Meet Our Principal: Steven Torres

Mr. Steven Torres began his journey at Hood Canal School as the assistant principal in the 2022-23 school year and was quickly selected as principal for the 2023-24 school year. Now in his second year as our principal, Mr. Torres brings a wealth of experience to our school community. With a distinguished career that spans multiple leadership roles—including principal, assistant principal, director, and teacher—he has demonstrated a deep commitment to education and student success.

Under Mr. Torres' leadership, Hood Canal School has seen remarkable improvements in student attendance and strong gains in academic achievement. His commitment to student success and school improvement is clear in the positive strides our school has made.

A proud Mason County resident, Mr. Torres is not only dedicated to his role as an educational leader but is also a Hood Canal parent, with his son currently attending our school. We are thrilled to have him leading the way!

Fall 2024

Dear Students, Families, and Community Members,

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Hood Canal School! As we open our doors once again, I am filled with anticipation for the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead. Our commitment to fostering a welcoming and engaging environment is unwavering and we remain dedicated to ensuring every student’s success, growth, and well-being.

Academic Preparedness: This year, we are prepared to support our students in achieving remarkable things. Our dedicated staff has been working diligently to prepare an engaging and comprehensive curriculum designed to challenge and inspire each student. We adopted a new K-5 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum named “Benchmark Advance” and reinforced early literacy in grades K-2 with the “Really Good Reading” program that focuses on establishing a strong phonics foundation. We are here to support our students and staff by providing the tools and resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

Partnership with Parents & Caregivers: We believe that student learning should be a partnership between school and home. Your involvement is crucial in your child’s success. We encourage all parents and caregivers to join our Family Teacher Organization (FTO). By participating in the FTO, you can stay informed, contribute to student-centered decisions, and support various school activities and initiatives. Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive community that enriches the educational experience for all our students.

Student Engagement: Student engagement is at the heart of our educational philosophy. We offer a wide range of afterschool programs that cater to diverse interests, from athletics to the arts, science clubs to service projects. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.

School Safety: Safety remains our top priority at HCS. We have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a secure learning environment for all. Our school-wide focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellness includes counselor-led emotions regulation lessons, regularly scheduled emergency drills, updated behavior support protocols, and ongoing staff training to safeguard our school community.

Looking Forward: As we start this new academic year, I am excited about the endless possibilities that await. Together, we’ll embrace the challenges and triumphs with resilience and determination. With your continued help, we can make this school year a remarkable journey filled with learning, growth, and joy for our students at Hood Canal.

Thank you for your trust and partnership. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling school year! Go Orcas!

Sincerely,

Steven Torres, Principal