This Week

• Monday, 3/3 - Ramadan Begins
• Tuesday, 3/4 - 6th Grade Counselor Visits our 5th Graders
• Wednesday, 3/5 - 1st Grade Field Trip
• Friday, 3/7 - American Heart Assembly

Next Week

• Tuesday, 3/11 - 5th Grade Field Trip
• Thursday, 3/13 - Wear a "College" shirt ... no Michigan though :)
• Friday, 3/14 - No School - PD Day (Teachers are learning the new ELA curriculum for 25-26)

The Week After

• Wednesday, 3/19 - PTA Meeting 10:00 AM
• Thursday, 3/20 - Kinsner Art Show 5:00-7:00 PM

It is with great pleasure and immense pride that we announce this year's recipient of the prestigious Founders' Day Award: our extraordinary PTA President, Kelly Lange. Kelly embodies the very essence of what it means to be a community leader, weaving together the threads of our school fabric with her charismatic presence and unwavering dedication.

Kelly's impact on our school community is nothing short of transformative. Her kind heart and honest approach have fostered an environment of trust and collaboration, while her boundless energy and inspirational spirit have ignited a passion for involvement in parents and staff alike. Kelly's exceptional communication skills have bridged gaps and brought our diverse community closer together, creating events that are not just inclusive but truly child-centered.

Who can forget the sight of Kelly leading a classroom party, her infectious enthusiasm compelling even the most reluctant dancers (myself included!) to join in the fun? It's this very spirit that has unified adults in our community, channeling our collective efforts towards enriching the educational experience of every child at Kinsner Elementary.

Kelly, your dedication is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change. We are profoundly grateful for your unifying presence and the joy you bring to our school. Kinsner Elementary is undoubtedly a better place because of you!

PTA Founders' Day

Congratulations to all the Founders' Day Award Winners!

• Kinsner - Kelly Lange
• Chapman - Amanda Warvell
• Surrarrer - Heather Reed
• Whitney - Michele Molls
• Muraski - Kasey Johnson
• Council - Liz Jones
• SHS - Bill Wingler
• SMS - Stephanie Kush
• SECPTA - Beth Zelezniker

Thank you to Strongsville Council PTA for hosting such a lovely event, and thank you to everyone in attendance for showing their support for the winners and the work that PTA does across the District.

I hope this email finds you well. I am thrilled to share some exciting news that exemplifies the dedication and passion of our incredible staff members.

Our beloved Educational Aide, Lisa Dynda, has been awarded the prestigious Extra Mile Award for Staff by the Board of Education! You might know Lisa as the cheerful face greeting you in the car line every single day, rain or shine, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. Her unwavering commitment to our school community, regardless of the weather, is just one of the many reasons she's so deserving of this honor.

Lisa's impact on Kinsner Elementary goes far beyond her official duties. Her genuine care for each student and her tireless efforts to help them become Model Mustangs are truly inspiring. Every day, Lisa arrives brimming with enthusiasm, ready to tackle any challenge with grace and positivity. Her ability to create a fun and supportive environment is a shining example of what it means to be a team player.

Despite her busy schedule, Lisa consistently goes the extra mile. She dedicates time to collaborate with teachers, developing engaging and impactful lessons that enhance our students' learning experiences. Her commitment to our students' success is evident in everything she does.

We're also excited about Lisa's latest initiative - a book donation program aimed at getting more books into the hands of our community members. This project has the potential to make a significant impact on our students' literacy and love for reading.

Please join me in congratulating Lisa on this well-deserved recognition! Her outstanding commitment and positive influence on our students, staff, and community are truly commendable.

Let's take a moment to celebrate Lisa and express our gratitude for her exceptional service. Thank you, Lisa, for all that you do to make Kinsner Elementary a better place every single day!

If you see Lisa in the car line or around the school, please take a moment to congratulate her and share your appreciation. Our school community is stronger because of dedicated individuals like her.

It is with great pride and joy that we announce Mrs. Emily Gundert, our outstanding 2nd grade teacher, has been honored with the prestigious 2024-2025 Extra Mile Award. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional dedication and the positive impact she has on our students every day.

For those of you who may not have had the pleasure of interacting with Mrs. Gundert, allow me to paint a picture of the incredible educator your children are fortunate to have at Kinsner:

• Passion for Teaching: Mrs. Gundert's enthusiasm for education is contagious! She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each student receives a top-notch learning experience. Her classroom is a hub of excitement and discovery where young minds flourish.

• Lifelong Learner: Even outside school hours, Mrs. Gundert is always seeking to improve her craft. She stays up-to-date with the latest educational research and best practices, bringing fresh and effective teaching methods to her classroom.

• School Leader: As a member of our Literacy Committee and a frequent leader of professional development sessions, Mrs. Gundert shares her expertise with fellow teachers, elevating the quality of education across our entire school.

• Collaborative Spirit: Mrs. Gundert works closely with her colleagues and school leadership to continually enhance our educational programs. Her positive attitude and team-oriented approach make her a joy to work with and a valuable asset to our Kinsner family.

