Quick reminder as we wrap up our first full week of school! 🚌
Welcome Back, Panthers! 🐾💙
Welcome back, Southwood Panthers! 🎉 We’re so excited to see our students, families, and staff back together for a brand-new school year.
The halls are filled with smiles, new beginnings, and Panther pride! Here’s to a year full of learning, friendship, growth, and unforgettable memories.
Happy First Day of School, Southwood Panthers! Let’s make it a great one! 🐾📚✨
Welcome back, Southwood Panthers! 🎉 We’re so excited to see our students, families, and staff back together for a brand-new school year.
The halls are filled with smiles, new beginnings, and Panther pride! Here’s to a year full of learning, friendship, growth, and unforgettable memories.
Happy First Day of School, Southwood Panthers! Let’s make it a great one! 🐾📚✨




As we wrap up another school year, we want to say how proud we are of each and every one of our students. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow and learn this school year! We hope your summer is full of fun and that you make lots of great memories! We'll miss you and can't wait to see you again next year!
We've been having a busy few days here at Southwood!
The final Panther Buck purchase of the year was a favorite last Friday. Mr. Bwanika's class cashed in their Panther Bucks for a "Dress Up Mr. Means Day!" They made sure our Husky-loving principal spent the day proudly sporting Cougar gear!
Our annual Fun Run on Friday was a success, and our students showed determination as they completed the course. One of the most memorable parts of the event was watching students come together and run with one of their fellow Panthers. Their kindness and encouragement helped make the day extra special and showed what a caring school community we have.
And Field Day today was the perfect way to keep the fun going! Thank you to our students, staff, volunteers, and families for helping make these events so memorable.
One more wake-up, Panthers! You've got this!
The final Panther Buck purchase of the year was a favorite last Friday. Mr. Bwanika's class cashed in their Panther Bucks for a "Dress Up Mr. Means Day!" They made sure our Husky-loving principal spent the day proudly sporting Cougar gear!
Our annual Fun Run on Friday was a success, and our students showed determination as they completed the course. One of the most memorable parts of the event was watching students come together and run with one of their fellow Panthers. Their kindness and encouragement helped make the day extra special and showed what a caring school community we have.
And Field Day today was the perfect way to keep the fun going! Thank you to our students, staff, volunteers, and families for helping make these events so memorable.
One more wake-up, Panthers! You've got this!
Mrs. Markquart’s class got some special visitors today! Members of the Bonney Lake-Sumner School Board, whom she serves alongside, stopped by as part of their Strong Minds, Kind Hearts campaign. Since Erin is usually busy during the day teaching our ESD kids, they decided to bring the fun to her. What a fun surprise and a great way to celebrate all she does for students in both districts—big elephants taking care of little elephants!!
Ms. Snyder's class took a turn to dress up Mr. Means today!
Yesterday, we had the joy of welcoming back some of our graduating seniors for the annual "Make 'Em Weep" Day. Seeing them walk our halls and reconnect with their elementary teachers was a special reminder of how much they've accomplished.
Adding a little extra fun to the day, Mr. Means was sporting bunny ears after a student used Panther Bucks to earn a "Dress Up Mr. Means" day! The photo of him with our seniors was a sweet reminder of the laughter and fun that made their elementary years so special!
To the Class of 2026, congratulations! We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved and honored to have been a small part of your journey. As you celebrate this milestone tonight, know that your elementary school family is cheering you on!
Adding a little extra fun to the day, Mr. Means was sporting bunny ears after a student used Panther Bucks to earn a "Dress Up Mr. Means" day! The photo of him with our seniors was a sweet reminder of the laughter and fun that made their elementary years so special!
To the Class of 2026, congratulations! We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved and honored to have been a small part of your journey. As you celebrate this milestone tonight, know that your elementary school family is cheering you on!


We had a big week at Southwood last week! Our Safety Patrol students enjoyed their year-end field trip to Peak Gymnastics, we had beautiful weather for some basketball at recess, and our Hero Team celebrated the end of the year with root beer floats.
We also held our final Panther Pride Assembly, where students were recognized for demonstrating this month's skill of creativity. Our PTO hosted Donuts with Grownups on Friday morning and Popcorn Friday during recess, making for a fun end to the week!
There is still plenty of excitement ahead this week as we begin our last full week of school for this school year!
We also held our final Panther Pride Assembly, where students were recognized for demonstrating this month's skill of creativity. Our PTO hosted Donuts with Grownups on Friday morning and Popcorn Friday during recess, making for a fun end to the week!
There is still plenty of excitement ahead this week as we begin our last full week of school for this school year!


