Dear Kiva Families,
As you receive this message, you are probably rallying your children now to head off to their first day of school. We can’t wait to have them here at Kiva learning and exploring.
I want to share a message from the Board of Directors of the school, a group of ordinary people just like you who do extraordinary things to make sure your children have the best educational experience possible.
Dear Children’s Kiva Montessori Charter School (CKMS) Community,
Welcome to the new school year!
For those of you returning, welcome back; for those new to our school, we are excited to meet you and include you in our friendly community.
Our staff has been busy preparing for the opening of school, and we’re sure you have been too. It’s a time of year when we urge our parents to learn more about CKMS through our newsletters, facebook page, reading our school manuals and meeting your teachers, staff and other families. While we are a relatively small school, there is a lot going on.
We are moving forward with a new strategic plan, Phase 2 building expansion, curriculum alignment, and an articulated commitment to Montessori. We always prioritize safety, academic growth, and social-emotional health. We have a new garden program that will be integrated into every classroom and we continue to focus on place-based learning that incorporates the vast resources of our natural and cultural setting.
There are many ways to engage with our growing school. We are actively recruiting members for our committees and board of directors. We need help to deliver lunches to the school, for schoolwide events, for fundraising, and to find volunteers for field trips and the classrooms. Please reach out to our Head of School or Administrative Assistant for further information about how you wish to support our school.
Good communication is key to a high-functioning organization. We want to hear from you and understand how we can make sure to meet the needs of your students. We have much work to do in the year ahead and we are ready and eager to get started with renewed vigor and enthusiasm!
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Melissa Gould, Cayce Hammerschlag, Alexis Cosper-Watts, Jolene McElwain and Alexandra Prime
As always, if you have questions or concerns, reach out to me at school at 970-564-9377 or via email at [email protected].
Jeffrey Pope
Head of School
Dear Kiva Families,
On Thursday you are invited to Family Welcome Night here at the Kiva. You’ll be scheduled by your child’s last name (if you have two children with different last names, pick a time that works for you. If you have multiple children in multiple classrooms, you may be staying for two blocks):
- A-J 4pm
- K-R 5pm
- S-Z 6pm
We will be providing important health and safety information, drop-off and pick up details and the opportunity to meet you student’s teacher.
When you come to school, you’ll be greeted at the door and given directions to your child’s teacher. We’ll start outside and then move inside. All persons entering the building are required to wear a mask.
You’ll also have the chance to sign up for volunteer service. Volunteerism powers Kiva, and as such, each family is required to volunteer 30 hours per year. Volunteer work includes PTO, Board of Directors, reading to children, helping with cleanup, lunch pickup, event planning, and much more.
Classroom Supplies
At Kiva, parents pay a materials fee of $150 and we purchase classroom supplies for use throughout the year by each student. Students will not share supplies at this time. Please donate to the Materials Fee Scholarship Fund to help reduce the burden on families that need it. Families may also pay on a monthly basis if that works better in your budget.
Renaissance Kids Specials
This year we will offer two specials: SPARK and STEAM. SPARK is a Montessori-inspired physical education and movement curriculum. STEAM–science, technology, engineering, arts and math–will include SCRATCH (block coding) and gardening, along with other activities integrated into what is happening in the classroom.
Drop-Off and Pickup
Please enter the Kiva Parking lot ONLY from Empire St. and leave onto Mildred St.
Drop Off in the morning begins at 7:45 and ends at 8am. Students arriving after 8:00 are tardy and must check in at the office. School breakfast is served at 7:45.
Class is dismissed at 3:20pm. All parents/guardians must leave their vehicles and walk to the pickup area inside the fence and their student will be released. (THIS IS A CHANGE IN PREVIOUS PROCEDURES).
Staff Announcement
I’m excited to announce our teaching staff for the year.
In Lower Elementary, Jennifer Atizon and Rachelle Villamena are co-teaching with Anchor Teacher Melody McNeil. They are supported by Bradi Piller as Classroom Assistant.
In Upper Elementary Kathy Carpenter and Althea Ellis are co-teaching with Anchor Teacher Chris LaRose. They are supported by Kerry Scales as Classroom Assistant.
In Middle School, Daniel Acosta and John Whitehead are co-teaching with Anchor Teacher Hiedy Whitmer.
Cassy Whitehead is returning as Exceptional Student Services teacher and Donitza Ivanovich and Morgan Allsup will lead STEAM. Kerry Scales will lead SPARK–Movement and PE.
Four of our staff are international–one from Jamaica, one from Colombia and two from the Philippines. These highly qualified teachers join us through the the US Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Program, which promotes cultural exchange through education.
They will be arriving over the next month, and as such, some of your students may start school with a Classroom Assistant or Anchor Teacher.
We are looking for short term and long-term housing for each teacher. They are able to pay full rent, utilities, etc. Please let me know if you have a lead on short-term or long-term housing solution. Our goal is to have them land softly so they can concentrate on teaching, rather than worrying about where they will be the next day.
Health and Safety
Children’s Kiva Administration continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our community. As of now, we are planning on returning on August 16th to in-person learning.
Please start to screen your children for COVID-19 symptoms every day. And when school starts, don’t send them to school if they are sick. If you suspect COVID-19, please have them tested.
For your information, Here is a list of testing sites:
- Southwest Hospital System is offering COVID-19 testing M-F for insurance or $105. Free testing is also available M-TH. SHS does the BDMax “brain” swab which is accurate and fast. Results in 24 hours.
- Walgreens has online scheduling for a free drive-thru PCR test that is a nasal swab, not “brain” swab. But it takes 3-5 days for results.
- Walgreens and grocery stores sell the BINAX Now. It is more accurate when symptoms are present and should be followed up with PCR test anyway.
I’m looking forward to seeing you on Thursday the 12th.
As always, feel free to reach me via email or at the school at [email protected] or 970-564-9377.
Jeffrey Pope
Head of School