KPF Newsletter 5/6/26

Hello Kenny Families!

I can’t believe we are zooming towards the end of the year, and as I reflect on my two years at Kenny, I am so proud of what we have accomplished together. Kenny Elementary is an amazing school, surrounded and uplifted by an incredible community. Kenny Prom is a great example of what is possible when we see the possibilities and inclusive goals - the pieces come together in such a fun night!

This week, we are celebrating the teachers and staff who make it all possible each day - Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week. I find myself reflecting on the magic that happens within our classrooms every single day. I have the privilege of seeing it firsthand, and the outcomes that we achieve at Kenny and our reputation show what is possible.

Being an educator at the elementary level is a unique calling. It requires the patience of a saint, the energy of a marathon runner, and the heart of a caregiver. Our teachers are not just delivering curriculum; they are building the foundation for lifelong curiosity. They are the ones who notice a quiet student’s hidden talent, provide a cheering section for every small victory, and create a safe harbor for our children to grow, stumble, and try again. We are so fortunate to have a team that views every child’s potential as limitless.

Thank you for partnering with us to honor these dedicated professionals. We couldn't do this work without your incredible support.

In Partnership and Community,

Dr. Jessica Busse

Principal, Kenny School

Happy "Teacher Appreciation Week" to our incredible Kenny teachers! We are so grateful for all that you do, today and every day!

May 6: Future Kenny Kid Kick-off, 4:30-6pm

May 14: May Student of the Month Assembly, 9:45-10:45am (RSVP here) **Please note the date change

May 15: Kenny Bike Fix-it Event 5-7:30pm

May 17: Kenny Garden Clean-up Day, 9:30-Noon

May 21: Field Day **Please note the date change

May 22: Possible Field Day for Rain

May 28: Spring Carnival, 5-7pm **Please note the date change

May 31: Kenny Garden Clean-up Day, 9:30-Noon

June 3: 3rd and 4th Grade End of Year Concert, 9:45-10:30am (RSVP here)

June 4: Senior Walk and End of Year Celebration, 9:45-10:45am

June 5: Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade End of Year Concert, 9:45-10:30am (RSVP here)

June 9: 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony, 2:30pm

Upcoming Meetings: ALL Caregivers Welcome!

Next Site Council Meeting is June 2, 5-7pm (in the media center or on google meet)

Next KPF Meeting is June 2, 7-8:30pm (on zoom)

Planning ahead? View the entire calendar here

5th graders will help lead K-2nd graders in their activities for the morning session, but we will need some volunteers to help lead the activity stations for 3rd-5th graders in the afternoon session. We'll also need volunteers to get popsicles (you will be reimbursed by KPF).

Thanks in advance for your help with this fun event!

Sign Up to Volunteer Here

Spring has sprung, and we have big plans for the Kenny Gardens! You'll soon begin to see a new edible garden and nature playspace take shape on the East side of the school, thanks to donations from MN State Horticultural Society, Kenny Neighborhood Association, Hennepin County Master Gardeners, and KPF. Kenny Kids will also be growing some pollinator flowers from seed in STEAM Class to include in the garden. Please join us for our group Spring Cleanup Days on Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, May 31 from 9:30am-Noon! Tools are provided if you don't have any, and no gardening experience is necessary (really!).

It's time for the Kenny Carnival! The perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year with the Kenny School Community! This year we have some NEW activities to add and food is FREE, with no advance sign-up!

The kids look forward to this event every year, and we need YOUR help to make it a success!

Take a look at the list of the volunteer shifts https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F49ABA623A6F49-63900172-volunteer and PLEASE sign up. There are a couple of new activities - feel free to sign up for more than one.

Again this year- parents, please sign up your Anthony or Southwest siblings! We'd love the additional hands and the kids really enjoy coming back to help. They can choose specific activities, or just be a general volunteer helper.

The Carnival is outdoors at the Kenny School playground. Please arrive at your designated station five minutes early - we'll have maps of the event available to help you find where you need to be.

Sign-up to Volunteer

Speaking of Spring Carnival, we need new coordinator(s) for next year!

Spring carnival needs new coordinators next year as Krista Miller and Amy Nostdahl both have 5th graders and will not be at Kenny next year. Please contact Tully Jordan kennyvolunteers@gmail.com if you are interested in being a spring carnival coordinator next year. Krista and Amy have been very organized and made all the info they have used accessible and easy to hand off to the next person!

The first week of June is going to feature a lot of performances highlighting what kids have been learning in music class this year through song.

Wednesday, June 3 at 9:45, grades 3 and 4 will be singing for their end-of-the-year concert

Friday, June 5, at 9:45, grades k,1, and 2 will be singing for their end-of-the-year concert

Each concert will be about 30-45 minutes long. Hope to see you there!

These events are free, but ticketed. Tickets can be claimed here:

RSVP for Spring Concerts

Order School Supplies Here

Minneapolis - Uppsala Educator Exchange Fundraiser

This year, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Minneapolis - Uppsala Educator Exchange Program! This incredible, unparalleled professional development opportunity allows Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) educators to visit Sweden to engage with international colleagues, school leadership, and city officials to enhance classroom learning. This year we had 18 MPS educators participate from the following sites: Andersen Middle School, Anthony Middle School, Armatage Elementary, Pillsbury Elementary, Marcy Elementary, Kenny Elementary, Lake Harriet Lower & Upper Elementary, Hiawatha Elementary, Keewaydin Elementary, Hall STEM Academy, and the Davis Center.

Because our educators invest their own time and funds to cover airfare and lodging, we are launching a special fundraiser to help make this life-changing experience possible for more of our MPS staff next spring.

How you can help: It’s time for some spring cleaning! We are collecting gently used shoes to raise funds for the program. Every pair you donate helps reduce the costs of travel for an MPS educator.

Get Involved: Clean out your closets: Gather up your gently used shoes that are in good condition.

Donate: Kenny Lobby

Share: Spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors!

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe, and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.

Is your child ready for some before and after-school adventure? Whether they’re already part of the crew or looking to join the fun, it’s time to mark your calendars!

Mpls Kids registration for the upcoming season is just around the corner!

From creative projects, gym games, outside, STEM activities to making lifelong neighborhood friends, we can’t wait to welcome your kiddos back and have new friends join us! Here is everything you need to know to snag a spot:

🗓 Important Dates to Remember

Current Families: Registration opens April 17 at 7:00 am

New Families: Registration opens April 24 at 7:00 am

💡 Pro-Tips for a Smooth Sign-Up:

Check Your Account: Log in to the registration portal a few days early to ensure your contact info and payment methods are up to date.
New Families: To make registration day as smooth as possible, we highly recommend creating your account in advance. By setting up your profile now, you’ll be able to log in and claim your spot instantly once registration opens, rather than spending precious minutes filling out forms.
Be Bright & Early: Spots tend to fill up fast! Set a reminder on your phone so you’re ready when the window opens.
Spread the Word: Know a new family joining our school? Give them a heads-up so they can join the Mpls Kids community too!

Questions? Visit the Mpls Kids website or email the Program Coordinator, Olivia at olivia.skyberg@mpls.k12.mn.us We’re here to help!