April Newsletter

Important Dates

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 7th - School Resumes for Students

Wednesday, April 15th - Fun Lunch from Brianna's Pancake House

Friday, April 17th - Bus Evacuations 9am

Tuesday, April 21st - 5th Grade Tours at Harter MS 9:30-11:30am

Tuesday, April 28th - Step Up Knight at Harter (Incoming 6th grade) 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 29th - Fun Lunch McDonalds

May Important Dates

Friday, May 8th - 2nd Grade Concert (9:30)

Wednesday, May 13th - Culver's Fun Lunch

Wednesday, May 13th - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Hickory Knolls (9:30-12)

Friday, May 15th - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Blackberry Farm (11:30-2)

Thursday, May 21st - Last Day of School & PTN Sponsored Meal

Thursday, May 21st - 5th Grade Clap Out

IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

From April 8–10, our 3rd–5th-grade students will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), with make-up testing April 13–17. This assessment measures progress in ELA, Math, and (5th grade only) Science.
To help your child feel prepared:

• Get a good night’s sleep

• Eat a healthy breakfast

• Arrive on time (students may arrive at 8:40; tardy bell is 8:50)

• Charge Chromebooks nightly

• Bring working headphones

• Encourage a positive mindset

We appreciate your support in helping students feel confident and prepared. If possible, please avoid scheduling appointments during testing. 

IM - Imagine Math Curriculum Information  

As the school year comes to a close, students in kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in an end-of-year local math assessment from the ImagineIM curriculum.

This assessment is designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year and how they approach mathematical thinking. Some questions reflect grade-level expectations, while others are more challenging and may ask students to stretch beyond what was explicitly taught in class.

The purpose of this assessment is not for students to answer every question correctly. Instead, it allows students to demonstrate perseverance, stamina, and a growth mindset when working through meaningful math tasks.

Throughout the year, classrooms have focused on building strong mathematical practices, including explaining thinking, using multiple strategies, and engaging in productive struggle. This assessment offers a meaningful opportunity for students to show those skills.
Additional information will be shared when assessments are sent home. Thank you for supporting student learning as the school year comes to a close.

Teacher Appreciation Week

We are so lucky to have such an incredible team of dedicated and passionate educators at our school. Their hard work, care, and commitment make a difference in our children’s lives every single day, and I am so grateful for them! 

This year, we’ll be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from Monday, May 4th, through Friday, May 8th. Keep an eye out for an email from the PTN or your homeroom coordinator with details on how you can get involved.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to show a little extra love, we’ve attached the Teachers' Favorite Things document to help guide you.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our amazing teachers—they truly deserve it!

5th-Grade Clap Out 2025 Guidelines

It is that time again to host our annual tradition of the 5th-grade Clap Out! Many students and families look forward to this tradition, and we are excited to be able to celebrate our fifth-grade students as they move on to middle school! 

• The clap-out will be on Thursday, May 21st at 1:45 pm. 

• The clap-out will take place outside (weather permitting) around the walking path. A map of the clap-out route can be found below. Parents, please arrive by 1:35 to find a spot on the inside of the walking path. 

• We ask that you do not stop your child to taking a picture during the Clap Out. Pictures can be taken after the parade concludes by the Card My Yard Sign (donated by the PTN) that will be located by the baseball fields at the end of the route.  

• Following the conclusion of the Clap Out, you may take your child home by signing them out with their homeroom teacher.

• In the event of inclement weather, the clap-out will be held indoors and parents will be in the gym. 

KST CLAP OUT MAP

Tick Season - Playground
With the beautiful springtime weather, some unwanted pests come to the community! We have had a few reports of TICKS being found on students. Tick season is considered to occur between April and September in the United States. They usually hide in low brush areas waiting to find a host. If left undetected, several types of ticks may cause disease. We suggest that you check your student thoroughly at home after a day of playing outside. For more information, please feel free to reach out to the health office or visit the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov).