Hello KCS friends and family!

At KCS, Education + Imagination Come into Focus. This month we focus on the future. Earlier this month, our 7th graders received hands-on learning that will benefit them for a lifetime. Our new 4th and 5th grade STEM class has been learning skills that will translate to future success in the classroom and in their adult lives. Additionally, our board has been taking proactive steps that will build a solid future for KCS. We have a lot to offer students and their families at KCS. Share this newsletter with friends and neighbors to show them all the great things we’re doing to build a stronger future.

One final important note: You may have read in the news about some Minnesota charter schools that have had financial difficulties. Our leadership and board are fiscally responsible and our school is on sound financial ground. Our budget and finances are available for review at any time – please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Brad Sellner, Executive Director

An Illuminating Trip to Osprey Wilds

by Carrie Lynch, 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher

KCS 7th graders were treated to a spectacular northern lights show at the conclusion of the school’s annual class trip to Osprey Wilds on Oct. 9-11. The class trip takes students out of the classroom for hands-on learning and team-building activities. Trip goals included a focus on teamwork and life sciences, as well as cultivating an appreciation for nature. Read the full article here.

Hands-on Learning

Hands-on Learning Every Day Activity for Young Scientists

by Myla Bondhus, Grade 4/5 STEM Instructor



Do spaghetti noodles, string, playdough and marshmallows have a place in the classroom? The answer is a resounding yes for students in KCS’s 4th and 5th grade combination Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM). With these household items, students used their engineering skills to build a structure. Exercises like this help students employ collaboration and synergy skills, and help students think out of the box and transfer their skills to everyday problem-solving. Read the full article here.

The final numbers for the 2024 Walk at School have been calculated, and we are thrilled to announce that as a school community, we raised an impressive $17,500 in just 4 days! The proceeds will go toward offsetting the cost of field trips throughout the year as well as giving teachers additional budget funds to purchase materials for their classrooms.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the generous contributors and the dedicated volunteers and staff whose support and hard work made this day a resounding success. Special thank you to our Comets Booster and Kaleidoscope Parent Teacher Organization (KPTO) for putting this whole event together year after year. Look at the things we can accomplish when partnering together!

School Closing Announcements

Since Kaleidoscope Charter School students are transported on the same buses as students in ISD728 (Elk River-Otsego-Rogers-Zimmerman), our school will not be open if ISD728 middle and high schools are closed and will have a delayed opening and/or early dismissal if ISD728 middle and high schools are delayed or have early release due to inclement weather or other emergency affecting transportation to Kaleidoscope Charter School. In addition, Kaleidoscope may close when the ISD 728 schools stay open.

Kaleidoscope Charter School’s closing will be announced through multiple means, including an automated text message, an email, on Facebook, and on our website at www.kcsmn.org. It will also be posted on television stations, KARE-11, WCCO-4, KSTP - 5, and KMSP-9. Here is a link to our e-Learning Day plan if an e-Learning Day is used in lieu of a traditional snow day.