Knights,

With the new website design, I am going to try some new things to help communicate information.  As we have events, I will add them to the events tab (under About Us).  These are events that previously I would have used a banner for on the front page- things like dances, special assemblies, special events, or other campus-wide activities.  I will use the blog to put all announcements in one place and the school messaging program to let you know I have posted updated information.  This may cause you to have to navigate the site a little more, but I am hoping it will allow the Blog messages to be concise and complete.

Here are our upcoming events and news:

District Cross-Country meet AND Fall Choir Concert - Wednesday, October 18th.  The district cross-country meet will be in the back of the school, while the parking for Choir will be in the front of the school.  To help ensure the safety of the runner, the drive on north end of the campus that connects Falcon Pointe Blvd. to HHS will be closed from 5:00-8:30pm during the meet.  Please do not open these gates during that time and be prepared for more traffic and congestion around the campus tomorrow evening. 

CAAC (Campus Academic Advisory Committee), October 26th is the first meeting of this school year.  If you are a parent, business member, or community member and interested in joining the CAAC - we need you!  Please click here to read more about the committee and the expectations; the meeting dates/times and a link to sign up for the CAAC are at the bottom of the page.

Veteran's Day Assembly, November 9th at 8:20AM - this is a special assembly where we honor active duty and veteran's with student performances and presentations to honor all Veterans.  Click here for more information or click here to email Kristi Henderson an RSVP (please note the name of the Veteran attending and their branch of service).

IXL Donation Drive - this is a donation request to help us purchase IXL amidst the budget cuts.  Click here to read more about how we use IXL, the amount our students have already used the program, and our general donation drive requests.  There is a donation link at the bottom of the page.

Announcement from the Nurse: Although parents sign for their students to have Tylenol/Motrin/Benadryl in the beginning of the school year, I am unable to give those medications unless its an emergency such as a broken arm or a severe allergic reaction. There is a change in practice and we cannot call parents and ask permission to give these for headaches (or other minor issues) anymore.  If a parent wishes to bring a bottle of Tylenol or Ibuprofen to school and they fill out a medication form, I can give the medication a total of 10 times in the school year abut then a prescription for the medication is needed.  Please email Raquel Perkins with questions (click here for link).

This Friday is the end of the nine-week grading cycle; the grade snapshot is at 4:30 PM.  For those of you with eligibility concerns, this report card can help a student regain eligibility or lose it if they are failing any class.  Click here for the UIL eligibility calendar; note that from this point forward only the nine-week report cards determine if a student loses eligibility.

HHS Community Pep Rally at Hawk Stadium, October 27th @ 8:30 AM.  We will be attending the community pep rally on the 27th.  Students that are late for school will wait on KLMS campus until we return and resume the normal school day.   

I hope you all enjoy the cooler weather!

Dina Schaefer, KLMS Principal 

Knights,

So many great things are happening at KLMS - we are off to a wonderful start!  There are several upcoming events. Here is an overview:

• #PfMathConnect is a family event promoting middle school mathematics.  It will be Saturday, August 26th from 10:00am - 1:00pm at the Rock Gym located at 702 West Pecan Street.  There will be games, a photobooth, snacks, and giveaways.
• Clubs start Friday, September 1 during Catapult (period 10 on their schedule).  Students have been selecting their club of choice and the room numbers will be posted in their Google classroom.
• Meet the Teacher is September 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  This is a come-and-go event where you can meet your students' teachers in any order (which should help parents with multiple Knights).  We know this is a holiday for students, but we selected this date because it was the only night that would not conflict with a sporting or other event and we were trying to avoid conflicts.  I will be presenting our 2023 STAAR assessment results, and any accountability ratings that are released by that time, at 6:30 in the cafeteria.
• Beach Bash, the 6th grade dance, is scheduled for Friday, September 8th from 6:00-7:30pm.  Pick up/drop off is in the front of the school.  Tickets can be purchased at school prior to the dance or at the door that evening.
• PTO will meet Wednesday, September 13th @ 6:30 in the KLMS library.

