PANTHER PRESS
September 25, 2020
District Status Update:
It has been busy since our last board meeting, and we are continuously searching for ways to improve our educational system while operating in a global pandemic. Trying to find enough hours in the day to accomplish all the urgent tasks is one of the greatest challenges.
Besides attending to our work educating students, completing state reports, and daily operations of the district, we are also trying to keep up on new information regarding COVID-19 and that includes tracking local cases and new guidance from our state governmental agencies and scientific research. At the end of last week, an article stated that we were not being transparent with our school case reporting. Up until that point, I personally had not had anyone inquire about our numbers or suggest we publish them in any particular format. One of the challenges of publishing this type of data is figuring out how to report it so that it is meaningful and accurate when the data can change on an hourly basis. This is new to all schools as well as the state, and guidance has evolved and will continue to evolve as we try new things to see if they work or not. As of this time, the state has identified two measures for schools to monitor that will indicate if there is a need to move to virtual learning due to virus activity. These metrics include having a student illness rate of 10% or more and a county positivity rate above 15%. We also know that some people are interested in the positivity rate of students and staff. The state will not consider the staff absentee rate; however, it is also a critical component of how well we can operate our educational programs. (State guidance was provided on August 26, so the following day is when we began tracking our data using their definitions.) Below you will find charts that provide the weekly data for KCSD.
On Sept. 16, the state also provided guidance on public reporting of this data. We will continue to work on the best way to share this information and will discuss it at our meeting on Monday.
Gratitudes:
***On Monday, September 21, Curt & Karen Schwanebeck began delivering bags filled with goodies to all of our staff members. The message on the bag read, “You are a blessing to our kids! Thank you!” This genuine act of kindness was greatly appreciated by everyone as it has been a challenging year. We are blessed to have such a caring community! Thank you to the Schwanebeck’s and their friends for sharing their generosity and for their encouragement!
***On Thursday, over 3,000 reusable masks were delivered to the students in the Knoxville school district. These were made possible by a community-wide effort led by the Knoxville Elementary PTO and Women Inspiring Change Knoxville (WICK).
As a member of WICK, I was excited when they announced this quarter’s project would be providing masks to all of our students. The Women Inspiring Change Knoxville group and PTO couldn't have done this without the support of MANY.
Peace Tree Brewing Company offered its website as a place where people could make an online donation and quickly raised over $1,000.
Knoxville Panther Booster Club also responded to our plea for help and donated $1,000.
Twenty-two members of WICK donated $1,750.
Elementary PTO donated $1,000.
Your Life Matters donated $7,000.
These donations made it possible to buy TWO masks for each student. The masks were purchased through local businesses of Ramaeker Screen Printing and Up 'N Stitchz. We are grateful that both of these businesses provided a discount to help us complete this project. THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible!
**Last, but not least, thanks to our partners for the new virtual tour video of our building project!
Thank You for Your Support!
We are grateful for the generosity and support of Curt, Karen and all of those who were involved! Please join us in thanking them!
Outfits must be school appropriate. If not, students will be sent home.
Pictures will be taken each day during Black PT (1st half) in the library
Points will be awarded to the grade with the highest participation, based on who gets their picture taken.
Bring your iPad/Phone down; you will scan the QR Code to enter your points!
CLASS CUP COMPETITION - ALL WEEK, 9/28 - 10/2
Activities throughout Homecoming week
Each grade will try to earn points to win the “Class Competition Cup”
Different events are worth different amounts of points
The Change War will be one of the best opportunities to earn points
Points awarded for attending the home cross country and girls VB game
CHANGE WAR “YOUR CHANGE HAS WEIGHT”- ALL WEEK, 9/28 - 10/2 (End of 2nd Block)
ALL donations must be dropped into a container outside of the front office by Friday by 3rd Block/Lunch
You can drop-off during anytime during the week (cannot leave class)
Each class is trying to gather the change
Every 50g of change =1 class point
All donations will go to Helping Hands
Bonus day(s) will be announced during the week!
We will be collecting donations at the following activities:
Bags Tournament (9/28) and Home Volleyball Game (9/29)
Points gained at these events may be worth 2x, 3x or even 4x the regular value
VOTING FOR KING AND QUEEN - MONDAY, 9/28 - WEDNESDAY, 9/30
Voting will occur via email during Homecoming week
All 9-12th graders will vote online, check your email!
BAGS TOURNAMENT - MONDAY, 9/28
Bags tournament starts at 6 pm at the HS - Rules
Teams will consist of two people (Teams can be mixed grades)
Forms can be found in the HS announcements
There will be a single bracket for all teams
Winning teams in each bracket will earn points for their grade
Bags sign-up is due Monday by noon.
