KPF Newsletter 12/17/25

Hello Kenny Families -

The power of the Kenny community is truly amazing. Despite a season of illness and adversity, our families have stepped up in incredible ways. This spirit of togetherness, especially during the season of giving, is what makes our school so special. We are deeply grateful for everything you do.

Spreading Joy to Our Sister Schools Today, we distributed over 150 gifts to two of our sister schools. For one of these schools, your donations will provide the primary gifts for their entire student body. While much of the school’s work focuses on meeting necessities, your generosity ensures these students receive something they truly want.

Kindergarten Traditions Our Kindergarten classes recently built their annual gingerbread houses. It was incredible to see the kids’ creativity come to life through candy and frosting! Thank you to the families who donated time and energy to make this happen. These gingerbread houses are a legacy event at Kenny and a memory our students cherish all year long.

Service Learning in Action Our 4th and 5th-grade students and staff recently visited Feed My Starving Children. This massive undertaking was made possible by 42 family volunteers and 12 students from the Southwest High School Black Student Union. Together, we packed 95 boxes—totaling 20,520 meals—for children in Guatemala and Honduras. Thank you for helping us model generosity and empathy through hands-on service.

As we close out 2025, I am incredibly proud to be the principal of Kenny School. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated staff and amazing students, all supported by this wonderful community. Thank you to each of you for sharing your children, your time, and your love. Enjoy the slower, more relaxed pace of life over winter break, and see the excitement of the season through the eyes of your child. We can’t wait to see everyone in 2026!

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

In Partnership,

Dr. Jessica Busse

Principal, Kenny School

December 15-19: Winter Spirit Week

December 18: 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Winter Options, 2:45-3:45pm (set-up at 2:30pm)

December 22-January 2: No School, Winter Break

January 6, 7pm: KPF Meeting

January 12: Southwest Pathways Basketball Night at Southwest High School, 6-8pm

January 13, 5pm: Site Council Meeting

January 15: Student of the Month Assembly, 9:45-10:45am

January 19: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 23: No School, Record Keeping Day

Upcoming Meetings: ALL Caregivers Welcome!

Next KPF Meeting is January 6, 7-8:30pm (on zoom)

Next Site Council Meeting is January 13, 5-6pm (in the media center or on zoom)

Planning ahead? View the entire calendar here

Southwest Pathways Women's Basketball

Free admission and free popcorn for current students at pathway schools: Anthony, Armatage, Kenny, Lake Harriet and Windom. Round up your friends and see which school can deliver the highest turnout of support -- and be sure to rep your school or Southwest in your favorite school swag! Bonus: You just might get to see your principal in action on the court at halftime!

Registration for our next session of after school programming is open through Thursday, December 18! Visit our Kenny webpage here to view the virtual flyer for class options, get to the registration link, and see all the details about after-school through Community Ed. at Kenny.

Classes this session:

Chess Club
Children's Theater
Obstacle Courses & Games
Creative Readers
Articulture Fiber Arts
Kenny Glee
Math Squad!
Board Game Club
Articulture Cuddly Monsters
Basketball

If you’ve been counting down the days since last year, you’re in luck: Festival of Nations is back! Join Community Education for an afternoon of cultural celebration through student presentations, performances, and of course, food!

WHEN: Friday, January 23rd from 3-5pm (this is a non-school day for students)

WHERE: Kenny Elementary school (5720 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419)

Students are highly encouraged to join in on the fun by creating a presentation of their own and host a table at the festival. To sign up for a table, click here: https://forms.gle/ynjiPBjJcZKCJH35A

WE WILL HAVE POSTER BOARDS AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT KENNY THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH FROM 4:30-5:45 FOR ANY INTERESTED FAMILIES

We are also looking for some adult volunteers to help with the festival. If you can lend a hand, please sign up for a slot here.

For more information visit the Mpls Kids Juniors Website, register online here starting 7am on January 30!

January 7, 6-8pm

Join fellow Kenny families in a community service project packing food at Second Harvest Heartland in Brooklyn Park!

Kids need to be age 8 or older to volunteer and do not need to be registered in the group, however parents/caregivers do need to complete a waiver in order for their kids to volunteer. You will be sent a waiver so that you can fill it out for your kids.

Click here to sign up.