kenny community school: monthly calendar is the back page with
TRANSCRIPT
Kenny Community School: https://kenny.mpls.k12.mn.us/
5720 Emerson Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55419
Bill Gibbs, Principal: [email protected]
Main Office: (612) 668-3340 Fax: (612) 668-3350 Attendance: (612) 668-3346 MPLS Kids: (612) 668-3344
Monthly calendar is the back page with:
Future Dates to Remember Bi-Weekly A-B-C Specialist
Rotation
Specialist information
Hello Kenny Families,
It is hard to believe Saturday is May 1st. This gets to be a really busy time of year at Kenny School. We are moving into testing windows, have to plan new student registration sessions, and are planning for summer construction.
The in person fifth graders took the State MCA Science test this week. Over the next two weeks in person learners will be tak-ing Reading and Math MCA tests in grades 3-5 and the Fast tests in grade two. All distant learning students will take reading and math tests in grades 2-5. All Kindergarten and first grade students will be given more individual assessments by their class-room teacher over the next month. Your child’s teacher will have more information about testing in their specific grade. We will also be scheduling registration events for new Kenny students. In the past, this has focused on kindergarteners, but with CDD this year, we will have many new children at all grades. Last spring, this was done virtually, but we will work to see what we can do in person since there are so many new children joining us.
At our last site council meeting, we had several members of district leadership explain the capital improvement plan (construction) for Kenny. Senior Operating Officer Devet, Project manager Don Bielinski, and Associate Superintendent Ron Wagner made the presentation. Highlights from the team included:
Kenny capital improvements completed since 2018 includes: Lighting upgrades to LED lights in classrooms and other common spaces
New acoustical treatments installed in the gym for better control of sound
Five exterior door replacements to provide better security
New emergency generator
Upgraded classroom door handles to allow classroom doors to be locked from the inside, to increase safety and security
This summer’s construction includes: Additional lighting upgrades to LED lights in hallways and lunchroom and new hallway ceilings.
Exterior lighting upgrades to LED lights.
This summer we will also be working with the architect and Culinary and Wellness Services to determine possible equipment upgrades in the kitchen and cafeteria to bring on site food preparation to Kenny. Funding for kitchen up-grades was included in a previous capital bond.
Additional planned work at Kenny includes replacing window treatments and window air conditioning replacement in the Summer 2022.
Due to changes in the building code that requires any school addition to also be designed as a storm shelter, the addition to the building for a new kitchen and lunchroom was determined to be unfeasible, or necessary. The design supplement ($700k) to support a kitchen and lunchroom addition is being proposed to the Board of Education to be moved to other capital needs in the district. Adequate funding exists for work originally planned for this portion of the project.
Kenny will continue to receive investments to improve the learning environment for students.
The park board will also be upgrading the Kenny playground this summer. I will provide updates as I receive them.
As always, thanks for all you do to make Kenny the amazing community school it is. Bill Gibbs, Principal
Summer Program
Opportunities
Students have many opportunities to keep their minds and bodies active this
summer. See below for different programs offered this summer for MPS students.
Registration is now open for MPS’ summer programs
• Discovery and Learning Academy for students entering 1st - 5th grade
WHEN: June 21-July 29
TIME: 8:00am - 2:30pm
WHERE: Barton Community School located at 4237 Colfax Ave S
• GEMS/GISE STEM Academy for students entering 1st - 5th grade
WHEN: June 21-July 29
TIME: 9:15am - 3:45pm
WHERE: Lucy Laney Community School located at 3333 Penn Ave N
• GEMS/GISE STEM Academy for students entering 6th - 8th grade
WHEN: June 21-July 29
TIME: 9:15am - 3:45pm
WHERE: Sanford Middle School 3524 42nd Ave S
Additional summer programs for students:
• Virtual STEM Academy (online for grades K-7) June 21-July 29
Current MPS students currently in grades K-7 are eligible to participate. Class options available from 8:30am-3:20 pm.
• Fast-Track Academy (in person for 8th graders going into 9th grade in the fall)
• Credit Academy (in person for grades 9-12)
Find out more and register at MPS Summer programs
website: SummerScholarsMPS.org.
Register by May 7 for transportation beginning the first day, if eligible.
BOOK BONANZA
The Kenny Parent Foundation is sponsoring the annual BOOK BONANZA for Kenny students on May 5 & 6.
The BOOK BONANZA is a chance for students to pick out a great book to keep for themselves as a way to celebrate Kenny's love for reading. The books for this event were earned as rewards
through our Scholastic bookfairs.
In-person learners will visit during a scheduled time with their teacher.
Distance learners are invited to come to the front garden on May 5 or 6 from 11:30-
12:30 to pick out a book.
Happy reading!
