Principal’s Message -9/24/21

September 2021

Greetings KHS Families and Happy Fall!

Today marks the conclusion of the 16th day of school, and we are only 7 days away from the halfway point of the marking period which concludes on Tuesday, November 9th. As the year progresses, I wanted to remind all families that our teachers are here to support your students if they need assistance. Time for support is available during the school day during students’ Flex periods to receive extra help and to make-up assignments. Please encourage your students to take advantage of the Flex opportunities to ensure they are doing their best in all of their classes.

As we finish up this Friday, I wanted to share a few notes, updates, and reminders:

  1. We are always seeking feedback to improve our procedures and programs at Kennett High School. As we get ready to finish up the month of September, we wanted to take a moment to get your feedback on how we can improve. Please take a few moments to complete the survey at the following link. Your support with this is greatly appreciated! SURVEY LINK: https://forms.gle/U6Y6nfMuF1eRZgwg9
  2. All juniors and some sophomores will be taking the PSAT Exam on Wednesday, October 13th during the school day. A unique schedule for this day will be created to accommodate this test and will be shared with students soon.
  3. Families, please remind your students to check their school emails at least twice a day to ensure they are aware of important school information. Additionally, students should arrive at school with their laptops fully charged for their classes.
  4. Our next PTSO Meeting is Wednesday, September 29th. This meeting will be virtual at 6:00 PM, and the links will be sent out the morning of the meeting. Please find the notes from our last PTSO meeting HERE. The October PTSO Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 19th at 6:00 PM.
  5. Homecoming Week begins October 11th and runs through Saturday, October 16th, culminating with our Homecoming Festival and Dance. More information will be forthcoming regarding Homecoming.
  6. Please note there is no school on Wednesday, October 6th. Additionally, there will be no school for students on Tuesday, November 2nd.
  7. Masks are required for all students when inside of the school building. When students are outside, masks are not required. Students may take off their masks to eat during lunches, but must put them back on once they are finished. Your cooperation with this requirement is greatly appreciated!
  8. Families, please be reminded that students cannot be dropped off at school in the upper lot by the front steps. If you are dropping students off in the front of the building, it may only be in the lower lot. School personnel will be directing you to the lower lot as a reminder starting on Monday. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated.
  9. Please note this year’s Financial Aid Night which is scheduled for Thursday, September 30th at 6:00 PM.

That is all for this Friday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you,

Jeremy Hritz, Ed.D.
Principal, Kennett High School

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Principal’s Message-9/17/21

September 2021

Greetings KHS Families!!!

We have just concluded day # 11 of the first marking period, and it continues to be an energizing and exciting atmosphere! Our students are focused and working hard in the classroom, and most importantly, enjoying being back in school.

As this Friday closes, I wanted to provide you with a few notes, reminders, and updates:

  1. Please note the interim period ends on October 5th. This is the halfway point of the marking period, so students should be mindful of this date and their progress through the next few weeks. Also, as a result of the school cancellation from the storm on September 2nd, the end of the first marking period is now Tuesday, November 9th. Please update your calendars accordingly.
  2. Families, please be reminded that students cannot be dropped off at school in the upper lot by the front steps. If you are dropping students off in the front of the building, it may only be in the lower lot. School personnel will be directing you to the lower lot as a reminder starting on Monday. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated.
  3. Our School Counselors are hard at work planning this year’s Financial Aid Night which is scheduled for Thursday, September 30th at 6:00 PM. Please see the attached letters for more information.
  4. Families, please remind your students to check their school emails at least twice a day to ensure they are aware of important school information. Additionally, students should arrive at school with their laptops fully charged for their classes.
  5. Join KCSD in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Please see the attached flyer for more information on how you can join in the celebration!
  6. We are currently in the process of developing new coursework and programs that align with student interests and careers of the future data as part of our Degree Programs at KHS. As part of this process, we are surveying students and families to identify those courses and programs they are genuinely interested in seeing implemented. We are asking all KHS Families to complete the linked survey to provide your input. You can access it HERE. A separate survey will be sent to our students to complete.
  7. Students, make the 2021-2022 school year your year to get involved! There are a variety of clubs, activities, and athletics available for you to participate in, and your involvement will enhance your high school experience! Please check out the list of available opportunities HERE!
  8. We had to adjust our next PTSO Meeting to Wednesday, September 29th to be mindful of Back to School Night at KMS. This meeting will be virtual at 6:00 PM, and the links will be sent out the morning of the meeting. Please mark this change on your calendars. Please find the notes from our last PTSO meeting HERE.
  9. Homecoming Week begins October 11th and runs through Saturday, October 16th, culminating with our Homecoming Festival and Dance. More information will be forthcoming regarding Homecoming.
  10. Please note there is no school on Wednesday, October 6th.
  11. Masks are required for all students when inside of the school building. When students are outside, masks are not required. Students may take off their masks to eat during lunches, but must put them back on once they are finished. Your cooperation with this requirement is greatly appreciated!

