Middle school students at Hood Canal School have achieved remarkable success, surpassing state averages in four out of five Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) categories and outperforming nearly all neighboring districts. This milestone reflects the dedication of Hood Canal’s middle school team to fostering relationships, building student confidence, and guiding them toward their full potential.
In this year’s assessments, seventh and eighth graders exceeded the state average in English/language arts for both grades, as well as in seventh-grade math and eighth-grade science. Additionally, half of this year’s eighth graders are enrolled in Algebra I, a new high school credit-bearing course at the school, marking a significant step forward.
“Our middle school team goes above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with each student,” said Superintendent Dr. Lance Gibbon. “They see the kids as individuals with unique talents and potential, focusing on helping them see themselves as capable and building confidence.”
Dedicated Teachers and a Strong Sense of Community
Hood Canal’s middle school team of four teachers works with the same group of students over a two-year period, establishing a foundation of trust and understanding each student’s learning style. Beyond academics, teachers Heather Akiyama (science), Toby Syrett (social studies), Jessie Sage (English/language arts), and Dr. Suzanne Close (math) lead after-school clubs and enrichment programs that promote social and leadership skills. BOOTS and BYRDS outdoor education groups, along with Yearbook, Dungeons & Dragons, Robotics, and Service Clubs, provide hands-on experiences that create confidence and a sense of belonging.
“Activities give students a chance to explore their interests in a supportive environment,” said English/language arts teacher Jessie Sage. “They connect, discover their strengths, and find out what’s possible.”
Science teacher Heather Akiyama emphasized the team’s collaborative spirit: “We meet students where they are, working together to lift them up. It's all about challenging each other and collaborating to meet individual needs.” Social studies teacher Toby Syrett added, “We build on students’ strengths, fill in gaps, and ensure they’re ready for both school and life.”
A Whole-School Success Story
As students complete seventh and eighth grade, they are wrapping up their journey at Hood Canal, where countless staff members invested in them along the way. This accomplishment is celebrated by the entire school community as a testament to the commitment of teachers, support staff, and administrators who have guided these students from their earliest years.
A Focus on High School Readiness
With eighth graders preparing to transition to high school within the Shelton School District, the middle school team emphasizes readiness as a core goal. “We’re here to set our students up for success in high school and beyond,” Dr. Gibbon said. “The skills they’re gaining here—both academically and personally—are tools they’ll carry forward.”
Teachers have also instilled a strong sense of purpose in students around the importance of giving their best effort on state assessments. “We realized that motivation is key—if students don’t see the value in doing well, they won’t put in the effort,” said Dr. Suzanne Close. “We help them see that they can do it and that their hard work matters.”
Improving Attendance and Academic Consistency
The school’s success in reducing chronic absenteeism by half has further boosted achievement. “When students attend regularly, they have greater opportunities to engage, learn, and grow,” remarked Principal Steven Torres. Notably, middle school students achieved the highest attendance rates in the school.
This year’s results reflect Hood Canal’s commitment to a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. The staff and school community are proud of their students’ accomplishments and look forward to supporting their future success.
Links: EIN Newswires, Associated Press, Worldwide Education Network, Education News Today