November 16 — Kings Board of Education Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Kings Education Center, Conference Room 2.
November 18-20 — Kings Theatre Presents Bethel Park Falls, 7:00 p.m. with a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on 11/20, Kings High School Auditorium.
November 24-26 — NO SCHOOL - THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 17 — End of Second Quarter.
December 20- January 3 —NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
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We are saddened to share the passing of longtime Kings Bus Driver, Keith Veach.
Keith passed away early Tuesday morning. He drove a bus for Kings School District since 2012. He retired in 2019 but immediately returned as a substitute driver, most recently driving bus 46 for KME.
Keith was the first face students saw each morning on the way to school and at the end of the day making connections with hundreds of students. He was well-liked by students and colleagues and will be greatly missed.
Funeral arrangements are still pending. We will update you with the service information when we receive it.
Please keep Keith’s family and those who loved him in your thoughts.
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This Week's COVID-19 Dashboard |
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CommuKnighty Conversations with the Supe |
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Over the past few weeks, Superintendent Greg Sears has been conducting CommuKnighty Connections with small groups of community members and families.
These conversations are intended to provide a lens into the future vision of Kings Local Schools, as well as an opportunity for feedback that will be utilized as we move forward.
These connections are an opportunity to engage personally with the superintendent in a positive, collaborative discussion about the future of Kings.
We are looking for individuals to “host” a CommuKnighty Connection that may take place in the coming weeks. As a host, you would provide the location, invite 12-15 of your friends and neighbors, and set aside approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Mr. Sears will facilitate the conversation.
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Kings Marching Band Receives Top Honors |
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Kings High School Marching Band traveled to Dayton's Welcome Stadium on Sunday, November 7 to compete in the Ohio Music Education Association State Finals. We are excited to announce that the Band earned a rating of “1” or Superior which is the highest rating in the competition. The Superior rating is described as "An outstanding performance with very few technical errors and exemplifying a truly musical expression. This should be reserved for the truly outstanding performance."
Additionally, on Saturday, November 6, the Band participated in the Mid States Band Association Championships at Kings High School. They were named the 2021 MSBA 4A Champion. Band Director, Brian McDonough said, "This accomplishment is similar in prestige to a sports team's State Championship."
CONGRATULATIONS to each band member, director, and staff member for this successful end to an unforgettable season of #BandTogether !
The Band hosted a Community Night on Monday, November 8 highlighting their 2021 show. Kings Community Member and Parent, Jim Schult has been following our athletic teams and, most recently, the Kings Marching Band taking priceless photos and generously sharing them with us. You can also follow Jim on Twitter at @beamergriff.
We are so appreciative of Jim and his amazing photography skills. Thank you, Jim, from all of us. You are #KingsStrong!
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Kings Athletes Sign Letter of Intent |
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Four Kings High School student-athletes participated in the Kings Athletic Department’s Fall Signing Day where they made signed letters of intent to commit to playing their sport at colleges and universities.
On Wednesday, November 10 at Kings High School, families, coaches, teachers, administrators, and teammates attended the signing event to celebrate these four student-athletes on their special day. Not only are these students great on the field, but they are also impressive in the classroom as all four are Eastern Cincinnati Conference Academic Athletes.
Kings Athletic Director, Eric Taylor hosted the ceremony to recognize Sara Doughman (Cross Country and Track at Ohio University), Kevin Glennon (Swimming at the University of Kentucky), Aiden Leamer (Swimming at Xavier University), and Courtney Lindgren (Soccer at California University of Pennsylvania).
Tayor said, "We are confident that Sara, Kevin, Aiden, and Courtney will accomplish great things at the next level while representing themselves, their families, and Kings." Congratulations!
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Last year on Veterans Day, we told you a story about J.F. Burns Elementary then third-grader, Jillian Macke whose father, Master Sergeant Drew Macke had been deployed overseas just before Veterans Day.
She carried around "Flat Dad" at the JFB Veterans Day Parade. This year, Drew was home for the parade and he brought his Army vehicle to the parade. (see below) Jillian is now a 4th grader and she and her classmates in Mrs. Krepps' class were treated to a tour of the vehicle.
There were great celebrations for Veterans throughout the District on November 11. Visit the Kings Facebook page for highlights from the day.
Pictured above is SLE 1st grader, Evelyn Pursifull.
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ODE Rollout of New Mathematic Pathway |
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Exciting changes are coming to high school mathematics. The Ohio Department of Education held a High School Mathematics Pathways Symposium on November 9 and 10 to introduce the program to administrators, counselors, teachers, and parents.
