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Dear KDM Community,

Our students have been learning about the importance of gratitude this month, and it has been heartwarming to see them recognize and share the things they are thankful for. It’s a reminder of the joy and kindness that fills our school each day.

Following in their example, I am incredibly grateful to this wonderful community of KDM. Our faculty and staff genuinely care for their students and each other. I am especially grateful for all of our students. It is an honor and privilege to serve as their Principal and be a part of their growth.

Thank you for all you do to contribute to our community and family. I hope this Thanksgiving brings you peace, joy, and contentment.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Regards,

Brian Rawlins

Principal

"Success is not about being better than the other person. Success is about being a better person than I was the day before." --Anonymous

KDM Holiday Boutique- Friday, December 6th: All money will be converted to tickets and due back to school no later than Monday, December 2nd.

• Water Update: Our school's water pump has experienced damage, and as a precautionary measure, we will temporarily shut down the drinking water supply. This will be done to ensure the quality and safety of the water that our students and staff rely on. While water will still be available in the lavatories, it will not be available for consumption during this time. To address this situation, we will provide bottled water for both students and staff. We also encourage families to send their children with bottled water from home if they prefer. I will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

• School pictures are ready! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number. All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smilesafe program here. Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!
  • 50% off a purchase of $50+ with code USNOV50
  • 40% off a purchase of $40+ with code USNOV40
  • 30% off a purchase of $30+ with code USNOV30

• Cafeteria Online Orders: Maschio's Food Services would like to remind parents that ordering at least 24 hours ahead ensures that your child will receive the lunch of their choice. When online orders come in the day of, availability is not guaranteed. Here's a link to review how to place orders.

• Safety Alert: If you are dropping off your child in the morning, please do not drop them off in the parking lot and send them unescorted into the building. Either escort your child all the way to the building or follow the procedures of driving through the parent drop-off lane. Please help us keep your children safe.
  
  
• Late Arrivals to School: If your child is late to school due to a medical appointment, please provide a doctor's note so it will be considered an "excused tardy."
  
  

• Parent Pick-Up Procedures: On the days that parents pick their child up from school, we ask that they email their child's teacher and our attendance secretary, Christina Markowitch (cmarkowitch@rocktwp.net) or Jude Wallin (jwallin@rocktwp.net) by 12pm. This ensures that your child is in the appropriate place for dismissal and eliminates confusion. Please use the visitor's spots in the front lot or the parking lot across the street.
  
  

• Genesis Parent Portal: HERE you will find vital information regarding your child’s schedule, teacher’s name, and bus assignments.
  
  

• Communication Framework: Click HERE. In order to ensure that all communications are directed to the right person, please use this framework with regard to all school-related inquiries

"In class we read the story Balloons Over Broadway, and learned how the 1st balloon for the Thanksgiving Day parade was invented. Then the 2nd graders created their own balloons using tinfoil and laminate. It was a fun activity!" -Ms. Lasnick

Artists in Mrs. Haas’ class made some beautiful Mayflower drawings with Mrs. Reilly!

"Happy Thanksgiving from Occupational Therapy where students worked on “thankful turkeys.”

Craft projects like these are a great way to work on drawing, writing, cutting with scissors, visual perception and executive function - all important skills for school. They had a lot of fun making their turkeys and I’m very proud of their work!" -- Dr. Pia Bose

Last week, 5th Graders Chase M., Preston S., Jake S., James P., Titus R., and Dorothy T. created an awesome news slide showcasing what every grade in the school was up to. They did an awesome job!

Sadie, our Therapy Dog provided by Bright and Beautiful, made her rounds again today.

• December PTA Meeting - Wednesday, December 4 @ 7pm
• Cafeteria @ KDM (babysitting available and raffle prizes for in person attendees!) Can't make it, but want to be involved?? Join us virtually!
• https://meet.google.com/rpo-axfg-oen
• We look forward to having you there in whichever way works for you!!
  
  
• KDM Giving Tree: It's that time of year again when we ask for gifts to help local families in need celebrate the joy of the holidays. The PTA works with the Rockaway Holiday Wishes organization which fundraises for Rockaway families in need through the Rockaway Borough PBA. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children the importance of helping our community through the spirit of giving. Each child on the list has requested 3 clothing items and 3 toy items (valued between $20 and $25). Interested in donating to those less fortunate this holiday season? CLICK HERE for their wish lists!

• KDM Holiday Boutique- Friday, December 6th: Flyers will come home this week with more information. All money will be converted to tickets and due back to school no later than Monday, December 2nd.
  
  
• Still Need a Red KDM T-Shirt ?? Fill out this form and pay online!

Print and Save for your reference! December KDM PTA Calendar--This calendar reflects PTA events and activities. Please refer to the "Upcoming Dates" section below for the full listing of school events.

• December 4th (Wednesday): Early Dismissal/Staff In-Service
• December 4th (Wednesday): PTA Meeting at 7 pm (babysitting available)
• December 6th (Friday): End of Trimester 1
• December 6th (Friday): Holiday Boutique
• December 12th (Thursday): Winter Concert at 9:30 am
• December 13th (Friday): Report Cards Post
• December 20th (Friday): Holiday Class Parties
• December 23rd (Monday) - January 1st (Wednesday): School Closed for Holiday Break