Find the link in the announcements, your email, or here
COVID Mitigation Rules:
Masks required
No switching ends between matches
Hand sanitizer must be used before and after each match
VIRTUAL SCAVENGER HUNT - MONDAY, 9/28 - FRIDAY, 10/2- KHS ONLY
Students will have the opportunity to play a week long virtual scavenger hunt
Students will use the GooseChase app, which can be found in the PantherPortal to download, you can also download it on your own personal device
The game code to find the KHS game is L754BM and PW: COVIDCOMING2020
When you create your name for the game, you must use your first and last name followed by your grade. For example, JohnSmith12. Any other names will be removed.
Total points and places in the game will earn your grade points in the class competition
SILENT JERSEY AUCTION - TUESDAY, 9/29 (HOME VOLLEYBALL GAME)
Takes place during home volleyball game
All proceeds are split between the junior class and football program
22 Jerseys: Juniors and Seniors Only
Pick up and pay that night and return after the varsity football game on Friday
PEP RALLY, THURSDAY, 10/1
Pep Rally starts @ 7:00pm
Announcement of the Homecoming Court
Performances By:
KHS Band, KHS Dance Team and KHS Cheerleaders
COVID mitigation rules must be followed by all who attend
CLASS COMPETITION @ ASSEMBLY - FRIDAY, 10/2
Student sign-up to participate during assembly:
Use the following link to sign-up: COMPETITION SIGN-UP FORM
The link will also be emailed out and listed in the high school daily announcements.
During the Spirit Assembly:
Students will compete for final points and the Class Competition Cup Trophy will be awarded to the class with the highest points
SCHEDULE - FRIDAY, 10/2
Block 1: 8:00 - 9:23
Block 2: 9:28 - 10:48
Block 3: 10:50 - 12:45
First Shift Lunch 10:50-11:15; Class 11:20-12:45
Second Shift Class 10:55-11:20; Lunch 11:20-11:45; Class 11:50-12:45
Third Shift Class 10:55-11:50; Lunch 11:50-12:15; Class 12:20-12:45
4th Shift Class 10:55-12:20; Lunch 12:20-12:45
Block 4: 12:50 - 2:10
Advisory Competitions: 2:15 - 3:15
9TH/VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME - FRIDAY, 10/2
Come cheer on the 9th grade and Varsity teams as they take on the North Polk Comets @ Ken Locke Stadium
Freshman game starts at 4:45pm
Varsity kick off is at 7:30pm
HOMECOMING MOVIE - SATURDAY, 10/3
Date/Time: Saturday night from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Practice field between KHS and West
Movie: Voting will happen soon on Twitter for the movie choice
COVID Rules will be followed:
Students must sit 6 ft apart
Must bring chairs to sit on, NO sitting on blankets
Can bring your own food and drink but NO sharing
Popcorn will be available at the movie
Upcoming home events -
* Mon, Sep. 28: Homecoming Bags Tournament, 600 PM
* Tue, Sep. 29: 8/7 FB v. Centerville, 415 PM
* Tue, Sep. 29: MS/JV/V CC @Pine Knolls Golf Course, 415 PM
* Tue, Sep. 29: JV2/JV1/V VB v. Clarke, 530 PM
* Thu, Oct. 1: Coronation @Ken Locke Stadium, 700 PM
* Fri, Oct. 2: 9/V FB v. North Polk, 445 PM
Big wins this past week:
Our Volleyball team is having an awesome season!
They are 13-2 overall, 4-0 in the conference after this week’s win over E-B-F in our home opener, and they have now won 11 conference matches in a row at home and 24 conference matches in a row overall!
Norah Pearson won the Varsity girls races at the Davis County cross country meet last Thursday!
Norah is currently ranked 9th in the latest Class 3A rankings!
Another big win so far this season has been our FANS! A big thank you for masking up at events, practicing social distancing, and supporting our awesome students!!
The Knoxville Store
In partnership with Ramaeker Enterprises Inc., we are excited to unveil the Knoxville Store - the online apparel store for Knoxville Panther gear!
This link can be found on our school website: https://www.knoxville.k12.ia.us/ and then click on the "Knoxville Store."
This store features apparel/gear with items from our new brand system with logo marks that have never been on the market! These are exclusive Knoxville Panther items you will only find here!
Some items on this store will stay from month to month - some items will change so that there are constantly new items to choose from for Panther fans!
Orders will be processed twice a month - on the 15th and at the end of the month and Ramaeker Enterprises will email you when your order is ready.
Spectators at Home Fall Events
As we navigate the return of school-sponsored activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some key things spectators need to know about attending events at Knoxville Community Schools:
Masks are required for spectators
There will be no limit to the number of spectators at events as long as social distancing can be maintained.
Spectators in the same family may sit or stand together, but should social distance from others.
All other spectators should use six feet of social distancing.
Students in 6th grade and younger must sit with their parents.
Parents of children this age cannot drop these children off at our events unsupervised.
If social distancing is not maintained by spectators, capacity restrictions may have to be enacted at any time.
NFHS Network
Our Return to Activities Plan
At their August 10 meeting, the KCSD Board of Education approved our Return to Activities Plan. Our complete plan can be found here.
