The Redskin Report
Week of November 16, 2026
From the Desk of Mr. Ells
It's the Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Knox Community, Families, & Students:
As we continue through November, I have been thinking about all the little things that make KHS a great place to be. It isn't always about the big events, the wins, or the accomplishments. Sometimes it is the teacher who takes a few extra minutes to help a student, the staff member who goes out of their way to make someone's day better, or the student who takes the time to encourage a friend. We have these moments happening throughout our building every single day, and sometimes we get so busy that we forget to stop and appreciate them.
One thing I know about KHS is that we have a lot of people who care. Our staff continues to work hard for our students, our students continue to find ways to make us proud, and our community continues to support what we do. We aren't perfect, and we certainly have our busy days, but we have a lot of good things happening here. I hope we never lose sight of that.
As we head into another week, let's continue to look for those little things that make a difference. Take a minute to say thank you, recognize someone who is doing a great job, or simply let someone know you appreciate them. We don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to do that! I am proud to be part of the KHS family and thankful for the people who make this place what it is.
Have a great week!
Go Redskins!
Sam Ells, Ed.S.
Principal
Knox High School
Home of the Redskins
Staff & Students of the Month!
Announcements
From the Desk of Mr. McLindon
A Lot to Be Proud Of!
Hello, Knox Families!
One of the best parts of working in a high school is getting to see all the different ways our students shine. Whether it's in the classroom, on the stage, in athletics, or simply through the way they treat others, there are so many reasons to be proud of what is happening in our building.
One exciting event coming up is our theater department's production of The Pride and the Prejudiced! Our students and staff have been working hard to prepare for this performance, and I encourage everyone to come out and support them. It's a great opportunity to celebrate the talents of our students and the dedication they put into activities beyond the classroom.
As we move closer to the end of the semester, it's also a good reminder that success isn't always about the big moments. Sometimes it's the little things—showing up every day, getting to class on time, staying engaged, and making the most of every opportunity. Those small decisions add up and help create a school environment where everyone can be successful.
Let's continue to take pride in our school, support one another, and make the most of the weeks ahead!
Go Redskins!
Mr. McLindon
Assistant Principal
Every Minute Matters
Tardies: Getting to class on time and being ready to learn helps you make the most of every minute of your school day. Please continue working on reducing tardies so you can maximize your time in the classroom. Our tardy policy states that a student will receive a lunch detention for their 3rd tardy in a week and ALE for 4 or more tardies within a week.
Phones Away, Minds Engaged
Cell Phones: We have seen a rise in students being caught with their phone. Please follow our school’s cell phone expectations and keep devices put away when required. Our cell phone policy:
1st Offense
Verbal reminder. Student immediately places device in lock box or surrenders device as directed.
Optional
Teacher documentation.
2nd Offense
Device confiscated for the remainder of the school day. Student retrieves device from the office at dismissal.
Parent/guardian contacted.
Office referral documented.
3rd Offense
Device confiscated. Parent/guardian must retrieve the device from the school office.
Required
Administrative conference with student.
4th Offense
Device confiscated. Parent conference required before return of the device.
Required
Loss of electronic device privileges and additional disciplinary action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
5th and Subsequent Offenses
Continued confiscation of device.
👕 Dress for Success
Students should follow the Knox High School dress code outlined in the Student Handbook. Our goal is simple: come to school dressed appropriately, ready to learn, and ready to have a great day.
Thank you for helping us maintain a school environment where students can focus on learning and representing Knox High School with pride.
Fine Arts Department
Athletics
Extra Extra...Read All About It!
🏀WINTER ATHLETICS REMINDER!🏀
Just a reminder for anyone attending athletic events this winter at Weingberg Gym or the Middle School Gym!
Please use the following entrances:
🔴HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAMES
Enter through Door 2M or 5M.
⚪MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC EVENTS
Enter through Door 13M.
Thank you for helping us keep traffic flowing smoothly and making sure everyone gets to the right entrance!
🏀🏀GO REDSKINS! 🏀🏀
🎟️If you are interested in purchasing sports passes. Please stop by the main office of the High School or fill out a form online under the ‘Season Ticket Information’ tab. Sports Pass
Family Sports Passes - $230
Adult Sports Pass- $115
Student Sports Pass- $25
Ages 63-64 Sports Pass-$30
Senior Citizen Sports Pass- Free
Counselor's Corner
Greetings from the School Counseling Department!
KHS CTE Fair – November 17
Mark your calendars! KHS will host its annual CTE Fair on November 17, giving students an opportunity to explore Career and Technical Education programs and opportunities. Monday, October 26th, students received a Google Form in their school email to request to participate. The deadline for students to request to attend is November 9th. Students who will receive follow-up letting them know if they’re approved to participate.
What Are You Grateful For?
It's time to spread a little gratitude! Students are invited to stop by the School Counseling Office and write something they are thankful for on a colorful feather. We'll add their feather to our office turkey to create a beautiful reminder of all the things we have to be grateful for!
Gratitude releases special chemicals in your brain called dopamine and serotonin. They act like little bursts of happiness that make you feel joyful and calm. Your brain builds tiny pathways, like walking trails in a forest. If you practice being grateful every day, those "happy trails" get bigger and easier to walk on. Your brain has tiny parts that act like a smoke detector for fear and anger (the amygdala). Gratitude helps turn down the volume on that alarm so you feel less stressed or worried. Gratitude trains your brain to become a detective for good things. Instead of noticing what goes wrong, your brain starts automatically hunting for things that go right!
Big or small, every reason for gratitude matters. Encourage your student to stop by, grab a feather, and share what they're grateful for!
As always, the KHS School Counseling Department is here to support students with academics, college and careers, and personal/social needs.
We're here to help! Go Redskins! ❤️
Scholarship Information
Several students have reached out about scholarships. A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students to help pay for educational expenses at colleges, universities, or trade schools that does not ever need to be paid back. There are different types of scholarships- merit based, financial need based, first generation, career specific and more. Consider creating your own account on one or more of the following search engines.
You do not have to wait until you are a senior to create an account. There are scholarships for a variety of students. These sites take your information and help filter scholarships that are a great fit for you specifically!
Please check out the following page for local and beyond scholarships. Check this frequently as it is updated on a regular basis. Class of 2027 Scholarships
Please keep this newsletter for reference throughout the year: newsletter.
We’re here to support you through the process of planning for your future and finding ways to make your education more affordable. Please reach out to the School Counseling Department if you have questions or need assistance with your scholarship search!
Go Redskins!
Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Noble, & Ms. Radtke
KHS Counseling Office