A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we reach the end of our first quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the terrific growth we've seen so far in our awesome Crusaders. This year has brought new opportunities for learning, friendships, and challenges, and I’m so proud of the resilience and effort our students have shown.
Students have tackled new subjects and supported one another along the way. Every day, they show us the power of hard work and teamwork. To our students: keep pushing yourselves, staying curious, and remember that every step, no matter how small, is part of your journey to success.
To our parents: thank you for being a strong support system for our students. Your guidance and encouragement are vital to their growth, and we are grateful to work with such a committed community.
To our teachers: thank you for the care, patience, and passion you bring to our school each day. Your hard work and dedication make a lasting difference, and we’re so grateful for all you do to help our children learn and grow. Thank you for being such a vital part of their lives and for going above and beyond every single day.
As we look forward to the next quarter, let’s keep building on this momentum. Remember, each day is a chance to learn something new, make a difference, and be your best self. Let’s continue to inspire each other and make the rest of the year amazing.
Here’s to a fantastic second quarter!
Enthusiastically,
Jessica Gieryn
262 253-3452
Would you like to share a positive note for a staff member at KMS? Fill out THIS FORM to give them a SHOUT OUT!
Let’s talk about it - Middle School Minds
As you continue to support the growth of your middle school student, keep in mind these day to day factors that can strengthen their overall wellness.
- positive relationships with peers and adults
- healthy diet and regular physical activity
- time for fun and relaxation
- use of coping strategies- use of positive self-talk
- sleep habits and limiting screen time
Let’s Talk About Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is the way we talk to ourselves in kind and reassuring ways. The things we tell ourselves become the messages we hear, over and over. The more negative things we tell ourselves, the more likely we are to believe them. Even if they are not true. Positive affirmations are a way to encourage positive self-talk.
Instead of..
“I can never do anything right.”
Try..
“That did not go how I thought. I will try again.”
Instead of..
“I will never be the best at sports.”
Try..
“I am strong and I will keep practicing. I am doing my best.”
Instead of..
“I failed the test. Why even try?”
Try..
“I am disappointed with my grade and that makes me sad.
Next time I will create a better plan to study. I can ask for
help.”
When we think of the impact on the brain, research has shown that positive thoughts make the brain produce serotonin and when serotonin levels are normal, one feels happy, calmer, less anxious, more focused and more emotionally stable. Just like how you’d encourage your child to speak to a friend, how they talk to themselves matters.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK WINNERS
Congratulations to these 8th-grade purple house Student of the Week winners! They have shown extraordinary work habits, a positive attitude, and kindness and respect toward peers and staff. Thank you for being a role model and following the KMS Way!
- Kingslee Moua
- Erin Estes
- Carson Sukow
- Emily Tamas
- Nathan Lintner
- Nila Donner
- Kwinnton Klippel
- Aubrey Bowles
- James Pawlak
- Julia Brunner
- The Boys Basketball season and the Wrestling season have just begun! Take a look at the above links for specific practice and game times.
- Future City meets Tuesday and Thursdays after school in room G119
- Key Club meets on Wednesday, November 13th in the GAC at 2:45 - 3:45
- Shrek Jr. Musical rehearsals are in full swing this month! Stay tuned for more information about the show
KMS SPELLING BEE
KMS will be participating in the Scripps Spelling Bee again this year! We are in need of volunteers who can help with practices which involve working with a small group of students on spelling. The information and tools you’ll need will be provided so all you would need to do is show up and help out! We are also in need of judges and helpers for the Spelling Bee days. Information will be provided to you about judging the Bee as well.
The practices dates and tentative Bee dates are listed below. All practices will be done during Advisory from 2:17 - 2:45pm for all grades. Be advised, this is different than in years past.
Please email Erin Warborg at ewarborg@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out. Please include which dates you’d be available in your email.