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- Get schedules for all extra-curricular KMS and KHS activities by going to www.knoxville.k12.ia.us and then clicking on "Activities Calendar". You can even sign-up for email notifications so whenever we make a change to a schedule - you can be notified immediately.
- Follow the Knoxville Activities Department on Instagram! @knoxvilleactivities
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Jr. Class and Football are holding the annual Jersey Silent Auction for Homecoming!
September 29th, 2020 during the Volleyball Games in the Commons at KHS.
This will be a silent auction. You can bid on as many jerseys as you wish,
the proceeds are split between Jr. Class & Football.
The auction will end when the Volleyball game concludes, payment will be taken then
and you will take home the jerseys that you have won.
They will be collected at the end of the Homecoming Game.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Jr. Class Officer,
Ms. Jackson or Ms. Carter at the High School.
Go Panthers!
What's Happening at KHS
- A Day or B Day
- Weekly Panther Pride Focal Point
- Meeting information for clubs and organizations
- activities schedule
Driver Education Info.
Driver Education is offered at Knoxville High School through Triple ‘R’ Driving School. The fall classroom sessions will be held Oct. 21-Nov. 6 online via Zoom. For more information and to register, click here.
6th Grade Science
KMS 2020 Homecoming Days for Next Week
Monday, September 28--PJs Day
Tuesday, September 29--Twin Day
Wednesday, September 30--Jersey Day
Thursday, October 1-- USA Day
Friday, October 2--Black & Gold Day
What's Happening at KMS
- Panther PBIS Focus
- Meeting information for athletics organizations
- birthday announcements
- activities schedule
Thank You, 3M!
Wear Your Face Covering
This week: reminders for wearing your face coverings. The Knoxville students and staff are doing an amazing job consistently wearing cloth face coverings. From the youngest learners in Kindergarten to our senior high, students have learned to put on their mask and leave it alone. Keep up the good work, KCSD!
Here are some reminders:
Wear your mask correctly
Wear your mask when you’re in public and when you cannot social distance
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others
Follow other healthy habits: stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands frequently and stay 6 feet away from others
Treat your cloth mask like underwear: change it and wash it daily
Wash your hands before you put on your mask, after you adjust your mask and after you remove you mask.
A cloth face mask with a face shield offers the most protection.
Sign Up To Receive Alerts
Sign up and/or update your subscription to receive alerts regarding school cancellations/delay and/or activity changes, you will need to subscribe to this service through GovDelivery. You can choose to receive text messages, email messages, or both. Please don’t delay, sign up today: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAEDU3375/subscriber/new
2020-21 KCSD Academic Calendar
I wanted to remind everyone that your child's Birthday treats can be baked by our kitchen staff, and will be delivered to your child's classroom.
The plates/ napkins /forks are all included in the cost listed. All you have to do is contact me via e-mail or phone and place your order.
Here is the list of options available: https://www.smore.com/q6bdf
A few kids got creative last year and asked for tie-dye frosting, rainbow and glitter cupcakes which our staff did an amazing job at!
The kids are so excited when they see their favorite treats delivered for their Birthday. We always include a Birthday sign that says who they are from, and best of all- instead of buying store bought cupcakes that were made weeks or months ago and full of preservatives- these are made fresh :)
Feel free to contact me with any questions:
641-828-2094
Virtual Learning Contacts
For families utilizing virtual learning, please direct any questions you may have to the contact listed below at your student's school building.
West: Mr. Klein
Northstar: Mr. Keitges
KMS: Mr. Keefer
KHS: Mr. Wilkins or Mr. Sandy
Register now for a remote learning course to obtain your substitute authorization! Learn more at at Heartland.aea.org or see a class scheduled here. http://ow.ly/q7vA50zA9Hi
Cancer Relay 2020 Shirts Available
The annual cancer relay is coming up! Support this group of runners raising money for the American Cancer Society by purchasing a shirt: https://knoxvillecancerrelay2020.itemorder.com/sale
Rec Center Happenings
- 5:50-6:20pm Pre/K & Level 2
- 6:25-6:55pm Level 1 & Level 3
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. We love to hear from you so please send us your submissions and feedback. The regular weekly deadline is Thursday at noon.
Stay connected by frequenting our website or following us on social media!
- KHS: www.facebook.com/KHSPanthers/ & twitter.com/KHS_Panthers
- KMS: www.facebook.com/PanthersKMS/ & twitter.com/Panthers_KMS
- Northstar: www.facebook.com/NorthstarElementary/ & twitter.com/MrKeitges
- West: www.facebook.com/knoxvillewestelementary/ & twitter.com/pantherswest
Rate us on greatschools.org!
Email: lisa.willis@kcsd.k12.ia.us
Website: https://www.knoxville.k12.ia.us/departments/district-office/people/1988396/lisa-willis
Location: 309 W Main St, Knoxville, IA, United States
Phone: 641-842-6551
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleCSD
Twitter: @lisa_mWillis