K-3rd grade classes visited the Beal Pumpkin Patch
Elementary
Students pick blueberries at a local farm (Kings Valley Gardens) that they will turn into smoothies and muffins in their classes!
Congratulations for a job well done! Reserve Champion at the Benton County and Oregon State Fair, 4-H Wildlife Stewards: Microinvertebrates
Congratulations! Grand Champion at the Benton County and Oregon State Fair, 2019. 4-H Wildlife Stewards: Marine Science- Sharks and Lamprey
At the monthly "Morning Meeting" students perform for the whole school, practicing their ability to present to a larger audience and sharing their talents and skills.
Student Rainforest Projects decorate the hallway outside the grade 4/5 classroom- The class read "The Great Kapok Tree," then made their own rainforest models and wrote stories about them.
Students participate in Project Day classes led by staff and volunteers: sewing, flag making, chess, wilderness skills, games, cross stitch. Sign up to lead or help next month!
Walking down the driveway at Bellweather Wool Company. Lois's farm has lots to discover!
World Peace Games in Ms. Zaback's class
Applying economic principles (advertising, marketing, supply & demand), as well as creativity at making products at the Economics Fair! Grades 3-5 sell their products to grades K-2 (who apply their counting and money skills)
Felted Wool Art made by grades 4/5 and Mrs. Lois (with the donation of wool from her sheep)
Students learned to paint landscapes with oils in Mrs. Kohanek's class.
Mr. Ellingson and students observe salmon eggs being monitored by Ms. Zaback's class. When the eggs mature, they will be released by students into a local stream.
Students playing soccer during PE on a beautiful day in Kings Valley!
Our Classrooms
Grades K-1
Teacher - Maxine Hanson
Mrs. Hanson earned a Bachelor's of Science in Education from Western Oregon University, has 30+ hours of post-graduate work, has taught early education in rural schools since 1991, and likes to read, hike, fish, and spend time with family when not at school.
Instructional Assistant - Poppy Mitchell
Grades 1-2
Teacher - Jannet Kohanek
Mrs. Kohanek has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Graduate Teacher's License from Corban College, taught at KVCS for 4 years, worked in schools for 11 years, been a foster parent to more than 70 children, and worked as a therapeutic care provider for children with emotional and behavioral disturbances. "I am passionate about teaching well. Helping students discover their hidden potential is one of the most meaningful things a person can do and I get paid to do it. I am truly fortunate! In my spare time, I enjoy running with my daughter's wolf dogs, hiking with my nephew to such places as the summit of South Sister, going to garage sales with my husband, and gardening in my backyard as my Pomeranian looks on."
Instructional Assistant - Nancy LaMunyon
Grades 2-3
Teacher - Kevin Lepley
Mr. Lepley has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human and Consumer Sciences from Ohio University, a Master's Degree in Teaching from EOU, and has worked in Elementary classrooms in the Albany and Central School Districts. "I believe mistakes are opportunities to learn. I make deliberate efforts to encourage kids to take risks in the pursuit of their education while providing a supportive environment to help them back up if they fall."
Instructional Assistant - Elke Wiethorn
Grades 3-4
Teacher - Athena Lodge
Mrs. Lodge earned her Master's Degree in teaching from George Fox University. From there, she spent a few years as a substitute teacher around the Corvallis area. She joined Kings Valley in 2010. Mrs. Lodge also has her Reading Endorsement and has attended specialized dyslexia trainings to offer support to teachers, parents, and students.
In her time outside of school, she loves to spend time with her family, read, play soccer, hike, and ride bikes.
Mrs. Lodge is also the Head Teacher for the Elementary Grades
Grades 4-5
Teacher - Stacey Zaback
Ms. Zaback earned a Master's Degree in Education from Montana State University.
"This is my 6th year at KVCS. Previously, I taught for three years at the Good Samaritan School in Corvallis as a fourth and fifth grade teacher. I have many years of volunteering in my children's classrooms, volunteering with "Chefs in the Classroom" for 3 years, and as a mentor for Lego Robotics for 3 years. I really enjoy partnering with other agencies to provide students with authentic, place and project-based learning."
Stacey also teaches Art to our Middle and High School students.
Elementary Programs
Gardening
Teacher: Lua Siegel
Kings Valley Community Garden Facebook Page!
Congratulations to Ms. Siegel and our gardening program, which was awarded a grant for fencing from the
Philomath Community Foundation
and was featured in their June Annual Report!
Read about it here.
Music
Teacher: Grant Choitz
Mr. C earned a Bachelor's degree in Music from Oregon State University in June 2019.
"I'm a musician primarily specializing in percussion with some choral experience, I enjoy music in film and other art mediums. I like to bring humor into education, to promote energy in my students, and most importantly: to create a long-lasting love of music learning for all."
Physical Education
Chinese
Teacher: Michael Chung
Mr. Chung grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, came to Oregon in 2012, has worked/volunteered in the Central School District and KVCS, is a Chinese Interpreter, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Education from WOU.
Students celebrated the Moon Festival in Chinese class by making lanterns and eating moon cakes.
Project Day
Project Days are monthly and are led by parents, community members, and staff. They are a great way for students to learn a new skill or make a craft. We are always looking for people to help lead or assist with a project day, so contact Michael Chung if you are interested! All volunteers must have a background check on file.
