January 2025

We are excited to share that Kelly Fitzgerald has been named the KJHS Principal for the 25-26 school year. Mrs. Fitzgerald brings 20 years of diverse experience in education. She has worked at various levels, including the collegiate level, where she served as a Women's Volleyball Coach, Senior Women's Administrator, and Director of Health and Wellness. At the high school level, she was the Director of Athletics before transitioning to the role of Assistant Principal, where she oversaw discipline, professional development, and various daily activities. In her first year in Unit 5 as an administrator, she was named Associate Principal at Chiddix Junior High School, where she actively engaged in numerous task forces aimed at improving the school environment. Throughout the year, she took on a leadership role in initiatives focused on enhancing student culture, fostering a positive atmosphere for all learners, and developing effective strategies for student discipline. Her contributions were instrumental in promoting a sense of community and mutual respect among students and staff alike. Currently, Mrs. Fitzgerald is the Principal at Carlock Elementary, where she has made significant contributions to the school community. Additionally, she currently serves on the Suicide Prevention District Task Force, as a member of the Student Voice Strand in DELT, and as part of the PCL District Task Force.

Mrs. Fitzgerald's educational philosophy focuses on creating and maintaining a nurturing and inclusive environment in which students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. "I am committed to fostering student growth, leadership, and opportunities for all," she stated.

A graduate of St. Xavier University, Mrs. Fitzgerald earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences in 2001 and her Master's in Educational Administration in 2004. While at St. Xavier, she was part of the Women's Volleyball Team and was named an All-American in her senior year. Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Fitzgerald enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their children, Colton (11) and Vivian (9). Family activities are a cherished part of her life, and they enjoy spending time together.

Mrs. Fitzgerald looks forward to meeting the KJHS staff, students, and families. She encourages anyone who wishes to reach out to her to do so via email at fitzgeke@unit5.org.

PBIS PRIDE theme for December was Excellence  Through a lesson and discussions in advisory, students and staff discussed how they were doing towards their goals set in November and what it means to demonstrate excellence. January's PRIDE theme is Participation so please encourage your student to fully participate in their learning. 

Winter is definitely upon us and, as such, there may be days where inclement weather makes getting to school challenging. In such cases, Unit 5 may determine that for safety reasons, a remote learning day is in order.  When this happens, students and families will be notified via email and/or  text and students will be directed to refer to the KJHS e Learning Plans to know what their schedule is and how to access their classes.  These plans will also be posted on the KJHS web site for accessibility as well. 

Attendance is key to academic success. Students who miss two days a month (that's once every other week) this year will miss...

20 days of school

30 hours of math

60 hours of reading and writing

Over one year of school by graduation

Want some more information or helpful hints in increasing your student's attendance? Start with these helpful strategies. 

Assistant Principal Dennis Larson (larsond@unit5.org; 557-4858) is the primary administrator for students in 6th and 7th grade while Associate Principal Sylvester Davis (davissy@unit5.org; 557-4962) is the primary administrator for students in 8th grade. If you have a concern about a behavior issue with your student, please contact your student's AP. 

Knowing who to contact at KJHS about certain issues can be challenging. We hope this mini-guide helps as to who to contact first when you are needing assistance. 

• Absences (partial or full day): KJHS Attendance line (309-557-4456)

• Classroom level issues (grades, behavior, etc.): Your student's teacher(s)

• General questions about KJHS: KJHS Main Office line (309 - 557-4407)

• Student information/registration updates: KJHS Guidance office (557-4899)

• Sports related questions:  Mrs. Menken (557-4862 or menkenk@unit5.org) or Mr. Davis (557 - 4962 or davissy@unit5.org) 

• Student behavior issues: Student's AP

  • • • • • • • • 6th & 7th Grade: Mr. Larson (557-4858 or larsond@unit5.org)

                • 8th Grade: Mr. Davis (557 - 4962 or davissy@unit5.org) 

• Student emotional or social issues: Student's Guidance Counselor

  • • • • • • • • Last Name A-K: Mrs. Kimberly Johnson (johnsonk@unit5.org)

                • Last Name L-Z: Mrs. Breanna Schwarz (schwarb@unit5.org)

• Student schedules: KJHS Guidance office (557-4899)

• Student support services: KJHS Guidance office (557-4899)

• Issues with KJHS staff member: Ms Elisa Palmer (palmere@unit5.org; 557-4574)

• Curriculum questions: Ms Elisa Palmer (palmere@unit5.org; 557-4574)

Unit 5 Junior High Athletics now has its own Instagram account. You can follow all the Unit 5 Junior High Athletics action by following them at u5jhathletics. 

Want to know more about Unit 5? Check out our new podcast, Inside Unit 5!

This monthly podcast is dedicated to highlighting information and news for Unit 5’s parents, students, educators, and community members. 

Student Council is putting on a dance from 3:45 - 5:30 in the KJHS cafeteria. The theme is "Winter Glow" and tickets are on sale now. Attendance is limited to 250 students and students with a 2nd quarter ISS or OSS will not be allowed to attend the event.