What to Expect for Day 1

Knights,

With the first day of school rapidly approaching, I know there are many questions about what to expect.  I hope the information below will help you feel confident about starting school this year.  We are not mandating masks, but I strongly encourage staff and students to wear masks.

Staying Informed: I will send blog messages periodically to help keep parents informed about school.  To find the blog, you can use the link in the email that I send or you can go to the KLMS homepage -> About Us -> Principals Blog.  This way, you can find previous communications.  Typically, if an item in my email or blog message is underlined, it is a hyperlink to the resource I am referencing.

School emails are sent using a program called School Messenger.  If you have not completed the online registration forms through Skyward, you may not have accepted to receive email messages.  I cannot remove individuals from the mailing list, there are instructions at the bottom of the email to change your email preferences.  When I send a message, I ask the program to not send duplicate emails; therefore, you will likely receive one message even if you have multiple students at KLMS.

We will be adding events to the KLMS calendar.  Please know that the sports schedules are subject to change based on health/safety standards and the availability of facilities.  Please check with the coaches prior to making plans for the sport schedules.

CONSTRUCTION updates: 

• Our gym was damaged during the snow storm last February when the sprinkler system cracked and flooded the foyer and gym.  As a result, we are getting a beautiful new floor!  However, the downside is that it will not be ready at the beginning of school.  The coaches will work with athletes for any adjustments to their schedules.
• Our Band Hall was renovated last spring - we anticipate that students will be in the new band hall on the first day of school.
• We are getting new lighting for the stage!  This should not impact our theatre arts program and it should be ready to go long before our first performance!

MASTER SCHEDULE updates:  The master schedule refers to the class and teacher assignments for the campus.  Due to new enrollment and teacher changes, we were making adjustments to the classes last week (this is generally completed before now).  After the master schedule is set, we level classes (meaning that we even out the number of students per class) and resolve student schedule conflicts. As a result, we are behind in being able to share accurate schedules with parents and students at this time.  I apologize for this delay and any resulting stress; we would not do this if we did not believe it was in the best interest of a significant number of students.  Therefore, you will not be able to see your schedule in Skyward until the first day of school but students will receive a printed copy in their Catapult class at the beginning of school.  Please see the notes below for more information about how students will know their Catapult teacher and room.  This process is not atypical for 7th and 8th grade students and you would be amazed to know that we get all students in the correct class within 5 minutes of the bell.  

WELCOME WALK update:  We will not be walking the neighborhood this year to welcome 6th grade students; we are disappointed not to be able to walk this year but we feel it is everyone's best interest.  In lieu of the walk, Catapult teachers will be sending an email on Wednesday to all students and guardians with information (all grades).  For those new to KLMS, Catapult is the name of our Advisory class.

Here is what to know about the first day:

1. START: The building opens at 7:45, class starts at 8:20 am.  Please see the blog from last week for more information about arrival procedures.
2. SCHEDULE:  Students will report to their Catapult teacher.  We will have rosters printed and hung in the school, as well as teachers/staff prepared to help students find their teacher and/or room.  Catapult teachers will contact students and parents on Wednesday, August 11th.
• Students will start and end the day in Catapult, as well as report to Catapult midday to help orient the students to school processes, students troubleshoot issues/questions that may arise, and help prepare students for lunch and dismissal.  
• Student will go to all classes; classes will be shortened to 30 minutes for the first day.
• Cheerleaders will be in uniform throughout the day and are prepared to help any student needing assistance to find a teacher or room.
3. SUPPLIES: Students will not need to bring their Chromebooks the first day of school.  They should bring their lunch (if they are not getting a school lunch) and something to take notes.  They do not need all of their supplies on the first day; teachers will instruct students about bringing supplies to school.  Please see previous blog messages about backpacks and other bags.
4. LUNCHES: All students have access to a free lunch, regardless of financial status.

We look forward to seeing everyone in a few short days!

Dina Schaefer