September | Family Smore 2023

Welcome back, Wildcat parents and families!

The school year is off to an incredible start in Kennedale ISD, and we are thrilled to share the latest academic news and updates with you in this fall's edition of the Wildcat Wire: Family.

In this newsletter, you'll find a wealth of valuable information about the happenings within our schools and how you can play a more active role in your child's educational experience. From important dates and upcoming events to insights into our curriculum and extracurricular activities, we aim to provide you with the information you need to stay informed and engaged. We'll also be serving up some handy tips, resources, and tricks to help you be the ultimate cheerleader for your child's learning and well-being throughout the school year.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Wildcat family. Here's to a fantastic year ahead filled with growth, learning, and fantastic memories!

Dr. Julie Vu

Assistant Superintendent

October: Bullying Prevention & Dyslexia Awareness Month

October 6-9: Fall Break

October 13: End of 1st Nine Week

October 23-27: Red Ribbon Week

The Ascender Parent Portal allows parents to set alerts for grades and attendance and view report cards and progress reports. Parents may also email their child’s teacher from within the Ascender Parent Portal. Simply click on the teacher’s name from the student’s class schedule.

Parents may view the Ascender Parent guide HERE.

KISD students in grades kindergarten through high school participate in NWEA MAP Growth testing at the beginning, middle, and end of the year, and the first administration for 2023-2024 will be complete this week!

NWEA MAP Growth provides insight into each student’s academic areas of strength and opportunity, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to individuals and small groups based on data. Additionally, it provides specific measures to support student goal setting throughout the year.

The following areas are assessed through MAP Growth in KISD:

• Grades K-1 Reading, Math
• Grade 2 Reading, Language, and Math
• Grades 3-8 Reading, Language, Math, and Science
• Grades 9-10 Reading and Language
• Grades 9-11 Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (course specific)

If your child took NWEA MAP Growth assessment this fall, look for a Family Report to be sent home from the school. For more information on the assessment, visit https://www.nwea.org/map-growth/. .

Students at our two elementary schools, JFD and RFP, are participating in a supplemental online math program this year -- DreamBox Math. DreamBox is a personalized program aligned to key state standards that adapts to students' unique needs, allowing learners to build proficiency in grade level or prerequisite skills and also to extend grade level in areas of strength. Most importantly, the program is designed to be engaging and fun for students, building their motivation for math and confidence in their abilities.

To learn more about DreamBox Math, visit the family webpage, and see the attached flyer for ways you can support your child at home with this new resource! If you have questions about the program, contact your child's math teacher.

Baylor University's Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development offers the Talented Identification Program (TIP) to identify exceptional talent in STEM and the humanities. Baylor TIP offers customized educational recommendations and out-of-school programs to identified students.

Baylor TIP offers two online above-level tests to qualified students to be considered for admission as a Baylor TIP Scholar:

• Indicator of Academic Readiness 8/9 (IAR 8/9) for grades 4–6, or
• Indicator of Academic Readiness (IAR) for grades 7–8.

Students qualify to take an above-level assessment through any one of these options:

• Score in the top 25% on one or more subtest of a state or national standardized exam, such as STAAR (local norms are recommended but not required),
• Be formally identified as gifted or talented by a district, or
• Be recommended by a teacher, administrator, and/or parent.

Testing opens in October, and should be completed by February 28, 2024. After taking the assessment, students will receive a detailed score report that includes educational recommendations. All students who are admitted to Baylor TIP are eligible to participate in enrichment and accelerated learning opportunities.

Seventh-grade students who score exceptionally well on the IAR will be invited to celebrate their achievement at a Baylor TIP Recognition Ceremony in the spring. In addition, they will have access to specialized summer programs offered through the Baylor TIP Academy. Students who wish to be considered for the awards ceremony in the spring must complete their testing by February 28, 2024.

For more information see the Baylor TIP website at https://gifted.soe.baylor.edu/baylor-tip/information-parents or contact Denell Dickey at denelld@kisdtx.net.

The Texas Education Agency has developed a website to support families of emergent bilingual students. TXEL.org provides families with information and resources to ensure the academic success of their children. Families can subscribe to a quarterly Parents and Families Newsletter. Click here to access the back-to-school 2023 newsletter. Si le gustaría leer este boletín en español, por favor haga clic en el Boletín informativo para Padres y Familias.

KISD is excited to host our first event for families with students who are emergent bilingual and English language learners. Please see our flyer for more information.

