Welcome to the start of the new school year. We are already planning trips, teaching across disciplines, offering project options, learning - and re-learning curricula, and getting used to a busy school day.
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KAS functions best, like Jeffersonian democracies (remember those?) when parents and students are engaged and informed. Teachers are always sending out pictures and newsletters, but if you ever have questions, we are available at arrival, dismissal, and throughout each and every school day. If we don't have a rapid answer for you, we will certainly work to get you an appropriate response.
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Thanks for trusting KAS with your child, or children. We are working very hard to prove that KAS is the best choice for K-8 Education in Pittsburgh's East End. As a reminder, here is the mission of our school:
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"Kentucky Avenue School is a progressive K-8 community where we challenge and support each other to become critically thoughtful, creative, and compassionate global citizens through academic achievement, self-discovery, and social engagement. "
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Dismissal, and the Yellow Curb
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PLEASE...refrain from parking on the yellow curb - at the afternoon dismissal time. The obstruction of vision, and the lack of space for buses is a daily concern for student safety. 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 - especially from 300PM-330PM.
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However, dropping your child off on the yellow curb is encouraged in the morning. Here, arrive from Negley onto Kentucky Avenue so you approach the curb with the flow of traffic (please!), and have your child exit on the passenger side of the car directly onto the curb. In the case of wanting to enter the school in the morning, please park elsewhere on the street before entering.
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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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Subs and Volunteers: We always need help!
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KAS needs and appreciates volunteers. If you have a standing weekly time to help KAS, please let us know. We always embrace support around the lunch period, and also need help with class trips, walks to Walnut Street, instructional expertise, and help completing projects at non-school times.
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We will also need subs for days when teachers are sick or away from the classroom, so contact us if you can join us. There is payment for subbing, and substitutes will need to submit clearances (which are easy to obtain - we can help).
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KAS posts an annual calendar on the school website. Please check it periodically to remain abreast of upcoming events. Know that in addition to these long-standing dates, you will receive emails with updates to things like Spirit Days, Bake Sales, and class trips.
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KAS Running Club: How to do it.
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KAS Running Club start this Thursday, September 4th right after school!
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All KAS students are invited to join the Running Club Thursdays after school, starting in the Library at 315PM and concluding at the school entrance around 4PM. Students should have a water bottle and shoes for running. A confirmation email is requested the day of practice (I will send you a reminder, so don't worry).
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This fall, KAS will participate in a series of cross country events in Schenley Park, Frick Park, and elsewhere - usually Saturdays. These events are entirely optional, and participation is usually accompanied by a small fee.
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PTO Involvement: How to get connected.
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The KAS Parent Teacher Organization is responsible for a range of important activities from fundraising to the Annual Thanksgiving Feast to Teacher Celebration Events. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the PTO to connect with our parents in supporting the school (email: pto@kentuckyavenueschool.org).
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Reminder: A link to the PTO form for parents to share their availability has been shared in a separate email on August 28th.
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Hopes and Dreams: Thursday, September 11th.
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The KAS Annual Hopes and Dreams Conferences are coming September 11th. This is a time to share views on the future of your child's education with your teacher. It's a great opportunity to help create this year's KAS experience for your child. Teachers will be sending additional information in the coming days.
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KAS Organic Foods Program: What we have planned.
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Last year, a few very generous and committed parents restarted the organic foods program at KAS, and this year we hope to build on their work. Later this term, we will resume the weekly organic foods snack, and seek to build the food options (and student preparation participation) so our children understand what healthy food IS, and how they can make healthy food choices.
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Family Photo Reminder: Celebrating our community.
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We have dedicated a bulletin board to celebrate our families by posting pictures of parents with their children. We continue to request you emailing a recent picture to Genevieve at admissions@kentuckyavenueschool.org.
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KAS Attendance: How it works.
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KAS takes student attendance every day and reports this data on mid- and final student progress reports. Students are not graded on their attendance, though missing school may affect their measured output. Students should be in their classrooms at 815AM daily, and teachers complete their daily attendance shortly afterward. KAS tracks three data points: On-time Arrivals; Late Arrivals; and Early Departures.
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Always a KAS Need:
Vacuum cleaner donations for classroom use
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(Most) KAS students actually enjoy using the vacuum cleaners to help keep their learning spaces clean. To this end, we are always in need of (cordless) vacuum cleaners. We have found that two brands can handle the stress of daily school use: Dyson and Shark. If you are inclined to donate a used - or new - device, please contact us.
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