🎷🕰️ Back to the Roaring 20s at KFMS! 🕰️🎷
Mrs. Benner’s 7th grade Washington State History students recently transported back in time to the 1920s — the Roaring 20s!
As part of their learning, students researched popular terms, culture, economics, slang, and even games from the decade, bringing their textbook to life through deeper inquiry and discussion. It’s one thing to read about history — it’s another to step into it!
It makes us wonder… 🤔
What was happening here in Kettle Falls during the 1920s?
Where were your ancestors during that time?
Do you have a family story connected to that era?
History becomes even more meaningful when we connect it to our own community and families. 💙💛
#KFMSBulldogs #WAStateHistory #Roaring20s
Mrs. Benner’s 7th grade Washington State History students recently transported back in time to the 1920s — the Roaring 20s!
As part of their learning, students researched popular terms, culture, economics, slang, and even games from the decade, bringing their textbook to life through deeper inquiry and discussion. It’s one thing to read about history — it’s another to step into it!
It makes us wonder… 🤔
What was happening here in Kettle Falls during the 1920s?
Where were your ancestors during that time?
Do you have a family story connected to that era?
History becomes even more meaningful when we connect it to our own community and families. 💙💛
#KFMSBulldogs #WAStateHistory #Roaring20s
🗳️📚 Deep Thinking in 5th Grade at KFMS! 📚🗳️
Mrs. Buckmiller’s 5th graders have been digging into a powerful question:
Why do laws continue to evolve?
Students took a deep dive into the history of voting rights in the United States, researching how laws about who could vote have changed over time—and how difficult and slow those changes often were. Their big discussion questions pushed their thinking even further:
👉 If everyone agrees that fairness is important, why was it so difficult and slow to change these laws?
👉 What does that tell us about why some laws take longer to change than others?
After gathering research and organizing their notes, students moved into a Questioning Circle—a protocol where students talk directly to one another, not the teacher, to explore complex ideas. This approach builds engagement, critical thinking, and ownership of learning.
We love seeing our students wrestle with big ideas, support their thinking with evidence, and learn how civic change happens over time. 💙💛
Mrs. Buckmiller’s 5th graders have been digging into a powerful question:
Why do laws continue to evolve?
Students took a deep dive into the history of voting rights in the United States, researching how laws about who could vote have changed over time—and how difficult and slow those changes often were. Their big discussion questions pushed their thinking even further:
👉 If everyone agrees that fairness is important, why was it so difficult and slow to change these laws?
👉 What does that tell us about why some laws take longer to change than others?
After gathering research and organizing their notes, students moved into a Questioning Circle—a protocol where students talk directly to one another, not the teacher, to explore complex ideas. This approach builds engagement, critical thinking, and ownership of learning.
We love seeing our students wrestle with big ideas, support their thinking with evidence, and learn how civic change happens over time. 💙💛
💙💛 New KFMS 25–26 Shirts Are Here! 💛💙
Our ASB students and Mrs. Hooper teamed up to design this year’s 25–26 KFMS shirt—and we love how it turned out! 🙌 These shirts aren’t just for Blue & Gold Fridays, they’re also perfect for Wellness Wednesdays as we continue to promote a positive, supportive school culture.
The back of the shirt shares a message we truly believe in:
“Bulldogs Choose Kindness… It Starts With Us.” 🐾
Each year, we use proceeds from our annual Fall Cookie Dough Sale to purchase these shirts. Thank you to our families and community for supporting the fundraiser and helping us build pride, unity, and kindness at KFMS. We appreciate you! 💙💛
Our ASB students and Mrs. Hooper teamed up to design this year’s 25–26 KFMS shirt—and we love how it turned out! 🙌 These shirts aren’t just for Blue & Gold Fridays, they’re also perfect for Wellness Wednesdays as we continue to promote a positive, supportive school culture.
The back of the shirt shares a message we truly believe in:
“Bulldogs Choose Kindness… It Starts With Us.” 🐾
Each year, we use proceeds from our annual Fall Cookie Dough Sale to purchase these shirts. Thank you to our families and community for supporting the fundraiser and helping us build pride, unity, and kindness at KFMS. We appreciate you! 💙💛
🚭 Vaping Education at KFMS 🚭
We recently welcomed Tammy Maine from the Northeast Tri-County Health District to KFMS to provide vaping education to our students.
