The Knightly News
Summer Edition
Summer Updates
I hope this message finds you all doing well, staying healthy and enjoying the beautiful (and hot) South Carolina summer! So much has happened since the last newsletter. As you know, with the country continuing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fort Mill School District introduced a virtual school option for its families that didn't feel comfortable participating in in-person learning for the 2020-2021 school year. As a result, many of you had to make a tough decision. For those of you that chose to enroll in the SC Connections Academy, a home school association or private school, I wish you luck with the 2020-2021 school year and should you ever decide that you would like to re-join our school community, we are just a phone call away! For those of you that chose to enroll in the Fort Mill Virtual Academy, although your enrollment means that the staff won't interact with your child in person, I am encouraged that technically you are still a part of the KTES community. I have stated before and I will continue to say that we are a true school community. Everyone matters, everyone is important and everyone (whether virtual or in person) is a Knight! I look forward to building relationships and partnering with you as we prepare for the upcoming school year. Granted, it will look different than previous years, but the most important thing, the education of our students, remains the focus. The KTES staff is committed to providing its students with the BEST education possible in whatever the circumstances. We are committed to making the 2020-2021 school year GREAT and hope that you are as well!
Our Collective Commitments
KTES will be a welcoming and collaborative environment.
Our students are diverse in race, gender, skill, language, ability and talents, all of which make them unique individuals that will thrive in an inclusive environment that respects and values them. Families are a part of the greater school community and we will work together for student success. As educators, our belief is that ALL students are our students and it takes the collaboration of all parties to ensure student success.
KTES will be invested in the academic, social and emotional development of all.
KTES will be rooted in academic, social and emotional development. Being a life-long learner and committed to constant growth and development will be reflected not only in student instruction but also in the faculty’s pursuit for continued education and professional development to improve their practices. Being complacent and stagnant is never an acceptable practice and we will push ourselves and our students to work in and represent our full potential.
KTES will be a safe and secure environment.
Following procedures and protocols to ensure student safety is our top priority. Whether dealing with a national health crisis or addressing behaviors that stem from poor judgement that violates the safety and security of others, KTES will provide an environment that all students and staff can thrive in.
Student Commitments
We are Family....
Other Important Information...
-Construction on the building is set to be complete on Friday, July 31st! We are BEYOND excited and ready to begin moving in! Once the administration and office staff has moved in and we have working telephone numbers, etc. I will make that information public.
-Our teachers will begin the move in process on August 10th. Please keep them in your thoughts as they work hard to prepare our building for the students using parameters that they never would have imagined this time last year.
-Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be able to provide school tours for families. We will record a virtual tour that will be shared with our school community prior to the beginning of the school year.
-Meet the Teacher for this year will be virtual and will occur on Thursday, August 27th. There will be multiple opportunities for you to log on and participate with your child's assigned teacher. There will be more information released in the coming weeks about this opportunity.
-There will be more information provided regarding student procedures including arrival, drop off, recess, breakfast and lunch in the coming weeks. We have preliminary plans but would like the opportunity to practice them in the actual building before they are finalized.
-For those of you that pre-ordered supply kits, they will be in your child's classroom on the first day. If you ordered the supply kit and have chosen either FMVA or some other form of schooling, our PTO is planning a kit pick up. More information will be provided at a later date.
School Supply Lists
Our school supply lists are available on our website. Feel free to access the link below.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1x12stStwNfGX1KZl9c3cqZ_b98AoHrcD
Thought of the Week...
That's all for now! I will follow up with another newsletter soon!
Yours in Education,
Jocelyn R. Young
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