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Parent Communication

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


As we return from Thanksgiving Break, the excitement of the Holiday Season can be felt at KAIS. Over the next few weeks, our schedule will be jam packed with winter concerts, sports, clubs, and dress down days. It’s an exciting time of year and we look forward to having fun with our student body throughout the month of December! 


Updates/Next Week


Mrs. Doubtfire Field Trip - On Wednesday, November 29, 160 Kiski Area chorus students attended a field trip to Pittsburgh to see the musical Mrs. Doubtfire.  Of those 160 students, 102 of them were from the Intermediate School.  After enjoying dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in Station Square, the students went to the Benedum Center to see the show.  It was an amazing night!
 

NWCTC Informational Fair - On Tuesday, December 5, we are excited to have the NWCTC come to KAIS to visit with our 8th grade students.  Our students will have the opportunity to meet NWCTC staff and learn about the 12 programs the NWCTC has to offer.  This will entail high school NWCTC students setting up stations to meet, greet and share their knowledge and enthusiasm about their chosen programs with our students.  Expectations of the NWCTC and the process for applying to the NWCTC will be covered.  Applications are available in our main office for students who express an interest in attending there in 9th grade.

"A latte" Language Skills Celebration - Prior to the Thanksgiving break, Mrs. Blake's ELA classes concluded their "Fall into Language" Unit with a Starbucks Cafe celebration. The classroom was turned into a Starbucks for the day, and students enjoyed hot apple cider and fall cookies. They also had the opportunity to decorate a "cup of thanks" for someone special to them.

Student Council Elves Decorate Officer Stephens' Door - Several student council “elves” have been busy decorating our new school resource officer's door.  7th grade student council members wanted to welcome Officer Stephens into our school community, so they took time out of their busy day to work on his office door.  Little known fact:  Officer Stephens is a "sneakerhead!"  The elves are currently working to make his office feel more homey - so more photos to follow.

Baking in FACS - The 7th and 8th grade students have been busy baking in the Family and Consumer Science Classroom.  Students prepared chocolate chip cookies, corn muffins, banana muffins and blueberry muffins this week.  These types of hands-on activities allow students to practice many life skills.  Students practiced using correct kitchen utensils, how to measure ingredients properly, keeping a safe and clean kitchen, washing dishes and doing laundry.  

8th Grade Math PBIS - In Ms. Lukas' classes, the students have been earning raffle tickets since the start of the second nine weeks for appropriate behavior, helping others, and completing assignments in math class. Today (Friday, December 1) was the first raffle drawing; winners are in the picture below. 

Paper Roller Coasters - The 7th grade STEM classes finished their paper roller coasters (PRC) and are calculating the speed at which the marble rolls, among other activities.  Mrs. Phillips is very proud of the effort that the students put into their projects.  They turned out fantastic and, better yet, none collapsed!  Excellent building skills, STEM students!  Although we would like to have included a photo of each PRC, space prohibits it.  Mrs. Phillips would like to thank Evan Delbene, Scott Ertman, and Dan Marchlewski for the photo of their PRC.

2nd Quarter Deficiencies - Students that have a “D” or “E” in a class at the midpoint of the second quarter will receive a deficiency in Skyward.  This information will be posted at the close of the school day on December 5.  The goal of this is to inform parents and provide time to work with the teacher to devise a plan for success throughout the remainder of the quarter.  Please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor if there are any questions. 





Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


Please take a moment to review the updates and noteworthy items below for the week of November 6 - November 10. Have a wonderful weekend!


Next Week/Updates


World Culture Day - The World Language Department is celebrating World Culture Day on Thursday, November 16, 2023. On this day, high school students will host events in our school gym to help us learn about other cultures. They are really excited about bringing some of the world to KAIS! Please take a moment to watch the video below. 


As part of the cultural experience at each station, students will have the opportunity to sample fried rice, quesadillas, and crepes. In an effort to keep every child safe, please fill out this survey if you are concerned about your son/daughter's food sensitivities and do not want him/her to sample items offered.  
 
Please fill out one form for each of your children who will participate in the event. Please respond by 11/15 (Wednesday).

 


Kiski Spirit Blankets - The KAIS Yearbook Club, in conjunction with the High School Student Store, is selling Kiski Spirit Blankets! The blankets are navy blue with a gold corner logo, and come in four types (Basic Fleece, Premium Fleece, Handled Fleece, and Sherpa-style). With a range of prices, there is a blanket for every budget. We are sure these quality blankets will keep you warm all winter, so order yours today. They also make great holiday gifts!! 
 
We accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards. Click the link below to place your order, and see the attached flyer for pictures and more information.

 
If you have any issues ordering, or questions about the blankets, please contact Mr. Capanna. Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!

 

Veterans Day - KAIS students were highly encouraged to acknowledge a veteran (family member, neighbor, family friend) in their Social Studies classes by completing the "Recognizing an American Hero" slide. These slides were printed out and displayed, creating a hero hallway, during the week of November 6-10. 

 

 

Fallen Soldier Table (Veterans Day) - Tessa Welshans, one of our 7th grade World Geography students, went to Panera Bread a few days ago and there was a Fallen Soldiers Table.  She loved the idea and asked if KAIS would like to present their own version.  The Fallen Soldier Table is meant to remind viewers of those fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military Service Members. Each item on the Fallen (or Missing) Soldier Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. This table is in addition to the Recognizing an American Hero Hallway showcased in the Social Studies Hallway.

 

 


Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


Please take a moment to review the updates and noteworthy items below for the week of October 30 - November 3. Have a wonderful weekend!


Next Week/Updates


World Culture Day - The World Language Department is celebrating World Culture Day on Thursday, November 16, 2023. On this day, high school students will host events in our school gym to help us learn about other cultures. They are really excited about bringing some of the world to KAIS! Please take a moment to watch the video below. 



Kiski Spirit Blankets - The KAIS Yearbook Club, in conjunction with the High School Student Store, is selling Kiski Spirit Blankets! The blankets are navy blue with a gold corner logo, and come in four types (Basic Fleece, Premium Fleece, Handled Fleece, and Sherpa-style). With a range of prices, there is a blanket for every budget. We are sure these quality blankets will keep you warm all winter, so order yours today. They also make great holiday gifts!! We accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards. Click the link below to place your order, and see the attached flyer for pictures and more information.

 
If you have any issues ordering, or questions about the blankets, please contact Mr. Capanna. Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!

 

2023-2024 PSSA Scores - All parents should be aware that your children's PSSA scores were sent home today for your review (sealed envelope). Please be sure to ask your child for this information when they get home today.

 

Mock Trial - On Friday, November 3, two Kiski teams competed in Penn Trafford’s annual Middle School Mock Trial. Our 8th grade team won both trials! This team consisted of: Lillian Hubbard, Jacob Tucker, Exton McCormick, Owen Geltz, Luke Duda, and Carson Smith. Our 7th grade team also did an excellent job and included: Tessa Welshans, Rylee Mendenhall, Garrett Tarasevitsch, Jeremiah Booker, Jaycob Fairman, and Ella Lucas. Other winners included: Lillian Hubbard (Best Witness), Jaycob Fairman (Best Witness), Garrett Tarasevitsch (Best Advocate), Exton McCormick (Best Advocate), and Tessa Welshans (Best Witness). 

 

 

Keyboarding 7 - The following students have achieved a remarkable milestone in Keyboarding class by consistently earning three stars on all of their EduTyping lessons: Claire Kowalewski, Landon Wabbington, Blake Walker, Tessa Welshans, Ciera Zeigler, Layla Strackbein, Karalyn Stroup, Sophia Yauger, Cole Zeller, Carlee Seekings, Camden Thompson, Emily Waterman, and Josiah Weston. Mr. Skwarko couldn't be prouder of their dedication and commitment to mastering these essential skills. Keyboarding is an invaluable skill in today's digital world, and their proficiency in typing will undoubtedly serve them well in the future, both academically and professionally. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and determination. 
 
Mr. Skwarko also wants to take this opportunity to express how proud he is of all the  students in 7th grade Keyboarding throughout the past nine weeks. They have put in their best effort to develop keyboarding skills. Their progress is a commendable journey towards mastering these essential skills. The students’ dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. He encourages parents to celebrate this achievement with their children and recognize their progress and effort.  He has no doubt that these skills will continue to serve them well as they advance in their studies.

 

 



Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


Another week is in the books! Please take a moment to review the updates and noteworthy items below for the week of October 23-27. Have a wonderful weekend!


Next Week/Updates


Competition- Several 6th grade KAUE and 7th grade KAIS students attended “Strategically Thinking 2023” at Franklin Regional Middle School on Friday, October 20. Two Kiski teams were awarded 2nd and 3rd place overall. Congratulations, Kiski!