Tammy’s presentation focused on helping students understand:
• How nicotine addiction occurs in the brain
• The high levels of nicotine found in vapes
• Youth testimonies about how quickly addiction can happen
• The chemicals found in vapor aerosol
• Free quitting resources available to students
A big thank you to Tammy Maine and Mr. Flugel for coordinating this opportunity! 💙💛
We recently welcomed Tammy Maine from the Northeast Tri-County Health District to KFMS to provide vaping education to our students.
Tammy’s presentation focused on helping students understand:
• How nicotine addiction occurs in the brain
• The high levels of nicotine found in vapes
• Youth testimonies about how quickly addiction can happen
• The chemicals found in vapor aerosol
• Free quitting resources available to students
A big thank you to Tammy Maine and Mr. Flugel for coordinating this opportunity! 💙💛
🎉 New Quarter, New Choices at KFMS! 🎉
Our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are diving into brand-new Opps Elective courses for 3rd quarter—and they’re loving the variety! 🙌 Students get to choose an elective that matches their interests and try something new each quarter.
🧠🎨🏀 This quarter’s Opps Elective options include:
• Algebra
• Board Games
• Greek Mythology
• Beaded Projects
• Art Time
• Gym Games
• STEM Discovery Studio
📅 Opps Electives meet for 30 minutes, three times a week, and students rotate to a new class every quarter—giving them multiple opportunities throughout the year to explore, create, and grow.
We love seeing students engaged, curious, and excited about learning in new ways! 💙💛
Our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are diving into brand-new Opps Elective courses for 3rd quarter—and they’re loving the variety! 🙌 Students get to choose an elective that matches their interests and try something new each quarter.
🧠🎨🏀 This quarter’s Opps Elective options include:
• Algebra
• Board Games
• Greek Mythology
• Beaded Projects
• Art Time
• Gym Games
• STEM Discovery Studio
📅 Opps Electives meet for 30 minutes, three times a week, and students rotate to a new class every quarter—giving them multiple opportunities throughout the year to explore, create, and grow.
We love seeing students engaged, curious, and excited about learning in new ways! 💙💛
🏀💙 KFMS Boys’ Basketball is in full swing! 💙🏀
Our Bulldogs are having a great season competing against local teams! This year we have three teams and 30 boys participating—so many that we rotate players to make sure everyone gets valuable playing time. 👏🙌 The season runs through the end of February, and the boys are having a blast on the court.
Come out and cheer them on—your support means a lot! 📣🐾
Go Bulldogs! 💛💙
Our Bulldogs are having a great season competing against local teams! This year we have three teams and 30 boys participating—so many that we rotate players to make sure everyone gets valuable playing time. 👏🙌 The season runs through the end of February, and the boys are having a blast on the court.
Come out and cheer them on—your support means a lot! 📣🐾
Go Bulldogs! 💛💙
🎉🍩 Way to Go, Mrs. Benner’s Advisory! 🍩🎉
Mrs. Benner’s Advisory Class knocked it out of the park during our Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive, bringing in an incredible 294 pounds of food out of the 897 pounds donated to the KF Community Chest! 💙👏 To celebrate their generosity and teamwork, students earned donuts and a free advisory day in the gym—well deserved!
A huge thank-you to the bakery at Harvest Foods for the beautifully kid-decorated donuts that made the celebration extra sweet 🍩✨ We’re proud of our Bulldogs for serving our community! 🐾💙
Mrs. Benner’s Advisory Class knocked it out of the park during our Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive, bringing in an incredible 294 pounds of food out of the 897 pounds donated to the KF Community Chest! 💙👏 To celebrate their generosity and teamwork, students earned donuts and a free advisory day in the gym—well deserved!
