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August 6, 2025
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KAS Start Date Closing In!
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We are closing in on the start of the 2025-2026 school year - and our 24th year - in Shadyside! We have spent the summer assessing our curricula, completing some minor construction projects, and organizing this year's Spirit Days, STEM Challenges, schedules, and so much more. We expect the school year will begin with excitement and lots of smiles!
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If you have any questions as the first day of school approaches, please feel free to give us a call, leave us a message, or send us an email to text. We are expecting a lively (and organized) school year start and we encourage all parents to become more active members in our community.
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Parent Planning for the First Week of School
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As summer concludes, we suggest that in the days leading up to August 27th students begin to adapt to a more school-friendly sleep schedule. Also, if you have school transportation questions, Sherry is available to help you out. All students will need to bring their lunches and snacks daily, and all should dress for school in a relaxed and comfortable manner (especially regarding shoes!). Also, water bottles are 'musts' - we drink a lot of water! We expect to resume organic foods/snacks during lunch after school settles, and we'll be shifting the schedules a little to increase reading time, access to the KAS Hop Shop (the school makerspace), and more.
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Remember that KAS doors open daily after 745AM and classroom access begins at 800AM, with Instruction/Circle Time usually starting at 815AM. We encourage students to be on time every day to maximize their daily experience. For the 27th Middle school students in particular have some expected summer reading which should be completed. Finally, remember that the first week of school is very exhausting for all, so plan on having tired kids at the end of the day.
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And yes, Club KAS, our after school program, will begin the first week of school (from 315PM-530PM). We will send out a separate update soon with details.
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Back-to-School Picnic: See You in Squirrel Hill
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The event will run from 6-8PM, and we'll serve ice cream beginning at 7PM. Upon arrival, families will receive a pair of tickets for ice cream for the Millie's ice cream truck starting at 7PM and may purchase more as desired. Millie's will be serving 6 flavors, including a dairy/gluten-free option.
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Kindergarten Orientation Update
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Our Kindergarten teacher Jeanette Trok will host an incoming Kindergarten Orientation Monday August 25 from 9-945AM in the KAS Kindergarten classroom (new kindergarten parents should receive an invitation in the mail this week). We're looking forward to an amazing inaugural year for our youngest students. Questions? Feel free to reach out to Jeanette directly, or to our Admissions Director Genevieve Kirk via their emails.
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KAS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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This fall, we will be seeking parents to help with our school systems and events. We are looking for parents who can help cover a weekly lunch period, assist with a silent reading group, join the Makerspace, walk with us to the park or Walnut Street, help with the organic food program, or support one of our fundraisers. Our volunteer goal is to promote community throughout our school, and to help teachers find some collaborative planning time. Interested? Send us an email.
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Cross Country Resumes at KAS
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Beginning Thursday, September 4th, students from all grades (and parents, too!) are encouraged to join the KAS Team In Training for the anticipated fall East End Cross Country Series. Practice will begin immediately after school (most) Thursdays and will conclude at 4PM. Students will be running laps in Shadyside (same as always) - and should wear comfortable running clothes and shoes, and have a water bottle. Race event details will be shared with the KAS community as it is received in the coming weeks.
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Last year, over half of all KAS students joined the Fall and/or the Spring running events!
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Enrollment Update
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KAS currently has waiting lists in multiple grades, though the school maintains a rolling admissions policy. After the school year begins, KAS may enroll qualified student/candidates who seek to transfer from their school throughout the school year provided that there are available seats.
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If you know of a family seeking a change of educational setting after the start of the school year (and want to attend a great school like ours), please share our school information or contact our Admissions Director, Genevieve Kirk.
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The KAS Parent Teacher Organization is a very active (though small) group of parents who support events across the school throughout the school year. This year, Kendra and the PTO will be sending you monthly newsletters, updates, and opportunities to volunteer and join our events. The success of the PTO depends on parent participation so if you are interested in learning more, please contact them at pto.admin@kentuckyavenueschool.org. Like last year, we have many PTO-driven events planned and your participation will assure absolute success.
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