IDs: Students have been issued IDs and two make-up sessions have been offered.  Unless your student was ill this week, they should have an ID; if, for some reason, it was missed, please have them come to the front office.  For safety reasons, we recommend that students do not wear their ID while walking to/from school (they can tuck it into their shirt or bag). A few notes about IDs...

• Students are expected to wear their IDs every day on a lanyard to keep the ID visible to staff. This is in compliance with PfISD Student Code of Conduct.
• All students were issued a lanyard with their ID, but lanyards can be changed to any school-appropriate lanyard. 
• If students forget their ID, they can get a temporary ID from the front office. 
• If students lose their ID they can purchase a new one for $5.
• If students forget their ID multiple times, they will have consequences.  However, we will give students next week to adjust to wearing it daily before receiving any consequences.

LOCKERS: Most students have been issued their locker; the last of the students will get their lockers on Monday.  After lockers are issued, backpacks will be stored in lockers and students are limited to a drawstring bag.  A few notes about lockers...

• Lockers can be decorated but decorations should be on the inside of the locker and not leave any residue or damage the locker.
• Students must use the school-issued lock; any personal locks are not allowed.  If a student loses their school-issued lock, there is a $10 fee to replace the lock.  Please know that our locks are keyed specifically so we have key access to all lockers; therefore, we have to special order replacements.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of the KLMS students and staff!  The website calendar is updated with events, including the STAAR testing days (we are required to administer the STAAR interim, field test for RLA 6 and 7, and the regular STAAR).

Respectfully,

Dina Schaefer, Principal

Knights,

Open House is tomorrow night!!! (Friday, Aug. 11th from 6:00-8:00).  You are receiving this email because this email is listed as a primary email contact for a student enrolled at Kelly Lane Middle School.

This is an optional come-and-go event.  The option to walk through the school is the most useful for families/students that are new to KLMS and have not had an opportunity to see or visit the school.  All 7th and 8th grade students would benefit because we will post their 1st period class and they can locate their class for the first day of school.  All 6th grade students will report to the gym and will go from the gym to their 1st period class as a group with their teacher.

All parents/guardians and family members are welcome; if students attend they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  Please note that teachers will not be here and you will not receive your schedule until the 1st day.

We do have information sessions for parents that are interested.  I want you to know that these sessions will be very similar to the presentations last year in case that influences your schedule or attendance.

If you have a 7th grade student and need to submit your immunizations, you can submit them tomorrow night.

We hope to see you here!

Dina Schaefer, KLMS Principal

caballeros,

La jornada de puertas abiertas es mañana por la noche!!! (Viernes 11 de agosto de 6:00 a 8:00). Usted está recibiendo este correo electrónico porque este correo electrónico aparece como un contacto de correo electrónico principal para un estudiante inscrito en la escuela secundaria Kelly Lane.

Este es un evento opcional de ir y venir. La opción de caminar por la escuela es la más útil para familias/estudiantes que son nuevos en KLMS y no han tenido la oportunidad de ver o visitar la escuela. Todos los estudiantes de 7º y 8º grado se beneficiarían porque publicaremos su clase del primer período y podrán ubicar su clase para el primer día de clases. Todos los estudiantes de sexto grado se reportarán al gimnasio e irán del gimnasio a su clase del primer período como grupo con su maestro.

Todos los padres/tutores y miembros de la familia son bienvenidos; si los estudiantes asisten, deben estar acompañados por un padre/tutor. Tenga en cuenta que los maestros no estarán aquí y no recibirá su horario hasta el primer día.

Tenemos sesiones de información para los padres que estén interesados. Quiero que sepa que estas sesiones serán muy similares a las presentaciones del año pasado en caso de que eso influya en su horario o asistencia.

Para familias nuevas en KLMS; Cubriremos los procedimientos diarios y las expectativas de los estudiantes.

Si tiene un estudiante de 7º grado y necesita enviar sus vacunas, puede enviarlas mañana por la noche.

