Kenwood Newsletter-March 2023

It's been a great week coming back from our spring break. The students and staff are getting back into their routines. We only have 8 school days before another break happens so we will work hard until then.

We celebrated our third quarter reading challenge by surprising students with donuts this Friday. We had 176 out of 366 students complete the challenge this quarter which is 48%. This increased 2% from last quarter. Our goal this last quarter is to get to over 50% of our students to complete this challenge. Please help us support your child's reading and encourage them to read, read, read!

On Tuesday, we will need all 5th graders to be present right away in the morning as the PTO needs to take a group picture to prepare them for the 5th grade party on May 5th. Please make sure your child is here on time so they don't miss out!

This week we will practice our tornado drill during the statewide drill on Wednesday. Around 10:00 we will be moving students into their designated areas. This is the second time that we will have completed this drill and is a requirement for the state.

On Thursday, our fourth and fifth graders will be traveling to the Merryman Performing Arts Center to watch Amirah Sackett. Amirah is an internationally recognized hip-hop dancer, choreographer, and teacher who explores and embodies her Muslim American identity through combining hip-hop movement and Islamic themes. She is widely known for her creation of the choreography and performance group known as, “We’re Muslim, Don’t Panic”.

I wanted to remind parents that the month of April is the last time to eat with your child. The month of May gets very busy with field trips and other events that sometimes makes us rearrange our schedules which could affect lunch times. I'd suggest if you were planning on eating here in May to call ahead and see when lunch and recess are and sign out your child to go eat off of school grounds and then bring them back. It's a 40 minute time period so there isn't a lot of time but you could eat somewhere close. Just realize that the student would not have recess which I know disappoints them but I'm sure they'd be glad to see you.

Kids Online Safety Presentation

Social media and electronic devices are everywhere! We want to help parents stay informed about how to keep kids safe online. Kearney Public Schools will be hosting Kearney Police Department's Computer Forensic Investigator Dan Warrington on Monday, April 3rd at 6:00pm. Investigator Warrington's presentation on electronic devices and social media safety focuses on current and popular apps that are being used by kids, what considerations to look for from a parent perspective, as well as tips to keep kids safe online. Investigator Warrington has years of experience in this field and is a valuable asset to our parents who have questions or want/need more information.

This free presentation will be held at the Merryman Performing Arts Center on Monday, April 3rd beginning at 6:00pm. We anticipate about an hour-long program with Investigator Warrington as he presents and then answers questions, if asked. This presentation is intended for parents/guardians only and is not appropriate for children.

March Birthdays

March 3-Katelynn L.

March 4-Isabella A.

March 6-Hudson S.

March 9-Nolen W., Leo M., Samuel T.

March 11-Jocelyn L.

March 14-Cooper A.

March 15-Lucille P., Tiana F.

March 18-Harper L.

March 19-Jaxon R., Charolette D.

March 20-Zachary J., Tracen Schake

March 23-Ryan L., Calum P., Jackson R.

March 24-Gunner B., Isabella J.

March 29-Jesse N.

March 30-Layne L., Harper H., Charlotte S., Josselyn R.

March 31-Delilah P.

March 29th-Statewide Tornado Drill

March 30th-MPAC Amirah Sacket-gr. 4-5

April

4-Kenwood PTO Family Bingo Night 5:30-7:00

5-3rd Grade Life on the Farm, Horizon Counselors visit with 5th grade

6-No School, Professional Development

7-No School-Holiday Break

10-No school-Holiday Break

12-5th Grade Science NSCAS testing

13-5th Grade Snack Sales-proceeds go towards 5th grade Party

18-NSCAS ELA-gr. 3 and 4, Kindergarten Days Hospital Visit

19-NSCAS ELA-gr. 5

20-Kindergarten Round Up

21-No school for kindergarten, 5th grade visits Horizon Middle School

25-NSCAS Math-gr. 3

26-NSCAS Math-gr. 4 and 5, Kenwood 2nd grade go to Rowe Sanctuary

28-Last day for lunch guests, SNAG Golf for 5th grade

I hope everyone got a chance to unwind and take a well needed break. It's good for all of us mentally and physically to remember to take care of ourselves. Sometimes these forced "days off" are just what our bodies and minds need. I do know that I miss our students and can't wait to see them tomorrow!

