Principal Ward's Family News #1
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year ~ August 18, 2026
Greetings LNCS Keewaydin Families,
Welcome to the start of a brand-new school year! I hope your summer was filled with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable Minnesota memories with the people you love most.
My name is Kristi Ward, and I am honored to serve as the Principal of LNCS Keewaydin. As we gear up for another inspiring year, we are thrilled to welcome nearly 100 new students and families to our campus! Whether you are returning or joining our community for the first time, here is a quick peak into my world:
I have been married for 27 years, and together we have three amazing kids and one very spoiled dog. Jalen continues to navigate young adulthood with confidence, Hailey is entering her Junior year at the University of Iowa, and our youngest, Geno, is kicking off his Senior year of high school! Outside of school, my favorite place to be is simply spending quality time with my family and friends—they are my entire heart.
My journey in education began at St. Cloud State University for my undergraduate degree, followed by the University of St. Thomas, where I earned my Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees. This year marks a huge milestone for me: my 8th year as Keewaydin’s Principal and my 30th year in education (with 29 of those wonderful years served right here in MPS!). I truly love what I do, and I consider it a privilege to work alongside our extraordinary staff to serve your children every single day.
Our Theme for the Year Rooted in PRIDE, Ready to SOAR—Together We Make ALL Things Possible.
Our PRIDE values guide everything we do. They aren't just ideas—they are daily commitments lived out by our students, staff, and families alike:
Prepared: Coming to school ready to learn with a positive mindset.
Respect: Showing care for our school and one another through kind words and thoughtful actions.
Integrity: Choosing honesty and accountability, even when no one is watching.
Determined: Pushing forward and working hard, even when things get tough.
Excellence: Striving to bring our unique strengths, identities, and best effort every day.
Together, our shared goal remains focused and clear: Helping Every Student and Staff Shine and Succeed, both academically and socially-emotionally.
Strong Partnerships & Community Connection As your Principal, you will see me actively engaged across our campus—learning who your children are, celebrating their wins, and discovering what brings them joy. I view families as our most valuable partners; your involvement is the secret sauce to our students' growth and our vibrant school culture.
If you are new to Keewaydin, you are joining an incredible network. From our youngest learners transitioning over from Wenonah to neighborhood families moving in, our community continues to expand and thrive. Our school events regularly bring out record-setting crowds of families, caregivers, and proud Keewaydin Alumni!
Communication & Getting in Touch We know the start of the school year brings a wave of information that can feel overwhelming, but please know we are here to support a smooth transition:
Academic & Classroom Questions: Please reach out directly to your child’s teacher—we are all working toward the same goal of supporting your student's success.
Main Office Support: As we enter into our 3rd year using Infinite Campus, we know that there were "glitches", last year with communication. This year, our teachers will continue to use Talking Points, but MPS messaging is through a new system called FinalSite. I have played around with it a bit, and it looks to be similar to the ROBO calls/emails that you received last year. If you experience any issues as it pertains to communication please reach us by phone or connect with us via email:
Principal Kristi Ward: Kristi.Ward@mpls.k12.mn.us
School Secretary Deb Zepeda: Deborah.Zepeda@mpls.k12.mn.us
I cannot wait to see what this school year holds as we learn, grow, and soar together as one Keewaydin family.
It is always a GREAT day to be part of the Keewaydin community—because together, we have Keewaydin PRIDE!
Warmly,
Kristi Ward Principal, LNCS Keewaydin
See you all soon!
💖 Kristi Ward
Principal LNCS Keewaydin
OPEN HOUSE
Please join us for our annual OPEN HOUSE!
When: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: LNCS Keewaydin
What to Expect: Join us this night to meet the Keewaydin staff, check out your new classroom, drop off your school supplies and participate in our All School Scavenger Hunt. This is a great time to meet new friends and connect with old friends as well!
This year, we are handing out FREE backpacks to any student that wants one. First come first serve. You may wonder "why" - through the years and various donations of FREE and NEW backpacks, we have an over abundance.
More details will be sent out as we get closer to the date.
- Please note that due to the rigorous schedules that teachers have as they return from their summer break, we will not be able to provide additional opportunities to meet your teacher if you are not able to attend the Open House.
- All families will be able to walk their child to their class on the first day of school, and there will be staff there to assist students where to go as well.
