KAMSC Newsletter

There are so many great things going on at KAMSC and we love to share those with you! This week we welcomed some current college-going Alumni to KAMSC for an AM assembly with our 9th and 10th graders so they could learn about what KAMSC prepared them for. This helps our students understand the "why" here at KAMSC. Here is a link to a slideshow of all the alumni that submitted a response (six of these were here live with our students.) All of them sited "time management" as one of the most important skillsets learned here at KAMSC. Most said that the transition to college was "easy" because of the rigor of KAMSC. Part of the Challenge Success program that I keep informing you about, has a huge emphasis on time management, so it was timely feedback for the 9th and 10th graders to hear how important that is from these college alumni. Finally, another important recurring theme from the panelists was the research opportunities here at KAMSC. They mentioned that these opportunities give you a leg up when applying to universities but also to be able to get assistantships and internships sooner while in college.

Heather Kortlandt

Director, KAMSC

Kalamazoo Public Schools has a half day on Monday, October 21st and this will impact KAMSC bussing. AM bussing returning back to Loy Norrix or Kalamazoo Central will leave KAMSC 30 minutes early (10:00 am) in order for KPS KAMSC students to return to their high schools and catch busses home. PM will have NO bussing to or from KAMSC but we DO have KAMSC p.m. classes running so students will need to find a ride to and from KAMSC in the afternoon.

KAMSC Students Quinn Hague, David Shen and Jason Shaye take 2nd place to Plymouth Canton at the Michigan Cyber Summit for the Michigan Governor's High School Cyber Challenge. Congratulations!

The KAMSC Earthlings (our Green club) are holding a KAMSC clothing drive from Monday, October 14th - Thursday, October 24th. We are looking for used clothing that is still in good shape, and are not accepting socks/undergarments. All clothing will be donated to the ARDEA Youth Climate Coalition for their November thrift event.

AM students: bring clothing to the box in your first hour teachers classroom. The AM "group" that collects the most items of clothing will win a prize.

PM students: bring clothing to the box in any of your PM teachers classrooms, the PM classroom that collects the most items of clothing will also win a prize (in every class in that classroom).

We are also looking for PM students who can help count/collect clothing afterschool. Email Kate Risley or Sophia Barnard if you are willing to help.

SCIENCE FAIR the movie

Wednesday, November 6, 2:00-4:00

KAMSC Presentation Center

Students, parents, and guests are invited to an entertaining, award-winning documentary about student researchers and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

KAMSC sends a delegation to ISEF each year!

This movie and National Geographic's Science Fair: The Series are also available on streaming services and are a great way to learn about the world of high school research. You can check out the movie trailer here: SCIENCE FAIR

We have received some very positive feedback from students and families on the virtual study table that was provided for students needing just a little extra support. We also know that it frustrated a few. Please know, we are taking in all of the feedback and weighing it and discussing it. The MTSS structure is in place to help provide extra support as early as possible. We aim to be as supportive in the learning process as possible and to make students aware of support that we offer. We hope that the system forms a great check-in process with their teachers and gets students support if they are in need. To review the structure, click the button below.

For those that drop off and pick students up, if you choose to pull into the CEC parking lot off of vine, please pull all the way in (and do a quick loop and then back out) and either drop students off in the parking lot or drop them off on your way back out. I have received some feedback that since it is such a blind entrance that this would be a safer scenario, rather than pulling in part way, dropping off, then backing out. Thank you for your understanding as we are trying to keep everyone safe and traffic flowing especially as the mornings are getting darker now.

As our seniors are working on their college applications this month it is timely that you can register for a Challenge Success Webinar titled "A Healthier Approach to College Admissions" by clicking on this link. The webinar is on November 19th and does cost $29, but I think you may find it worth the cost. It is meant for parents of students in high school so anyone can begin to think about how your child and your family might approach this topic, not just parents of seniors.

Cleo is a district provided therapist that KAMSC students are able to seek counseling with if needed. Cleo has said that some of his busiest times last year at KAMSC were around exam times. You can imagine the type of stress students are under at that time between exams here and at their partner district. He is a wonderful resource and we want to make sure all parents and students know and understand that he is available at open lab on Wednesday nights. He can also accommodate phone or virtual appointments at other times if your student is unable to make it to open lab.

If you student is going to be absent from school you must notify both your partner school and KAMSC (if they are gone all day) and always KAMSC if they are gone during their KAMSC classes. Please remember that attendance is vital as the content moves fast and we want students to have as much of their classroom experience as possible. To notify KAMSC call (337-0004) or email kamsc.office@kamsc.org.

If you are dropping off or picking up your student at KAMSC, please do so at the Vine Street entrance. Please find a safe place to pull over and then have you student proceed to the Vine street entrance. If students are driving themselves:

1. They need to acquire a parking pass from the KAMSC office - please fill this out

2. They need to park by the El Sol playground off of Dutton Street (but then walk to Vine street entrance)

3. They should be reminded to not keep anything valuable in their car and to keep their cars locked at all times.

4. The building will have a campus security officer at the Vine Street entrance during times of arrivals and dismissals.

KAMSC follows the KPS code of conduct for student discipline. Please be advised of it, it is linked here. Specific behaviors we would love your help with talking with your child about at home are:

• Academic Integrity
• Bullying
• Name calling/inappropriate language

Wednesday, Oct. 23rd Student Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 23rd- Open lab 6-7:30pm

Friday, Oct. 25th - NO school at KAMSC - records day for 1st marking period

Tuesday, Oct. 29th - PT conferences - 5:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 30th - PT conferences - 5:30-8:30pm

Wednesday Oct. 30th - No Open lab due to conferences

Friday, Nov. 1st - PT conferences - 7:30-10:30am & 11:30-2:00pm

Friday, Nov. 1st - No School at KAMSC