From the Principal 

Dear Leawood Elementary Families,

I am pleased to write this letter to you as we launch into a new school year. I am very excited to be returning as Leawood Elementary's principal and welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year. The summers go by so quickly, don't they? It is my privilege and honor to work in the Leawood and greater Columbine 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 last year! We are excited to have another terrific year!

In case you are new to the school or you don’t know much about me, I’ve included some information on my personal and professional background. Jefferson County School District is 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 five 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, In Littleton. 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 (17) and twin daughters Elyn (13) and Malia (13), 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 13th, 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.  Additionally, we are excited to show you all the construction that has taken place over the summer.  The PTSA will also have popsicles 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 

As we look to launch the beginning of the 2024-2025 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 Wednesday, August 14th, from 2:00 pm-3:00 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 the blue flower pots

- Paint Pillars

- Pick the weeds at Columbine Memorial

- Stain Gaga Ball Pit

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 - September 13 - Online Registration/Updates, Click HERE for instructions (all families are required to do this)

• Friday, August 9th - Class Assignments will be emailed to Parents at 4:00pm

• Friday, August 9th - PreK Playdate on the Playground @ 2pm

• Saturday, August 10th - Jeffco Back to School Bash @ Jeffco Stadium, 9am-2pm

• Monday, August 12th - Kindergarten Playdate on the Playground @ 2pm

• Tuesday, August 13th @ 5:00pm - Welcome Back Open House/Bring your school supplies / Meet Your Teacher/ Outside Fun

• Wednesday, August 14th - Community Service Projects, 1:50-3:00

• Thursday, August 15th - First Day of School for K-5th Grade (KG will be dismissed @ 10:30 on the first day)

• Tuesday, August 15th - Kindergarten Parents Boo Hoo/Ya Hoo Breakfast, 7:30am-8:15am

• Friday, August 16th -  Welcome Back Community Event at Columbine High School, 6:30-8:30pm

• Monday, August 19th – First Day of School for Preschool (Full Day will be dismissed @ 10:30 on the first day)

• Friday, August 23rd & Monday, August 26th - Modified Attendance Day for Testing: School by appointment only

• Tuesday, August 27th - Band & Orchestra Information Meeting @ Columbine, 6:30pm

• Wednesday, August 28th - School Pictures

• Wednesday, August 28th - PTSA Meeting, 6pm in the Library, click HERE for the PTSA Newsletter

From Our Principal

From the School & Office  

From the Community

Student, Family, & Community Supports