Kent Center School - Principal's Report
Kent Board of Education Meeting - May 7, 2009
Dr. Rima Zelvis
ENROLLMENT: 284 A substantial amount of time has been spent preparing the 2009-2010 school budget, and much energy and hard work was put into providing the most that KCS has to offer during this difficult economic time. Thank you to all who have supported KCS throughout this process in the best interest of the students that we serve. April started off with our middle school music production, “Oklahoma!” Under the direction of Sandi Kleisner, and the assistance of Lee Sohl, Fiona Malca, Kim Sandquist, and several other volunteers, the musical was a big hit and received a standing ovation during the evening performance. We were all impressed with the singing, acting, and dancing talents that our middle school students possess! I was not able to attend our annual Judy Barrett Day for Grade 2, but I received terrific feedback. The library’s transformation into the “Land of Chew and Swallow” certainly added to the theme and enthusiasm for our students’ work with this Kent resident. Thank you to Betsy Morrow for her constant efforts to provide rewarding literary experiences for our students. Seventh and eighth graders (and one sixth grader), under the guidance of Rachel D’Ambrosio, participated in a region-wide Quiz Bowl event. Their efforts and performance exemplified the enthusiasm for the teaching and learning that takes place at KCS on a daily basis. Not to mention, many of the questions asked were very challenging! Congratulations to Amanda Kitik, Devin Moore, Ryan Nadire, Gillian O’Callaghan, Julianne Paine, and Hunter Rainard! Our Arbor Day celebration was beautiful. Al Coffill and Betsy Morrow organized this recognition, as artwork was shared by students from all grade levels and third grade also shared poetry readings. This year’s highlighted artists included:
On behalf of Kent Center School, I would like to thank Will Gawel, Chris Garritty and Jos Spelbos for their work in getting three new trees planted that same weekend. They were a generous donation from Jesse Klingebiel and his family. Two enrichment programs have been launched here as after-school activities. They are in conjunction with Valerie Vega’s French class for Grades 1 and 2. The Environmental Club is being led by Mike Benjamin and Jesse Klingebiel, and the Spanish Club is being led by Amanda Forbes. We look forward to sharing the successes of these pilot programs for Grades 3-5, as we continue to seek out ways to provide enhanced learning experiences for our students. A school and region-wide project entitled “Windows on the World” has been completed with producer Joshua Stone. All of the students submitted essays about kindness, aligned with our first school goal of good citizenship, as a reflection of the school’s mission statement. Joshua used some of the responses, and lyrics were created. The song was sung by the entire student body throughout the course of last week and will be performed by the whole school during the spring concert. All are invited. Kindergarten registration took place last week. The process went smoothly, thanks to the office staff, our kindergarten teachers, Mary Ellen O’Callaghan, and Lee Sohl. We have 37 new students! Finally, I would like to thank the PTO for their efforts in helping with various events throughout the course of the school year. Many activities would not be possible without the support of this group. At this time, we still need a President and a Treasurer for next year. Please let us know if you are interested in these important and rewarding positions.
Thursday, May 7 Art Show (7:00-8:30 p.m.) Friday, May 8 Spring Concert (1:15 and 7:00 p.m.) Tuesday, May 12 PTO Meeting (6:30 P followed by Parents’ Forum) Friday, May 15 Track Meet (Grades 6-8) – Still looking Tuesday, May 19 Region One Art Show Monday, May 25 Memorial Day – No School Thur/Fri, May 28&29 Book Fair |