Who knew a stack of plastic cups could build so much teamwork?
Our elementary students took on a super tricky team-building challenge today! The goal? Stack the cups together using clear communication, focus, and a lot of patience.
There were lots of giggles, plenty of tumbling cup towers, and awesome moments of working together to figure it out. Love seeing our students encourage each other and stick with a tough task!
Our elementary students took on a super tricky team-building challenge today! The goal? Stack the cups together using clear communication, focus, and a lot of patience.
There were lots of giggles, plenty of tumbling cup towers, and awesome moments of working together to figure it out. Love seeing our students encourage each other and stick with a tough task!


Did you know Kettle Falls Elementary is home to a one-of-a-kind outdoor Adventure Program that sets our schools apart from other schools in Washington?
Every week, a different grade level steps outside the traditional classroom for hands-on, place-based learning. Recently, our students took their learning to the water at Colville Flats for an incredible day of kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and nature photography!
Programs like this build real-world confidence, physical wellness, and a deep appreciation for our local environment—giving Kettle Falls students opportunities you won't find anywhere else.
A huge shoutout to our incredible parent volunteers who make these safe, active adventures possible by helping with setup, water safety, and supervision!
Every week, a different grade level steps outside the traditional classroom for hands-on, place-based learning. Recently, our students took their learning to the water at Colville Flats for an incredible day of kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and nature photography!
Programs like this build real-world confidence, physical wellness, and a deep appreciation for our local environment—giving Kettle Falls students opportunities you won't find anywhere else.
A huge shoutout to our incredible parent volunteers who make these safe, active adventures possible by helping with setup, water safety, and supervision!


Our 4th graders spent time today diving into how local businesses do so much more than provide goods and services—they build, support, and strengthen our community.
Through reading and research, students explored how local businesses create jobs, support neighborhood events, and keep communities thriving. To spark their entrepreneurial mindsets, they also researched inspiring kids around the country who turned big ideas into real, successful businesses—from neighborhood lemonade stands that grew into nation-wide brands to young inventors creating products that help others.
The biggest takeaway for our 4th graders? Age is no barrier to leadership, innovation, and making a real difference right where you live!
Through reading and research, students explored how local businesses create jobs, support neighborhood events, and keep communities thriving. To spark their entrepreneurial mindsets, they also researched inspiring kids around the country who turned big ideas into real, successful businesses—from neighborhood lemonade stands that grew into nation-wide brands to young inventors creating products that help others.
The biggest takeaway for our 4th graders? Age is no barrier to leadership, innovation, and making a real difference right where you live!

Science and reading go hand-in-hand in 2nd grade! Our young scientists have been busy exploring the water cycle, diving deep into concepts like condensation and precipitation.
To capture their learning, students are maintaining their very own science journals—drawing diagrams, making observations, and writing key vocabulary. Building a strong science vocabulary isn't just about learning science; it directly boosts reading comprehension across all subjects! When students master discipline-specific words early on, they unlock the ability to read, write, and think critically about the world around them.
We love seeing our 2nd graders take ownership of their learning and think like real scientists!
To capture their learning, students are maintaining their very own science journals—drawing diagrams, making observations, and writing key vocabulary. Building a strong science vocabulary isn't just about learning science; it directly boosts reading comprehension across all subjects! When students master discipline-specific words early on, they unlock the ability to read, write, and think critically about the world around them.
We love seeing our 2nd graders take ownership of their learning and think like real scientists!

Goal! ⚽ Our soccer unit is officially underway in PE!
Our students took to the field this week to practice foot control, aim, and shooting on the net. There is nothing quite like seeing the excitement when that ball hits the back of the net for the first time.
Our students took to the field this week to practice foot control, aim, and shooting on the net. There is nothing quite like seeing the excitement when that ball hits the back of the net for the first time.


