Kennedy Newsletter for Families
May 2021
Principal's Post
Hello Kennedy Families,
It's hard to believe this school year is over. I always feel that way, but this year it has really snuck up on me. We have been working so hard this year that I think I forgot it would end at some point!
As we leave each other for a few months I wanted to share a few things from the office that I hope will help with parenting over the summer. I have an "Advice from the Office" section below based off of things I have seen happening with our Coyotes this year.
So proud to serve you,
Janice Irvin, Principal
Advice from the Office
2. Be mindful of screen time. Our students have been on screens a lot this year, and their minds need a break. Make sure your child(ren) is going outside and playing imaginative games over the break. Children learn SO much through play. Reading a new series is also a great idea! If you need book recommendations for your child, you can always call Ms. McKinney in the library!
3. Mental health is a hot topic right now, and our children have not been immune from experiencing stress these last 14 or so months. I have seen anxiety on the rise in our students this year and I want you to know if your child is struggling, you are not alone! Contact Ms. Oaks-Blair if you need help with anything having to do with "the heart".
Congratulations to Mr. Andy Walters!
I am pleased to inform you that Mr. Walters has been selected to receive the 2021 ETSU Clemmer College Outstanding Mentor Teacher award. This award recognizes supervisors who have gone above and beyond for ETSU Student Teachers.
Congratulations on this achievement!
KCS Summer Learning Experience Acceptance Letters Coming Home
Summer Learning starts on June 1! We are really proud to announce we have had the best response rate in Kingsport from our Families. We have over 100 students attending! Hooray!!! This is going to be a REALLY FUN summer! Our teachers are excited to offer many rich experiences for your child(ren).
Reminder:
The Summer Learning Experience at Kennedy runs five weeks beginning June 1 through July 1 (June 1-4, then Monday through Thursday until July 1). Students participate four days a week, 8:45 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. Transportation (if needed), breakfast, and lunch will be provided for each student. A KCS teacher will be reaching out to you soon with more information about the experience and how your child(ren) will benefit from this experience.
Questions? Call our main office, or email Mr. Herron at bherron@k12k.com
Take Note
May 6 - Orleans-Hannah Math Placement Test 9am (5th Graders only)
May 7 - Field Day (Rain Date May 14) No Families this year, please. Tennis shoes for students and athletic wear would be great!
May 17 - 4th Grade Goal Celebration #2 (2nd try- multiplication to 11s)(2nd try- Study Island Work)
May 18 - 5th Grade Promotion 9:00am (Bring a lawn chair please & see map below)
May 19 - 1/2 Last Day of School - Talent Show (PreK-2 at 9:30 & 3-5 10:30 - possibly live streamed this year
June 1 - 1st Day of KCS Summer Learning Experience -Mr. Herron, Principal
Summer Learning Experience Dates
June 1 - 4
June 7 - 10
June 21 - 24
June 28 - July 1
5th Grade Graduation Info Map
What to know for 5th Grade Graduation
Please note:
- Each student can have a maximum of 4 guests attending graduation
- 5th Graders will line up on the track. They will process in through the balloon arch to "Pomp and Circumstance" and sit down on picnic tables.
- Bring your chair and set it up on the Basketball Court.
- Refreshments for students will be offered.
- Families may check out their Coyote with classroom teachers after graduation.
- We encourage all students to dress up for this event.
Related Arts Website!
Kennedy is a Bully-Free Zone! #CoyotesAreKind
**** Kennedy Office Staff ****
Kennedy Constants (always included)
We hope you find it helpful! Please let us know if we can clarify anything for you.
Attendance, Absences, and Tardiness
Birthdays
Please only send healthy snacks as a birthday treat for your child's class. We cannot accept cupcakes, cakes, or homemade items. Please make arrangements with your child's teacher before sending in healthy treats.
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)
Bus Transportation
The number to the transportation garage is 392-4416, if needed.
Carline
- During AM drop off, please stay in your car and allow your child to exit independently.
- During AM drop off, please unload at all 4 numbers/lanes. No need to stop at the bottom of the hill.
- During AM drop off, students can walk into the cafe from 7:30-8:05.
- In the afternoons, 4th and 5th grade cars (side parking lot) please turn RIGHT after you pick-up.
- In the afternoons, PLEASE USE YOUR CAR TAG! :) There is often a glare and I cannot see faces until you are right beside me. This helps our line move as quickly as possible.
Communication & Class Dojo
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/
Zones of Regulation
In addition to addressing self-regulation, the students will be gaining an increased vocabulary of emotional terms, skills in reading facial expressions, perspective on how others see and react to their behavior, insight on events that trigger their behavior, calming and alerting strategies, problem solving skills and much more. You can connect this work to parenting as home. We are excited to help our Coyotes stay in the Green Zone!
Taken from Zones of Regulation Content
Zoning and Tuition
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 Classroom Space