KMS Weekly News 5/2/2025

Posted Date: 5/02/25 (8:30 PM)

A stylized illustration of a fierce warrior with a snarling expression, holding two spears.

Kuna Middle School

Kavemen Khronicles

May 2, 2025

From the Principal: Best Teacher Appreciation Week Ever!

Hello Kuna Middle School Families,

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers work hard every day to help students grow. They believe in every learner, push us to do our best, and cheer us on along the way. Now it’s our turn to show them how much they mean to us.

A kind note, a thank-you, or a small gift can go a long way. Every little act of appreciation matters.

Let’s Make This the Best Teacher Appreciation Week Ever! Together we can make this Teacher Appreciation Week the most meaningful one yet at Kuna Middle School!

Partners in Learning,

Shelly Manuel

Principal

Text stating the mission of Kuna Middle School: 'Kuna Middle School provides high quality instruction to ensure all students learn at the highest level.'

Text-based image with the vision statement for Kuna Middle School: 'We will be a top performing and/or a goal maker school with focused, collaborative programs and a strong professional learning community.'

A graphic with a red apple and the text 'Teacher Appreciation Week' with dates May 5th-9th 2025 and a 'Click Here' button.

A row of colorful pencils sits above the text 'Important Dates & Times' and a calendar icon with a clock.

Looking Ahead

May 7 - 8: Math ISAT

May 9: No School (Teacher in service)

May 13: KMS Band Concert

May 14: Science Fair

May 17: KMS Annual Parking Lot Market

May 20: KMS Choir Concert

May 22: Early Release (KHS Graduation)

May 23: 8th Grade Getaway

May 26: No school (Memorial Day)

May 29: Early Release (Last Day of School)

School Spotlight

Punctuality Pro!

Way to go, Porter Heindel! You've been on time, every time, and now it's time to Have Your Best Day with a free drink from Snerk's!

Keep up the great work, everyone--show up on time next week, and YOU could be our

next Snerk's Superstar!

A young man wearing a baseball cap smiles while holding a $10 gift card.

A colorful poster announces the KMS 1st Annual 6th Grade Science Fair, featuring a lightbulb, test tubes, and a volcano.

8th Grade Getaway

An invitation to celebrate the 8th grade class trip to a fun park with go-karts and games, featuring a photo of students enjoying the ride.

Athletics

Spring Sports Week: 6

Congratulations KMS Track & Field for the outstanding performances this season! The dedication and talent of our student-athletes. is incredible. Join us in congratulating them on their impressive achievements!

A list of individual and team champions and record breakers from the IVL District Track and Field Championships.

A volleyball player prepares to serve the ball during a game. The text reads: Kuna Middle School Volleyball Open Gyms May 8 & 15 | 3:30-5PM June 25 | 10AM-NOON July 16 & 23 | 10AM-NOON Tryouts August 11-13 8th Grade 8-10AM 7th Grade 10AM-NOON *must attend all 3 days to make a team.

Classroom Close Up

CAST

Our CAST students worked together to display all of the encouraging messages that friends and families shared for students to see before ISAT's this week. Thank you to everyone who came in and wrote a message or sent one in.

We are AMPED and ready for our students to ROCK the ISAT!

A white wall decorated with encouraging messages and silver musical note balloons for a student.

A red wall decorated with encouraging messages and drawings of musical instruments for students taking the ISAT.

Information

Supporting Your Middle Schooler for ISAT Success ~ Week 2

Hello Parents! I'm Jessica Toth, the Instructional Coach at KMS, and my role is to support our teachers and students for the best learning experiences, including preparing for important assessments like the Idaho Standard Achievement Test (ISAT).

The reminder of the ISAT testing schedule is as follows:

Math ISAT: Mornings of May 7 and 8 (whole school) - This test measures your child's understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Expect varied question types assessing different mathematical abilities and reasoning.

To help your child be prepared for the ISATs, please ensure they:

Attend all testing sessions. Consistent attendance during ISAT testing is crucial. Missing testing days will require students to complete make-up assessments, potentially causing them to miss valuable classroom instruction.
Bring pencils and wired headphones or earbuds each day.
Explore the official practice test to understand the format and questions. Students can select their grade and assessment (ELA, Math, or Science for 8th grade).

Here are some additional ways you can support your student leading up to and during ISAT testing:

Have a brief, positive conversation about their progress. Throughout the year, students took three SICA (shortened ISAT) benchmark tests, the latest in February. Teachers have discussed these results with students, providing them with an understanding of their strengths and areas for growth.
Encourage your child to explore the ISAT practice test in a relaxed way to familiarize themselves with the online environment and question types. Keep these sessions short and positive.
Your support at home is essential for their success. Ensure your child gets enough sleep and a nutritious breakfast on testing days. Your ongoing support with homework and a positive attitude towards school are important. Remember, our goal is to help your child feel prepared and confident to show what they've learned.

To learn more about how to support your child, check out this article on helping your child prepare for standardized tests.

A message from the KMS counselors

Next week counselors will be sending out Summer School registration forms for students who meet the criteria. Failing a class the entire year and or failing 3 or more classes second semester.

There is still time to improve our grades and thus not be invited to summer school. Please encourage your students to keep working hard until the end.

Summer School dates: June 4-June 25

Time: Period one 8am-10am

Period two 10:05-12 noon

Place: Fremont Middle School

More information to follow...

A flyer announcing Summer School at Fremont Middle School, running from June 4th to June 25th, with periods from 8am-10am and 10:05-12 noon.

KMS Kave Cart

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Parents and Grandparents, who doesn't want to get met with a wave of positivity and excitement? That's what happens when you volunteer at our school Kave Cart! Consider signing up here to help on an upcoming Friday! Also make sure that you have completed an adult background check here: Thank you :)