A huge thank-you to the bakery at Harvest Foods for the beautifully kid-decorated donuts that made the celebration extra sweet 🍩✨ We’re proud of our Bulldogs for serving our community! 🐾💙
💙💛 School Counselor Appreciation Week 💛💙
Please help us celebrate and thank Makayla Thompson! Makayla joined KFMS three years ago after serving as an elementary teacher at KFES, and she has made a huge impact ever since. From supporting students to encouraging staff, Makayla brings care, compassion, and calm to our building every day. We are so grateful for her continued service and the difference she makes for both kids and adults at KFMS. Thank you, Makayla! 💙🐾✨
Please help us celebrate and thank Makayla Thompson! Makayla joined KFMS three years ago after serving as an elementary teacher at KFES, and she has made a huge impact ever since. From supporting students to encouraging staff, Makayla brings care, compassion, and calm to our building every day. We are so grateful for her continued service and the difference she makes for both kids and adults at KFMS. Thank you, Makayla! 💙🐾✨
🧪❄️ Science at KFMS! ❄️🧪
Our 5th and 6th grade students just completed OpenSciEd Unit 6.2 – Thermal Energy! Students explored why some cups keep drinks colder longer by investigating energy transfer, particle motion, and insulation through hands-on labs and design challenges.
To wrap up the unit (and put learning into action), students celebrated by making homemade ice cream 🍦—a fun and tasty way to apply their understanding of thermal energy. Great work, scientists! 👏🔬
Our 5th and 6th grade students just completed OpenSciEd Unit 6.2 – Thermal Energy! Students explored why some cups keep drinks colder longer by investigating energy transfer, particle motion, and insulation through hands-on labs and design challenges.
To wrap up the unit (and put learning into action), students celebrated by making homemade ice cream 🍦—a fun and tasty way to apply their understanding of thermal energy. Great work, scientists! 👏🔬
💙🧡 Day of Service – Martin Luther King, Jr. Food Drive 🧡💙
In honor of the Day of Service for Martin Luther King, Jr., our KFMS students stepped up to serve others in a powerful way! Students completed a service project for someone in their life and asked to be “paid” in food donations. Those donations were collected through Advisory classes and will be donated to the KF Community Chest to support families in our community.
The results were incredible! 💪 Our students collected a total of 897 pounds of food! 🎉 The winning advisory was Mrs. Benner’s 7th grade class, bringing in an amazing 294 pounds and earning donuts 🍩 and a free advisory class in the gym 🏀. This project perfectly aligns with our KFMS goal of service in our community, and we are so proud of our students for living out that value in such a meaningful way. 💙👏
In honor of the Day of Service for Martin Luther King, Jr., our KFMS students stepped up to serve others in a powerful way! Students completed a service project for someone in their life and asked to be “paid” in food donations. Those donations were collected through Advisory classes and will be donated to the KF Community Chest to support families in our community.
The results were incredible! 💪 Our students collected a total of 897 pounds of food! 🎉 The winning advisory was Mrs. Benner’s 7th grade class, bringing in an amazing 294 pounds and earning donuts 🍩 and a free advisory class in the gym 🏀. This project perfectly aligns with our KFMS goal of service in our community, and we are so proud of our students for living out that value in such a meaningful way. 💙👏
💙 8th Grade Advisory in Action!
This week, our 8th grade students are diving into an Advisory lesson focused on emotions and how we react to them. Through discussion and reflection, students explored ways to recognize their feelings and practice strategies to manage them in healthy, productive ways.
Each week also includes a Dare of the Week, and this week’s dare is 3 + 1. Students are encouraged to share three things they need to accomplish this week—and one thing they can ask for help with. The Character Strong Dares take what students learn in Advisory and put it into action in real life.
As one advisor shared, “If one person does it, our community is better… if 30 do it, then it’s 30 times better.” 💛🐾
This week, our 8th grade students are diving into an Advisory lesson focused on emotions and how we react to them. Through discussion and reflection, students explored ways to recognize their feelings and practice strategies to manage them in healthy, productive ways.
Each week also includes a Dare of the Week, and this week’s dare is 3 + 1. Students are encouraged to share three things they need to accomplish this week—and one thing they can ask for help with. The Character Strong Dares take what students learn in Advisory and put it into action in real life.
As one advisor shared, “If one person does it, our community is better… if 30 do it, then it’s 30 times better.” 💛🐾
📚✨ This month, KFSD teachers came together in district content teams to align curriculum, share ideas, and learn from one another!
Teams met across ELA/Social Studies, Math, Science, Special Education, Specials, and Counselors/Behavior. These groups brought together educators who don’t always work side-by-side, creating meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives across our buildings.