The cornerstone of the program is a re-envisioning of algebra two equivalent courses for students, based on possible career and college aspirations. This work is a response to changes at the collegiate level, where institutions have created more appropriate entry-level mathematics courses for a large number of college majors.
New high school mathematics pathway courses will better prepare students for some of these new college requirements. At the same time, the new pathways are better equipped to prepare students for direct entry into 21st-century careers or the military. In the process, traditional algebra two courses are now specifically focused on the task of preparing STEM intending students for precalculus and calculus.
Watch for opportunities to learn more about the ways that this work will impact us at Kings. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email Margie Coleman at mcoleman@kingslocal.net.
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The Kings Board of Education met for their monthly Work Session on Tuesday, November 9.
The following is the summary of the meeting:
- Kings Treasurer, Cary Furniss gave an update of the 5-year Forecast. The Forecast includes the impact of the new Fair School Funding Model. He noted that the District is still spending more than we are taking in. The Forecast has been impacted by expenses and enrollment due to Covid. As well as the new property values for 2022. He also noted that local real estate taxes fund Kings at 60%+. He said that the 2016 Operating Levy has lasted over 5 years, which was promised to last 3-4. The District has enough cash reserves to operate until June 30, 2023. A new levy would likely need to be considered in calendar year 2022 to impact FY 2023, in time to maintain a cash balance of approximately 10% or more of spending.
- Director of Teaching and Learning, Matt Freeman, and Assistant Superintendent, Dana Martin gave an update on the 2020-2021 Ohio Report Card. In their presentation to the Board, they noted that this year due to Covid, no specific letter grades were given to Ohio districts. Overall, the report card shows that there was a drop in achievement across the state. However, there are a lot of Kings students performing at proficient and above. The District will continue to utilize the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) to give targeted support to struggling students. Dana and Matt will continue the discussion of the Report Card at the December meeting.
- Representatives from Champions, a Before and After School Care Program that serves local school districts presented to the Board. Since there have been some challenges in the staffing of our current Kings Kids Before and After School Care Program, the District has begun to explore possible solutions to avoid any hardship to the families we serve. Champions is a highly accredited before and after school care program which runs under the brand of KinderCare Education. The representatives gave an overview of the programs that they offer. They will be in the District again on Monday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the KJH Multipurpose Room to present an in-depth look into their programming.
Click below to watch the entire meeting.
The Kings Board of Education will meet for their monthly Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the Kings Education Center, Conference Room 2.
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The Character Effect - Kindness |
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As we've reported previously, the Kings Local School District has been using The Character Effect in partnership with Beech Acres Parenting Center as part of our social & emotional curriculum. The program is designed to improve student behavior, reduce teacher stress, increase parent engagement, and create positive attitudes.
This week's Character Strength of the Week is Kindness. The students in Amy Edwards' second-grade class at Kings Mills Elementary created a collaborative class poster. Each child colored a piece or two and assembled the puzzle in class to reveal the words.
The puzzle poster now hangs proudly on the wall by their classroom. #KingsKindness
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SLE 4th Grade Celebrates 50's Day |
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Every year in second grade at South Lebanon Elementary School, they celebrate the 50th day of school with a 50’s day! The week prior the students learn about the 1950’s, the pop culture, the dances, the clothes, and most importantly, the soda shop!
Last Friday, they celebrated the 50th day of school by dressing in their best 50’s attire. The students had an opportunity to do some hula hooping and twisting, some 50’s math, and enjoy an episode of “Leave it to Beaver” while enjoying root beer floats. SLE 2nd grade teacher, Jennifer Westley said, "The day is always a hit!"
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Kings High School Choir News |
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The Kings High School Chamber Choir, in an intentional effort to effect cultural change from within, commissioned Dr. Brandon Waddles, a prominent Black composer from Detroit, Michigan currently at Wayne State University, to arrange an African-American spiritual crafted specifically for them.
Before one note was sung, the singers were asked to consider for a moment the fact that "they have their own spiritual." Their responses inspired Dr. Waddles to set up an immediate conversation with them. Their Director, Hope Milthaler, described that conversation as "the springboard for what she knows will be the most existentially poignant moment of her career."
The choir has plans to spend more time learning and rehearsing with Dr. Waddles and eventually perform their spiritual for the Kings community and, hopefully, beyond. Their hope is that it will serve as an impetus for reflection and motivation for behavioral change within the hearts and minds of all who listen and one day perform “Sing All Along the Way!”
