Kentucky Trail Elementary

Hello KT Families,

September... the weather is slowly getting cooler, the sun is setting earlier, and rituals of a new school year are becoming part of our routine. I am so glad that YOU and YOUR FAMILY are part of our KT family. I am thankful to have such an incredible school community.

As we embark on a new school year, establishing consistent routines is key to a smooth and successful experience for both students and families. By creating a predictable daily schedule, you're helping your child feel secure, prepared, and ready to learn. Consistent attendance not only reinforces the importance of education but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection within the school community. Let's work together to make this school year a memorable one by prioritizing regular attendance and building strong routines.

Thank you for your patience these past few weeks as we iron out arrival and dismissal procedures! Please remember to e-mail any transportation changes to the office at kteoffice@bsd124.org prior to 2:00 pm.

We wish you well!

Dr. TJ Winkelmann

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.

Hello! My name is Lynette Pfingsten. I am the new counselor at Kentucky Trail. I will be

including highlights and updates in this newsletter each month. A few of the services I

provide are classroom lessons, small groups (teaching and counseling), crisis response,

individual brief, solution-focused counseling, parent consultation and collaboration, and

responsive counseling. If you need to contact me, you can reach me by email at

lpfingsten@bsd124.org or you can call KT at 816-348-1100. I’m so excited to be in Belton at

Kentucky Trail, and I look forward to supporting our students and families in whatever ways

needed.

We want to ensure that your child always receives the correct mode of transportation.

In order to accommodate any changes that may be made to your child’s transportation

for that day, we ask that you notify us before 2:00pm so that we can relay the

information on to your child’s teacher. You can email us at kteoffice@bsd124.org or send a

handwritten note to school with your student.

Please do not call with transportation changes.

Most of the important documents and information related to KT can be found on the school website. If you have any suggestions for enhancing the website, reach out to the office!

School attendance and punctuality is a very important factor in student academic progress. We wish to work together with parents and guardians to ensure your child’s continued success.

Please be sure to email the office with any absences. Our goal as a district is to keep lines of communication open with families to impact student attendance and education positively.

Acceptable absences are defined in Board Policy as extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness and/or injury; religious observances; or visits with a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member of the military who has been called to duty for, is on leave from or is immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, with permission of the superintendent or designee.

The pieces listed below are not the only actions the district and Belton Police Department will pursue; other interventions and supports will be enacted to assist the student and family as needed.

• All absences for illness must include a doctor’s note to be excused.
• Acceptable absences (listed above) may be excused if accompanied by documentation.
• All absences not covered above are considered unexcused.
• When children reach five (5) days, eight (8) days and eleven (11) days of excused and/or unexcused absences, a note from the school district will be sent to the family.
• When a student reaches 8 days of unexcused absences, documentation will be given to the School Resource Police Officer, and they will make direct contact with the family.
• When a student reaches 11 unexcused absences, a citation will be written by the Belton Police Department, and the student’s parents will be required to appear in Municipal Court. (See City Ordinance Section 15-289, Truancy)
• If a student continues to accrue absences, parents/guardians will continue to get ticketed at 16, 21, and 26, etc. unexcused absences.
• If a student accumulates more than 11 absences, additional actions will be taken including the possibility of Education Court with the Juvenile Office.

Our Fall school picture day will occur on Monday, September 29, 2025.

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

Lead Secretary: Becky Fulford

Office Para: Lyndsey Pickens

Counselor: Lynette Pfingsten

Nurse: Alyssa Gilbert

1 - No School - Labor Day

11 - Grand Friends day - 7:30am-8:30am

22 - No School - Staff PD Day

29 - Fall Picture Day at KT

Click the link above to learn about our Title 1 Informational session. This will occur at KT on Friday, September 12 in the library.

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.

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