¡Esperamos verlo aquí!

Dina Schaefer, directora de KLMS

hiệp sĩ,

Open House là tối mai!!! (Thứ Sáu, ngày 11 tháng 8, từ 6:00-8:00). Bạn nhận được email này vì email này được liệt kê là địa chỉ liên hệ email chính của một học sinh theo học tại Trường Trung học Cơ sở Kelly Lane.

Đây là một sự kiện đến và đi tùy chọn. Tùy chọn đi bộ qua trường là hữu ích nhất cho các gia đình/học sinh mới đến KLMS và chưa có cơ hội đến thăm trường. Tất cả học sinh lớp 7 và lớp 8 sẽ được lợi vì chúng tôi sẽ đăng lớp học đầu tiên của các em và các em có thể xác định vị trí lớp học của mình trong ngày đầu tiên đến trường. Tất cả học sinh lớp 6 sẽ đến phòng tập thể dục và sẽ đi từ phòng tập thể dục đến tiết học đầu tiên theo nhóm với giáo viên của các em.

Tất cả phụ huynh/người giám hộ và thành viên gia đình đều được chào đón; nếu học sinh tham dự thì phải có phụ huynh/người giám hộ đi cùng. Xin lưu ý rằng giáo viên sẽ không ở đây và bạn sẽ không nhận được lịch trình của mình cho đến ngày đầu tiên.

Chúng tôi có các buổi cung cấp thông tin cho các bậc cha mẹ quan tâm. Tôi muốn bạn biết rằng các phiên này sẽ rất giống với các bài thuyết trình năm ngoái trong trường hợp nó ảnh hưởng đến lịch trình hoặc sự tham dự của bạn.

Đối với các gia đình mới đến KLMS; chúng tôi sẽ bao gồm các thủ tục hàng ngày và kỳ vọng cho sinh viên.

Nếu bạn có học sinh lớp 7 và cần nộp giấy tiêm chủng, bạn có thể nộp vào tối mai.

Chúng tôi hy vọng gặp lại ban!

Dina Schaefer, Hiệu trưởng KLMS

Knights,

I hope you all have had a great summer!  I want to communicate a few things that will be happening very soon! 

6th Grade Camp (Aug 3)  The PTO sponsors the 6th grade camp for all incoming 6th grade students; this year it will be August 3rd from 9:00-12:00 PM.  There is a fee to attend, students will receive a snack and a drawstring bag that can be used throughout the year.  Additionally, this event serves as the main PTO fundraiser for the year.  Students that attend will have the opportunity to meet classmates, tour the school, learn lunch procedures, practice opening a locker, practice first day procedures, and other skills that will help ease the anxiety of starting middle school. 

Students that are attending will enter the building at the front of the school and go to the gym; parents do not stay for this event.  Students can be registered onsite; if you are registering that day please plan to park in the front parking lot and walk in with your student.  Students will be dismissed from the cafeteria and exit the front of the school at the end of camp.

STAAR Scores  STAAR scores will be released August 11th to schools and soon after to the parent portal.  Students who "Did Not Meet" expectations will be coded as “At-Risk” and receive tutoring/academic assistance in alignment with House Bill 4545 (mandatory tutoring).  The plan for each student is unique to their schedule and situation, support could include: intervention class in lieu of an elective, specific Catapult (advisory), unique service already in the students schedule, or before/after/Saturday school.

Open House (August 11)  We will host an Open House the week before school starts from 6:00-8:00 for any and all parents and students that want to come see the school before the year starts.  We will have 30 minute information sessions for parents: (1) Managing and Monitoring Grades in MS; (2) The Dynamics of Peer Interactions and the Impact of Social Media (@6:15); (3) Middle School 101 (@7:15).  This is also a great time for 7th grade students to submit immunization records (if not already submitted).  There will be a different “Meet the Teacher” on September 5th for you to meet your student’s teachers.

