KAMSC Newsletter

Thank you all so much for a successful fundraiser. Our first ever Kilometers for KAMSC was a fun, healthy way to also raise funds for our school. We have raised over $7200 for KAMSC with people participating from 10 different states across the country. We had a great turn out for the event on Wednesday night with well over 60 people joining us. We had parents, students, staff, and staff families participate. Please accept our sincerest "thank you" from KAMSC for all of those that have donated, worked to send the link out, or attended the event. This was really amazing.

I also want to highlight sophomore Marta Kellam again. She hosted the event, was on the mic cheering people on, giving them healthy sleep tips from our Challenge Success materials and helping to give out prizes. Marta and her mom, went above and beyond arranging our prizes, getting donations, donating food themselves for the event and much, much more! Thank you Marta for bringing this great idea to KAMSC and to fruition! She is already talking to me about things we can add for next year! You are making and impact on KAMSC!

Heather Kortlandt

Director, KAMSC

Next week Mr. Sinclair's Geology Class will walk to downtown Kalamazoo to study rock facings on buildings and discuss rock types used. Half the class will go Monday, and half on Tuesday. Please make sure you have opted your child in for all field trips this year using the opt in form and if you need to opt them out of this particular trip, please do so now with the opt out form.

The AP Environmental Science class will meet at the MSU, W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary (students transporting themselves). They will measure trees, calculate their economic value and contributions to the environment and also tour the sanctuary to compare the microhabitats and look for bird adaptations. . If you haven't yet filled out the opt in form for the school year, please do so. Use the button below. If you did fill that out but would like to opt your child out of this particular field trip, please use the opt out form as well.

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time to focus on mental health and promote resources for those who may be struggling. For young people navigating the pressures of school, friendships, and life, it is a crucial reminder that mental health matters and that support is always available.

A key part of suicide prevention is connection. Asking a friend, "You good?" and genuinely listening to the answer can open a vital conversation. Many who experience suicidal thoughts feel isolated, believing they have no way forward. Your voice, your genuine check-in, and your willingness to listen without judgment can make a lasting difference.

At KAMSC, we are committed to the social and emotional well-being of our entire community—students, families, and staff. We want to remind everyone that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By creating a supportive and compassionate environment, we can help ensure that no one feels alone.

Please click the button below to read on...

Here is a reminder about our attendance policy at KAMSC. This was posted in several of our newsletters when school started: If your student is going to be absent from school you must notify both your partner school and KAMSC (if they are gone all day) and always KAMSC if they are gone during their KAMSC classes. Please remember that attendance is vital as the content moves fast and we want students to have as much of their classroom experience as possible. To notify KAMSC call (337-0004) or email kamsc.office@kamsc.org. KAMSC will now have an attendance policy that follows the state definition of chronically absent which is defined as being absent more than 10% of the school days. A full day absence = 2 KAMSC periods for KAMSC. In-person attendance is a requirement to remain in the KAMSC program. Research shows chronic absenteeism can harm academic performance. KAMSC’s collaborative, hands-on learning environment relies on active participation, rich discussions, and lab work that can't be replicated outside the classroom. Click the button below for the attendance procedures we will use in the office for students exceeding the 10%.

Following a massive success last year, the KAMSC Earthlings are bringing back the 2025-26 clothing drive. This year, each grade will compete with each other, and the winning grade will get a party! Dropboxes will be in the following classrooms:

9th Grade: Mrs. Chapoton

10th Grade: Mr. Bakalyar

11th Grade: Mr. Sinclair

12th Grade: Mr. Alshehri

This drive will be focused on combating fast fashion by allowing clothes to be re-used instead of letting them go to dumpsters or be incinerated. Resources will be posted on teacher's google classrooms about fast fashion and various ways we can combat it. The drive will take place from October 6th-15th at KAMSC, and the party will be the following week. Last year the freshman completely dominated the clothing drive, so let's see if that will remain true, or if we will see new winners!!

The swag store is temporarily re-opened just in case you missed a chance to purchase something. Open through 10/5

https://www.purekalamazoo.com/kamsc

Challenge Success is hosting a webinar on October 7th to support families around college admissions, titled "A Healthier Approach to College Admissions". Cost is $29 per person. You can learn more by clicking on this link. The objectives of the webinar are:

1. Learn research-based findings on the relationship between college selectivity and future outcomes, including learning, job satisfaction, and well-being.
2. Explore practical strategies to embrace a healthier approach to the college admissions process.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of the value and meaning of engagement in college and high school.

I hope that you all have had a chance to review our KAMSC Handbook and sign the acceptance form through PowerSchool. Here is a direct link to it again. I would invite you to be sure that you have read through the MTSS support procedures. I will pull grades to review the 3.0 requirements and use that as a gauge to get more support for students. If your child is showing that need, Mrs. Allbee or I will email you and the child to set up support provided by KAMSC. This is required for a three week interval and then we pull grades again to review. Our hope is always that that three week interval is enough support but students will sometimes move in and out of support throughout a semester. Please know, that this is meant to be a supportive measure. We take our responsibility of helping your child achieve the high standards of KAMSC seriously.

WMU hosts the Innovation Expo on Friday, December 5th this year and we would love to see some KAMSC students participate. Click here to learn more about the event and it's requirements. Please see Mrs. Joyce or Mrs. Kortlandt if you have an idea that you want to present on December 5th.

If you are dropping off or picking up your student at KAMSC, please do so at the Vine Street entrance. Please find a safe place to pull over and then have you student proceed to the Vine street entrance. If students are driving themselves:

1. They need to acquire a parking pass from the KAMSC office - please fill this out

2. They need to park by the El Sol playground off of Dutton Street (but then walk to Vine street entrance)

3. They should be reminded to not keep anything valuable in their car and to keep their cars locked at all times.

4. The building will have a campus security officer at the Vine Street entrance during times of arrivals and dismissals.

Wed. Oct 8 - Open lab and study skills session in the presentation center 6-7:30pm

Mon. Oct 13 - Alumni day for 9th and 10th graders - visits from alum discussing college (during school)

Wed. Oct 15 - Open Lab 6-7:30pm
Wed. Oct 15 - Parent Org meeting 6:15-7:00

Wed. Oct 22 - Open Lab 6-7:30 pm

Fri Oct 24 - No students - Teacher PD day

Wed. Oct 29 - PT conferences 5:30-8:30 (virtual... no open lab)

Thurs Oct 30 - PT Conferences 5:30-8:30 - Virtual

Fri Oct 31 - No students; PT Conferences (7:30-2pm)