That is all for today! Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Hritz, Ed.D.

Principal, Kennett High School

Financial Aid Night Letter – English

Financial Aid Night Letter – Spanish

Hispanic Heritage Month Flyer – English

Hispanic Heritage Month Flyer – Spanish

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Te Estamos Celebrando! Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!!!!-2021

September 2021

If you are analytical like myself, you may be asking why is the celebration starting in the middle of the month?

Sept. 15th is the start of this national holiday as it marks the independence anniversary of 5 countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala; followed by Mexico on the 16th and Chile on the 18th.

This year’s theme is Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope

Si hace preguntas como yo, puede preguntar ¿por qué celebramos a mediados de mes?

El 15 de septiembre es el inicio de la fiesta nacional porque es el aniversario de la independencia de 5 países: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras y Guatemala; seguido por México el 16 y Chile el 18.

El tema de este año es Esperanza: una celebración de la herencia y la esperanza hispanas.

The KCSD Student Services Department has curated resources for local activities occurring to celebrate this holiday. Please use APOYO SPECIAL EDITION FOR KCSD FAMILIES_ National Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 – to access the PDF or scroll below to view.

APOYO: KCSD ELD Newsletter – August 2021APOYO: KCSD ELD Newsletter – August 2021

APOYO EDICION ESPECIAL PARA FAMILIAS DE KCSD_ Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana 2021

APOYO: KCSD ELD Newsletter – August 2021

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2021-2022 PSAT Information – Sophomores

September 2021

Kennett High School plans to administer the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Kennett High School. This test is offered each year and is a practice test for the SAT. The SAT is used by many colleges as one part of the academic record that is reviewed when students apply for admission.

  • The PSAT will be administered in-person adhering to state and local guidelines, including mask wearing and social distancing. Students will test in classrooms keeping numbers below capacity. Any cancellation notifications will be made as soon as possible.

Below you will find information about the sections for the PSAT. Please note that the PSAT/NMSQT is the same exam as the PSAT 10 test. The PSAT test content includes multiple choice questions that measure students’ knowledge in:

Evidence-Based Reading:

  • 47 Questions (60 minutes) focused on drawing inferences to reach conclusions and recognizing trends in graphical data

Evidence-Based Writing and Language:

  • 44 Questions (35 minutes) focused on making sophisticated choices in vocabulary, sentence structure, organization, tone, and factual support
  • Will include social studies/history and science topics

Mathematics:

  • 48 Questions/Tasks (70 minutes) that include multi-step problems, use of geometric equations and spatial reasoning, comparing linear and exponential growth, and using trigonometric relationships

Tenth graders who are preparing for college will benefit from the practice of taking the PSAT before they retake it in October of their junior year. It is at that time that their performance may make them eligible for scholarship programs.

Detailed instructions about the day-of procedures will be forthcoming. Students will be permitted to test whether they are attending school remotely or in the hybrid model. There is a $23.00 fee for the PSAT (please contact the counseling office if this cost would cause a financial hardship for your family).