KENNY Parent Equity Working Group The Kenny Parent Equity Working Group grieves with the greater
community over the recent killing of former MPS student Daunte
Wright in Brooklyn Center. This latest trauma comes after nearly a
year of reckoning with the murder of George Floyd, the uprisings
of last summer, and the disproportionate impacts of the pandem-
ic on Black, Indigenous and people of color. In a recent week
that brought both a guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder
trial and Daunte Wright’s funeral, we know that many people in
our community are feeling complex emotions.
The Kenny Parent Equity Working Group is committed to contin-
ued work to undo racism within our school community and to en-
sure every student and family feels welcome, valued and includ-
ed. We know that we need to continue conversations advanc-
ing equity and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, Asian and Latinx
members of our community.
We have gathered the following resources for families wondering
how to start or continue conversations focused on healing from,
learning about and undoing racism for children and families:
Understanding and Confronting Racial Injustice
Historical Trauma and Cultural Healing
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma in Young Children
Talking to Children About Racism
Little Moments Count Racial Justice Resources
Racial Stress and Self-Care Parent Tool Kit
What to Say to Kids When the News is Scary
We know there is much more work left to do, and we invite more
members of the Kenny Community to join us. The Kenny Parent
Equity Working Group is a growing group of parents committed
to anti-racism. We meet from 7-8pm on the third Thursday of the
month and we invite you to join us at our next meeting on May
20. Details on how to access the virtual meeting will be sent out in
a future newsletter.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
APRIL 26 - MAY 9!
Support our school and shop our ONLINE Scholastic Book Fair!
It's a great time to stock up on books for summer reading.
All book-only purchases over $25 ship to your home for free and Kenny earns rewards for all purchases.
Visit this website to get started
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/
kennyschool
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7. Take a moment to send a personal note, email or Seesaw/Google Class-room video to your student's teacher letting them know how much the Kenny community appreciates their dedica-tion to our kids, especially during this year of continual adapting. The Kenny Parent Foundation will be celebrating all Kenny staff with a little surprise that week too.
Welcoming New Families to Kenny
The Kenny Parent Foundation is looking for a few families per grade level that could act as "ambassadors" to con-nect with new families this summer and fall. If you'd like to help by answering questions and/or organizing virtual or
social distanced meet-ups please email Kathy Cook at [email protected]
Fall Functions Need Chair People
KPF is hopeful that we'll be able to gather as a community this fall. So we are looking for volunteers to chair a few Kenny traditions. Please email [email protected] if you are able to help coordinate any of the following:
• Fall Festival
• Tears & Cheers (1st Day of Kindergarten)
• Curriculum Night
• Welcome Back for Teachers
Join the Kenny Parent Foundation
KPF has open board positions for the '21-'22 & '22-23 school years. We will need a secretary and treasurer as well as voting members.
If you are interested in the secretary or treasurer role please email [email protected]
The next KPF meeting is via Zoom on Tuesday, May 4th at 6 pm.
Zoom link will be posted on the Kenny Parents Facebook page
Please join us!
NEWS & UPDATES FROM THE
KENNY PARENT FOUNDATION
The Kenny Parent Foundation (KPF) is currently raising funds to
support a growing list of requests from our teachers as some of our students return to the classrooms.
Please consider a tax deductible donation to the
Kenny Foundation today!
DONATE HERE
KENNY
Distance Learning
Materials -Up
Thursdays from 9am-2pm
and 3pm-4pm
DL Kindergarten & 1st - NO new materials
DL 2nd & 3rd - NO new materials
DL 4th & 5th - NO new materials
Requested library books are now locat-ed with materials for pick up!
ATTENDANCE LINE
MPS policy requires schools to take student at-
tendance daily. If something is preventing your
child from participating in class, please contact:
Angie McCann—Kenny School Health Office:
Or call Kenny’s attendance line if you do not have
access to email: (612) 668-3346
FREE MEAL
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm-5:30pm
WHERE: Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S Minneapolis, MN
55419
WHAT’S COOKING? Soup, salad, fresh fruit, chicken, beef, or pork entrée
(gluten free option as well!), milk, and a ham sandwich bag lunch. One
baked-goods bag from Jerry’s Foods offered to each car.
Open to all; no need to register and there is NO religious influence—Just a
meal! Takeaway meals only!
The curbside line enters off Logan Ave; parking lot attendants will point
you in the right direction!
Questions? Contact Sally McNamee: [email protected]
http://kenny.mpls.k12.mn.us/ Bookmark the Kenny Website
for quick access to the Staff Directory, the school
schedule, meeting times, and new information.
Join us on Facebook & keep up with all the latest Kenny news
https://www.facebook.com/KennyCommunitySchool/
http://www.facebook.com/kennypta
Help...Who do I CONTACT?
