October 2026 Newsletter
September 8th, 2026
🗓️ Important Dates
Monday, October 5 - Friday, October 9: Fall Break
Tuesday, November 3: In-Service Day (Student Holiday)
Wednesday, November 18: Half-Day for Students
Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Holidays (KCS CLOSED)
Friday, December 18: Half-Day for Students
Monday, December 21-Friday, January 1: Winter Break
💡Parent Opportunities
🗓️SAVE THE DATE!
The Basics of the IEP with TNSTEP
📅 Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
🕔 Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual using Microsoft Teams
📣 WE'D LOVE YOUR INPUT!
We value your partnership and would love your input as we plan parent training opportunities for the 2026-27 school year. Your input will help us understand what types of future trainings would be most helpful for families moving forward.
We want to make sure our workshops and resources truly support your needs as you navigate preschool and special education services. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
📎 Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued every 4.5 weeks. Your child's progress report for grading period 2 will be sent home by October 23rd. These reports are a great way to stay connected and informed about your child's progress with each of their IEP goals.
If you have any specific questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s case manager.
TRANSFER REQUESTS FOR GRADES K-12
Students are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2027-28 school year if they are 5 years of age on or before August 15th, 2027. The general transfer window opens October 1, 2026 for the 2027/28 school year. Parents or guardians may request a transfer during two designated "transfer windows." Being granted a transfer is the only way to attend a school for kindergarten outside of your zoned school. If you think you might be interested in a transfer, it's better to go ahead and apply rather than wait. If your transfer request is approved, you can still elect to send your child to the school in your attendance zone.
The transfer windows are:
- Priority: October 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. - February 16, 2027 at 4:00 p.m.
- Final: April 1, 2027 at 8:00 a.m. - June 1, 2027 at 4:00 p.m.
For more information on transfer eligibility and the decision-making process, click the link below.
📄 IEP Corner
SKILL OF THE MONTH: LISTEN TO STORIES
📚 Action Steps to Encourage Reading at Home
Let your child choose the book:
Offer 2–3 choices so they feel in control
Visit your local public library and let your child pick out books to check out each week
Consider your child’s interests and preferences:
🖐️ Hands-on books: Touch-and-feel, lift-the-flap, sound buttons, textures, smells
👀 Realistic picture books: Real photos or familiar daily scenes
❤️ Personal books: Homemade photo albums or simple stories about family or routines
🎶 Rhyming or predictable books: Fun rhythm and repeated lines help your child join in
Set up a cozy reading spot:
Soft light, comfy pillows, or a favorite blanket can make story time calming and inviting
Keep it short & fun:
Stop when attention fades—end on a positive note
Emphasize key words:
Use simple phrases and repeat important words
Consider replacing questions with comments
Instead of “What’s that?” try “Wow, a big red truck!”
Describe actions: “The cat is jumping!"
Use actions and expression:
Point, clap, act out parts, or use fun voices to keep it engaging
Encourage exploration:
Let your child turn pages, lift flaps, or touch textures
🎃 Community Events
📌 Family Resources
Click the links below to access a growing list of additional resources to support you at home! These are not exhaustive lists, but rather a collection based on topics we often hear parents asking about. These resources are not affiliated with Knox County Schools, but may be helpful if you’re looking for additional supports and ideas to support your child at home. Be sure to check back regularly—we’ll continue to add new resources as they become available! If you’re looking for support with a topic not listed, feel free to reach out.
👉 If you know of a helpful resource that should be added, please email jenny.reed@knoxschools.org for consideration. We appreciate your input!
Preschool Contacts
Shelli Eberle
Special Education Supervisor
Special Education Preschool
Jennifer Calloway
Special Education Specialist
Early Child Find
jennifer.calloway@knoxschools.org
Jenny Reed
Special Education Facilitator/Parent Liaison