Kennett High School encourages students to familiarize themselves with the PSAT/SAT format and questions. The College Board has paired with the Khan Academy to provide free test preparation materials for students. Information can be found at www.khanacademy.org. Additionally, a full-length practice exam can be downloaded at College Board Practice site

Please feel free to contact the Kennett Counseling Office at 610-444-6636 with any questions or concerns.

Use the following link to access a digital registration form OR you may print this letter and submit the below information to register your student for the KHS 2021 PSAT exam.

KHS PSAT REGISTRATION / INSCRIPCION

Return Signed Parent Permission to Kennett High School Counseling Office by September 15th , 2021

Student Full Name: ___________________________________ID#______________Grade________

____ I will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. A check for $23.00 made payable to KCSD PSAT Exam is enclosed. (Please include the student’s full name on the check)

Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________________________ Date_______________

Kennett High School planea administrar el PSAT el miércoles 13 de octubre de 2021 en la escuela secundaria de Kennett. Este examen se ofrece cada año y es un Examen de práctica para el SAT. Muchas universidades utilizan el SAT como parte del expediente académico que se revisa cuando los estudiantes solicitan la admisión.

  • El PSAT se administrará en persona de acuerdo con las pautas estatales y locales incluido el uso de mascarillas y el distanciamiento social. Los estudiantes tomarán los exámenes en los salones de clases manteniendo los números por debajo de su capacidad. Cualquier notificación de cancelación se realizará lo más pronto posible.

A continuación encontrará información sobre las secciones para el PSAT. Por favor tenga en cuenta que el PSAT/NMSQT es el mismo examen que el PSAT 10. El contenido de el examen PSAT incluye preguntas de opción múltiple que miden el conocimiento de los estudiantes en:

Lectura basada en evidencias:

  • 47 preguntas (60 minutos)enfocadas en hacer interferencias para llegar a conclusiones y reconocer tendencias en datos gráficos.

Escritura y lenguaje basada en evidencias:

  • 44 Preguntas (35 minutos) enfocadas en tomar decisiones sofisticadas en vocabulario, escritura de oraciones, organización, tono y apoyo factual.
  • Incluirá temas de estudios sociales/historia y ciencias.

Matematicas:

  • 48 Preguntas/Tareas(70 minutos) Que incluyen problemas de varios pasos, uso de ecuaciones geométricas y razonamiento espacial, comparación de crecimiento lineal, exponencial y uso de relaciones geométricas.

Los estudiantes del décimo grado (10) que se están preparando para la universidad se beneficiarán de la práctica de tomar el PSAT antes de que lo vuelvan a tomar en octubre en su año junior (11). Es en ese momento que su desempeño puede hacerlos elegibles para programas de becas. Próximamente se recibirán instrucciones detalladas sobre el día de los procedimientos. Hay una tarifa de $23.00 para el PSAT (Por favor comuníquese con la oficina de consejería si este costo le podría causar una dificultad financiera a su familia).

Kennett High School anima a los estudiantes a familiarizarse con el formato y las preguntas del PSAT/SAT. College Board (Consejo de Educación Superior) se ha asociado recientemente con Khan Academy para proporcionar materiales gratuitos de preparación para los exámenes a los estudiantes. Usted puede encontrar información en www.khanacademy.org. Además, se pueden descargar varios examenes de práctica completos y consejos para realizár examenes en: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice

Por favor no dude en ponerse en contacto con la oficina de consejería de Kennett con cualquier pregunta al 610-444-6636.

Use el enlace abajo para acceder a un formulario digital para inscribir a su hijo O se puede imprimir esta carta y entregue la información abajo para inscribir a su hijo/a para el examen de PSAT a KHS.

KHS PSAT REGISTRATION / INSCRIPCION

Devolver el permiso de los padres firmado a la oficina de consejería de Kennett High School antes del 15 de septiembre de 2021.

Nombre completo de estudiante:________________________ Número de estudiante ___________ Grade/Nivel, Grado _____

_____ Confirmo que estoy tomando el examen de PSAT, el miércoles 13 de octubre de 2021. Haga un cheque de $23 hecho KCSD PSAT Exam y note el nombre de su hijo/a en la línea de MEMO.