November 7
November 12
November 21
December 5
The Grade Level Bee will be held during the week of December 9th - Date and time TBD
The School Level Bee will be held during the week of December 16th - Date and time TBD
Students, if you are interested in attending practices, please sign up using this link.
- November 7
- November 12
- November 21
- December 5
Ski & Snowboard Club
Get ready to hit the slopes this year with the KMS Ski & Snowboard Club at Little Switzerland!!
Ski & Snowboard Club is open to 6th, 7th, & 8th grade KMS students! Online registration will take place from November 8 - November 22 -- don't delay as there are limited spots available! Look for more details in the coming days!
PTA Fundraiser - Box Tops App!
Join us in earning cash for our school by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios!) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth $.10 each and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies or experiences the kids love!
Use this referral code VE2H9125 when you sign up and you’ll get 25 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt now through 05/31/2025, while supplies last! Download the Box Tops for Education app here: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=VE2H9125
Our Fall Scholastic Book Fair that took place this past week in the library was a great success! It's always exciting to see our students buzzing over our book fair and the books they've selected. A very special "thank you" to all of our parent volunteers that gave their time to help our students and support what we do at KMS. We couldn't do it without you and are very appreciative of your time and work.
As we turn the calendar to November, our library is preparing for this year's Battle of the Books competition by recruiting students and teams to participate. Battle of the Books is a fun and friendly reading competition that is open to students from all grade levels (6-8). Students can create a team of their own or join a team of up to four students. Beginning in November, participating students and teams will begin reading through two book lists as they prepare to compete in two game show style "battles" that will take place in December and January. The top scoring teams from each grade level will advance to compete in a KMS Championship battle for the right to represent KMS at the WI State battle in February. It's not only a great literary experience for our students but they will also have a blast competing with their friends and classmates. Interested students and teams are asked to return a permission slip and complete this registration form. If you have any questions about our Battle of the Books program at KMS please reach out to Mr. Gaskell, our School Library Media Specialist.
- Responsible care of Chromebooks is an integral part of life at KMS. Please ensure students are plugging their Chromebooks in to charge overnight and bringing them fully charged to school each morning. This will help set everyone up for success each and every day at KMS!
- Having issues with Skyward? Parents and students can now use the email skywardsupport@gsdwi.org for any issues related to Skyward access or login, etc... These emails go straight to our Skyward-knowledgeable staff!
Attendance Reminders
Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year! See below for helpful attendance information:
- School starts at 7:20AM, please make sure to email kmsoffice@gsdwi.org when your student is going to be absent for the whole day, part of the day, or will not be at school by 7:20AM.
- If they are leaving school early, prior to 9AM, send your student to the office with a signed note.
NEW PROCEDURE FOR ABSENCES OF 3+ DAYS
- When a student is going to be absent from school for three (3) or more days, a pre-arranged absence form needs to be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian. This form can be found on the KMS website. Scroll to the bottom of the KMS home page, and click on click here for attendance and absences, and under going to be gone longer? you will find the link to the pre-arranged absence form. Notification of pre-arranged absences needs to be submitted in writing.
Click HERE for KMS attendance information.
MORNING DROP-OFF
Please be kind and efficient while dropping off your child in the morning. There are two locations for drop off in the AM. You can drop off your child in the Main Office loop (south side) or the Student Services loop (west side). Here are a few reminders when dropping off students:
- You may not stop or park in the Main Office loop or Student Services loop between the times of 6:45am - 7:20am and 2:43pm - 3:00pm. If you want to stop or park, please use the south parking lot.
- When dropping off students, please pull all the way through the loop (by the bike rack) before dropping off.
- Remind your child to be ready to exit the car upon drop off so other families are not waiting too long.
As always, be kind and courteous, thank you!
KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal: Jessica Gieryn
Assistant Principal: Brandon Kohl
Website: https://www.gsdwi.org/o/kennedy
Location: N118 W15860 Williams Drive Germantown, Wisconsin 53022
Phone: 262-253-3450
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennedyGSDWI