As we step into these final few months of school, I am thrilled to officially introduce our school’s guiding motto: "Grit Conquers." In the unique world of homeschooling, we know that education isn't just about checking off curriculum boxes; it is about building the character and resilience our students need for a lifetime of learning. "Grit" is defined by Angela Duckworth as "sticking with your future, day in and day out,not for the week, not for the month, but for years, and working very hard to make that future a reality." This is a quote that hangs in my office. It is a reminder to me to keep moving forward and to stay committed to making progress, no matter how small, toward our goals. It is a reminder to me to model the mental toughness to keep showing up for our staff, students, and families even when the daily "grind" feels uphill.

I am asking you to join me by adopting "Grit Conquers" as our community mantra. In doing this together, we are teaching our children that perseverance is the ultimate equalizer. While talent provides the start, it is grit and determination that gets us across the finish line. We want our students to understand that challenges and difficulties aren't obstacles—they are opportunities to be outlasted and overcome. As we continue to partner together, let’s encourage our kids to embrace the challenge, knowing that through their unyielding effort, they have already found the most reliable path to victory.

The "Hard Thing" Monthly Challenge

This month, we invite every family to adopt the "Hard Thing Rule". The goal isn't just to do something difficult, but to practice the specific type of persistence our motto demands.

Pick One "Hard Thing": Each student (and even parents!) chooses one activity that requires regular practice—whether it’s a difficult math concept, a new instrument, or a physical skill.

The Commitment: You cannot quit until a natural breaking point, such as the end of the month or the completion of a specific project.

Find "The Hard Part": When students feel like giving up, instead of stepping in to fix it, ask them: "What exactly is the hard part?". Helping them identify and break down the specific obstacle is how they learn that grit truly conquers.

Grit & Perseverance Reading List

To help our students see "Grit Conquers" in action, here are a few recommended stories for different age groups:

For Elementary Students (Ages 4-10)

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires: A charming story about a girl who fails repeatedly while trying to build something "magnificent," teaching that frustration is just part of the process.

Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan: An inspiring look at Michael Jordan’s childhood, focusing on the patience and hard work it took to reach his dreams.

After the Fall by Dan Santat: A follow-up to Humpty Dumpty that beautifully illustrates the courage it takes to get back up after a setback.

For Middle Grade & Young Adult (Ages 11+)

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Young Readers Edition) by Angela Duckworth: A non-fiction guide specifically adapted for students to understand the science behind achievement and why persistence matters more than talent.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park: Based on a true story, this novel follows the incredible journey of two children in Sudan who overcome immense physical and emotional hardships.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba: The remarkable true story of a young boy in Malawi who used scrap materials and pure determination to build a windmill for his village.

Go Owls!

Warm Regards,

Jabez Harlan

Principal, EVPP

As we move into the season of spring, there’s a noticeable shift in energy around EVPP. Longer days, brighter weather, and the anticipation of spring break bring a sense of renewal and excitement for students and staff alike. Spring is a wonderful time to pause, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the upcoming break to rest, get outside, and return refreshed for the final stretch of the school year.

With that said, spring is also an important time for planning ahead. Course selection and future planning are in full swing, and I’m here to support students and families through that process. Students entering or already in high school, along with their parents/guardians, are welcome to connect with me to discuss class options and map out a plan for next year.

Additionally, students interested in Running Start or the two Skills Centers (SVT and NewTech) are encouraged to come meet with me to learn more about the programs, expectations, and application processes. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision.

Please feel free to reach out or stop by to schedule a time—we can make a plan that supports your goals and sets you up for success. My direct phone number is 509-241-5432 and my email is lakinmh@evsd.org.

Wishing everyone a joyful, restful spring break! 🌷

Mary-Hope Lakin, Counselor

 

Spring Events Are Coming Up! We are excited for our upcoming Exhibition of Learning on April 30th, it’s going to be a wonderful way to celebrate our students and their growth this year. Also coming up is our End‑of‑Year Dance.

