Parents, please be sure to join us for Elementary Curriculum Night next week (and Middle School Curriculum night the week after). You'll learn about what we teach and why. As an aside, we have begun a school wide review of all learning standards: in all grades and in all subjects. Our goal is to assure the standards that we report are the best for our students and school, and that they interface across disciplines as seamlessly as possible.
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Remember that we believe in PLAY-based and PROJECT-based learning. This means that we help students - through play - to learn to solve problems, strengthen relationships, and make choices that bring them meaning and joy. With regard to project-based learning, we steadily incorporate projects, visits, making, and "creating" to fortify the learning done in class.
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Please remember that our school is a place for taking calculated risks. We want students to try new things and develop resiliency when things don't go as planned. We are a safe space for learning and we understand that it takes time for students to learn to be at the center of their own learning. Thanks for supporting us as we explore the world around us and develop the skills for future success.
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Curriculum Night: Rescheduled
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The Annual Curriculum Night has been rescheduled. This year, we will split the nights for Elementary and Middle Schools. Questions? Your teacher can answer them for you. Thanks and see you here on October 7th for Elementary, and October 16th for Middle School.
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On the 7th - YES - we are hosting a game room and movie in the Cafe and Library for students while their parents (YOU) are in your curriculum presentations (at no cost). We'll have some snacks, too!
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Our (your!) PTO plans Spirit Days, school-wide celebrations, assemblies, the annual book fair, and more! In order for them to bring fun to the classrooms throughout the year, they need your help! Our PTO is kicking off their annual fundraiser to meet the students' needs.
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This year, they are keeping things simple and straightforward by asking for direct donations to the PTO. Your gift goes straight into making school life more fun, engaging, and memorable with NO FUNDRAISING REQUIRED!
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Please look for a flyer in your inbox directly from the PTO in the coming days.
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Dismissal, and the Yellow Curb
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Again, please refrain from parking on the yellow curb at dismissal. People cross the street in front of the school so keeping it unobstructed is very helpful. We are aware that parking on the street can be inconvenient, but our first commitment is to student safety.
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Each afternoon when you pick your child up, please remember to communicate with your teacher or teacher-supervisor directly to assure the student "hand-off" is successful.
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Comment: For safety reasons, teachers are expected to escort all students to the outdoor church steps where pick up may take place by you.
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For our first STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) challenge of the year, students in all grades will be building bridges and they will be tested to see how much weight they can hold. Details have not been shared with students yet, but we are encouraging all families to begin exploring popsicle bridge design prior to the event.
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Robotics Presentation at KAS
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KAS was lucky to have Matt Tesch, parent, board member, and robotics expert in classes recently. Matt discussed the challenges of designing a functional robot, as well as the difficulty working with a large team. The excitement was so great, Matt returned a second time to provide additional robot exposure to our Grades 4 and 5.
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Captured Kangaroos!
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Max and Felix were seen at a recent cross country meet representing KAS in their KAS green shirts. Thanks to all students who wear their shirts proudly. Parents, if you have a great photo of your child in KAS gear, please send it our way!
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Picture Day is Coming
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Parents, KAS Picture Day is scheduled for October 9th. Photos will begin at 9AM and continue throughout the morning. Make-up photos will take place later in the second semester. Stacey Davare Photography will be managing this event, and photography photo packages have been sent home (there are more in the office). If you choose to purchase photos, please complete the forms that were sent home recently and return them to school.
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MAP Testing Update
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This year, we had some licensing issues with our annual Methods of Academic Progress (MAP) testing. However, most students are now done and parents will receive a general individual report soon.
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KAS uses the MAP data to track general growth as a school. Additionally, we assess individual test standards to see where students' needs lie. We administer tests commonly without time limits, and also provide accommodations to assure students' scores are as authentic as possible.
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MAP tests at KAS are given for Mathematics and Reading (only) and happen three times per school year.
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KAS Attendance: A Review
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KAS takes student attendance every day and reports this data on mid-year and final student progress reports. Students are not graded on their attendance, though missing school may affect their learning. Students should be in their classrooms at 815AM daily, and teachers complete their daily attendance shortly afterward. KAS tracks four data points: Absences, On-time Arrivals; Late Arrivals; and Early Departures. KAS does not discriminate with regard to "excused" or "not-excused" absences. In both cases, these are simply seen as non-graded data points that may link to student outcomes.
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Coming later this month: HALLOWEEN
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KAS has a long history of Halloween celebrations and we expect more of the same later this month. Halloween falls on a FRIDAY, and we anticipate our ANNUAL morning parade, with parties filling the time before departure in the afternoon. More information is coming as each grade level will be making their own party plans. Plan ahead: we ask families to avoid costumes with weapons, blood, or masks that might intimidate our younger students.
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- No School for Students, Monday and Tuesday, October 13, and 14.
- Pumpkin Patch Class Trip for K-6 Thursday, October 23.
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