2020-2021 Back to School Newsletter

Principal’s Corner August 2020

Dear Kesling Parents and Students:

August is here which means that school will begin in a few weeks. We hope everyone has been safe

and healthy during the summer. The beginning of the year is a great opportunity to begin fresh, set

new goals and strive towards greatness. This will be our goal for all students whether in person or

through virtual distance learning. As summer vacation draws to an end, students and parents begin

preparing for the start of school. This letter has been prepared to help answer some of the questions

you might have prior to the first day of school. At the beginning of each month, please look forward

to a school newsletter that will be posted on Skyward with a link to the monthly newsletter that will be

posted on the Kesling website. If we move to a virtual distance learning programming model, please

look forward to at least one weekly communication from the Kesling Administration regarding

important information. We encourage parents to frequently visit the Kesling website at

www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/kesling for information regarding your child’s school or like us on Facebook.

As situations change in the next few weeks and throughout the year, communications will be made by

either the administration at school or the LaPorte Community School Corporation Administration

Office. Throughout the summer, the Kesling administration along with the LaPorte Middle School

Administration has been working closely with each other to create plans for a safe re-entry into

school. There are numerous mitigation strategies, cleaning protocols, and social distancing practices

that will be implemented to keep students and staff safe. We hope you find these newsletters and/or

weekly communications beneficial and informative. The first day of school is Monday, August 24,

2020 and students will report to their TA/Homeroom when they arrive in the morning. We will send

out more information as the day approaches.

LaPorte Community School Corporation registration is now open for all students through Skyward

Family Access until August 7th. During this time, we ask that all parents evaluate the three back to

school learning options and select an option for each one of your students. Please complete the

registration steps completely and review all personal information for accuracy as this allows for staff

and administration to communicate necessary information during the school year. Furthermore,

please make sure to visit our school website to view the Kesling COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan, the

Updated LPCSC School Calendar, a document outlining the three learning plans, and other

information regarding the start of the school year. The three plans are also located at the end of this

newsletter along with some of the safety precautions that are being put in place a school. The link to

the Kesling website is: http://www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/kesling/

We are excited that The LaPorte Community School Corporation along with The La Porte Jaycees

and local businesses will be hosting the fourth annual “Rock the Block” back to school

celebration at the Bethany Lutheran Church on August 5, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Please visit the event website at https://www.rocktheblocklaporte.com/ to pre-register for the

event, which is mandatory. The event will be a drive thru format to receive backpacks and

supplies for school.

We are currently developing a plan for students to tour the building before the first day of school.

More information will be released after all students have registered. Finally, on Thursday, August 6,

2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, August 7, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. we will have

registration for any students who are new to the La Porte Community School Corporation. Families

must call the school (219)362-7507 to schedule an appointment or email Mrs. Hart:

dhart@lpcsc.k12.in.us .

As families go shopping for school clothes, we want to make sure all parents are aware of the Kesling

Intermediate School student dress code. Please review the student dress code section in the

newsletter. Please understand that the school reserves the right to alter student dress when the

dress is determined to be unsafe, inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive to the learning

environment. We appreciate everyone following the student dress code, as it will be strictly

enforced. Students will be asked to change clothes to meet the dress code guidelines. Working

together as a team, we are confident that the dress code will be followed and that this will be another

great year for the Kesling Middle School family. Please do not hesitate to contact us (219-362-7507),

if you have any specific questions or concerns or email me bwilmsen@lpcsc.k12.in.us . The office is

open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., until school begins. Once school begins, the administrative

area will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. We hope you enjoy the final days of your vacation.

Sincerely,

Bill Wilmsen Lisa Marks Mark Wilson

Bill Wilmsen Lisa Marks Mark Wilson

Principal Assistant Principal Dean of Students/Athletic Director

Kesling Intermediate School Main

Entrance and Parent Parking Lot: The

lot in front of Doors #1 and #2 are reserved

for parents and visitors to the Kesling

Campus. Parents of children who attend

Kesling Intermediate School should use

door #2 to enter the building during the

school day.

New Student Registration and

Orientation (Students New to the

Corporation): The following times have

been set for new student registration:

Thursday, August 6 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Friday, August 7 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

If you know a new student in

the Kesling district, please

inform him/her that new

students may register at

these times; however, they

must call school to schedule an appointment.

