KSTM Newsletter October 2024

A few important highlights for the month of October as we will be wrapping up quarter one on October 11th and starting quarter two this month. We hope to see all of our families this month at our Parent-Teacher conferences.

• Reminder there is No School on Friday, October 4th, for district Curriculum Day.
• Reminder Parent-Teacher Conferences are in October. They are on October 16th from 4-7p.m. and October 17th from 12-7 p.m. in the KSTM gymnasium.
• Retake Picture Day is October 23rd - Sport Season II Pictures will also be taken that day. Any questions about scholastic school pictures, please call Mr. Santos.
• Please be sure to check the KSTM website found here for upcoming events, the staff directory, and other important information. https://www.ops.org/kingscience

#KSTMPROUD,

Jane Laughlin

Principal

Attention Students and Families: There are 415 minutes in the school day, and every minute counts! Tardies to class disrupt the classroom, interrupt the lesson, and put students at risk of falling behind. The school will send daily emails to parents and guardians of students who were tardy to one or more classes, beginning on October 7, 2024. BE RESPONSIBLE, WILDCATS! Get to class on time.

Please call the grade level administrator if you have any questions about tardy notifications or code of conduct consequences.

8th Grade Administrators:

• Ms. LaDeidre Jackson: 531-299-4016 LaDeidre.Jackson@ops.org
• Mr. Odell Santos: 531-299-3774 Odell.Santos@ops.org

7th Grade Administrator

• Ms. Nicole Benson: 531-299-7030 Nicole.Benson@ops.org

6th Grade Administrator

• Ms. Roxana Silva: 531-299-9049 Carmen.Silva@ops.org

Instructional Facilitator (all grade levels)

• Mrs. Kelcey Schmitz, 531-299-8027 Kelcey.Schmitz@ops.org

Contact AD Odell Santos with questions regarding sports activities or events at 531-299-3774

October is Bullying Prevention Month! Students at KSTM are engaging in lessons all year long regarding bullying prevention. This month we will be focusing on the importance of kindness and unity to build inclusion and minimize bullying at school. Conversations with your children regarding kindness and inclusivity will be pivotal in ensuring that King Science Middle School is a safe place for all.

Check out this guide "Bullying Prevention for Parents of Middle School Students" to learn about ways you can support your student.

National College Preparatory Academy

8th grade students were introduced to their first high school opportunity on Thursday, September 19th! Jena from NCPA presented that the program is an innovative college access program that prepares first-generation students from income-eligible families for college and their future careers. Scholars who successfully compete NCPA high school requirements have access to the support of community, academic support, and development opportunities throughout college. Scholars also receive full financial assistance to pay the cost of college! Applications are available through Mrs. Hixson or online and are due November 1st.

TRiO Talent Search Through Creighton University

A representative from Creighton University's TriO Talent Search Program was at 7th and 8th grade lunches last week. If your student was interested in joining the program, they likely brought home an application. If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to apply online, head over to their website.

Kim Thomspon, 6th & 7th (Last Names A-H) Grades

School Counselor

531.299.7389

kim.thompson1@ops.org

Alex Hixson, 7th (Last Names I-Z) & 8th Grades

School Counselor

531.299.7705

alex.hixson@ops.org

Dear Incoming 7th grade Families:

We are so excited to welcome your student to 7th grade this fall! We are sending this reminder message to all incoming 7th grade families that students need a physical exam and to be up to date on all immunizations before school begins. This is a requirement based on Nebraska state law. We recommend contacting your child’s healthcare provider now, as spots can fill up quickly. Families can also visit a school-based health center. Bring copies of health information to school prior to the start of the school year OR have the health care provider fax records to the school – Attention: School Nurse. If you have already submitted this information, no additional paperwork is needed. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school. Please know that calls will be answered sporadically while staff are on summer break. School secretaries return on Aug 1st

Estimadas familias de estudiantes de 7º grado:

¡Estamos muy emocionados de darle la bienvenida a su estudiante al 7o grado este otoño! Enviamos este mensaje a todas las familias que ingresan al 7º grado como recordatorio de que los estudiantes necesitan un examen físico y estar al día con todas las vacunas antes de que comiencen las clases. Este es un requisito basado en la ley estatal de Nebraska. Le recomendamos que se comunique con el proveedor de atención médica de su hijo ahora, ya que los lugares pueden llenarse rápidamente. Las familias también pueden visitar un Centro de salud en las escuelas. Traiga copias de la información de salud a la escuela antes del comienzo del año escolar o haga que el proveedor de atención médica envíe por fax los registros a la escuela – Dirigido al: Enfermero(a) escolar. Si ya ha enviado esta información, no se necesita papeleo adicional. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con la escuela de su hijo. Tenga en cuenta que las llamadas se responderán esporádicamente mientras el personal esté de vacaciones de verano. Las secretarias escolares regresan el 1ro de agosto.

Just a reminder, we do not let students carry around large backpacks at KSTM. Students may carry around draw-string bags (one was provided to every student), small backpacks, side satchels, small purses. Students must put all large backpacks or personal items in their lockers.

The OPS Parent Survey link is open all year long.

SURVEY LINK: http://www.tinyurl.com/OPSParentVoice