The Knightly News
Parent Newsletter - October 2, 2020
Principal’s Message
Hello Knight Families,
It is hard to believe that Fall is upon us, and we have almost a month of school in our rear-view mirror. I know that this month has been a whirlwind, but I want to thank you for your overwhelming support over these past few weeks. These circumstances reveal the importance of our partnership. I’d also like to thank those of you who have joined the PTSA and encourage those who have not to do so by clicking here. A strong supportive community is our hallmark here at Kellam, and your support is greatly appreciated.
October 7 marks the end of the first marking period for Term 1. Please continue to monitor ParentVue as this is our best method for communicating student progress while we are in a virtual setting. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s teacher or counselor if you have concerns.
On October 8, we will welcome back just under 400 freshmen who have opted to return for face-to-face instruction. We are excited to have them join several of our special education students who returned last week. Please be sure to review the safety protocols we have in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These procedures are contained in this issue of the Knightly News.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Ryan Schubart
Principal
Kellam High School
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter: @KellamHigh and Facebook: KellamHS. Our website is updated regularly for more information: https://kellamhs.vbschools.com/
Welcome Back Option 1 Ninth graders ONLY!
Kellam High School PTSA
Membership
Why join PTSA? When you join the Kellam High School PTSA, you join a community that encourages student achievement and enriches the learning environment. For all members (Students, Staff, and Parents) who join by October 31st, we will have drawings for the following:
1) a free yearbook,
2) $100.00 Amazon Gift Card
3) $100.00 Amazon Gift Card
To Join the Kellam High School PTSA follow this link: Join PTSA
Thank you for your support!
2020 -2021 Reflections Program - Online Entry Due October 16th!
The National PTA's Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.
The theme for the 2020-2021 program year is I Matter Because…Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.
Be a part of the Reflections Program - “I Matter Because” - Get Creative!
Student Entry Form Link - Click here for the form
Online Entry Submission Form due by October 16 - Click here for entry form
For additional information contact Amber Sloan (sloanys4@cox.net).
National PTA School of Excellence Program
Kellam High School PTSA is renewing our National School of Excellence designation. Please review the parent letter, CLICK HERE.
As a National PTA School of Excellence, families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success, and the PTSA is a key partner for continuous school improvement. We feel Floyd E. Kellam High School and our PTSA can achieve that together—and the result will be national, state and community-wide visibility for the positive impact we are making together at Floyd E. Kellam High School.
Let your voice be heard! Please take a minute to complete the baseline online survey. The deadline for the survey is Friday, October 9. Thank you for your continued support!
Click this link to go to the survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/qd_pMxXDg
School Planning Council Meeting
uKnight Update
September’s uKnight (advisory) program focused on building student-to-student and student-to-advisor relationships. All activities and discussions provided time for students to get to know each other. Students shared interests, hobbies, hopes, and dreams. They shared photographs of things that make them laugh and things that they love. Many of our students designed a digital poster, a virtual locker, or a piece of art to share with others as you can see in the images below. As always, we encourage you to talk to your child about advisory. Some questions to ask about September include:
How did you share your interests, passions, and life experiences with your uKnight group? Ask to see their artifact.
Who is a new student you met in uKnight? What do you have in common?
What have you learned about your advisor?
As we approach October, our students will engage in the following focus areas for uKnight:
Talk About It Tuesdays: Students will develop communication and social skills though opportunities to participate in dialogue groups. Conversation will begin through the introduction of a compelling article, video, or question related to current events and issues relevant to teens.
Wellness Check Wednesdays: Students will have time to reflect and recalibrate for the week and will strengthen their relationship with their advisor.
uKnight Thursdays: Students will engage in a school-wide activity. October’s theme is Taking Care of Me. Students will explore how to live a balanced life and foster resilience. These lessons are tied to the VBCPS Graduate Profile.
Just for Fun Fridays: Students end the week with icebreakers, getting-to-know-each-other activities, and games.
School Counseling Update
Parents of senior students! Please make sure you student has:
Signed up for the mandatory Senior Credit Check meeting
In these meetings we will check in with their progress so far this year, go over some important senior frequently asked questions, review their credits, and discuss post-secondary planning to include college applications, career searches, or military enlistment.
Attendance Policy: More Touchless Options
Attendance Matters, What You Can Do Helps!
Know the Kellam High School Attendance policy and procedures: click on the quick links below:
- Kellam Attendance Guidelines & Procedures (Updated)
- Please review the highlighted Late Arrival and Early Release in the In-person Learning Environment During COVID-19
- For the Early Release Request Form, CLICK HERE or scan the QR Code below:
Encourage your student’s attendance and inform them of the impact it makes for a successful academic year.
Communicate with your student’s Administrator, School Counselor or Teacher if you notice sudden changes in behavior or have issues that can potentially cause attendance issues.
Check on your student’s attendance periodically. To access your student’s attendance profile, log into Parent Portal or ParentVue Mobile App.
Provide parent verification of absences, by completing the electronic Kellam Absence Form, click here, to prevent Unverified Absences (UNV).
