Knights,
I sincerely hope that everyone has had a chance to relax and enjoy the time away from school. Even though we will all be in the building in the fall, I know there are still many questions about what it will look like for the students. We are still waiting for some guidance, but here is what we know, don't know, and our priorities for making decisions.
Events Calendar
6th Grade Camp - Wednesday, August 4th from 8:30-11:30. Click here for the Camp Registration Form. This camp is hosted by PTO and serves gives students time to meet classmates, ask questions, learn how to use the lockers, while learning the layout of the school and cafeteria. The hope is that this will help ease the transition to middle school and first day nerves.
**NEW guidance** Parents will not be allowed to attend the camp. Please plan to drop students off in the back of the school and return to pick them up in the front of the school.
7th & 8th Refresher (as needed) Tuesday, August 10th from 6:00 (7th)/ 6:30(8th) until 7:15. This is an come & go opportunity for students who need, or want, to familiarize themselves with the school, given that several students have not been on campus at all or since 6th grade. 7th grade students will start in the cafeteria at 6:00 and 8th grade students will start in the cafeteria at 6:30; their principals will meet with them briefly and then dismiss them for a self-guided tour.
**NEW guidance** Parents will not be allowed to attend. Please plan to drop students off in the front of the school and return to pick them up in the front of the school.
2021 Welcome Walk - Monday, August 9th starting at 5:30. A team of KLMS Knight staff will visit new 6th grade student at home to welcome students to the 2021-22 school year.
First Day of School for students is Thursday, August 12th.
Academics
STAAR results - STAAR results have been posted for all students. To access STAAR results, go to your Skyward account and click on "Texas Assessments", copy the PAC ID, and then click on the "Texas Assessments Results Website" link. You may need the PAC ID if you are not automatically directed to your students results. The page will show all testing in Texas for your student.
- If your student tested in advance mathematics, it is possible that they will have a report that says "NOT SCORED" for the test they did not take. For example, a 7th grade student who took the 8th grade STAAR will have a score for Math 8 and "NOT SCORED" for Math 7 (because they have one for Math 8) and Reading 8 (because the Math and Reading are paired during registration for the test).
- If your student did not take the STAAR Assessment,we are reviewing historical STAAR data, class performance, and STAR 360 results to determine any necessary intervention.
Extra support - If you are concerned that your student did not perform well on their STAAR assessment, please know that we plan to address those academic concerns throughout the year through a combination of intervention classes, intervention groups during Catapult, classroom instruction, and after school/ Saturday supports. Some of these will be optional while others will be mandatory depending on the level/type of student need.
--> One of the best ways to support the academic growth of your student is to 1) encourage reading (reading to them is beneficial) and 2) ask students to explain their thinking (why they answered the way they did or make a prediction with a justification).
School Lunch
This year ALL students will have access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of economic need. The free breakfast and lunch opportunity will expire for the 2022-23 year; families that may qualify for free/reduced lunch should still complete the application this year so that services are not disrupted when this program ends. Please the Food and Child Nutrition Services page for the Free & Reduced Meals Applications (or click here).
Based on health and safety guidelines, parents will not be allowed to drop off lunches or join students at the school for lunch.
Lockers and Backpacks
We will be issuing students lockers this year; however, students will still be allowed to carry a backpack to class. We are asking that any bag a student carries to class fits under their desk or can hang on the back of their desk without impeding the desk behind them. The goal is to maximize the space available in the classroom by minimizing the footprint of each student. In past we have been specific about backpacks versus sling bags but that distinction is not needed this year - we are focusing on size of the bag and space needed.
Staff Changes
We are excited to welcome the following Knights to the KLMS Community:
Math: Ermelinda Zizolli, Chrystal Neelley, and Edgar Sorsby.
Fine Arts: Alyssa Everett (choir) and Taylor Hussey (band).
English/Language Arts: Michael Heffernan and Macee Robins.
Athletics/PE: Aaron Griffin (Boys Athletic Coordinator), Maria Bernal
Social Studies: David-Alvin Quinton
Special Education: Shelby Lowe and DJ Riley
Technology: Shannon Bryant
Office/Administrative: Kristi Henderson (Senior Administration Associate) and Catherine Crain (Instructional Coach)