Embedded Files
A Note from Ms. Palmer, KJHS Principal
Dear Kingsley families,
We are off to a great start to the 24-25 school year! It's already been a busy semester with baseball, softball, cross country, golf, and cheer underway. Many of our clubs will be starting up this month so please tell your student to check out the announcements (available online & displayed at lunch) or the "What's Kickin' Kingsley?" bulletin boards for when the clubs they are wanting to join are meeting. We highly encourage that students be involved in one or more school activities as such participation can positively impact their academic achievement, social and emotional development, sense of community/belonging, and attendance.
Speaking of participation, we're looking forward to seeing you at our Fall Open House on Wednesday, October 2. This is a great time to connect with your student's teachers and gain insights into your student's daily experiences here at KJHS. KJHS administrators and guidance counselors will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Thank you so much to all of you for your support - we appreciate all you do to help us educate your children!
Ms. Palmer
KJHS Updates
KJHS Updates
PTO Fundraisers
PTO Fundraisers
The KJHS PTO funds its efforts to support KJHS teachers and students via multiple avenues. This month, the PTO is launching its donation-based No Hassle Fundraiser as well as sponsoring a Dine to Donate.
Dine to Donate at Culvers: Dine at either Bloomington Culver's location between 5 and 8 pm on 9/17. Please show this flyer and a portion of the proceeds will be given to the KJHS PTO.
KJHS PTO No Hassle Fundraiser: The KJHS PTO is asking for donations to help them support the KJHS students and staff throughout the year. Want to donate? Here's are the options...
Donations of cash or check (made out to KJHS PTO) can be submitted in the following ways:
dropped off in a sealed and labeled envelope at the school office
dropped off in the secured drop box located by the main entrance doors
mailed to KJHS PTO at 303 Kingsley Street, Normal, IL 61761
On-line donations can be made using PayPal to KJHSpto@gmail.com.
Please make sure to mark the donation as “For Friends and Family” so that a service fee is not deducted from your donation.
Early Release: 9/10
Early Release: 9/10
Tueday, September 10, is the first early release of the 24-25 school year. Students will be dismissed from school at 11:45 am.
August PBIS Students of the Month
August PBIS Students of the Month
Congratulations to the August PBIS Students of the Month listed below! The PBIS theme for August was Participation and these students were nominated by their teachers for their participation in the classroom.
6-1: Zoe Harris
6-2: Quawi Williams
7-1: Zoe Fish
7-2: Celeste Ebonda
8-1: Rachael Ebert
8-2: Rocco Cottone
Exploratory: Carly Lange
Fall Open House: 10/2
Fall Open House: 10/2
KJHS is hosting a Fall Open House on Wednesday, October 2nd, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. You can come and follow your student's schedule, giving you the opportunity to hear what is going on in each of your student's classes. Here is the schedule for the evening:
Doors open: 5:15 pm
Advisory: 5:30 - 5:35 pm
1st hour: 5:38 - 5:45 pm
2nd hour: 5:48 - 5:55 pm
3rd hour: 5:58 - 6:05 pm
4th hour: 6:08 - 6:15 pm
5th hour: 6:18 - 6:25 pm
6th hour: 6:28 - 6:35 pm
7th hour: 6:38- 6:45 pm
8th hour: 6:48 - 6:55 pm
We're looking forward to seeing you on October 2nd!
K Cart
K Cart
The KJHS K Cart is a key component in the KJHS PBIS reward system. Operated by 8th grade BELT students, the K Cart provides the opportunity for students to use K Cash (earned by exhibiting appropriate behavior in the classroom) to purchase items such as fidgets, bracelets, candy, soda, etc. The K Cart operates 10 weeks a semester and costs approximately $1500-$2000/semester to operate. The KJHS PTO supports the K Cart with a generous $1000/semester donation and the remainder of the funds come from monetary and product donations. If you would like to donate to the K Cart, please visit their Amazon wish list or drop off cash/check at the KJHS Main Office. The K Cart will begin operations on October 4th.
