Another year comes to a close -

and for all of the ups, downs, twists, and turns, we are grateful for having the opportunity to serve our community, our families, and our students. As a long time coach, I have used the end of a season to reflect on the things that went well and the places I want to improve. In the same way, as a principal I am beginning to look back on the triumphs and challenges we experienced at Hazel Grove to better prepare for a new year. Here are just a few...

Triumphs:

1. 1 staff completed a Doctorate Degree
2. Math and Reading nights welcomed over 100 families back into the building
3. 3 staff completed a Masters Degree
4. 4th grade achieved 95% attendance
5. 5th place in Wyandotte Spelling Bee
6. PTA sponsored family skate nights
7. Custodial staff earned BUILDING OF THE MONTH
8. GAGA BALL made it's way to recess
9. 9th place finisher in Are you Faster Than a Fifth Grader running event
10. 10 Level 4 proficient scores (highest score on KAP)
11. AMAZON BEN Team served as volunteer readers and gave books away to classrooms
12. Mrs. P Johnson's class achieved 95% attendance
    
13. Mrs. Chastain's class achieved 100% attendance
14. 100% of our classes participated in Connector career and industry virtual learning
15. Fully staffed for 100% of the school year

Challenge #1:

Meeting our goal of 95% attendance EVERY DAY will mean we need students in class daily. Did you know just 1 day absent within 10 days drops a student below 95% and leaves lasting effects on their learning?

Response:

Our staff will be meeting with parents and students at FA days before the new school year begins to make a plan for increased attendance! We will have monthly, quarterly, and semester rewards for students and FAMILIES for "leveling up" attendance (food or gas gift cards, household service, and more).

Challenge #2:

Big behaviors are becoming more and more real in our world. Learning to cope with stress and personal trauma is critical for everyone, especially our students.

Response:

Every Monday, students will participate with all STAFF at Hazel Grove in a Second Step behavior lesson and we will continue our work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We will share language and skills together and will encourage families to do the same.

Challenge #3:

Reading and math proficiency fall flat.

Response:

Every class will have lessons that are intentionally built COLLABORATIVELY to address whole group and individualized interventions. School day intervention and tutoring before/after school will be assigned for acceleration.

Challenge #4:

Less than 10% of our families participate in family engagement activities (PTA, math night, reading night, etc) and may not be prepared to support their child in learning.

Response:

Every parent will receive a PERSONAL call from a Hazel Grove staff member each quarter to personally invite and register one family member to an upcoming event! We will have translation services, food, and resources to take home.

I am optimistic that TOGETHER we will rise to the challenges and our students will continue to grow more successful every day!

The district is providing new teaching materials for reading instruction that focus on building a student's knowledge base and also building their basic skills around letters and sounds. In addition to using new teaching materials next year, we will be focused on multiple teachers teaching collaboratively to address whole group needs and also small group lessons. School day intervention and tutoring before/after school will be assigned for acceleration and remediation.

Please join us on Wednesday, May 25 at 10am to celebrate the promotion of your 5th grade Hazel Grove Hornet! Park you car in the bus lane, decorate your trunk, and make lots of noise for the class of 2029! *students may leave with parents - please contact Mr. Austin for details caleb.austin@kckps.org

Masks

Masks are now optional in all KCKPS buildings. Please continue to encourage your child to make the choice that is best for your family.

19th - Hazel Grove Field Day - All students

24th - 5th Grade to Skate City

24th - Kindergarten Promotion

25th - 5th Grade Promotion Parade

26th - Last day of school for students

NEW 2022.23 DISTRICT CALENDAR