3rd Place Winners (pictured from left to right):
Jeremiah Booker, Garrett Tarasevitsch, Ezra Fricker, and Jaycob Fairman

2nd Place Winners (pictured from left to right):
Ella Lucas, Calia Sherbondy, Rylee Mendenhall, and Tessa Welshans


Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center (NWCTC) - Interested eighth grade students and families are welcome to attend the NWCTC Open House on November 2. Please see the Flyer for needed information. 


Parent-Teacher Conferences - Schools will be closed on November 1 for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  This event will take place between 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  The scheduling window through Skyward will open at 8:00 am on October 23.



Kiski Spirit Blankets- The KAIS Yearbook, in conjunction with the H.S. Student Store, is selling Kiski Spirit Blankets! The blankets are navy blue with a gold corner logo, and come in four types (Basic Fleece, Premium Fleece, Handled Fleece, and Sherpa-style). With a range of prices, there is a blanket for every budget. We are sure these quality blankets will keep you warm all winter, so order yours today. They also make great holiday gifts!! We accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards. Click the link below to place your order, and see the attached flyer for pictures and more information.

 
If you have any issues ordering, or questions about the blankets, please reply to this email. Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!


Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


Another week is in the books! Please take a moment to review the updates and noteworthy items below for the week of October 16-20. Have a wonderful weekend!


Next Week/Updates


Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center (NWCTC) - Interested eighth grade students and families are welcome to attend the NWCTC Open House on November 2. Please see the Flyer for needed information. 

Veterans Day 2023 - Recognizing an American Hero - Veterans Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the heroic men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Each student is highly encouraged to acknowledge a veteran (or active service member) in his/her life by completing and submitting the "Recognizing an American Hero" slide which was provided during Social Studies classes today (Friday, October 20). The individualized slide must be completed and submitted by the end of the school day on Thursday, October 26. During the week of November 6 - November 10, we will transform the Social Studies hallway into a "Hero Hallway." All of the completed slides will be printed out and displayed.

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Schools will be closed on November 1 for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  This event will take place between 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  The scheduling window through Skyward will open at 8:00 am on October 23.


Red Ribbon Week - KAIS will celebrate this event from October 23 - October 27. Red Ribbon Week is organized by our SAP Team, Student Council, and Fuel Up to Play 60 members. This year’s message emphasizes “Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug-Free.” Red Ribbon Week consists of themed dress days, competitions between homerooms, and a “Minute to Win It” pep assembly. 

Monday: Be Drug-Free from Head to Toe! Wear your favorite Hat or Crazy Hair, and Crazy Socks!
Tuesday: Drugs Can’t Find Me! Wear Camo!
Wednesday: National Wear Red Day!
Thursday: Team Up Against Drugs! Wear your favorite Team’s Sports Jersey!

Commendable Cavalier Breakfast - Thursday, October 26 - We are very excited to host the first Cavalier breakfast of the 2023-2024 school year. This event aims to spotlight students’ success inside and outside the classroom and create stronger relationships with our KAIS students and families. A student may be nominated for academic improvement, academic excellence, superior attendance, citizenship, leadership, extra-curricular achievements, and collaborative efforts/relationship building.  

End of 1st Quarter - October 26 



Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


We just completed our 7th week of the school year! Please take time to speak to your child about his/her academic progress for the first quarter (End of quarter October 26th).  We want to make sure our students get off to a strong start academically and are experiencing success in our classrooms. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor. 



Next Week/Updates


CareerLink Alle-Kiski Healthcare Career Day- Our school counselors took 15 students interested in healthcare on the annual PA CareerLink Alle-Kiski Healthcare Career Day field trip.  Students got to hear 6 presentations throughout the day (nurse practitioner/physician, nursing, biomedical engineering, orthotics/prosthetics, pathology, and physical therapy) and were provided lunch and the opportunity to win prizes.  A great informational time was had by everyone.

Unity Day (October 18th) - This is a day to celebrate and show “unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.”  All students and staff are being asked to wear orange in support of this day, and students will be awarded for the best orange outfit.
 
The counselors, with the help of our teachers, will have students construct a unity tree for display at KAIS and each student will receive an eraser with a positive message to symbolize we can erase bullying at our school.  Information about Unity Day can be found at https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp

Student Council Dance - Friday, October 20 - This Halloween-themed dance will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the KAIS Gymnasium. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased all week during lunch period. We are looking forward to a “spooky” night. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Schools will be closed on November 1 for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  This event will take place between 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Please read our parent letter for all the needed information and specific steps to schedule a conference. 
 
The scheduling window through Skyward will open at 8:00 am on October 23rd.


Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


Another week is in the books! Please take a moment to review the updates and noteworthy items below for the week of September 11th-15th. Have a wonderful weekend!



