Inclement Weather Procedures

With this week's cold snap, this is a good time to review Keystone's procedures for extreme weather.

When weather conditions make traveling to school potentially dangerous, we will monitor forecasts and activities of local school districts to determine whether Keystone will delay or cancel classes for the day. 

Mr. Handmaker will make a decision by 6 a.m. regarding the day’s schedule, and parents will receive a text around that time.

Our overriding concern is the safety of our students and families.
On Campus
Keystone senior signs to play D1 volleyball at West Point
Although Keystone is best known for its championship teams in Science Fair, Academic WorldQuest and Model United Nations, it celebrated the athletic achievements of Bella, a senior who on National Signing Day, committed to play volleyball for West Point. 

Little School dad celebrates Veterans Day with students
In honor of Veterans Day this week, Capt. Cooney visited the Little School.

Of course, he’s better known as a Keystone dad.

6th Graders focus on South Central Texas
Sixth graders took on dampness and cold during their two-night trip to Nature’s Classroom Institute in New Ulm, near Columbus.
 
Little School welcomes children's authors
The Little School welcomed back author  Alice Rhea Mitchell  and illustrator Sheryl K. Perry  for a visit with the students.

Model UN members take honors at Austin conference
Keystone’s Model UN delegation performed solidly at the Central Texas Model UN conference in Austin earlier this month, with two members earning special honors.

Keystone represents at a Spurs game
Although the Spurs lost on Keystone Night, our students and families enjoyed their evening. Our families got to watch the teams warm up just a few rows away from the court, and enjoyed a food voucher that came with the tickets. Overall, a great experience.
Annual Fund wrapping up active phase this week
Two pieces of big news in the Annual Fund campaign:

  • The First Grade class surpassed their match, with more than $14,000 raised! In turn, Ortiz Pharmacy will match $10,000.
  • Also, parents of the Turtles class in the Little School have hit 100% participation!

For those who have not made their pledges, expect a call from your grade captains, who are working the phones during this final week of the active phase.


If you’d like to make your donation online,   please click here.
GrandFriends Day schedule announced

Students and faculty at the Little and Lower Schools will welcome grandparents and other special adults onto campus for an extraordinary morning and a look at some of the projects the young ones are tackling.

Little School celebrates its day Thursday, Nov. 21, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on its campus, 117 Valero St. It's best to arrive between 7:30-8:15 a.m. to take a picture with your child.

Lower School invites parents on Friday, Nov. 22, from 8:15 a.m. to noon on the main campus. Here's the schedule for the morning:
  • 8:15 am – 9:00 am     Coffee and pastries
  • 9:00 am – 9:30 am     Visit Homeroom Classrooms
  • 9:30 am – 10 am      Head of School presentation in the gym (includes student speakers)
  • 10 am – 10:30 am     Musical presentation in gym
  • 10:30 am – 12 pm     Book Fair in Lower School Library

Dismissal is at 12:30 p.m. If students are staying until then, they should bring a lunch. Cafeteria Services will not be serving Lower School hot lunch. And there is no aftercare on this day.

Middle and Upper School : Both divisions will have an early dismissal on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
Keystone participating in Giving Tuesday - Dec. 3

Please consider supporting Keystone during this global giving movement. All funds raised on Giving Tuesday will support the Daniel Wesley Stevens Memorial Endowed Fund for Teacher Support, which provides our faculty with the funds necessary to further learn and grow in the subjects they teach and are passionate about by encouraging our faculty to participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Danny Stevens was a beloved member of the Keystone Class of 2000 who passed away in 2003 following a hiking accident – your support honors Danny’s memory. Learn more about donation opportunities here.
Keystone parents forming Spartan Race team
Want to test your fitness? And play on a jungle gym like a kid? A group of Keystone parents invite you to join them.

Billy's Blog: From the Head of School
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” 
–Pericles

Ordinarily, we don’t want students selling items to other students for a variety of reasons; consequently, while I appreciated this third grader’s entrepreneurial spirit, I was apprehensive.

It was only when I spoke to Jack at a volleyball game later that day that I learned what he and his classmates Colton and Matthew were hoping to do. 

Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty: Purchasing Supervisor Lynda Ciment
Position: Purchasing Supervisor

Education: High School Diploma

Why do you like working here:  I love the students, they keep me young at heart.

Important Events and Notes
9th Grade breakfast sale
Support the Freshman Class at the next breakfast sale on Tuesday, Nov. 19 before school begins, next to Nurse Penny's office.

On the menu: breakfast tacos, donuts and hot chocolate.
9th Grade bake sale - Wednesday
Next week's bake sale is happening on Wednesday, Nov. 20, instead of the usual Thursday.

Same time, during Middle and Upper School lunch periods.

Remember the new date next week and get some goodies to support the 9th grade class.
Book Fair - Nov. 15-22
Clothing Drive for SAMMinistries - Dec. 2-13

Please bring your used clothing to the Clothing Drive for SAMMinistries. Items are being collected at Stevens Hall - Room 205.

The drive runs from Dec. 2-13 and is sponsored by the Foreign Language Club, National Honor Society  and 4 th  Grade Leadership.
Picture Retake - Dec. 3

For those who missed Picture Day in October, the day for retakes is Tuesday, Dec. 3. If you had a picture taken already and want to take a new photo, you must bring your old photo packet with you.
Juniors' College Night - Dec. 4

From Ms. Christiansen: 11 th  Graders and their parents are invited to attend our Junior College Night on Dec. 4 at 6pm. All juniors are required to attend. We'll go over the college search/application process and have time for Q&A. Dinner is available in the Cafeteria at 6 p.m.; College Presentation begins in the Theater at 7 p.m.
PTO Gingerbread Workshop - Dec. 7
The annual PTO Gingerbread Workshop is happening Dec. 7 in the Keystone Cafeteria.

Click on the photo to fill out the online registration form.
Keystone fanwear available
Looking for Keystone apparel? It's now for sale in TWO locations!

On campus: we have an apparel closet located in the Development Office, on the second floor of Founders Hall. We have adult and youth tshirts and full-zip sweatshirts, in addition to dri-fit hats. We also have Keystone Yeti’s and Hydroflasks available for purchase.

Vivroux Sports : Adidas merchandise is available for purchase at Vivroux Sports, 2222 Breezewood Blvd. in Alamo Heights. They carry additional tshirts, sweatshirts, shorts, drawstring backpacks, and more! 

If you have any questions, contact Hannah Hyde or Lynda Ciment .
Online lunch payments

If your family buys hot lunch here at Keystone, please remember that all payments must be made online with our food contractor, Cafeteria Services.

Go to the parent portal ( parents.keystoneschool.org ) and click on "lunch."

Support Keystone while you shop on Amazon
When you shop on Amazon, please use AmazonSmile and designate Keystone as the beneficiary. This way, your savings can help your school.
We want to hear from you!
If you have news to share about the students, alumni, faculty or staff at Keystone School, please send it to: etijerina@keystoneschool.org .
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