SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

From the Desk of Mr. Linnert

Important news and updates from Keystone Oaks High School!

Dear KOHS Students and Families, 

Thank you for a terrific start to the 2021-2022 school year! It has been great to have our high school filled with students learning in-person again! At the end of the first week, the high school counselors and I met with each grade level to provide students with important information about Keystone Oaks High School. More information will be sent this week, but please mark your calendars now and plan to join us on Thursday, September 23 for the High School's Curriculum Night, where you'll have an opportunity to follow your child's schedule and meet their teachers. 

Many of our high school clubs and activities have scheduled their first meetings of the school year for this week. Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved at KOHS! 

• Library Announcements - See Mrs. McGaughey during your study hall to get involved. 
• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) - Tuesday, September 14, after school, Room 223
• Strength Club - Tuesday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 15, 2:40 - 3:45, High School Weight Room
• Student Senate - See Mrs. Resetar in Room 108 for more information.
• Best Friends Club - Tuesday, September 14, after school, Room 121, Cornhole in the Courtyard. Bring a friend! 
• KOHS Torch Yearbook - Tuesday, September 14, after school, Room 206
• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) - Thursday, September 16, after school, Room 206

We are excited for the return of the Varieties Talent Show! Auditions will be held on Wednesday, September 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Any interested performers should sign up outside of room 104.

For students who participate in extra curricular activities and athletics, please do not forget about the Activity Bus, which will department from Keystone Oaks Middle & High Schools on the following days and times:

• Monday - Thursday, 5:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday & Thursday, 4 p.m. 

Please visit the District's website for a list of stops for the Activity Bus -  https://www.kosd.org/BuildingsGroundsTransportation.aspx

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. On behalf of the high school staff, we're looking forward to an excellent school year! 

Thank you, 

Mr. Michael Linnert
Principal
Keystone Oaks High School
Twitter: @KOHS_Linnert

From the Desk of Dr. Kattan

Important news and updates from Keystone Oaks Middle School!

Dear KOMS Students & Families,

THANK YOU all for a tremendous beginning to the 2021-2022 school year! You all have done a fantastic job getting back into school this year. We had some expected hiccups, but we have nine days in and we are starting to soar! 

6th and 7th Grade Schedule - We have been able to add health class back into the schedule for 6th and 7th grade. This has replaced Access for the students, but we do have periods built into the teachers schedules that allow students to see their specific teachers for assistance. Teachers will also use the time to work with students one-on-one if they start to see a student is getting behind in their work. This is a shift but I think we will see a benefit for the students with their understanding of the content in class as well as the advantage of having health concepts taught to the students all year. 

Agendas - We also did not hand out hard copies of agenda books this year. We are using more digital means for the students to keep track of their work. 

PFO News - The KOMS PFO is looking for new members and great ideas! 
Zoom meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 p.m.. The first meeting is tonight, Monday, September 13, 2021. 

MS PFO Membership Form -  https://forms.gle/mdfCKLauLWwNY1G77 
MS PFO Fundraising Survey - https://forms.gle/vG6esQ2eYruRxrso8   

If you have any questions, please email pfokoms@gmail.com

Absences - Please be sure to send in a note for your child’s absence within three days of their return to make it excused. A handwritten note or email to your child’s homeroom teacher AND Mrs. Herrle ( mherrle@kosd.org) is all we need. Please make sure to remind your child to turn the note in to their homeroom teacher if you are writing one for them. If they do not turn it in within the three day timeframe, the absence cannot be changed to excused.

SWPBIS - We will be running our School Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program this year. Students will earn tickets for being examples of what it means to be Respectful, Responsible and Safe in all areas of the building. Students will earn both individual, grade level, and school wide prizes throughout the school year. We may even bring back the most popular student prize - MVP Lunch! 

No Place for Hate - We will also be bringing back our No Place for Hate program and committee this year. This is a group of students, teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents that meet once a month to plan activities that will help engage students and staff in dialogue and active learning on the topics of bias, bullying, inclusion and allyship that matter most to our community. Keep an eye and ear open for more information and meetings. I look forward to the opportunity to bring new programs to our students. 

After School Activities and Tutoring - We will be starting up our after school activities and tutoring in the next couple of weeks. More information on the activities you children can participate in will be coming out soon. 

First Week of School Celebration - On Friday, September 3, we had the opportunity to celebrate the first week of school with an ice cream snack. The students had their choice of chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla ice cream as a part of lunch. All enjoyed celebrating a successful first week of school. 