We will start our day off with an assembly to celebrate 3rd quarter. The assembly begins at 8:15 am in the gym. We will have LOTS of key winners to recognize as we focused on two keys of excellence, This Is It and Ownership. We will also review and celebrate our third quarter reading incentive earners by class percentages and these readers will receive a treat on Friday.

Also on Monday, several of our 5th graders will travel to UNK to participate in our first annual KPS Spelling Bee. Good luck to our participants and fifth grade parents should've received a zoom link from your child's teacher if you wish to watch it at 9:30 am.

The Crane River Theatre Acting Out Group will be working with our students in grades 3, 4, and 5 on Friday morning. Our students really enjoy this opportunity to experience the magic of theatre.

Report cards will be coming home on Friday. Please make sure to review these with your child. Celebrate their successes and growth while updating any goal setting for this last quarter.

*Reminder: Save this date-April 4th

Family Fun Night

5:30-7:00

Enjoy supper and Bingo with prizes

Please RSVP total number of family members eating. (Meal includes 1 piece of pizza plus chips and bottled water)

Free will donation with a suggested $1 donation per person eating.

A signup genius will be coming out once we have a total number of guests.

Must RSVP by March 27th--RSVP will be coming out later as well

March 29th-Statewide Tornado Drill

March 30th-MPAC Amirah Sacket-gr. 4-5

April

4-Kenwood PTO Family Bingo Night

5-3rd Grade Life on the Farm

10:10 Horizon Counselors visit with 5th grade

6-No School, Professional Development

7-No School-Holiday Break

10-No school-Holiday Break

12-5th Grade Science NSCAS testing

13-5th Grade Snack Sales-proceeds go towards 5th grade Party

18-NSCAS ELA-gr. 3 and 4, Kindergarten Days Hospital Visit

19-NSCAS ELA-gr. 5

20-Kindergarten Round Up

21-No school for kindergarten, 5th grade visits Horizon Middle School

25-NSCAS Math-gr. 3

26-NSCAS Math-gr. 4 and 5, Kenwood 2nd grade go to Rowe Sanctuary

28-Last day for lunch guests, SNAG Golf for 5th grade

We had a fun time celebrating Read Across America with Dr. Seuss activities. This week's focus is on our music rehearsals and programs. Please check all information on dates and times to arrive at the Merryman (225 West 22nd St.) and attire. It's at the bottom of your email or in the Kenwood Parent Newsletter. Other friendly reminders are that students should use the restroom before their performance and sit with their parents. We are encouraging students not to run around with their friends.

Monday

3rd Quarter Reading Challenge Sheets for gr. K-3 due today.
6:00 PM 1st grade Spring Music Program at Merryman Performing Arts Center-Doors don't open until 5:30
7:15 PM 2nd & 3rd grade Spring Music Program at Merryman Performing Arts Center-Please don't enter until 1st grade program has been completed and all students released

Tuesday

7:00 PM 4th & 5th grade Spring Music Program at Merryman Performing Arts Center

Wednesday

8:30 Project Safe at YMCA-1st Graders

Thursday

Kindergarten Music Programs
5:30 Mrs. Bauer's class-students arrive at 5:15 in classroom 6:15 Mrs. Fiala's class-students arrive at 6:00 in classroom 7:00 Mrs. Liveringhouse's class-students arrive at 6:45 in classroom

Friday--NO SCHOOL, End of 3rd Quarter

March 10th-19th--NO SCHOOL SPRING BREAK

Kindergarten Music Program Information at Kenwood

Kindergarten-March 9th--individual classes will sing in the Kenwood Gym

5:30 Mrs. Bauer's class performs at 5:30. Students arrive at 5:15 and go to their classrooms. 6:15 Mrs. Fiala's class performs at 6:15. Students arrive at 6:00 and go to their classrooms.

7:00 Mrs. Liveringhouse's class performs at 7:00. Students arrive at 6:45 and go to their classrooms.

When each class is finished singing in the gym, there will be cookies and water to enjoy in the cafeteria.

Attire for all Classes

Normal dress clothes. Spring colors are encouraged, but not required. Khakis/dress pants/nice dark jeans, and flat bottomed shoes for boys. Dress slacks, dresses, or skirts for girls. Flat bottomed shoes. No high heels!!