Fourth and fifth graders who were

enrolled in the LaPorte Community

School Corporation at the end of the

fourth and fifth grade year do not need to

register as they have automatically been

enrolled.

LPCSC Homeschool Academy

Information: The LPCSC Homeschool

Academy is a long-term distance learning

option aimed to service families who elect to

be removed from traditional school to a full

time, long term virtual environment for at least

one year or more. LPCSC is partnering with

Edmentum to offer a homeschool academy in

the LPCSC. A special virtual meeting is

scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th, at 6 p.m.

to provide LPCSC families who are interested

to learn more about the new LPCSC

Homeschool Academy. Parents who are

interested in homeschooling with LPCSC are

encouraged to register using this link:

https://edmentum.zoom.us/webinar/register/W

N_Dsb7Gw6mRWq4duuM-cWBcw.

Registering in advance is needed. After

registering, you will receive a confirmation

email containing information about joining the

webinar.

Bus Information: The transportation

department will be sending out busing

information to all families before the start of

the school year. Please call the

transportation department for specific

questions (362-1023) or Kesling

Intermediate School (362-7507); however,

please do not make such calls until after

August 19, 2021.

Student Breakfast & Lunch Information:

Kesling uses a computerized system for

purchasing lunches. Parents are encouraged

to make deposits into student

accounts through the

online portal. During the

school year, students will

give their name to gain

access to deposited funds

available. Eventually,

students will swipe their student ID once

they are available. Please visit the following

link from the Food Services Department, to

access the monthly meal menu, free and

reduced lunch applications and nutritional

information please visit the following

link:http://www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/foodservice/

Breakfast: All students in K-8 may get a

free breakfast. When entering the building,

students may get a pre-bagged “Grab & Go”

breakfast and go directly to TA class where

the students may eat the breakfast.

Lunch: Students lunch prices for the 2020-

2021 school year are as follows:

1st Lunch: $2.05

2nd Lunch: $2.35

Milk: $.45

Please contact the Food Service Department

(362-8823) if you need additional

information or questions.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up of students: The

back of the school is reserved for parents of

Kesling Intermediate School students to

drop off and pick up students from school.

Students should enter through Door #9, get a

“Grab and Go” breakfast and go directly to

TA class. Parents need to access the back-

parking lot from A Street. Please refer to

the link listed below to for the Kesling

Campus Traffic Diagram:

Kesling Campus Traffic Flow August

2021

Parents of students who attend both schools

may use the front lot entering that parking

lot from 18th Street. 5th and 6th Grade

students need to use Door #2 grab a

breakfast and go directly to TA Class.

Book Rental: Book rental statements will

be mailed home in late August/early

September. Once statements are received,

parents are expected to pay balances as soon

as possible. All book rental must be paid in

full by May. Any balance after May will be

turned over to a collection agency which

will include a processing fee.

First Day Information: The first day of

school is Monday, August 24, 2020. We

will send out more information as the first

day of school approaches.

Parent Access: All parents and guardians

have the opportunity to have immediate

access to student grades, attendance, and

communications from the school through the

student management system Skyward. Our

goal is to have 100% participation to

monitor student progress on a continuous

basis. Mrs. Hart in the Counselors Office

is the contact person for any questions

regarding parent access or if you need to

establish an account.

Procedure to Access Daily Work and

Assignments When Absent: All Kesling

teachers are required to use the Canvas

Platform to post daily work and

assignments. All students at Kesling know

or will know how to access Canvas to check

the announcements in each class. The

following are the instructions that all should

follow when logging into Canvas:

How to Log into Canvas at Home 1. Open your web browser. 2. Go to

https://lpcsc.instructure.com 3. Enter your students Username

and Password which are the same as their Skyward Password

4. From the dashboard, a list of all of your child’s courses will appear. In each course, click the

5. microphone to view announcements for that class.

Kesling Campus PTO: We are always

looking for parents to become actively

involved in the Kesling Campus PTO by

serving as an active member, officer or just

contribute. Please contact, Bill Wilmsen by

email: bwilmsen@lpcsc.k12.in.us if you are

interested in becoming involved with the

PTO and that information will be forwarded

to the Kesling Campus PTO Officers. The

Kesling Campus PTO consists of both

Kesling Intermediate School and LaPorte

Middle School representatives. The main

responsibility of the PTO officers/active

member is to attend monthly meetings and

organize the various activities planned at the

Kesling campus. The dates, formats of

meetings and times of meetings will be

communicated at a later date. Athletics: We are very excited to offer

Cross Country to our incoming 5th and 6th

grade boys and girls. This sport will be an

introduction to running for

these eventual speedsters. We

will also have Volleyball for 6th

grade girls. If interested, please

have your child listen to

announcements (and please

follow us on our Kesling Intermediate

Facebook page) for additional sign-up

information.

