in their learning and development of reading and math skills; while older students need to solidify their career-readiness qualities related to participation and “ready” appearance.

Campus will open at 7:40 am and students should be here and ready to learn by 8:00 am. School will release at 3:15 pm; except on Wednesdays when early release will occur at 1:25 pm. The school office will be open on school days 7:40-4:00 pm. Cost-free breakfast & lunch is available to all students daily!

To achieve growth in school engagement, we will need to work together as a school & community to continually increase the positive culture and climate at our school. We want all students to be excited about coming to school and finding purpose while they are here.

This Fall, new school counselor Mrs. Cristie McCabe and I will be putting forth a Community Skills Survey to identify those of you in our community with skills and talents they would like to contribute to our school. We hope to re-establish diverse elective opportunities, activities, and social experiences both at school and via the community center.  

Our new Dean of Students, Mr. Dan Smith, will be working districtwide with students and teachers to ensure student attendance, readiness, and positive conduct in our classrooms & school grounds. Mr. Smith will also be transitioning into the Athletic Director role this year, promoting opportunities and participation in extracurricular activities.

Also, this year, I have increased service time to our Prevention Education, GearUp/College Readiness, and Intervention programs to further support student needs and success. I hope you will notice the many & growing supports for our students and will engage with us in ensuring all Klickitat students are safe & ready to learn.

Finally, I have so much to share but want to keep this letter to one page, we desire to communicate more with you this year! All students and parents should be connected to Skyward-QMLATIV to see grades and attendance. Our district website, www.Klickitat.wednet.edu, will be undergoing updates this year and school news is also frequently posted on the Klickitat School District Facebook page. I can always be contacted at my email address shown below, and I look forward to making myself available for monthly community meet-ups starting this school year for community members that have questions and ideas.

Today, Tomorrow, Together!

Kendrick Lester

Superintendent -Klickitat School District #402

Kendrick.Lester@klickitatSD.org

(509) 369-4145