Immunizations (7th grade only)  All 7th grade students must have current immunizations on/before the first day of school.  We recommend that they are submitted prior to the first day so students have a smooth start to the school year.  If you have not already submitted your updated immunization records, they can be sent to the school nurse via email at Raquel.Perkins@PfISD.net, faxed to 512-594-2805, or dropped off at the front office.  

Drawstring vs. Backpack  This year we will continue using lockers instead of backpacks throughout the day.  Students may carry a drawstring bag throughout the day and store backpacks in their lockers.   Drawstring bags (defined as bags that have a drawstring closure and are no larger than 15" wide x 18" tall x 5” deep) are intended to carry the materials needed for 1-2 classes, they should not be used to replace backpacks (nor will they last if used in this manner).  Our bell schedule has a 4-minute passing period (the same as the 22-23 school year).  Those new to KLMS- most students will be going to a class in the same hallway so 4 minutes is plenty of time to access their locker between classes.  Many students elect to carry a zipper binder for school work and a drawstring bag for personal items, library books, and classroom supplies (like pens, colored pencils, etc.).

First Day of School  August 15th is the first day of school, we are excited to start the year!  Breakfast is free for all students this year and will be available upon arrival; students eating breakfast should go to the cafeteria.  All 6th grade students will report to the gym upon arrival/after breakfast and remain there until they are escorted to class with their teacher.  The 7th and 8th grade students will report to their grade level hallways upon arrival/after breakfast  (7th grade to the 200 and 8th grade to the 300).  At 8:15 the bell will ring and 7th and 8th grade students will report to their 1st period classes; these classes will be posted in the cafeteria and in their google classroom, staff will have the lists to assist students in the hallway, and this information will be available for the Open House if students want to locate their 1st period class ahead of time.  Students should not rely on schedules in Skyward as some may change at the last minute.

We are excited to welcome our returning and new students to KLMS!  Let’s make it a great year!

Dina Schaefer

KLMS Principal

Knights!

I hope the first 2 weeks of summer have treated you well and you are ready for the HOT weather!  If that weather keeps you indoors, here are some things to keep your student(s) busy:

• Read a book.  Click here for the summer reading list (required for students in Advanced ELA).  Need some ideas and resources about finding books over the summer?  Click here to access Destiny (audiobooks) through the KLMS library or Click here for the PfISD Library page.
• Practice skills through IXL - these are links for summer boost plans and are grade-level appropriate.  We recommend you select the upcoming grade.
  • Reading: 6th grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade
  • Math: 6th grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus
  • PSAT: Math, Reading, Writing and Language
• Encourage journal writing.  This website (click here) has some summer journaling ideas - I am not promoting this company; however, it looks like some great ideas that can be grade-specific for your student.

Do you need to come to school?

• The best option is to call 512-594-2800 and make sure the office is open when you want to come.  At times, we will be here but the front door may be locked - we just need to know you are coming and we will be ready to great you!
• In general, the office will be open from 8-12 Monday-Thursdays but someone will be on staff throughout the day.  Again, call ahead and make sure we can meet your needs.

Do you need to submit paperwork? 

• Transfer students, you can wait until the KLMS registrar returns to finalize the paperwork.
• Register for 6th grade camp?  You can drop your form & payment at the office or complete it online: 6th Grade Camp Registration Form.
• Pick up your yearbook?  We have them in the office, just call to make sure we are here when you are ready and then come on by!
• Submit immunization records (critical for incoming 7th graders)?  You can email it to Dina.Schaefer@pfisd.net, fax it to 512-594-2805, or bring it to the front office (call first 512-594-2800).

