Principal Update 5.8.2026
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Dear Carnation Families,
This past week, we had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate our incredible staff during Staff Appreciation Week. I want to sincerely thank our families, students, and community for the many kind notes, treats, and gestures of appreciation shared throughout the week. A special thank you also goes to our amazing PTSA for organizing themed celebrations each day and helping make our staff feel so valued and supported.
This upcoming week, students in grades 3–5 will begin the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). We are proud of the hard work students have put in throughout the year and encourage them to simply do their best and show what they know.
And finally… did you hear the big news? Carnation Elementary was voted Best Public Elementary School in the annual Best of 425 reader poll! This recognition is a reflection of our incredible students, staff, families, and community. Thank you for making Carnation such a special place!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms this Sunday!
Steve Lesco
Principal, Carnation Elementary
Lescos@rsd407.org | 425-844-4553
Upcoming Events |
May 12-14 - SBA ELA Testing
Wednesday, May 13 - Tiger Watch
Thursday, May 14 - Learning Walk 11:00-12:30 and Rad Readers Celebration 3rd-5th Grades
Friday, May 15 - Student Council Future Career Day & Popcorn Friday
May 19-20 – SBA Math Testing
Thursday, May 21 – 1st Grade Music Concert @ 5:30
Friday, May 22 - No School
Monday, May 25 - No School in observance of Memorial Day
Thursday, May 28 - 5th Grade Transition Event at Tolt Middle School
Friday, May 29 – PTSA Donuts with Grownups & Tiger Watch
Thursday, June 11 – Spring Fling/Field Day
Friday, June 12 – 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony @ 10:00
Tuesday, June 16 - Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Best of 425
Carnation Elementary was voted the Best Public Elementary School in the annual Best of 425 reader poll!
This recognition reflects the incredible students, staff, families, and community that make Carnation Elementary such a special place. Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support our school each and every day.
Rotary Club of Duvall Books Giveaway |
On Thursday morning, our first-grade students received a special surprise thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Duvall! Superintendent Dr. Leach joined Rotary Club members Jay Soloff and Kyle Roe and delivered a book to our first-grade students. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Duvall for supporting our young readers!
Spring Fling/Field Day – June 11
It is Spring Fling/Field Day time again. The Student Council of Carnation Elementary has purchased fun equipment and the PTSA has rented some fun equipment to enhance the experience. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 1:15 p.m.
We are looking for 50+ volunteers to help run activity stations and support the event. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help make this day special for our students, please make sure your volunteer paperwork is completed through the district. A volunteer form will be sent home with students next week.
Spring SBA Testing Begins This Week |
Spring Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) testing begins this week. Students in grades 3–5 will participate in the SBA in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Below are the testing dates for each grade level.
SBA ELA (Grades 3–5): May 12, 13, and 14
SBA Math (Grades 3–5): May 19 and 20
To help your child do their best:
Ensure they get a good night’s sleep before testing days
Please provide them with a healthy breakfast on the day of testing
Consider sending extra healthy snack(s)
Arrive at school on time (9:25 am)
Encourage them to do their best and remind them that these assessments are just one way we measure learning.
Families who are interested can explore SBA practice tests to see sample questions and become familiar with the testing format and online tools used during the assessment. Practice tests can be accessed here:
5th Grade Recognition Ceremony |
In order to celebrate the end of elementary school, Carnation Elementary will be hosting a 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony on Friday, June 12th @ 10:00 am.
PTSA Tiger Watch
Our next Tiger Watch is Wednesday, May 13th. We hope you can make it!
Click this link for more information, to see available dates, and to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAAAE2DABFBC43-61762866-tiger
Kindergarten Registration Now OpenKindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open! Click Registration and Forms Children must be five years old by August 31, 2026 to register for Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. Registering as early as possible helps us forecast class sizes and staffing needs for the coming school year. Please help spread the word! |
Carnation Learning Walks
We invite you to come see Carnation Elementary in action by joining our final Learning Walk!
Date:
May 14 | 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!
First Grade Concert |
Our first-grade concert is on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30. Please mark your calendars and get ready to join us for an epic musical adventure! See the attached flyer for more details.
Riverview School District Art Extravaganza |
Riverview School District's 2026 Art Extravaganza is coming up Saturday, June 6th! Stop by the ESC during Duvall Days from 9:00-3:00 for an art show featuring kindergarten through 12th grade students from Riverview. There will also be a free community art project!
 |
PTSA Updates
Check out the PTSA May newsletter for upcoming events and important updates: May 2026 newsletter
Be sure to also check out the PTSA website for the latest updates, event details, and ways to participate! https://carnationptsa.org/
REF 5K Run |
Let’s Make Big Strides for Education with the REF 5K Run!
Help us kick off Duvall Days with our fun, family‑friendly 5K Run/Walk on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail in Duvall!
All participants receive a medal, t‑shirt, and a stadium race cup - perfect for filling with root beer floats and more at the finish!
· Register by May 15 to guarantee your shirt.
Register at refweb.org/ref-run and help us make big strides for education! Thank you for supporting Riverview students!
You may even get the opportunity to dunk a special guest from Carnation Elementary in the dunk tank!
Summer Sun Bucks Program |
Every year RSD participates in the Sun Bucks program.
SUN Bucks is a grocery benefits program to help families buy food during the summer when schools are closed. Families get $120 for each eligible school-age child. Children who get these benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs.
This benefit is sent to all students who have qualified for the Free/Reduced meal program for the current school year.
Comments