MOSES LAKE — Community members will have an opportunity to connect directly with Moses Lake School District leaders during the first “Common Grounds” event of the school year Friday morning. 

The informal coffee gathering is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Friday at Favored Farmhouse, 315 Alder St. The discussion will focus on the start of the school year, with district leaders available to answer questions and hear feedback from parents and community members. 

Ryan Shannon, the district’s director of public relations, said the event was created as another way for the district to engage with the community. 

“Common Grounds is an event that we started last year as just one additional community opportunity to come together, ask questions, engage in conversation and make connections with our leadership here at the Moses Lake School District,” Shannon said. 

The district plans to hold morning events every other month throughout the school year. Shannon said the format is designed to provide another option for people who may not be able to attend afternoon or evening meetings. 

“This is just one opportunity at a different time, in a different setting that will allow maybe some of those people that can’t make an afternoon or an evening meeting to attend,” he said. 

District officials expected to attend include Superintendent Carol Lewis, members of the Teaching and Learning team, representatives from Safety and Wellbeing and Employee Services, and other district leaders. 

Unlike a traditional public meeting, Common Grounds will not include a formal presentation. 

“One of the things we often say is no presentations,” Shannon said. “This is not scripted. It’s just come, sit down, grab a cup of coffee, join us in some meaningful dialogue and engage with our district leaders.” 

Shannon said the gathering also gives residents a chance to receive information directly from district officials. 

“It’s an opportunity to sit down face-to-face with our district leaders and get honest and accurate information,” he said. “This is an opportunity to come and get that actual information versus always relying on sources that may not be providing all of that data.” 

The event is free and open to the public. 

Common Grounds 

Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. 

Favored Farmhouse 

315 Alder St., Moses Lake