Kingsley Connection

🎉 Hey Kingsley Families! Can you believe September is almost over? Our Cougars have been making new friends, exploring new clubs, and diving into learning with curiosity and energy. From classrooms to hallways, it’s been a month full of laughter, teamwork, and exciting first experiences. 🧡

This edition of the KJHS Family Newsletter is packed with updates, reminders, and ways to cheer on your pre-teen as they navigate junior high. Thanks for being part of our Kingsley family—let’s finish September strong and carry the excitement into October! 🐾✨

Don’t miss out—circle those school holidays, teacher institute days, and early release days. Your future self will thank you!

📣 Stay in the Know:
Daily Announcements pop up each lunch period and are always hanging out on the KJHS website main page. Check ‘em out!

September

• 26: No School (Teacher Institute Day)

October

• 13: No School Indigenous Peoples' Day
• 17: Normal Community Homecoming Game
• 22: K-12 Early Release Day

We’re already five weeks into the school year, and it’s been amazing to see the energy and excitement our students bring each day! Thank you for helping us start the year strong—our classrooms and hallways are filled with curiosity, connection, and learning.

At Kingsley, we know that showing up—every day and on time—is one of the most powerful ways students set themselves up for success. Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically, build lasting friendships, and make the most of the opportunities available at school. Every single day matters.

Here’s why coming to school every day is so important:

✔ Learning builds daily – Missing even one class can make it harder to keep up.
✔ Connections matter – Being here helps students build strong friendships and feel part of our community.
✔ Confidence grows with consistency – Daily participation builds good habits and stronger skills.
✔ Opportunities are everywhere – Each day brings chances to shine—in class, in activities, and beyond.

We are proud of the start we’ve made and can’t wait to see all that our Kingsley students will accomplish this year. Let’s keep showing up, working hard, and making each day count—together!

At Kingsley, we care about students academically, socially, and emotionally. This month, students will complete a short, simple check-in called MySAEBRS during the school day. It’s just a quick survey that helps us understand how students are feeling and doing at school, so we can make sure they have the support they need.

Think of it like a routine health check-up—just a way to keep an eye on student well-being.

If you’d like more information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support every student!

At Kingsley, every minute in class counts! To help students make the most of their learning, students aren’t allowed to leave during the first or last five minutes of class. Those first and last moments are packed with important instruction and wrap-ups they won’t want to miss.

Tips for a smooth day:

• Use passing periods to grab materials, use the restroom, and get ready for the next class.

• Encourage your child to plan ahead so they’re in the right place at the right time.

Talking about this at home can help students understand why these small rules make a big difference in their learning and success. Every minute matters! 📚✨

At Kingsley, we’re excited to introduce the Frayer Method—a fun and powerful way for students to learn and remember important vocabulary. Using a simple graphic organizer, students:

• Define the word

• Describe its key characteristics

• Give examples and non-examples

This approach helps students really understand words, not just memorize them, so they can use them confidently in reading, writing, and problem-solving.

Learning Spotlight: Frayer Method Example

Word: Kingsley Cougar

Definition: The mascot and symbol of Kingsley Junior High, representing school spirit and pride

Characteristics: Strong, spirited, part of our community, proud, friendly

Examples: School logo, spirit gear, pep rallies

Non-Examples: Tigers, lions, generic mascots from other schools

This year, every student gets two IDs:

1️⃣ School ID – Wear it every day and flash it in the lunch line.
2️⃣ Bus ID – Keep it handy for daily travel on the bus.

Students will swipe their ID when:

• Entering the main office

• Visiting the nurse

• Using student services

• Getting on the bus

Lost your ID? Don’t panic—replacements are just $3 in the office.

Why IDs matter:

• Safety first – Helps us know where everyone is.

• Attendance made easy – Keeps track of students moving in and out.

• Smooth operations – Faster lunch lines and bus boarding = more time for fun… uh, we mean learning!

• Responsibility points – Keep track of your ID and earn major adulting skills. 😎

Thanks for helping your student remember their “golden ticket”! Consistent use keeps Kingsley safe, organized, and ready to learn.

Please find monthly junior high athletics information here: Athletic Info

When it’s game day at KJHS, here’s the playbook! All students head home after school, and the doors reopen 30 minutes before tip-off/kick-off. Bring your K-Cash or cash for entry. At halftime, be sure to text or call your ride so they’re ready for you right after the game. 🚗 Quick rides keep the fun going—students without prompt pickups may be sidelined from future events. Let’s show our Cougar pride on and off the court/field! 🧡🖤

On Tuesday, Sept. 30: Get ready, Kingsley fans! Our 7th-grade girls basketball team takes the court at 5:00 PM, and you won’t want to miss a second of the action.

Between the 7th and 8th grade games, stick around for our banner-raising ceremony to celebrate our 24-25 State Championship team! 🎉✨

Then, cheer on our 8th-grade girls as they hit the court right after the ceremony. Bring your spirit, your cheers, and your KJHS pride—let’s make some noise and pack the house for our amazing athletes! 💪🏽🏀

See you at the gym! Let’s go, Kingsley!

Hey KJHS athletes! 🌟 Each week, we check grades to make sure everyone stays eligible to play. If a student needs to catch up, they’ll get a notice on Thursday morning showing the course, current grade, and teacher for any class affecting eligibility.

Tips for staying on top of your grades:

• Check Google Classroom and the online homework portal regularly.

• Reach out to your teachers if you have questions or need help.

Remember: All grades need to be updated by 12:00 p.m. on Friday for eligibility to be considered. Staying on top of your work means more time on the field and less stress! ⚡

At Kingsley, we believe school is more than classes—it’s also about finding your place, exploring new interests, and building lasting friendships. Our wide range of clubs gives every Cougar a chance to connect, lead, create, and have fun. Whether you love music, service, academics, or just want to try something new, there’s a club for you at KJHS.

👉 Check out the full list below and encourage your student to get involved—because Cougars grow stronger together!

Illinois Youth Survey (IYS)
Later this year and into early next year, 8th grade students at Kingsley JHS will be invited to take part in the Illinois Youth Survey, a statewide, confidential survey that helps schools and communities better understand youth behaviors and needs. While the survey is designed for 8th graders, we will allow all students access to participate if they choose. The survey will take about one class period (40–45 minutes) and will include topics such as school climate, screen time, bullying, and substance use. Participation is voluntary—students may skip any question or stop at any time. If a student does not participate, they will complete an alternate classroom activity such as quiet reading.

Click the link below to learn more about the IYS and to access the opt-out form if you do not want your child to participate.

Click the link below to learn more about the IYS and to access the opt-out form if you do not want your child to participate. Email Opt Out form to Sylvester Davis, Associate Principal (davissy@unit5.org)

Parent Information and Opt Out (English)

Parent Information and Opt Out (Spanish)

Upcoming Dine to Donate events

• October 7th 5-8 pm - Culvers (both Bloomington locations)

Let's connect - if you'd like to stay up-to-date on all-things PTO, email KJHSPO@gmail.com to be added to the PTO mailing list.

Follow us on Facebook: Kingsley Junior High PTO

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 need help.

• 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 (55 -4962 or davissy@unit5.org)

• Student's 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: Mrs. Kelly Fitzgerald (fitzgeke@unit5.org; 557-4574)

• Curriculum questions: Mrs. Kelly Fitzgerald (fitzgeke@unit5.org; 557-4574)

Email: fitzgeke@unit5.org

Website: https://kingsleyjhs.unit5.org/
Location: 303 Kingsley Street, Normal, IL 61761

Phone: 309-557-4407
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsleyjhs/

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