December

Time to prepare for second semester

As first semester comes to a close, let's look ahead to thoughtfully plan for second semester.

The district emailed families earlier this week regarding choosing a "learner group" - either hybrid or all remote - for second semester. Any changes from your first semester "learner group" selection must be indicated by Tuesday, December 8 at noon.

Below I have broken that information down into some more manageable pieces.

First though, I want to acknowledge that there is a lot to consider & the decisions are challenging. Right now, there is no one right and easy decision for everyone. I support every family in making the choices that are right for those you love the most.

Regardless of your child's learning format, our commitment is to continue supporting the academic, social and emotional growth of your child.

Step 1: Choose your child's 2nd semester "learner group."

There are two options to choose between:

  1. Hybrid In-Person: Students - divided by last name as before - attend in-person learning at Kingsley two days a week. They will learn remotely the other three days a week.

  2. Fully Remote: Students will learn from remotely all five days a week and do not attend in-person learning at Kingsley.


Step 2: Determine if you need to complete the survey stating 2nd semester "learner group."

You will only fill out the district's form if your child's "learner group" will be different from her/his "learner group," as of November 17th. Below are a couple examples:

You DO NOT fill out the form if...

  • Your child's "learner group" was "Fully Remote" on November 17th, and you want your student to be "Fully Remote" beginning the 2nd semester.

  • Your child's "learner group" was "Hybrid In-Person" on November 17th, and you want your student to be "Hybrid In-Person" beginning the 2nd semester.

  • In summary, if you do not want to make a change to your child's "learner group" as of November 17 then no need to complete the survey.

You DO want to fill out the form if...

  • Your child's "learner group" was "Fully Remote" on November 17th, and you want your student to be "Hybrid In-Person" beginning the 2nd semester.

  • Your child's" learner group" was "Hybrid In-Person" on November 17th, and you want your student to be "Fully Remote" beginning the 2nd semester.

  • In summary, if you want to change to your child's "learner group" as of November 17 then you need to complete the survey.

Question: What was my child's learner group during 1st semester?

Your student's "learner group" for 2nd semester will default to his/her "learner group" as of November 17th.

To confirm your child's first semester learner group in the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus, watch this tutorial video or phone Kingsley (309.557.4407) any school day between 8:30-3:30.

Question: Will I be able to change my mind later, such as during 2nd semester?

Regrettably, no. Unlike 1st semester, secondary schools will not have the flexibility for students to change from "Hybrid In-Person" to "Fully Remote" learner groups during the 2nd semester.

Question: If I want to change my child's "learner group" BEFORE 2nd semester, how do I make that request?

You may change your child's "learner group" in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal through the survey shared by the district.

  • How do I change my child's "learner group?" Please use these directions.

  • When do I need to decide by? The survey must be completed by Tuesday, December 8 at noon. Per the district, there will be no expectations to the deadline.


#KingsleyCARES

Virtual PTO Meeting

On Monday, 12.7.20, the PTO will virtually meet at 6:30p.m. Please email Ms. Eaton at eatonbk@unit5.org for the Meets link to join. We'd love to have you!

Student Announcements & Social Media

Each Monday while remote video student announcements are shared on the Kingsley Facebook page and Instagram page. Follow us & stay up to date with student birthdays, building improvements, club meeting dates and times plus more.

Pictures & Yearbook

Families of can now share photos of remote learning! These images will upload directly to our yearbook website so we can review them and possibly include them in our yearbook this year! Upload images here. If a user ID is requested, it is 416073980. Before December 18, yearbooks may be pre-ordered here.

Did you miss school pictures?

We want you in the yearbook!

Take a front-facing photo, from your shoulders up (like a school picture) with a basic background and upload it here. If a user ID is requested, it is 416073980.

K-8 Coding Night!

On Friday December 11 from 6-8pm, Normal West Girls Who Code Club, CyberPatriot, and Computer Science Honor Society members will be hosting our 5th Annual K-8 Coding Night! This is a FREE, virtual event.

More information & registration can be found here.

Brain Break Fun?

Each week before Winter Break, we are offering an optional, interactive brain break from 2-2:10 p.m. using the following schedule.

  • 6th grade: Tuesdays, 2-2:10 p.m.

  • 7th grade: Thursdays, 2-2:10 p.m.

  • 8th grade: Fridays, 2-2:10 p.m.

Students were invited via a Google Classroom during the week of November 30.

Course Request Season

If you have any questions regarding course registration, please reach out to our very capable guidance department.

Current 6th Grade ~ Requesting 7th Grade Classes for 21-22

  • By mid-February, we will ask your family to consider whether your child participate in Tutorial or continue in Music as a 7th grader.

Current 7th Grade ~ Requesting 8th Grade Classes for 21-22

  • On November 30, 7th grade families and students received a comprehensive email with 2021-2022 8th grade course request information. That information can also be found here.

  • By December 4, Guidance Counselors will have joined Exploratory & Intervention classes to answer student questions.

  • By December 11, the Google Form to share 8th grade course preferences is due. The Google Form was shared through your child's exploratory or intervention Google Classroom.

Current 8th Grade ~ Requesting Freshman Year Classes for 21-22

  • On December 10 or 11, P.E. teachers will have shared comprehensive information with students.

  • On December 15, both high schools will host a virtual Freshman Orientation.

  • On December 16, Guidance Counselors will join P.E. classes to answer student questions. Normal Community's orientation will be at 6:30pm, and Normal West's orientation will be at 6:00pm. More information will be emailed next week.

  • By January 4, freshman course requests must be completed. The Freshman course selection Google Form will be shared with students through their P.E. or Health Google Classroom.

  • Between January 5 through the 15, KJHS Guidance Counselors will meet with 8th graders to review their freshman course requests.

  • Freshman course request changes may be made through Friday, March 19, which is the day before Spring Break.

Student Wellness Supports

In a year like none other, we want to support the emotional needs of students. Our school counselors are here to help! Feel free to reach out to them for resources and support.

If your child is in need of a therapeutic counselor, we have partnered with CHS through a grant to make that available. Please contact your child's school guidance counselor if your child needs additional wellness assistance.

December Dates to Note

12.7 PTO Meeting, virtual @6:30 p.m. ~ Email eatonbk@unit5.org for the Meets link.

12.8 Learner Group changes completed in Infinite Campus Parent Portal

12.14-12.18 Virtual Spirit Week, Details to come!

12.18 Last day to pre-ordered a Yearbook here for $25.00

12.19-1.4 Winter Break

1.5.21 First day of second semester