During Suicide Prevention Week, our school district championed the theme "Your Future is Bright," underscoring the importance of mental well-being and optimism. Throughout the week and month, educators led developmentally and age-appropriate discussions about mental health in classrooms, tailoring content to resonate with each age group while weaving in the overarching theme. Discussions equipped students with coping strategies and resources, reinforcing the belief in their bright futures.

When schools give students access to devices and online accounts, an incredible world of learning opportunities opens up — as well as potential dangers. Digital safety is critically important to Kennedale ISD, which is why we are now using Bark for Schools to help us protect our students both online and in real life.

Bark monitors for signs of potential issues such as the following:

● Cyberbullying

● Suicidal ideation

● Threats of violence

● And more

When possible dangers arise on school-issued accounts, Bark for Schools will send alerts to district and campus personnel and provide educational leaders with insights to promote the wellness of the entire student body. Students may use their school-issued accounts both at school and at home, and families will be better able to respond to urgent alerts after hours, on weekends, and during breaks.

Parents will soon receive an invitation to the Bark for Schools Parent Portal and have access to parenting resources such as the Bark Blog, guides for talking to their child, and the opportunity to join the Parenting in a Tech World Facebook group.

Dear Parents,

October is recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month, a pivotal campaign aimed at nurturing a more secure, compassionate, and supportive learning atmosphere for every student. This initiative highlights the vital part we all play in addressing and preventing bullying within our school community.

Throughout this month, we encourage families to engage in meaningful discussions and participate in activities that promote respect, inclusivity, and acceptance. It's valuable to incorporate lessons on empathy, kindness, and the impact of one's words and actions. Sharing stories and examples that challenge stereotypes and biases can also provide insightful perspectives.

Our campus counselors are here to bolster your efforts in cultivating a bully-free classroom environment by providing lesson plans, activities, and discussion guides. Moreover, we have arranged a series of workshops and sessions for both parents and students, where valuable strategies will be shared on preventing bullying and responding to such incidents in a constructive manner.

Together, let’s take a stand against bullying and foster a nurturing and respectful school environment for our children.

It's essential to recognize the distinction between common conflicts and bullying, as they require different approaches for resolution and support. Here’s a simplified explanation to help understand and address these issues at home:

Conflict is a normal part of human interaction where disagreements or disputes arise, and all parties have an opportunity to express their views. It's a situation where children learn to understand different perspectives, emotions, and how to navigate social dynamics.

On the flip side, bullying is a harmful behavior where one individual uses their perceived power to control or harm another person through repeated, unwanted actions or words. It's an aggressive pattern intending to cause distress or fear, leaving the person on the receiving end feeling helpless to stop the actions directed at them.

In typical conflicts, children usually show self-awareness and self-regulation. They can recognize when lines have been crossed and adjust their behavior, often driven by empathy to rectify any hurt caused. It's a learning curve to understand and respect others' boundaries.

However, in instances of bullying, the aggressor continues their harmful behavior even when aware of the hurt they are causing. Unlike normal conflicts, bullying reflects an intention to cause harm or fear without the willingness to resolve issues or consider the feelings of others.

Engaging in open discussions about the differences between conflict and bullying, and how to address each, can be very enlightening. We encourage families to talk about these scenarios, promote empathy, and foster a nurturing environment at home to help children understand the impact of their actions and words on others.

Thank you for partnering with us in creating a safer and more supportive environment for all children.

We are thrilled to introduce a new initiative that will undoubtedly bring families closer together. We are excited to announce the launch of the "All Pro Dads" program at KISD. This nationwide organization is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between fathers, father figures, and their children.

The All Pro Dads program is all about providing opportunities for dads, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures to engage in positive and enriching activities with their children. Our primary objective is to create a stronger sense of family connection, encourage open communication, and cultivate a supportive environment for all the children in our school.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved in this fantastic program. Together, we can build stronger family bonds and create lasting memories with our children.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

In North Texas, a beacon of hope shines bright for families with youth aged 6 to 17. "Help Me Thrive" is not just a name; it's a promise of support, guidance, and access to essential resources, all at no cost.

About: "Help Me Thrive" is a revolutionary system of care dedicated to providing the very best resources to families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to flourish. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to partnering families and caregivers with a Family Navigator, a dedicated individual ready to answer questions and establish connections with vital community supports and services.

Goal: At the core of "Help Me Thrive" is the noble goal of empowering families. We believe that every family deserves options, the power to choose, and the means to access the finest resources available. This initiative is all about building bridges, fostering relationships between communities and families, and ensuring that no family feels alone in their journey.