Curriculum Night/Open House - Save the date: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. More information will be provided this week. 
 

That is all we have for Middle School this week. Please reach out with any questions or needs that you may have ( kattan@kosd.org).

Thank you,

Jeff Kattan, Ed.D.​
Principal
Keystone Oaks Middle School

From the Desk of Mr. Thomas

Important news and updates from Fred L. Aiken Elementary School!

Dear Aiken Elementary Families, 

Wow, I am blown away! This past Friday, September 10th, we had students wear their pajamas to school and bring in a donation to help the American Red Cross and their Hurricane Ida Relief efforts. Our Amazing Aiken #KOmmunity did not disappoint. As a school, we collected $775 in just one day to send to the Red Cross. THANK YOU to all that donated. I am so #KOproud to be part of this amazing school community who always SOARs to the occasion! 

It was great to see many of you at our Curriculum Night on Thursday. If you couldn’t make it, no worries, please see the links below to access the information your child’s teacher covered. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email your child's teacher(s) directly. 

1st Grade -  Mrs. Goimarac

1st Grade -  Mrs. Pfeuffer

2nd Grade -  Mrs. Turner

2nd Grade -  Mrs. Clegg

3rd Grade -  Mrs. O'Brien

3rd Grade -  Miss Irvine

3rd Grade -  Mr. Shuck & Mr. Opperman (3rd)

4th Grade -  Mrs. Kusserow & Mrs. Graham (4th)

5th Grade -  Mr. Opperman & Mr. Shuck (5th)

K-3 Learning Support -  Miss Yamalis

4-5 Learning Support -  Mrs. Kochanski

Keep SOARing,

Mr. Dave Thomas

Principal
Fred L. Aiken Elementary School  ​

Like & Follow Aiken Elementary School on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KOAikenElementary

Follow Mr. Thomas on Twitter: @KOAikenElemMrT

From the Desk of Mr. Werner

Important news and updates from Dormont Elementary School!

Hello There Super Awesome Dormont Families and Faculty,

It’s your friendly neighborhood principal, Mr. Werner, reaching out to let you know how things are going here at Dormont. Our kiddos are rocking it… finding their respective grooves! Our teachers are going above and beyond…like they always do! Our support staff is doing an amazing job…day in and day out! Our families are phenomenal… from sunrise to sunset! I couldn’t be more proud of our Dormont Community! We truly make an awesome team!

Here are a few pieces of information you need to know:

Principal's Positive Behavior Club (PBC): Our students have been showing some remarkable behavior over the first two weeks of school, as they have been earning their blue tickets. Our students earn blue tickets for demonstrating one of our school-wide expectations: Being safe, responsible, respectful, kind, or here. Those tickets are given to Mrs. Wareham, and their name goes on the Virtual Game Board. When we have a winning row, column, or diagonal, our students will win a prize. We’ll then clear the board and start all over again.

AND… DRUM ROLL… We had a winning column! Congratulations to the following students: Noah W., Martin O., Reese D., Edward R., Norah S., Henry E., Halligan F., Allie K., Arya G., and Aiden H.  Way to go!!!

This year, we’ll also have school-wide incentives.  When we reach 400 blue tickets, our students will earn their first prize.  I can’t wait to see what it is! Keep up the good work!

Shop and Save: Do you shop at Shop and Save? Do you have their Perks card? Is it linked to Dormont Elementary?  If not, I hope you’ll consider linking it to our school. Why, you ask? Because it allows us to earn SEED money, which allows us to have super awesome assemblies at our school. Click here to learn more about it:  https://www.shopnsavefood.com/extra/seed

Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Rolls: Mrs. Mercalde is searching for TP and PT rolls. If you have any that are about to be thrown away, could you please send them in for Art? Thank you so much!

DQ Night: Do you have a hankering for a Cookie Dough Blizzard?  Are you craving a Dilly Bar? Well, you’re just in luck. Dormont Elementary School is having a DQ Night on September 14, 2021 from 5:00 pm -7:30 pm at the DQ on McFarland. Come visit us.  It’s going to be brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-illiant!

Summer Reading Adventure: Over the summer, we had our Summer Reading Adventure, with students earning a free book from Barnes and Noble. Students were also in the running to win a Kindle. Each student who participated received a certificate. We want to congratulate Lidia B. and Drake R. on winning their own Kindle, and Leo D., who won a gift card to Barnes and Noble. 

