08/31/2026
Family Updates 8/31-9/4:
Good Evening, KES Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed your weekend. We loved seeing our students participate with both the AJHS cheerleaders and football players at last week’s game! Also, we are happy that we have completed our first round of benchmark iReady testing. We are proud of all of the hard work of our students!
This past week, our students enjoyed our first House Party of the year! Currently, Sollevare (Yellow House) is in the lead, followed closely by Purple (Nukamori House). Onraka (Orange House) and Altruismo (Black House) are not far behind. Houses do get points for attendance, arriving on time, and positive behaviors.
Important Reminders
—Attendance Awareness:
September is Attendance Awareness Month. We will be sending out information for next week for Attendance Spirit Week days. They are simple spirit days, and we hope that all students and staff will participate! Tomorrow, to kick off our attendance awareness month, we will have our AJHS cheerleaders at arrival on both the car and bus sides of the building to greet our kids! Our goal is to have ALL kids INSIDE the building at 7:25, as we are beginning instruction this year at 7:30 sharp. My challenge to you is to have your students ready to jump out of the car when you get up to the drop-off area. You do NOT have to wait for someone to open your car door if your child can get out alone. We will be monitoring the entire sidewalk area. If the doors are closed when you arrive, make certain to come inside to sign your student in or else they may be counted absent for the day. We do not want this to happen.
Also, our early release days will be the last Friday of each month. These are not considered half days. Instruction does take place in all areas, and we dismiss at noon.
—Attendance Competitions:
Grade levels will compete weekly for best attendance and least tardies. Winning grade levels will receive incentives and shout-outs for this accomplishment.
—Progress Reports:
This week, we will reach the midpoint of Quarter 1. Parents are encouraged to check grades through the Parent Portal. If you need a printed copy of a progress report, reach out to me. Remember that 4K, 5K, and 1st grade students do not receive number grades like grades 2–5.
This Week’s Dates to Remember
—Tuesday, September 1-KES PTO Meeting (focus on fund-raising and Title I info)-6:00pm in cafe; PTO did send home spiritwear fundraiser information this past week. Make sure you see it in the weekly communication folders for your student.
—Thursday, September 3-Mid-Quarter grades available in Parent Portal (Progress Report)
—Friday, September 4-Fourth Grade SCREADY Incentive trip to Air Adventure–info sent home with students that qualify
Upcoming Dates to Remember
—Monday, Sept. 7-Labor Day-No school for students or staff
—Friday, Sept. 18: KES Picture Day (photos for the yearbook)
—Monday, Sept. 21-25-KES Book Fair and Parent Teacher Conference Week (Teachers will send home conference sheets soon.)
Additional Information
Family Handbook: The KES Student/Family Handbook is available online at KES Student/Family Handbook.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. You can reach me at
803-804-6325. Thank you for your continued support. Go tell your children that we love them, and we can’t wait to see them tomorrow!
With much appreciation,
Kelli Overcash
Principal, KES
