Parent and Community Update

As part of her Entry Plan titled Listen, Learn, Lead, Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders is fulfilling her commitment to engage with district stakeholders to gather valuable insights and input. Having already conducted focus groups and interviews with students, staff, teachers, community leaders, and taxpayers, and spent significant time visiting classrooms and school buildings, Dr. Rizzo Saunders is now taking the next step by releasing an extensive district-wide survey.

The survey, which launched December 6, 2024, is designed to further expand the superintendent's understanding of the community's needs and aspirations. It includes questions related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, student support, facilities, finances, operations, and technology. A separate communications-focused survey will follow in the coming weeks.

Staff, parents, and guardians received an email with a link to the survey. Check your email or simply click the link or scan the QR code to take the survey!

In addition to surveys, subcommittees are being formed to help shape the District’s 2025 Comprehensive Education Plan. These subcommittees will bring together Board members, parents, teachers, staff, students, and community members in an effort to create a roadmap for KCSD’s future.

Building on the work of focus groups, surveys, and interviews that have been ongoing since August, the subcommittees will focus on critical areas. The goal is to ensure that all voices are heard and that the final education plan reflects the collective input of the community.

Twelve subcommittee meetings for each of six key areas will be scheduled throughout the year, each led by corresponding District administrators. The insights gained from these meetings will play a central role in shaping the final Comprehensive Education Plan, which is due to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by September 2025.

On Monday, the KCSD Board of School Directors approved a trip for two KHS chorus students to be a part of the National Choir at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conference in Dallas, Texas in March. Over 7,000 students from across the country auditioned for select choirs that will perform at the conference. Congratulations to Natalie Jeffery (10th grade) and Evan Rumignani (9th grade) who were chosen to participate! Their teacher, Ryan Battin, will join them at the event that will also feature choirs from around the world!

Kennett High School students auditioned with 734 other musicians from the 46 public and private schools in the Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia counties last month for the annual Pennsylvania Music Educators Association's (PMEA) District Concerts. Our PMEA District 12 is the state's most competitive district for placement in District Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. Students prepare for months for the honor to perform with their peers. After results were tallied, Kennett High School boasted a record number of musicians selected (13!). Eleven chorus members will move on to perform in District Choir in February, while two musicians (alto sax and violin) will perform in District Band and District Orchestra, both in January! All selected students will also have the opportunity to audition for Regional Concerts! We are thrilled for their teachers, Andrew Whisler, Ryan Battin, and Jessica Williams and all of our chorus and band teachers across the District who have contributed to the development of these wonderful musicians. Congratulations to the following students:

• Liam Gately - PMEA District Orchestra - Violin
• Natalie Jeffery - PMEA District Chorus and ACDA Nationals - Alto
• Andrew Haskins - PMEA District Chorus - Bass
• Shani Raath - PMEA District Chorus - Alto
• Gabriela Monteiro Cortada - PMEA District Chorus - Soprano
• Alex Pannhorst - PMEA District Chorus - Bass
• Pierce Duckworth - PMEA District Chorus - Tenor
• Bee Domnisch - PMEA A Cappella - Alto
• Tony Spaziani - PMEA District Chorus - Bass
• Sarah Myers - PMEA District Chorus - Soprano
• Ania Murphy - PMEA District Band - Alto Saxophone
• Ryan Church - PMEA District Chorus - Bass
• Evan Rumignani - ACDA Nationals - Bass
• Ryan Hunter - PMEA District Chorus - Bass

Also included in this photo is Evan Rumignani, who is going to the ACDA Nationals

It was truly a family affair at the Market at Liberty Place! The MDL community came together for a fun-tastic fundraiser filled with good food, hearty laughs, and meaningful connections. From the delicious bites to the shared stories, it was a night of bonding and building memories. Funds collected will support programs like the Parent/Child Dance, Family Night, special projects, and assemblies. Families dropped in between 5 and 8 p.m. and enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and great food!

In an effort to bring books to life, first grade students at New Garden Elementary enjoyed reading and learning about the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tony Sarg, a self-taught immigrant with a fascinating imagination. Balloons on Broadway inspired New Garden students to create their own inventions to parade down the hallways! Books bring imagination to life!

KMS is buzzing with excitement as they begin their Adopt A Family fundraisers with events and initiatives designed to support families in need just as the winter season arrives.

Just before Thanksgiving break, Mr. Ford and Mr. Yourchak kicked off a fun fundraiser with a turkey costume contest. Students had the opportunity to "vote" for the best costume by donating dollars. During 8th grade lunch, the two teachers paraded their turkey costumes, and the one who raised the most money was declared the winner! This event added some holiday spirit to the school while also encouraging students to participate in the fundraising effort. The eighth grade will continue to raise funds with the 8th grade student/faculty volleyball game on Friday, December 13.

Not to be outdone, the seventh grade students are organizing a raffle with fantastic prizes generously donated by staff. Plus, the 7th grade hosted a PJ and Movie Day—a cozy way to contribute!

Our sixth graders are holding a penny war competition challenging fellow students and staff to contribute their spare change for a good cause.

The middle school community hopes to raise $5,000, which will directly benefit the KMS PTO and their families in need. KMS Team Leaders, KMS PTO President Kelly Figueroa, and all students and families continue to show their generosity of spirit as we approach winter break!

Following their record-breaking can drive benefiting the Kennett Food Cupboard, Bancroft Elementary launched their 14th Annual Pajama Drive hoping to clothe families in need this winter season. Open through December 20, the KCSD community is welcome to drop off pajamas for adults and children. Service agencies across the area will benefit from this collection. Students and teachers will close the drive on the last day of school before winter break with their own pajama party on December 20!

While the monthly food drive continues at Greenwood benefiting the Kennett Area Community Service Organization (December, they are collecting 1-2 pound bags of black beans, January will be small pasta), Greenwood has also begun their Sassey Massey Toy Drive for children at A.I. Dupont Hospital. Unwrapped toys, books, or gift cards will be collected through Friday, December 13.

FMFCU is excited to announce the 2024-2025 Classroom Mini Grants and Excellence in Teaching Awards. Do you know a teacher in Chester County who could use a mini grant to benefit the students in their classroom? Do you know an outstanding educator in Chester County who you’d like to recognize for their hard work and dedication? Chester County has so many amazing educators. Why not look to recognize them today!

Looking for the perfect meaningful and inspired Kennett gift? Powerbeads by Jen and the Kennett Basketball Boosters have teamed up once again to create three custom Kennett-inspired gemstone bracelets. Click the link for more details on how you can support the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs.