Kildeer Principal's Message- *Special Edition*

fire trucks and dunk tanks

Dear Kildeer Families,

As I promised last week, I have one blog left in me before I officially sign off. We had way too many cool things happening this week not to mention.

The week started off with the 8th-grade graduation at Woodlawn. I saw many of our Kildeer families there and shared in the joy when we celebrated the 8th graders. I was able to see students that I have not seen since they left the doors of Kildeer which always makes me feel happy, feel a little older, and feel in awe of how much they've grown up!

This week also brought our 5th-grade variety show. What a special tradition! I am always blown away by the talent that exists in our students. You don't necessarily get to see a stand-up comedy routine, lyrical dance, or solo singing performance on a daily basis. Thank you for growing your children and their passions outside of Kildeer. Truly, what talent!

Yearbook signing was a big hit. It was a breath of fresh air that we didn't need to go the digital route this year and students actually mingled. You want to know the number one way to feel like a celebrity? Become a principal, go to a yearbook signing, and bring your sparkly pen! These kiddos have my heart!

Lastly, we ended our year with a bang. Over the past 6 weeks students have been working very hard to earn golden paws. We allowed our students to vote on what they could earn and overwhelmingly the vote was for dunk tanks. Well, our PTO made that happen in a big way. Not only did we have one dunk tank but we had TWO dunk tanks. Not to mention they put in a call to our local fire department to fill the tanks. But wait....there's more! They completed our looks with silly swimming caps and goggles! I can now say I've checked a "dunk tank" off of my bucket list. I couldn't imagine having any better way to end the school year.

Families, our goals this year were 1) safety, 2) learning, and 3) fun. I am proud that we made all three of those happen this year. It was not an easy year, yet we did it together!


Repeat *D96 Girls on the Run 5K*

The D96 Girls on the Run 5k was so much fun this past Saturday!  It was a great way to end such a successful season as a D96 community, and fun was had by all!  Click Here to view some of the photos of the event!


Repeat *Summer Enrichment*

Take a look at our Summer Enrichment Page for students. Families can access summer activities and Summer Reading information using this site. 

Families will find sections arranged by: 

     *  EC/K-2 Grade Level Activities

     *  3-5 Grade Level Activities

     *  6-7 Grade Level Activities

Additionally, families are reminded of the Curriculum Resources website, which provides a treasure trove of fun, educationally-rich activities and resources for children and parents. 

Enjoy your summer break!


Repeat *Attention 5th Graders*

Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will be completing a summer reading assignment.  The 5th grade, 6th grade, and 7th grade LA teachers will also be sharing this in class, and the assignment will be posted on the district website.  

D96 Middle School Summer Reading Assignment


 

Repeat *Curriculum Home Connections*

New Resource Page Designed, with Parents in Mind

In response to some parents' questions about how to best support their children with academic work at home, the district’s Instructional Coaches designed a one-stop resource that equips these families in doing just that.

The resource is a new District web page ~ the “Home to School Connections'' ~ designed for parents and filled with invaluable links to internal and external Technology and Curriculum Resources.  Under the Technology Resources heading, for instance, parents will find the usual District resources used for assistance with iPads, frequently used apps, TeacherEase, SeeSaw and Schoology.

The page also features Curriculum Resources, which presents a wealth of resources ~ sorted by grade/grade levels ~ for help with literacy, math, and the other subject areas, and links to the District’s pacing guides (which indicate what a child is expected to know at each grade level). 

Families will find resources to practice high-frequency words, strengthen their mastery of math-word problems or help them write more descriptively.  There is also information on supporting a multilingual student at home and 10 of the best questions to ask your student to elicit more than a ‘yes,’ ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ response about what they’re learning or experiencing at school.

The resource was debuted at Thursday night’s Thought Exchange Partnership (TEP) meeting.  Check it out for yourself:


*Tech Hub*

KCSD96 Family Technology Hub! The District 96 Family Technology Hub is designed to guide families through technology tools. 

Please email [email protected] with any tech-related support needed.


***  PTO News ***

Check out the blog


My mom came to school this week for one last visit to Kildeer. She wanted to spend some time seeing my last days as a principal. I was able to show her around the school, introduce her to staff and students, and I even enlisted her in an important task. As a hint, check your mail soon!

Last week I was not ready to say goodbye and I'm not sure that I am now either. However, I just wanted one more opportunity to let this community know the incredible impact you've had on me. I've raised both of my babies side by side while watching your babies grow up. I've been through some of the happiest times of my life, as well as experienced loss and grief. It's not all been rainbows and butterflies, but isn't that life?

I feel beyond honored and grateful that my journey led me back to Kildeer as principal for six years. I will forever take a piece of Kildeer with me. There is just no place like home and Kildeer will always be my home.

After we waved goodbye to our students for the final time of the 21-22 school year, our staff came together for one last time for lunch. They also surprised me with some all too kind words, gifts, and a standing ovation.

My staff and our families have shared what a difference I've made over the years, yet it's important for each and every staff, student, and family to know that YOU have played a very important role in shaping who I am today! It's been a pleasure and an honor to partner together over the years and do great things for our kids.

Students, staff, and families.....thank you. Thank you for the past six years. I will treasure them forever. This is Principal Kieser, signing off.

Fondly,

Mrs. Vail Kieser

Principal