KPF Newsletter 2/25/26

Hello Kenny Families -

While supporting this week at Southwest High School, I was reminded of the power and connections of the Kenny community. I am continually impressed and honored to be part of such a loving and supportive group. The Kenny Kid network does not stop once they graduate from 5th grade, the Kenny Kid mentality is something that lasts for their entire lives. Seeing the Kenny Kids at Southwest supporting each other was inspiring.

It is budget season now and I want to share an important update on our current budget planning and the vital role our community plays in shaping our future. The budget is more than just numbers; it's a reflection of our priorities. Based on the new teacher contract, class size numbers will be addressed in our larger grade levels. This is exciting news as it means that Kenny is growing and that we will have more capacity to best serve our students.

A successful budget is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder input. We encourage you to be an active part of this process. Your insights help us understand what matters most to our families, educators, and students.

Attend the Budget Conversation: Join us tonight at 5pm to review the budget and talk about options.
Share Your Feedback via Survey: Here is the survey!

Together, we can ensure our financial decisions reflect our collective vision for a thriving and supportive community. We look forward to your partnership and input.

In Partnership and Community,

Dr. Jessica Busse

Principal, Kenny School

March 4: Site Council Budget Conversation, 5-6pm (in the media center or on google meet)

March 5: Grief Sensitive School Initiative Training (Virtual)

March 8: Kenny Community Circle, 5-7pm (RSVP here)

March 12: March Student of the Month Assembly, 9:45-10:45am (RSVP here)

March 14: March Magic Adults Only Fundraiser (Tickets here)

March 16-18: Book Fair and $5 Book Bag Sale

March 17: Science Fair, 5-7pm

March 20: No School

March 27-April 5: No School, Spring Break

Upcoming Meetings: ALL Caregivers Welcome!

Next Site Council Meeting (Budget Specific) is TONIGHT, February 25, 5-7pm (in the media center or on google meet)

Next KPF Meeting is Tuesday, March 3, 7-8:30pm (on zoom)

Planning ahead? View the entire calendar here

Based on class size caps, we have been allocated 2 additional classroom teachers in 1st grade and 5th grade for 2026-2027. In order to support those classrooms, we have also been allocated more specialist time. Unfortunately, we have a decrease in Advanced Learner funding and English Language Learner services will be delivered differently next year. More details will be provided at our budget meeting - now scheduled for February 25, from 5-7pm. Virtual Option via Google

Spring Budget Survey

We need to hear from more voices in order to make decisions.

RSVP for Kenny Community Circle

Purchase your March Magic Tickets

What are Great Gatherings?
They’re parent-, teacher-, or community-hosted events where hosts create a fun experience and guests purchase tickets to attend. Ticket proceeds go directly to KPF to support our students, programs, and school community.

Beyond fundraising, they’re one of the most meaningful ways families connect - and what many families look forward to most beyond the March Magic event itself. They help spark new friendships, create shared memories for kids and parents, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Kenny special.

Gatherings can be big or small, casual or themed and co-hosting makes it even easier.

You can now preview the Great Gatherings submitted so far to get inspiration, avoid overlapping dates or ideas, and see what’s already in the works as you plan your own gathering.

Ready to host? Submit your Great Gathering here: https://forms.gle/ffjC22jrcrpNAeuCA

Submit your Great Gathering

EVENTS

We do not charge admission to any Kenny community events so that all families can attend.

Fall Festival, Spring Carnival

RECOGNITION / CELEBRATION

Student of the Month Assemblies, 5th Grade Celebration and Graduation, Kenny Variety Show, Turkey Bingo Prizes

SCIENCE FAIR

Poster boards for all participants, Materials for students’ science projects for families in need of assistance

FIELD TRIPS (IN & OUT OF SCHOOL)

All field trips are covered without asking for additional fees

TEACHER GRANTS

Artist-in-Residence Programs for all grades, Dulcimer Project: grades 4-5, Afterschool Math Squad, iPad Charging Station, Participation in Educator Exchange Program

OTHER

Kenny Garden, Rainbow Room, Teacher Appreciation Events, In-school field trips from the Works Museum, Teacher Discretionary Funds, Field Day, Literacy materials: Storyworks magazine subscription, class sets of novels, Support for families in need: gift cards for basic necessities, winter clothing, snacks for students

March Magic is almost here, and this year’s theme is Sing Loud, Kenny Proud — the perfect excuse to stock up on your Kenny gear!

We’ve got two ways to shop:

Adult merch order form: grab something to wear to March Magic and beyond
Kids’ Kenny merch: Allison’s Kenny Originals are available in youth sizes — and some of these designs will be coming in adult sizing soon in time for March Magic!

Show up loud, proud, and in Kenny green!

Volunteers needed! Sign-up here

We are beginning the process to apply for the School of Excellence. This is a statewide designation that highlights the great things happening at Kenny School, as well as helping to direct the work of our leadership team and site council for future years. The initial process is collecting data through surveys. While surveys are often overused, they are a good way to collect lots of voices in an anonymous forum.

We acknowledge that this is one more thing to do on already full plates, but the timeframe is long as we will leave this open until Spring Break. Please complete as you have time. There are no required questions, so if you are unsure, skip the question. Thank you for your participation and input as we look to improve and grow as a school and community.

School of Excellence Survey

Submit your photos for the Kenny Yearbook

Did you know the Kenny Yearbook is largely finalized by Spring Break? That means the yearbook team of parent volunteers will be particularly busy creating the special memory book throughout February and March. Do you have photos that you’d like to see included? Send them our way! If you have pics from milestone school events or other classroom-specific activities, please submit them to KennySchoolYearbook@gmail.com.

Send your photos to the yearbook committee

Kenny Summer Minneapolis Kids registration is now open! More information here.

For more information and registration visit the Mpls Kids Juniors Website

A huge thanks to the Kenny Community for the outpouring of love and support during these times. We are eternally grateful for all that you are doing to support those in need, as well as our own community. As we have no idea how long this will go on for, please pace yourself and navigate through the emotions that go along with what is happening on a day to day basis. The Kenny Families are well supported through the efforts of Kenny Parent Foundation and Kenny School.

Here are some options for sister schools that are in need of support: