KAMSC Newsletter

We have been working hard on our Challenge Success goals over the past 18 months and are proud to announce that Stanford's Graduate School for Education's Challenge Success Program has chosen KAMSC as a spotlight school! Here is a link to that on their website. We were honored to be chosen.

We will continue with our goals for the next three years continually reassessing and getting feedback from stakeholders on how we are doing. This spring our student body will take a survey to give us feedback as we will have reached the halfway mark in our four year plan. You can learn a little more about our work with Challenge Success on our KAMSC website as well by clicking here.

This week at Open lab we had upperclassmen put on a presentation to our younger students about healthy study habits, time management and the importance of sleep vs staying up too late studying. These concepts are large parts of our Challenge Success goals and it was powerful to see students leading students.

Heather Kortlandt

Director, KAMSC

KAMSC Alumni that are currently in college will be visiting KAMSC for a panel discussion at an assembly at the end of our AM session for 9th and 10th graders. The Alumni come back to explain to current students what skills they learned here that they are finding most valuable now in their college journey. Students will also be able to ask them questions. If parents of 9th or 10th graders would like to attend and are able, we welcome you. This will happen between 9:40-10:27 on Monday, Oct. 13th.

September marked Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time to focus on mental health and promote resources for those who may be struggling. For young people navigating the pressures of school, friendships, and life, it is a crucial reminder that mental health matters and that support is always available.

A key part of suicide prevention is connection. Asking a friend, "You good?" and genuinely listening to the answer can open a vital conversation. Many who experience suicidal thoughts feel isolated, believing they have no way forward. Your voice, your genuine check-in, and your willingness to listen without judgment can make a lasting difference.

At KAMSC, we are committed to the social and emotional well-being of our entire community—students, families, and staff. We want to remind everyone that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By creating a supportive and compassionate environment, we can help ensure that no one feels alone.

Please click the button below to read on...

AP testing is all done at the local partner schools. They do share their test codes with us as well to help get the word to students. Below is a link to the codes that we have received.

Following a massive success last year, the KAMSC Earthlings are bringing back the 2025-26 clothing drive. This year, each grade will compete with each other, and the winning grade will get a party! Dropboxes will be in the following classrooms:

9th Grade: Mrs. Chapoton

10th Grade: Mr. Bakalyar

11th Grade: Mr. Sinclair

12th Grade: Mr. Alshehri

This drive will be focused on combating fast fashion by allowing clothes to be re-used instead of letting them go to dumpsters or be incinerated. Resources will be posted on teacher's google classrooms about fast fashion and various ways we can combat it. The drive will take place from October 6th-15th at KAMSC, and the party will be the following week. Last year the freshman completely dominated the clothing drive, so let's see if that will remain true, or if we will see new winners!!

I hope that you all have had a chance to review our KAMSC Handbook and sign the acceptance form through PowerSchool. Here is a direct link to it again. I would invite you to be sure that you have read through the MTSS support procedures. I will pull grades to review the 3.0 requirements and use that as a gauge to get more support for students. If your child is showing that need, Mrs. Allbee or I will email you and the child to set up support provided by KAMSC. This is required for a three week interval and then we pull grades again to review. Our hope is always that that three week interval is enough support but students will sometimes move in and out of support throughout a semester. Please know, that this is meant to be a supportive measure. We take our responsibility of helping your child achieve the high standards of KAMSC seriously.

WMU hosts the Innovation Expo on Friday, December 5th this year and we would love to see some KAMSC students participate. Click here to learn more about the event and it's requirements. Please see Mrs. Joyce or Mrs. Kortlandt if you have an idea that you want to present on December 5th.

If you are dropping off or picking up your student at KAMSC, please do so at the Vine Street entrance. Please find a safe place to pull over and then have you student proceed to the Vine street entrance. If students are driving themselves:

1. They need to acquire a parking pass from the KAMSC office - please fill this out

2. They need to park by the El Sol playground off of Dutton Street (but then walk to Vine street entrance)

3. They should be reminded to not keep anything valuable in their car and to keep their cars locked at all times.

4. The building will have a campus security officer at the Vine Street entrance during times of arrivals and dismissals.

Mon. Oct 13 - Alumni day for 9th and 10th graders - visits from alum discussing college (during school)

Wed. Oct 15 - Open Lab 6-7:30pm
Wed. Oct 15 - Parent Org meeting 6:15-7:00

Wed. Oct 22 - Open Lab 6-7:30 pm

Fri Oct 24 - No students - Teacher PD day

Wed. Oct 29 - PT conferences 5:30-8:30 (virtual... no open lab)

Thurs Oct 30 - PT Conferences 5:30-8:30 - Virtual

Fri Oct 31 - No students; PT Conferences (7:30-2pm)