BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Next meetings:        

Monday, February 5, 2024

School Board Meeting

7:30 PM, High School/Zoom

AGENDA TBD

A zoom/YouTube link option will be available at https://www.kasd.org/Page/68.

Special Thank You to DK Photography for taking pictures at all our school events.

UNIVERSAL FREE BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Our KASD Food Service Department is excited to share that the Universal Free Breakfast Program will continue for the 2023-2024 school year. This program is to ensure that all students have access to a healthy, nutritious meal to start the school day.

END OF SCHOOL WEATHER MAKE UP ON MONDAY, JUNE 3

Due to the snow day on Tuesday, January 16, the last day of school for KASD will now be Monday, June 3.

REGIONAL BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

At the NY Metro South Division Regional Business Plan Competition hosted by Virtual Enterprises International, students from the Business Management and Entrepreneurship program at Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC) demonstrated their remarkable abilities and inventiveness. Participants from schools in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland attended the event, which served as a platform for BCTC students to showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

Participants in the virtual competition had to submit executive summaries and give a riveting 10-minute presentation to a panel of judges made up of professionals in the field. After the presentation, students participated in a 5-minute Q&A session to show that they fully understood their own business plans.

The morning class, including two Kutztown students, showed exceptional proficiency and placed second in the competition with their firm, "Revelation". This accomplishment demonstrates how dedicated the Business Management and Entrepreneurship program at BCTC is to developing the next wave of business leaders. Congratulations!

2nd Place - Revelation

• Joanie Wood (CEO) - Kutztown
• Julian Collazo (CEO) - Governor Mifflin
• Anna Wanamaker (CMO) - Kutztown
• Isai Lopez (CFO) - Governor Mifflin
• Aisosa Washington (CHRO) - Governor Mifflin
• Indiana Auchenbach (CDO) - Conrad Weiser

RED HOT STOVERS AWARDS

The Red Stovers Awards Banquet was held on January 18th, 2024 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading.  Congratulations to KASD Red Hot Stovers Scholarship and Award Winners!

Marisa Berger, 2023 KHS graduate, received the Red Stovers Scholarship award for her academic success. She attends Duquesne University majoring in Public Relations. She received the Most Valuable Offensive Player on her team for the 2023 season, received the E. Jerry Brooks Academic Excellence Award, Scholar Athlete Award, and KAHS Top Female Scholar Athlete Award.

Coach Kevin Conrad received the 2023 Berks County Softball Coach of the Year. The Lady Cougars finished as Berks 4 Division Champs with a record of 12-0 in league play. They were the only undefeated Berks team in the league. They were the Berks County Championship Runner-Ups. Congratulations Coach Kevin Conrad and the rest of the coaching staff!

2023 Kutztown High School Baseball Team was recognized for their winning season last spring. The Cougars Baseball Team has a lot to be proud of finishing the season with an overall record 19-7. They were the Berks IV Division Champions and PIAA District III 2A Champions. Also, they were the only team from Berks County that went the farthest in the state playoffs! Congratulations to all the players and coaches.

Congratulations to everyone!

Photo Credit to DK Photography and Softball coaches

MIDDLE SCHOOL FUTURE CITY

On Saturday, the middle school Future City team competed against around 20 other schools from central Pennsylvania. They presented their idea for Reykjavik, Iceland 100 years in the future with an essay, a presentation, and a model.  

The team won an award for the best building practices and many commendations from the judging engineers. A special thank you to Dr. Bosler who spent countless hours helping the team bring their ideas to life on our model. The team would also like to thank the teachers, tech department, and administration who provided flexibility, support, and resources to work on this project.  

The team of 21 students researched cutting-edge technology and discussed ideas with engineering professors from Wilkes University. They synthesized their ideas to form a comprehensive plan for a clean, sustainable city powered by advanced geothermal, fed through vertically-farmed greenhouses, and arranged into planned communities.

You can look for the Future City team at STEAM Fair this spring.

DISTRICT 10 JAZZ FESTIVAL

Congratulations to Reid Justeson (Tenor Saxophone 2) for qualifying for the District 10 Jazz Band Festival. He is part of the high school students who auditioned from other counties that make up our district, which include: Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Pike, Carbon, Monroe, and Schuylkill counties. He will represent Kutztown on February 1-2 who is the host for the festival. The concert concludes the festival on February 2nd, at 7 PM in the KHS Auditorium. Tickets are $7.00 if anyone would like to attend.  Congratulations Reid!

REGIONAL BAND

Congratulations to Elena Nygard (Trumpet) and Anna Nygard (Trombone) who qualified for Regional Band. They will represent Kutztown on February 22 - 24 at Eastern York HS. During that time they will audition for the PA State Band Festival in April.

Congratulations to Elena and Anna!

PMEA DISTRICT CHORUS

Five KHS Students auditioned and qualified for the 2024 District Chorus Festival. District 10 is made up of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Schuylkill counties. Students from 51 school districts within these counties are competing for spots in this ensemble. Congratulations to the following students who will represent Kutztown in the choir: Karis Herrlin (#8, Soprano 2), Elena Nygard (#18, Alto 2), Anna Stump (#23, Alto 2), Elliot Johnson (#10, Tenor 2), and Tucker Hilliard (#10, Bass 1).  The concert will take place on January 26 at the Jim Thorpe Area High School at 7:30 PM. 

BERKS CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER (BCTC) STUDENTS OF THE QUARTER

Congratulations to the following students who have been nominated as Students of the Quarter for their respective programs for the 2nd quarter. 

BCTC East Campus

• Colin Hamm in Carpentry
• Emme Sanders in Sports Med & Rehabilitative Therapy (SMaRT)
• Parker Thompson in Auto Collision Repair Technology
• Abigail Van Horn in Protective Services - Criminal Justice

BCTC West Campus

• Robert Batarick in Electrical Occupations
• Emily Graff in Drafting Design Technology
• Robert Ott in Recreational & Power Equipment Technology
• Chase Sleboda in Welding Technology

Congratulations and great job by everyone!!!

ENGLAND, FRANCE, & AMSTERDAM: Here we come!

Join Mr. Hoffman, High School Visual Arts Teacher, on an exhilarating journey through four capital cities during the Summer of 2025, each boasting its distinctive charm. London and Paris showcase iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the remarkable Westminster Abbey. In Brussels and Amsterdam, immerse yourself in the unique layouts, from the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the picturesque canal-lined streets. For more information, scan the QR code or contact Mr. Hoffman directly via email at bhoffman@kasd.org. Embark on a trip that promises a tapestry of cultural wonders and artistic inspiration! This trip is open to KASD students in Grade 8-11 and their families.

KAHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION NIGHT

On Friday, January 26th, the Kutztown Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame proudly inducts four new members:  Michael Bergstrom, Gary Miklus, Nicholas Sosik III, and Jay Wentzel during the Boys’ Basketball game against Antietam. The official induction will take place prior to the varsity game. 

WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION

When the situation arises, we will be following our inclement weather procedures for 2023-2024 which include the possible use of Delay or Early Dismissal, School Closed, or Flexible Instructional Days (FID). Please stay in tune with our website, communication via Parent Link(formally ConnectED), and local news outlets when weather-related school closings are possible. Additional inclement weather information can be found at https://www.kasd.org/about-us/inclement-weather-information. Our goal is always to keep the students of KASD safe.

BOOKS ADDED TO KASD LIBRARIES IN 2023-2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 26: KESPC, Bingo for Books, KES Cafe, 6 pm

January 26: Kutztown Hall of Fame Recognition Night at the HS Boys Basketball Team

January 26: District 10 Chorus Concert, Jim Thorpe HS, 7:30 pm

January 27:  HS Girls Basketball Teacher Appreciation Game

January 27:  Canary Classic Swim Invitation at Allen HS, 9:30 am

January 28:  KESPC, Dine in and Give Back, Kutztown Beneficial Center, Music from Mary Veda

January 30: Special Olympics Night at the HS Boys Basketball Game

January 31:  HS Debate Team Competition at Catasauqua HS

February 1:  Home Opener for HS Unified Bocce Team, 3:30 pm, HS Gym, Fans in the Stand!

February 1 & 2:  District Jazz Festival at Kutztown.