At some point, and before the extreme heat ends, we will get back together again for the 2023-24 school year!  Here are some upcoming dates to mark on your calendars:

• August 3rd, 9am-12pm, is 6th grade camp.
• Cancelled due to heat advisories.  August 8th, starting at 5:30pm, is the Welcome Walk for 6th grade students.  Staff members will briefly visit the homes of incoming 6th grader students that are zoned to KLMS. 
• August 11th, from 6pm-8pm, is Open House.  This is an opportunity to visit the campus if you are new and we will have information sessions in the cafeteria.  The informational sessions will be most helpful for families new to KLMS.  The 7th and 8th grade students will be able to locate their 1st period class to prepare for the first day of school.  Please note teachers are not here and students will not know their complete schedule on this day.  There will be a 6th grade booth for students to pick up their pennant.
• August 15th @ 8:20 - SCHOOL STARTS :)
• September 4th and 5th are student holidays, NO SCHOOL for students.
• September 5th, 6pm-7:30pm, is Meet the Teacher.  This is an opportunity to meet your students' teachers.

Curious about STAAR?  The Algebra EOC performance levels have been determined and scores should be available to students and families through the portal by the end of the month.  For all other 6th - 8th grade STAAR tests, we are expecting the performance levels to be set and released August 11th.  With the new question types, the State is taking longer to determine the passing scores.

We look forward to seeing you soon and thanks for being a dedicated partner in your student's education!

Respectfully,

Dina Schaefer

Knights,

We are so proud of our Knights - this year they've risen to the challenge to be stronger academically, mentally, and physically!  There are so many awesome things they have accomplished!  As we wrap up the year, here are two documents that will help you plan for our last week.  The first is the day-by-day schedule indicating our schedule, expectations, and special notes (click here for day-by-day schedule).  This schedule also includes summer information at the bottom.  The second is an explanation of Knight Out on May 24 indicating the schedule and activities available to students (click here for Knight Out Information).  

Have a great week!

Dina Schaefer, KLMS Principal

Knights,

I can't believe it's already May.  It's been a minute since I posted a blog - as the testing coordinator for the school it's been a little busy around here!

This week is the last of the STAAR testing.  I'm excited to say that 100% of our students took the Reading STAAR test - thank you for the great participation!  This week is Math- all 7th and 8th graders test Wednesday, regardless of their math test.  All 6th graders test on Thursday.  Student room assignments have been posted in the student Google classroom.

• Today is the District (and last) Golf Tournament - good luck Knights!
• We have several students that, in addition to their Math STAAR, will be taking the AP Spanish exam this week.  Best of luck for these students to leave middle school with college credit!
• Soccer is wrapping up their season and they only have a few games left.  Good luck to the Knights!
• Kickstart performed very well at the State Tournament and the Spring Belt Ceremony is coming up next week.
• Band has been performing their end of year concerts and they sound wonderful!
• Choir will be performing their Pop Show next Tuesday (16th) - get ready for some great music.
• The student-directed One Act Play is May 19th - see if you can figure out the mystery before the curtain falls.
• Reward Day is May 23rd.  The 8th graders go to Typhoon Texas (if they have signed up) and 6th, 7th, and remaining 8th graders that meet the eligibility requirements will have some time to celebrate with inflatables and flex time in the gym.
• Knight Out! is our end of the year celebration (think field day but tween style) on May 24th.  More details to come but there will be activities throughout the day.
• May 25th is the last day of school and is an early release at 12:45.  During the school day, we will have the EOY Assemblies and we will still serve lunches on that day.

Over the next few weeks, I will be sending more information to help you prepare for the different events.

Have a great evening!!!

Dina Schaefer, KLMS Principal

Knights,

I have some great news- we anticipate having a crossing guard starting mid-week next week!  Thank you to everyone for their patience and extra care of students while we were without permanent help. 

As a reminder, there is no school for students on Monday, February 20th.  Dr. Killian's recent newsletter confirmed that we will not need to schedule extra days to make up for the lost 4 days during the ice storm.  We have additional minutes that can compensate and we are requesting a TEA waiver for the remaining time.

Congratulations are in order to our UIL team and the individual competitors, as well as our basketball players who completed a successful season!  You represented KLMS well and we are proud of your commitment, efforts, and results!

I want to wish good luck to students who are trying out for the track/field team as well as cheerleading in the upcoming weeks.

