Kingsley Connection

We are entering an important stretch of the school year. Just three months until the end of the school year and only three weeks until Spring Break. Warmer weather is on the horizon, and with IAR testing approaching, now is the time to stay focused and committed. Let’s make this our best attendance month yet and keep the momentum strong at KJHS!

Tuesday, March 3: Early Release - KJHS releases at 11:45am

Monday, March 9: IAR Test Day 1

Thursday, March 12: IAR Test Day 2

Friday, March 13: IAR Test Day 3

Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27: Spring Break

Monday, March 30 - Classes resume

Thursday, April 16: Early Release - KJHS releases at 11:45am

Friday, April 17: No School - Teacher Institute Day

Friday, May 1: Early Release - KJHS releases at 11:45am

Kingsley students will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) on March 9, 12, and 13.

It is very important that students attend school on these days and give their best effort. This assessment helps us understand student growth, plan instruction, and ensure we are supporting every learner.

To help students be prepared, please make sure they:
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Eat breakfast
• Arrive on time
• Bring a fully charged Chromebook

Students who are absent will need to complete make-up testing, so being present on testing days is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for partnering with us to help students do their best.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey window is open for students and families. This survey allows you to share feedback about school climate, learning conditions, and relationships at KJHS.

Parent Survey Link

The 5Essentials Survey is a required part of the Illinois School Report Card. Schools must meet a minimum participation rate, especially from families, in order for results to count. If participation is too low, KJHS loses points on our School Report Card, even if students and staff complete the survey.

Your participation truly matters. When families take a few minutes to complete the survey, it helps ensure KJHS receives accurate feedback and fair representation on the state report card, while also guiding our ongoing improvement efforts.

Our Promise Council has identified some needs and opportunities for engagement for our community of caring adults.

1. Donations. There is a need for laptop bags and spring cleaning supplies for Kingsley students and their families. Please consider donations of laptop bags, clorox/lysol wipes, paper towels, facial tissues and laundry soap. You may bring all items to donate to Kingsley Junior High and drop them off in the office in care of Dr. John Ahlemeyer. You may also donate via the KJHS Promise Council Amazon wishlist. We would also like to thank all families who made generous financial contributions to support the KJHS Promise Council - we finished 2025 very strong and have also received a couple of financial donations in 2026.

2. Join the Shout Out List and Promise Council Walk for Kids. If you know anyone who would like to sign up for the KJHS Promise Council Shout Out list, please forward them this email or share the sign up link. The Promise Council organization will be hosting its first Walk for Kids fundraiser on June 4th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please Save the Date and respond to this email if you would like to be part of the KJHS team.

3. Community Need. A family with children enrolled at Sarah Raymond School and Oakland Elementary School experienced a devastating fire. The family is in need of girls clothing (sizes 4T, 5T, 8 and 10) and girls shoes (sizes toddler 10, childrens 1 and 4). If you would like to help this family, please contact Michelle Watson, School Social Worker at Oakland Elementary (watsonm@district87.org).

If you have any questions for us or would like to get in contact with us, please email us at promisecouncil.kjhs@gmail.com.

Susan Wright

Katie Ruder

Kingsley Junior High School Promise Council Co-Chairs

Did you miss a previous Kingsley Family Connection or want to revisit past updates? All editions are archived on our website and available anytime.

Visit the Kingsley Connection page to read current and past family newsletters and stay informed about what’s happening at Kingsley.

Thank you for staying connected and engaged with our school community!

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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