Hello KES Parents!

We have been having some challenges with car congestion on Summit Street. The cause of the congestion seems to be an interruption to the established traffic pattern. We have been having some parents face their cars in the opposite direction of Hwy 701 as they wait for other motorist to let them break into the line to make a left turn into the fenced car rider loop. This action does cause congestion and traffic back-up. Therefore, I am asking you all to please fall in line with the cars that have faced their cars toward Hwy 701. This means you may have to pass the school on Summit to join in at the back of the line that faces Hwy 701. Thank you much for your assistance with this matter!

In relation to attendance, I am asking you all to please send your child to school each day. Attendance is very important to the academic success of students. It is the expectation of both our school and our district that each child attends school faithfully unless they are sick or have some other reasonable excuse for being absent. Thank you for securing and assuring your child's academic success by sending them to school daily as we want all of our Koalas to be successful!

Last, please make sure that your child brings a mask to school each day if they are a bus rider. State law mandates that all students riding a school bus wear a mask. Again, your child should bring a mask daily. I want to thank you for all you do for our school and our students. We could not do what we do without your support.

Car Drop-Off and Pick-Up Information

Hello KES Parents!

We are off to a great start! Thank you for all your help as we strive to make this year a success! Please see a few reminders below that will help us achieve success as we Build Koala-ty Kids!

Reminders:

• AM drop-off for PK-2 is at the back loop (3-5 allowed if they have younger siblings)
• AM drop-off for 3-5 is at the front of the school
• PM pick-up for Pk-3 is at the back loop (4th-5th graders allowed if they have younger siblings)
• PM pick-up for 4-5 is on Buttone St.
• Please make sure your child has his/her lunchbox, bookbag, and mask on to help move the car rider line along faster in the mornings. 
• Please consider writing your child's name on 8.5x11 size paper for ease of PM pick-up
• The front gates and back car-rider-loop gate opens at 7:10AM each morning. Gates close promptly at 7:35AM as this is when the late bell rings. Students will need to be brought to the front office to sign in as tardy at this time.
• Outer car-rider lane (lane nearest the fence) is for grades Pk-2 students. Inner car-rider lane is for grades 3-5 students 
• Thank you for all you do to support our school and our Koalas! You all are simply the best!!

A Message from our
School Counselors:

Social-Emotional Learning Packet for Covid-19 Closure

Please be sure to review the Social-Emotional Learning Packet to help your child have a better understanding of Covid-19 and strategies that they can use when they are feeling worried. We encourage parents to complete some of the activities together to help facilitate discussions about healthy social practices. What can be found in the Learning Packet? Strategies to help answer the question "What do I do if I'm feeling worried?", it also helps answer questions that students may have about Coronavirus, and it has some wonderful activities for students to do at home for their Social-Emotional well-being. The packet is in English and Spanish.

Dear Kensington Students and Parents,

WELCOME BACK! It is hard to believe that our summer vacation is over, and it is time to begin another wonderful school year! I hope that you and your family enjoyed precious times together as you made new memories over the summer. Despite the challenges of last year, we are looking forward to making new memories with your and your koala(s) as the 2021-22SY gets underway. Please note that there will be many opportunities and invitations sent to you throughout the school year to participate as valued members of our team. We believe that family connections help make our koalas successful! As we partner with you, our goal is to ensure the safety of all children and to support the individual academic growth and progress of each student at Kensington Elementary School. We will continue to work hard as we prepare our koalas for college and career opportunities. We appreciate your support as we strive to educate our students to be the best and excel in life. I look forward to collaborating with you for the benefit of our children. I hope to see you all soon in the Kensington House! Let's have a great year! Go Koalas!

Building Koala-ty Kids,
Maurice L. Cobb
Principal