We have three weeks until Spring Break - the year has definitely flown by!  These are the last 3 weeks of the grading cycle, which officially ends on March 10th.  

Here are some upcoming events and links to information:

• Season opening track meet, March 1 (girls schedule, boys schedule)
• The musical, "Shrek, Jr." will be March 23rd, 24th, and 25th with the spring art show on Friday, March 24th
• Spirit assemblies are Friday, March 24th
• 8th grade events (Panoramic picture, dance, and end-of-year trip)
• LifeTouch Spring pictures (optional and not used for yearbook), April 6th
• 2022-23 Yearbook orders
• 2023-24 Academic Calendar

Have a great weekend!

Dina Schaefer, Principal

Knights,

We are almost finished taking the STAAR Interim tests; this was practice for the STAAR tests in April/May so students know the processes and testing expectations at KLMS.  They were also able to see the new STAAR questions which will help them prepare.  The 8th graders have Science and Social Studies left on Tuesday, January 31st and then we will not STAAR test again until April.  

Every year, we are required to publicly present our school performance and ratings.  In September, I hosted a Zoom meeting for parents to present the KLMS School Report Card and the Campus Improvement Plan; that information was posted on the website (click here to view).

There is a similar report, called the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) that must also be publicly presented. The TAPR report is more specific than our report card. It includes information about the performance of students in various accountability groupings, it also shows performance by test subject.  In addition to more specific testing performance, it includes attendance and drop out rates, graduation programs, enrollment information, program participation rates, and demographic information about the staff.  I will post the presentation online and there will be a copy of the report in the main office of KLMS.  If you would like us to make a copy of the report, just call the front office at 512-594-2800 and we can send a copy home with your student (the report is 27 pages).

I am going to publically present the information tomorrow evening, Monday, January 30th, during our 5th grade parents' night.  All parents are welcome to attend this presentation at 6:30 and we will conclude the presentation no later than 7:00pm.  If there is a need for a second presentation, we will schedule and communicate that to all parents.  If you would like to view the TAPR report, click here and it will take you to the online report provided by TEA.

Thank you all for your continued partnership with KLMS!  

Dina Schaefer, Principal

Knights,

Welcome back...  we are so excited to see everyone tomorrow!  Students will have a normal schedule (starting in 1st period), it is not like the first day of the fall semester when they started with Catapult.  There are several events in January, mostly for students coming to KLMS or going to high school.  Here are some upcoming events I want to highlight:

January 4 - Start of the spring semester, students have a normal bell schedule.

January 10 - PTO meeting at 6:30pm in the library.

January 12 - 8th grade parent night at 6:00pm in the cafeteria (the presentation is most appropriate for parents new to high school or are not familiar with graduation plans and endorsements).

January 18 - Reading Interim test for 7th and 8th grade students during school.

January 19 - Reading Interim test for 6th grade students during school.

January 19 - 8th grade invasion to HHS (this is during school and all 8th grade students participate).

January 24 - Math Interim test for 7th and 8th grade students during school.

January 25 - Math Interim test for 6th grade students during school.  

January 26 - 5th grade visit to KLMS (this is during school when the 5th graders will come to KLMS).

January 30 - 5th grade parent night at 6:00pm in the cafeteria (the presentation is most appropriate for parents new to middle school or who have questions about electives/selecting advanced classes).  

January 31 - Science and Social Studies Interim tests for 8th graders.

February 10 - Valentine's Dance

February 14 - Carnations for sale at school.

February 15, 16, 17 - 8th grade parent meetings during school (parents will receive notice of specific time and date later).

February 17 - Parent meeting for any 6th or 7th grader interested in trying out for the 2023-24 Cheerleading Squad (including mascots).

Later this week, I will post website pages with information about testing (interim and STAAR) and pages specific to 5th and 8th grade transition events.  I will send those in a separate blog once all of the information has been updated.

Thank you all for your continued support of KLMS!

Dina Schaefer