KES achieves national recognition…

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan announced that Kirbyville Elementary School was one of 304 schools the U.S. Department of Education named  2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools based on their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps.  The Department will honor the entire 255 public and 49 private schools with their National Blue Ribbon School awards at a conference and awards ceremony Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C. 

“America’s long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education,” Duncan said.  “National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.  Their success is an example for others to follow.”

KES was recognized as a school with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that improved student performance to high levels as measured by the school’s performance on state assessments or nationally-normed tests.

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 413 schools nationwide are nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

National Blue Ribbon Schools  
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Coverage by Springfield News-Leader 
Coverage by KY3 
Photo Gallery on KY3 
Branson Tri-Lakes News
Branson Hometown News
Senator Claire McCaskill news release

Kindergarten Field Trip...

KES kindergarten students enjoyed an annual field trip to Stockstill Park and The Butterfly Palace. The students have been studying the life cycle of a butterfly in class prior to the trip.

This slideshow created with Smilebox

Kirbyville Elementary selected as a 2011 Missouri Gold Star School...

Kirbyville Elementary was one of eight high-performing elementary schools that have been honored as Missouri’s “Gold Star Schools” for 2011, state education officials announced today.

“These eight exceptional elementary schools have met a high bar of excellence, and it is our honor to recognize them statewide,” said Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. “This achievement is a credit to the students, parents and staff who have dedicated themselves to excellence in education.”

Established by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1991, the Gold Star program is designed to identify schools that are performing at a high level academically or making exceptional progress while serving a significant proportion of disadvantaged students. The state application requires schools to provide evidence of their success in such areas as curriculum, instruction and school leadership.

Recipients of the state’s Gold Star program may be eligible for the national Blue Ribbon award pending results of this year’s state assessments. Blue Ribbon recognition will be announced this fall by the U.S. Department of Education.

Link to article on Hometown Daily News

Link to article on Branson TriLakes News

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.

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.

KES hosts student-led conferences

KES is trying something new this year. We have added third quarter conferences on Thursday, March 11 to our schedule to provide the opportunity for you to see how your child is doing as we round the corner into the home stretch of the school year. The format of these conferences will be different for most students. We will be trying student led conferences for the first time.
During the hours of 3:30 to 5:30 you and your child are invited to visit the classroom and your child will have a selection of school work, test results, demonstrations and/or other artifacts that display your child’s progress during the year and his/her current level of performance. Your child will be prepared to explain these items to you and your child’s teacher will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate the event. You will be able to come and go anytime during the open hours and spend as much time as you like reviewing your child’s work.
There are, of course, some circumstances (academic, behavioral or other concerns) which will require a more private conference. In these situations, which may be initiated by the teacher or parent, there will be individual conference times available by appointment around school hours that week (any day except Thursday). We do ask that if your child’s teacher contacts you for a one-on-one conference, that you please take advantage of that opportunity as a way to work together to improve your child’s school experience. This does not preclude you and your child from attending the evening event on March 11. Even if there are concerns with your child’s progress, he/she will definitely benefit from the opportunity to show you his/her accomplishments. All of our kids have grown and learned this year and it is definitely something to celebrate!

February Fun @ KES

February has been a fantastic month at KES. Check out the Smilebox slideshow starring PAT and third grade and everyone in between!

Make a Smilebox photo slideshow

KES celebrates Veterans Day

Enjoy this Smilebox slideshow of our Veterans Day Celebration.

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McTeachers Night coming soon!

Mark your calendars and join KES for McTeachers Night on Tuesday, October 6. Stop by McDonald's in downtown Branson for fun, family and food between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. and 20% of the sales will be donated back to the school.

KES Field Day

The sun and clouds cooperated creating a beautiful day as Coach Lyerla and the BETA students from the MS organized and ran an outstanding field day for our elementary kids. They had a blast!

Also, a big thank-you goes to Andy's Frozen Custard for providing free frozen treats for our participants!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Picture Day at KES

Smile! Spring pictures will be taken at the elementary school on Thursday, March 26! Proofs will be sent home and then you decide to purchase all or part or simply return the package to school. Class pictures will also be taken on Thurs.

Upcoming Christmas Programs

The KMS Christmas Program will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16. The KES Christmas Program will be on Thursday, December 18, with times for each grade level TBA. Both programs will be in the middle school gym.