Kingsley Connection
July Edition - Back to School!
Dear KJHS Families,
I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Kingsley Junior High. Throughout my career in education, I have served in various roles across Unit 5, including Associate Principal at Chiddix Junior High and, most recently, Principal at Carlock Elementary. I am proud to be part of the Bloomington-Normal community and look forward to the 2025–2026 school year at KJHS.
I am passionate about fostering student development and creating an environment where every learner can thrive. With a strong focus on a growth mindset, I believe in empowering students to take ownership of their learning, embrace challenges, and celebrate their progress. Collaboration and teamwork are central to my approach, as I value working closely with teachers, staff, and families to ensure every student feels supported and understood. The voices of both students and families are incredibly important to me, and I encourage open communication and partnership to build a positive and inclusive school community.
Beyond my professional role, I find joy in traveling, reading, and spending quality time with my family. These experiences enrich my life and deepen my appreciation for connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning. My husband, John, is the play-by-play broadcaster for Illinois State Football and Basketball, and together we are proud parents of two wonderful children who keep us active, grounded, and filled with joy.
I hope your summer has been restful and fulfilling. This Back to School edition of the KJHS Family Connection provides important information to help you and your student start the year strong. Thank you for reviewing each section carefully and taking time to discuss the details with your student. A shared understanding of expectations and communication practices sets the foundation for a successful and engaging school year.
Please do not hesitate to reach out—I am always eager to connect, listen, and collaborate.
Mrs. Fitzgerald
Unit 5 Registration Page for returning or new students
Infinite Campus Returning Students Directions
New students to the district can find registration information within this link - New Student Registration. If you are new to Unit 5 or need help with registration? Please contact our Student Services' Office starting the week of August 4th at (309) 557-4405 to set up an appointment for registration assistance. Appointments will be set up during the week of August 11th.
Be sure to mark school holidays, teacher institute days, and early release days on your calendar!
Daily Announcements are shown each lunch period daily & posted on the main page of the KJHS website.
Dates to note:
August
8: Students' Schedules Available in Infinite Campus (4 pm) / Back to School Newsletter part 2!
5: Baseball Tryouts Begin (Times TBA)
5: Cross Country Begins (Time TBA)
12-14: Open Doors at KJHS (1:30 - 4:30 pm)
18: KJHS Back to School Bash (5:30 - 7:30 pm)
21: First Day of School (8:45 am)
September
1: Labor Day (No School)
9: Early Release (11:45 am)
26: No School (Teacher Institute Day)
Student Schedules
August 8: Student Schedules will be released through Infinite Campus after 4:00pm
How are schedules created for students?
Team Assignments: Team assignments are based on a variety of factors, and changing a student's assigned team is not an option except under extreme circumstances. Any requests you have should be directed to KJHS Principal, Kelly Fitzgerald (fitzgeke@unit5.org).
Student Schedules: Class sizes have been carefully balanced so students' schedules will not be changed except under the following conditions...
A student is assigned to an exploratory class that they have already taken. This applies only to 7th graders.
A student was mistakenly assigned to a music class or not assigned to a desired music class.
A student is missing a first-semester class.
A student has the same class twice in one day (this does not include intervention).
A student is assigned to the wrong math class (for 7th and 8th grade only).
Please note that all schedules are subject to change due to internal needs. However, no team change requests will be accepted.
How are students placed in math?
Check out our Math FAQ!
What is advisory?
Please read our Advisory Letter that has all that information!
August 12th, 13th, 14th: KJHS Open Doors
From 1:30pm-4:30pm each day.
This is an opportunity for student to visit KJHS to decorate their lockers, walk their schedules and reunite with classmates.
For those wishing to decorate their lockers:
- All pictures must be school appropriate.
- Reminder that no tape or hot glue is allowed.
- Use magnets only to adhere anything to the inside of your locker.
PE Uniforms - Must order online!
We have a new online PE clothes ordering process through Select Spiritwear. The webstore will be open from July 23 to September 19. Please note that we will not have P.E. uniforms in the main office for students to purchase. Students may also purchase their own black athletic shorts and a gray T-shirt to wear as their PE uniform.
You will need to search Kingsley Junior High once in the website. We offer shorts, tee-shirts and a sweatshirt. Please use last names on shirts.
Cell Phones
Cell phones and other mobile devices can be disruptive to the learning environment. According to the Unit 5 handbook, students may use mobile devices before 8:45 am and after 3:45 pm, as long as they do not cause any disruptions.
To clarify, cell phones, wireless earbuds, or headphones must not be visible or used between 8:45 am and 3:45 pm.
With staff permission, students may use wired headphones in the classroom when connected to their Chromebook. Smartwatches should not be used for communication between 8:45 am and 3:45 pm.
If you need to contact your student, please call the KJHS main office at (309) 557-4407. If your student needs to reach you, they will be sent to the office to make a call.
KJHS offers a before-school supervision program for interested families. A staff member will supervise students from 7:25 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. After supervision, students will join their peers in the gym or cafeteria. Families are responsible for transporting their child to school each day.
The program fee is $85.00 per quarter (about $2.00 per day). Payment is required before the start of each quarter. There are no refunds for missed days. Students who cause disruptions may be removed from the program.
If there is not enough interest, the program may not be available to families. Sixth-grade students will receive priority if spots are limited. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.
The deadline to sign up is Sunday, August 24th. The supervision program will begin on Thursday, August 21st, and will continue throughout the year on all student attendance days.
Connect with Kingsley!
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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