The Kings Choir Family dedicates this and all its efforts toward the
advancement of human rights to the eternal legacy of the change-maker himself, Mr. Jorge Gonzalez, former Spanish teacher, colleague, and friend.
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Kings Preschool Gardeners |
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Kings Preschool's Administrative Assistant, Tammy Nelson spent time this week teaching the preschool students about planting bulbs. Mrs. Nelson invited each class to contribute to the preschool garden. Students were able to plant their very own bulbs. They were excited to see this week's sunshine AND rain to help their bulbs grow. Everyone will continue to check the garden for signs of new growth until the Spring.
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The next FREE Kings Community Art Night will take place on Tuesday, November 30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Kings High School Auditorium.
During this free art night, you will have the option to paint a canvas demonstrating what you think snowmen do at night or a winter scene to keep for yourself. This project is inspired by the book Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner.
Attendees will paint a popsicle stick snowman that should be given to a family member, friend, neighbor, or teacher to show them you care!
You will also have the opportunity to make bookmarks or Holiday cards that will be donated to the Kings Local Food Pantry. The Kings Art and Kindness Club is asking all families that attend to bring an item to donate to the Kings Food Pantry.
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Kings Theatre Presents... |
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Kings High School Theatre will present its fall show, "Bethel Park Falls" November 19-20.
The residents of the small town of Bethel are facing a crisis: their beloved park has been sold out from under them; now, the stresses, heartbreak, and loss that previously hovered beneath the surface are emerging, threatening to overwhelm them. Their only salvation is in their connection with the park itself and their connection to each other.
The show will take place in the Kings High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on November 18,19, & 20. There will also be a 2:00 p.m. matinee on November 20.
You can purchase tickets at www.kingstheatre.net. Adults are $10 and students, children, and senior citizens are $8. |
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Mark Your Calendar for Breakfast With Santa |
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Don't miss this year's Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, December 4 from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at Kings High School.
This annual event sponsored by the Kings Baseball Program features a Pancake breakfast that includes bacon, juice, and coffee, and, of course, Santa!
New for 2021 - all tickets will be sold online. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Price for tickets is $7 for one and $25 for 4.
Click here to purchase tickets online and reserve a time slot (8:00-9:00, 9:00-10:00, or 10:00-11:00).
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KJH Winter Guard Seeking Members |
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Calling all 7th & 8th graders! The Kings Junior High Winter Guard is seeking members for the 2021-2022 season!
Do you like to dance? Do you like to perform? Would you like to try and learn how to spin and toss a flag? Then this group is for you!!
Kings Junior High Winter Guard is an “artistic” sport that meets on Tuesdays and Fridays in the KJH Cafeteria. Most of the season we will practice after school from 2:30-5:30 p.m. (There will be some days where practice will be moved to the evenings in order to practice in a gym.)
The group learns a routine including elements of dance, acting, and spinning flags and rifles that we take to competition on Saturdays from January through April. It is a really fun activity that promises to entertain and challenge!
The group is run by J.F. Burns Elementary Music teacher, Jennifer Maegly. The first practice will be Tuesday, November 16. Everyone is welcome to try it out and see if this activity is the right fit for you. Come prepared to find out how much fun is to be had by joining this group.
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JFB/SLE Spiritwear Sale
New Vendor! New Designs! New Styles for All!
Fall and Winter Merch Available!
SHOP TODAY, DON’T DELAY!
JFB SALE ENDS NOVEMBER 15 @ MIDNIGHT
Available for pick-up or ship directly to your door in time for the holidays!
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If you aren't following us on our social media channels, you are missing out! Don't miss one bit of news!
Make sure to follow us on social media!
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Check out our VIRTUAL BACKPACK for more information on our newly added activities and fundraisers.
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Kings Athletic News
Check out Kings Athletics website! You can find out schedule information, upcoming events, news about teams, and even get directions to away venues.
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Good luck to the Kings Soccer Club teams playing at State this weekend! The teams didn't get to play in 2020 due to Covid, but this year they will be playing at Milford's Finley Ray Park on Saturday and Sunday. |
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Youth Lacrosse Registration |
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Send Us the News You Want to See! |
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Contact Dawn Gould - Community Relations Coordinator at
Knight Nation News is a publication of the Kings Local School District Communications Department.
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Kings Local School District
1797 King Ave
Kings Mills, Ohio 45034
513.398.8050
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