August 6, 2025

Dear KOMS Students and Families,

We hope you had a wonderful summer filled with rest, fun, and maybe even a few new experiences. As we prepare to welcome students back to school, the KOMS faculty and staff are excited for the year ahead. Over the summer, our team has been hard at work getting the building ready, and we would like to extend our appreciation to our custodial and maintenance staff for their dedication. Special thanks to Mrs. Lawrence for her continued efforts in preparing the school for a successful start.

Below you’ll find important information to help you and your child prepare for the 2025–2026 school year. We are looking forward to a great year filled with both academic success and memorable experiences.

New Middle School Staff

We’re excited to welcome three new paraprofessionals to our team this year. They will be supporting students who need additional academic assistance in the classroom. 

Chromebooks and Google Classroom

All students will receive a Chromebook on the first day of school during homeroom. These devices are to be used both in and out of the classroom. Please note:

• The district will not offer a Chromebook protection plan this year.

• In the event of accidental damage, the device will be repaired, and a loaner (if available) will be provided.

• In cases of gross negligence, disciplinary action may be taken.

• Only one replacement device will be issued per school year. If that device is also damaged, the student will be expected to complete assignments in paper format.

Please review the Chromebook Handbook for more information. Teachers will continue to use Google Classroom this year. If a student is absent, they should check their Google Classrooms and complete any available assignments. Students should also regularly check their KOSD Gmail accounts for important updates from teachers.

First Day of School – Thursday, August 21, 2025

Students should arrive at school by 7:35 a.m. to ensure they are in homeroom on time. Upon arrival, students may go to the cafeteria for breakfast or report to the auditorium (located across from the cafeteria). Homeroom will begin at 7:45 a.m.

Arrival Procedures

Drop-off procedures will remain the same as last school year:

• Parent Drop-Off Locations: McNeilly Avenue entrance curb-side only (students should not be walking through the parking lot or across the roadway) or behind the high school near the tennis courts.

• No right turns are permitted at the stop sign below the tennis courts before 7:45 a.m.

• Bus Drop-Off: Only at the Kelton Avenue entrance between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.
  

Student Schedules

Student schedules for the 2025–2026 school year will be available through PowerSchool starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8. Usernames and passwords remain the same as last year. Students should review their schedule to identify their homeroom location. As a reminder, we will not have rotation days in 6th and 7th grade this year. All classes are either yearlong or nine weeks. 8th grade students will follow an A/B Day schedule only for their History and Science classes. 

A hard copy of each student’s schedule will also be provided in homeroom on the first day of school. Schedules will not be reprinted each marking period, as they are accessible at any time through PowerSchool. The bell schedules for this year are included with this email. You can access PowerSchool through the district website: www.kosd.org

Sixth Grade & New Student Orientation – August 14

Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 14 at 9:00 a.m. in the LGI for all 6th-grade students, new students, and their parents/guardians.

• A bus schedule for Castle Shannon and Green Tree students will be sent separately.

• Students will tour the building, meet teachers, and locate their classrooms.

• The student portion of the program concludes around 11:00 a.m., with buses returning students to their morning stops.

Parent Session: Building administrators and student services staff will hold a session for parents in the middle school cafeteria beginning at 9:15 a.m. lasting approximately 45–60 minutes.

School Counselor Update

This year, our student services team has been restructured to better support students:

• Mrs. Shatten – Tier 1 Support: Academic & Career Focus

• Mrs. Crimmins (Dines) – Tier 2 Support: Social/Emotional Support

Rather than assigning counselors by grade or last name, students will receive support based on their individual needs. This model aligns with PA Title 22 Chapter 339 Career and Technical Education Standards.

Electronic Devices – Policy 237

Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during the school day. All students will have access to a district-issued Chromebook, which serves all educational purposes.

• Devices such as phones should be powered off during school hours.
  Misuse of personal devices often leads to issues related to social media and distraction.

• If you need to reach your child during the day, please contact the main office at 412-571-6148.

Please review School Board Policy 237 on the district website for more details.

Back to School Night – August 28 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m., co-hosted by the KOMS PFO. Families and students will have the opportunity to:

• Walk through your child’s schedules

• Decorate lockers

• Meet teachers

• Learn more about classes and academic programs

• Hear from school counselors

• Get organized and excited for the year ahead
  

Parent & Student Handbook

The 2025–2026 Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct will be available online starting Monday, August 11. This resource includes essential guidelines and expectations. Key dress code reminders include:

• No hats, head coverings, or bandanas (unless for religious/medical reasons)

• No visible undergarments or bare midriffs

• Skirts and shorts should be mid-thigh length

• No inappropriate messaging or graphics on clothing

• No overly tight, loose, or revealing attire

• Tops must not expose midriffs, backs, chests, or undergarments
  
  

Attendance Policy Reminder: Parents may write up to ten notes per year to excuse absences, including for travel or vacations. Email all excuses to komsattendance@kosd.org. 

Electronic Hall Passes

We will continue to use SmartPass, our electronic hall pass system. It provides a streamlined and trackable way to monitor student movement throughout the building and can generate reports that are shareable with parents if needed.

We hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer vacation and we look forward to seeing you on August 21. It will be your best year yet!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kattan, KOMS Principal    Mr. Mizikar, KOMS Assistant Principal

The class schedule will be modified on early release days so that students still attend all classes. Our day will still start at 7:35 am and will end at 11:00 am.