KAMSC Newsletter
September 20, 2024
A Note From the Director
This has been a fun and eventful week with the student club/activity fair, open lab and college night! We were also lucky enough to have our distinguished alumnus, Dr. Krishnaswamy from Harvard come speak to our junior/senior group Friday afternoon. I left with the Challenge Success Team yesterday after school to travel to Boston for the fall conference and I'm sure as you read this we are in the thick of our learning! We will all be back this weekend and back to school Monday.
One quick note: 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.
Heather Kortlandt
Director, KAMSC
Pictures From the Week - College Night, AP Chemistry lab, Student Activity Fair
U of M, MSU, WMU and K College represented
Students and parents hearing right from the people who will be reading all of the college essays/applications from Southwest Michigan
Some stayed late to have personal conversations with the representatives.
AP Chemistry Titrations of sprite vs 7 up
More AP Chemistry fun!
Chess at open lab after the activity fair (Chess Club is an option!)
Count Day - Wednesday, Oct 2
As Mandated by the Michigan Department of Education, if your child is not/will not be present in any scheduled KAMSC classes on, Wednesday October 2, it is vital that you send a written notice or email to KAMSC.OFFICE@kamsc.org or to patricia.sanders@kamsc.org, stating:
1. the reason for the absence; and
2. when we may expect your student to return to his/her classes.
Please include both of these points in your email.
Also, please remind your student to check in with ALL of their KMASC teachers. This includes classes that are not normally scheduled on a Wednesday. (1st, 6th, and 7th hours)
Thank you for your help with this important day for schools.
Multi-tiered System of Supports at KAMSC - Important click the button to read
Next grade pull to provide extra support will be October 4th for all grade levels.
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.
Old News...
Cleo to be at Open labs...
Who is Cleo? You may have met him at open house, but Cleo is a district provided therapist that KAMSC students are able to seek counseling with if needed. When I talked with Cleo this week he 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. Cleo is pictured here with Mrs. Joyce at Open house this week.
Attendance Reminders
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.
Drop off/Parking Procedures and Reminders
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.
Code of Conduct
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
Important Dates
October 4 - Open lab 6-7:30 pm