Hello KT Families,

We have an exciting Spirit Week ahead as we look towards the Super Bowl! Take a few moments to read through our February Newsletter as it contains some information about the month ahead.

One important piece of information I want to highlight is that Ms. Amy will be leaving Kentucky Trail in February. She is currently our secretary. We wish her all the best on her next endeavor. Ms. Becky will be joining the KT family in the first week of February. Make sure to tell her hello when you stop in the office.

Wishing you well,

Dr. Winkelmann

Principal, Kentucky Trail

At Kentucky Trail, we believe in fostering a learning environment that empowers every student. Our guiding principles of Equity, Perseverance, Integrity, and Critical Thinking are the compass that steers our educational journey. We strive to create a space where all students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

As the weather is changing quickly, please remember to send your child to school in a coat, hat, and gloves. Students will have outdoor recess as long as the wind chill is above 20 degrees. The students will not be allowed to stay in during colder temperatures unless there is a note from the doctor specifying that your child cannot go outside for recess due to medical reasons. We want to help every student stay healthy, and wearing a coat is an easy way to accomplish this. We will not take the students outside if there is thunder, lightning, or heavy precipitation.

Spring Pictures are coming up on February 13, 2025. Order forms were sent home on the last day of January. If you have any questions, reach out to the office.

Reminder: To have an absence excused, please submit a note from a healthcare provider.

We're excited to celebrate Valentine's Day in February with special classroom activities on February 13th! To make sure everyone feels included, we'll be focusing on cards this year.

We encourage your child to bring in Valentine's Day cards to exchange with their classmates. Please ensure that the cards are:

• Kind and inclusive: Avoid any cards with teasing or bullying.

• Free of food or candy: Let's keep our classrooms healthy and allergy-free!

• Alternatives to food or candy - Valentine’s Suggestions

Please watch for more information from your child’s teacher regarding the details for their classroom celebrations.

Each year, school counselors across the country celebrate National School Counseling Week to highlight the essential role they play in supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development. This special week, established by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), serves as both a celebration and an opportunity for advocacy and education.

Because school counselors wear many hats, there is sometimes confusion about our role. National School Counseling Week allows us to share how we help students thrive by providing classroom lessons, small group and individual support, and collaboration with staff and families to ensure student success. We are not just a resource for students—we are partners with teachers, administrators, and all school staff in creating a positive learning environment.

This year’s theme, “Helping Students Thrive,” is a perfect reminder that success takes teamwork—both in school and in sports! This coincides perfectly with our celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be heading to the Super Bowl on February 9th! Just like the Chiefs need strong coaches, teammates, and game plans to succeed on the field, students need caring adults, guidance, and support to reach their goals.

This school counselor is proud to be a team member working with your family and school staff, cheering on our students because she knows that student success is a shared effort. Thank you for being part of this incredible school family and for your ongoing support of our school counseling program. Together, let’s continue to cheer on our students—and the Chiefs—as we help everyone thrive!

In honor of National School Counseling Week, I'd like to partner with you to celebrate the amazing team members who work so hard to coach your student(s). I hope you'll take a few minutes with your student(s) to shout out some of our MVPs!

MVP Compliment Activity – Celebrating Our Team!

Just as the Chiefs cheer each other on to be their best, we want to celebrate all the MVPs (Most Valuable Players) who support our students every day! This week, students, staff, and families have the chance to recognize the important team members who have helped them on their journey.

Each student will be coming home with MVP cards to write a note of thanks to one or more of their key supporters—whether it’s a teacher, friend, family member, or staff member.

How It Works:
Students can drop their completed MVP cards off in the cafeteria Tuesday-Friday morning to be delivered by the school counselor OR they can choose to hand-deliver them themselves.

February

6 - PTO Meeting in the Library @ 5:00pm

9 - Super Bowl LIX @ 5:30pm

13 - Picture Day

14 - No School - Staff PD Day

17 - No School - President's Day

26 - Family Math and Science Night - 5:00-6:30

The mission of Kentucky Trail Elementary, as a vibrant partnership of our students, staff, families, and community, to ensure all students pursue growth throughout life with innovative mindsets, emotional health, and strong character while meaningfully contributing to the world around them through extraordinary school experiences distinguished by:

• a culture of high expectations
• engaging learning opportunities
• activities that foster connection and joy
• collaborative relationships built on trust, safety, compassion, and support.

The KT office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the school year on days school is in session.

Principal: TJ Winkelmann

Counselor: Carey Hughes

Lead Secretary: Amy Dunn

Office Para: Lyndsey Pickens

Nurse: Stacie Williams

Email: kesoffice@bsd124.org
Website: https://kentuckytrail.beltonschools.org/
Location: 8301 E. 163rd St. Belton, MO 64012
Phone: 816.348.1100
Facebook: KT Facebook