Exploring the rhythm of learning! 🎷🥁
In Arts Club class, our K–4 students are hitting all the right notes with Quaver Music! Once a week, students take the mic (and the instruments!) to learn core music fundamentals and experiment with a variety of instruments.
From foundational rhythms to hands-on play, our elementary creators are filling the halls with music.
In Arts Club class, our K–4 students are hitting all the right notes with Quaver Music! Once a week, students take the mic (and the instruments!) to learn core music fundamentals and experiment with a variety of instruments.
From foundational rhythms to hands-on play, our elementary creators are filling the halls with music.

Our 4th graders had an incredible day taking their science learning outdoors at the Lake Roosevelt Water Festival!
From testing water quality to exploring aquatic ecosystems with local natural resource experts, our students put real-world science to work right here in our community. Hands-on learning experiences like this bridge the gap between classroom textbooks and the real world, giving our kids the skills and curiosity to understand the environment around them.
From testing water quality to exploring aquatic ecosystems with local natural resource experts, our students put real-world science to work right here in our community. Hands-on learning experiences like this bridge the gap between classroom textbooks and the real world, giving our kids the skills and curiosity to understand the environment around them.

Twenty minutes a day. It sounds like a small slice of time, but research shows that reading with your child for just 20 minutes each day exposes them to 1.8 million words every single year. That daily habit builds the vocabulary, focus, and confidence kids need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Making that time fit into a busy family routine does not have to be complicated. You can trade screen time before bedtime for a cozy story on the couch. Let your child read out loud to you while you cook dinner, or take turns reading paragraphs back and forth. You can even listen to an audiobook together on the drive home from sports practice or errands.
Whether you are reading to your child or listening to them read to you, those 20 minutes build connections that last far beyond elementary school.
Making that time fit into a busy family routine does not have to be complicated. You can trade screen time before bedtime for a cozy story on the couch. Let your child read out loud to you while you cook dinner, or take turns reading paragraphs back and forth. You can even listen to an audiobook together on the drive home from sports practice or errands.
Whether you are reading to your child or listening to them read to you, those 20 minutes build connections that last far beyond elementary school.

Our Kettle Falls Elementary 3rd graders have been exploring a unit about family traditions and community!
As part of the unit, students took time to share some of their favorite family traditions; from special holiday meals and weekend activities to annual family trips and outdoor routines. Through these conversations, our students discovered that while every family has unique routines, we also share so many wonderful similarities.
Learning about the different ways families celebrate and pass down history helps our students build mutual respect, curiosity, and connection with their classmates. It grounds them in their own heritage while helping them appreciate the traditions of their neighbors.
We are so proud of how thoughtful and respectful our 3rd graders have been as they share what makes their own families special. Thank you for partnering with us as our students grow into thoughtful, connected learners!
As part of the unit, students took time to share some of their favorite family traditions; from special holiday meals and weekend activities to annual family trips and outdoor routines. Through these conversations, our students discovered that while every family has unique routines, we also share so many wonderful similarities.
Learning about the different ways families celebrate and pass down history helps our students build mutual respect, curiosity, and connection with their classmates. It grounds them in their own heritage while helping them appreciate the traditions of their neighbors.
We are so proud of how thoughtful and respectful our 3rd graders have been as they share what makes their own families special. Thank you for partnering with us as our students grow into thoughtful, connected learners!

Great learning takes patience, enthusiasm, and a lot of heart! Our amazing paraeducators bring energy to Kettle Falls Elementary every single day, turning foundational practice into engaging, multi-sensory fun.
Through hands-on games, drawing letters, and practicing sounds together, our team helps our young readers build the confidence they need to thrive. We are so grateful for the dedication and joy our paraprofessionals bring to our halls and classrooms!
Through hands-on games, drawing letters, and practicing sounds together, our team helps our young readers build the confidence they need to thrive. We are so grateful for the dedication and joy our paraprofessionals bring to our halls and classrooms!

Learning what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible isn't just something we talk about at Kettle Falls Elementary—it’s something we practice every day!
Ms. Olson’s 2nd-grade artists recently took to their sketchbooks to illustrate what following classroom expectations looks like in action. From safe hands to listening ears, our young Bulldogs did a fantastic job showing how we take care of our school and each other.
We love seeing our students take pride in creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone!
Ms. Olson’s 2nd-grade artists recently took to their sketchbooks to illustrate what following classroom expectations looks like in action. From safe hands to listening ears, our young Bulldogs did a fantastic job showing how we take care of our school and each other.
We love seeing our students take pride in creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone!


