#KSD Reimagine
Update from Kuna Superintendent Wendy Johnson
12.3.2021
In this update:
- Free rapid COVID tests now available
- Lawmakers visit, learn about our successes, challenges
- Preparing for winter weather
- Elementary report cards available today
- Program helps families buy their first home
- Silver Trail student's art chosen for calendar
- School Events
- Community Christmas Events
- Thank you CapEd for supporting early learning
- COVID quick links
- Missed a newsletter? Click here to find past issues
Free rapid COVID tests now available
I shared before our Thanksgiving break that we have a grant to improve our optional COVID testing program.
We can now offer staff and families a free rapid COVID test for individuals with symptoms. The test takes about 20 minutes. Parents seeking this quick test for their student must provide a signed consent. A student will not be tested without the signed consent. You can learn more in the Q&A video above or here.
Our goal is to quickly identify for those who choose to test whether they need to:
- Stay home to recover because they are COVID positive and prevent infecting others or
- Return to school/work if they are fever free
You find a link to "SCHEDULE A COVID TEST" on the district and school websites. The link also will included the required consent form for parents to use.
A reminder: We use the level of COVID spread in the City of Kuna to make decisions about which illness decision tree to use. Currently, we're on the "red" path of the tree. This means individuals with COVID symptoms need to Isolate for 10 days from time of onset of symptoms. Individuals with a negative COVID test can return if they are fever free and symptoms improve for 24 hours.
Lawmakers visit, learn about our successes, challenges
We appreciate three of our local legislators taking time out of their busy schedules to learn about our students and schools this morning. We were joined by Rep. John Vander Woude, Sen. Lori Den Hartog, and Rep. Rick Youngblood. The morning began in our bus maintenance facility as Assistant Superintendent Dave Reinhart shared our challenges competing for staff in a tight labor market. We then traveled to Crimson Point Elementary School to review our elementary What I Need intervention model. Our guests then split with two visiting Ross Elementary to learn about the AVID program and successes at Ross Elementary and Rep. Youngblood toured Swan Falls High School.
Preparing for winter weather
Snow is predicted for next week. "Snow" day closures are rare. Weather does impact traffic and our buses can be delayed. We appreciate your patience with our drivers as they adjust to conditions to keep our riders safe. You can learn more about our winter weather policies here.
Elementary reports cards available today
The first trimester for elementary schools wrapped up before Thanksgiving break and report cards will be sent via email today.
Program helps families buy their first home
We wanted to pass on this opportunity shared with us from the City of Kuna:
Hayden Homes has selected Kuna as their next First Story community. The First Story program allows a family to get into a home (this time in Ashton Estates) that could not otherwise qualify for lending. Click here to learn more.
Silver Trail student's art chosen for calendar
Moreton & Company and the Idaho School Boards Association sponsor an annual poster contest for students in grades K-8. This year, the theme was "My Superhero is ..." Silver Trail fifth grader Katelyn Turpin's submission "The people who made the Covid-19 vaccine" was chosen for the groups' 2022 Calendar and illustrates the month of October.
School Events
KHS Choir, Orchestra Deck the Halls next week
Doors open 6:30 p.m., Concert starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 9. Buy tickets online.
KHS FCCLA Santa's Helpers this Saturday
Santa's Helpers 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., KHS Child Development Room 111A . RSVP to save your space and time. Santa will visit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP at https://forms.gle/4kACY96HNqJw48vX7
Community Christmas Events
Meet Santa this Saturday
Annual Toy Drive this Saturday
Community StoryWalk
The first story featured is “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner. Find out more here.
Dec. 22 Candy Canes with the Mayor
Dec. 11 Santa, Parade, Tree Lighting & more
Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 Christmas at the Kuna Market Village; 6 p.m. Night Light Parade & then tree lighting
Thank you CapEd for supporting early learning
We appreciate the financial support for our community-based Get Ready to Learn Kuna collaborative. The group is working to expand high quality preschool opportunities for families through strategic partnerships. The CapEd $10,000 contribution will help continue the group's work.
COVID Quick Links
- Student Data Dashboard - Realtime updates weekdays
- Staff Data Dashboard - Realtime updates weekdays
- Mask Use in Schools - Updated every two weeks
- Illness Decision Tree - Updated Oct. 18, 2021
- Report COVID related absences online - Students absences only