Outdoor Recess: With the weather getting a little cooler, we will continue to capitalize on the dry(ish) days. Please be sure to have your child wear weather-appropriate clothes, including sweatshirts, jackets, etc., as we will try to have outdoor recess as much as the weather allows. Even if it is only on the blacktop, it will be wonderful having the children outside for some fresh air and movement before lunch.

Thank You: I would be remiss if I didn’t send out a special SHOUT OUT to our Dormont PFO for replenishing our faculty room with snacks and last-minute, “Oh, I forgot my lunch” lunches. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and the gift cards will all be put to good use. We love the Dormont community!

A few links that you may find useful: 

Absences: Please be sure to send in a note for your child’s absence within three days of their return. A handwritten note, or email to your child’s teacher AND Mrs. Wareham ( wareham@kosd.org), will suffice.  For your convenience, here’s a link to our excuse form/

Vacation: Vacation requests are due two weeks prior to your trip.  For your convenience, here’s the link for our vacation form.

That’s about it from our end.  Thank you for your continued support.  It is TRULY appreciated.  If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Mr. Brian Werner ​

Principal
Dormont Elementary School  ​

Like & Follow Dormont Elementary on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DormontElementary
 

Follow Mr. Werner on Twitter: @PrincipalWerner

From the Desk of Mr. Mizikar

Important news and updates from Myrtle Avenue Elementary School!

Myrtle Elementary Families, 

Thank you for a great start to the 2021-2022 school year! I hope that you and your children are settling into a routine and are adjusting well to being back in school full time. I know that we have experienced some unanticipated transportation issues and I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make adjustments to transportation routes and schedules so that our buses run as close to on-time as possible. 

On Friday, September 10, Myrtle Elementary Students had the opportunity to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. Coordinated by the Myrtle PFO, Mayor Baumgartner and members of the Castle Shannon Police and Fire Departments were able to speak with the student body about the events. Thank you to all of the community members who helped us learn about the significance of September 11, 2001 and for giving Myrtle students the opportunity to thank our first responders for their service and dedication to the community.

If you have not done so, please make sure to accept or decline the Insurance for the school district Chromebooks. More information is available on the Technology Department's website. 

I am looking forward to an amazing year for the students of Myrtle Elementary. Our focus at the building level this year is going to be engagement and how we as educators can make sure that your children are not only learning but engaged in the activities that lead to learning and helping them to be more successful.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. 
 

Mr. Scott Mizikar ​​

Principal
Myrtle Avenue Elementary School  ​

Like & Follow Myrtle Aveneue Elementary School on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/myrtlekosd

Follow Mr. Mizikar on Twitter: @PrincipalMiz

High School Events

• High School Curriculum Night - Thursday, September 23, 6:30 pm
• High School Picture Day - Wednesday, September 29

District Events

• Board of School Directors Work Session - Tuesday, September 14, 7 pm
• Board of School Directors Business/Legislative Meeting - Tuesday, September 21, 7 pm

Gold & White Days

Every Friday is Gold & White Day! Don't forget to wear your favorite Keystone Oaks gear to show your Golden Eagles pride! 

Varsity Athletic Schedules

Don't miss any opportunities to show your Golden Eagles spirit and to show your pride for our varsity athletes! Schedules are available on the Athletic Department's website:  https://kogoldeneagles.com

Middle School Events

• Middle School PFO Meeting - Monday, September 13, 7 pm, Zoom
• Middle School Curriculum Night - Wednesday, September 22, 6:30 pm
• Middle School Picture Day - Wednesday, September 29

District Events

• Board of School Directors Work Session - Tuesday, September 14, 7 pm
• Board of School Directors Business/Legislative Meeting - Tuesday, September 21, 7 pm

Gold & White Days

Every Friday is Gold & White Day! Don't forget to wear your favorite Keystone Oaks gear to show your Golden Eagles pride! 

Middle School Athletic Schedules

Don't miss any opportunities to show your Golden Eagles spirit and to show your pride for our 7th and 8th grade athletes! Schedules are available on the Athletic Department's website:  https://kogoldeneagles.com/

Aiken Elementary Events

• Aiken Elementary Picture Day - Wednesday, September 29
• Aiken Elementary PFO Meeting - Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 pm

District Events

• Board of School Directors Work Session Meeting - Tuesday, September 14, 7 pm
• Board of School Directors Business/Legislative Meeting - Tuesday, September 21, 7 pm

Gold & White Days

Every Friday is Gold & White Day! Don't forget to wear your favorite Keystone Oaks gear to show your Golden Eagles pride! 

