Update from Kuna's Superintendent: Thank you for attending conferences; Red Ribbon Week & more

Posted Date: 10/21/24 (6:30 PM)

Kim's Corner

Update from Kuna Superintendent Bekkedahl

October 21, 2024

 We appreciate your participation in conferences!

Kuna families

We have so appreciated seeing our elementary and middle school families for parent conferences this month and with our high school families Thursday!

This week will mark the completion of the first quarter of the school year - time is flying fast!

In case you missed last week’s Board Report, trustees canceled school on Election Day, Nov. 5 citing concerns about safety as some of our schools are polling places and a very large voter turnout is expected for the Presidential Election. Boise and West Ada school districts also canceled school that day.

We appreciate the Board’s attention to safety for our students and staff. The change also means it will be a better experience for voters as parking in our school lots typically during the day is very limited.

Also at the meeting, the Board asked if I could continue to serve as superintendent for the upcoming school year and I agreed to serve another year. I love serving this community and our team.

group of individuals listening to Jason Reddy of the Kuna School District discuss the upcoming levy

 Thanks to all for sharing information about the upcoming school levy!

Also on the Nov. 5 ballot, is the Kuna School District supplemental levy. One of the concerns we heard after the failure of the May 2024 levy was people didn’t know about it.

We appreciate members of a parent and community levy committee and local businesses that are helping share information through signs, social media posts, phone calls, and conversations. We also are thankful to the City of Kuna for allowing us to share information through water bills.

Last week, we listened and answered questions at the Kuna Chamber of Commerce and Kuna Senior Citizens Center. We welcome the opportunity to come and answer questions. Please reach out to ksdcommunications@kunaschools.org

Board Chair Kim Nixon addresses members of the Kuna Chamber of Commerce

You can learn more about the levy at www.kunaschools.org/levy

Idaho disclosure: The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $65.48 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.

The estimated total school taxes per $100,000 of assessed values based on current conditions would be $114.80 this includes:

Tort Levy: $3.58
Bond Levy: $84.56
Supplemental Levy, $65.48
State Property Tax Relief Funding (House Bill 292): -$38.86

Total: $114.76 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.

Red Ribbon Week: Promoting health choices for bright futures

Our schools are celebrating Red Ribbon Week! These activities help encourage our young people to make healthy choices and promote drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

I want to thank the City of Kuna for its partnership through sharing Opioid settlement funds to support these efforts in our schools. And, thanks to parent and community volunteers who will “chalk the walk” - writing positive messages on the sidewalks around our schools - to encourage our students.

Words Kuna Way with the "Y" represented by a person with their arms upraised

Kuna Way Award: Find a Way! 

We invite our community to help celebrate those who make a difference in our district. Here’s who you told us about during the first quarter of the school year!

Want to recognize someone? Here’s the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KWA202425

Ross - Teri Husted and Brenna Erickson: "As the Pre K program has moved to Ross, both Brenna and Teri have adjusted to many changes and supported staff through them. They both connect with students so well, whether the 3-4 year olds or the 4th and 5th graders, and they bring heart and work ethic to the office at Ross. They are understanding with parents, supportive colleagues with staff, and all around amazing women who give and care so deeply for those around them."

Crimson Point - Amber Doremus: "Miss Doremus has been a shining light in my 1st graders’ life. He struggled with completing tasks in kindergarten but with her gentle push he is absolutely thriving in 1st grade. She keeps an open line of communication and I am confident knowing my son is in the best hands possible! Miss Doremus is dedicated, strong and firm with a kindness that is top notch! KSD and Crimson Point are so lucky to have her on their team and we can not wait to see all of growth in her students!!! Thank you Miss Doremus!!!!"

Kuna High School - Angela Mcinerney: She is helpful and kind and nice and the best teacher that I have had this year and I am happy that I have her.

Reed Elementary - Michele Moore: We've only been at the school for a year, but we're thoroughly impressed with Principal Michele Moore. She truly knows her students. During our meeting, she was well-informed about our child and provided valuable insights. Our students are in excellent hands at Reed Elementary.

Reed Elementary: Katie Aiton: She is always going above and beyond for students and staff. When she has book fairs she not only makes sure every kid at our school leaves with a book but also sets up teacher wish lists. She is always making sure staff have enough books for students in class. She is a huge asset to Reed!

Reed Elementary: "To all our staff, students and community members who showed their SPOTS, helping ensure students were safe and taken care of, stepping in to help when and where needed when the Cheetah Run was disrupted by hornets. So many used their talents, remained calm, and worked together to assist the students and staff at Reed."

📆 Looking Ahead

Please check school and the district calendars for more detailed information about these events!

Oct. 22: Kuna Middle School Fall Choir Concert
Oct. 22 Fremont Middle School Fall Orchestra Concert
Oct. 24: Fremont Middle School Band and Choir Fall Concert
Oct. 24: High School Fall Parent Conferences
Oct. 25: Deadline to request a mail in ballot for Nov. 5 Election
Oct. 26: DIII Marching Band Competition, Kuna High performs at 6:02 p.m. Details are posted at this site.
Oct. 27: Nov. 1: Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 29: Kuna Middle School Orchestra Concert
Nov. 3 - Daylight Savings Time Ends "Fall Back" 1 hour
Nov. 4: Kuna School District policy committee meeting
Nov. 5: No School Election Day - Find your polling place here.
Nov. 5: Kuna High School Jazz Band Concert
Nov. 8: Kuna High School Veterans Day Program
Nov. 8: Kuna Middle School Veterans Day concert
Nov. 12: Kuna School Board meeting
Nov. 12: Kuna Middle School Fall Band & Choir Concert
Nov. 14-16 & 21: KHS The Murder Room, (A Farce in Three Acts)
Nov. 22: Kuna High School Theatre District Showcase
Dec. 2-9: Kuna High School Festival of Trees
Dec. 3: Kuna School District policy committee meeting
Dec. 5: Kuna Middle School Choir Christmas Concert
Dec. 10: Kuna School Board Meeting
Dec. 10, 12 & 13: Kuna High School Winter Choir & Orchestra Concert buy tickets at this link.
Dec. 12: Fremont Middle School Band and Choir Winter Concert
Dec. 16: Combined KMS/FMS Orchestra Winter Concert
Dec. 19: Kuna High Winter Band Concert
Dec. 22 to Jan. 6: Christmas Vacation (Staff return Jan. 6, Students Jan. 7)
Jan. 14: Kuna School Board meeting

In case you missed it

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