February 2019 | Superintendent News

"Compassion is when someone is sad, and I try to make them feel better" ~ Lyla, 3rd grade

Dear Kenston Families, In conjunction with Say Something Week and Start with Hello , we would like to remind you that Kenston Schools and the Ohio Department of Education have partnered with Ohio Homeland Security to offer all Ohio school districts a safe and secure tip line. The 24/7 tip line can be anonymous, or callers have the option to leave contact information. Any threatening information or suspicious activity will be assessed by the Homeland Security team to determine the level of the threat. If it’s determined to be a high-level threat, they will communicate directly with local law enforcement and the school district. Information that is only school related such as bullying, social media issues or other school related information will be routed directly to the school administrators to address. Safer Schools Ohio tip/text line: 844-SAFEROH or 844-723-3764. Please click for additional information about the Safer Schools Hotline We believe in the importance of keeping our home-to-school and school-to-home channels of communication strong. As parents, you are your child's greatest protector. Check your child's phone, iPad, tablet and computer regularly. Take social media seriously, do not downplay the power it has in your child's life. Here is a link to up-to-date research and guidance on social media basics and information from local social media expert Jesse Weinberger. Sincerely,

Nancy R. Santilli Superintendent of Schools

YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

The online dictionary defines a Digital Footprint as one's unique set of digital activities, actions and communications that leave a data trace on the Internet or on a computer, or other digital device, and can identify the particular user or device. With every day, our digital footprint grows. For our students it is crucial that we have conversations with them as to how information they post builds their online reputation. I encourage you to start a conversation with your child about how they use their social media channels to put their "best foot forward" to represent themselves today and in the future.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT SERIES

Thank you to PTO Council for championing the firstyear of the Parent Engagement Speaker Series. I appreciate their partnership on topics that are timely and relevant for our parents and the success of their students. Please share your thoughts on future topics with PTO at pto.engagement@kenstonapps.org. Thank you to John Molnar, Technology Management Coordinator; Josh Timmons, Technology Integration Coach at KMS; Ryan Novak, Technology Integration Coach and Katy McGrath, Director of Community Relations, for presenting at the PTO Parent Engagement Series: Technology @ Kenston. Here is a link to the presentation.

GOOGLE EMAIL

Do you get all the emails that are sent from Kenston? In Gmail, do your emails go to your Promotions Tab and not your Primary Tab? Gmail’s Primary tab includes all emails from people you know and any other messages that don’t appear in other tabs. Getting your email to land in a contact’s Primary tab is controlled by you — the recipient. Move email into your Primary tab by clicking and dragging one of the Kenston emails from the Promotion tab into your Primary tab.

Add Kenston Schools (e-communications@kenstonapps.org) to your contact list. In Gmail, this can be done by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right of the email and selecting "Add to Contacts list." Emails in your contact list always go to the Primary inbox.   To make sure you are receiving building communications by adding the following to your contact list. Timmons Elementary kenstontes.ecomm@kenstonapps.org tes.pto@kenstonapps.org Kenston Intermediate School kis.ecomm@kenstonapps.org kis.pto@kenstonapps.org Kenston Middle School kms.ecomm@kenstonapps.org kms.pto@kenstonapps.org Kenston High School khs.ecomm@kenstonapps.org khs.pto@kenstonapps.org

FACILITIES UPDATE

We are nearing completion on our House Bill 264 project (Energy Conservation Program) that includes converting all lighting to LED and the installation of automated controls for our buildings' heating and cooling systems. This project will provide the district with a guaranteed cost savings of over $180,000 annually.

COIN OF EXCELLENCE

For over ten years, challenge coins have been presented to Kenston’s graduating seniors as they cross the stage at commencement. Each coin is specific to the class and given to celebrate their accomplishments, achievements and graduation from high school. This year, I have expanded the tradition with a “Coin of Excellence” that recognizes outstanding service and performance by members of our faculty and staff. We commend all of our staff members who have gone above and beyond to support our students.

UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS Work Session - Monday, March 4 - BOE - 6pm Regular Meeting - Monday, March 18 - TES - 7pm Agenda and Minutes

Kenston Local Schools | www.kenstonlocal.org l e-communications@kenstonapps.org 17419 Snyder Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 l 440-543-9677

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