School Resumes Monday, January 3, 2011

We hope that everyone has had a safe, relaxing and fun Christmas break! See you on Monday, January 3!

Healthy Families Taskforce

Check out this resource for families in Stone and Taney Counties:

Healthy Families Taskforce

Christmas programs scheduled...

Kirbyville School District presents several Christmas programs under the direction of John Casebourn, music teacher:

• KMS Band Concert - 6:00 p.m. - Tuesday, December 14
• 4th and 5th Grade Musical - 7:00 p.m. - Tuesday, December 14
• Kdg and 1st Grade Program - 6:00 p.m. - Thursday, December 16
• 2nd and 3rd Grade Musical - 7:00 p.m. - Thursday, December 16

All programs will be in the KMS gym.

Kindergarten enjoys Thanksgiving...

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Thanksgiving food drive benefits local families

Kirbyville R-VI School District does not seem to be aware that there is an economic crisis in this nation. Their annual Thanksgiving food drive, started over 15 years ago, began by helping one local family. In 2007, the district fed 3 families; last year, 6 families. This year over 11 families will be blessed with a Thanksgiving feast.

Students began bringing in nonperishable items, turkeys, and pies on Monday, November 15. Foods were assigned point values, and classes completed with one another for the opportunity to bring in the most food. The winning class received a pizza party. Eighth graders took the lead with 2890 points; second place went to Mrs. Mulvanon’s 5^th grade; and a second eighth grade class received third place with 1010 points. In total, 1015 pounds of food, 21 turkeys, and 12 pies were collected for local families.

When a community unites, needs are met. Thank you, Kirbyville, for being a blessing to your neighborhood.

Twenty veterans honored at annual KES celebration...

Twenty veterans were special guests at Kirbyville Elementary on Wednesday, November 10. Each classroom had several visitors who shared their experiences in the armed service. The veterans enjoyed a delicious lunch with the students and then were honored at a special assembly. The event was featured in the Branson Tri-Lakes News.

Enjoy this slide show of scenes from the event:

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ATT Pioneers donate dictionaries...

Third grade students were the happy recipients of new dictionaries from the ATT Pioneers.

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Family Literacy Day - November 1

KES elevated reading to a higher level on National Family Literacy Day on November 1. The hot air balloon assembly inspired students. Students received free books to help them continue their literacy journey. Families received grade level specific information about how to help children progress in reading. More information was in the Branson Tri-Lakes News.

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First Grade Field Trip Highlights...

Enjoy some photos of our fall fun...

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Read Every Day, Lead a Better Life...

Check out this link from Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/readeveryday/live.htm
and find out more about what you can do to promote literacy for the children you love...

KES plans to celebrate Family Literacy Day

Join us at KES as we celebrate Family Literacy Day on November 1, 2010.

Click here for more details!

PTO Fall Carnival Fun...

The PTO wishes to thank all of the families and business donors who supported our fall carnival! Enjoy a few scenes of the fun time:

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Kirbyville PTO Annual Carnival is Saturday!!!

The Kirbyville PTO invites everyone in the area to the annual fall carnival from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16 at the Kirbyville Middle School. Enjoy BBQ beef sandwiches, hotdogs, chips and drinks by Showtime Catering. Valuable prizes will be raffled including a small girl's bicycle, a portable basketball goal and a "getaway" vacation package from Big Cedar. Many other items will be auctioned to the highest bidder through a silent auction. Items include food gift certificates and Branson Landing Cruises.

The carnival activities include a cakewalk, ring toss, frisbee toss, Plinko and other games of skill and chance. Each grade level from K-5 has selected a king and queen candidate who will be chosen based on voting at a penny per vote.

Accredited with Distinction in Performance...

For the eighth year out of ten, the Kirbyville School District has met the requirements to be recognized by the State of Missouri for Distinction in Performance. Kirbyville met all 7 performance standards require of K-8 school districts. For more information:

Kirbyville R-VI Annual Performance Report

DESE News Release

List of Missouri Schools Accredited with Distinction in Performance

Distinction in Performance Criteria

Skate Night...

Join us for Kirbyville's October Skate Night is from 6:00-8:00 on Monday, October 11 at Skate World. It's a fun time! Parents, if you are not into skating, they do have free wi-fi! The admission is only $3 for skaters with $1 from each admission going back to the schools. There is no admission to observe.

McTeacher's Night...

Join us for McTeacher's Night on Thursday, October 7th at the Downtown Branson McDonald's location. This come and go event is from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 20% of the profits that evening go to Kirbyville Elementary!

