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From the Principal
From the Principal
Dear Leawood Elementary Families,
My name is Kevin Kolasa, and I am pleased to write this letter of introduction to you as the new principal of Leawood Elementary and to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. It is my privilege and honor to join the Leawood community. I am excited about the upcoming school year, especially since I have personally witnessed so many wonderful things from the staff, students, and the supportive community at Leawood! I am also elated to be continuing my work in Jefferson County School District again from where I first began as an assistant principal at D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School from 2009 to 2011 and obtained my first principal position at Glennon Heights Elementary in Lakewood. While Jeffco has been my professional home for the last four years, it is also the district in which we reside and where our children attend school.
My career started as an elementary special education teacher at a day treatment center. I have also taught elementary school in both the private and public sectors, with my last teaching experience as a special education teacher at Goddard Middle School. Throughout my time as an educator, I have also enjoyed teaching summer school at Arapahoe Community College, tutoring, and coaching various sports teams. I firmly believe that I am a consummate learner who thrives on growing myself as a teacher, leader, and coach. I am also trying to learn how to cook more than just tacos, but my kids would attest that I have a long way to go.
One of my core beliefs is that education is our most important institution because what we do as educators today impacts the outcome of tomorrow. The landscape of education should continually adapt to fit the needs of our students regardless of race, ethnic background, language acquisition, or economic status. All can be successful in school as well as in life. However, this exceptional education does not happen in isolation. This success can only occur when schools work collaboratively with their community and families.
In my tenure, I have had many diverse experiences which have helped me grow as an educator and as an effective leader. Of all my achievements, I am happy to say that I am undoubtedly most proud of my family. My three wonderful children, my son Tatum (16) and twin daughters Elyn (12) and Malia (12), and my wife, Abby, a hospital social worker who is so supportive and teaches me each day how to gain balance between my career and home.
Once again, I am so thankful and honored to have the opportunity to bring all that I have experienced and learned with me to your community. On August 11th, 5:00- 6:30 pm, we will host our Back to School Night at the school. This is an opportunity for students and families to meet the teachers and drop off their supplies. The PTSA will also have a special treat for the students. Please take the time to join me in the gym to share my educational vision for the school. I look forward to getting to know all of our excellent students and to working with you as a partner in education to ensure your child’s success.
In partnership,
Kevin Kolasa
Principal, Leawood Elementary
Community Engagement Event
Community Engagement Event
As we look to launch the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. We wanted to give the opportunity for families, students, and staff to come together to reconnect and prepare the school to welcome the students. On Monday, August 14th, from 2:00 pm-3:30 pm, we are going to hold a Community Engagement Event, and we are asking for your support.
Community Engagement Activities:
- Positive chalk messages
- Leawood Spirit Banners
- Paint lines on the basketball court
- Pick the weeds at Columbine Memorial
- Tend to the community garden?
As we get closer to the date, there will be an electronic sign-up so that we can gauge how many activities we can tackle and what supplies we will need. Please feel free to call the office if you have any questions.
August 1st through 4th - Online Registration
Wednesday, August 2nd - Budget Meeting, 6pm
Wednesday, August 9th - PK & KG Playdate on Leawood Playground, 2:00pm
Thursday, August 10th - Class Assignments Will Be Emailed to Parents at 4:00pm
Friday, August 11th @ 5:00pm - Welcome Back Open House / Meet Your Teacher/ Treats Outside
Monday, August 14th - Community Engagement Event , 2:00-3:30
Tuesday, August 15th - First Day of School for all students, PreK-5: 11:00 Dismissal for Full Day Preschool
Tuesday, August 15th - Parents Boo Hoo/Ya Hoo Breakfast, 7:35am
Wednesday, August 16th - PTSA Meeting, 6:00-7:00 in the Library
Friday, August 18th – Welcome Back Community Event at Columbine High School, 6:30-8:30pm
Friday Aug 25th & Monday, Aug 28th - Modified Attendance Day for Testing: School by appointment only
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