The details regarding cross country and

volleyball will be communicated at that time

the sports start. Before athletes can

participate they are required to complete an

athletic physical and complete paperwork

from the Athletic Handbook which can be

accessed at the following links listed below.

If students had a physical as a fourth-grade

or fifth grade student, then parents just need

to complete the Athletic Physical Consent

and Release Form.

If you have any questions please contact Mr.

Wilson, Athletic Director or Mrs. Garrett,

Athletic Secretary. 219-362-7507.

2020-2021 IHSAA Physical Form

Athletic Handbook

Athletic Consent and Release Form

Student Supplies: A general supply list is

provided at the end of the newsletter, or you

may click on the following link:

Kesling Intermediate School Supply List

2020-2021

Kesling Student Handbook & LPCSC

Corporation Handbook: All students will

receive a school planner on the first day of

school. This planner includes LPCSC

Corporation Policies, student rules, student

hall passes, a school calendar, and ample

space to record homework assignments.

There are papers at the end of the handbook

that must be signed and returned to the

school.

Student Insurance: There are no

provisions for the LaPorte Community

School Corporation to carry general medical

insurance on its students. However, optional

student accident insurance is available.

Information will be sent home on this type

of coverage on the first day of school. We

encourage you to consider purchasing this

insurance, especially if your child will be

participating in athletics. Payments for

these policies must be sent directly to the

insurance carrier providing the coverage.

Student Forms: There are a few forms that

will need to be filled out that are in the

student planner along with some forms that

will be given out the first day of school.

The forms will also be on the Kesling

website.

Student Lockers and Book

Bags: Students will not be

using lockers until further

notice due to COVID – 19. Students will be

allowed to carry a book bag to class until

circumstances change regarding the

pandemic. Please contact Ashley at

(219)362-7507 if you would like a free

backpack.

STUDENT DRESS A student dressing in a manner that is

dangerous to the health or safety of students

or in a way that interferes with one’s own

learning or the learning of other students is

unacceptable. This would include the

possession of any item which advertises or

promotes drugs, alcohol, sex, profanity,

obscenity, gangs, or racial, ethnic, and

religious intolerance. The school reserves

the right to alter student dress when the

dress is determined to be unsafe,

inappropriate, offensive or disruptive to

the learning environment. Teachers

assist in the implementation of the dress

code policy.

STUDENT DRESS CODE: We ask for the support of students’ parents

to assure that students come to school

properly groomed and dressed. Proper attire

is defined as clothing that is clean, does not

create a health or safety hazard and is not

distracting or demeaning to other students.

GENERAL GUIDELINES • Any clothing, shoes or accessories that

may pose a health/safety risk or is a

disruption to the educational environment is

not allowed.

• Clothing that is excessively ripped,

tattered, or has holes revealing

undergarments or skin above mid-thigh is

not allowed.

• Clothing that is sheer/see-through or

stretches to reveal skin is not allowed.

• Clothing containing references to gangs,

drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, violence,

profanities, religious/racial slurs or anything

offensive is not allowed.

Tops:

• All tops must go to shoulders and be long

enough in the front and back to not reveal

skin or undergarments

• All tops are to be appropriately fitting, not

excessively tight or loose nor revealing of

skin or straps.

Bottoms:

• All bottom garments are to be

appropriately sized, not sagging, and must

cover undergarments.

• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be below

mid-thigh, when shoulders are in normal

position.

Headwear:

• Not allowed: hats, caps, full bandanas,

sunglasses, etc. Exceptions are allowed for

medical and religious reasons.

• Hoods must be down.

Footwear:

• Not allowed: heelies, bedroom slippers or

any other shoes without a hard bottom.

Some classes may have specific footwear

requirements for safety.

Any form of clothing which is considered

contrary to good hygiene, safety

requirements or is disruptive to the

educational process will not be permitted.

The school administration reserves the right

to approve or disapprove any items not

addressed in the dress code policy. Final

decision is at the discretion of the principal

or his/her designee. Students who violate the

dress code will be asked to wear alternative

clothing and/or call parents to bring a

change of clothes. Repeated offenses to the

dress code will be considered as

insubordination with additional, more severe

consequences following.