This collaboration strengthens our district as one united team and directly supports student growth in every area. When our teachers learn together, our students benefit—every day! 💙🐾
Teams met across ELA/Social Studies, Math, Science, Special Education, Specials, and Counselors/Behavior. These groups brought together educators who don’t always work side-by-side, creating meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives across our buildings.
This collaboration strengthens our district as one united team and directly supports student growth in every area. When our teachers learn together, our students benefit—every day! 💙🐾
💙💛 Board Appreciation Month – Thank You KFSD School Board! 💛💙
February is Board Appreciation Month, and KFSD is honored to be supported by four incredible board members: Norm Gaston, Michelle Thomas, Chip Johnson, and Brett McKern. Your leadership, dedication, and service make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community.
At KFMS, students took time this month to complete their “Specific Support” Character Dare by creating heartfelt thank-you cards for our board members—recognizing the important role you play in supporting our school. It was a powerful reminder that your work is seen and appreciated, even by our youngest Bulldogs. 🐾
Thank you for all you do for KFSD!
February is Board Appreciation Month, and KFSD is honored to be supported by four incredible board members: Norm Gaston, Michelle Thomas, Chip Johnson, and Brett McKern. Your leadership, dedication, and service make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community.
At KFMS, students took time this month to complete their “Specific Support” Character Dare by creating heartfelt thank-you cards for our board members—recognizing the important role you play in supporting our school. It was a powerful reminder that your work is seen and appreciated, even by our youngest Bulldogs. 🐾
Thank you for all you do for KFSD!
🏋️♂️🏀 PE with Choice at KFMS! 🏀🏋️♀️
Our 7th and 8th grade students get to choose their PE path with two Fitness options: Weight Class or Gym Games! Both classes focus on building healthy habits, but students can pick what fits them best—whether that’s lifting and building muscle 💪 or staying active through fast-paced games and cardio 🏃♀️⚽.
Mr. Flugel loves the variety, and so do the students! These options give everyone a chance to grow stronger, stay active, and find a fitness style they enjoy. 💙💛
Our 7th and 8th grade students get to choose their PE path with two Fitness options: Weight Class or Gym Games! Both classes focus on building healthy habits, but students can pick what fits them best—whether that’s lifting and building muscle 💪 or staying active through fast-paced games and cardio 🏃♀️⚽.
Mr. Flugel loves the variety, and so do the students! These options give everyone a chance to grow stronger, stay active, and find a fitness style they enjoy. 💙💛
🤝💙 KFMS Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 💙🤝
Each year, our students honor Dr. King’s legacy by turning a day off into a day on for others. Students are encouraged to complete an act of service for someone in their community and ask to be “paid” in food. Those donations are then brought to school for our annual Food Drive Competition! 🥫
Advisory classes will compete for the highest total weight of food collected, with the competition running through Friday, January 30. Together, our Bulldogs are showing that service, kindness, and community are powerful ways to make a difference. 💛💙
Each year, our students honor Dr. King’s legacy by turning a day off into a day on for others. Students are encouraged to complete an act of service for someone in their community and ask to be “paid” in food. Those donations are then brought to school for our annual Food Drive Competition! 🥫
Advisory classes will compete for the highest total weight of food collected, with the competition running through Friday, January 30. Together, our Bulldogs are showing that service, kindness, and community are powerful ways to make a difference. 💛💙
🏈🔥 NFL Playoff Spirit at KFMS! 🔥🏈
With a full weekend of NFL Playoff games ahead, staff and students showed their team pride by wearing their favorite NFL gear! Jerseys, hats, and colors filled the halls as fans geared up for a weekend where the stakes are high and every play counts.
Who are you cheering for? 👀🏆 Who do you want to see in the Super Bowl?
With a full weekend of NFL Playoff games ahead, staff and students showed their team pride by wearing their favorite NFL gear! Jerseys, hats, and colors filled the halls as fans geared up for a weekend where the stakes are high and every play counts.
Who are you cheering for? 👀🏆 Who do you want to see in the Super Bowl?
💙 5th Grade Character Strong – Empathy in Action 💙
This month, our 5th grade students are focusing on Empathy through their Character Strong lessons. Students began by reflecting on how they respond to the feelings of others and how their words and actions can make an impact.