Update Regarding Class Placements & Teacher Assignments
About this time of year, your child has likely started asking, "Do we know who my teacher is yet?"—and we know many of our returning families are checking back to see if our timeline or process has shifted for this upcoming school year.
While we know everyone is eager to find out, our process remains the same, and we appreciate your patience! We are not holding back this information unnecessarily. This time of summer involves a lot of behind-the-scenes movement that impacts classroom rosters. Most notably, we are continuing to welcome and enroll new students to Keewaydin daily (which is wonderful news!), but it requires us to continually adjust and rebalance our lists.
Building class rosters is a delicate dance. We work hard to ensure every classroom is thoughtfully balanced—not just by total headcount, but by student needs, strengths, and dynamics. Releasing teacher assignments too early in mid-August risks having to change a child's assigned teacher later if numbers shift. To avoid unnecessary confusion or disappointment for your child, teachers will reach out directly to families prior to Open House to personally welcome students to their new class.
What to Expect During the First Week: For both our new and returning families, please know that we closely monitor attendance during the first week of school to ensure class sizes remain manageable and balanced across each grade level. Our priority is to finalize rosters quickly so we minimize any late classroom transitions. In the event that a class adjustment is necessary for your child, a member of our team will contact you directly to discuss the transition.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and flexibility as we put everything in place for a smooth, successful start to the school year!
To help you stay connected with everything happening at school, we strongly encourage all families to utilize the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, which you can access directly here: Minneapolis Public Schools Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
This secure online tool is your one-stop shop for staying up to date on your student's education. Through the portal, you can easily review and update your family’s emergency contact details, track daily attendance, check grades, and access important school announcements anytime. Keeping your contact information current in the portal is essential so we can reach you quickly whenever needed.
First-time users: If you have never set up your Parent Portal account, please reach out to our main office. Our team will gladly provide you with your personalized access code along with the login link to get started.
Password resets: If you already have an account but have forgotten your password or are having trouble logging in, simply contact the main office, and we will be happy to reset it for you.
Please don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by the main office if you need any assistance getting set up. We are always here to help and look forward to a wonderful school year together!
MPS has added on a new feature, where you can submit your attendance updates for your child. More information coming on how to do this.
But for now, we are encouraging all families to set up Infinite Campus Parent Portal, as you will be able to see various pieces of educational information on your child. As shared above, if you are unsure how to access this, please reach out to Deb Zepeda, our school secretary.
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we know that shopping for supplies is often top of mind. Please keep the following details in mind as you shop:
Optional Guidelines: The items on our supply lists are recommended, not required. Keewaydin purchases baseline supplies to ensure all students have what they need to succeed in the classroom.
Classroom Usage: Supply management varies by classroom. Some teachers utilize a shared community system, while others have students manage their own individual supplies. Rest assured that any items brought in will directly support learning throughout the school year.
Family Support: If purchasing school supplies presents a hardship for your family, we are here to help. Please reach out to our School Social Worker, Nicole Vujosevich, at Nicole.Vujosevich@mpls.k12.mn.us for assistance.
Keep an eye out for our updated Student & Family Handbook, coming home soon! Designed to help our 2nd through 5th graders build independence, grow responsibility, and thrive at Keewaydin, this guide outlines everything you need to know for a successful school year—from daily expectations and attendance policies to safety guidelines and technology use.
Please take a few minutes to review the handbook with your child once it arrives. It’s a great tool to spark conversations about setting positive goals, showing Keewaydin PRIDE, and making this their best school year yet!
My Ride K-12 App
Caregivers Can View the Bus
Caregivers MUST Enable Notifications
MPS is on year two of the new transportation tracking program. For your convenience, the above information is a reminder as to how you can access the access the app, view the bus route and receive notifications.
Even if your child does not use MPS transportaiton, please read below.
STUDENTS WHO RIDE THE LARGE MPS BUS
- If you did not request transportation last spring or over the summer (prior to July 1), please contact Deb Zepeda to get your child routed for a Bus.
- Please note this may take up to two weeks to route your child on a bus.
- For families who did request transportation, you will receive an email the week prior to students first day of school with information on the Assigned Bus, as well as the Assigned Stops.
- For the first day, please ensure that your child has identifying information to ensure that we can know what bus they got on.
- All students will receive a Bus Tag that will be placed on their backpacks.
STUDENTS WHO RIDE SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION - CURB-to-CURB
- Prior to students first day, you will receive an email with information on what Letter Bus they will be assigned and what time to expect the bus.