Student Messages and Items Brought to

School: During the school day, parents may

contact the Counselor’s Office to get

messages to their child; however, we ask

that these contacts be made only in the case

of an emergency or school-related business.

In addition, if an item needs to be brought to

school for students, the item needs to be

dropped off on the table outside the main

office and we will get the item to the

student. We ask that you only come into the

office area if it is absolutely necessary. We

attempt to limit the number of classroom

interruptions to maximize the learning

opportunity for all students.

Early Sign-outs: If the need arises to be

dismissed from school prior to the end of the

regular day, parents must call or send a note

to school. Students should go to the

Principal’s Office with the note to obtain a

dismissal pass on the day they plan to leave

or if the parent calls, a note will be given to

the student. In addition, if a student feels ill

at school, they need to go to the Nurse’s

Office to be evaluated by the School Nurse

before being dismissed from school.

Students should not be contacting parents

directly by cell phone as the proper

procedure needs to be followed so we have

an accurate accounting of student attendance

for safety.

Volunteers: At this time, volunteers at

school are not allowed due to COVID-19. If

that policy changes during the school year,

all volunteers at school will need to have a

background check completed. The

procedures to follow to volunteer at school

will be sent out at the time that this policy

changes.

KESLING SCHOOL CALENDAR

(2020-2021)

August 5 Rock the Block at Bethany Lutheran Church (4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)

24 First Student Day

September 7 NO SCHOOL “Labor Day”

October 2 Last Day of 1st Six Weeks Electives Rotation

21 End of 1st Grading Period

22-23 NO SCHOOL “Fall Break”

November 3 E-Learning Day: PD For Staff/No School for students

17 Last Day of 2nd Six Weeks Electives Rotation

25-27 Thanksgiving Break (No School)

December 21-1/1 Winter Break

January 4 School Resumes

15 End of 2nd Grading Period, 3rd Six Weeks Electives Rotation and 1st Semester

18 NO SCHOOL “MLK Day”

February 3 E-Learning Day: PD For Staff/No School for students

15 NO SCHOOL “Presidents Day”

March 2 Last Day of 4th Six Weeks Electives Rotation

3 E-Learning Day: PD For Staff/No School for students

19 End of 3rd Grading Period

April 2 NO SCHOOL “Good Friday”

5-9 NO SCHOOL “Spring Break”

21 Last Day of 5th Six Weeks Electives Rotation

May 31 NO SCHOOL “Memorial Day” June 4 Last Student Day: End of 4th Grading Period, 6th Six Weeks Electives Rotation and 2nd Semester

Kesling Intermediate School Daily Schedule

Grade 5

Teams 5-1, 5-2 & 5-3 Teams 5-4 & 5-5 Teacher Advisory: 7:35 - 8:13 Teacher Advisory: 7:35 - 8:13

Electives: 8:16 - 8:56 Academic Block: 8:16 - 8:56

Academic Block: 8:59 - 9:39 Electives: 8:59 - 9:39

Electives: 9:42 - 10:22 Academic Block: 9:42 - 10:22

Lunch: 10:25 - 10:55 Lunch 10:25 - 10:55

Academic Block: 10:58 - 2:35 Electives: 10:58 - 11:38

Academic Block: 11:41 - 2:35

Grade 6

Teams 6-1 & 6-2 Teams 6-3 & 6-4 Teacher Advisory: 7:35 - 7:53 Teacher Advisory: 7:35 - 7:53

Academic Block (Period 1): 7:56 - 8:41 Academic Block (Period 1): 7:56 - 8:41

Academic Block (Period 2): 8:44 - 9:29 Academic Block (Period 2): 8:44 - 9:29

Academic Block (Period 3): 9:32 - 10:17 Academic Block (Period 3): 9:32 - 10:17

Academic Block (Period 4): 10:20 - 11:05 Academic Block (Period 4): 10:20 - 11:05

Lunch: 11:08 - 11:38 Lunch: 11:08 - 11:38

Academic Block (Period 5): 11:41 - 12:26 Electives (Period 5): 11:41 - 12:21

Electives (Period 6): 12:29 - 1:09 Academic Block (Period 6): 12:24 - 1:09 Music, Remediation or Enrichment

