Dr. Koop's Newsletter
October 3, 2025
Dear KRS families,
Happy October! It’s hard to believe that Halloween is just around the corner. As the seasons change, we’re looking forward to a month filled with learning, community events, and a little fall fun. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership in making KRS such a special place for our students.
A special thank you to PTO Co-Presidents Mrs. Karen Miller and Mrs. Kate Rummel, all attendees, and our speaker Dr. O’Connor for an informative and engaging PTO meeting on Monday evening. Your time and dedication help make our school community even stronger!
Next week, KRS is celebrating Respect Week! Students and staff are focusing on kindness, empathy, and valuing one another—living our school theme of Believe, Achieve, Belong. Through activities and discussions, we’re highlighting the importance of listening, understanding, and showing respect every day as we grow together as a school community.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful start to October!
Warmly,
Dr. Kathy Koop
Important Dates
October 13, 2025 - Columbus Day/Indigenous People Day - Early Dismissal for Students 12:45 PM
October 20, 2025 - Diwali Schools Closed
November 6 & 7, 2025 - Schools Closed for NJEA Convention
November 26, 2025 - Early Dismissal - 12:45 PM - for Thanksgiving
November 27 & 28, 2025 - Thanksgiving - Schools Closed
December 8 (Evening), 9, and 10, 2025 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:45 Dismissal for Students
October 31, 2025 - Halloween Parade Time 1:15 PM
Important Halloween Information
Please review this letter for detailed Halloween celebration guidelines, including important information about allergies.
Halloween Parade - October 31, 2025 1:15 PM
Students will be able to wear their costumes to school or change at school on Friday, October 31, 2025. Costumes should follow our past guidelines:
● Students may wear a costume of their choosing for the parade and class party.
● Toy weapons of any kind are not allowed.
● Avoid excessively scary costumes as they might frighten our younger students. (No fake blood, scary masks, or toy weapons)
● Please check your child’s costume for safety. Make sure it is not too long and does not create a tripping hazard.
● Finally, we would also prefer that children not wear costume masks that block vision.
Construction Update
Exciting construction progress is underway at KRS! The digging continues, and underground pipes are being placed as the foundation for our new multi-purpose room takes shape. On Thursday, an overhead safety structure was installed to protect everyone walking to the main office. This is one more visible step forward as we prepare for the building of the expansion —a project that will bring a larger multi-purpose space for our students, staff, and families to enjoy together.
Chess Club - News from School Counselor Mr. Levine
The Chess Club will be meeting approximately 15 times during the school year. Sometime before school and sometime after school. If you're interested in receiving email updates on when the chess club meets, please fill out the attached form. Chess club is for students who already know the fundamentals of the game. It is not designed to teach the game.
Coming Soon! - Elementary Book Study
Last school year, our community came together for a meaningful book study featuring The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It was a great opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow together.
This year, we are excited to announce an elementary book study that will include all three elementary schools! We look forward to continuing this tradition of thoughtful discussion and collaboration.
Stay tuned for the book title and more details in upcoming newsletters.
The Madison Education Foundation invites you to unmask the extraordinary on Saturday, October 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Mansion at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Step into a dreamscape where reality bends and wonder takes center stage, while raising critical funds for MEF enrichment grants in Madison Public Schools. Buy your tickets here! (https://mefnj.networkforgood.com/events/86743-2025-mef-gala-a-night-of-illusion if that think doesn’t translate!)