KES students sport new t-shirts...

Thanks to generous donations from Tanger Outlet Center and Branson Bank, KES students received new character t-shirts at no cost to families. Branson Bank personnel were on hand to help distribute the shirts to the classrooms.

New clinic available for low income families...

Follow this link to learn more about a new Branson clinic for low income families:
http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-faith-clinic-branson-09102010,0,6132654.story?track=rss

Grandparents read in the library...

Grandparent’s Day extended into Grandparent’s Week in the KES library! Mrs. Miller, librarian, extended an invitation to grandparents from each class to join the library class periods and/or Buddy Reading this week. This was a great opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren alike to bond with a shared reading experience.

If you are a grandparent, and didn’t have an opportunity this week to visit our library this week, we would like to extend an open invitation to visit our library classes or Buddy Reading times as a guest reader. Call Mrs. Miller at the elementary office, 334-2757, for more information.

Kirbyville PTO elects officers for 2010-11 year...

On Thursday, September 9, the Kirbyville PTO met in the elementary cafeteria. New PTO officers were elected. The officers are as follows: President-Melissa Ford, Vice President-Julie Robertson, Secretary-Alisa Cornelison, Treasurer-Lana Gilliam.

The PTO has scheduled a planning session for the annual fall carnival at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 16 in the elementary cafeteria. All parents, teachers and staff are welcome to join us and take part in the carnival. This is the major fund raiser for the year.

The carnival is scheduled from 12:00-2:30 on Saturday, October 16 on the middle school parking lot.

Splash Bash fun...

110 K-5 students completed the Splash Into Summer Reading Program and participated in the Splash Bash to celebrate during the first week of school. Enjoy the fun on this slide show!

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Children's author visits Kirbyville...

Children's author, Sondra Gray, visited both Kirbyville Middle School and Kirbyville Elementary School on Friday, September 3 to share excerpts of her two books, According to Punkin and According to Phoenix. She also discussed what it was like to be an author and where her ideas came from for her books. Students had the opportunity to purchase autographed copies and copies of the books were presented to each library. To read more about her books visit: http://accordingtopunkin.com/

At the middle school, Gray met with fourth and fifth grade students. Parents were invited to attend, as well. Students enjoyed listening to segments of the books and asked many questions about the books and the writing process. The writing process is an important component of the curriculum in fourth and fifth grades. Hearing about the process from a real author motivates students to take the time and effort required to transform an idea into a piece of literature for a specific audience.

At the elementary school her visit served as the kick-off assembly for the at-home reading program, AIR: All Individuals Reading. In the AIR program, kindergarten and first grade students are challenged to read at least 100 books during the school year. Second and third grade students are challenged to read at least 2000 minutes. A special event will be planned in May for all students who meet the reading goal. Along the way intermediate goals will be celebrated and rewarded to encourage families to complete the program consistently throughout the year.

Families are highly encouraged to participate in the at-home reading process. At kindergarten and first grade levels, children typically need assistance with the reading process. Parents, grandparents or older siblings can help by reading aloud, sharing the reading process or assisting the more independent reader with decoding phonetically-regular words, supplying unknown words, or coaching the child to use reading strategies, such as using picture cues or context clues. At all grade levels, parents can help by explaining unfamiliar vocabulary, asking their child to retell the stories in their own words and asking questions that promote students making personal connections or connections between the current book and previous books or the world in general.

First Kirbyville Skate Night...

The first monthly skate night for the Kirbyville School District will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13 at Skateworld in Branson. The admission price is $3.00, of which, $1.00 is returned to the schools.

All Kirbyville families are invited for a night of music and activity! Let the good times roll!

(If rolling is not your style, maybe you prefer "surfing." The rink does have free WiFi.)

Kirbyville PTO meeting scheduled...

All parents, teachers and staff from Kirbyville Elementary and Middle Schools are invited to the first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting of the year at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 9 in the elementary cafeteria. The PTO supports both schools in the district by providing the "extras" not typically provided by local, state or federal funds. In the recent past the PTO has provided playground equipment, support for students to attend field trips, planned events related to Kirbyville Appreciation Week and hosted the district awards banquet.

At this first meeting the group will elect new officers and make plans for fund raising for the year.

For more information contact the current PTO president, Kristol France, through the elementary office at 334-2757.

Scenes from the beginning of school...

We are off to a great start at KES. Here are a few scenes from Open House and the first couple of days:

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Enrollment for new students...