Nombre del Padre/Tutor_______________________________________________ Fecha______________

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2021-2022 PSAT Information – Juniors/ Informacion para Grado 11

September 2021

Kennett High School plans to administer the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 in-person at the high school. This test is offered each year and is a practice test for the SAT. The SAT is used by many colleges as one part of the academic record that is reviewed when students apply for admission.

All eleventh graders will be registered to take the PSAT and the school district will pay the test fee for juniors. The PSAT will be administered in-person adhering to state and local guidelines, including mask wearing and social distancing. Students will test in classrooms keeping numbers below capacity. Any cancellation notifications will be made as soon as possible.

The SAT is used by many colleges as one part of the academic record that is reviewed when students apply for admission. For eleventh graders, the PSAT is also the qualifying exam for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship and the new National Recognition Programs. Below you will find information about the sections for the PSAT. The PSAT test content includes multiple choice questions that measure students’ knowledge in:

Evidence-Based Reading:

  • 47 Questions (60 minutes) focused on drawing inferences to reach conclusions and recognizing trends in graphical data

Evidence-Based Writing and Language:

  • 44 Questions (35 minutes) focused on making sophisticated choices in vocabulary, sentence structure, organization, tone, and factual support
  • Will include social studies/history and science topics

Mathematics:

  • 48 Questions/Tasks (70 minutes) that include multi-step problems, use of geometric equations and spatial reasoning, comparing linear and exponential growth, and using trigonometric relationships

Kennett High School encourages students to familiarize themselves with the PSAT/SAT format and questions. College Board has recently paired with the Khan Academy to provide free test preparation materials for students. Information can be found at www.khanacademy.org. Additionally, multiple full length practice exams and tips for test taking can be downloaded at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice

***In order to accurately determine the number of test takers, we are asking all families to please fill out this survey to let us know your student’s intention to take the exam. The survey can be found at: Junior PSAT Registration and will also be available as a link through Skyward. Please complete the survey by Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Detailed instructions about the day-of procedures will be forthcoming.

Please feel free to contact the Kennett Counseling Office with any questions or concerns at 610-444-6636.

Kennett High School planea administrar el PSAT el miércoles 13 de octubre en persona en la escuela secundaria (KHS). Este examen se ofrece cada año y es un examen de práctica para el SAT. Muchas universidades utilizan el SAT como una parte del expediente académico que se revisa cuando los estudiantes solicitan la admisión. Por favor tenga en cuenta que los requisitos de los exámenes de admisión han cambiado para el ciclo de solicitud de otoño del 2021 debido a las oportunidades limitadas de exámenes.

Todos los estudiantes del grado once(11) estarán registrados para tomar el PSAT y el distrito escolar pagará el costo del examen para los estudiantes del grado 11(Juniors). El PSAT se administrará en persona de acuerdo con las pautas estatales y locales, incluido el uso de mascarillas y el distanciamiento social. Los estudiantes tomarán los exámenes en los salones manteniendo los números por debajo de su capacidad. Cualquier notificación de cancelación se realizará lo más pronto posible.

Para los estudiantes de grado once(11) el PSAT es también el examen de calificación para la prestigiosa Beca Nacional al Mérito y los nuevos programas de reconocimiento Nacional. En la parte de abajo encontrará información sobre las secciones del PSAT. El contenido del examen PSAT incluye preguntas de opción múltiple que miden el conocimiento de los estudiantes en:

Lectura basada en evidencias:

  • 47 preguntas(60 minutos) enfocadas en hacer interferencias para llegar a conclusiones y reconocer tendencias en datos gráficos.

Escritura y lenguaje basados en evidencias:

  • 44 preguntas (35 minutos) enfocadas en tomar decisiones sofisticadas en vocabulario, escritura de oraciones, organización, tono y apoyo factual.
  • Incluirá temas de estudios sociales/historia y ciencias.

Matemáticas:

  • 48 Preguntas/Tareas (70 minutos) que incluyen problemas de varios pasos, uso de ecuaciones geométricas y razonamiento espacial, comparación de crecimiento lineal, exponencial y uso de relaciones trigonométricas.