Mark your calendars: Picture Day for Kettle Falls Elementary is September 17th.
Paper order envelopes will be sent home in student backpacks prior to picture day. If you prefer the convenience of ordering online, you can place your order anytime at the provider's website leosphotography.com using our school code: FP2229113.
We can’t wait to see those bright Bulldog smiles!
Paper order envelopes will be sent home in student backpacks prior to picture day. If you prefer the convenience of ordering online, you can place your order anytime at the provider's website leosphotography.com using our school code: FP2229113.
We can’t wait to see those bright Bulldog smiles!

Building a culture of belonging starts on Day 1!
This year, our Kindergarteners jumped right into the action on the very first day of school, diving into Math Bridges Workplaces and setting the stage for a great year of hands-on learning. Meanwhile, down the hall, students in PE were practicing teamwork and active play through dodgeball!
No matter the grade or the activity, we are all learning, growing, and playing together. We are proud of how our students showed up this week!
This year, our Kindergarteners jumped right into the action on the very first day of school, diving into Math Bridges Workplaces and setting the stage for a great year of hands-on learning. Meanwhile, down the hall, students in PE were practicing teamwork and active play through dodgeball!
No matter the grade or the activity, we are all learning, growing, and playing together. We are proud of how our students showed up this week!




Our hallways were packed with excited students and families getting ready for a fantastic school year. A special highlight this year: welcoming our Kindergarten families right on Day 1 alongside our 1st–4th graders!
We also want to give a huge THANK YOU to the Kettle Falls Rotary Club for donating a mountain of school supplies. Their generosity ensures every single one of our kids has what they need to start the year strong.
We are so grateful for our community and ready for an awesome year together!
We also want to give a huge THANK YOU to the Kettle Falls Rotary Club for donating a mountain of school supplies. Their generosity ensures every single one of our kids has what they need to start the year strong.
We are so grateful for our community and ready for an awesome year together!

Our Kettle Falls Elementary staff spent time together during Professional Development working on strategies to give our students the best possible school day!
One of our big focuses? Planning intentional social-emotional support and creating predictable routines for when kids come in from recess. Recess is a great time to burn off energy, but transitioning back into class requires a little reset. By building smooth post-recess tasks, we help our students settle in, refocus, and dive back into learning feeling ready and supported.
To practice our own teamwork, staff jumped into a fun challenge called "Selling the Unsellable." Teams had to work together to pitch some pretty unusual items, including a high-tech "team-building clipboard" so heavy-duty it takes three staff members just to open it! (Bonus: you will never lose a sheet of paper again!)
It takes a united team to support our students, and we’re excited for an amazing year ahead together.
One of our big focuses? Planning intentional social-emotional support and creating predictable routines for when kids come in from recess. Recess is a great time to burn off energy, but transitioning back into class requires a little reset. By building smooth post-recess tasks, we help our students settle in, refocus, and dive back into learning feeling ready and supported.
To practice our own teamwork, staff jumped into a fun challenge called "Selling the Unsellable." Teams had to work together to pitch some pretty unusual items, including a high-tech "team-building clipboard" so heavy-duty it takes three staff members just to open it! (Bonus: you will never lose a sheet of paper again!)
It takes a united team to support our students, and we’re excited for an amazing year ahead together.


