Better Together Newsletter

Better in Kennett reflects our commitment to continuous growth and opportunity for every student, educator, family, and community member. Through high-quality teaching and learning, future-ready opportunities, safe and innovative environments, empowered educators, and strong community partnerships, KCSD is building a stronger future together. We hope you enjoy our Better Together Newsletter and the information you need and may want to know about how we are learning, growing and building Better in Kennett together.

Register for the vaccination clinic held by the Chester County Health Department for flu and COVID vaccines to be held at Kennett Middle School on Thursday, October 15 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Information and registration can be found at the Chester County Health Department website. See and share the flyer below.

Fall conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24. Monday will offer a longer day of conferences while Tuesday will be a half-day of parent/teacher conferences. As a reminder, there is no school for students the week of November 23.

Parents who have a student with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) are invited to a training session on Tuesday, October 27 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Kennett High School Library. Families can register at the link below.

Join us for our annual Title I Family Learning Night and dive into an evening of reading, writing, STEM, and family fun! Explore hands-on learning centers designed for the whole family. There will be free books and special prizes, too.

Grab your crew and “seas” the opportunity to learn together during a beach-themed evening filled with family, friends, and fun!

Mary D. Lang Kindergarten will hold their Learning Night on Wednesday, October 14 at MDL. Elementary school Learning Nights will be held at each elementary school on Thursday, October 22. Share or print out the flyers in English and Spanish!

KCSD continues to inform and protect its staff and students while navigating the online landscape. We ask that our families share this information with their student(s) and balance online freedome with responsibility!

We are grateful for the leaders who guide our students and staff in every building across the District. We thank them for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our students.

The Kennett Consolidated School District celebrated the grand opening of the new New Garden Elementary School on Saturday, October 3, bringing together students, families, staff, local dignitaries and community members to officially dedicate the new school.

The celebration featured performances by the Kennett High School Prep Band and cheerleaders, along with plenty of Bulldog spirit from the New Garden mascot. Current and former superintendents, past and present School Board members and other community leaders joined students and staff for the ceremony, culminating in an official ribbon cutting by Principal Elizabeth Weaver and Board of School Directors President Dave Kronenberg complete with balloons and oversized scissors.

“This beautiful new New Garden Elementary School represents so much more than a building,” said Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders. “It represents years of planning, problem-solving, decision-making, patience, partnership, and an extraordinary amount of work by an extraordinary number of people. But most importantly, it represents a realized promise to our children, and why the future truly is Better in Kennett.”

Students and teachers began learning in the new school on August 31. The 105,000-square-foot building, located on a 25-acre site in New Garden Township, includes 30 general classrooms and spaces for STEM, art, music, physical education and comprehensive student-support services.

“Having been part of this project since its inception in 2022, I have watched it grow from plans and conversations into the building you see today,” said Principal Elizabeth Weaver. “ It has been an incredible experience to see those ideas take shape, and even more meaningful to see our students and staff bring these spaces to life.”

Following the dedication, guests toured classrooms, learning areas and shared spaces throughout the new building.

The school replaces the former New Garden facility, whose original section dated to 1960. Ground was broken for the new school in May 2024, marking a significant milestone in KCSD’s long-term investment in future-focused learning environments for students.

Seven members of the Kennett High School boys basketball team took their leadership skills beyond the basketball court on Sunday, September 27, participating in the Leadership Through Character Academy hosted by Global Sports Academy (GSA) at West Chester University.

The one-day academy brought together high school student-athletes in grades 10–12 for an opportunity to explore the qualities that define strong leaders, both in athletics and in everyday life. Through interactive sessions, meaningful conversations and discussions with respected figures in sports, coaching and media, participants examined the importance of integrity, resilience, empathy and humility.

Learn more at kcsd.org.

It was a special evening of recognition and reunion at Kennett High School on Friday, October 9, as the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) celebrated the induction of Mr. Charles B. Lewis into the Wall of Kennett Legends during a ceremony preceding the Kennett High School football game.

Mr. Lewis was joined by family members, friends, former students, athletes and colleagues, many of whom traveled hundreds of miles to celebrate a man whose influence has spanned generations. The gathering was a testament to the lasting relationships he built throughout his remarkable career and the profound impact he continues to have on the Kennett community.

During the ceremony, KCSD Athletic Director Sean Harvey presented Mr. Lewis with a replica of his official Kennett Legends plaque, which had already been permanently installed on the Wall of Kennett Legends at Kennett High School Legacy Fields.

Nominations are now open for the Chester County Champions of Education Awards! This is your chance to recognize a teacher, specialist, paraprofessional, custodian, food service worker, or any staff member whose dedication makes a real impact on our students and school community.

Two ways to nominate:

• Champion of the Classroom: for certified teachers and instructional staff providing direct Pre-K-12 instruction
• Champion of Service / CCRES Champion: for non-instructional staff in a support role

Nominating is quick: visit the nomination website to submit your nomination. Nominations close on November 30, 2026.

Every nomination matters. Take a few minutes today to recognize someone who deserves it.

The Kennett Education Foundation (KEF) is bringing some AMAZING raffle opportunities. Families will have the chance to win some extra-special experiences, including:

• Having your child Design a SPIRIT DAY and announce it to the school
• Guest DJ - create playlist for the cafeteria
• Challenge the Principal
• Pajama and Pizza party for the whole class
• And SO much more!

The KEF Raffle Shop opens October 12! Simply scan the QR code or click here to check out the raffles and enter for your chance to win. There are other items for community experiences, Penn State football tickets and much more.

Thank you for supporting the Kennett Education Foundation and our schools!

October 2 was School Custodial Staff Appreciation Day. We are grateful for our team of custodians who prepare, maintain and clean our spaces, ensuring we have beautiful areas to work and learn in. We are all better because of them!

Our schools are working together to share newsletters every first Friday of the month. Whether you have a child in one school or three, you can rely on messaging from your schools every First Friday. Haven't read the October 2nd issue yet? See this month's newsletters linked below.

This recognition celebrates more than music , it celebrates opportunity. KCSD is proud to be a Best Communities for Music Education recipient, ensuring access to music learning for every student.