Kennett High School anima a los estudiantes a familiarizarse con el formato y las preguntas de PSAT/SAT. College Board(Consejo de Educación Superior) se ha asociado recientemente con Khan Academy para proporcionar materiales gratuitos de preparación para exámenes a los estudiantes. Usted puede encontrar información en www.khanacademy.org. Además, se pueden descargar varios exámenes de práctica completos y consejos para realizár examenes en: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice

***Para determinar con precisión el número de examinados, pedimos a todas las familias que por favor completen esta encuesta para informarnos de la intención de sus estudiantes de tomar el exámen. La encuesta puede ser encontrada en: https://forms.gle/cWeBSd4SWocmEGnn7 y también estará disponible como enlace a través de Skyward. Por favor complete la encuesta antes del miércoles 15 de septiembre. Próximamente recibirá instrucciones detalladas sobre el día de los procedimientos.

Por favor no dude en ponerse en contacto con la oficina de consejería con cualquier pregunta al 610-444-6636.

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Principal’s Message-Family Update, 9/10/21

September 2021

Greetings KHS Families!

It was a short week, but a successful one! We are now 7 days into the first marking period, and our students and staff are beginning to settle into a routine. It continues to be an energizing atmosphere at KHS, as we are back to the important work of teaching and learning.

As we close out the week, here are a few important notes, updates, and reminders:

  1. Masks are required for all students when inside of the school building. When students are outside, masks are not required. Students may take off their masks to eat during lunches, but must put them back on once they are finished. Your cooperation with this requirement is greatly appreciated!
  2. We are currently in the process of developing new coursework and programs that align with student interests and careers of the future data as part of our Degree Programs at KHS. As part of this process, we are surveying students and families to identify those courses and programs our students are genuinely interested in seeing implemented. We are asking all KHS Families to complete the linked survey to provide your input. You can access it HERE. A separate survey will be sent to our students to complete.
  3. A reminder, there is no school Thursday, September 16th. Please mark your calendars. Please also note there is no school for students on Wednesday, October 6th.
  4. Students, make the 2021-2022 school year your year to get involved! There are a variety of clubs, activities, and athletics available for you to participate in, and your involvement will enhance your high school experience! Please check out the list of available opportunities HERE!
  5. We had to adjust our next PTSO Meeting to Wednesday, September 29th to be mindful of Back to School Night at KMS. This meeting will be virtual at 6:00 PM, and the links will be sent out the morning of the meeting. Please mark this change on your calendars. Please find the notes from our last PTSO meeting HERE.
  6. Homecoming Week begins October 11th and runs through Saturday, October 16th, culminating with our Homecoming Festival and Dance. More information will be forthcoming regarding Homecoming.
  7. PSAT Testing for all juniors is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13th. More information regarding PSATs will be forthcoming from our school counselors.
  8. A note to families with students who are seniors. Seniors are not permitted to leave the building for Senior Option until the Senior Option block begins. Seniors must remain in school for their Flex periods that are part of their course schedules.
  9. If you are looking for a copy of our Student Handbook, you can access it HERE.
  10. Finally, the last day of the first marking period is Monday, November 8th.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Hritz, Ed.D.
Principal, Kennett High School

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Back to School Night Open House Success!

September 2021

KHS Inaugural BTSN

On August 26th, Kennett High School hosted its first ever Back to School Night Open House (#BTSN). The evening consisted of an open flow format, food trucks, community partnerships information tables, sports and activity information booths, live performances from members of the Kennett High School Marching band, and more!

This year’s Back-to-School Night at Kennett High School looked much different than in years past. The event, held from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., was thoughtfully designed to create a fun opportunity for students and their entire families to come and learn all about what KHS has to offer. “All the elements of past Back to School Nights, We Are Kennett, and Activities Day went into consideration as we planned this event. We hope that creating this comprehensive experience for our students and families will be beneficial for both the individual student and our collective community,” said Assistant Principal Eileen Rudisill, who was in charge of organizing the evening. The high school’s doors opened at 5:00.