Connect with a Family Navigator: The heart of "Help Me Thrive" beats through its dedicated Family Navigators, who are readily available to assist families. Whether it's through a phone call or a location-based meeting, these Navigators are here to partner with families, offering guidance, support, and access to valuable community resources.

Are you ready to connect with a Family Navigator and embark on a journey towards a brighter future for your family? Reach out to us today:

• Call: 1-844-NTX-TEEN
• Email: Referral@HelpMeThriveNorthTexas.org

"Help Me Thrive" is not just a program; it's a lifeline for families in North Texas. Join in this mission to empower families, nurture communities, and create a better tomorrow for our youth.

In KISD, our students are presented with courses tailored to help them delve into potential careers and college pathways, all aligned with their passions, talents, and aspirations. Every student in the 8th grade undergoes a College and Career Readiness course. This pivotal course introduces them to post-high school opportunities and guides them in setting and achieving personal milestones. What's more? They get a deep dive into labor market trends, hone skills crucial for job hunting, and draft documents vital for the employment process. The course ensures students tap into credible educational and career data, facilitating a better understanding of their own capabilities and inclinations.

Furthermore, KJHS is proud to offer 8th graders the Touch System Data Entry course. Not only does it reward students with 0.5 high school credit, but it also ensures they become adept typists. This course integrates technical prowess to tackle business challenges using modern technology. Through it, students enhance their literacy, numeracy, communication, and analytical skills in a business context. The end goal? To equip them with the proficiency to utilize touch system data entry for crafting professional business documents.

Kennedale ISD is wholeheartedly dedicated to preparing our students for achievements in college, careers, and military endeavors. This year, with great enthusiasm, we are extending the Xello program to our High School campus, achieving district-wide implementation.

Xello is a dynamic online platform designed to captivate students while imparting essential 21st-century skills. Its focus is to prepare them for what lies ahead. Through Xello, students will journey through a myriad of career possibilities and further educational opportunities tailored to their ambitions. Interactive assessments covering career prospects, personality traits, and learning styles will provide students with insights into their unique capabilities and talents.

Dear Parents and Families,

We understand that you play a crucial role in supporting your child's education and future aspirations. To help you stay informed and prepared, we want to highlight the upcoming testing dates for your high school students:

For Seniors: On October 11th, our registered seniors will be taking the SAT. This test is a significant milestone on their path to higher education, potentially opening doors to college admissions and scholarships. As parents, you can support your seniors by ensuring they are well-prepared, offering encouragement, and helping them manage any pre-test jitters.

For Juniors: Juniors will also have important tests on the horizon. On October 11th, they will be taking the TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment), a crucial step toward their college journey. Just a week later, on October 18th, it's the PSAT (Preliminary SAT). The PSAT is not only excellent SAT practice but can also qualify your child for National Merit Scholarships.

Mark these dates:

• Seniors: SAT on October 11.
• Juniors: TSIA on October 11 and PSAT on October 18.

As we approach these upcoming dates, please continue to support and encourage your students! Wishing all our students the best of luck on their upcoming tests!

Questions? Contact Dr. Rachel Lomax, CCMR Coordinator, at lomaxr@kisdtx.net.

We have some exciting updates regarding AP courses and exams for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year!

Firstly, we want to emphasize that all students enrolled in AP courses should be part of AP Classroom through their College Board account. This platform will prove to be an invaluable resource on their AP journey.

Students have until October 31, 2023, to sign up and make their payment. This avoids any additional charges. The regular exam fee is $98 per exam, with a reduced rate of $36 for eligible National School Lunch Program (NSLP) students. Please note, there will be an unused test fee ($40) and late ordering fee ($40) for the 2023-2024 school year.

Students may retake AP exams previously taken, if not passed, because there is no limit on the number of times an exam can be taken. And for those who missed taking an AP exam in 2023 for a course they were enrolled in, this year presents a fresh opportunity.

We're excited to support our KISD students' success in AP courses and exams and are looking forward to a fantastic academic year ahead!

Please reach out to Dr. Lomax at lomaxr@kisdtx.net for guidance and further information .

Email: CSS@kisdtx.net
Website: kennedaleisd.net
Location: 140 West Kennedale Parkway, Kennedale, TX, USA
Phone: 817.563.8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennedaleISDCurriculum
Twitter: @KennedaleCSS