PANTHER PRESS
11/16/2018 Edition
Laptop Reminders
Middle School and High School Parents/Guardians:
With Thanksgiving break approaching, the Technology Department wants to remind you about the school issued devices for the students. Following these steps can help prevent any potential damage to the computers and accessories.
- Ensure the devices are being transported in their carrying cases at all times.
- Try to keep the cords in areas where small children and pets cannot get to them.
- Do not eat or drink around the computer.
Barry Smith, KCSD Director of Technology
Knoxville Food Youth Initiative Donates to the KCSD
Notifications for School Delays & Cancellations
In order to receive notifications regarding weather cancellations and/or delays or changes to district activities, please subscribe to the GovDelivery service. Signing up is easy at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAEDU3375/subscriber/new. Screenshots are pictured below of the subscription process.
What is MyPlate?
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, Protein and Dairy makeup the basics of a well-balanced diet. This month students learned the components of MyPlate, which is a great way to ensure your child is getting a healthy and nutritious diet. Be sure to let your child help plan meals with their newly acquired knowledge.
- 10 Tips to Build Healthy Mealtime Habits: https://bit.ly/2PUmODv
- Family Mealtime Conversation Cards: https://bit.ly/2FlDbor
West Elementary students recently earned a reward for their academic growth in reading, math, or writing. They voted to watch a movie. Congrats to all!
First Grade Switcheroo
In first grade we have been learning about less than and greater than. Students are using the symbols and are able to identify place value to prove which number is greater or less.
We are also learning about addition. First graders became the number sentence to illustrate commutative property of addition. In first grade we call these "switcheroo" facts!
Winter Music Programs
We are getting closer to the winter programs for this year. The students have been working very hard to prepare. Please save the following dates and come see what they have been preparing for you. Programs will take place in the Knoxville Performing Arts Center. Due to props being used this year, I am recommending that Kinder Prep/Kindergarten students wear something with pockets or loose fitting long sleeves. I am also recommending that First and Second grade students wear something with pockets.
- Kinder Prep/Kindergarten- Nov 26 @ 7:00 (Students should arrive after 6:30)
- First Grade- Dec 3 @ 7:00 (Students should arrive after 6:30)
- Second Grade- Dec 11 @ 7:00 (Students should arrive after 6:30)
Please be watching for more information, as we get closer to the dates.
Thanks,
Sarah Rodilosso, West Music Teacher
Andrew Schlatter, Central College Reading Clinic Practicum Student
The Reading Room at Northstar Elementary has had the privilege to mentor Andrew Schlatter, a Central College Reading Clinic Practicum student. Mr. Schlatter positively interacts and communicates with the students and staff while learning the Wilson Reading System curriculum. Andrew is committed to motivating students, providing a trusting learning environment, giving positive feedback, and growth as a professional. He has inspired students to develop new skills and continue building on their achievements. Mr. Schlatter demonstrates many qualities of an effective teacher. As he continues his educational journey he will be missed and we wish him the best. Mr. Schlatter (pictured right) delivering reading instruction to fourth grade learners.
Reading Counts in 4th Grade
4th Grade has a reading goal of 4 books read per month for each student. Students who complete this goal are deemed the Monthly Reading Counts Champions in 4th Grade. Books that students read can be passed by taking Reading Counts tests at school, or by completing a retell chain, writing the main events of the story. The past two months students have had the opportunity to go to the Makerspace and work on fun projects with Mrs. Findley and Mr. Pearson. We are excited for different opportunities as we move forward this school year, and add more and more Reading Counts Monthly Champions! Please continue encouraging your students to read at home! :)
7th & 8th Grade Mock Trial Teams
Congratulations to the 7th & 8th grade mock trial teams on superb performances at the regional competition October 31.
The 8th grade team advanced to the State Tournament and will compete November 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center.
Special shout out to those earning Honorable Mention for their performance as Attorneys: Ciara Heffron, Jay Keller, Emilee Murphy, Ethan Morgan and Hayden Hudson and as Witnesses: Tyce Huyck, Faith Roozeboom, Anna Buttell, and Norah Pearson.
Earning All-District Outstanding Attorney was Brittany Bacorn and All District Outstanding Witness was earned by Evan Smith. We're so proud of you all!
7th Grade Mock Trial (Front Row- Laney Minard, Faith Roozeboom, Ella Breazeale, Back Row- Ciara Heffron, Charlye Willis, Isabella Fitch & Tyce Huyck)
Author visit at KMS
Being an author, a dream many have, but few ever are able to make come true! During the week of November 5th, 7th grade Language Arts students had the opportunity to listen to a former KMS student and KHS graduate who made her dreams of becoming a published author come true! During the 7th graders’ library time, Ashley Lovell spoke to the students about the first book of her new series. The series, called The Spirit Keeper, kicks off with the first book, The Wish. The students were privileged to hear her speak and enjoyed witnessing an example of a student who started right where they are today- following her dreams. Ashley was truly an inspiration to the kids and challenged them to go after their dreams and don’t give up! What a fun treat to see the success of one of our own graduates.
If you are interested in checking out Ashley’s work, you can stop by the Knoxville Public Library or find her work for sale at retail locations including Amazon.
KMS Physical Education
During the week of October 17th - 19th the students and staff at KMS participated in RED OUT activities after school. Students were invited to raise money for the American Heart Association by getting donations for red t-shirts that would be worn to participate in after school activities including volleyball, 3 on 3 basketball, and dodgeball. Each activity ended with a single elimination tournament where champions were crowned each day. We are happy to report that KMS was able to raise $1,060 this year for the American Heart Association.
2018 3 on 3 Basketball Champions
2018 3 on 3 Basketball Champions:
Pool 1: Carson Uitermarkt, Noah Keefer, Dakota Ramsey, & Luke Keitges
2018 3 on 3 Basketball Champions:
2018 Dodge Ball Champions:
Ashley Kearney, Nickole Kussatz, Emma Dunkin, Brock Roozeboom, Olivia Ramaeker, & Tristan Noyes
PE students at KMS have been learning form, safety and technique as well as the importance of working out in our newly refurbished weight room. They have been open to adding it to our curriculum between units that we normally do.
Below are some pictures of our 6th graders involved in learning the machines and free weights in a workout form. As well as spotting for each other on the bars.
Community Partner Contributions
Elementary PTO Fundraiser Pickup
Due to frozen items please make arrangements that your items be picked during this pick up time.
Katelynn Collins, a sophomore at KHS, will be playing the part of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. This production will be presented by Union Street Players in Pella. Katelynn auditioned for this part in August and the troop has been practicing to put on a great show. Come see Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, and all their fishy friends in one of the eight performances from November 27- December 9th. Tickets may be purchased at the USP website at www.unionstreetplayers.com or by calling 641-204-1094.
Marion County Food Coalition Calendar November 2018
KCSD ADMIN. OFFICE
The Panther Press is a weekly collective newsletter for parents & community members. If you have an article or flyer to share, please submit to Lisa.Willis@kcsd.k12.ia.us for consideration.
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- West: www.facebook.com/knoxvillewestelementary/ & twitter.com/pantherswest
Email: lisa.willis@kcsd.k12.ia.us
Website: www.knoxville.k12.ia.us
Location: 309 W Main St, Knoxville, IA, United States
Phone: 641-842-6551