Dear Parents, Students, and Friends of Kelly,
With Tropical Storm Imelda and the seven days we were off for the restoration efforts on the school, it seems quite a while since I’ve written anything. Thank you to all who helped with the initial clean-up efforts on the Friday after the storm. And thank you also for all who helped on the Saturday, a week later, with the efforts to clean up outside and set-up classrooms and offices inside. I am truly thankful for the wonderful community of families we have here at Kelly. When we began school again, everything began ‘without a hitch’.
Just to review the damage from the storm: water infiltrated into all classrooms, offices, and cafeteria in the main school building as well as the IC and the AV/Conference room next to it. Smaller amounts of water infiltrated into the classrooms and offices, the Theater, gym, and concession stand in the Centennial Complex, in the science classrooms, the old gym, the concession building for the baseball field and the softball practice facility. Carpeting has been removed in all these areas and will be replaced. The vinyl flooring seems to have survived and will not need replacement. The floor in the old gym has buckled and will have to be replaced. A portion of the sheetrocked walls was removed in the areas in which water infiltrated and, although it has been replaced, it will have to be finished and painted. Fortunately, the damage caused to Kelly by Imelda is more of an inconvenience. My prayers go out to families, churches, schools, and businesses that were much more seriously damaged.
Just before Imelda interrupted our school year, I spent two days visiting with all students in small groups about active shooters and the precautions the school takes to keep our students and staff safe. We have a lockdown protocol in place, which was discussed. We now have a police officer on campus throughout the school day. The single biggest effort which can be made is to create a community in which all persons are welcomed, respected, and valued to prevent the isolation and unacceptance so often felt by individuals who resort to these terrible shootings.
While school and other mass shootings get ‘front page’ coverage when they happen, I shared with students that statistically they are in much greater danger from alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping, and distracted driving. All of these are often teenage experiences. I urge all parents to discuss these issues with their children and do so often.
Next week is Homecoming. There are a number of activities planned for the students which are outlined elsewhere in this newsletter. Because the 1st grading quarter ends Friday, October 11, we will hold a ‘Report Card Night’ Thursday, October 17 from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Report Cards can be picked up from the Counselor’s Office and teachers will be available for short meetings to discuss grades if you’d like to visit with them. Report Cards not picked up by a parent will be mailed home the next day. The Counseling Office is also hosting a PAWS (Parent Awareness Symposium) event at 5:30 pm in the IC. Topics to be discussed will be Teen mental Health, Preparing for College, and Teens and the Law. All parents are invited and encouraged to come by, pick up your child’s report card and stay for this very informative presentation.
On Wednesday, October 16, Kelly will be administering the PSAT to all 9th and 11th graders, the Pre-ACT to 10th graders and the SAT to any pre-registered 12th graders. Students report at 8:15 am, like normal. The tests will end between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. Students will be dismissed when everyone in their test group has completed the test.
Seniors begin taking senior portraits on Monday, October 21. Each senior is assigned a time slot during school. Photo packages will be sold. The student needs to sit for the picture even if you choose not to purchase one, as this photo goes in the yearbook.
Because of Imelda, the Freshman Retreat was rescheduled and will take place on Tuesday, October 29 at St. Jude Thaddeus Church on Gladys Stree in Beaumont. Freshman may report directly to and be pickup up from St. Jude. If necessary, a bus will transport students to and from Kelly.
Blessings,
Roger S. Bemis
Principal