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"Love is prioritizing someone else's needs above your own, because you
know in your heart they need you." Mrs. Ballantyne, KMS Staff

December 19, 2025

Dear KMS parents and guardians,

As we close out the first semester at Kenston Middle School, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. This semester has been filled with meaningful learning, growth, and moments that highlight the hard work of our students and staff. We are proud of the progress our students have made academically, socially, and emotionally. We are grateful for the role families play in supporting that success. As we look ahead to the second semester, we are excited to continue building on this momentum and working together to ensure every student feels challenged, supported, and valued. Thank you for being an essential part of the Kenston Middle School community.  

We wish you Happy Holidays and good Health!

Sincerely,

Adam Fender
Principal

Our work with students continues to focus on intentional teaching practices that deepen learning and increase engagement. By using Webb’s Depth of Knowledge, teachers are designing lessons that move beyond simple recall of facts and help students think more deeply, solve problems, and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

We are also creating more opportunities for student voice in the classroom. This means students are encouraged to share their thinking, participate in discussions, make choices in their learning, and reflect on their work. When students have a voice, they become more engaged and take greater ownership of their learning.

In addition, teachers are using strong questioning techniques that ask students to explain their reasoning, support their answers, and make connections between ideas. These practices help make students’ thinking visible and ensure learning is both challenging and meaningful.

Congratulations to the Kenston Middle School Students of the Month for November. Fourth graders selected for Gratitude awards were (back row, l-r) Calder Dalton and Benjamin McCausland; (middle row, l-r) Zio Stebel, Grayson Stotter, Luke Keary, and Cameron Sargent; (front row, l-r) Sadie Baldwin, Analee Venesky, and Valentina Cuffari.

Congratulations to the Kenston Middle School Students of the Month for November. Fifth graders selected for Gratitude awards were (back row, l-r) Rocco LaBoe, Greyson Ehrenbeit, Carter St. Clair, and Giorgio Tomaselli; (front row, l-r). Keely McDonald, Eden Clemens, Fiona Blanchard, and Emery Baird. 

Congratulations to the sixth and seventh-grade Kenston Middle School Students of the Month for November. Students selected for Gratitude awards were (back row, l-r) Evelyn Yates, Cassidy Prather, Andrew Stover, and Chase Craig; (front row, l-r) Owen Lukas, Mia Roesing, Chloe Fletcher, and Braden Bennett.

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
Ricky Vasko
Camila Kujawinski
Charlie England
Miles Bertke
Jameson Rapp
Marco Stammegna
Cameron Sargent
Zio Stebel
Kannon Beach
Scarlett Young

5th Grade
Nora Smith
Nolan Rayle
Camden Brumbergs
William Kavouras
Landon Poudevigne
Josie Hughes
Harper Herendeen
Lucas Eastridge
Vaughn Gill
Fiona Mcivor

6th Grade
Noah Greaves
Grant Minich
Annbelle Jorgensen
Parker Sas
Catherine Shorter
Max Pannunzio
Max Pannunzio
Eli Lange
Harlan Caroll
Dahlia Freeman

7th Grade
Anna Gregan
Blake Christopher
Carl Shorter
Caleb Misko
James Morris
Harper Gibson
Emily Wiener
Mason Logozar
Hughes Latona
Luca Dalessandro

As we head into winter break, we would like to remind students that it doesn’t have to mean pausing healthy routines. Instead, it is an excellent opportunity to practice balance, self-motivation, and consistency, which are key goals of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.  

The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge focuses on making thoughtful choices, building healthy routines, and learning to care for yourself. Winter break is a great time to practice these skills, helping students return refreshed, confident, and ready to start the new year strong.

The Kenston Nutrition Services Department will be adding new menu items after the start of the new year. 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.  

As we welcome new students in the New Year, we encourage all families to check Infinite Campus (IC) for any updated bus times. Bus routes and pick-up/drop-off times may have changed, and reviewing this information will help ensure a smooth start to each school day.

Thank you for taking a moment to verify your child’s transportation details. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the building office.

Wishing everyone a safe and smooth start to the New Year!

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

As winter approaches with cold temperatures and wintry weather, please note that the Kenston Stadium (including the track) and Tennis Courts are closed for the season. The hazards of winter weather (including slippery surfaces, strong winds, and cold temperatures) require the facilities to be closed, which will extend their life. The stadium and tennis courts will reopen in the Spring of 2026.

The 1.5-mile Kenston trail is available year-round; however, it is open only during non-school hours and when not in use by a team. This trail provides many opportunities to enjoy nature and exercise, but only during non-school hours. Please also note that dogs are not permitted on the trail or on campus unless they are service dogs.

Help support the KHS Girls Basketball team with a Romeo's Spirit Night on Monday, December 22, the first day of Winter Break! 

Date: Monday, December 22
From: 10 am to 9 pm
Location: Romeo's Pizza Bainbridge
(8535 Tanglewood Square) 

With the mention of this Basketball Event, Romeo's Pizza of Bainbridge will donate 20% of food sales to the Kenston High School Girls' Basketball Team. 

Valid for Pick-Up Orders placed by phone only 
440-384-3377. The flier does not need to be presented when picking up the order. 

The Kenston High School Boys Basketball team will be hosting a Boys Basketball Alumni Appreciation Game. This special event is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate former players and their contributions to the program. Alumni are invited to attend, reconnect with teammates, and be recognized for their role in building the tradition of Kenston Boys Basketball. 

Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Location: Kenston High School Gymnasium
(9500 Bainbridge Road) 
Introduction of Alumni: Approximately 6:30 pm

Interested Alumni should email Coach Jakacki (josh.jakacki@kenstonapps.org) by January 2, 2026, to receive a complimentary ticket. 

We look forward to welcoming our alumni back and celebrating the past, present, and future of the program.

Mark your calendar to take a break, support Kenston Schools, and enjoy a fun-filled day at Kalahari! It’s a great opportunity to relax, make memories, and give back to the Kenston community all at the same time.

Reserve your rooms by January 12, 2026, to take advantage of this opportunity.

17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023-2730
Phone: 440-543-9677 Fax: 440-543-8634
www.kenstonlocal.org