(Period 7): 1:12- 1:52 Electives (Period 7): 1:12- 1:52

Electives (Period 8) 1:55 - 2:35

Music, Remediation or Enrichment (Period 8): 1:55 - 2:35

“Kesling Intermediate School…Learn Today to Excel Tomorrow”

Kesling Important Dates Aug 5: Rock the Block at Bethany Lutheran Church (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Aug 6: New Students to LPCSC Registration (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Please Note that this is by Appointment Only

Aug 7: New Students to LPCSC Registration (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Please Note that this is by Appointment Only

Aug 7: Registration Closes for Current LPCSC Students

Aug 24: First Student Day

2020-2021 There may be times when supplies will be required throughout the school year.

Clorox Wipes and Kleenex can be sent in throughout the school year to your child’s TA teacher.

**If you are in need of school supplies, please call the office and we can assist in any way possible.

Back Packs will be used throughout the school day to carry student supplies, to limit sharing of materials. Lockers

will not be utilized until further notice.

Basic Supply List for 5th Grade:

Ear Buds (for use with Chromebook) (1) Hand-Held Pencil Sharpener

(1) Box of Colored Pencils (1) Spiral Notebook

(1) Box of Colored Markers (1) Box of Pencils

(1) Box of Kleenex (1) Package of Pens (Blue or Black)

(1) Package of Loose-Leaf Lined Paper (1) Package of Highlighters (Yellow/Orange/Pink/Blue/Green)

(5) Pocket Folders with Prongs (1) Back Pack

(1) Two-Inch Three Ring Binder (1) Package of Dry Erase Markers with Eraser

(1) Package of Note Cards (1) Personal Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

(1) Optional…Container of Clorox Wipes

Basic Supply List for 6th Grade: Ear Buds (for use with Chromebook) (1) Hand-Held Pencil Sharpener (1) Box of Colored Pencils (1) Spiral Notebook (1) Box of Colored Markers (1) Box of Pencils (1) Box of Kleenex (1) Package of Pens (Blue or Black) (1) Package of Loose-Leaf Lined Paper (1) Package of Highlighters (Yellow/Orange/Pink/Blue/Green) (5) Pocket Folders with Prongs (1) Back Pack (1) Package of Five Tab Dividers (1) Package of Black Gel Pens or Black Sharpie Pen (1) One-Inch Three-Ring Binder (1) Two-Inch Three-Ring Binder (1) Personal Bottle of Hand Sanitizer (1) Optional…Container of Clorox Wipes

Basic Supply List for Elective Classes:

(1) Pocket Folder

Mechanical pencils (1) Box of Colored Pencils (1) Spiral Notebook (1) Boxes of Kleenex

Supply List for Physical Education -- Gym shoes

***Final Note…I have attached a thought about parenthood. As the time we have with summer break dwindles

down, I encourage everyone to cherish the time to be with our children. I am as guilty, if not guiltier, of getting

caught up with everyday life and not truly appreciating my three children. Please make time for your children, as

they will only have one childhood. Please enjoy the rest of your summer vacation with your family.

~ ~ Wet Oatmeal Kisses

One of these days you’ll explode and shout to the kids, “Why don’t you grow up and act your

age?” And they will.

Or, “You guys get outside, and find yourselves something to do. And don’t slam the door!” And

they don’t.

You’ll straighten their bedrooms all neat and tidy, toys displayed on the shelf, hangers in the

closet, animals caged. You’ll yell, “Now I want it to stay this way!” And it will.

You will prepare a perfect dinner with salad that hasn’t had all the olives picked out and a cake

with no finger traces in the icing and you’ll say: “Now this is a meal for company.” And you will

eat it alone.

You’ll yell, “I want complete privacy on the phone. No screaming. Do you hear me?” And no

one will answer.

No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti. No more dandelion bouquets. No more iron-

on patches. No wet, knotted shoelaces, muddy boots or rubber bands for ponytails.

Imagine…a lipstick with a point. No babysitter for New Year’s Eve, washing clothes only once a

week, no PTA meetings or silly school plays where your child is a tree. No carpools, blaring

stereos or forgotten lunch money.

No Christmas presents made of library paste and toothpicks. No Tooth Fairy. No giggles in the

dark, scraped knees to kiss or sticky fingers to clean…and no wet oatmeal kisses.

Only a voice asking, “Why don’t you grow up?”

And the silence echoes: “I DID!”