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 2025-2026 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 am so proud of all that we have accomplished in my last two years. Our dedicated staff consistently strives for excellence so that your child will have a wonderful educational experience that challenges their thinking and guides their social/emotional development. 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 six 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. I also love to golf, which is just as humbling.

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 that 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 (18) and twin daughters Elyn (14) and Malia (14), 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 this community. On August 18th, 4:00- 5:30 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.  Please take the time to join me in the gym as I share the vision for the school and our successes from last year. We will start with the PK through 2nd grade in the gym at 4:00 pm and then 3rd through 5th grade in the gym at 4:25 pm. The PTSA will also have popsicles for the students on the playground starting at 4:45 pm. I look forward to getting to know our new students and reconnecting with the rest of our Leawood students and families. 

In partnership,

Kevin Kolasa

Principal, Leawood Elementary

• August 1st - August 19: Online Registration/Updates (all families are required to do this)

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

• Wednesday, August 13: Preschool & Kindergarten Playdate on the Playground, 2:00-3:00

• Friday, August 15: Community Service Day @ Leawood, 1:00

• Friday, August 15: Class Assignments will be emailed to Parents at 4:00pm

• Monday, August 18: Back to School Night/Bring your school supplies / Meet Your Teacher/ Outside Fun

• Monday, August 18: Back to School Night (PK-2nd Grade, 4:00-4:20) (3-5 Grade, 4:25-4:45) (Outside Fun 4:45-5:30)

• Tuesday, August 19: First Day of School for PK-5th Grade (Full day PK & KG will be dismissed @ 10:30 on the first day)

• Tuesday, August 19: Preschool & Kindergarten Tears & Cheers w/ Donuts & Coffee, 7:30-8:30

• Wednesday, August 20: Columbine Block Party @ Columbine H.S., 6-8pm

• Wednesday, August 27: PTSA Meeting, 6:00-7:00, Click HERE for PTSA Newsletter 

• Wednesday, August 27: Band & Orchestra Information Meeting @ Dakota Ridge, 6:30pm

• Thursday, August 28: School Pictures

• Thursday, August 28: Curriculum Night (

• Thursday, August 28: Leawood Eats @ Raising Canes, 4:00-8:00pm

• Friday, August 29: Movie Night @ Leawood, 7:00-9:30

From Our Principal

From the School & Office  

From the Community

Student, Family, & Community Supports