Kennedy Newsletter for Families
March 2019
Principal's Post
Kennedy Families,
Greetings from the Kennedy Elementary Office!
Read Across America Week has been so much fun! I'll add some pictures to the end of this month's newsletter. We loved seeing all of our Coyotes dressed up in their costumes, jammies, and Wacky Wear! :) Part of being a kid should be attending a school that balances work and play. Many researchers tell us that children learn through play, especially in these early years. In an effort to make sure we find a balance and continue our "whole child" approach we love to celebrate with events like these.
Testing season is upon us, and we recognize that this can be a stressful time for some of our students. We thought it might be helpful to let families know about some of our verbiage so we can use some of the same wording at home and school.
As a school we ask that our Coyotes do their Personal Best (PB), take their time, show their work, and double check their answers. We use testing data to help us plan lessons that fill in gaps that sometimes occur in understanding. Encourage your child to do their personal best, and let them know you are proud of them. Every employee in this building has chosen to work here because we love children, and want to see them succeed. Thank you for trusting us with your child(ren).
My goal this year is to continue to grow students as leaders who help others, overcome challenges, have a willingness to learn, and lead with respect. Kindness is cool!
Proud to serve you and the Lynn Garden Community,
Janice Irvin, Ed. D.
Principal
Kennedy Elementary
PTA Meeting
Can you help?: We need someone to take plastic grocery bags that are recycled at Kennedy to Food City each week. Do you have a heart for recycling? Contact Debbie Allen in the office if you're interested!
Zoning/Tuition
Here is the link for the 2019-20 Zoning and Tuition Link: 2019-20 Zoning & Tuition Application
Or, please visit www.k12k.com to access this application. If you have any questions feel free to contact Alisa Strong (astrong@k12k.com) via email or by calling (423)378-2100.
Approvals are based on: Attendance, Behavior, and Room
3rd-5th Upcoming Assessments
- March 7th- Writing Assessment
- March 14th- Math
- March 18th- English/Language Art
3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Families:
TCAP/TNReady State Testing Starts April 16th!
It is important your child:
- is at school on time (8:00 am);
- has eaten a healthy breakfast at home or gets to school early enough to eat in the cafeteria; (café opens at 7:30 am)
- gets enough rest the night before the test;
- does not have scheduled appointments for days listed below
- Students should NOT bring devices on testing days.
If you have questions or concerns about the assessment, please feel free to call Ms. Hobbs at (423)857-2700 or email her at hhobbs@k12k.com.
TNREADY Testing:
- April 16th - English/Language Arts
- April 17th - English/Language Arts
- April 22nd -English/Language Arts
- April 23rd - English/Language Arts
- April 24th - Math
- April 25th - Math
- April 26th - Science
This Crazy Weather! :)
Please make sure your child has extra clothes that are seasonally- appropriate, and a jacket for cool days. The State of Tennessee requires us to take children outside, as long as there isn’t rain, on days when the temperature is between 32 and 92 degrees.
Kennedy Cafeteria Edition
- Our cafeteria received a 100% on their health and safety inspection.
- We serve breakfast and lunch.
- Our school food is really good!
- All students receive a no cost breakfast and lunch thanks to a grant.
Kennedy Office Staff
Dallas Ratliff- Office/Technology Assistant
Kem Padgett - Award Winning KCS Secretary
Debbie Allen - Family Liaison
Kim Oaks-Blair - School Counselor
Heather Hobbs - Associate Principal
Dr. Janice Irvin - Principal
Kennedy Constants
This is a new section that will be permanently added to the end of our newsletter.
We hope you find it helpful! Please let us know if we can clarify anything for you.
Attendance, Absences, and Tardiness
Birthdays
Flowers, balloons, etc. should not be sent to the office for students. Please give these sweet gifts at home.
Breakfast and Lunch Programs
Ice-cream day is Friday and must be purchased ($1)
Healthy chips can also be purchased ($1)
Per school policy, students cannot bring fast food in the cafeteria. Please have your student eat his/her meal prior to arriving at school.
Bus Transportation
The number to the transportation garage is 392-4416, if needed.
Contact us!
857-2700 - Main Office
857-2704 - Cafe, Karen Mullins
857-2702 -Nurse Lundy
378-2340 -Fax
1500 Woodland Avenue
Kingsport, TN 37665
Discipline
They are:
H- Helping Others
O- Overcoming Challenges
W- Willingness to Learn
L- Leading with Respect
Hear us HOWL!
In addition to these expectations we use Positive Discipline with Lifeskills at Kennedy Elementary. We know that a part of growing our students as leaders includes citizenship and character. We believe our students are the best in Tennessee.
Kennedy Family Lifeskills for Reference
Kennedy Family Positive Discipline Reference
Positive Discipline really boils down to discipline that is kind and firm. We focus on fixing the behavior, not necessarily punishment. It's based on respect and character building.
Drills/AED
Health and Medical
Additionally, we have a tele-medicine program where a child can be seen via a camera and equipment in Nurse Lundy's office. They can receive antibiotics through this program if needed! We encourage you to use this program! It's awesome!
Homework
Lost and Found
Opportunities for Coyotes
AM Tutoring (5th Grade)
Big Brothers Big Sisters (all grades)
Chorus (all grades)
DBYes (DB student mentors)
HOWLers (Boys, 4th and 5th)
Kiwanis Club Readers (volunteers)
RTI - Response to Intervention (time set aside to catch up academically)
STREAM Club
Ladies of Lynn Garden (Girls 4th and 5th)
Lego League
Maker Space (only one in a KCS elementary school!)
Morning Mile (Coach Robbins - 7:45-8:00)
Speech Services for approved students
Spelling Bee (3rd, 4th, and 5th)
Snacks/Water Bottles
Testing Policies
Our KCS Website can be found here: https://www.k12k.com/
French Toast with Families
Highlights - more pictures can be found on Twitter! @KCS_Kennedy