1st Grade Music Program Information at Merryman Performing Arts Center

1st Grade - March 6th- 6:00

Before Concert: 1st Grade students will enter the auditorium with their families starting at 5:30.

PLEASE DO NOT COME BEFORE 5:30. The doors will be locked and you will not be let in. Starting at 5:45, we will begin calling students up to the stage by class.

After Concert: 1st Grade students will be released one class at a time back into the auditorium. After collecting your child, you are free to go!

Attire for all Classes

2nd & 3rd Grade Music Program Information at Merryman Performing Arts Center

2nd/3rd Program - March 6th - 7:15

Before Concert: 2nd and 3rd grade students will come into the auditorium with their parents AFTER the 1st grade concert has finished :)

PLEASE DO NOT COME BEFORE 6:30. It is important that the 1st grade program is not interrupted by noise or the opening of doors. Please be respectful.

After Concert: 3rd Grade Students will be escorted off the stage to the gym at the South West side of the building for pickup. 2nd Grade students will be dismissed out into the audience. After collecting your child, you are free to go!

Attire for all Classes

4th & 5th Grade Music Program Information at Merryman Performing Arts Center

4th/5th Program - March 7th - 7:00

Before Concert - 4th and 5th grade students will come into the auditorium with their parents by 6:45 at the latest.

PLEASE DO NOT COME BEFORE 6:30. The doors will be locked and you will not be allowed in. Starting at 6:45, we will begin calling students up to the stage by class.

After Concert: 5th Grade students will be escorted off the stage to the gym at the South West side of the building. 4th Grade students will be released out into the audience. After collecting your child, you are free to go!

Attire for all Classes

March 10-19th

No school, professional development and spring break

March 20th-UNK 5th Grade Spelling Bee, 8:15 3rd Quarter Assembly

March 24th-Crane River Theatre Acting Out works with students in grades 3-5, Report Cards sent home

March 29th-Statewide Tornado Drill

March 30th-MPAC Amirah Sacket-gr. 4-5

District and State Spring Assessments-

MAP Growth: March 20-April 5 (K-5 ELA & Math)
NSCAS Growth: April 11-April 28 *makeup week first week of May

Second Step Weekly Focus-Handling Namecalling

In our school we have a rule about being respectful. It’s not respectful to call people names that hurt their feelings. If someone calls you a name, you can ignore the person or speak to him or her assertively. You can tell the person it’s not okay to call you names. If the person doesn’t stop calling you names, you should tell an adult. Saying kind words to others helps you make and keep friends!

LUNCH

Parents are invited to lunch BUT we ask that you contact the school ahead of time so we can inform the Bearcat Diner of your order or other changes in schedules. Lunch times are also found on the Kenwood website. The month of May will be off limits as there are too many schedule conflicts to organize and work around so if you plan on coming, please do so before then. If you choose to bring fast food or other restaurant types of food, we will have you eat in the office or conference room area as it causes hard feelings for those who don't have those options.

SCHOOL-WIDE ART MURAL

This turned out amazing! Thank you to Mrs. Raffaeli, Kenwood art teacher, for working with all Kenwood students on this "TEAM" art mural. Each hand has specific details of each individual student of our school. Our theme this year is just that "Together Everyone Achieves More" and this demonstrates that when we do work together, it can make a beautiful piece of art! I absolutely love this and how awesome it turned out! Come see it by our art room!

LET'S STAY CONNECTED

We have numerous ways of staying connected and even more now--Remind App, school website, facebook, emails, texts--you name it. If you are ever having a difficult time getting a hold of someone, use the contact information below or contact the school. We want to make sure we stay in communication with everyone's needs.

Mrs. Clevenger

Hello! My name is Jill Clevenger and I have the best job of being a principal at Kenwood Elementary. This is my 18th year working at Kenwood with the most wonderful students, parents, and staff that there is. You will love and enjoy your time at Kenwood Elementary. I can't wait to meet and see our Cougar family again!

915 16th Avenue, Kearney, NE, USA jilclevenger@kearneycats.com 308-698-8200 kenwood.kearneypublicschools.org/