• Connection with Students: In my classroom observations, I've witnessed firsthand how Mrs. Gundert connects with her students on a personal level. She creates a well-organized, nurturing environment where deep learning thrives and each child feels valued.

We are incredibly fortunate to have educators like Mrs. Gundert who embody the spirit of going the extra mile for our children. Her commitment to excellence not only benefits her current students but also contributes to the overall success of our school community.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Gundert on this well-deserved recognition! If you see her around the school or at upcoming events, we encourage you to share your appreciation for her hard work and dedication.

Thank you, Mrs. Gundert, for your outstanding service to our students and for setting such a high standard of excellence at Kinsner Elementary!

Today, I am thrilled to share some wonderful news that exemplifies the incredible spirit of our student body. We are proud to recognize one of our outstanding students, 5th Grader Paige Smeal, for consistently going the Extra Mile in her academic and extracurricular endeavors.

Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Paige turn into an exceptional leader within our school community. Her growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and her positive impact extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Paige consistently arrives at school prepared and eager to learn. Her readiness to work and ability to follow directions set a wonderful example for her peers.

For the past two years, Paige has been an integral part of our American Sign Language (ASL) Club. As one of our "big kids," she takes on the responsibility of helping younger students stay focused and organized. Her patience and guidance have been invaluable to the club's success.

Paige's passion for knowledge is contagious. She approaches every ASL club meeting with a bright smile and an open mind, inspiring those around her to share in her excitement.

One of Paige's most admirable qualities is her attentiveness to her classmates' needs. She has a knack for ensuring that no one feels left out or falls behind, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Paige embodies our school's PRIDE values in all her actions. Her efforts to make her peers feel welcome and included go above and beyond, truly exemplifying what it means to be a model student at Kinsner Elementary.

Paige's contributions to our school community are a shining example of student leadership. Her ability to keep activities running smoothly, redirect her peers when needed, and create a welcoming atmosphere for all is truly commendable.

We are incredibly proud of Paige and grateful for the positive influence she has on our school. Students like her make Kinsner Elementary a better place for everyone.

We also want to thank monitors Sam Hovanic for nominating her for all the amazing things she does to make this school special.

Please join us in congratulating Paige on her outstanding achievements and for consistently going the Extra Mile. Let's celebrate the wonderful example she sets for all our students!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your incredible efforts from Julia Madal and Shannon Hoffmann for organizing the Kinsner Art Night prior to Valentine's Day. We are truly grateful for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that the kids and families had such a wonderful experience. Their passion and commitment to designing a remarkable art program for Strongsville City Schools are evident and appreciated. We are all looking forward to seeing the student work displayed at the Art Show later in March!

Mark your calendars!

Next Kinsner PTA Meeting - Wednesday, March 19th at 10 am at Kinsner

Fun Run - Friday, May 16th - Volunteers will be needed, and families will be encouraged to come watch the event. More information will be available soon.

Marco's Pizza Box Night Report

Thank you to all the families who purchased Marco's Pizza in their students' pizza box artwork during this year's Box Night fundraiser! Your purchases raised $1,249.55 to benefit Kinsner PTA programming and activities. Kinsner PTA greatly appreciates your support and hopes you enjoyed your students' creative efforts.

The Model Mustang Experience - Wednesday, March 26
Don't miss the "Model Mustang Experience" on Wednesday, March 26 from 6pm-8pm at Strongsville High School. This FREE community event will highlight our ‘State of the Schools’ and show how education is evolving to prepare today’s learners to be tomorrow’s leaders and thrive in their future. Participate in hands-on activities with our SCS students, teachers, and staff, as they share their learning and work, showcasing the extraordinary ways our District is building "Model Mustangs!" Let's celebrate together the great work happening in our schools on Wednesday, March 26!

FINANCIAL FAST FACTS VIDEO FROM OUR SCS TREASURER
As part of the District's Strategic Plan, SCS Treasurer George Anagnostou has been releasing monthly Financial Fast Facts.

Watch for a flyer with reservation information to come home with your student(s) soon!

Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, "Erin's Law," in January 2023, requiring school districts to implement curriculum for child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention from grades K-12 starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The law mandates developmentally appropriate instruction for students in grades K-6.

Starting in late April to May, our elementary school counselors will teach two lessons in your child’s classroom using the Child Protection Unit within our Second Step curriculum. This was selected for its age-appropriate content and approval by the Department of Education and Workforce. These lessons aim to increase awareness of warning signs in relationships and to prevent abuse. Our school counselors will present the curriculum in a safe and age-appropriate manner during their regularly scheduled classroom counseling lessons.

Concepts in Grades K-3 include understanding stranger danger, creating boundaries, knowing who trusted adults are, and knowing that safe touches help you feel cared for and unsafe touches hurt your body/feelings. Concepts in Grades 4-5 include being responsible for your own safety, discussing ways to stay safe, creating boundaries, and understanding your body belongs to you.

Parents/guardians can opt-out their child from the child protection curriculum by signing a permission form and returning it to their child's teacher. If the form is not returned, your child will participate in the counselor's lessons.

Please return the K-3 opt-out permission form and/or the 4-5 opt-out permission form to your child’s teacher prior to March 24th.