The Keystone Connection

As we enter the final quarter of the school year, I want to take a moment to welcome you to the home stretch! This time of year often brings thoughts of summer and the fun that lies ahead, but it’s also important to remember the value of finishing strong. We have had an incredible year together, and I encourage our students, staff, and families to continue to put forth their best effort, just as we did at the beginning of the year. Let’s work together to make the final weeks of the school year as impactful, positive, and memorable as possible.

I eagerly share an exciting update regarding two important initiatives: the development of our Portrait of a Wildcat and our Vision Document for the Future. Throughout this year, we have engaged with so many of you to gather valuable feedback and insights, which have been instrumental in shaping these guiding documents. Your input, coupled with the dedicated efforts of our staff and community members, has been invaluable in this process.

The Portrait of a Wildcat will serve as a powerful representation of the durable skills, attributes, and qualities we aspire to develop in ALL of our students. Our Vision Document will outline our strategic direction for the future, building upon our commitment to innovation and excellence.

As we move closer to finalizing these documents, I am truly excited about the potential they hold to positively impact our students and community in the years to come. Stay tuned for more information as we prepare to launch these initiatives next school year.

Our state testing window begins in mid-April. The images below detail the grade, type of test, timing on the test, and the date to be given. Click on any of the images to enlarge.

Ohio law requires public school districts and community schools to administer the state assessments assigned to each student’s enrolled grade level or course, regardless of the student’s time in Ohio public schools. There is no process allowing parents and/or students to indicate their choices to not participate in state testing.

The Ohio State Tests (OST's) measure how students statewide are developing the knowledge and skills described in Ohio's Learning Standards for each subject area. The test results also help measure each public school and district’s performance, which is reflected on its annual Ohio School Report Card.

Use the images below to access practice tests for each grade level. Click on the image to be directed to the appropriate page.

Keystone Local School District is at the forefront of integrating deeper learning into its curriculum to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century. Deeper learning is an educational approach centered around the student, aiming to equip them with essential skills, knowledge, and mindsets for success in college, careers, and beyond. Unlike traditional methods that focus on memorization, KLSD’s approach emphasizes meaningful engagement, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge.

Purpose and Goals of Deeper Learning The goal of KLSD’s deeper learning initiative is to prepare students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. This educational strategy is designed to develop not only academic abilities but also interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, which are vital in today's rapidly changing environment. The framework aims to make deeper learning attainable and available for all students, ensuring equity in educational opportunities and outcomes.

The KLSD Deeper Learning Framework identifies three primary components that are essential for nurturing well-rounded students:

1. Essential Academic Content: At KLSD, academic content goes beyond mere facts and figures. It's about understanding core concepts deeply and how they apply in real-world scenarios.
2. Literacy and Language Skills: Proficiency in reading, writing, and effective communication is fundamental, enabling students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently.
3. Durable Skills: These include critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-management, which are crucial for personal and professional success.
4. Agency, Autonomy, Hope, and Resilience: Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering a sense of hope and resilience amidst challenges.
   

KLSD’s theory of action is a commitment to inclusive education that states: "IF we implement a deeper learning framework that is inclusive of ALL students and guides our practice as educators, AND teachers are equipped with the professional development, tools, and collaborative opportunities, THEN all students will access deeper learning experiences WHICH WILL RESULT IN increased academic achievement and acquisition of the durable skills outlined in our Portrait of a Wildcat."

This approach emphasizes that by adopting a deeper learning framework and supporting educators with the necessary tools and training, all students can achieve higher academic outcomes and master the durable skills necessary for lifelong success.

At Keystone Local Schools, deeper learning is more than an educational trend; it is a strategic approach to holistic student development. By focusing on core academic concepts, enhancing literacy and language skills, building durable life skills, and fostering personal growth through resilience and autonomy, KLSD is setting a new standard for educational excellence that prepares students not just to succeed, but to excel in all areas of their lives.

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, plan to attend LaGrange's 5K run/walk to celebrate the Township's 200th year and the Village's 150th year! See the flyers below for more information!