What a way to wrap up an incredible school year at Kettle Falls Elementary! We celebrated our final day together with some of our absolute favorite Bulldog traditions.
Our annual Seed Race was a massive hit, with students running their hearts out to take home this year's prize packets! We then cooled off and caught our breath with an awesome outdoor picnic packed with hot dogs and ice cream.
We saved the best for last, ending the day completely covered in smiles (and a lot of bright colors!) at our annual Color Run.
To our amazing families and dedicated staff: Thank you. A day like today, and a school year this successful, only happens because of your constant support, hard work, and partnership. We have the best community around, and we are so grateful for the trust you place in us every day. Have a safe, wonderful summer, Bulldogs!
Our annual Seed Race was a massive hit, with students running their hearts out to take home this year's prize packets! We then cooled off and caught our breath with an awesome outdoor picnic packed with hot dogs and ice cream.
We saved the best for last, ending the day completely covered in smiles (and a lot of bright colors!) at our annual Color Run.
To our amazing families and dedicated staff: Thank you. A day like today, and a school year this successful, only happens because of your constant support, hard work, and partnership. We have the best community around, and we are so grateful for the trust you place in us every day. Have a safe, wonderful summer, Bulldogs!


Nervous smiles turning into confident presentations, that was the story today at Kettle Falls Elementary!
Today, our incredible 4th graders participated in a hallmark tradition: Passages. This year looked a little different, as students selected three Character Strong traits, such as Perseverance, Responsibility, and Kindness, and used their own schoolwork and activities to prove how they exemplify these traits.
These students have been practicing and preparing for weeks to stand up and explain why they are officially ready to take the leap to middle school. Watching them present with such pride and ownership was the perfect way to wrap up their elementary years.
We are so proud of your hard work, growth, and character, future 5th graders. Middle school, here they come!
Today, our incredible 4th graders participated in a hallmark tradition: Passages. This year looked a little different, as students selected three Character Strong traits, such as Perseverance, Responsibility, and Kindness, and used their own schoolwork and activities to prove how they exemplify these traits.
These students have been practicing and preparing for weeks to stand up and explain why they are officially ready to take the leap to middle school. Watching them present with such pride and ownership was the perfect way to wrap up their elementary years.
We are so proud of your hard work, growth, and character, future 5th graders. Middle school, here they come!


We often talk about what it takes to build a great school, but the true heartbeat of Kettle Falls Elementary is our incredible staff.
We are incredibly proud to share that KFES has just received the Hero Spotlight Award from Homes for Heroes, recognizing extraordinary commitment and selfless service to our community!
Whether it is our teachers designing powerful learning experiences, our paraprofessionals providing targeted student support, or our office, custodial, and kitchen teams ensuring every child is safe, valued, and ready to learn, this team gives their all every single day.
Community care and academic excellence go hand-in-hand. This honor comes right on the heels of our recent OSPI recognition for outstanding student growth. When a staff commits completely to the well-being of students and families, the results speak for themselves.
Please join me in celebrating our hardworking staff and their deep commitment to Kettle Falls families.
We are incredibly proud to share that KFES has just received the Hero Spotlight Award from Homes for Heroes, recognizing extraordinary commitment and selfless service to our community!
Whether it is our teachers designing powerful learning experiences, our paraprofessionals providing targeted student support, or our office, custodial, and kitchen teams ensuring every child is safe, valued, and ready to learn, this team gives their all every single day.
Community care and academic excellence go hand-in-hand. This honor comes right on the heels of our recent OSPI recognition for outstanding student growth. When a staff commits completely to the well-being of students and families, the results speak for themselves.
Please join me in celebrating our hardworking staff and their deep commitment to Kettle Falls families.



There is nothing better than watching our students take ownership of their learning!
Today, our HiCap students shared their incredible bridge-building projects with their 4th-grade peers. They didn’t just build models; they became the teachers—explaining the science behind complex structures and answering tough questions from the audience.
A huge congratulations to these students for their hard work, creativity, and excellent public speaking skills. Take a look through the photos to see our young engineers in action!
Today, our HiCap students shared their incredible bridge-building projects with their 4th-grade peers. They didn’t just build models; they became the teachers—explaining the science behind complex structures and answering tough questions from the audience.
A huge congratulations to these students for their hard work, creativity, and excellent public speaking skills. Take a look through the photos to see our young engineers in action!



Our 1st graders turned into playground scientists today! Students headed outside to trace their shadows at different times throughout the day, watching closely to see how they changed. There were a lot of "aha!" moments as they discovered how their shadows grew, shrank, and shifted directions as the sun moved across the sky.

