The Knightly News
Parent Newsletter - September 4, 2020
Principal’s Message
Hello Knight Families,
In a few short days we will welcome back over 1900 students to the Castle, virtually that is. Our administrative staff and teachers have been working hard to design an amazing experience for your students. That said, in some ways it will feel as though we are building the plane as we are flying it. Information has been rapidly changing over the past few months and there is no reason to believe it will not continue to change. We thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as we do our best to give your students what they need to be future-ready.
This year we are striving to Be The Change. It is up to each of us to leave the world better than we found it. That begins with being kind to our fellow neighbors. In a time where there is so much hate and division we hope to provide our students with the skills they need to build unity and hope. Our SCA theme, Adventure Awaits could not be more fitting. We know this year will bring new adventures that we could not have imagined this time last year. Together, we will be the change as we set off on this new adventure.
This edition of the Knightly News is full of important information that will help you and your student get off to a great start. Now more than ever we need your partnership for this year to be a success. 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/
Prep for Back to School Virtually!
Things to do in the next few days:
Locate your student’s Chromebook and Charger
Contact Kellam High School if you do not have a Chromebook (757-648-5100)
Fully charge your device
Log in and test your password
Contact the Customer Support Center at 757-263-1111 if you are having trouble logging in during the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please test the microphone, speaker, and camera on the Chromebook. Microphones may stop working; therefore, having earbuds with a microphone as a backup device would be helpful.
ClassLink, the new launchpad for student and teacher applications, will be live Monday, August 31. Students will log directly into the ClassLink launchpad for easier access to Schoology and other applications teachers may assign. Please know that we are working very hard to align students to their teachers and some resource applications may not be available for the first few days of school.
Update your email address and phone number with your student’s school either through ParentVue or by contacting the main office at your child’s school. It’s important that this information be correct and confirmed so that important AlertNow messages are successfully delivered. Any changes to your contact information must be made through your child’s school.
Thursday, September 3, teachers posted a welcome message in their Schoology Welcome or Course Information. Please have your child(ren) log in to their Chromebook and open Schoology to verify they can see their courses for the new year. There may not be any assignments yet.
2020-21 School Year Media OPT-OUT Form: Parents who do not want your student to be part of any media representatives, please review and complete the form by September 15.
Kellam Daily Schedule and What to do Day 1 - Sept 8
- Prior to 8:30 a.m.: Go to “Courses” in Schoology and click into your Term 1, Block 1 class by clicking the image that says Term 1, Block 1—all classes have a Course Image that looks something like this:
By 8:30 a.m.: Inside this course, find and click the virtual classroom meeting link. Your teacher will allow you into the meeting room at or before 8:30 a.m. Being late to the virtual classroom is just like being late to class in the building; you will be marked tardy.
Students are expected to report to the virtual room linked in Schoology by the official class start time (see schedule above) for every block, every day.
Advisory is not optional and should be attended as part of Block 3 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Important information will be disseminated throughout the year during this time.
Academic Support (OT3016/Study Block) will NOT MEET virtually during Term 1 until otherwise announced*. Students should use this time to prepare for and complete work from other classes.
*Note that for students who have Academic Support as a Term 1, Block 3 class, the class will meet for Advisory only (11:45a-12:10p).
Instructional Resource Videos
Instructional Resource Videos (Click)
Parents can access these videos to learn more about the digital resources that their students are using in class. General videos are provided to give an overview of division wide tools such as Schoology, ClassLink and SeeSaw. Level specific videos are also available for parents to understand why a resource is being used and how they can help their students get the most out of the instructional tool. Additional videos are being created and added, so check back often.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Matters, What You Can Do Helps!
Know Kellam High School Attendance policy and procedures—click on the quick links 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 at 648-5105 if you have any questions or email KellamAttendance@vbschools.com.
Drive-Thru Books and Calculator
uKnight Advisory Program
uKnight is Kellam’s advisory program. Our purpose is to ensure that each student has a “go to” adult in the school who gets to know each student well, makes sure their learning needs are being met, and encourages them to make good academic choices and plan for their future. Advisories are designed to foster stronger adult-student relationships and a stronger sense of belonging and community among students. Advisors also guide students in preparing for transition to post-secondary opportunities such as college, career, military service, or entrepreneurship.
ALL students will attend uKnight from 11:45-12:15 Tuesday-Friday. Their uKnight groups are attached to their 3rd Block course. Even if students have a 3rd Block study block, they are expected to report to uKnight. 9th graders will have student mentors assigned to their group as well. Advisory time will be focused on:
Offering social-emotional support to students
Creating a greater sense of belonging to Kellam High School
Fostering an inclusive culture
Guiding academic and career planning
Aligning course work to the VBCPS Graduate Profile
We will keep you informed about our advisory program through a monthly spotlight in the Knightly News. However, we encourage you to talk to your child about advisory. Some questions to ask include:
What is something you have in common with other kids in advisory?
What is something you shared about yourself?
What have you learned about your advisor that you like?
How do you think your advisor will be able to help you this year?
Kellam High School PTSA
Welcome back Kellam Knights! Don't forget to sign-up for the Kellam High School PTSA!
The PTSA is the largest child advocacy volunteer organization which speaks for the interest of all children and their safety, health, welfare, and education. We will be holding our first general membership meeting on September 10, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the start of the Kellam High School Virtual Town Hall. Please visit the Kellam High School PTSA website (click) to review the draft updated bylaws, 2019-2020 audit, and 2020-2021 budget. Each registered member will be able to vote via email which will be sent out on September 10, 2020. If you have not yet joined the Kellam High School PTSA for the 2020-2021 school year, please keep reading!