- If you do not receive any communication, please reach out to Deb Zepeda.
STUDENTS WHO TAKE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION - VANS
- Students who ride alternative transportation, our team will reach out to you prior to the first day of school.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER REGARDING TRANSPORTATION
- We are asking all families to please communicate what form of transportation their child will be taking at the end of the day at Open House. Look for a document that allows you to share this.
OPTIONS for END OF DAY TRANSPORTATION
- Bussing
- Walking Pods
- Biking Pods
- Mpls. Kids Enrollment
- Parent/Caregiver Pick-Up
- After-School-Programming (when this begins)
Below are the highlights of our Arrival Process at Keewaydin.
Student safety relies on all of us working together. Please review these essential arrival guidelines:
Timing & Hours
9:00 AM: Adult supervision begins and doors open. Please do not drop students off before 9:00 AM.
9:10 AM: School starts and all doors lock. Late arrivals must enter through Door 1.
Door Entry Assignments
Door 1 (Front): 2nd & 3rd Grade, Specialized Transportation (cabs/vans), late arrivals (after 9:10 AM), and any new 4th/5th graders getting acclimated.
Door 3 (Pool Side): 4th & 5th Grade (locks at 9:10 AM).
Drop-Off & Traffic Guidelines
Parent Drop-Off Zone: Located on 30th Ave near the bike racks/playground. Pull all the way up and remain in your vehicle (no parking or idling).
Bus Zone: Strictly for district buses and specialized transport. Do not drop off students in the bus zone.
Bikers/Walkers: Use designated doors (Door 1 or 3). Please bring a bicycle lock; Keewaydin is not responsible for lost or stolen bikes.
Caregiver Access & Visitor Rules
Caregivers may walk students in, but must exit by 9:10 AM. Anyone remaining in the building past 9:10 AM must check in at the main office and complete formal volunteer paperwork.
Note: Arrival time is not for parent-teacher conferences. Please email your child's teacher to schedule a separate time to connect.
Dismissal Procedures: Safe & Efficient End-of-Day Routines
Dismissal is a busy time, and strict safety routines ensure every child gets home securely. Thank you for your partnership in following these procedures!
Key Times & Early Pick-Ups
3:35 PM: Dismissal routine begins. (Buses depart at 3:50 PM).
Early Pick-Ups: Please arrange early dismissals before 3:00 PM. Call the main office ahead of time so we can have your child ready.
Transportation Changes: Must go through the main office (612-668-4670) or child’s teacher. Students cannot ride home on a bus with a friend. Please do not text changes directly to your child.
Parent Pick-Up Instructions
Where to Meet: Park and walk over to the playground area to meet grade-level staff and sign your child out. Bring a valid ID early in the year.
No Classroom or Sidewalk Pick-Ups: Families may not enter the building or flag down teachers on the sidewalk. Teachers must document every student's release to guarantee safety and keep lines moving.
No Unescorted Walk-to-Car: For safety reasons, students will not be allowed to walk to a parked car unattended.
Parking & Traffic Rules
Bus Zone (30th Ave): Strictly off-limits after 3:15 PM for all personal vehicles (no parking or stopping behind buses).
Where to Park: Use the even side of the street or the Recreation Center lot. Drive extra slowly and always use designated crosswalks.
Specialized Transport: Only authorized district vans/cabs may park in special transport lanes. Personal cars parked here will be asked to move.
Order of Student Dismissal (3:40 PM)
Mpls. Kids & After-School/ALC: Released directly to internal program staff.
Walkers/Bikers & Pods: Gather in Gym A and exit safely through Door 1 with staff.
Buses & Special Transport: Escorted to assigned buses.
Parent Pick-Up: Escorted to the playground for caregiver sign-out.
To ensure a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment, Keewaydin is a device-free zone during school hours (9:00 AM – 3:50 PM) and on district transportation.
Core Expectations
Best Practice: Leave all personal devices (cell phones, smartwatches, non-MPS iPads/computers) at home.
If Brought to School: All devices must be turned in to the homeroom teacher at the start of the day and will be safely returned at dismissal. Devices may not be kept in backpacks or lockers (lockers do not have locks).
Smartwatch Clarification: Smartwatches are not permitted to be worn during the school day, even if set to "School Mode," "Do Not Disturb," or silent. If brought to school, they must be turned in to the teacher along with cell phones.