A variety of food trucks were parked near the front steps, so guests could treat themselves to Maggie Moos, La Michoacana Mexican Ice Cream, 22 BBQ, or Savanna’s Fries and then gather with friends to eat on the Kennett blue picnic tables on the front lawn. Or maybe even sneak back out for a corn ice cream bar or some chicken fingers for a snack later in the evening. Once inside, students and families were directed to different areas of the building by administrators, teachers, and National Honor Society student guides, who were coordinated by NHS members Anne Holt and Olivia Whittaker. In Reynolds Gymnasium, athletes and coaches from over a dozen KHS sports answered questions about their teams. Down the hall in the auxiliary gym, approximately thirty-five clubs provided information about their mission and membership. And, the cafeteria housed representatives from over thirty organizations, including After the Bell, La Communidad Hispana, The Garage, and the Chester County Food Bank, who were there to provide information about accessing the valuable resources available in the community. At 6:00, the administrative team of the high school, led by Dr. Jeremy Hritz, offered a welcome and emphasized the incredible experience that is available to all at Kennett High School. Finally, students and families used the remaining two hours to tour the school building, stopping in classrooms to meet teachers and receive an overview of exciting programming, as well as academic opportunities and expectations.

Students and their families were issued specially printed raffle tickets and gathered stamps as they visited the gym, the auxiliary gym, the cafeteria, and classrooms. Each completely filled ticket was then entered into a drawing for generously donated prizes. Austin Houtchens, grade 11, won the iPad provided by Dr. Michael Cari of Cari Orthodontics. Vanessa Ochoa, grade 9, won a gift basket from Longwood Gardens. And senior Gavin Seele won the Spirit basket contributed by the KHS athletics department. “This is the first year we experimented with an open house-approach to BTSN, and it was a resounding success. The feedback from both students and families was highly positive, and we will continue with this approach in the coming years,” said Dr. Hritz. “We have so much to offer our students, and we want them to see that we support their growth in every way – academically, socially, physically, and emotionally,” Ms. Rudisill concluded.

Our community partners are eager to return next year and we are excited to do this again. Please take a moment to see a short video capturing some of the highlights of the evening and we look forward to having more join us for #BTSN22!

BTSN Video Screenshot

BTSN21 Video Highlights

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Message from Dr. Hritz -Family Update

September 2021

Greetings KHS Students and Parents!

The first week of school is complete, and it was a successful one! Our students were focused, working hard, and most importantly, having fun being back in the building! Their energy was positive and uplifting, and without question, it is going to be a great school year!

As we close out week one, here are a few notes and reminders:

  1. Masks are required for all students when inside of the school building. When students are outside, masks are not required. Students may take off their masks to eat during lunches, but must put them back on once they are finished. Your cooperation with this requirement is greatly appreciated!
  2. Please see the Attendance Guide attached to this email. It provides helpful information related to our attendance procedures during the 2021-2022 school year. You can access this guide HERE.
  3. A reminder, there is no school Monday, September 6th and Tuesday, September 7th. Please make note of this on your calendars.There will also be no school on Thursday, September 16th.
  4. Students, make the 2021-2022 school year your year to get involved! There are a variety of clubs, activities, and athletics available for you to participate in, and your involvement will enhance your high school experience! Please check out the list of available opportunities HERE!
  5. We had to adjust our next PTSO Meeting to Wednesday, September 29th to be mindful of Back to School Night at KMS. This meeting will be virtual at 6:00 PM, and the links will be sent out the morning of the meeting. Please mark this change on your calendars. Please find the notes from our last PTSO meeting HERE.
  6. Homecoming Week begins October 11th and runs through Saturday, October 16th, culminating with our Homecoming Festival and Dance. More information will be forthcoming regarding Homecoming.
  7. PSAT Testing for all juniors is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13th. More information regarding PSATs will be forthcoming from our school counselors.
  8. Finally, while far away, the last day of the first marking period is Monday, November 8th.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and enjoy time with your family and friends!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Hritz, Ed.D.

Principal, Kennett High School

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