December 2024

Important Dates

Sat., 12/7 GR Santa Parade @5pm

Wed., 12/11 Band Concert @KHS @7pm

Thurs., 12/12 Choir Concert @KHS @6pm

Sat., 12/14 Wyoming Santa Parade @10am

Fri., 12/20 Half Day (dismissal @10:50)

Fri., 12/20 End of 1st Semester

Mon., 12/23-1/3 Christmas Break

Mon., 1/6 School Resumes

Mon., 1/20 MLK Day No School

News From the Principal

I hope the holiday was fun, relaxing, and safe for all of you and your families. Crazy to think that December is here and we still have a long holiday vacation right around the corner. Please help us by encouraging your student(s) to finish this semester strong. In addition, continue to work on their reading and math skills while away from school during the winter break. There is a lot of research that says reading just 20 minutes a day will increase your students’ school performance in all areas. There is a lot of opportunity to find books your student(s) will enjoy with a KDL Branch at Kelloggsville High School. To support your student(s) Math progress, here is a website that you can use to help with math skills: visit coolmathgames.com to practice math skills in game situations. We are hoping to start up our PTG next semester for any parent who would like to attend. More details will be sent right after winter break. Have a great holiday season.

News From the Assistant Principal

We are wrapping up the first semester of the 2024-25 school year and want to encourage students to finish strong academically and behaviorally. Part of finishing the semester on a high note is strong attendance. Please help us by reminding your student to be at school, if they have no flu-like symptoms, and get to class on time to maximize educational opportunities and increase their chance for success. In efforts to reward students with positive behavior, students with no ISS or OSS in December will be invited to a school wide event at GR Skate on December 19.

News From the Student Services Coordinator

Happy Holidays! As we return from Thanksgiving break, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who makes it possible for as many students as possible to come to school every day, on time, and ready to learn. We thank-

• Our students and families for making daily attendance a priority since they know the habit of attendance will help them do well with their learning in the classroom and the larger world around them in the future

• Our wonderful teachers and support staff for pouring their energy into making each classroom an exciting place for exploration and knowledge so the students do not want to miss out on any learning

• Our community partners and volunteers provide extra hands and attention to our students’ needs.

The end of December marks the halfway point through the school year, so now is a good time to check on your child’s progress in school. Consider these questions:

• How many school days has your child missed this year so far? Keep in mind that frequent absences negatively impact a student’s academic performance

• How often has your child been tardy to class throughout the school day?

• Are there upcoming appointments or plans that may prevent my student from being present in school?

• Have I provided the school with updated contact information?

Helpful Tips for Awesome Attendance

• Remind your child that school is their first and most important job!

• Communicate the importance of regular school attendance to your child so they are hearing the same thing we are saying at school.

• In the cold winter months, make it a point to bundle up and leave earlier to ensure you are on time.

• Check in on your students' attendance as often as possible and reach out to us if you have any questions/concerns.

• If your child is running a fever of 100 degrees or more, vomiting, or having diarrhea they need to be kept home--if they do not have any of these symptoms, please send them.

• Avoid extended vacations that require your child to miss school. Try to line up vacation with the school's schedule.

As a reminder, the last day of school before the break is Friday, December 20th, and we will reopen on Monday, January 6th. We hope that you enjoy some fun and relaxing times with your friends and family during this.

So, once again, thank you for your efforts & I wish you a Happy Holiday Season!

If you have any questions regarding attendance, please email jmills@kvilleps.org or call (616) 532-1575.

Counseling News

KMS students will have the opportunity to participate in the school-wide spelling bee on January 9. Students were emailed a sign up form to fill out if they are interested in participating in the bee. Questions should be directed to Laura Kuperus, School Counselor.

Nurse News

Winter is here! Here are a few reminders for the cold months ahead!

Winter Nosebleeds - If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds it may be from the dry air. Try using a cold air humidifier at night. Saline nose drops or petroleum jelly may help too. If severe, consult your pediatrician.

Lice - There is often an increase in lice cases during this time of year. Head lice is spread through direct head-to-head contact or through personal items such as hair brushes, hats, bedding or towels. If your child has any live lice or nits(eggs), they will need to be treated effectively with shampoo and physically combing the lice out. Remind your student to not share personal items.

Returning to school after an illness -

- Temperature less than 100*F without a fever reducer for 24 hours

- No vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours

- If prescribed antibiotics, return 24 hours after first dose

Sports News

Middle school girls basketball and wrestling sign ups are open now at https://kvilleps-mi.finalforms.com/. Your athlete will need a current physical and to be enrolled on FinalForms to compete. Wrestling practice will start on Monday January 6. Girls basketball practice will start on Monday January 13th. If you have any questions please contact Josh Barnes @ jbarnes@kvilleps.org