Kirbyville School District will hold enrollment for students who are new to the Kirbyville district on Thursday, August 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Students enrolling in preschool through eighth grade will enroll at the Kirbyville Elementary office located at 4278 E. State Hwy 76.

In order to enroll in kindergarten through eighth grade, parents must bring a current immunization record and proof of residency. A current electric bill or a purchase or lease agreement is accepted as proof of residency. Students enrolling in kindergarten must turn 5 by August 1, 2010. Students enrolling in first grade must turn 6 by August 1, 2010. Please bring a birth certificate as proof of age eligibility for these two grades.

Kirbyville Preschool is a parent-pay program for three to five-year-olds that successfully prepares students for kindergarten. Tuition is currently $13.00 per day. Parents of preschoolers must bring a birth certificate and immunization records to complete the enrollment process. Students enrolling in preschool must turn three by August 1, 2010. Out of district enrollment is accepted at the preschool on a space available basis, so area families, regardless of district of residency, are encouraged to enroll in Kirbyville Preschool.

For more information regarding enrollment please call 334-2757. The office will open Monday, August 2.

Splash into Summer Reading

The Splash into Summer Reading Program is one of 400 programs across the nation that are registered with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA). The NSLA recently announced that the program was the winner of a Wii console with 4 remotes.

All students in K-5 who complete the Splash Into Summer Reading Program will be in a drawing to win the console.

Click the link to see the official announcement.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

Here is a fun reading activity for the summer! Click here to find out more.

Last call for the Raise a Reader Challenge!!!

Tomorrow is the last day for the Raise a Reader School Challenge!!!
KES Families...Help us win $5,000 for our library by doing what we are already doing...reading at home. Register your child on our special page:
http://parents.com/reading/kirbyvilleelementaryschoolkirmo

And then record his or her reading minutes! You can go back and record previously read minutes back to March 8. Hurry! Tomorrow - May 31 is our last chance!

We currently have 46 readers who have read 19,770 minutes. This seems like a lot, but the winner is based on the number of minutes/January enrollment. I have no way of knowing how the other 1,200 schools in the challenge are doing.

Splash into Summer Reading

The Splash into Summer Reading program has started for students who will be in kindergarten through fifth grade next school year. This is the seventh year of this exciting program to motivate students to read regularly over the summer to increase or maintain their reading levels!

Click here for all the specific information including sponsors and a promotional video!

Call the elementary office at 334-2757 with questions!

If you will be entering grades 6-8, here is an article that may be of interest to you regarding summer reading for this age group. It is written by Donnalyn Miller, a sixth grade teacher from Texas, otherwise known as "The Book Whisperer," for her gift of turning the most reluctant reader into a student who cannot put books down.

Summer School

Kirbyville School District will offer summer school from June 2 through June 29 for incoming grades K-8. All classes will be held on the elementary campus. Don't miss out on the learning and fun! Plus, breakfast and lunch are offered free of charge for all students! It is not too late to sign up if you haven't already. Contact the elementary office at 334-2757 for enrollment information.

If you are already signed up for summer school, the first field trip for the elementary and middle school students is to Skate World in Branson. Don't forget to wear your socks!!!

Laura Hiebert-KRZK May Teacher of the Month

Laura Hiebert, first grade teacher, was selected as the KRZK Teacher of the Month for May just before school closed for the 2009-10 year. Here is a link to the story, sponsors and photos on the Hometown News site: http://www.hometowndailynews.com/teacher_of_the_month.php

Congratuations to Mrs. Hiebert!!!

Tanger Outlet Center benefits Kirbyville Schools

(Branson, MO, 5/25/10)….Before school lets out for summer, the Tanger Outlet Center in Branson is presenting a welcomed gift to several area schools. As part of Tanger’s 2009-2010 TangerBucks for Schools campaign, Tanger is making $1,000 donations with the goal of helping these local students and schools excel. Schools receiving donations include Branson Elementary West, Branson Intermediate, Hickory Hills, Kirbyville Elementary and Kirbyville Middle School.

“Nothing is more important in our community than giving our students the tools they need to reach their full potential,” stated Mr. Jamie Whiteis, Tanger General Manager. “Tanger is proud to help provide funds for materials and educational programs to help our schools and kids succeed.”

TangerBucks for Schools gave participating schools the opportunity to raise money with no strings attached. By being part of the TangerBucks program, these schools receive an equal share of proceeds from Tanger Coupon Books sold during the campaign period. Additionally, participating schools had the opportunity to raise even more money by hosting TangerBucks for Schools fundraising events during the school year. Nationally, schools across America are receiving more than $135,000 this year as part of the TangerBucks for Schools campaign.