Liability: LNCS Keewaydin is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronics.
Family Communication During the Day
Do Not Text/Call Your Child Directly: Please do not message or call your child's personal device during school hours.
Contact the Main Office: If you have an urgent message or need to reach your child, call the main office at 612-668-4670. We will make sure your child receives the message or connects with you.
Student Calls Home: Students are not permitted to use personal devices to text or call home. If a child feels unwell, anxious, or needs something, they will be sent to the Health Office or Main Office, where staff can support them and contact you directly.
Progressive Steps for Policy Violations
1st Offense: Gentle reminder; device stored with teacher for the day.
2nd Offense: Device held in Main Office until dismissal.
3rd Offense: Device held in Main Office; parent/caregiver must pick it up.
4th Offense: Privilege of bringing a device to school may be revoked. (Note: If a student refuses to turn over a device, they will be escorted to the office and families will be contacted immediately).
Going device-free removes temptations, protects student well-being, and allows our kids to focus on real-world connections and learning. Thank you for your partnership in keeping Keewaydin focused and safe!
Please ensure that you and your child review the expectations linked to understand more about the "why" and common questions we receive.
Thank you ~ LNCS Keewaydin Principal and Staff
ALL families with children enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools should complete an Application for Educational Benefits each year.
This used to be called the “Free and Reduced-price Lunch” form.
Even though in the fall of of 2023 Minnesota enacted the Free School Meals for Kids where every student receives one breakfast and one complete lunch at no cost, we still need ALL families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits each year.
Did you know?
Eating school meals helps to support Minneapolis Public Schools and the greater community! The more meals that MPS serves, the better for the district. The same applies to other districts in Minnesota. We encourage all students to participate in the Free Meals Program by eating meals at school!
Applications completed by our families…
Generate millions of dollars in funding for MPS and our schools, students and families.
Determine benefits for students and families like free bus cards and discounted internet service.
The income thresholds are higher than for some programs, so many families are surprised to find they DO qualify for benefits.
If you wish to decline benefits, do so on the paper application, or email info.cws@mpls.k12.mn.us with your student's names.
An eligibility notice letter will arrive via mail or email within 10 business days of completing your application.
Here is the correct link: https://www.schoolcafe.com/minneapolispublicschools and a link to the information on our website: https://www.mpschools.org/departments/cws/schoolcafe
We will have paper copies available at the start of the school year. If you would rather have a paper copy, please reach out to your child's teacher, and they will send one home.
If you need support in completing the form, please reach out to our school secretary or school social worker.
Here at Keewaydin, we have set a goal that 100% of our families complete the Application for Educational Benefits by December 15, 2026.
We NEED YOUR HELP to reach our goal of 100% participation by all LNCS Keewaydin Families and I know we can do this!
Important Dates for Quarter 1
September
- Thursday, September 3, 2026 ~ OPEN HOUSE ~ 4:00pm - 6:00pm
- Monday, September 7, 2026 ~ No School ~ Labor Day
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026 ~ First Day of School ~ Grades 1-12
- Thursday, September 10, 2026 ~ First Day of School ~ Pre K and K
- Monday, September 21, 2026 ~ No School - Yom Kippur
- Thursday, September 24, 2026 ~ Site Council & PTA Kick-Off Meeting at Keewaydin (pizza and childcare provided)
- Friday, September 25, 2026 ~ Back to School BBQ at Wenonah 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- Monday, September 28, 2026 ~ LifeTouch Picture Day
- Monday, October 6, 2026 ~ LifeTouch Picture Day
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026 ~ Evening Conferences
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ~ No School - Day Conferences
- Thursday, October 15, 2026 ~ No School - MEA
- Friday, October 16, 2026 ~ No School - MEA
- Thursday, October 22, 2026 ~ Site Council/PTA Meeting ~ Location TBD
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026 ~ No School - Election Day, Teacher Professional Development Day
- Monday, November 5, 2026 ~ LifeTouch Picture Re-Take Day
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 ~ LNCS PTA Pancake Breakfast, Scholastic Book Fair, Flu Shot Clinic and Much More
- Thursday, November 12, 2026 ~ Last Day of Quarter 1
- Friday, November 13, 2026 ~ No School - Record Keeping Day
- Monday, November 16, 2026 ~ First Day of Quarter 2