page background

Knights' Newsletter

Knox Gifted Academy - - - April 3, 2023

Knights'NewsletterKnox Gifted Academy - - - April 3, 2023

A Note From Mrs. Braaksma & Mr. Rogers:

Dear KGA Community,


State testing is underway! Our 5th grade students did an amazing job staying focused during the three-part AzSCI test and we couldn't be more proud. We're off to a strong start!


CUSD has been chosen to be audited by the Arizona Department of Education this year. State auditors were on our campus last week during AzSCI and we know that they will be back over the next two weeks.


It is extremely important that you understand we will not interrupt an active testing session. Because students have the length of the school day (9:10-3:40) to complete a test, we are not able to have students enter grade level classrooms after 9:10am and students may not leave before the end of a testing session. If your child has an important appointment scheduled, please do not send him/her to school that day. We have make-up dates where we can pull students to complete a missed testing session. Thank you for taking note of our upcoming testing dates and planning accordingly.


  • 3rd Grade Testing Dates: April 3, 5, 6, and 10
  • 4th Grade Testing Dates: April 4, 11, and 12
  • 5th Grade Testing Dates: April 4, 11, and 12
  • 6th Grade Testing Dates: April 3, 5, and 6


PTO Elections for 2023/2024 school year:

PTO is now accepting nominations for the 2023/2024 school year for all of Knox Gifted Academy's PTO Executive Board positions. Any parent, legal guardian, teacher, or staff member of Knox Gifted Academy is eligible to be nominated.


Nominations will be accepted via this Google Form from March 27, 2023 through April 14, 2023 (closes at 4pm). You may nominate yourself or someone else. All KGA families will receive an election ballot via Knights' Newsletter on April 17, 2023 and your participation is encouraged!


Thank you for ALL you do to support Knox Gifted Academy!


Mrs. Braaksma, Principal

Mr. Rogers, Dean of Students

KGA Annual Arts Night is coming soon!

Event Information

KGA Annual Arts Night

When?

Thursday, Apr 13, 2023, 05:00 PM

Where?

Knox Gifted Academy, West Orchid Lane, Chandler, AZ, USA

location_on Open maps

We are excited to announce that KGA's annual Arts Night will be on Thursday, April 13th. Please save the date as we hope to see you all there!

In order to make our event a success, we will need the help of volunteers. This is a perfect opportunity for high school and junior high students to earn volunteer hours. There are also volunteer opportunities that require an adult during the event. Aside from this, we will need some help setting up in the days prior to Arts Night and taking everything down the day after. Please consider volunteering if you can, and feel free to pass on the information to any students in need of volunteer hours.

Thank you for supporting the Arts at KGA! If you have any questions, please email us at kgaartmasterpiece@gmail.com. More Arts Night information to come.


Thank you,
The KGA Art Masterpiece Committee

KGA's Annual Talent Show is back!

Friday, May 5th, 2023

9:30 -11:00 a.m. (4-6) 2:00-3:30 (K-3)


IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Friday, April 14th - last day to submit audition form

  • Wednesday, April 19th - auditions during specials (team day)

  • Thursday, May 4th - dress rehearsal

    • 9:30-10:30 4th-6th

    • 2:00-3:00 K-3

  • Friday, May 5th - Talent Show

    • 9:30-10:30 4th-6th

    • 2:00-3:00 K-3


GUIDELINES:

  • Acts must be limited to 2 minutes or less

  • Students may only perform in one act (either solo or combined group)

  • If using accompaniment music, email in mp3 format to moran.kristin@cusd80.com (or bring on flash drive on or before your audition)

  • Students who are unprepared or who do not have their music/materials at the audition will not be invited to participate in the Talent Show.

  • No changes can be made to your act once it has been approved. For example, you can’t change the song, add more performers, etc.

Just in case you missed it...

There are too many accomplishments and celebrations to recognize everything in this newsletter, so we've highlighted just a few. A huge thank you to PTO, Art Masterpiece, Site Council, the garden club parents, hospitality crew of parents who continually spoil our staff, and the amazing teachers and staff who make sacrifices to bring learning to life. We are so grateful for each and everyone of you who support our school!

PTO Contribution Highlights

zoom_out_map
To kick off the 22/23 school year, PTO provided the Boo Hoo Breakfast ($220), supplies & hospitality for Back to School/Curriculum Night ($1,790), Family Breakfast ($1,340), and a much needed freezer ($950) for the staff lounge!
zoom_out_map
In the fall, our annual Check-a-thon raised $97,232, which will support our school in amazing ways. Thank you KGA families and matching company sponsors! PTO provided the student game truck, water party, and prizes ($4,490).
zoom_out_map
PTO generously organized the Fall Festival with bounce houses and purchased booth supplies ($6,620). Grade level booths raised about $7,350 that directly benefits every classroom.


KGA's general budget purchased three 3D printers ($4,600) and PTO generously purchased an additional three 3D printers ($19,300) so that each grade level 1st-6th has direct access to a printer.

zoom_out_map
The PTO spoils our staff with meals & snacks, school supplies, building materials, State 48 t-shirts ($1,700), plans family event nights, and much more!
zoom_out_map
PTO designed an online spirit gear store and a school garden is in the building stages ($6,500 and counting)!
zoom_out_map
Because of the generous donations during the Check-a-thon, a large shade structure ($78,060) is coming! It's currently in the permitting & manufacturing stages. We anticipate delivery this summer!

Learning with Art Masterpiece

zoom_out_map
Art Masterpiece parents designed and brought to life Kelso's Wheel of Choices in the MPR for a beautiful visual reminder of problem solving strategies.
zoom_out_map
Art Masterpiece supports with monthly lessons and campus-wide art projects. Art Night is coming soon! Please plan to join us Thursday, April 13th at 5:00pm to see our student creations!
zoom_out_map
Thank you, Art Masterpiece volunteers for sharing your time and talents with KGA!

KGA's teachers are committed to our kids!

zoom_out_map
Our annual staff professional development included book studies where all teachers participated. We commit to being lifelong learners at KGA!
zoom_out_map
Did you know that KGA teachers spend many, many hours of their own time to attend professional development sessions and choose to continue to grow in their craft. Be sure to thank a teacher for their dedication!
zoom_out_map
Our administrative team & several teachers attended conferences to continue learning and growing as professionals at various times through the school year.

Exciting News for Our Future!

zoom_out_map
CUSD is investing about $198,000 into innovative technology with the purchase new ViewSonic interactive flat panels for ALL classrooms! Installation should be begin sometime this summer.
zoom_out_map
CUSD is also investing about $223,300 to provide new tables & chairs for ALL our classrooms! Tables will have an adjustable whiteboard top that repositions to a vertical whiteboard.


KGA's budget is supporting the purchase of additional flexible seating options for 1st-4th grade classrooms ($25,260). Exciting times!

zoom_out_map
Our Site Council meets often with the goal to create a five-year strategic plan. They have collected data through parent and student surveys, and will begin to formulate new goals and metrics soon. If you would like to contribute, please email braaksma.kristy@cusd80.com to express your thoughts and ideas.
zoom_out_map

KGA's Vision & Core Values

Our Mission: To enhance the lives of every KGA student


Core Values:

  • Act with Empathy
  • See the Possibilities
  • Succeed as One KGA Team
zoom_out_map

Knox Gifted Academy

Office: (480) 812-6100

Attendance: (480) 812-6103
Health Office: (480) 812-6102
Fax: (480) 224-9391
School Hours: 9:10 AM - 3:40 PM
Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Early Dismissal: 12:10 PM

Email: braaksma.kristy@cusd80.com
Website: www.cusd80.com/knox
Location: 700 West Orchid Lane, Chandler, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-812-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxGiftedAcademy/
Twitter: @knoxgifted