Dear KMS Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are excited to welcome our students back to Kellogg Middle School. School begins Wednesday, September 2, and we are looking forward to another great year of learning, growth, and opportunities for our students.

As we begin the year, we want to share a few important reminders and explain some of the structures we have in place to help every student be successful.

School Day

Our regular school week is Monday through Thursday, with the school day beginning at 7:55 a.m. and ending at 3:20 p.m. Warning bells ring at 7:45 and 7:50 a.m., so students should plan to arrive with enough time to be ready for first period.

Our daily schedule is:

• Period 1: 7:55–8:55

• Period 2: 8:58–9:53

• Period 3 – WIN/FLEX: 9:56–10:35

• Period 4: 10:38–11:33

• Lunch/Recess + Intervention: 11:33–12:33

• Period 6: 12:36–1:31

• Period 7: 1:34–2:29

• Period 8: 2:32–3:20

What Is WIN?

One of our priorities this year is making sure students receive academic support that is specific to what they need. WIN stands for “What I Need.”

Every KMS student will participate in WIN. This time allows us to use student performance and assessment information to identify individual academic needs and provide focused instruction. Some students may receive additional support in skills they have not yet mastered, while others may work on grade-level skills, extension activities, or enrichment.

WIN classes are designed to be flexible. Student placement and the focus of WIN classes may change throughout the year based on student needs and progress. A student changing WIN classes does not mean that he or she has done something wrong. It means we are adjusting instruction based on what that student needs at that time.

Our goal is simple: meet students where they are and help them continue moving forward.

Attendance Matters

There is a direct connection between regular attendance and success in school. District Policy 506 requires students to maintain 90% attendance, which means no more than nine absences per semester.

If your child will be absent, please contact the school at (208) 784-1311, preferably before 8:30 a.m. Students are responsible for making arrangements to complete work missed because of an absence.

Family trips should be communicated to the school in advance so teachers have adequate time to prepare materials. Families should also be aware that excessive absences may result in additional school interventions and, when necessary, referral through the District's Attendance Court process.

We recognize that illnesses, emergencies, and difficult family circumstances occur. Our goal is to work collaboratively with families to address barriers to attendance while ensuring students are in school as consistently as possible.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

Personal electronic devices can be useful tools, but they can also create significant distractions during the school day. Our district's cell phone/electronic device expectations are intended to reduce distractions, improve academic focus, support student well-being, prevent cyberbullying, and encourage responsible technology use.

Students are expected to follow school and classroom expectations regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices throughout the school day. We appreciate families supporting us in reinforcing these expectations.

Dress Code

Students should come to school dressed appropriately for a learning environment. In accordance with District Policy 517, clothing must adequately cover the chest, stomach, back, and undergarments. Shorts, skirts, and dresses should extend beyond mid-thigh, and jeans should not be ripped above mid-thigh.

Shoes must be worn and appropriate for school activities. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building. Pajamas and slippers are not considered appropriate school attire.

Clothing also may not contain lewd or obscene material, sexual innuendo, or references or images depicting alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.

We ask families to help students make clothing choices that are appropriate for school and allow everyone to focus on learning.

Drugs, Tobacco & Alcohol

Kellogg Middle School is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students. The possession or use of alcohol and tobacco products is prohibited by state law and District Policy 563. Students are expected to remain free from prohibited substances while at school and during school-sponsored activities.

Starting the Year Together

Middle school is an important time in a student's life. Students are learning academics, but they are also learning independence, responsibility, perseverance, and how to be part of a larger community.

Our expectations at KMS are straightforward: come to school, be ready to learn, work hard, treat others with respect, and give your best effort. In return, our staff will work hard to provide students with the instruction, support, relationships, and opportunities they need to be successful.

Strong schools depend on strong partnerships between students, families, and staff. Please reach out when you have questions or concerns. Communication early and often gives us the best opportunity to support your child.

We are excited to see our students on Wednesday, September 2, and we look forward to a great 2026–2027 school year.

Welcome back, Wildcats!

Sincerely,

Brad Harmon
Principal
Kellogg Middle School