Principal Update 12.19.2025

Dear Carnation Families,

It was great to be back together for a full week of school and to celebrate with our school Spirit Week. As we wrap up our final day before winter break, I want to wish you and your family a safe and joyful holiday season.

Carnation Elementary will be on break from December 22 through January 2. School resumes on Monday, January 5. While winter break is a wonderful time to relax and recharge, it is also a two-week pause from the daily routines of school. To help students feel confident and ready when we return, here are a few simple ideas to support learning and well-being over the break:

• Keep reading! Encourage students to read for 20–30 minutes each day.

• Write in a journal. This is a great way to practice writing while capturing memories from break.

• Access digital learning tools, such as i-Ready, if helpful for your child.

• Choose learning-friendly gifts if you exchange gifts—books, science kits, art supplies, and writing tools are all great options.

• Maintain a consistent schedule when possible. Avoid staying up too late to ease the transition back to school.

• Find time to stay active. Walking the dog, hiking, playing outside, or other movement helps support both body and mind.

Thank you for being such a caring and amazing community. Enjoy this special time together, stay safe, and we can’t wait to see all our Tigers back on January 5.

In Partnership,

Steve Lesco

Principal, Carnation Elementary

Lescos@rsd407.org | 425-844-4553

Upcoming Events

• December 22 – January 2 – Winter Break

• Monday, January 5 - School Resumes

• Wednesday, January 7 – No Bullies Allowed Magician sponsored by PTSA

• Monday, January 19 – No School in observance of MLK Jr. Day

• Wednesday, January 21 - Carnation Learning Walk

• Monday, January 26 – No School for Teacher Workday

• Wednesday, January 28 - Carnation Learning Walk

Kindness Squad Food Drive

This message is brought to you by our Kindness Squad:

Thank You, Carnation Elementary, for supporting our community with this year’s food drive! 

Your generosity blew us away! We didn’t just meet our goal of 5 IKEA bags—we filled over 18 IKEA bags with food! Plus, there was an additional stack of food boxes that was taller than Mr. Lesco—that’s how amazing your kindness is. 

These donations will make a huge difference for families in our community through Empower Youth Network and Hopelink. Thank you, Carnation Tigers, for showing that kindness truly starts with you!

Upcoming Bond and Levy Measures

This morning, Superintendent Leach and members of the Riverview School District Cabinet visited Carnation Elementary to share information with staff about the upcoming Bond and Levy measures that will appear on the February ballot.

For families who would like to learn more, including details about what the Bond and Levy support across the district, please visit the Riverview School District website: https://www.rsd407.org/bondlevy

Carnation Learning Walks

We are excited to share that Carnation Elementary was selected as the pilot building for Riverview School District’s new Learning Walks initiative. On November 25th, we hosted the district’s very first Learning Walk, welcoming community participants, district leaders, and school staff to experience teaching and learning in action. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we are thrilled to now open this opportunity to our families.

We invite you to come see Carnation Elementary in action by joining one of our upcoming Learning Walks!

A Learning Walk is a guided tour of our school during the day, hosted by a school leader. These visits offer a unique opportunity to:

• Observe classrooms in action

• Learn more about our programs

• Gain a deeper understanding of what students experience every day

Each Learning Walk includes a brief introduction, several classroom visits, and a short debrief discussion at the end. To ensure a respectful and focused experience for both visitors and students, each session is limited to four participants.

Upcoming Dates:

• January 21 | 11:00–12:30 p.m.

• January 28 | 11:00–12:30 p.m.

Reserve Your Spot - Space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up early. Please click HERE to reserve your spot.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the incredible teaching and learning happening every day at Carnation Elementary. Thank you for your partnership and support!

Riverview School District Launches Highly Capable Advisory Committee

Riverview School District Launches Highly Capable Advisory Committee

Partnering with families, educators, and the community to strengthen services for advanced learners.

Why We’re Forming a HiCap Advisory Committee

Riverview School District is committed to ensuring that all students, including those with advanced learning needs, receive equitable access to appropriately challenging academic and social-emotional support.

A recent informal internal review of our Highly Capable (HiCap) services from the perspective of families and educators highlighted opportunities for growth:

1. Greater alignment as students transition from the Program for the Academically Talented (PAT) into middle school.

2. Identifying highly capable students from underrepresented groups.

3. A more clearly defined K–8 continuum of services, enriched learning opportunities, and consistent communication.

To address these needs, we are forming a Highly Capable Advisory Committee that will guide refinement of our district’s HiCap programs.

Committee Purpose

The Highly Capable Advisory Committee will:

1. Review program data and current identification practices

2. Provide feedback on academic pathways, enrichment, middle-school alignment and services in general education classrooms.

3. Advise on social-emotional supports for advanced learners

4. Strengthen communication between the district and families

5. Recommend program improvements to ensure equity, challenge, and continuity for all HiCap students

Committee Membership

We are seeking a balance of community input and a manageable group size for effective dialogue:

• 3 - 4 Parents/Community Members

• Representation from both elementary and middle school families is encouraged

• 3 - 4 Teachers

• At least one from the PAT program (Grades 2–5)

• At least one from outside the PAT program

• One from Grades 6–8

• District and building administrators

Call for Participants

We invite parents, teachers, and community members to join us in shaping the future of HiCap services in Riverview.

If you are interested in serving on the Highly Capable Advisory Committee, please submit your interest by January 9, 2026:

HiCap Advisory Committee Interest – Fill out form

Meetings will be held monthly, beginning in February 2026.

Together, We Can Support Every Learner

By working collaboratively, we can ensure Riverview’s Highly Capable Program continues to challenge, inspire, and empower students with advanced learning needs.