Hello Kealing Families,
I cannot imagine a more exciting start to the school year. We took about 1200 students outside to witness the eclipse on the first day of school and ended the week stacking sand bags just in case Harvey decided to send us more than we could handle. Mr. Chavez found the start of the 2017-2018 school year to be meme-worthy and our science department is convinced that this will be their year! In addition to the unconventional events, we had the usual fanfare of watching and helping students find their classes. By the end of the week, the majority of the students had the hang of it so hopefully they are all ready for the start of official tardy marks this week. I hope things were as smooth and interesting for you at home!
This year we will have Advisory daily to incorporate more frequent opportunities for brain breaks, community building, guidance counseling, and a host of other activities designed to address the social and emotional needs of our students. The first was primarily focused on students getting to know each other and becoming familiar with campus systems.You are welcome to take a look at the weekly Advisory activities online by choosing “Advisory” from the Student Life tab on the website.
I am sure some of you are wondering where the links to the teacher websites have gone. Austin ISD has adopted an online learning platform known as BLEND, which will be the primary tool for sharing course information for Kealing staff. It is a modified version of CANVAS, which is a system currently used by The University of Texas and a number of other colleges and universities. The parent interface is not yet active but should be up and running during the second semester. I encourage you to have your student log in to the CLOUD to show you the system in the meantime. You can also learn more by taking a look at last week's Advisory lesson or by coming to the principal's coffee in a few weeks.
This year, based on the recommendation of our staff, we will be instituting a Thursday and Friday Homework Hiatus once per grading cycle to encourage our students to recharge with time that is focused away from school. During the Homework Hiatus, scheduled office hours and after school practices will be held but students will not be given new homework assignments. Instead of completing homework assignments or studying, we are encouraging our students to take some time to relax with friends or family. Our teachers will take an email break too.
Mark your calendar for the first KMAG meeting on August 31, Back To School Night on September 5, and the first PTA Meeting on September 7. We hope to see you all on campus for one of these events.
Regards,
Kenisha Coburn
I cannot imagine a more exciting start to the school year. We took about 1200 students outside to witness the eclipse on the first day of school and ended the week stacking sand bags just in case Harvey decided to send us more than we could handle. Mr. Chavez found the start of the 2017-2018 school year to be meme-worthy and our science department is convinced that this will be their year! In addition to the unconventional events, we had the usual fanfare of watching and helping students find their classes. By the end of the week, the majority of the students had the hang of it so hopefully they are all ready for the start of official tardy marks this week. I hope things were as smooth and interesting for you at home!
This year we will have Advisory daily to incorporate more frequent opportunities for brain breaks, community building, guidance counseling, and a host of other activities designed to address the social and emotional needs of our students. The first was primarily focused on students getting to know each other and becoming familiar with campus systems.You are welcome to take a look at the weekly Advisory activities online by choosing “Advisory” from the Student Life tab on the website.
I am sure some of you are wondering where the links to the teacher websites have gone. Austin ISD has adopted an online learning platform known as BLEND, which will be the primary tool for sharing course information for Kealing staff. It is a modified version of CANVAS, which is a system currently used by The University of Texas and a number of other colleges and universities. The parent interface is not yet active but should be up and running during the second semester. I encourage you to have your student log in to the CLOUD to show you the system in the meantime. You can also learn more by taking a look at last week's Advisory lesson or by coming to the principal's coffee in a few weeks.
This year, based on the recommendation of our staff, we will be instituting a Thursday and Friday Homework Hiatus once per grading cycle to encourage our students to recharge with time that is focused away from school. During the Homework Hiatus, scheduled office hours and after school practices will be held but students will not be given new homework assignments. Instead of completing homework assignments or studying, we are encouraging our students to take some time to relax with friends or family. Our teachers will take an email break too.
Mark your calendar for the first KMAG meeting on August 31, Back To School Night on September 5, and the first PTA Meeting on September 7. We hope to see you all on campus for one of these events.
Regards,
Kenisha Coburn
IN THIS EDITION
Check the website calendar for the most up to date information.
KBTV NEWS Kealing Broadcast Television is a student developed news program that airs every Tuesday through Advisory. This year's news team is learning the tricks of the trade and will be broadcasting in about four weeks. We'll post the news in the Student Life section and in Hornet Herald every week once it's up and running. KEALING BUSINESS SUPPORTERS PROGRAM During the 2016-2017 School Year, we had a strong group of Kealing PTA Business Supporters! We are now kicking off the program for the 2017-2018 school year. Click here to find out more about the Kealing Business Supporters Program! |
| PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS PTA Membership All Kealing parents, guardians, teachers, staff, and community members are encouraged to join the Kealing PTA. $10 Individual (one membership), $19 Family (two memberships) [Membership scholarships available] 2017-2018 Join and PAY ONLINE now >> OR Download 2017-2018 Membership Paper Form: The Kealing PTA supports the education and success of all children at Kealing Middle School. Here's a look at how your membership and donation to the PTA made a difference at Kealing last year:
PTA Membership, Donation, Business Sponsorship, and Corporate Matching are all ways you can help! Kealing Spirit Wear is here! Check out our Spirit Store for Kealing Hornet hoodies, t-shirts, baseball shirts, stickers, and other goodies. Look for the Spirit Wear table at Back-To-School Night on September 5th; online orders also accepted (your child will need to pick up the items during lunch in the cafeteria).KMAG ANNOUNCEMENTS KMAG Welcome Meeting Thursday, Aug. 31st at 7:30a Kealing Library! Please mark Thursday August 31st at 7:30 am on your calendar for a brief welcome meeting. We will introduce this year's board, discuss the 2017-18 budget, look for volunteers (all are welcome!) and answer any questions you might have. THANK YOU for making your Kealing Community great! See our website for more information.  KMAG Back to School Fundraiser KMAG will be hosting a fundraiser through BookPeople September 1 through September 17. Buy your student’s required reading books and stock up on fall reading for yourself and your family while contributing to KMAG! Required reading lists for the new school year will be coming home with your student at the end of this week. BookPeople will donate 20% of all sales during the fundraiser period to KMAG (flyer must be presented at time of purchase). If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bridgeman. Thanks for your support of this wonderful program! OPPORTUNITIES ON OTHER CAMPUSES MacTheatre presents Catch Me if You Can This big-hearted musical adventure is based on an astonishing real-life story of being young, in love … and in deep, deep trouble! September 28-October 1 & October 5-8, 2017 Tickets may be purchased in advance at https://mccallum.ludustickets.com/ Student tickets are $7; adults are $16, and seniors are $12. Please note: Although Catch Me If You Can is not a classic "family show," there is nothing objectionable in the script and songs, and the musical's peppy vibe will appeal to school-age kids. |