KMS NEWSLETTER

Dear Kodiak Middle School Families,

We wanted to address the recent changes to the swimming unit schedule, as we understand there were some concerns when the adjustment was announced. The decision to shift from co-ed swimming sessions to separate boys' and girls' swim units was made solely to encourage greater participation from our students.

We recognize that some students may feel uncomfortable dressing in swimsuits in a co-ed setting, which has led many to opt out of this valuable unit. Our gym teachers brainstormed this solution to ensure more students could engage in the lessons confidently.

We want to reassure you that this decision was not in response to any specific incident. Our primary goal is to create an environment where all students feel supported and comfortable.

Thank you for your understanding, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions or concerns.

Rena Rankin, Principal

Judith Bruns, Assistant Principal

Kodiak Middle School, together with KMS PTSA, would like to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible partnerships that make our community so special.

🌟 Span Alaska – Thank you for your generous support in donating the shipping and handling of the many tubs of Cougar Mountain cookie dough. Your contribution made this fundraiser possible and successful!

🌟 Parents, Guardians, and Students – You have done an outstanding job with our cookie dough fundraiser, from selling and distributing to delivering with care to community members who supported us. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring!

🌟 KIBSD Elementary PTAs – Your kindness and unwavering support of KMS and KHS faculty and staff during a difficult school year have meant the world to us. Thank you for standing by us with love and encouragement.

🌟 Harborside Coffee – We are so grateful for the delicious coffee bar and treats that brought joy and warmth to our school community.

At Kodiak Middle School, we feel incredibly fortunate to live in a community where support, encouragement, and collaboration come together to achieve great things. Thank you, Kodiak, for showing us the true meaning of togetherness!

This is where we will have a quick reference for the upcoming week. More info is usually listed lower in the newsletter, if needed.

• STUDENT GOV'T, 3:40-4:40, RM 103
• HOMEWORK HELP FOR MIGRANT ED, 3:30-4:30

TUESDAY (11/26):

• AFTERNOON PEP RALLY, SEE SCHEDULE BELOW

WEDNESDAY (11/27) - FRIDAY (11/29):

• NO SCHOOL - THANKSGIVING BREAK

SATURDAY (11/30):

• LOCKER ASSEMBLY, 10-2PM, KMS - SEE FLYER BELOW FOR PARKING AND LOCATION

KIBSD Maintenance has begun assembling the 500 new lockers, and we anticipate approximately 300 hours of assembly & installation time.

Volunteer support is warmly welcomed.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5–7 PM

Saturdays from 10 AM–2 PM

November 16 - December 21

For questions, see the flyer above or contact

Judith Bruns at 907-486-7464

or judith.bruns@kibsd.org

Lunch Bunch will meet during lunch (20 minutes) once a week on Wednesdays, providing a quiet lunch space, games/icebreakers, and support students with anxiety, academic stress, conflict, friendships as well as other stressors and supports.

Click the first flyer to sign up, and the second flyer for parent/guardian permission.

Parent/Guardian permission is required for continued participation.

Permission slips will be sent out after students sign up.

Location TBD based on number of interested students.

Get your one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ornaments just in time for the holiday season! Each ornament is made with colorful pencils and resin, creating a unique design that's perfect for gifting or decorating.

🖌️ All proceeds benefit the KMS Art Program!

• Price: $10 each

Support creativity, art education, and Kodiak Middle School! 🖍️

To order, email Mrs. King: kristine.king@kibsd.org

(Last week, we mistakenly posted the same Grizzly Ticket winners from the week prior. We wanted to make sure all of these fabulous students were recognized for being great, so we are running both of them this week.)

Emily Salter, master sewer and tailor, brings her expertise to the Textile Arts class every day!

She owned Emily's Alterations for 40 years, has taught sewing for 4-H, and community classes through Kodiak College.

Mrs. Salter infuses her encouragement, expertise, and exuberance into the students. Her presence is appreciated immensely by the students and teacher.

Thank you, Emily!

Here you will find events that will be happening in the next couple of months,

but not during the coming week.

We want to give our families plenty of time to plan around our activities and opportunities.

Details will be posted later in this newsletter and/or another newsletter in the near future.

• 12/3 &12/4: Mrs. Lhotka's ELAP Field Trip to Ice Rink
• 12/6: 3rd Annual KMS Arm Wrestling Tournament, 3:45, KMS Commons
• 12/9: KMS Winter Harmonies: A Festive Concert of Band, Orchestra, and Choir, Auditorium, 7pm
• 12/10: Grief and Loss Group, 1st Meeting, 7th Period
• 12/10-12/13: Winter MAP Testing
• 12/12 & 12/13: Camelot and Camelittle auditions in drama pod 3:30-5
• 12/20: Line Dancing Assembly
• 12/23-1/3: Winter Break

• 1/7: KMS Wrestling Practice Begins
• 1/7: Camelot and Camelittle Practices Begin (Tue, Thu, & Fri), 3:30-5:00
• 1/8: 6th Grade Girls Volleyball Begins
• 1/17: KMS Spelling Bee

• 2/17: NO SCHOOL, Inservice
• 2/21 & 2/22: KMS Drama Club Presents Camelot and Camelittle

If you. need any general info, we have contained it to its own link/newsletter.

This helps keep the current events for each newsletter streamlined.