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 who join by October 31st, we will have a drawing for a free yearbook. Thank you for your support!
In addition to becoming a member, please also consider participating in our stress-free fundraiser to help ensure our planned programs get off to a strong start.
Finally, please consider volunteering with the PTSA—if you're interested in volunteering with the PTSA this year, please reach out to: karyn.burnett@gmail.com.
PTSA Open House
There will be a prerecorded portion where you can meet the administrative team and Q & A session. Please submit your questions by clicking on the link below.
Virtual PTSA Open House Schedule
PTA Reflections Contest
The Reflections Program will be taking place in 2020! All Entries will be submitted virtually by Friday, October 16. Create your entry following the instructions provided on the VAPTA.org or VBPTA.org page under the Reflections tab, then scan and save your entry. There is a NEW submission process listed in the link below.
Students, please take this time to reflect, to get started on your submission and remember to be creative!! The theme this year is "I Matter Because...". Entries can be submitted in the following categories: Visual Art, Dance, Music, Film, Literature and Photography and Special Artist.
The program guidelines are attached in the Student Entry Packet. Be sure to check the VBPTA.org or vapta.org website for further updates.
Student Online Submission (NEW FOR 2020)
https://forms.gle/m9H9zjkFmBqDrKod6
Please contact Amber Sloan at sloanys4@cox.net should you have any questions
Student Activities Update
The Student Activities department is working to create opportunities for our students to connect and be a part of all that Kellam has to offer. Please visit our club and activities list for a list of clubs and sponsors. Be sure to watch for updates in this newsletter as well as follow us on social media.
Twitter: @KellamHigh
Instagram: kellam_knights
Facebook: Floyd E. Kellam High School
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! These items will be ordered at www.jostens.com. You can visit www.jostens.com to view these items and even order now by typing in your school name. The week of September 28, you will get additional information on how to order your items, have your FAQs answered, and receive ordering deadlines. 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. The week of September 28, you will receive instructions on how to order your custom class rings. There will be online options as well as in-person options. There will also be some additional items that will be given out free when you purchase your class ring. You can visit www.jostens.com and start designing and even order your ring today! If you have any questions, email Eric Harvell at eric.harvell@jostens.com.
School Counseling Update
Student schedules are now available through Student VUE and Parent VUE for both Term 1 and Term 2. Should you have any concerns about your student’s Term 1 schedule, kindly contact your student’s School Counselor. A list of School Counselor extensions and emails can be found HERE. Click HERE for a list of schedule changes that can and cannot be requested at this time. You may note that School Counselor assignments for underclassmen have shifted slightly due to changes in enrollment.
Counselors are here to support all students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. In the near future, School Counselors will be answering FAQs surrounding college applications and post-secondary planning. Also be on the lookout for appointment sign-ups for all seniors for their one-to-one counselor check-ins.
Important Announcements
Food Services
VBCPS and Kellam High School will continue to offer nutritious meals to our students, even in the virtual setting. For more information on ordering breakfast and lunch and how to pick it up, please click here. You can also email our Cafeteria Manager if you have further questions at Linda.Gunter@vbschools.com.
Behind the Wheel Driver Education
We are teaching Behind the Wheel during study blocks and after school hours.
- The instructor will pick up and drop off students at their homes for safety.
- Students must have their driver’s permit to register. To register, click HERE and fill in the necessary information.
- An instructor will contact you with a schedule and supply you with the necessary documents.
- Any questions regarding Behind the Wheel instruction can be sent to Debrah.Jenkusky@vbschools.com.
Freshman Orientation - On Demand
Kellam High School Class of 2024: Get Ready for a New Adventure
Kellam High School held its first Virtual Orientation for Rising Knights during the week of August 24-27, 2020. The virtual week kicked off with welcome videos from administration, school counseling, student activities, and our SCA. Rising Knights also took a virtual tour of our building hosted by four of our uKngiht Advisory Mentors. On Tuesday, we hosted the Kellam Virtual Club and Activities Fair which offered students the opportunity to visit up to 8 clubs and activities. Wednesday’s session provided students with some words of wisdom and advice from a group of our uKnight Advisory Mentors. Our week concluded with a drive-by Kellam swag pickup. Our Rising Knights were met with a cheering crowd of teachers and mentors, and they left with a t-shirt, bag, and few other goodies. If your child missed any of the week’s activities, all videos and information shared is available to all Rising 9th Grade students through the Schoology GROUP: HKL Grade 9. We have swag bags for each student, so please stop by Kellam if you did not get a bag of Kellam goodies during the orientation week.
SAT and ACT
Beginning October 3, ACT and SAT testing will resume in Virginia Beach provided there is not a significant change in COVID-19 percent positivity and total cases in our region and the Governor has not imposed additional restrictions. Please check the College Board and ACT websites for specific registration information. Test dates are as follows:
SAT: October 3, November 7, December 5
ACT: October 24, December 12
Upcoming Events
Stay connected to our calendar and mark yours!
September 8 - First Day of School
September 9 - Virtual PTSA Open House- Meet the Admin Team and Q and A
September 10 at 6:30- PTSA Open House - PTSA Meeting and Meet the Teachers
September 14- Drive thru Book and Calculator Pick up by appointment
September 25 - Next issue of The Knightly News
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