Welcome Back Tigers

August 29, 2025

Dear Carnation Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Carnation Tiger community.

Over the summer, our staff have been hard at work preparing for a successful start. Classrooms have been thoughtfully prepared, and collaborative planning has been in full effect to ensure every student feels welcomed and supported. Our building also received a facelift this summer with new exterior paint! Our preschool playground also got a beautiful sunflower mural.

This year brings exciting opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. We are committed to helping each child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Strong communication between home and school is key to a successful year. You can expect regular updates from your child’s teacher, school newsletters, and invitations to events and meetings throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or ideas, we truly value your input and involvement.

Please continue reading for more important information regarding staffing updates and the start of the school year. I look forward to seeing everyone next week for our first day of school!

Let’s make 2025–2026 our best year yet!

 In Partnership,

 Steve Lesco

 Principal, Carnation Elementary

 LescoS@rsd407.org | 425-844-4553

Staffing Updates:Carnation Elementary has an amazing staff and we're adding to it.  Please join me in welcoming the addition of the following staff:

• Steve Lesco – Principal

• Janica Hutchinson – 2nd Grade Teacher

• Diana Forsman – 4th Grade Teacher

• Karissa Drake – 4th Grade Teacher (previously at Cherry Valley)

• Kim Snavely – Music Teacher (previously at Tolt MS)

• Tim Arnot – iSet Teacher

• Natalie Mocharnyy – ML Teacher (starting January) Maria Skripalsh will be her leave replacement substitute

• Ashley Ross – Speech-Language Pathologist

• Julianne Sullivan – Part-time Resource Room Teacher

• Roxy Bujanda – Paraeducator

• Mitra Soltani – Paraeducator

In addition to the new staff listed above, the following staff changes have occurred: 

• Katie Hinchcliffe - Preschool

• Breianna Williamson – Kindergarten Teacher returning to Carnation

• Erica Lemcke – Teaching 5th Grade

• Mary Beth Babcock – Starting the year for Ms. Lemcke in 5th Grade

• Clair Eaton – Teaching PE

• Kelsey (Bohl) Gavigan – (Same amazing person, just a new name) Teaching 1/2 split

Key Reminders:

First Day of School

Grades 1–5:Tuesday,September 2 : Teachers will pick up students from the playground at9:25 AM. On the first day only, caregivers are welcome to wait in the designated classroom line-up areas and walk their child to classfor a quick first day photo. Please exit the classrooms once morning announcements begin and join the PTSA, Mr. Del Rosso, and Mr. Lesco for a cup of coffee in the cafeteria (multi-purpose room) for some Tears and Cheers from 9:30 – 10:00.  

Kindergarten: Friday,September 5

 Caregivers will also be invited to walk their kindergartner to class on their first day. Coffee will be available outside the main office.

Daily Routines & Logistics

• Breakfast Start Time: 9:00 AM in the MPR

• Morning Drop-Off Begins: 9:15 AM

  • Please do not drop off students before 9:15 unless they are having breakfast. All students should report to the playground area. Supervision begins at 9:15.

  • Pull all the way forward at drop-off to avoid congestion. Do not drop off at the playground gate or pass cars on the left. Staff will be on hand to assist students.

• Afternoon Pick-Up: Please wait patiently in the parent loop and pull all the way forward.

  • Mon–Thurs: 3:45 PM

  • Friday: 2:15 PM

• Walking Home:

  
  

   Students walking home will exit through the gate near the playground. The playground is closed after school until 6 PM for Extended Day. Please ensure students leave campus promptly after dismissal.

Other Important Notes

Back to School BBQ:Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Back to School BBQ on Tuesday, August 26th. We would also like to thank our amazing PTSA for their partnership with the event. This was our first time hosting this event and we are interested in your input. Please share your feedback using this link: BBQ Feedback.

 PTSA:Carnation has a strong, supportive PTSA and they are already busy planning family events and enrichment opportunities. Families are encouraged to join our PTSA to support these programs, events, and stay connected to the parent-school community. Please visit Carnation Elementary PTSAto join and be on the lookout for a PTSA table on our first day to learn more about the PTSA and how to get involved. 

Attendance & Dismissal Changes:

 If your child will be absent or has a change in dismissal, email us atceattendance@rsd407.orgbefore 3:20 PM. Afternoon messages are delivered by student helpers and volunteers at that time.

Personal Items at School:

 Please keep personal toys, sports equipment, trading cards, and devices at home. We provide a wide variety of playground toys for recess.

Volunteer Opportunities:

 We are currently seeking volunteers to help in the front office and at drop-off/pick-up. If interested, complete a volunteer packet at www.rsd407.org.

 Already cleared? Contact Krista Willis at willisk@rsd407.org.

Parents Are Always Welcome!

 Want to have lunch with your student? Stop by the office to sign in and grab a visitor badge, we’d love to see you!