Throughout the month, lessons will encourage students to observe the emotions of those around them, consider different perspectives, and think about how empathy helps build a positive and caring school culture. 🌱🤝
We’re proud of our 5th graders for doing the important work of growing not just as learners, but as kind and compassionate people. 💛🐾
This month, our 5th grade students are focusing on Empathy through their Character Strong lessons. Students began by reflecting on how they respond to the feelings of others and how their words and actions can make an impact.
Throughout the month, lessons will encourage students to observe the emotions of those around them, consider different perspectives, and think about how empathy helps build a positive and caring school culture. 🌱🤝
We’re proud of our 5th graders for doing the important work of growing not just as learners, but as kind and compassionate people. 💛🐾
🎄❄️❄️❄️ Ending 2025 the KFMS Way! ❄️❄️❄️🎄
The last hour of the 2025 school day was filled with fun as students enjoyed teacher-led activities throughout the building! Choices included 🏀 basketball, 🎮 Mario Kart, 🎯 Bingo, ✍️ Christmas cards & drawing, 🎨 holiday crafts, 🃏 card games, 📱 iPad math games (Booklet), 🎬 Home Alone, ❄️ 3-D snowflakes, and ⏱️ Minute to Win It games.
It was the perfect way for students and staff to spend time together, laugh, and build connections while creating special holiday memories. ❄️✨💙💛🐾
The last hour of the 2025 school day was filled with fun as students enjoyed teacher-led activities throughout the building! Choices included 🏀 basketball, 🎮 Mario Kart, 🎯 Bingo, ✍️ Christmas cards & drawing, 🎨 holiday crafts, 🃏 card games, 📱 iPad math games (Booklet), 🎬 Home Alone, ❄️ 3-D snowflakes, and ⏱️ Minute to Win It games.
It was the perfect way for students and staff to spend time together, laugh, and build connections while creating special holiday memories. ❄️✨💙💛🐾
🎉📣 Ending 2025 with Bulldog Spirit! 📣🎉
On the last day of school in 2025, KFMS students and staff came together for a fun-filled assembly full of energy and laughter! The KFHS Cheerleaders, under the direction of Coach Jamie Johnson, taught our students some spirited cheers that had everyone clapping and smiling. 💙💛
The fun continued with relay races for staff, giving students the chance to cheer us on—and enjoy a few adult mistakes and losses along the way! 😂🏃♂️ It was the perfect way to celebrate together, build community, and head into break with smiles all around. 🐾✨
On the last day of school in 2025, KFMS students and staff came together for a fun-filled assembly full of energy and laughter! The KFHS Cheerleaders, under the direction of Coach Jamie Johnson, taught our students some spirited cheers that had everyone clapping and smiling. 💙💛
The fun continued with relay races for staff, giving students the chance to cheer us on—and enjoy a few adult mistakes and losses along the way! 😂🏃♂️ It was the perfect way to celebrate together, build community, and head into break with smiles all around. 🐾✨
🎄📚 A Special Holiday Tradition at KFMS 📚🎄
This December, our 8th grade students poured their creativity and kindness into writing and illustrating Christmas children’s books. Working in pairs, students thoughtfully planned their stories, brought characters to life through illustrations, and reflected on their work using a rubric to guide improvement and pride in craftsmanship. ✏️🎨
Just before Christmas break, the magic truly came alive as our 8th graders shared their finished books by reading them aloud to our TTK students. The smiles, laughter, and wide-eyed excitement in the room were unforgettable. 💕✨
Moments like these—where learning, creativity, and connection come together—are what make KFMS such a special place. We are so proud of our students and the joy they spread this season! 💙💛🐾
This December, our 8th grade students poured their creativity and kindness into writing and illustrating Christmas children’s books. Working in pairs, students thoughtfully planned their stories, brought characters to life through illustrations, and reflected on their work using a rubric to guide improvement and pride in craftsmanship. ✏️🎨
Just before Christmas break, the magic truly came alive as our 8th graders shared their finished books by reading them aloud to our TTK students. The smiles, laughter, and wide-eyed excitement in the room were unforgettable. 💕✨
Moments like these—where learning, creativity, and connection come together—are what make KFMS such a special place. We are so proud of our students and the joy they spread this season! 💙💛🐾
