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Dear KDM Community,
Though we're all excited for the upcoming holiday break, KDM students are still hard at work in their classrooms. We had a productive week! Thank you to everyone who came out to our Winter Concert. KDM has talent!
Please note that Report Cards were posted in Genesis at 3 pm today. Please reach out Jude Wallin at Jwallin@rocktwp.net with any questions.
Next Week is Spirit Week! Please check out the KDM Winter Spirit Week flyer for the fun, holiday-themed days to send us off into the Holiday Break in good cheer! Also, be sure to check out the Winter Clubs 2025 form for next exciting line-up of Afterschool Clubs. This cycle, we've added some new choices for our students.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Regards,
Brian Rawlins
Principal
"Success is not about being better than the other person. Success is about being a better person than I was the day before." --Anonymous
Andi J., 2nd Grade
"Andi is a kind-hearted second grader who always strives to be a good friend to everyone around her. She is caring and always offering a helping hand. Andi consistently makes thoughtful decisions, whether in the classroom or during recess. She is respectful and considerate of others. She puts forth her best effort in everything she does, from schoolwork to group activities. Andi is a positive role model for her peers and leads by example with her kindness." --Mrs. Stites
Chase M., 5th Grade
- CLUBS UPDATE: We're pleased to be offering another full line-up of afterschool clubs for this winter, including new clubs such as Tech Story Animation and old favorites like Exercise Club. On Thursday, Dec. 12, information on the ten clubs available for registration was sent home in your child's homework folder. Please review the Winter Clubs 2025 form for opportunities in preparation for this coming Mon., Dec. 16 when digital sign-ups will be held online at 12 p.m. at this link (link not currently active).
Within a day or two of registering your child, you will receive an e-mail from Mrs. Markowitch with a registration form. Please print and complete this form and send it back to the office by Fri. Dec. 20 with payment attached to secure your child's spot in the club. Please find here a copy of the flyer sent home this week/this is not the registration form rather just an overview of the clubs being offered:
- Snow Much Fun at KDM!: Decorate this snowflake to be as unique as you are! Write your name and teacher on the back, cut it out, and return it to your homeroom teacher. We'll proudly display your one-of-a-kind snowflakes on KDM's front lobby windows for everyone to enjoy!
Denise Cleary, Paraprofessional, 25 Years of Service
"Mrs. Cleary has been keeping our children safe at dismissal and during recess. She is caring, loving and knows most of the students by name. Whenever extra help is needed, she is always ready to step up and put in the extra hours for our students and staff. After 25 years at KDM, both as a parent and paraprofessional, she always has a positive outlook and is always helpful. Mrs. Cleary is an important member of our KDM family!" --Jude Wallin
Lynn O'Neill, Paraprofessional, 20 Years of Service
"Mrs. O'Neill has devoted an impressive 20 years of service, making a lasting impact on the KDM school community. Throughout her career, she has consistently provided valuable support to teachers, students, and staff. Her two decades of service are a true testament to her passion for education and her commitment to helping students succeed." --Kelly Stites
Lauren Crispino, 5th Grade Teacher, Tenure
"Mrs. Crispino always has the best interest of her students at heart. She treats her students with empathy and compassion but still holds them to a high standard. Her innovative ideas are to be applauded and emulated. Also, she is a team player with other faculty members and is willing to do what it takes to make KDM a great school."--June Beck
Gena Hartman, School Psychologist, Tenure
'Ms. Hartman cares so much for the students on her caseload, and always has their best interests in mind. She is a wonderful teammate who is willing to help others when needed. She is supportive and empathetic to both students and her team members."--Jen Saxton
Kelly Stites, 2nd Grade Teacher, Tenure
"Ms. Stites is an inspiring educator whose dedication to her students and work goes above and beyond. A true hard worker with relentless drive, Ms. Stites constantly strives to be her best, not just for herself, but for her students as well. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as she participates in after-school programs around the district. Her tireless efforts make a lasting impact, inspiring both her students and colleagues every day." -- Christina Diffin
Cherie Verzi, Behaviorist, Tenure
"Mrs. Verzi is often uncomfortable when the spotlight shines her way, but these words are heartfelt, true and well deserved. She is a caring and knowledgeable professional who is dedicated to the students and staff she works with. Her selfless and calm personality are what make her a highly effecftive and trusted professional who is able to make a difference in the most demanding situations." --Dave Koenig
Nelson Cortez, Custodian, Tenure
"I asked several times if Nelson would be attending the Board meeting to receive his tenure pin. He always replied no, until I discovered that the reason he felt he couldn't go was because the meeting was during his night shift at KDM, and he felt the school needed him more than he needed to be recognized. Dr. Corbett and I emphatically disagreed and eventually convinced him to go. But this is Nelson. Selfless, conscientious, humble, and the hardest worker you'll ever be fortunate enough to find. Nelson is one of many reasons we have great KDM days. He deserves to be celebrated all the time!" --Brian Rawlins
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It is with such sadness in my heart, and tears in my eyes that I am writing this email to you today. Effective January 1, 2025, I have resigned my position as School Nurse of Katharine D. Malone Elementary School.
It has been such an honor and pleasure for me to take care of your children these past 6 ½ years. I love each and every one of them so much. They put a smile on my face every day. I will most certainly miss the stories I hear, the laughing, singing, and the dancing with them. They have had such a beautiful impact on my life, it will forever be seared into my heart.
Thank you for all of your kindness and generosity. It was so appreciated.
I leave you all with one piece of advice:
Follow your gut, it will never steer you wrong.
Good Health and Happiness Always.
Sincerely,
Paula Kelly RN
PTA December Calendar
Print and Save for your reference! December KDM PTA Calendar--This calendar reflects PTA events and activities. Please refer to the "Upcoming Dates" section below for the full listing of school events.