Next Week/Updates

 

PASS Survey- Please take a moment to review this informational letter regarding a brief survey students will be taking regarding identifying and addressing student needs. 

Fall Pep Assembly- September 22nd- In honor of our first Pep Rally of the year, Student Council is hosting a series of Spirit Days! Show that school spirit!  GO CAVS! 

 

Monday is CAMO 
Tuesday is PINK OUT
Wednesday is DRESS YOUR BEST for picture day
Thursday is USA day - wear red, white, and blue
Friday is CAVS SPIRIT day

 

KAIS Picture Day- September 20th- Students will have their pictures taken during their regularly scheduled science class. No money or order forms are due on picture day.....parents will review pictures and place orders online after picture day.

ELA 7 Engages with Lumio by SMART- ELA 7 students are preparing for their short story unit by reinforcing their knowledge of plot diagram terms. Students in Ms. Volk's ELA 7 class are sharpening these skills by using Lumio by SMART which is provided by the district. Students enjoy the interactive, game-like feel of these practices while they compete for the highest score.

Clubs- We are preparing for the rollout of student interest clubs for the 2023-24 school year. We are going to make an adjustment to our club schedule this year to provide more opportunities for faculty and students. Clubs will be held on Wednesday mornings (every other week) throughout the year during this designated time in the schedule. Stay tuned for club offerings and sign-ups over the next few weeks. Tentatively, clubs will begin on October 4th. 



Go CAVS!



Dear Parents/Guardians, 


Another week of learning is in the books! As we made our rounds this week, it was evident teachers and students are becoming more comfortable with being back to school. Even though we battled the heat, our students were being provided awesome learning experiences. Please review the highlights below for the week of September 4th. 


Next Week/Updates


KAIS Picture Day- September 20th

Fall Pep Assembly- September 22nd

Water Bottle Reminder- With the warm weather to start the school year, we wanted to send out a reminder that water filling stations are used at the Intermediate School as opposed to water fountains. Please remind your child to bring his/her water bottle as needed. 

High Five Fridays- As we continue to “recharge” our school culture, Mrs. Galmoff is taking leadership of High Five Fridays. This program will highlight students for one of the following five characteristics: Leadership, Perseverance, Compassion/Kindness, Teamwork, or an Optimistic Attitude. Each week a teacher will highlight a student.  Mrs. Galmoff will take a picture of the teacher and student and post it to our KAIS Twitter account. Please view the KAIS Twitter  to see our first award winner for the 2023-24 school year. 

Spirit Day T-Shirt Sale- Spirit Day T-Shirt order forms are due to Mrs. Valenti in Room 210 by Friday September 15th. Shirts are $10. You can pay with cash or a check made payable to KAIS Activity Fund.

Keyboarding Kickoff- This week, students in 7th grade Keyboarding kicked off their typing journey. Students are using a program called EduTyping which allows them to work through basic keyboarding skills in small chunks, allowing them to build their muscle memory. Throughout this week, the primary focus was on the Home Row Keys, giving students a foundation to build on for lessons in the future. Looking at the students’ results, Mr. Skwarko is confident that everyone has mastered this necessary starting skill. Be sure to ask your student to show you what they learned!

Tower of Cups- STEM classes completed a team building activity called the Tower of Cups. In groups of 3, students were given string, a rubber band, and 6 cups. They were asked to build the cups in to a pyramid by only touching the string. Try it yourself! It requires excellent problem solving and communication skills.

New Student Welcome Groups- The school counselors welcomed 22 new students to our school district in grades 7 and 8 by hosting new student welcome groups. Activities included getting to know you games and building-wide scavenger hunts.



Go CAVS!

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


We just completed our first full week of school! With that said, we couldn’t be more excited about the start to the year. Students have settled in from summer break and the transition from the Upper Elementary School. We are set and ready to go for a year of learning and activities that make KAIS a special place for faculty and students. Enjoy the long weekend and we will see students back in the building on Tuesday, September 5th.  


Next Week/Updates


Pheple Federal Credit Union Partnership- Kiski Area Intermediate is excited to partner with Pheple Federal Credit Union to introduce the Cha-Ching Teen Saver Program for the 2023-24 School year. Pheple will provide students at the Intermediate School with real life financial experiences regarding money management and the responsibilities that come with it. This program emphasizes “Save Day” dates that will allow students to make a deposit into their Cha-Ching accounts at school.  Students that choose to participate in this program will have their name entered into a “Save Day” raffle, along with being provided “I’m a Saver'' receipt to bring home to notify families that a deposit has been made.  If a child completes all eight months of the program, Pheple will deposit five dollars into the student's Cha-Ching account.  
 