KJHS Promise Council
KJHS Promise Council
Did you know that KJHS has its own dedicated Promise Council organization? The Kingsley Promise Council is dedicated to removing barriers to learning such as:
Meeting the physical needs of students when they stand in the way of academic achievement
Helping schools help kids - one child at a time
Providing adult mentors for students
Increasing opportunities for parental engagement
There are two current opportunities for parents and community members to get involved:
1. Add your name to the KJHS Promise Council Shout-Out list.
2. Help meet the physical needs of KJHS students by purchasing items off the KJHS Promise Council Amazon wishlist (all items are sent directly to the school).
If you'd like to find out more about Promise Council, visit https://www.facebook.com/PromiseCouncil/.
Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters
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.
Construction Updates
Construction Updates
1. Greeter's Station: Progress continues to be made on the greeter's station. Final touches are expected to be completed on September 10th and the goal is to have that station operational by September 16th.
2. Neuman Gym Bleachers: Tear down of the northern Neuman Gym bleachers begins on September 9th and the new bleachers are scheduled to arrive on September 18th. We're hoping installation is completed by September 25th.
Verkada Screening System
Verkada Screening System
All Unit 5 Schools are rolling out a new safety feature called Verkada. When you come to visit Kingsley Junior High School for any reason, you will need to bring your driver’s license. You will scan your license and a visitor badge will be printed out for you to wear while in the building.
All volunteers will still need to have a new approved background check for this year. Please call the office to get information about completing this process. Volunteers must complete this each year.
Safe2Help Site
Safe2Help Site
The State of Illinois has established the Safe2Help site to provide a resource for students and families needing information on or assistance with safety issues such as mental health, bullying, self harm, and much more. Individuals can make reports regarding such issues to the site and KJHS will be contacted as appropriate. This is another resource being provided to keep our students and school safe.
Bullying: Policy & Precautions
Bullying: Policy & Precautions
According to Unit 5 Board Policy, bullying includes cyber-bullying and includes any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed towards a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following...
Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student's or students' person and/or property;
Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student's or students' physical or mental health;
Substantially interfering with a student's or students' academic performance; or
Substantially interfering with a student's or students' ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
We often hear the term "bullying" applied to situations when students are in conflict. Most of the time we can resolve these conflicts prior to them escalating to the level of bullying as described above. Please encourage your student to report their concerns to their AP via a "What's up Kingsley?" form or make an appointment with their guidance counselor if they are experiencing unresolved conflicts with a peer. For more information on Unit 5's bullying policy, please visit the Board Policy page.
Website Updates
Website Updates
The entire Unit 5 website has been overhauled, which has resulted in several broken links and other issues with the KJHS web site. We are working hard to get the site updated and working properly and we appreciate your patience as we complete this process. The end product will be a vast improvement on our previous site.
Student Travel Opportunities
Student Travel Opportunities
Please note that while KJHS is allowing students to be notified about these opportunities at school, they are not KJHS sponsored trips.
8th Grade Boston Trip (May 27 - 30, 2025): Informational meeting for parents on Wednesday, September 11 at 6 pm in the KJHS cafeteria.
Bloomington/Normal -Asahikawa Sister Cities Jr Ambassador Program & Host Family Information: This program is available to students in grades 7-10.
Local Scout Opportunities
Local Scout Opportunities
There are two local scout troops, BSA Troop 957 and BSA Troop 1957, that are seeking new members. The official recruiting event for Troop 1957 has passed but new members are welcome. Interested families can find the contact information for either troop on their respective fliers.
KJHS Policies: Please Review With Your Student
KJHS Policies: Please Review With Your Student
Before School
Before School
Prior to 8:35 am: Upon entering the building, students are to go to the gym or the cafeteria. They are not to go to their lockers, even if they walk by them. Students in the cafeteria are to get their breakfast , sit down, and eat. No food or drink (except for water) can leave the cafeteria except in a bag. Students in the gym are to wait in their assigned areas to be dismissed by the supervisor. There is to be no food or drink in the gym except for water. There is absolutely no eating in the hallways.
