Dear KMMS Families,
Thank you for a terrific start to the school year. From morning drop-off to afternoon pick-up, I have been incredibly impressed with our students' words and actions. Students have done a great job transitioning back into the school routine. Thank you for supporting us at KMMS. It is great to have students back in the building - we love the energy they bring each and every day.
Routines and Expectations
As we start a the new school year, routines and expectations are explicitly taught and heavily reinforced by our teachers and staff. I had the opportunity to meet with all students this week and discuss the importance of our words and actions. At KMMS, we follow four basic expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Re Responsible, and Be Engaged. We feel that if students exhibit these four expectations routinely, they will be success in middle school and beyond. Thank you in advance for reinforcing these expectations with your student(s).
Daily Desired Experiences at KMMS
As we continue our work throughout the school year, we want to engage students and their families in the daily desired experience at KMMS. Last year, our middle school students reported what they would like their middle school daily experience to be. Working alongside students and staff, we identified the priorities for our students. As a staff, we will make every effort to ensure we provide the best possible experience for our students at KMMS.
Safety & Belonging
- I feel welcome and safe at school and on the bus.
- I have good friends at school, and my peers treat me with respect.
- My teachers build a positive relationship with me, greet me every day, and accept me for who I am.
Classroom Environment & Instruction- My teachers handle behaviors that get in the way of my learning.
- My teachers explain things clearly, make sure I understand what I'm learning, and are easy to talk to when I need help or support.
- My teachers use different ways to teach and make learning fun.
Student Choice & Engagement- I can make choices for my classes, where I spend my time, and the food I eat during my school day.
- I have opportunities to participate in fun clubs, sports, and after-school related activities.
Social Connections & School Experiences- I have the time that I need to connect with my friends during the day.
- I enjoy our school's spaces and all that they offer.
Bark! Monitoring at KMMS
At KMMS, we use on online filtering tool called "Bark!" This feature monitors our students' @Komets Google Email and Drive for swearing, cyberbullying, dangerous content, and suicidal ideation. Please know we take every effort to ensure our students feel safe and welcome at KMMS. It is important for us to ensure students are using online tool appropriately. Thank you in advance for reinforcing appropriate online behaviors at home.
Highway 57 Resurfacing Project
As has been communicated by the KM district, MN DOT has announced that they will be resurfacing MN Highway 57 between Kasson and Mantorville beginning next week. They have asked us to plan for delays and that one lane will be closed at a time, and they will use a pilot car. Please work with your students to plan ahead for increased travel times before and after school. Also, remember that we are asking parents to avoid using the south doors for student pickup and drop off during this construction, as we need to run our busing at those doors.
Thank you
It has been an absolute pleasure getting students back into our building. Whether they are returning and new to the building, I am excited about and looking forward to learning alongside our students. Should you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at j.larsen@komets.k12.mn.us or 507-634-4030. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Kasson-Mantorville Middle School. Go KoMets!
Together in KoMet Pride,
Josh Larsen, Principal