Dormont Elementary School Events

• Dormont Elementary Picture Day - Wednesday, September 29
• Dormont Elementary PFO Meeting - Wednesday, October 8, 7 pm

District Events

• Board of School Directors Work Session Meeting - Tuesday, September 14, 7 pm
• Board of School Directors Business/Legislative Meeting - Tuesday, September 21, 7 pm

Gold & White Days

Every Friday is Gold & White Day! Don't forget to wear your favorite Keystone Oaks gear to show your Golden Eagles pride! 

Myrtle Elementary School Events

• Myrtle Elementary Picture Day - Wednesday, September 29
• 5th Grade vs. Faculty Kick Ball - Friday, September 24

District Events

• Board of School Directors Work Session Meeting - Tuesday, Septmeber 14, 7 pm
• Board of School Directors Business/Legislative Meeting - Tuesday, September 21, 7 pm

Gold & White Days

Every Friday is Gold & White Day! Don't forget to wear your favorite Keystone Oaks gear to show your Golden Eagles pride! 

Public Comment & Participation for September 14 Board of School Directors Business/Legislative Meeting

The Keystone Oaks Board of School Directors will hold their monthly Work Session Meeting beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. The following options will be available for anyone who would like to participate in this month’s meeting:

• Public comments can be submitted via this form: https://forms.gle/QVShpw5b6D5nUHaN7. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 13, 2021. Comments submitted after the September 13, 2021 deadline will be read at the September 21, 2021 Business/Legislative Meeting. Electronic comments submitted through this form will appear in their entirety in the official meeting minutes. The Board reserves the right to read aloud public comments in their entirety or to summarize comments at the public meeting. If your comment exceeds the 200 word limit,  you can email additional information to publiccomment@kosd.org.
• Attend the board meeting in-person: Members of the community who would like to attend the Board Meeting in person may do so. There is no longer a limit on the number of individuals who can attend the meeting in person. Face masks are required for everyone who attends the meeting in person. 
• Watch the meeting live via YouTube: The Zoom meeting will be broadcast live on the District's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGqxdqPvnCls9cXJFjRXsg?view_as=subscriber.

The agenda for the September 14, 2021 Work Session Meeting will be made available on the District's website by 3 p.m. on Monday, September 13, 2021: https://www.kosd.org/SchoolBoardMeetingAgendas.aspx

Keystone Oaks Selected to be Part of Learning 2025 Initiative: A National Push to Transform America’s Education System 

Keystone Oaks School District has joined the Learning 2025 network of demonstration systems, a collaborative network of districts to help advance student-centered, equity-focused, future-driven education, administered by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

The more than 60 “demonstration systems” represent a collection of forward-leaning urban, suburban and rural districts serving as national models to help guide and reposition partner districts efficiently by sharing successful practices and successes, as well as challenges. 

Click here to read more about the District's participation in this program.  

Join Our Team! Several immediate job openings are now available! 

We are proud to offer a positive work environment , competitive pay , generous fringe benefits , and positions that follow the school calendar! 

Keystone Oaks has immediate openings for Food Service Department employees, Custodial & Maintenance Staff, Instructional Paraprofessionals, and a building-level secretary at Keystone Oaks High School. 

More information is available on our website:  https://www.kosd.org/EmploymentOpportunities.aspx    

Employee Excellence: Celebrating District Employees with 30 Years of Service  

To celebrate the end of the first week of school, Superintendent Dr. Stropkaj, Director of Finance & Human Resources Mr. Kubiak, and building principals surprised seven teachers who are commemorating their 30th work anniversary with the Keystone Oaks School District this school year. Congratulations to the following individuals: 

• Debbie Bucek, 5th Grade Teacher, Dormont Elementary School
• Christine Chimento, Science Teacher, Keystone Oaks High School
• Kathy Geisler, 8th Grade English Teacher, Keystone Oaks Middle School
• Dana Goimarac, 1st Grade Teacher, Aiken Elementary School
• Jil Graham, 4th Grade Teacher, Aiken Elementary School
• Ken Hustava, Physical Education Teacher, Keystone Oaks High School
• Nicole Varrenti, Counselor, Keystone Oaks High School