Orting Elementary School

08/26/2026

Tonight is the night!

Mark your calendars! We are just 2 short weeks away from welcoming all of our Cougar families to Open House!

We will also have Mimi’s Ice cream truck on site for ice cream to purchase. Along with some community resources with free school supplies, free toothbrushes/tooth paste, and more. ♥️

08/25/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

Our staff introductions are coming to a close as we approach Open house! Up next, we have another current staff member at OES heading to a new grade level. Mrs. Darling-Radford is heading from 4th grade down to 3rd grade! ♥️🐾

Angela writes:
Hello! I am so excited to begin a new chapter at Orting Elementary as a 3rd grade teacher!

This will be my tenth year teaching at OES! I have taught seven years in second grade and two years in fourth grade. I am excited to meet this year's 3rd grade students and their families!

Outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids, watching our son play baseball and soccer, traveling, and going on walks with our dog, gardening, reading, and baking.

08/25/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

Up next is our second brand new fourth grade teacher. Please help us welcome, Candace to OES! ♥️🐾

Candace writes:
🍎 Hello Orting!

I’m Candace Mikkelsen, and I’m excited to begin my 11th year of teaching — 9 years in 3rd grade and 2 in 4th. I can’t wait to meet everyone, build relationships, and be part of this amazing community.

I live with my 4‑year‑old long‑haired chihuahua, GracieLou, who fully believes she runs the house. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me with family and friends, watching or playing sports, traveling the world, taking road trips, reading, taking photos, or being the proudest auntie. In my free time, I’m usually outdoors hiking or at the beach…the real beach, not the Washington coast 😉.

I’m thrilled to join Orting and can’t wait for this new adventure. Go Cougs!

08/24/2026

🚨 Staff Announcements 🚨

This next teacher isn’t new to OES, but is taking on a new adventure in the building. We are excited to announce the Mrs. Barton has made the move from Life Skills to join the 1st Grade team! ♥️🐾

Juliet writes:
Hello! I am so excited to begin a new chapter at Orting Elementary as a 1st grade teacher!

I have been in education for more than a decade, serving as a paraeducator, special education teacher, LAP teacher, and Life Skills teacher. This will be my third year at OES, and I am so grateful to be part of this amazing school community.

I love building relationships with my students and their families and celebrating their growth along the way. I am excited to help my students build confidence in themselves, develop strong social-emotional skills, and grow academically.

While I will deeply miss my sweet Life Skills students and their families, I am excited for this new opportunity and look forward to getting to know my new 1st grade students and their families.❤️

A little about me outside of school: I have three grown children, and my husband and I are officially empty nesters! Our two cats and two dogs keep us on our toes and make sure life at home is never boring.

When I am not at school, I love reading, gardening, spending time with family and friends, going to the theater and movies, traveling, and, of course, watching soccer and enjoying yummy food!

I am so excited for this new chapter and can't wait to see what this year brings!

08/24/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

Our incoming kindergarteners are super lucky because this next staff member is headed back to Kindergarten! Let’s welcome Mrs. Shattuck back to team kindergarten! ♥️

Bailey writes:
Hello! My name is Bailey Shattuck, and this will be my tenth year teaching! I spent six years in kindergarten and three years in third grade, and I'm thrilled to be back with kindergarteners this year.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Trevor and our two girls, Lowyn and Lyvie. We love going fishing and searching the beaches for agates and sea glass.

Fun fact: I grew up in Orting, graduated from Orting High School, and now my family resides here too!

08/22/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

We all know Mrs. Smith, but did you know she is moving to a new position this year?! Mrs. Smith is our new Library/Tech teacher and is joining the specialist team! 🐾

Brittnee writes:
I am beyond excited to begin this new chapter as the OES Library/Tech Teacher! This will be my 20th year in education and my 11th year at OES. ❤️

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching every grade level from K–4 and leading our school’s leadership program for the entirety of my career. My greatest passion has always been building community and meaningful relationships with students, and I’m so excited to explore how I can bring that passion to our entire school this year.

Serving the community I live in has been one of the greatest gifts of my career, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back in a different way to a school and community that have given me so much over the years.

Favorite food/beverage: Mexican food and anything caffeinated

Outside of school: quality time with my family and friends, being mom to my two high school children, sunny destination vacations, country concerts, Seahawks football, pilates, and shopping local markets

Favorite children's book: Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

08/22/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

This year, we have two new 4th Grade teachers coming to OES! Up first, we have Brenda Thompson! 🐾

Brenda writes:
Hi! My name is Mrs. Thompson, and I am so excited to be joining the Orting School District as a 4th grade teacher! I have been in education for more than 15 years, and throughout my career I have had the opportunity to serve as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. No matter what role I have been in, my favorite part of education has always been building relationships with students, helping them discover their strengths, and creating a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn.

Outside of school, I am a proud mom of three grown children and a grandmother to four amazing grandchildren. Family is a very important part of my life, and they definitely keep me busy, smiling, and laughing!

I am also a military brat—my dad retired from the military—and a military spouse. My husband proudly served for more than 20 years before retiring from the military, so service, family, and community have always been important parts of our lives.

When I'm not at school, you can usually find me crafting and making handmade cards. I love being creative and finding ways to turn paper, colors, and a few crafty supplies into something that can make someone smile. My husband and I also run our family's nonprofit, which focuses on helping people in need. Giving back and finding ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others is something that is very meaningful to both of us.

As for some of my favorite things, salmon and mashed potatoes are definitely at the top of my favorite-food list! I also love mystery and science-fiction books and movies, and I have a special love for children's literature—which is probably one of the reasons I became a teacher in the first place! I love discovering great children's books and sharing that love of reading with students.

I am thrilled to begin this new chapter in Orting and am looking forward to getting to know my students, their families, and the Orting community. I can't wait for a year filled with learning, laughter, creativity, great books, and lots of wonderful memories!

08/21/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

This is another familiar face around OES, but instead of growing the minds of second graders, Mrs. Seeley has moved up to the 3rd Grade team! Some lucky cougars might get to have her 2 years in a row! ♥️🐾

08/21/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

Next up, we have our second new 2nd Grade Teacher, Katie Haines! Let’s give her a big welcome to OES! 🐾

Katie writes:
Hello! My name is Katie Haines, and I’m incredibly excited to join Orting Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher. Teaching has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help young learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

I earned my bachelor's degree from Central Washington University, and I’ve been teaching for 4years. I believe in creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging classroom where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hanging out with friends/family and going on adventures. I look forward to getting to know all of you and working together to make this a wonderful school year!

08/20/2026

🚨 Staff Introductions 🚨

Our next staff introduction is a new face to OES, let’s welcome one of our new 2nd grade teachers, Nikki Williams! 🐾