Better Together Newsletter
November 9, 2026
Learn About Our Progress
Our first full year of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is behind us. Learn about our progress on the five priorities we've identified and the goals and action steps ahead. Our very first annual report has begun arriving in mailboxes across the District. Please take the time to read how Better Grows Here in Kennett Consolidated School District.
You can read the report mailed to every taxpayer home in the District, or go to kcsd.org/better to review the contents as a PDF and embedded in the website. The bilingual report features graphs, photos, and the path toward how we'll move forward Better Together!
KHS Counseling Department Hosts Annual College & Career Fair
On Monday, November 2, the KHS Counseling Department welcomed representatives from more than 40 colleges, trade schools, and career fields for its annual College and Career Fair. We are grateful to the community partners and professionals who generously shared their time, knowledge, and expertise with our students.
Students in grades 10–12 had the opportunity to explore a wide range of postsecondary pathways, ask questions, and make connections as they considered their interests and future goals. Their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the event were wonderful to see!
This event reflects the District’s commitment to our Comprehensive School Counseling Plan, which emphasizes preparing every student for success through meaningful opportunities for career and postsecondary exploration and planning.
We are proud of our students’ curiosity, ambition, and willingness to explore the many possibilities ahead of them. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success and who continues to invest in the futures of our students!
Every Student, Every Day.
Making Waves in Learning: KCSD Families Dive Into Title I Learning Nights
Who says you need an ocean to enjoy a beach party? This October, Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) elementary and kindergarten schools brought the beach indoors for their annual Title I Family Learning Nights, transforming school spaces into tropical destinations filled with colorful decorations, inflatable palm trees, pink flamingos, pool rings, and plenty of opportunities to make a splash with learning!
Formerly known as Literacy Nights, these annual events have expanded to celebrate learning across multiple subjects, inviting students in kindergarten through fifth grade and their families to explore reading, math, and science through fun, interactive activities.
Funded through federal Title I dollars, the events were designed to strengthen connections between home and school while demonstrating that learning can happen anywhere: even at the beach!
The festivities kicked off October 14 at the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, with additional celebrations held at each of KCSD's three elementary schools: Bancroft, Greenwood, and New Garden October 22.
Read more (and see more photos) about this amazing gathering at kcsd.org.
Future Ready Students Celebrate KCSD Principals with a Special Surprise
Two Kennett High School seniors turned a creative idea into a districtwide celebration of KCSD's principals during National Principals Month in October.
Campbell Gaughan and Maggie Schlitz, who are interning with the KCSD Communications Office through the Kennett Future Ready program, developed and led a special project to recognize the District's principals with personalized office door displays featuring heartfelt messages of appreciation from students.
The project brought together students in grades K–12, teachers, and administrative assistants across all six KCSD schools. Working closely with school staff, Campbell and Maggie coordinated the collection of student thank-you notes, developed unique door designs, and organized a surprise unveiling during the final week of October.
There was one important requirement: Keep it a secret!
Over the course of a month, the seniors managed the many moving parts of the project, from gathering student contributions and creating the designs to coordinating with school teams to ensure the decorated doors would be a surprise for each principal.
The result was six colorful, personalized displays filled with messages of gratitude from the students whose lives KCSD principals help shape every day.
Read more and see more photos at kcsd.org!
Students and Administrators Create Sawdust Carpets
Multiple high school students and three administrators worked together to create sawdust carpets early morning October 31, 2026 before the start of the Dia de Muertos Festival on Broad Street.
Hosted by Casa Guanajuanto Kennett Square, the festival welcomed the Kennett Square community in celebrating Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed with vibrant altars, art, music, food, and dance.
Sawdust carpets (known in Spanish as tapetes or alfombras de aserrín) are temporary, elaborate ground artworks made to welcome, honor, and guide returning spirits during Day of the Dead. Dr. DeAngelis, Dr. Rizzo Saunders, and Lisa Palmarini joined KCSD students and community members to create the beautiful carpets that remained on display during the festival. It was a great opportunity to celebrate and to connect in Kennett.
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, Director of Community Engagement, Safety and Security Dr. Lorenzo DeAngelis, and Communication Director Lisa Palmarini were thrilled to work with students and the organization to help create the carpets!
Nominate Your Champion of the Classroom or Champion of Service
Nominations are now open for the Chester County Champions of Education Awards! This is your chance to recognize a teacher, specialist, paraprofessional, custodian, food service worker, or any staff member whose dedication makes a real impact on our students and school community.
Two ways to nominate:
- Champion of the Classroom: for certified teachers and instructional staff providing direct Pre-K-12 instruction
- Champion of Service / CCRES Champion: for non-instructional staff in a support role
Nominating is quick: visit the nomination website to submit your nomination. Nominations close on November 30, 2026.
Every nomination matters. Take a few minutes today to recognize someone who deserves it.
Learning, Growing, Building Better in Kennett
Better in Kennett reflects our commitment to continuous growth and opportunity for every student, educator, family, and community member. Through high-quality teaching and learning, future-ready opportunities, safe and innovative environments, empowered educators, and strong community partnerships, KCSD is building a stronger future together. We hope you enjoy our Better Together Newsletter and the information you need and may want to know about how we are learning, growing and building Better in Kennett together.
Music Matters
This recognition celebrates more than music , it celebrates opportunity. KCSD is proud to be a Best Communities for Music Education recipient, ensuring access to music learning for every student.