Please contact the Attendance Office if you have any questions at 648-5105 or email KellamAttendance@vbschools.com
Student Activities Update
Please view the Kellam VHSL activities and athletics update to see competition dates for all sports and academic competitions. Eligibility for the upcoming seasons is also reviewed in the presentation.
Visit the Kellam Student Activities YouTube Channel to view morning announcements.
Prestige by Lifetouch Senior Portraits
To schedule a senior portrait session or view session details for in-studio photography, please visit BookNow.Appointment.
Message from Jostens on Senior Caps and Gowns
Important information for our Kellam Seniors! Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving instructions on how to order your graduation items such as caps and gowns, graduation announcements, and Class of 2021 apparel. The Jostens Cap and Gown Information Sheet will provide you with instructions on how to order. You can visit www.jostens.com to view these items and even order now by typing in your school name. If you have any questions, email Eric Harvell at eric.harvell@jostens.com. Congratulations to you and your senior!
Message from Jostens on Junior Class Rings
Important information for our Kellam Juniors! Kellam has a time-honored tradition of receiving your class ring during your Junior year, and we will be continuing this tradition for the class of 2022. You can visit www.jostens.com and start designing and even order your ring today! Orders will be taken until October 16. If you have any questions, email Eric Harvell at eric.harvell@jostens.com.
From the Kellam SCA
Our SCA Theme for the 2020-2021 School year is Adventure Awaits
Shirts will be on sale soon! More information to follow.
Morning Announcements will go LIVE on Instagram, Twitter, and the Kellam Homepage starting September 29th!
SCA and Class Election Applications are available starting Monday, September 28th. Complete this Google Form no later than Monday, October 5th at 2:00 p.m. Elections will take place October 16-19.
If you have questions about Class or SCA please use the following contacts:
National Honor Society
Attention Seniors: National Honor Society Applications are now available. To determine if you are eligible, please CLICK HERE. Seniors should email Mrs. Smith @ rosmith@vbschools.com or Mrs. Spreder @ cmsprede@vbschools.com for an application. Applications are due no later than October 9th. Completed applications may be mailed to Kellam High School or emailed to Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Spreder. The selection process for Sophomores and Juniors takes place in January each year.
Twitter: @KellamHigh
Instagram: kellam_knights
Facebook: Floyd E. Kellam High School
Important Announcements
Transportation
The division's office of transportation has placed your child's bus information inside ParentVue. This information includes specifics regarding bus stop location, bus times and bus number. Click here for directions on how to access ParentVue: ParentVue Bus stop info
Please remember:
The information within ParentVue is specific to your child.
The assignment of students to a specific bus stop is required for the 2020-2021 school year. This ensures buses are routed with the appropriate number of students on board and maintains the safest environment possible for all students and drivers.
Review the self-screening questions listed on the attached document.
Students may enter and exit the school bus ONLY at their designated stop.
To have your child(ren) at the stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time.
Students should walk to the bus using sidewalks (when available) and maintain social distancing guidelines when walking with other students.
Ensure your student has a face covering.
If you think your child's bus stop is incorrect, please contact the VBCPS transportation office at 757-263-1545. If you do not see any bus stop information in ParentVue, please contact your child’s school to request transportation.
Thank you for your continued support of Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
SAT Testing Back!
SAT testing will take place on October 3, November 7 and/or December 5 at Bayside High School, First Colonial High School, Green Run High School or Princess Anne High School. In an effort to maintain student preparedness, it is recommended that students enroll in the Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy.
The College Board and Khan Academy have conducted studies showing that students who implement just one of their recommended “best practices” will see an average increase of 39 points in their scores. Continued personalized practice in this FREE online service will help students to achieve higher test scores.
Directions on how to create a College Board account, connect to Khan Academy, enroll in the SAT prep course, and complete personalized practice have been made available in Schoology through English and Math classes for grades 10, 11, and 12, as well as in a Google Doc through School Counselors. Students can find Khan Academy through their ClassLink LaunchPad in the Curriculum Resources folder as well as in their student backpack.
If you are interested in learning more about the SAT and how VBCPS students can set up their personalized practice, view About the SAT and SAT Prep in Khan Academy. Students can also reach out to their School Counselor for more information.
Homework help:
Beach Bag Food Drive
Upcoming Events
Stay connected to our calendar and mark yours!
For all Beach District and VHSL sporting events involving YOUR Kellam Knights, click HERE.
Mark your calendars:
October 3 - SAT Testing
October 6 - First School Planning Council Meeting
October 7 - First Term Quarter 1 Ends
October 8 - Option 1 Freshmen return to the School Building
October 8 - First Term Quarter 2 Begins
October 22 - Beach Bag Food Drive
October 31 - Next issue of The Knightly News
Stay in-the-know: Access prior issues by clicking on the month below:
The Knightly News
Email: ryan.schubart@vbschools.com
Website: http://www.kellamhs.vbschools.com
Location: 2665 West Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: (757) 648-5100
Facebook: facebook.com/KellamHS
Twitter: @KellamHigh