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REMINDER: KAS will continue to consider Pittsburgh Public Schools with regard to school closures. However, KAS will also work to assure learning continues and all Commonwealth obligations for instructional hours are met.
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KAS and the Reggio Emilia Philosophy
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Many of you already know that part of KAS's educational philosophy is based on a student-based learning philosophy started decades ago by Loris Malaguzzi and grown in Italy's Reggio Emilia Municipality. The philosophy was created to empower a post-war generation, and give students a voice in their own learning.
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Our goal at KAS - especially in our early years grades, is to give students the right to be the authors of their own lives. We see this as a creative adventure where each student learns to reflect on their needs and wants, their place in time, and their ability to express themselves. This is a "courageous adventure" that encourages us to listen to each student's unheard voice.
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Our obligation is to provide the skills - and also the space - for each student to fully understand and express themselves. In our school, teachers work to be partners with students in their learning and reduce long-standing hierarchies that prevent deeper levels of learning from happening.
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Reggio Emilia is not our only educational cornerstone - KAS also embraces play- and project-based learning, social justice, and good old fashioned learning standards. As we mindfully develop our curriculum and educational philosophy, KAS's reputation will continue to grow. In the end, we seek "to place students at the center of their own learning."
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SUMMER CAMP PLANS.
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I am curious about your current plans for joining a summer camp after the school year. At the moment, KAS is discussing some ideas for students this summer, particularly for the days immediately after the school year. With students' last day scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, we are considering a day camp possibility for the rest of that week, plus the following week as a "lead into" the Summer. Interested? Send us an email. We'll follow up next month with a more formal survey.
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MAP Testing Reminder
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Grades 3 through 8 will take their second round of MAP Testing for the 2024-2025 school year. A final round will take place toward the end of the school year, likely in the middle of May. Each grade will test students on different days so look for updates from your homeroom teachers. As always, there is nothing you to prepare, other than to assure your child gets a good night of sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives with their water bottle.
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KAS Clean Team
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KAS engages students in managing their own environment. Each day, students oversee their own classroom space, manage recycling and school trash, wipe tables, and clean floors. We believe ownership of our shared space is a positive learned behavior. Thanks, students, for your commitment to keeping our school clean for all!
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Fun Events Continue at KAS
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Last Friday KAS hosted HOP CORN DAY. KAS took time to celebrate our students by encouraging them to wear their green and blue school t-shirts while we served all our students pop corn during students' lunch period. And given that we are all Kangaroos, pop corn day turned into HOP Corn Day. Thanks to our students for celebrating with us and we look forward to our next Spirit Day on the 31st (see flyer below).
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Club KAS is Updating Programming
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Based on student interest, Club KAS has begun to expand activities after school. For the coming weeks, KAS will offer specific activities every Wednesday from Cooking to art projects to sports activities. Our goal is to provide fun activities where our students can enjoy time after school with their friends. As things settle, we'll resume expanded activities on other weekdays, too!
Remember, KAS is available (nearly) every school day until 5:30PM - and you don't need to plan in advance. You can call the office in the morning to sign your child up for ClubKAS after school. Questions? Email us at clubkas@kentuckyavenueschool.org.
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The Kids of Steel Fun Run is just around the Corner
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Next month, KAS will resume its running club in order to prepare for the Kids of Steel Fun Run April 5, 2025. Our goal is to engage as many students as possible in this event - and KAS students of ALL GRADES AND AGES can train with us after school. We'll be providing details soon and in the meantime, consider joining your child for a walk or jog outside.
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VIRTUAL TOWN HALL REMINDER FOR REDEFINED
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Kentucky Avenue School is thrilled to announce our partnership with RedefinED to expand and manage our Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program! This collaboration will significantly enhance our capacity to offer financial aid and ensure more children have access to our wonderful educational community.
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Please mark your calendars for a Zoom meeting on the evening of January 28th. Erin Rockwell, our RedefinEd Donor Relationships Manager, will explain the details of the EITC program and its advantages. We request that every KAS family attend the meeting. More information will be forthcoming.
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Thank you for your ongoing support!
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Lawn Signs for Enrollment Season
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Would you like to support KAS by placing a school sign on your lawn (see above)? KAS has a few remaining lawn signs and is looking to promote the school by finding visible locations to place our remaining signs. If you have a high-profile location where a school sign is welcome, please let us know and we'll get one for you!
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Classroom Snack Reminder
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For students who have specific food allergies and preferences, please review your needs with your homeroom teachers. We recommend keeping some preferred snacks that can be stored in the classroom so your child can celebrate when a fun-food is shared later in the school year.
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