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"Self control means to stay calm." Colton Szabo, Class of 2037

January 16, 2026

Dear KMS parents and guardians,

As we begin the month of January, I want to extend a warm welcome back to our families and wish you a happy and healthy New Year. January is a time of fresh starts and renewed focus, and our school community is excited to reengage students in meaningful learning and continued growth. We remain committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student feels valued and challenged to do their best.

I would also encourage families to download the Kenston Local Schools app to stay connected. It is your one-stop source for important updates, news, and announcements from across the District. Through the app, you can receive notifications tailored to the building your student attends. You will also find the "Live Feed," which is updated in real time with building-specific information and district-wide news. You may also find our updates and the Live Feed through our website, www.kenstonlocal.org. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.  Working together, we look forward to a productive and positive start to 2026 and a strong and successful second semester!

Sincerely,

Adam Fender
Principal

REMINDER: In Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026

Congratulations to the Kenston Middle School Students of the Month for December. Fourth graders selected for Love awards were Mia Agresta, Sophie Baker, Sadie Baldwin, Ilona Baltaoglu, Henry Butler, Harper Catania, Everly Cono, Audrina Fox, Stella Lindberg, Olivia Moore, Grayson Stotter, and Gavin Yanesh.

Congratulations to the Kenston Middle School Students of the Month for December. Fifth graders selected for Love awards were William Chaney, Leighton Eliazo, Harper Herendeen, Josephine Hughes, Emma Johnson, Valerie Lewandowski, Brooklyn Oravecz, June Scalf, Kennedy Szarka, Georgio Tomaselli, and Lucas Touzalin. 

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Congratulations to the Kenston Middle School Students of the Month for December. Sixth and Seventh-graders selected for Love awards were Monae Bankston-Fitzgerald, Elliott Handfinger, McKenzie Huff, Arden Keller, Rikki Leonard, Aiden McCausland, Lilah Rankin, and Martin Steimle. 

Congratulations to the Kenston Middle School Encore Students of the Month for December. Sixth and Seventh-graders selected for Love awards were Chase Craig, Lily Craig, Emilee Samuels, and Wyatt Semrau. 

Adventure is coming to the Kenston Stage as the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students present “Madagascar! A Musical Adventure, Jr.” January 22, 23, and 24, 2026. You won't want to miss the show starring our talented students, as the musical promises to entertain audiences of all ages. 

Click here to view the cast and crew of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. 

As King Julien from Madagascar says, “Move it, move it,” and grab your seats today!🎟️ Tickets are now available at the Kenston Box Office: https://www.kenstonlocal.org/o/kls/page/box-office-tickets

Flu season is upon us! If your child is showing signs of illness—such as fever, cough, or fatigue—please keep them home from school. Additionally, contact the building office at the start of the school day to report your child’s absence.

To help prevent the spread of germs, it’s important to model healthy habits at home:
  - Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
  - Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. (A fun tip: singing the alphabet while washing is a great guide!)

By working together, we can keep our students and staff healthy and safe this season.

UpSTANDers RISE to Bomber Beliefs at KMS
What is an UpSTANDer? - An “upstander” is a person
who acts to make positive change.  

At Kenston Middle School, we are looking for students to support our R.I.S.E. Behavior Program by creating a positive school climate and inclusive culture where all students can succeed.  

The PBIS Committee, with the help of teachers and staff, would like to recognize students who go above and beyond in their actions to create positive change and a positive climate. Students will be given UpSTANDer cards by staff when they see students exemplifying one or more of the following characteristics in the middle school: Respect, Positive Attitude, Inclusive, Leadership, Engaged, Responsibility, and Safety.

We want to acknowledge our students for their hard work and hope they feel a sense of pride and connection to their school. Students should take their cards home to show their family. Also, students can enter a weekly drawing to receive an UpSTANDer reward by scanning the QR Code on the front of their card. 

Congratulations to our recent UpSTANDers!

4th Grade
Alesandra Davie
Addy Richardson

5th Grade
Alexander  Spann
Brooke Wilson

6th Grade
Evren Ice
Lily Pealer 

7th Grade
Anya  Baum
Pasha Tsiperson

The Kenston Nutrition Services Department has added and updated menu items.  Students can look forward to additional options and expanded choices designed to support healthy eating and keep meals exciting throughout the school day.

Visit the Kenston Nutrition Services page for menus, payment methods, and more.  

Kenston Academic Academy is held in the Flight Deck every Tuesday & Thursday from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm. It is open to all students in grades 4-7.

Please click on the buttons below for more information

17425 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023-2730
Phone: 440-543-8241 Fax: 440-543-4851
www.kenstonlocal.org