In addition to the Teen Saver Program, Pheple with be running a Financial Literacy Club, on club days for those students interested in learning about financial responsibility. 

Student Medical Information - As with all medical forms, the KASD Student Medical Information form expires at the end of each school year; therefore, this form must be completed each school year. Families can complete the medical form online or return a paper copy of the form that was handed out during homeroom (additional paper copies are in the school office). The online form is preferred to ensure timely delivery. This form can be accessed online: 2023 - 2024 Student Medical Form. Please complete and submit/return by the end of the first full week of school. Only turn in the online OR the paper form, not both.

Physical Education Uniforms- Physical Education teachers will pass out order forms for uniforms during class. If your child does not get a copy of the order form, please feel free to print off the PE Order Form and return to the teacher by September 1st. 

Spirit Day T-shirts - Spirit Day t-shirts are also for sale at this time. The cost of the t-shirt is $10.00.  Please have your child return the Spirit Wear Order Form and money to Mrs. Valenti in Room 210 by Friday September 15th.

Safety Update - Please review the protocols below for entering/exiting the building. Our main priority is to ensure our students and faculty have a safe learning environment. All visitors will be required to present their ID and have it run through our Raptor System.  

Early Dismissals - 
Ring buzzer to alert office personnel and make known the reason for your visit.
 
Complete the Google form provided on the Chromebook in the vestibule.
 
An administrative assistant will come to the front door to retrieve ID for verification before students are released to parents in the vestibule.
 
Parents do not enter the building. 
 
Teachers will direct students to report to the main office to check in with office personnel before exiting the building. 

Meetings/Special Events -
Office personnel will come to the front door to retrieve ID to be run through our Raptor System. 
 
After ID is verified, parents are met at the vestibule by the individual holding the meeting before entering the building. 



Go CAVS! 

Dear Parents/Guardians, 


We couldn’t be more excited to kick-off the new year! With that said, our goal is to ensure we are communicating with our school community on a regular basis. Throughout the year, we will be sending out weekly updates on Friday afternoons. These updates will highlight important dates and success stories from the week of learning at KAIS. We look forward to building relationships and celebrating our students and staff through this weekly communication. 


Next Week/Updates



Student Medical Information - As with all medical forms, the KASD Student Medical Information form expires at the end of each school year; therefore, this form must be completed each school year. Families can complete the medical form online or return a paper copy of the form that was handed out during homeroom (additional paper copies are in the school office). The online form is preferred to ensure timely delivery. This form can be accessed online: 2023 - 2024 Student Medical Form. Please complete and submit/return by the end of the first full week of school. Only turn in the online OR the paper form, not both.

Chromebooks - Student Chromebooks will be coming home with student’s today.  Please make sure to read over the Chromebook Handbook with your child and sign off on the KAIS Chromebook Agreement.  Additionally, Kiski Area School District requires that every student choose to either purchase Chromebook insurance or decline insurance. Paper copies will be available in the main office at the Intermediate School if needed. If you are purchasing Chromebook insurance please send a check, money order or Pay Online.  KASD requires that every student turn in the last page of the Chromebook Insurance Plan document.

Physical Education Uniforms- Physical Education teachers will pass out order forms for uniforms during class. If your child does not get a copy of the order form, please feel free to print off the PE Order Form and return to the teacher by September 1st. 

Spirit Day T-shirts - Spirit Day t-shirts are also for sale at this time. The cost of the t-shirt is $10.00.  Please have your child return the Spirit Wear Order Form and money to Mrs. Valenti in Room 210 by Friday September 15th.

Safety Update - Please review the protocols below for entering/exiting the building. Our main priority is to ensure our students and faculty have a safe learning environment. All visitors will be required to present their ID and have it run through our Raptor System. 
 
Early Dismissals
Ring buzzer to alert office personnel and make known the reason for your visit.
 
Complete the Google form provided on the Chromebook in the vestibule.
 
An administrative assistant will come to the front door to retrieve ID for verification before students are released to parents in the vestibule. Parents do not enter the building. 
 
Teachers will direct students to report to the main office to check in with office personnel before exiting the building. 

Meetings/Special Events
Office personnel will come to the front door to retrieve ID to be run through our Raptor System. 
 
After ID is verified, parents are met at the vestibule by the individual holding the meeting before entering the building.
two-hour delay schedule
Secondary Bus Schedule