Principal Update 6.8.26
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Dear Carnation Families,
We are officially starting our last full week of school, and this will serve as the final Parent-Principal Update of the 2025–26 school year. As a reminder, our last day of school is Tuesday, June 16. Students will be dismissed at 12:45 p.m. on that day.
As I reflect on my first year at Carnation Elementary, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community. Thank you for your support and partnership throughout the school year. It has been a privilege to serve the Carnation Elementary community during my first year as principal.
There are still many exciting events and celebrations ahead as we wrap up the school year. After that, I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and learning-filled summer!
Steve Lesco
Principal, Carnation Elementary
Lescos@rsd407.org | 425-844-4553
Upcoming Events |
Tuesday, June 9 - Kindergarten Concert/Graduation @ 5:00 in MPR and Playground
Wednesday, June 10 - Cedarcrest High School Graduation Walk
Thursday, June 11 – Spring Fling/Field Day and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Friday, June 12 – 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony @ 10:00
Tuesday, June 16 - Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Thursday, June 18 – Report Cards available in Synergy
Last Day of School and Report Cards |
Last Day of School - The last day of school is Tuesday, June 16th. Please be aware that this is a half day for students. Students will report at the normal start time and will be dismissed at 12:45. Lunch will be served on this day.
Report Cards - Student report cards will be available in Synergy ParentVue on the morning of June 18. Parents can also request a copy from their classroom teacher that can be picked up in the office between June 18 and June 23.
Teacher Staffing Updates |
As we approach the end of the school year, I wanted to share a few staffing updates for next year. While change can be difficult, we are excited for the opportunities ahead and grateful for the contributions of staff members who will be moving on from Carnation Elementary or taking leave.
Mrs. Brei Williamson will be relocating to California as she and her husband pursue new professional opportunities. Mrs. Cathy McAlpine will be moving to southern Washington to be closer to family. In addition, two staff members will be away from Carnation Elementary next year. Mrs. Karisa Drake will be out as she prepares to welcome a new baby at the end of August, and Mrs. Kelsey Gavigan will be extending her maternity leave through the 2026–27 school year.
I also want to share an update regarding our library program. As part of this year’s district budget process, staffing changes impacted positions within the district library program. Through the contractual placement process connected to those reductions, Mr. Heimfeld has been displaced from his current position, and current Cedarcrest High School librarian Liana Bigham will join Carnation Elementary next year as our school librarian. I want to clarify that Carnation Elementary’s library position has not been reduced or eliminated. This change is the result of the district’s contractual staffing and seniority process following budget-related reductions elsewhere in the district. Mr. Heimfeld has been a valued part of the Carnation Elementary community and will remain a member of the Riverview team.
I am grateful for the many contributions the individuals above have made to our students, staff, and families during their time at Carnation.
Classroom Teaching Assignments for 26-27 |
As we look ahead to next school year, below are our current classroom teaching assignments for the 2026–27 school year. While a few positions remain to be filled and staffing assignments can still shift based on enrollment, staffing needs, or other factors, I wanted to provide families with as much information as possible before summer break.
Pre-K
Jayme Mosey & Katie Hinchcliffe (Leave replacement until December)
Kindergarten
Julie Patsy & Jessica Kober
1st Grade
Jennifer Carter & Naomi Serrano (Joining us from Cherry Valley)
2nd Grade
Samantha Letterman & To be hired
3rd Grade
Erica Parkin & Dani Geitzke
4th Grade
Diana Forsman & Erica Lemcke
5th Grade
Becky Panesko & Kelly Clifford
PAT Assignments
2nd Grade PAT – Dawn Green
3rd Grade PAT – Janica Hutchinson
4th Grade PAT – To be hired
5th Grade PAT – Christie Isler
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.
Thank you in advance to all of our volunteers!
5th Grade Recognition Ceremony - June 12 |
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
The final Tiger Watch for the year is Wednesday, June 10th. 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 Open |
Kindergarten 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!
Lost and Found |
The lost and found is overflowing. Please come to the gym entrance before or after school from now until the end of the year to claim lost items. Any items left after the last day of school will be donated.
Important Dates for the 2026–2027 School Year |
SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES
August 26, 2026 Class Placement Notification Available in Synergy
August 27, 2026 Back-to-School Night 4:30–5:30 PM
September 1, 2026 First Day of School Grades 1–5
September 4, 2026 First Day for Kindergarten
September 8, 2026 First Day for Preschool
September 24, 2026 Curriculum Night 5:30–7:00 PM
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