1. Good morning, Cougs! Today is Tuesday, September 16th. Yesterday, we kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th. This is a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Throughout this month, we’ll share stories and fun facts about leaders, artists, athletes, and everyday people who have shaped our communities and world. Let’s take this month to honor and celebrate the many voices and traditions that enrich our school and our country.
The month of September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Through the rest of the month of September, we will share information and strategies to support ourselves and others with mental health challenges. Remember that you are never alone. There's always someone who cares about you and wants to listen. Even when it feels like no one understands, there are people-friends, family, teachers, and counselors-who want to be there for you. You never have to go through hard times by yourself. Today, we challenge you to let someone know that you care about them.
2. Please continue to walk right and talk right while speaking at a level 1 volume in the halls. Keep cell phones and wireless HEADPHONES and earbuds stored away and out of sight for the entirety of the school day. Also, Mr. McQueen has already scraped up around 50 pieces of gum over the past two weeks. Gum is fun, so chew it outside of school and do not bring it to school. Remember that lockers are assigned to one student. Please do not share lockers, give out your locker combination, or leave your backpack in the hallways. It is your responsibility to manage your locker and materials. During lunch transitions, it is imperative to keep the volume level at 1 or below. Classes are in session and we don't want students in class distracted from learning. Let's continue to go out of our way to be inclusive, kind, and supportive all year long. Remember, words matter and character counts.
3. This week is Technical Services and IT Staff Recognition week for PSD, coinciding with National IT Professionals Day on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Please take time this week to recognize our amazing tech team who help us keep our district running.
4. iReady Reading testing is today. We will be operating on an alternate bell schedule with an extended Cougar Academy, with lunches based on your 3rd period teacher. Teachers, please show the bell schedule in Cougar Academy, and you can find it on the monitors in the commons. The iReady assessment provides valuable data that we use to determine schedules, support, and it will also automatically create your IXL Study Plan that all students will be working on in Cougar Academy on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Show us what you know and give it your best!
5. Open House is coming up tonight, from 6pm - 7:30pm. Please remind your parents that this is a great way to meet your teachers, learn about classroom curriculum and expectations, along with meeting support staff and learning about all things KPMS. Also, please write out your class schedule and make sure your parents have it with them so they know where to go for Open House.
6. KPMS Clubs are starting up this week. You can get permission slips in the main office if you would like to participate in a club. Art club begins today after school; Board Game Club will begin on Thursday, September 18th, and Cooking Club starts on Wednesday, October 8th. We are awaiting a couple of other start dates and are still looking for advisors for some of our ASB Clubs from last year. Clubs are a great way to get connected and participate in your interests with your peers.
7. Starting this Friday…. Wear your red, white, and grey and show that Cougar Pride (school spirit)?