Dear KMS Families,
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, we are excited to share some updates and new opportunities coming to KMS next fall!
New Start and Dismissal Times
As part of the district reconfiguration, school hours will shift:
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Breakfast doors open at 8:15 AM
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All entrance doors open at 8:40 AM
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Classes begin at 8:45 AM
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Dismissal is at 3:45 PM (2:45 PM on Early Release Wednesdays)
Expanded Support for 6th Graders
Sixth-grade students will now take separate Reading and Writing classes (instead of a combined ELA class), helping them transition to middle school with stronger foundational skills. All 6th graders will have six core classes: Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health, plus one Elective.
Flex Periods for Targeted Academic Support
Students will have a daily Flex Period to receive support based on academic needs or MAP scores. Those already at grade level will have enrichment options. This ensures all students get what they need to grow.
Health Education for All Grades
All students will participate in nine weeks of Health as part of their PE rotation. One quarter will focus on the district’s approved Health Curriculum; the other three quarters will continue with Physical Education.
Changes to Electives
With a few staffing changes, our elective options are evolving:
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Mr. Serjoe Gutierrez will now serve as our full-time music teacher
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New courses: Computer Applications, Coding, and Culture Quest (a hands-on exploration of Kodiak Island cultures)
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Most electives are semester-long, except band, chorus, and orchestra, which remain year-long
New Opportunity: 8th Grade Honors ELA
We’re launching an Honors English Language Arts course for 8th graders ready to be challenged! This class dives deeper into reading, writing, and critical thinking, and is ideal for students who love a good book, enjoy thoughtful discussions, and want to grow as writers.
We've already invited students with qualifying MAP scores (228+ in Reading or 225+ in Language), but we still have room - if your child is eager to learn and motivated to do the work, an invitation is not required.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Judith Bruns, Assistant Principal, at Judith.Bruns@KIBSD.org or 907-486-7464.
Rena Rankin, Principal
Judith Bruns, Assistant Principal
