Welcome Back!

We are looking forward to a great 2009-2010 school year.  The administration, faculty and staff are extremely proud of the improvements made at Kinston School over the past few years.  The renovations and additions have created a better learning environment for our students. 

We are also proud of the new programs and curriculum improvements.  Last year our school was chosen to implement the Alabama Math, Science & Technology Initiative (AMSTI).  Our elementary teachers and high school science and math teachers attended a two week intensive training last summer and again this summer.  Their hard work and dedication to learning new and innovative teaching strategies will greatly enhance our math and science curriculum. 

Two new computer labs are now available for teachers and students to use throughout the day.  These labs and the 21^st Century Classroom provide our students with the latest up-to-date technology.

Our high school curriculum now includes the opportunity for students to pursue the Honors curricula which includes rigor above that of the Advanced Academic Endorsement.  

Kinston School recently received two outstanding recognitions.  We were one of only ten schools in the state to be recognized and honored by Project Tomorrow, a national education organization.  Project Tomorrow recognized Kinston School as one of America's top schools for incorporating the views of students, parents, and educators in local decision-making. 

We are also proud of our student athletes and coaches for being recognized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association for the Sportsmanship Banner.  The Sportsmanship program was implemented by the AHSAA last year and Kinston School received the honor last year and received the honor again this year.  Kinston School was one of only thirty-five schools in Alabama to receive the award for two consecutive years.  A special thanks goes out to our student athletes, parents and coaches for making this honor possible. 

In order for us to better prepare our students for the challenges ahead we continue to raise the standards and expectations for all of our students.  I look forward to the opportunities and challenges we will face together in our pursuit of academic excellence.  It is my goal to help each student reach his or her highest potential in academics and in life through hard work, self-discipline and positive attitudes.  

•Ø      The dress code that is specified in the Coffee County Schools Parent Student Guide will now include students in grades 4-12.  Boys in grades 4-12 must tuck in their shirts.  Girls and boys who wear pants with belt loops must wear a belt.   Proposed changes for this year include:  Girls and boys who wear polo shirts, t-shirts, or unisex shirts must tuck in shirts.  No tank tops are allowed.  Disciplinary action will be taken for those students in violation of the dress code policies.

•Ø      Students in grades 7-12 are not allowed to use bookbags.  Students in grades K-6, however, will be allowed to carry bookbags.  They cannot have wheels attached to the bookbags.

•Ø      Students should not arrive nor should parents drop off students for school prior to 7:30 am.  The school day does not begin before 7:30 am.  Elementary students should enter at the side doors of the elementary school beside the lunchroom.  We will not assume responsibility for the supervision of students prior to 7:30 am.  Also, students should not be allowed to remain on the school campus after 3:15 pm.  If a parent cannot pick the students up, other arrangements must be made prior to 2:30 pm.

•Ø      It is important that the afternoon travel plans for your child be made prior to leaving home in the morning.  Changes in the normal pick-up or bus riding, must be done in writing.  You should send a note to the child's teacher if he/she has a change in their normal travel plans.  In the event that there is an emergency, please notify the school prior to 2:30 pm.  This will give the office personnel time to notify the teachers/bus drivers of the change of travel.

•Ø      Elementary Students:  Afternoon car riders will be picked up at the back of the elementary building.  Please travel north on Main Street and East on Pierce Street.  Remember to stay in your car and a teacher will escort your child to the car.

•Ø      Students who bring their lunch to school must comply with the nutrition guidelines.  This means that bottled and canned drinks cannot be brought into the lunchroom in their original containers.  Parents are encouraged to send nutritious lunches for their children.  Students should bring their lunch with them to school or eat in the cafeteria.  No food deliveries will be accepted in the office.

•Ø      To ensure the safety of our students and faculty; all visitors must check in at the main office and obtain a "visitor pass" before entering any classroom or campus area.  The "visitor pass" must be visible at all times during your stay on campus.

Respectfully,

Terry W. Weeks, Principal

•Ø        Reminder:  If you have not cleared your record (ex. Fees, fund raiser money owed, library, etc.) from the last school year you will NOT be allowed to register until your record is cleared.