February 2:  District 10 Jazz Band Concert, 7 pm, KHS Auditorium

February 2: Juvenile Arthritis and POTS Awareness Game for High School Girls Basketball 

February 3:  First KIA Dance and Twirling Competition for the season for Junior and Senior Teams, at Wilson HS.

February 3:  Cedar Crest Classic Swim Invitational at Parkland HS, 10 am

February 5:  Senior Recognition for HS Unified Bocce Team

February 6:  Berks Junior County Choral Auditions

February 6: Senior Recognition Night for HS Boys Basketball, Cheerleading, and Swim Team

February 8 to 10:  District 10 Orchestra Festival

February 10:  KIA Dance and Twirling for Cadets, Juniors and Seniors, at Fleetwood HS.

February 11:  HS Jazz Band at Steel Stacks, 11 am 

February 16: Early Dismissal, K-12, (Act 80)

February 16 & 17: BCIAA Championship Swim Meet

February 17 & 18:  HS Wrestling, Sectionals at Central Dauphin East HS

February 19: Schools are Closed

February 20: Berks Junior County Band and Orchestra Auditions

February 21:  Debate Team Semifinals #1, Wilson HS

February 22:  End of Second Trimester, Elementary

Feb 22 to 24:  Region V Band Festival

February 24:  HS and MS Jazz Bands at the Oley Valley Festival

February 28:  Free Spring Sports Physicals by St Luke's, Fleetwood HS, 5:30 to 8 pm, must register for a time

March 1:  KASMA Spaghetti Dinner, KMS Commons

March 1:  Odyssey of the Mind Regional Tournament for all teams

March 1 and 2:  PIAA District 3 AA Swim Championships, Cumberland Valley HS

March 4:  HS Spring sports start, Mandatory practices

March 5: Debate Team Semifinals #2, North Western Lehigh HS

March 5:  Spring Blood Drive

March 7 & 8:  Early Dismissal, K-12, (Act 80) and elementary parent conferences

March 9: KIA Hosts March Dance and Twirling Competition, Middle School Gym

March 11:  MS Spring sports start, Mandatory practices

March 14:  HS Science Olympiad Regional Competition at KU

March 16:  KASD Jazz Festival in MS Commons, 12 pm

March 20: Debate Team Semifinals #3, at Kutztown HS

March 22:  KMS Art Show (part of the STEAM fair), MS Commons

March 22:  STEAM Fair, MS Commons

March 26:  End of Third Quarter for secondary schools

Please see the athletic website for all up to date game information.

  www.ktowncougars.org

UNIFIED BOCCE TEAM HOME OPENER

The KAHS Unified Bocce team invites you to FILL THE STANDS on Thursday, February 1, at 3:30 pm in the HS Gym for the annual "Fans in the Stands" Game. The Cougars take on Brandywine's Unified Bocce team. Stop by and enjoy a bake sale and some fan giveaways. Come out and see How We Roll.  

Go Cougars!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LtCol DALE G. DERR, NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME "OUTSTANDING AMERICAN"

LtCol Dale G. Derr, (USAF, Retired), Kutztown High School class of 1975 and Kutztown Education Foundation's 2022 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his years of commitment as a positive role model to student athletes. In May 2024, he will be receiving the "Outstanding American Award" for his years of wrestling and achieving excellence in another walk of life.  

LtCol Derr is an accomplished athlete. He wrestled at the varsity level for all four years at Kutztown Area High School and at Kutztown State College. Dale was named an NCAA All- American Wrestler in 1979 and, while on active duty, was a three-time Mediterranean region wrestling champion, the 1981 European champion and a member of the 1981 USAF National Team as part of the Olympics Development Program. He was inducted into the Kutztown University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Kutztown Area School District Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.  LtCol Derr’s volunteer work includes many forms of church and community service to aid the homeless, the elderly, and the physically challenged. He is also a board member of the Kutztown Education Foundation.

GIRLS BASKETBALL YOUTH NIGHT

On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the High School Girls Basketball team welcomed the youth and coaches from the Optimist Basketball girls program. The names from the youth basketball program were announced before the varsity warm ups. During halftime of the varsity game, the players were split between 3rd and 4th grades and 5th and 6th grades for a knockout game.  Fun was had by all. 