Final Spirit Week Mark your calendars for April 28th, 29th, and 30th. Spirit Week themes will be announced when we return from Spring Break.

Student Leadership Spotlight A big shout‑out to our ASB/Leadership students who represented our school during the Superintendent interviews. They did an outstanding job representing our school and made us incredibly proud.

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The EVPP and EVOL Health Clinics kindly ask that you please send your child to school each day with a water bottle. While we do have a water fountain available, we have been receiving a high number of requests for individual water bottles, which we are no longer able to provide.

Having a water bottle at school helps keep students hydrated and supports their overall well‑being throughout the day.

Thank you for your support and cooperation!

🌷 Spring Has Sprung! 🌷
As you begin your spring cleaning, we invite you to consider donating to our EVPP & EVOL Clothing Closet located in the Health Room.

Students are welcome to shop the closet —whether they need clothing items or simply want to find something new to add to their wardrobe. Our goal is to ensure all students have access to comfortable, weather‑appropriate clothing.

We are currently accepting donations that are:

New or gently used

Clean

Free of pet hair

Smoke-free

Items most needed this spring:

Rain and lightweight spring jackets

Crew socks (unisex, sizes Medium–Large)

Sweatpants (unisex, adult sizes Small–XL)

Your generosity helps support our students and keeps our closet stocked with items they love and feel confident wearing. Thank you for considering a donation!

Sincerely,
EVPP & EVOL Health Clinic Staff

Congratulations to our Principal for a Day winner, Elsie B.! We can't wait to see your admin skills!

Spring is in the air with lots of opportunity to meet-up with your fellow owls! 

Our Spring Book Fair is right around the corner! Too excited to wait? You can preview the books available, have your child create a wish list, or load their e-wallet online at 

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/eastvalleyparentpartnership

Shopping in person is April 14-24 and online will be April 15-28. 

We will have a special family Book Bingo event on April 17th 1-3 PM. Join us for bingo, drawings for some cool prizes,  and/or quiet reading! 

We still need parent volunteers to help set up, run and pack up! 

It’s that time of year again to PLAY BALL! We have secured a unique opportunity for EVPP families to purchase very discounted tickets for the following Seattle Mariners games: May 16th, July 18th, and September 6th! Tickets are priced at either $15/$23. For all the fun mentioned above, please see the flyers that have been emailed to you and are also available on our hallway board. An email will be sent out shortly for sign ups to volunteer  for the book fair, or you can leave your information with Amanda Wick and she will get you in contact with our PTO Board. Thank you to our families who make this school amazing! Through each of these fun gatherings we work together toward the dream of our school having a playground while also supporting our students and teachers!  

Jen Price

President

EVPP PTO 

 

Adeline Alexander, Alex Hagedorn, Alivia Lewis, Alla Kozhevnikov, Amelia Clark, Blake Madrill, Bruin Erickson, Ricard Toles, Canaan Cuthbert, Carly Todhunter, Cayden Vandyke, Charlie Hagedorn, Claire Nowels, Coralline Anderson, Damian Sisto, Daris Bissonette, Derek Brady, Dominik Weston, Eli Medaris, Elias Stoltz, Ella Kudrya, Emma Garza, Emmit Benson, Erik Lemeshkin, Evalina Gustafson, Evelyn Kraemer, Ezra Kerbs, Ezra Stoltz, Grace Taylor, Grayson Sizemore, Greyson Garner, Harrison Hogue, Ite Collier, Jake Groff, Jerry Sisto, Jessica McDonnell, Jordan Faraon, Joshua Aubertin, Kristyn Anderson, Lainey Depiro, Laquoia Depiro, Leela Anderson, Leo Sheppard, Levi Yorton, Logan Hansen, Louis Nowels, Maylee Jurgens, Nathan Maksimenko, Noelle Shevchenko,Owen Sheppard, Pepper Weigum, Remington Tilton, Ruth Kozhevnikov, Rylan Murphy-Reeves, Skyler Farris, Tevye Cooley, Tommy Dow, Trinity Craig, Vivian Ford, Wendy Haney.