KESTREL HEIGHTS NEWSLETTER

We all know Kestrel Heights School is a great option for families!

Please assist our recruitment team by talking with your neighbors and friends about the great things happening at Kestrel Heights School! Refer them to our website where they can learn more and complete the online application.

A bonus for you! Each time you refer a family to our school, and their scholar enrolls, you will be entered to WIN Kestrel Swag!

www.kestrelheights.org/apply-now

Kestrel's Scholar of the Week - Celebrating scholars who SOAR above and beyond!

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 18th!

To order visit www.Strawbridge.net

Click order pictures and enter the following code: FM406898

The purpose of this North Carolina State survey is to fulfill session law "§ 115C-102.9 calling for the collection and reporting of data regarding all students' access to digital devices and internet access at home. This information will be used to help target areas of need and ensure that all NC students have adequate access to devices and the internet to access learning. Note that the information gathered will be kept private and confidential. Below are the instructions on how to find and complete the survey. The Quick Reference Doc has also been attached. If you require assistance with your username and/or password, please email Ms. Vargas at Vargas@kestrelheights.org.

How to complete the NC Digital Device survey on PowerSchool:
1. Log in to your Parent Portal account using a computer or web browser on your device. (This survey cannot be completed in the PowerSchool app). Kestrel's Powerschool link is: https://kestrelheights.powerschool.com/public
2. If you have multiple children in the parent portal this survey will need to be completed underneath each child's tab. You can click "Copy Information from Previous Child" on the additional students' tabs
3. At the bottom left of your child's tab you will see “Digital Device Survey”
4. Click Digital Device Survey and complete the 7 Questions being asked. If this is an additional child you are completing the survey for you can click "Copy Information from Previous Child" on the additional students' tabs to the right of question 1

OR - Google Form: https://forms.gle/KvwePZWBirbn2Y8Q9

If you are having difficulties logging into your desktop PowerSchool instance, we have pulled out the questions into the above Google Form. You are welcome to complete the form (one for each child) and we will enter the information into your Portal on your behalf.

Please take a moment to log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal on your desktop/laptop computer to confirm you have answered the FERPA Survey.​ ​​ Parents and guardians have the right to opt out of sharing directory information. More information about your FERPA rights may be viewed at this link: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Schools use directory information to publish items such as yearbooks, honor roll, newsletters, and graduation announcements. This also includes information about opportunities for scholarship programs and colleges to be sent to you. Directory information may include the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, and participation in officially recognized activities and sports. A school may disclose directory information to third parties, for non-commercial use only. Schools will never sell information to third parties for commercial purposes. Directory information will only be used for official purposes and for colleges and universities if you so choose. If no response is received, students will not be removed from sharing directory information.

• Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal on a desktop or through a browser. This is unable on the app. The parent portal site is: https://kestrelheights.powerschool.com/public
• If the FERPA question pops up, then a response has not been received, please respond to the question and submit.
• If the FERPA questions do not pop up, you may have previously answered the question in previous years. You are able to view and update the response, if needed, by selecting "NORTH CAROLINA OPTIONS" at the bottom of the left column.
• Please note, we are not permitted to input your response on your behalf.

Kindergarten

ELA: Unit on Story Sequence sorting events in order from beginning to end

Math: Unit on 2D and 3D Shapes, above and below, beside and next to, in front of and behind

Science: Unit on Weather Forecast and preparing for dangerous weather

Second grade

ELA- We are busy working in the 4th quarter in ELA. We are currently working on cause and effect, text features, reading comprehension, and identifying words with (aw, al, o, ay, a), and prefixes. We are also continuing to work on irregular verbs. Please continue to encourage your scholar to read each night to sharpen their reading skills.

Math- We are finishing up the unit in length. We have explored measuring in inches, choosing the correct measuring tool such as (a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape). Scholars also explored estimating the length of objects. We will take our Chapter 8 math test this Friday 4/14/23. Next week we will move into measuring with metric units.

Science- We are exploring maps with details including location, rivers, streams, and plains. Scholars worked on a group project over the last few weeks creating a map that was detailed with a map key and had the opportunity to present it to the class.

Social Studies- We are currently working out of our Hero’s magazine. Scholars are learning about everyday heroes that we see right here in our community ( doctors, EMS workers, firefighters, police officers, teachers) and so many more. As well as heroes in history that made an impact on society.

Third grade

Math: We will be looking at two-dimensional shapes. Scholars will look at some ways to describe and classify two-dimensional shapes. Also, we will review skills already taught to prepare for the EOGs.

ELA: Scholars will distinguish fact from opinion and use text details to visualize what the author describes.

Social Studies: Scholars will learn about many inventors, their amazing inventions, and the evolution of those inventions.

Science: Scholars will explore how the weather is predicted and measured. Also, they will learn about the difference between weather and climate.

We encourage scholars to continue to do the following:

• Do i-Ready MyPath (Reading and Math) for at least 30 minutes daily

• Read a book independently for at least 20 minutes daily

• Practice their multiplication and division facts

• Complete Khan Academy practice lessons: https://www.khanacademy.org/

Fourth grade

Math: We began working with the measurement with the metric system, next week we will continue with the measurement of time.