Photo Credit to DK Photography

BOYS BASKETBALL YOUTH NIGHT

On Friday, December 22, 2023, the High School Boys Basketball team welcomed the youth and coaches from the Optimist Basketball boys program. The gym was packed with 3rd to 6th graders sitting behind the boys bench cheering on loudly for a victory beating Tulpehocken 63 to 36.

During halftime of the varsity game, the youth names were announced and then they were part of a knockout competition.  Immediately after the game, the varsity team signed autographs for the Optimist kids in attendance.  

 Photo by KASD Athletics Dept.

SPRING SPORTS

Spring high school sports start Monday, March 4th, 2024 and spring middle school sports start Monday, March 11th, 2024.

All registration forms, physicals, and spring recertification forms are Due by Thursday, February 29!

1) If you are a first time athlete for this school year (23-24) and need a physical, please read below:

St. Luke’s University Health Network will be offering free physicals for MS (7 & 8) and HS (9 - 12) student athletes interested in participating in spring sports on Wednesday, February 28th at Fleetwood High School from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

• Where: Fleetwood High School
• When: Wednesday, February 28th
• Time: 5:30 - 8:00 PM
• Primary Schools: Fleetwood, Brandywine, Kutztown, Oley, Salem Christian
• Registration: 2024 St. Luke's Free Spring Physical Sign Up Link

2) If you are a first time athlete for this school year (23-24), you also need to complete the online registration through Big Teams Student Central located at www.ktowncougars.org. Click on the box that says online registration. You must create a student account and also a parent account. Both accounts must be linked before you complete the forms (St. Luke's, PIAA, and KASD forms)

3) If you are a returning athlete, Student Central has uploaded the spring recertification form. Both student athletes and parents need to complete the form!

4) The online registration and physical needs to be completed prior to participation in any official spring athletic practice. We are asking everyone to complete all registrations online and not use hardcopies. If someone did complete the PIAA forms already, you can upload them to each section in Student Central. All registrations and spring recertification forms are Thursday, February 29th, 2024!

5) Any questions for spring sports, you can email the coaches below...

• HS Baseball: Tim Mertz, tmertz@kasd.org
• HS Softball: Kevin Conrad, kconrad@kasd.org
• HS Boys' Volleyball: Philip Moyer, pmoyer@kasd.org
• HS Co-Ed Track: Larry Chester, lchester@kasd.org
• HS Boys' Tennis: Louann Reppert, lreppert@kasd.org
• MS Baseball: Seth Heffner, sheffner@kasd.org
• MS Softball: Chaera Frederick, cfrederick@kasd.org
• MS Co-Ed Track: Kirsten Paxson, kpaxson@kasd.org

ATHLETICS LIVE STREAM

The Kutztown athletics live stream for athletic events in the Kutztown HS Stadium and the Kutztown HS John Silan Gymnasium is now Team1Sports Powered by HUDL TV.

Here is the link to the new website: Team1Sports

• The livestreams are still free of charge.
• When you go to the website you will need to go to the Search Broadcasts bar and type Kutztown HS in the Search by School line.
• You will then see all current and upcoming live streams available for Kutztown athletics.

Thank you for supporting our student athletes!

Come out and support your Kutztown athletic teams at their home openers! Check out their schedules on our athletic website, www.ktowncougars.org.

Purchase your Athletic Cougar Passes which will save you money!

ATHLETIC INFORMATION

Please visit www.ktowncougars.org for information regarding pre-participation physicals, online registration for Kutztown Athletics for the 2023 - 2024 school year, summer athletic opportunities for all our sports, and strength and conditioning. Contact information for all our fall varsity head coaches are included in this information as well. 

COUGAR CARDS

Cougar Cards are available now! They can be purchased for $10 at The Quality Shoppe, Erb Electric, and Once Again Thrift Store or call Diane Haring 610-683-7755. The Card features many local merchants and is good for multiple uses all of 2024!

Benefits both the KAHS Athletic Hall of Fame and Kutztown Elementary Parents Club. ($10 cost)

2023-2024 District Calendar