“We appreciate the support that we receive from concerned local businesses like Tanger Outlets,” said Addie Gaines, Kirbyville Elementary Principal. “Tanger’s generous donation will be used in a variety of ways including character trait t-shirts for the students.”

The Tanger Outlet Center in Branson features 65 brand name and designer outlet stores. The Tanger center is located just off West Highway 76 on Tanger Blvd.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 33 upscale outlet shopping centers in 22 states coast to coast, totaling approximately 10 million square feet leased to over 1,900 stores operated by 330 different brand name companies. More than 150 million shoppers visit Tanger Outlet Centers annually. For more information call 1-800-4 TANGER or visit the company’s web site at www.tangeroutlet.com.

WILD about Reading trip to the zoo...

123 KES students met their reading goal and were invited to attend the WILD about Reading incentive field trip to the Dickerson Park Zoo. Kindergarten and first grade students had to read at least 100 books and second and third grade students had to read at least 2000 minutes. Several students exceeded this goal two, three and even five times! We are definitely a school of readers!

The start to the day was a little treacherous, but once we arrived at the zoo, the sun prevailed and the students had a great time observing and interacting with the animals. The following slide show will let you experience just a few of the sights and sounds of the day!

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Thank-you to all the parents who helped keep an eye on our elementary friends!

Tooth Wizard and Mr. Plaque visits KES

The Tooth Wizard and Mr. Plaque joined us last week to teach us about taking care of our teeth.
The students learned how and when to brush and floss, healthy eating habits and more.

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Delta Dental presents dental hygiene assembly

An entertaining assembly featuring the Tooth Wizard and Mr. Plaque educated KES students about dental health and hygiene. Enjoy these two clips from the assembly.

3rd graders visit Discovery Center in Springfield...

The third grade students took their annual field trip to the Discovery Center on May 10.

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KES hosts several guest speakers...

Students had the opportunity for extended learning from several guest speakers in the past couple of weeks. Officers from Taney County Animal Control visited and taught the students about communicating with dogs and dog safety. Each student received a treat bag that included an informative coloring book and more.

DARE Officer Donathan has been presenting drug abuse resistance education to both third grade classes and visited with grades kindergarten through second about "stranger danger."

Finally, a presentation by an office from the Missouri State Parks taught students about animals that can be observed at state parks, following laws at state parks and staying safe by knowing personal information. The students were given fingerprint ID kits to complete at home with parents.

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2nd grade field trip

KES second grade students visited Fantastic Caverns and Living Memorial Park in Springfield for their annual field trip.

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SWCL Spelling Bee

Kirbyville School District was well-represented in the SWCL Spelling Bee on Thursday, May 6. All students gave their best effort. The district placed 2nd in the 4th grade bee and 3rd in the 5th grade bee. Enjoy some scenes from the evening:

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Final Skate Night of the Year

Join us for the final skate night of the year from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10 at Skateworld in Branson! Let the good times roll!

Kirbyville School District celebrates at annual banquet...

The Kirbyville PTO hosted a banquet for the Kirbyville School District employees on Monday, May 3 to celebrate the near completion of another successful year. Pictured are Superintendent, Carless Osbourn; Elementary Teacher of the Year, Erin Dalager; Employee of the Year, Judy Coffelt; and Middle School Teacher of the Year, Willy Morgan.

Kindergarten Field Trip

Kindergarten students enjoyed a beautiful morning at Stockstill Park before they headed to the Butterfly Palace.

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Butterfly Experiences

Learning about life cycles is part of both the kindergarten and second grade curricula. Hands-on experiences at both levels help bring the learning to life!

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KMS student's stop motion video earns first place at art show

This stop motion video earned a first place ribbon in its category at the SWCL art show.

SWCL Art Show Results

Kirbyville student artwork received 24 ribbons total at the conference art show this last Saturday.

5 -first place ribbons

7-second

7-third

5-honorable mention

Student artwork that placed in the show will be on display in the hallways at the respective buildings.

Kirbyville Student Work featured in SWCL Art Show...

Kirbyville Elementary and Middle School students will be participating in the SWCL art show on Saturday April 24, 2010. The event will showcase K-12 student work from the 2009-2010 school year. Within each of the level divisions, ribbons will be awarded for 1^st , 2^nd and 3^rd places, as well as Honorable Mention. Public viewing is from 11:30-1:30 at Spokane High School. Parents of the specific students who have pieces selected for the show will receive a letter from Amy Gardner, art teacher.