Parent and Community Update

For more than a decade, the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center has been delivering full-day kindergarten to the Kennett Consolidated School District community for their youngest students. The District’s entry age for kindergarten is four (4) years and eleven (11) months by September 1, in accordance with state law and regulations. The registration process is now open, welcoming the class of 2038!

On February 5, 2025, Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) launched a survey to gather feedback on guidelines for cell phone and personal device use in the classroom. The survey, which is open through February 24, 2025, invites parents, guardians, staff, and community members to share their perspectives on how these devices impact the learning environment. A separate survey for students in grades 6–12 will also be shared in February.

The survey results will guide an advisory group which includes teachers, parents, and administrators to develop recommendations for personal device use in KCSD classrooms. The group began meeting in January and helped to shape the survey questions.

Learn more at our website and take the survey by clicking the link below.

If you haven't already, please take our communication survey managed by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to help guide our strategic planning for the Communication Department. Click the link below for more information and links to surveys for parents, staff, and community members. This survey closes the end of day, Wednesday, February 12.

Last evening, at the February 10 Board of School Directors meeting, Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders shared information with our community regarding the changes in Department of Homeland Security Policy, the impact of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and District plans and communication protocols. If you are interested in viewing her presentation, you may do so by watching the Board of School Directors meeting that is always streamed live at our YouTube channel.

Greenwood’s second-grade students honored Groundhog Day in a hands-on, innovative way! In their homerooms, students engaged in a series of STEM design challenges that bring science, engineering, and creativity together.

From constructing groundhog burrows to designing fox-proof shelters, young learners put their problem-solving skills to the test. Additional challenges included inventing tools inspired by groundhog adaptations, building full-scale groundhog models, and more. Through these interactive activities, students explored real-world applications of STEM while celebrating the traditions of Groundhog Day.

This engaging initiative fosters curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking—key skills for future innovators.

This month, Bancroft physical education students have been diving into basketball fundamentals, focusing on dribbling, shooting, and teamwork. They’ve been working on their dribbling technique, practicing control, speed, and agility while maneuvering the ball around the gym. Emphasis has been placed on using both hands to dribble, building confidence and coordination.

In addition, students have been refining their shooting technique, learning proper form, including hand placement, follow-through, and aiming for the basket. Alongside basketball, students have been working on their cone-flipping skills in an engaging activity that helps enhance their agility, coordination, and focus. The cone-flip challenge is not only building hand-eye coordination but also helping students with control under pressure. Both activities are designed to develop physical fitness, strategic thinking, and teamwork, while keeping students actively engaged.

The KMS robotics team “Team ShroomBotics” competed in the their first competition in January. They placed sixth overall in qualifiers out of more than thirty teams and ended up being an alliance captain in the tournament. While they didn’t make it to the finals of the tournament, the middle school students did extremely well competing against 7-12th grade teams across the state, demonstrating quick thinking and grace under pressure.

The team has their next (and likely final) competition of this season on Saturday, February 15th at Coatesville Area Senior High School and would love to have some Kennett Blue come out to support. Robotics Coach Chris plans to continue holding meetings with the team through the Spring to continue to work on developing skills and it would be a great time to have potential new members come and learn.

If you are interested in learning more or your child is interested in joining, please email Coach Chris at chris@theschuetzfamily.com. Coach Chris and the Shroombotics team will be on display at KCSD STEM Night on March 6.

Our youngest students spent part of the day Friday celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles appearance in the Big Game with an old fashioned pep rally! Teachers worked as teams to do a football relay race and talked about the importance of reading -- just like AJ Brown. There were chants and cheers and excitement all around. No doubt our enthusiasm fueled our team to the Championship!

In Mr. John Howanski’s Health class, students have been identifying ways in which germs can spread. Students have discussed and practiced ways to prevent germs from spreading such as correctly washing hands. During health classes, students engaged in a handwashing experiment. The experiment taught students common places people miss when washing their hands such as the finger tips, fingernails and in between the fingers.

Mr. Howanski used an UV-A Light to expose the germs before handwashing and the cleanliness after handwashing. The students really enjoyed the experiment. Our school nurse, Mrs. Aubrey Giunta, followed up with a school-wide Talking Points message that also reinforced handwashing etiquette. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds! That is the amount of time it takes to say the ABC’S or the “Happy Birthday” song.

Kennett High School musicians representing our Band, Orchestra, and Chorus recently participated in the Pennsylvania Music Education Association (PMEA) District concerts, with some moving on to Regional events! Musicians must audition to be selected to participate in these multi-day events with their peers. Musicians selected have the opportunity to learn challenging music then rehearse and perform led by guest conductors. We are proud of our students who had the opportunity to perform in recent concerts.

This past weekend, a record ten chorus members representing Kennett at District Chorus were part of the 160 member chorus concert held on Friday and Saturday at Ridley High School! All had the opportunity to audition for Regional Chorus in March and six were selected. We are proud of these fantastic musicians who performed a beautiful concert as well as those chosen to perform again. Those students with a * were also selected to perform in Regional Chorus. Congratulations to: Ryan Church*, Pierce Duckworth*, Andrew Haskins , Ryan Hunter* , Natalie Jeffery* , Gabriela Monteiro Cortada , Sarah Myers*, Alexander Pannhorst, Shani Raath*, and Anthony Spaziani.

Nia Murphy Represented Kennett High School at PMEA District 12 Band Festival hosted at Oxford High School. She successfully re-auditioned to capture the 2nd seat for PMEA Region 6 Band Festival hosted at North Penn High School on March 8th. Nia is one of two alto saxophones selected to move forward from Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties!

Lastly, Liam Gately, violinist, was selected among several dozen students in Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties for the District Orchestra Festival January 10 - 11 at Haverford High School.

GET INVOLVED

Volunteer with the Kennett Education Foundation to make a direct impact on our community. Share your talents and skills in finance, marketing, event planning, and fundraising to help advance our mission of enriching the educational experience of every KCSD student.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Invest in the future of our community by becoming a Kennett Education Foundation sponsor to fund innovative education grants and student scholarships. Get recognized for your commitment to supporting our KCSD schools, students, and teachers.

See what the Kennett Education Foundation is all about. KennettEducationFoundation.org

The GIANT Program continues through March to support local school food programs simply by rounding up your purchases. During the month of February, for every bag of GIANT brand navel oranges purchased, $0.50 will support the Feeding School Kids Program! Even more chances to contribute!