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Biweekly News for KVFS Families-August 17, 2022
Welcome to Kickapoo Valley Forest School
We are excited to welcome you to a new year of exploring and learning at KVFS! This newsletter comes out every other week and will be full of information that you, as guardians of forest school children, will want to know. Be sure to keep your eye out for it!
Before School Starts:
We highly recommend attending the two late August Play Dates to help your child settle into the school year. Children attend with caregivers to get used to the school site, play with friends and practices using our bathrooms and drinking fountains.
August 24 and 25 (Wednesday and Thursday) from 9am-12pm.
Back to School Night will be an additional chance to see the classrooms, drop off supplies and talk with teachers. August 30th (Tuesday) from 4:30-6:30pm.
If you have not filled out this Family Survey, please do so so that we can get a better idea of how best to support your children this year.
First Day of School!
New this year: Early release every Wednesday at 2:30pm. This is a district-wide initiative to address our goals of better meeting children's needs through more planning and shared learning time for teachers.
No school on Fridays for 4-year-olds. A much needed rest day for our youngest learners.
Here is a link to download the school calendar where you will find scheduled in-services, parent-teacher conferences and holiday breaks: https://5il.co/1aapr
Here is a link to download the La Farge Elementary/KVFS After School Program enrollment form: https://5il.co/1g9j3
Important Things To Know About Gear for Forest School
Dressing Properly for Forest School Is the #1 Most Important Thing To Providing Success For Your Child at KVFS!
- Please read our KVFS Clothing Recommendation Document
Additionally: - You can order great outdoor gear at Oaki at 25% off with the promocode: kickapoovalley https://oaki.com/
- And at Outdoor School Shop for 15% off with promocode: KICKAPOO
https://outdoorschoolshop.com/ - AND, KVFS has a great lending library of outdoor gear available for check out. Please reach out at kvfs@lafarge.k12wi.us if you are in need of any gear!
Interested In Getting Involved?
Here are the committees with their chair person and contact information. Reach out if you have interest in joining a committee! Committees meet via Zoom or Google Meets.
Development: The Development Committee is responsible for development and review of all KVFS contracts, bylaws, policies, handbooks, safety protocol and policy development.
Standing Meeting Date: Last Wednesday of the Month @3:30pm
Chair: Barb Sarnowski sarnowskib@lafarge.k12.wi.us
Equity: The Equity Committee's primary purpose is to support families and children in the school community through honoring individuals' unique backgrounds, experiences, and needs.
Standing Meeting Date: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 5pm
Chair: Robin Hosemann hosemannr@lafarge.k12.wi.us
Programs and Services: This committee's primary purpose is to continuously improve and support the educational program and offer support in the research and curation of appropriate materials and supplies that complement the overall mission and vision.
Standing Meeting Date: Every 3rd Thursday @ 6pm
Chair: Anne Marie Fryer fryera@lafarge.k12.wi.us
Finance and Fundraising: This committee assumes the primary responsibility for financial oversight and reviews the annual school budget, and monitors grant budgets.
Standing Meeting Date: First Tuesday of the Month @ 3:30pm
Chair: Shawn Donovan donovans@lafarge.k12.wi.us
Public Relations and Marketing: This committee sustains the overall comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for KVFS in partnership with the Leadership Team.
Standing Meeting Date: TBD
Chair: Jen Oium ouimj@lafarge.k12.wi.us
Food Security: This committee is responsible for the design and implementation of a comprehensive Universal Snack Program for students at KVFS including the upkeep of the school garden.
Standing Meeting Date: Every 4th Wednesday @ 1pm.
Contact: Jonel Kiesau kiesauj@lafarge.k12.wi.us
First Coffee Cart- Friday, September 2nd
Please join us whenever you are able. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate available by donation.
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Kickapoo Valley Forest School
Mailing Address: 301 W. Adams St. La Farge, WI 54639
Physical Address: S3661 State Hwy. 131 La Farge, WI 54639
email: kvfs@lafarge.k12.wi.us
website: https://www.kickapoovalleyforestschool.org/o/kvfs
KVFS Main Office: 608) 639-0565
instagram: @kickapoovalleyforestschool
facebook: @kickapoovalleyforestschool