After 8:35 am: Upon entering the building, students may go to their locker, get their materials, and go to class.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones and other mobile devices are highly distracting to the learning environment, which is why the Unit 5 handbook addresses these devices with the following wording: Students are allowed to possess and use mobile devices prior to 8:45 am and after 3:45 pm providing they do not cause a disruption.
To clarify, cell phones and wireless earbuds/headphones are not to be seen or used between the hours of 8:45 am and 3:45 pm. With staff permission, wired headphones/earbuds may be used in the classroom (connecting to the student's Chrome Book). Smart watches are not to be used for communication purposes between 8:45 am and 3:45 pm.
If you need to contact your student, please call the KJHS main office at (309) 557-4407. If your student needs to contact you, they will be sent to the office to call you.
1st 5, Last 5
1st 5, Last 5
Instructional time is precious; therefore, students are not allowed to leave classes during the first 5 or last 5 minutes of class. Students should utilize the passing period time to ensure that they have the needed class materials as well as using the restroom if needed.
Lunch Time
Lunch Time
Lunch time can be an enjoyable social time if everyone follows some basic guidelines...
1 . Students have 5 minutes from the dismissal of class to arrive and be seated at their assigned table in the cafeteria.
2. Students will be dismissed by table to go through the lunch line. Students should make sure to have their school IDs with them to scan as part of the lunch purchasing process. Students without IDs will have to wait to get their lunch until students with IDs have gotten through the line. Photos of IDs on cell phones cannot be used this year.
3. Students are expected to remain seated at their tables and talk to their table mates at a reasonable volume for the duration of the lunch period.
4. Prior to leaving the cafeteria, students should make sure that their table is cleaned off, the floor around them is clean, and their chair is tucked in.
Please note that due to choking dangers, we are diligent about students acting in an orderly manner during lunch.
Transportation/Bussing
Transportation/Bussing
The purpose of the school bus is to transport students safely to and from home and school. As such, students are expected to behave in a manner that allows the driver to focus on the driving. Students are to scan their ID when boarding and exiting the bus. Once on the bus, students are to find a seat and remain in that seat for the duration of the ride. Conversation should be conducted at a reasonable volume and limited to those students in immediate proximity of one's seat. Students are not to throw items inside or outside of the bus.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Due to spilling and pests, students are not allowed to eat outside of the cafeteria and are limited to water as a drink in the hallways/classrooms. Large bags of food are not allowed to be brought for sharing and will be confiscated. Outside food and drink are not allowed for lunch nor are food deliveries. Students bringing in breakfast foods/drinks will be directed to the cafeteria to eat and will need to consume or dispose of them prior to heading to class.
Dress Code
Dress Code
Dress code is always a tricky thing and the last thing KJ staff wants to do is talk with a student about wearing something that is inappropriate to school. You can help us by assisting your student with distinguishing school appropriate clothing from clothing that should not be worn to school. The Unit 5 Student Handbook outlines specific criteria in terms of what students can not wear to school. Please review the list below carefully, identify any clothing or accessories in your student's wardrobe that should not be worn to school, and talk to your student about those items.
Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages,
illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images.
● Student dress (including accessories) may not display lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language
or symbols, including gang symbols.
● Coats and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.
● No head coverings are allowed that obscure the view of the student’s face. Interpretation and
enforcement of this rule is up to administration discretion.
● Hair styles, dress, and accessories (scarfs/headbands) that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in
the shop, laboratories, or during physical education.
● Metal studs, chains longer than jewelry, and any other objects that may be used as weapons or that
may be hazardous to persons or property are specifically prohibited.
● Clothing which fails to adequately cover the body, or which is torn or altered in an explicit or
suggestive manner, will not be permitted. Shirts, blouses and tops which are not tucked in must be
long enough to cover the midsection when the student is in a standing or sitting position. Pants or
shorts must be worn at the waist.
● Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Slippers and shoes with wheels are prohibited.
● If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building administration will make the final
decision.
● A student whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or
endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to
discipline.
Staff Directives
Staff Directives
Students are to follow the directives of KJHS staff at all times.
Navigating Kingsley
Navigating Kingsley
AP Assignments
AP Assignments
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.
Guidance Counselors
Guidance Counselors
Mrs. Kimberly Johnson (johnsonk@unit5.org; 557-4869) is the guidance counselor for students with last names starting with A-K; Mrs. Breanna Schwarz (shwarb@unit5.org; 557-4869) is the guidance counselor for student with the last names starting with L-Z. Please contact your student's guidance counselor is you have concerns about any social or mental health issues.
Navigating Student Conflicts
Navigating Student Conflicts
Given the fact that we have over 700 students in our KJHS community, conflicts are bound to occur. If your student is experiencing an issue with another student and needs adult assistance to help work things out, please encourage them to complete the "What's Up Kingsley?" form. This will alert the adults in the building to the issue and we will direct the students involved to the KJHS resource best suited to the conflict. If your student is struggling to express the issue, please notify their AP and they follow up with your student.
Who Do I Contact at KJHS?
Who Do I Contact at KJHS?
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 Updates
Unit 5 Updates
Unit 5 Podcast
Unit 5 Podcast
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.
Unit 5 Strategic Plan
Unit 5 Strategic Plan
Unit 5 has a new strategic plan, which will guide the district's decision making and priorities over the next five years. Unit 5 is committed to integrity, belonging, engagement, teamwork, and excellence and has the following areas of focus:
Inspiring a Culture of Learning
Creating Foundations for the Future
Building and Strengthening Our Community
Want to know more? Check out the Unit 5 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.
Athletics & Clubs
Athletics & Clubs
Kingsley Clubs and Activities
Kingsley Clubs and Activities
Incoming students & families often ask "how can my child get involved & participate in the Kingsley community?" Great question!
Off of the main page of the Kingsley website, there will be an extracurricular activities page once updates are completed. For students, we post club information in the daily announcements & on "What's Kickin' at Kingsley?" bulletin boards throughout the school. Here is a list of our current clubs:
Animal Wellness Club Flobinet Choir Not In Our School
Board Game Club GSA Percussion Club
Byte by Byte Club Jazz Band Pokemon Club
Chess Club Kingsley Bible Club Rubix Cube Club
Drama Club Kingsley News Speech/Debate Team
D&D/MTG Club Kingsley Stream Team Spirit Club
FCCLA Kingsley Student Council Tech Club
Fellowship of Student Athletes (FCA) Knitting/Crochet Club Yearbook
KJHS Book Club
Stream Team is Bringing KJHS Home Games to Your Home!
Stream Team is Bringing KJHS Home Games to Your Home!
Want to enjoy KJHS home games from the comfort of your own home? Check out our Kingsley Activities You Tube page for live streams of all home events and enjoy how our student led Stream Team broadcasts each and every game!
Dates to Note
Dates to Note
September
2: Labor Day (No School)
10: Early Release (11:45 am)
17: Dine to Donate @ Culver's (both Bloomington locations 5-8 pm)
27: School Improvement Day (No School)
October
2: KJHS Open House (5:30 - 7 pm)
14: Indigenous Peoples Day (No School)
23: Early Release Day (11:45 am)
Stay Up to Date!
Stay Up to Date!
Be sure to mark school holidays, teacher institute days, and early release days on your calendar!
Daily Announcements are shown each lunch period daily & posted on the main page of the KJHS website.
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
To stay connected to our Kingsley community, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, &/or Twitter.
You can also visit our school website for additional information. Please be patient as changes are being made to the website to ensure the most updated information is provided.
At any time you can also reach out by email to palmere@unit5.org
#KingsleyCARES
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.
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