A gorgeous make-up day won’t slow Southwood down! Way to make today amazing, Panthers!
Did you know that May is National Get Caught Reading Month? Our Panthers have certainly been rising to the challenge and getting caught reading!
Last week, our amazing Battle of the Books team represented Southwood at the district competition. After months of dedication and reading, they showcased outstanding teamwork and did a phenomenal job in the fast-paced competition!
Then on Friday, our school library reached an exciting milestone by checking out its 10,000th book of the school year!
Way to go, Panthers! Your hard work and love of reading continue to make Southwood shine.
Join us this evening for the first of two community forums with our superintendent finalists!
Each finalist will spend a full day meeting with principals, student leaders, staff, union representatives, and district leaders, as well as touring schools and district facilities. The community is invited and encouraged to attend the finalist public forums:
Dr. Wade Barringer
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Enumclaw High School Media Center
226 Semanski Street South, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Virtual Webinar Link (May 12): https://enumclaw-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/84678903669?pwd=TKoIbYOaZYj1ONYjMlRbHG3oBzdbry.1&_gl=1*uptedp*_gcl_au*MzgzODYwMTcxLjE3NzM4ODEyMzY.*_ga*Njg0MDQ3MjM4LjE3NTE1MDY4Mzk.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NzgwMTUyNDYkbzYkZzEkdDE3NzgwMTc5MTEkajQ1JGwwJGgw
Dr. Mark Wenzel
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Enumclaw High School Media Center
226 Semanski Street South, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Virtual Webinar Link (May 13): https://enumclaw-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/87575168432?pwd=SvFwo1wTuYQ3V3xKp1vEXHQrZ6kAJI.1&DeviceId=0e83ddb5-5e52-47cb-b2a9-2d552e799212&SessionId=1778015235456&DeviceId=0e83ddb5-5e52-47cb-b2a9-2d552e799212&SessionId=1778015235456&_gl=1*1paayw4*_gcl_au*MzgzODYwMTcxLjE3NzM4ODEyMzY.*_ga*Njg0MDQ3MjM4LjE3NTE1MDY4Mzk.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NzgwMTUyNDYkbzYkZzEkdDE3NzgwMTgwMjIkajU2JGwwJGgw
Each finalist will spend a full day meeting with principals, student leaders, staff, union representatives, and district leaders, as well as touring schools and district facilities. The community is invited and encouraged to attend the finalist public forums:
Dr. Wade Barringer
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Enumclaw High School Media Center
226 Semanski Street South, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Virtual Webinar Link (May 12): https://enumclaw-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/84678903669?pwd=TKoIbYOaZYj1ONYjMlRbHG3oBzdbry.1&_gl=1*uptedp*_gcl_au*MzgzODYwMTcxLjE3NzM4ODEyMzY.*_ga*Njg0MDQ3MjM4LjE3NTE1MDY4Mzk.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NzgwMTUyNDYkbzYkZzEkdDE3NzgwMTc5MTEkajQ1JGwwJGgw
Dr. Mark Wenzel
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Enumclaw High School Media Center
226 Semanski Street South, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Virtual Webinar Link (May 13): https://enumclaw-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/87575168432?pwd=SvFwo1wTuYQ3V3xKp1vEXHQrZ6kAJI.1&DeviceId=0e83ddb5-5e52-47cb-b2a9-2d552e799212&SessionId=1778015235456&DeviceId=0e83ddb5-5e52-47cb-b2a9-2d552e799212&SessionId=1778015235456&_gl=1*1paayw4*_gcl_au*MzgzODYwMTcxLjE3NzM4ODEyMzY.*_ga*Njg0MDQ3MjM4LjE3NTE1MDY4Mzk.*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NzgwMTUyNDYkbzYkZzEkdDE3NzgwMTgwMjIkajU2JGwwJGgw

Panther Pride Assembly Takeover!
Last Friday, our HERO Team took over the Panther Pride Assembly and did an amazing job! They led the announcements, announced awards, introduced our new Skill of the Month, and even led a fun game for everyone. We are so proud of the leadership and school spirit they showed throughout the assembly. Way to be leaders, HERO Team!
We also want to give a huge shoutout to the Panther Pride Award winners for last month’s skill: Courage! Thank you for showing bravery, and confidence in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to all of our winners!
Last Friday, our HERO Team took over the Panther Pride Assembly and did an amazing job! They led the announcements, announced awards, introduced our new Skill of the Month, and even led a fun game for everyone. We are so proud of the leadership and school spirit they showed throughout the assembly. Way to be leaders, HERO Team!
We also want to give a huge shoutout to the Panther Pride Award winners for last month’s skill: Courage! Thank you for showing bravery, and confidence in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to all of our winners!
Enumclaw School Board Announces Superintendent Finalists
The Enumclaw School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce two finalists for the district’s next superintendent: Dr. Wade Barringer and Dr. Mark Wenzel. Learn more on our website: https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/article/2861351
The Enumclaw School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce two finalists for the district’s next superintendent: Dr. Wade Barringer and Dr. Mark Wenzel. Learn more on our website: https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/article/2861351

Our kindergarten and 1st grade stars took the stage last night and absolutely stole the show. With big, smiles and tiny voices they sang their hearts out and did an AMAZING job! Bravo little musicians!!
And, a HUGE thank you to Mr. Whittaker, our amazing music teacher, for putting together such a wonderful show. 🎵
And, a HUGE thank you to Mr. Whittaker, our amazing music teacher, for putting together such a wonderful show. 🎵
OPEN NOW: Transitional Kindergarten applications for the 2026 - 2027 school year are open through May 22, 2026. https://forms.gle/qgkrN13kGeygof3i9
Please join our Teaching and Learning team on May 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Enumclaw Middle School Library for a preview of the middle school curriculum that has been piloted and recommended by staff for school board approval and implementation next school year.
Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to preview the materials and learn about the major topics of instruction for the new Middle School English Language Arts curriculum: https://knowledgematters.org/curriculum/amplify-ela-6-8/
Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to preview the materials and learn about the major topics of instruction for the new Middle School English Language Arts curriculum: https://knowledgematters.org/curriculum/amplify-ela-6-8/

Our 5th graders had a wonderful time reading outside with their 1st grade buddies today. There’s nothing better than enjoying a beautiful spring day while sharing some books and building friendships!
Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a fantastic (and sunny!) weekend ahead!
Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a fantastic (and sunny!) weekend ahead!
Southwood extends a warm thank you to the many volunteers who help in our school every day. The students and staff feel your impact and we are grateful for the time, energy, and other resources you provide to make school a better place.

Join us at the next School Board Meeting! Our next General Meeting is Monday, April 20, 2026. You will find the agenda posted 48 hours before the meeting on our School Board web page.

Enjoy Spring Break! School buildings are closed April 13 - 17, the District Office is closed on Friday, April 17. We will see you back in classrooms on Monday, April 20, 2026.

