Knightsen Elementary & Old River Elementary
Families of students in grades 3–8 at Knightsen Elementary School and Old River Elementary School are being informed that students will be invited to participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), sponsored by the California Department of Education.
The California Healthy Kids Survey is designed to gather important information about school climate, student well-being, and overall school experience. The feedback collected helps schools and districts better understand how to support students and improve learning environments.
Important Dates:
Week of April 6: Information about the survey and parent consent forms will be sent home with students.
Week of April 20: The survey will be administered to participating students.
Families may review sample hard copy versions of the survey at the front office of each school site. Or you are welcome to email cchenault@knightsen.k12.ca.us for a PDF copy.
We encourage families to review the information carefully once it is sent home. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and schools.

Hello Knightsen and Old River Community. We are selling our lift van. If you are interested and have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school district. See flier for more information. We are looking to auction this van on Friday, January 9th at 4:00pm. Van is older, however, only has 67,000 miles. Hydraulic lift works great and has been maintained. Someone attempted to steal the catalytic converter. The converter is still in place; however, exhaust pipe needs to be welded. $8,000 reserve bid.

Science fact: During totality of a Lunar Eclipse the Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight, scattering blue light and letting only red/orange wavelengths reach the Moon—creating the Blood Moon effect. Weather permitting (clear sky) the moon should be a bright red color over our western sky! Unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is totally safe to view without special glasses or filters. With binoculars or a telescope you can enhance the reddish details of the moon.
I wanted to pass this along for a fun and interesting event that you could share with your children. Getting up early is the hardest part of viewing this beautiful natural phenomenon. Enjoy nature!

A huge congratulations to our Knightsen Elementary Employees of the Year! We are proud to recognize, Mrs. Gould as our 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year as well as Mrs. Ochoa as our 2026-2027 Classified Employee of the Year! Both outstanding individuals and employees! Join me in celebrating!


You're invited to a special workshop this Thursday evening with our School Psychologist, Ms. Lenz, and Counselor, Mrs. Bothwell. We'll explore how to recognize early signs of adolescent depression and ways to support your child’s mental health at home and school. Helpful resources and support links will be shared.
📍 Where: Old River Elementary MP Room
🕕 When: 6:00–7:00 PM
Let’s work together to support our students’ well-being. We hope to see you there!

The Lions Club of Brentwood is sponsoring a FREE vision clinic on October 5th in Brentwood. This clinic is offering eye exams and glasses for individuals and families in need. Making an appointment is required so call so to ensure your space is reserved. Call (925) 384-2431. Thank you.
Hola familias de KESD,
El Club de Leones de Brentwood está patrocinando una clínica de visión GRATUITA el 5 de octubre en Brentwood. Esta clínica ofrece exámenes de la vista y gafas para individuos y familias que lo necesiten.
Es necesario hacer una cita, así que llame para asegurar su espacio. Llame al (925) 384-2431.
Gracias.


The Lions Club of Brentwood is sponsoring a FREE vision clinic on October 5th in Brentwood. This clinic is offering eye exams and glasses for individuals and families in need. Making an appointment is required so call so to ensure your space is reserved. Call (925) 384-2431. Thank you.
Hola familias de KESD,
El Club de Leones de Brentwood está patrocinando una clínica de visión GRATUITA el 5 de octubre en Brentwood. Esta clínica ofrece exámenes de la vista y gafas para individuos y familias que lo necesiten.
Es necesario hacer una cita, así que llame para asegurar su espacio. Llame al (925) 384-2431.
Gracias.


Join us for Parent University #2: Ending the Stigma on Mental Health on October 16th from 6:00–7:00pm at the Old River Gymnasium.
This session, led by Ms. Lenz (School Psychologist) and Ms. Bothwell (Counselor), will help you recognize signs of adolescent depression and connect you with local mental health resources.
Early recognition is key to prevention—don’t miss this important conversation.

¡Acompáñanos a una celebración de La Lotería el 23 de septiembre en la Escuela Knightsen de 6:00 PM a 7:00 PM! Será una noche de diversión, familia y de homenaje al Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Tendremos una barra de nachos gratuita. ¡Ven y únete a la diversión!


📅 Date: Thursday, September 18th
🕕 Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
📍 Location: Knightsen Elementary School Library, 1923 Delta Road, Knightsen, Ca. 94548
During this engaging evening, we will focus on:
✅ Helping your child stay engaged in learning
📝 Tips for supporting struggling readers
💻 How to access the district’s online academic support tools
📚 Promoting strong study habits at home and school
Whether your child is in elementary or middle school age, this event will offer practical advice and resources to help you support their academic journey.
Thank you, parents, for your partnership in learning and growing!

Tonight we celebrate our KESD Teacher of the Year, Abe Naldjian!
Mr. Naldjian, along with 21 other top educators from Contra Costa County will be honored at the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Dinner & Celebration at the Concord Hiton this evening. Mr. Naldjian and company were the top selection from over 8,000 education professionals across public schools and community colleges in the county!
“This exceptional group of educators represents the dedication and passion of public school teachers across the county,” County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Each year, I look forward to thanking them, visiting their classrooms, and celebrating their achievements. Throughout the Teacher of the Year festivities, I hope they feel truly appreciated and valued for their daily contributions in the classroom.”
Please join me in celebrating the outstanding contributions to our students, school, and community that Mr. Naldjian brings to Old River Elementary and the KESD!

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parent University Evening, a special event designed to empower families with tools and strategies to support student success at home and in school.
📅 Date: Thursday, September 18th
🕕 Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
📍 Location: Knightsen Elementary School Library, 1923 Delta Road, Knightsen, Ca. 94548
During this engaging evening, we will focus on:
✅ Helping your child stay engaged in learning
📝 Tips for supporting struggling readers
💻 How to access the district’s online academic support tools
📚 Promoting strong study habits at home and school
Whether your child is in elementary or middle school age, this event will offer practical advice and resources to help you support their academic journey.
Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be opportunities to ask questions and connect with other families and our educators.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to support our students!


We are having a very busy summer preparing for the start of the 2025/2026 school year. As many of you know, earlier this summer, we posted for a principal position at Knightsen School. After interviewing several very qualified candidates, I would like to introduce Mr. Christopher Chenault as our new principal of Knightsen Elementary School. Mr. Chenault has a 25-year history in education and has worked in some very diverse settings that span the range of elementary through the high school level. Having grown up in Chico, Mr. Chenault, is thrilled to be working in an area and culture that reminds him of home and is similar to his own upbringing. He loves working with horses. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Chenault to the Knightsen Elementary School District. If you are around later this summer and see him on campus, please do not hesitate to drop in and say hello. He is very excited to begin meeting students, families, and staff alike.
Welcome to Knightsen Elementary School, Mr. Christopher Chenault!