Angie McCann, Health Services Assistant
• [email protected] or (612) 668-3346
• Attendance and reason out (sick, vacation, appointment, etc)
Rebecca Richardson, School Nurse
Karen Shannon, School Social Worker
Ruth Chaffee, School Psychologist
Christine Broder, Academic Assessments and Data
Trudie Sable, Food Service
Susie Friederich, Community Resource Liaison
• [email protected] or (612) 668-3340
Linda Halverson, School Secretary
• [email protected] or (612) 668-3340
William Gibbs, Principal
• [email protected] or (612) 668-3340
Door 7 - Drop Off
Grades 3-5
Grades 3-5 Drop-off map
Enter the parking lot from the west
(Girard Ave direction).
Drive around outer edge of lot until
you reach Door 7 by the dumpsters.
Students exit vehicle facing the
building by door 7
Cars need to turn right onto 57th
street and continue on 57th street
past Emerson Ave.
Please remind students to:
Maintain 3 feet Social Distance
and wear their masks
Thanks for helping all to stay safe
Do
or
1 D
rop
-off
Gra
des
K-2
Grades K-2 Drop-Off map
DO NOT use 57th Street to reach the
building.
Plan to arrive at the building from the
north (56th Street direction).
Students exit the vehicle at (near
the Bus B sign).
Follow the directions of Kenny Staff on
the sidewalk.
Cars need to proceed on Emerson and
watch for walkers and buses at 58th
Street corner.
BL
OC
K S
PE
CIA
LIS
T S
CH
ED
UL
E
Here are th
e remain
ing w
eeks of th
is rotatio
n.
Ap
ril 26
- Wee
k C (2
wee
ks)
May 1
0 – W
eek A (2
weeks)
May 2
4 – W
eek B (2
weeks)
Jun
e 7 –
Wee
k C (fin
al week o
f scho
ol)
We
ek
A
W
eek
B
W
ee
k C
A
RT
M
US
IC
PE
A
RT
M
US
IC
PE
A
RT
M
US
IC
PE
8:1
0-9
:05 G
r5
112
114
1
13
DL
(4 &
5)
11
3 D
L
(4 &
5)
112
114
114
1
13
DL
(4 &
5)
112
9:0
5-1
0:0
0 G
r4
115
117
116
116
115
117
117
116
115
10:0
0-1
0:5
5 G
r3
120
118
1
19
DL
(2 &
3)
11
9 D
L
(2 &
3)
120
118
118
1
19
DL
(2 &
3)
120
10:5
5-1
1:5
0
Specia
list L
unch &
Recess s
upport
11:5
0-1
2:4
5 G
rK
KA
K
B
101
101
K
A
KB
K
B
101
K
A
12:4
5-1
:40 G
r1
105
107
1
04
DL
(K &
1)
10
4 D
L
(K &
1)
105
107
107
1
04
DL
(K &
1)
105
1:4
0-2
:35 G
r2
103
108
106
106
103
108
108
106
103
April 26 - June 12 Kenny Main Office: 612-668-3340
Kenny Attendance Line: 612-668-3346
District Bus Transportation: 612-668-2300
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
25
MCA Science
test this week
5th grade
26 Week C
Scholastic Online
Bookfair begins
27 Week C 28 Week C
DL Flexible Learning day
29 Week C
9-2 & 3-4 Dis-tant Learning
Supply Pick-up
30 Week C May 1
2
Math tests:
MCA: In-Person gr. 3-5
FAST: Gr 2 & DL grades 3-5
3 Week C 4 Week C
6:00 KPF Meet-ing (Zoom)
5 Week C
No Newsletter
DL Flexible Learning day
6 Week C
9-2 & 3-4 Dis-tant Learning
Supply Pick-up
7 Week C
8
Scholastic
Online
Bookfair ends
May 9th
9
Reading tests:
MCA: In-Person gr 3-5
FAST: Gr 2 & DL grades 3-5
10 Week A 11 Week A 12 Week A
DL Flexible Learning day
13 Week A
9-2 & 3-4 Dis-tant Learning
Supply Pick-up
14 Week A
15
16
MCA/FAST
Make-ups
17 Week A 18 Week A 19 Week A
No Newsletter
DL Flexible Learning day
20 Week A
9-2 & 3-4 Dis-tant Learning
Supply Pick-up
21 Week A 22
23 24 Week B 25 Week B 26 Week B
DL Flexible Learning day
27 Week B
9-2 & 3-4 Dis-tant Learning
Supply Pick-up
28 Week B 29
30 31
NO SCHOOL
Memorial Day
Holiday
JUNE 1 Week B 2 Week B
No Newsletter
DL Flexible Learning day
3 Week B
9-2 & 3-4 Dis-tant Learning
Supply Pick-up
4 Week B 5
6 7 Week C 8 Week C 9 Week C
DL Flexible Learning day
10 Week C 11 Week C
Last Day K-5 Report Cards
sent home with students
12