Panther Update - 10.19.26
October 19, 2026
Greetings Panther Families,
This is a message from your proud principal, Mrs. Kinard, and the school leaders at Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary. We strongly encourage you to access the digital version of this announcement, available on our school website and social media. It contains additional important information that you and your students need to know.
Panther Families, welcome to the second quarter! 💙🐾 We are excited to begin a new quarter filled with opportunities for our Panthers to learn, grow, and achieve great things! The start of a new quarter is a great time to celebrate progress, set new goals, and recommit to strong attendance, positive behavior, and doing our very best each day.
Here's what you need to know for the week ahead!
📅 Important Schedule Reminder – Teacher Workday
Monday, October 19 – Teacher Workday | No School for Students
Students will return to school on Tuesday, October 20, ready to begin the second quarter!
Please help your Panther get back into a consistent school routine, arrive on time, and come prepared to learn. Let's start Quarter 2 strong!
📚 Scholastic Book Fair – October 20–23
Our Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Koontz Elementary this week! We are excited to give our Panthers an opportunity to explore new books, discover exciting stories, and build their love of reading!
Throughout the week, students will have an opportunity to preview the Book Fair and purchase books.
Families can explore available books and learn more about our Book Fair by visiting our Book Fair Hub:
📖 Click Here to Visit Our Scholastic Book Fair Hub
Reading is one of the most important ways we can support student success. Thank you for encouraging your Panther to develop a lifelong love of reading!
✏️ 4th & 5th Grade Math NC Check-Ins – Friday, October 23
Attention 4th and 5th Grade Families!
Our 4th and 5th grade students will take their Math NC Check-In assessments on Friday morning, October 23.
What are NC Check-Ins?
NC Check-Ins are short, state-developed assessments that help teachers understand how well students are learning important grade-level skills and standards. These assessments provide valuable information about students' strengths and areas where they may need additional support. Teachers use the results to adjust instruction and help students continue growing academically.
How can families help?
Make sure your Panther gets a good night's sleep on Thursday.
Encourage your child to eat a healthy breakfast.
Make sure your child arrives at school on time Friday morning.
Remind your Panther to take their time, read each question carefully, and do their very best.
There is no need for students to feel nervous! We simply want them to show what they know and give their best effort.
Every Panther. Every Day. Do Your Best! 💙🐾
🎯 Quarter 2 – A Fresh Start for Every Panther!
A new quarter brings a fresh opportunity to build on our successes and continue improving!
Families, we encourage you to talk with your Panther about setting one or two goals for the second quarter. Whether it's improving reading skills, strengthening math skills, completing assignments, or making positive choices, every small step forward matters!
Let's continue working together to help every Panther reach their full potential.
💡 Family Tip of the Week
Start Quarter 2 with a goal-setting conversation!
Ask your Panther what they are most proud of from the first quarter and what they would like to improve during the second quarter.
Try asking:
🐾 What is something you learned during the first quarter?
🐾 What is one goal you want to accomplish this quarter?
🐾 What can we do at home to help you reach your goal?
Celebrate their progress, encourage their effort, and remind them that learning and growing take practice!
Thank you, Panther Families, for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support. We appreciate everything you do to help make Koontz Elementary a place where students feel valued, supported, and ready to succeed.
Let's make Quarter 2 our best quarter yet!
MAKE TODAY MATTER! 💙🐾
Mrs. Kinard
Proud Principal, Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary
Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. Please remind your child to follow our PAWS expectations, keep their hands and feet to themselves, use kind words, and ask an adult for help when problems arise.
We do not tolerate bullying or fighting. RSS defines bullying as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived imbalance of power. Students who do not follow behavior expectations will receive appropriate consequences based on the RSS Student Code of Conduct.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep Koontz safe and positive for every Panther!