Science: Scholars will learn about Light and Sound energy. They will also learn about how one form of energy can be transferred into another.

Fifth grade

Math: Scholars have wrapped up all 5th-grade standards. We will test on Monday and then move into the review to prepare for the end-of-grade testing.

Science: Scholars will learn about Newton’s laws of motion and time and distance graphs.

Sixth grade

Social Studies - We are into learning about ancient Rome this week, including legends, Rome’s/Italy’s geography, and the development of Rome’s beginnings. Research work has been assigned focusing on specific topics of ancient Rome.

Seventh grade

Science: Our scholars will be finishing up the study on Earth systems with a unit test to be taken on Monday. We will be moving on and covering the structures and functions of living organisms.

Eighth Grade:

Math: 8th grade Math scholars we are working on Volumes(cylinders, cones, and spheres). Math 1 scholars are learning how to apply the Pythagorean theorem to real-world problems.

Kestrel Heights School Performance

Thursday, May 11, 2023

1 – 2 Show 5:30 pm Report time is at 5:00 pm

3 – 5 Show 6:30 pm Report time is at 6:00 pm

The Spring Performance for the 2022- 2023 school year is called Kids Flixs theme (Kid Movies).

Scholars can come dressed in Red School Shirts and Black or Blue pants for their uniforms (

maybe a movie theme shirt TBA). If you need dark-colored pants please reach out to Mr.

McKeiver and Mr. Moore before the show. The show will be an in-person show at the Kestrel

Heights Middle School Gym.

The middle school dance department will be assisting/performing along with the elementary

music students. The middle school students will need to wear all black as they will be helping

set up props and do special effects throughout the show.

• Songs being performed:
• Try Everything
• We Don’t Talk About Bruno
• If I Didn’t Have You
• Theme From Spider-Man
• We Know The Way
• Better When I’m Dancin

Specials Department:

Mr. McKeiver, Mrs. Moore, Coach Hess, and Mrs. Alder

If you have any questions please email

Mr. McKeiver at McKeiver@KestrelHeights.org

Mr. Moore at Dmoore@KestrelHeights.org

You can become a PTA member or make a donation to our membership portal: https://khcspta.square.site

Our next PTA meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, April 20th at 6 pm. You do not need to be a member to attend PTA meetings, so drop in to see what we're working on. We hope to see you there! https://meet.google.com/ogi-jwan-gdg

Make sure to follow us @khcspta on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for meeting recaps, news, events, and more.

We are excited to offer Camp Kestrel: a FREE Summer Day Camp experience available to all Kestrel Heights Scholars! This includes all newly enrolled scholars for the 2023-24 school year.

Daily activities will empower our Camp Kestrel campers to Sharpen Academic Knowledge with daily Adventures in Reading, Demonstrate Creative Expression with daily Arts and Crafts Activities, and Expand Leadership Abilities with daily Sports and Games.

Camp Kestrel will be held from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday each week from Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 28.

Questions or Concerns? Please contact Ms. Crystal Marrow, our Kestrel Camp Coordinator, at crystalmarrow@kestrelheights.org.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/iDfVDK9nfD9Mxyro8

The 2023-2024 School Calendar has been approved and may be found on our website at:

https://kestrelheights.org/calendar/

Greetings! Our staff would like to request supply donations as we approach the second half of the school year. If you would like to donate, here is a list of the most requested items by teachers:

• TISSUES!!!!*

• Two-pocket folders*

• Disinfecting wipes*

• Whiteboard markers and erasers*

• Individual dry-erase boards

• #2 Ticonderoga pencils

• Pencil top erasers

• Sharpies

• Paper towels

• Crayola markers

• Colored pencils

• Non-latex disposable Gloves

*Most Requested Items

Thank you for all of your support!

Individuals interested in joining the KHS Board of Directors are encouraged to complete an application. https://forms.gle/iTE889LvqrokWcmJ6

Substitute teaching can be an ideal way to supplement your income while setting your schedule. It will also allow you to improve your classroom skills by trying different grade levels and instructional methods. If interested, please click on the link below and submit your substitute teacher application. https://kestrelheights.org/careers/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KestrelHeightsSchool/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KestrelHeights

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kestrelheights/

NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages//pages/kestrel-heights-charter-school-durham-nc/recommend/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/school/kestrel-heights-school

April 18

Spring Picture Day

April 20, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

PTA Meeting

May 1

Teacher Workday - No School

May 8 - May 12

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 9, 6:30 pm

Kestrel Board of Directors Meeting

May 11

Kestrel Heights School Performance

1st -2nd grade Show 5:30 pm Report time is at 5:00 pm

3rd – 5th grades Show 6:30 pm Report time is at 6:00 pm

May 18, 6:00 -7:00 pm

PTA Meeting

May 19, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

8th Grade Semi Formal

May 29

Memorial Day - No School

We are a small, diverse, and inclusive learning community in Durham that empowers our Scholars to sharpen academic knowledge, demonstrate creative expression and expand leadership abilities to prepare for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Email: Vargas@kestrelheights.org
Website: www.kestrelheights.org
Location: 4700 South Alston Avenue, Durham, NC, USA
Phone: 919-484-1300
Facebook: facebook.com/KestrelHeightsSchool
Twitter: @kestrelheights