May 2021

The three core values at Kingsley are community, growth, & innovation. Thank you for all that families have done, especially since March 2020, to keep children connected to the Kingsley community & help children grow despite the challenges faced.

During the 20-21 school year, the words of Grace Murray Hopper, pioneering computer scientist & U.S. Navy Officer, have echoed loudly; Rear Admiral Hopper is quoted as saying: “The most dangerous phrase in the language is we’ve always done it this way.”

Many times this year, “the way we’ve always done things,” has not worked & required students, families, and staff to find a new way to accomplish important things for students benefit. #innovation The staff appreciates your support & patience as we innovated & pivoted multiple times this year.

Since the last newsletter, Kingsley students & staff made suggestions for a new mascot that emulates the value of community. A group of staff members carefully considered all of the suggestions, & two student groups shared perspectives about what was important to them. Using that student input, a ballot was created that included:

• a brief description of the mascot option &

• how that mascot option demonstrated the value of community.

Students & staff voted to select “Kingsley Cougars” as our mascot beginning the 21-22 school year.

• Brief description: A cougar is a large cat, native to North America. They can live in many different ecosystems, & have no natural enemies. Cougar families can work together to defend territory, keeping one another safe.

How does the Cougar mascot emulate the value of community? Kingsley students come from a variety of backgrounds, & come together to support each other & have each other's backs.