5th Graders In Kelso Ride Into Summer With Surprise Graduation Gift: A Brand-New Bike! -06/25/25

What started as a typical 5th grade graduation ceremony at Wallace Elementary turned into a moment of pure joy and surprise for 62 students and their families, who were expecting a single bike giveaway as part of the celebration. Instead, to the delight of all, they learned every 5th grader would be receiving a new bike, helmet, lock, and light to take home—a gift they’ll never forget.

 

The bikes were part of the Let’s Go bicycle safety and education program, which students participated in during PE class earlier this year. The program is funded by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as part of the Move Ahead Washington transportation package and is administered statewide by the Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) in partnership with the AESD Network.

 

At the graduation event, staff from ESD 112, who lead the program in Southwest Washington, were on-site to personally adjust each bike to fit the students. One adaptive bicycle was even provided for a student with a physical disability, ensuring no student was left out of the experience.

 

"In my 30 years in education, I’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of incredible moments—but this day stands out as one of the most memorable," said Wallace Principal Ray Cattin. "The look on the student’s—and their families—faces when they realized every single one of them was getting a bike…that’s a moment I’ll never forget."

 

Through programs like Let’s Go, students don’t just learn how to ride safely—they gain confidence, independence, and a sense of adventure that can carry them far beyond the classroom.

 

Video (full video upon request) and photos available.

 

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

Kelso High School’s Seniors Experiencing Homelessness Achieve 100 Percent Graduation— Again (Photo) -06/16/25

Overcoming the odds, all 20 Kelso High School seniors currently experiencing homelessness (students who qualify under McKinney-Vento) graduated with their peers on Saturday, June 7.  Together, they earned an average GPA of 2.80 and reported a collective $21,750 in scholarships. Two of the 20 seniors graduated with honor cords, and all 20 have post-graduation plans of college, military, trade school, or an internship.

 

This is the second year in a row (and third time ever) Kelso School District has a 100% graduation rate for students experiencing homelessness in their senior year.*

 

The grad rates of 2025 (and 2024) Kelso High School (KHS) seniors experiencing homelessness outpaces the 2024 grad rates of Washington State McKinney-Vento students at 61.9%, all WA students at 82.8%, and all Kelso School District students at 91.4%.

 

This amazing group has persevered through challenges children shouldn’t have to. Some examples include:

• One unaccompanied youth worked full-time while maintaining an A average and taking advanced courses. This student is going to a four-year college in the fall.
• One unaccompanied youth worked at two jobs for over 50 hours a week into early morning hours to support two siblings while couch surfing. This student is going to a four-year college in the fall.
• One unaccompanied youth experiencing the loss of all family and bouncing from place to place will be going into the military to serve our country while making a life for themselves.

 

The district credits this outstanding achievement to the entire staff supporting the district-wide goal of 100% graduation and the focused work of the Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC) team. Founded in the fall of 2021, Kelso’s FCRC works to assist the whole child and whole family with a unified system of supports addressing overall health and well-being through three key areas: behavioral health, physical health, and basic needs.

 

One of the keys to success of the FCRC team’s efforts is the strong network of supports they build and maintain in the surrounding community. That network includes private organizations, public agencies, individual donors, community members, and former and current district staff.

 

“We could not do this by ourselves,” said Nancy Baldwin, Youth & Family Support Specialist and McKinney-Vento/Unaccompanied Youth/Foster Care Liaison. “It does take a village, and we have a great village. So many people who care as much as we do about these kids and refuse to let circumstances define outcomes.”

 

Kelso’s 2025 FCRC by the numbers:

• 412 McKinney-Vento youth served (20 of which are seniors)
• 51 unaccompanied youth
• 34 youth in foster care
• Directly coordinated housing for 24 families resulting in 68 youth staying in Kelso schools
• Provided over 10,000 lbs of food for Kelso youth and their families
• Assisted 2 parents with getting jobs in the Kelso School District

 

“Our goal is for every student to graduate ready for their next step, and this achievement exemplifies what’s possible when we rally around that goal with focus and dedication,” said Mary Beth Tack, Kelso School District Superintendent. “These students faced extraordinary challenges and still crossed the finish line — with purpose, pride, and plans for the future. It’s a testament to their grit and the unwavering commitment of our staff and community.”

 

*OSPI data for “homeless” graduates includes all students who have ever experienced homelessness even if they are currently housed, making their data appear differently.

 

 

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.  When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).