Hello Kuna Middle School Family!
At Kuna Middle School, growth isn’t just a goal—it’s our culture. Every day, I see our students and staff embracing challenges, learning from each other, and celebrating the progress that comes from hard work and perseverance. We see teachers teaming up to strengthen their lessons, growth is at the heart of everything we do.
We know that true success is built step by step. Our professional learning communities are focused on giving every student the opportunity to thrive, and I’m inspired by the way our school community rallies together to support this vision.
As we get closer to Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5th-9th), let’s make it unforgettable. Our teachers pour their hearts into growing young minds every day—now it’s our turn to lift them up. Join us in celebrating their passion and impact. A simple gesture, a kind word, or a helping hand can turn this week into a powerful reminder of how much they matter. Together, we can make this the best Teacher Appreciation Week ever!
Partners in Learning,
Shelly Manuel
Principal
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April 18: No School
April 22: Focus on Your Future @ FMS 6-7:00pm
April 23: ISAT Message of Encouragement from parents for students (See flyer below)
April 24: Pete Noteboom Retirement Party KMS Library @ 2:30-3:30
April 28: PTO Meeting @ 5:30 & Parent Advisory Meeting @ 6:00 pm
April 28 - 29: Science ISAT
April 29: Parent University
April 30 - May 1: ELA ISAT
May 7 - 8: Math ISAT
May 13: KMS Band Concert
May 20: KMS Choir Concert
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State testing season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to cheer on our amazing students as they prepare to ROCK the ISAT!
We’d love for parents and guardians to help us build a wall of encouragement by writing a positive message for their child — or for all our students — to see before testing begins.
You have two easy options:
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Stop by the KMS front office on April 23rd anytime between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM to write a message in person.
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Or, click the link below to fill out a quick form, and CAST will write your message for you.
Let’s be their biggest fans and send them into testing week with confidence and support!
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Congratulations to Mr. Martin on his graduation from Grand Canyon University. He received his Masters in Biology with an emphasis in Education. He worked hard and it paid off! Great job Mr. Martin!!! KMS is lucky to have you as a teacher! |
Way to go, Simon Young! You've been on time, every time, and now it's time to Have Your Best Day with a free drink from Snerk's!
Keep up the great work, everyone--show up on time next week, and YOU could be our
next Snerk's Superstar!
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A Big Thanks to our PTO – from all of us for the fantastic new sound system! We're seriously excited about how much better assemblies, performances, and all our events are going to sound now. We know you all worked hard to make this happen, and we really appreciate your awesome support for our school! |
Monday, April 21
4:15pm - KMS Tennis vs. TVCS
Tuesday, April 22
4:15pm - KMS Tennis vs Summitvue MS
Wednesday, April 23
4:30pm - KMS Track Meet @ KHS
4:15pm - KMS Tennis vs. EVMS
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To explore how eclipses occur, students used a physical model of the Sun-Earth-Moon system, complete with a flashlight to represent the Sun and spheres to represent the Earth and Moon. By moving the Moon around the Earth at different positions along a cross-shaped mat, students observed how the alignment of these celestial bodies affects the shadows they cast. They identified when new and full moons occur, then investigated when those positions create solar and lunar eclipses. By shifting the model to mimic Earth’s orbit around the Sun, they saw how the Moon’s shadow sometimes misses Earth—explaining why eclipses don’t happen every month. Students also analyzed where total and partial solar eclipses would be visible on Earth, including whether a town like Kuna would experience one. This hands-on activity helped students visualize the geometry behind these rare and fascinating events. |
To explore how waves travel and interact with matter, students used tuning forks to measure sound vibrations and flashlights to examine the differences between translucent, transparent, and opaque materials. They also explored how a prism separates white light into different colors. |
Hello Parents! I'm Jessica Toth, the Instructional Coach at KMS, and my role is to support our teachers and students for the best learning experiences, including preparing for important assessments like the Idaho Standard Achievement Test (ISAT).
The ISAT testing schedule is as follows:
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Science ISAT: April 28-29 (in 8th-grade science classes) - This test assesses your 8th grader's understanding of scientific concepts, practices, and real-world applications. Expect questions analyzing data, interpreting information, and demonstrating scientific reasoning.
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ELA ISAT: Mornings of April 30 and May 1 (whole school) - This assessment focuses on reading comprehension, writing, and language use. Students will read passages, answer questions, and write responses.
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Math ISAT: Mornings of May 7 and 8 (whole school) - This test measures your child's understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Expect varied question types assessing different mathematical abilities and reasoning.
To help your child be prepared for the ISATs, please ensure they:
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Attend all testing sessions. Consistent attendance during ISAT testing is crucial. Missing testing days will require students to complete make-up assessments, potentially causing them to miss valuable classroom instruction.
- Bring pencils and wired headphones or earbuds each day.
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Explore the official practice test to understand the format and questions. Students can select their grade and assessment (ELA, Math, or Science for 8th grade).
Here are some additional ways you can support your student leading up to and during ISAT testing:
- Have a brief, positive conversation about their progress. Throughout the year, students took three SICA (shortened ISAT) benchmark tests, the latest in February. Teachers have discussed these results with students, providing them with an understanding of their strengths and areas for growth.
- Encourage your child to explore the ISAT practice test in a relaxed way to familiarize themselves with the online environment and question types. Keep these sessions short and positive.
- Your support at home is essential for their success. Ensure your child gets enough sleep and a nutritious breakfast on testing days. Your ongoing support with homework and a positive attitude towards school are important. Remember, our goal is to help your child feel prepared and confident to show what they've learned.
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Next week counselors will be sending out Summer School registration forms for students who meet the criteria. Failing a class the entire year and or failing 3 or more classes second semester.
There is still time to improve our grades and thus not be invited to summer school. Please encourage your students to keep working hard until the end.
Summer School dates: June 4-June 25
Time: Period one 8am-10am
Period two 10:05-12 noon
Place: Fremont Middle School
More information to follow...
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A GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Parents and Grandparents, who doesn't want to get met with a wave of positivity and excitement? That's what happens when you volunteer at our school Kave Cart! Consider signing up here to help on an upcoming Friday! Also make sure that you have completed an adult background check here: Thank you :) |
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Win a free book for getting a BINGO. As you complete each read, come to the library and get the square stamped. Once you get a BINGO, you win a book! |
Access Tutor.com through Clever using your student Gmail account. Get help from a trained tutor, 24 hours a day 7 days a week! |
Food Insecurity is on the rise at Kuna Middle School
Feed it Forward is a program hosted by KMS PTO for KMS students.
It allows anyone to donate in order to cover needed school lunch funds.
Students are not allowed to charge meals.
Insufficient funds= no lunch
Short $.50 =no lunch
But, Feed it Forward can cover a student that day, so they can have a
hot lunch.
KMS PTO donated $500 in March to the program, that money was well spent covering student lunches.
They have donated another $500, but it will likely be gone in six weeks or less.
Please consider donating.
How to donate:
Scan the QR code, Specify Feed it Forward on your donation
If you would like a receipt, please reach out to the KMS PTO and they will provide one.
KMS PTO is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization
Thank you for supporting KMS and it's students
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Contact the Principal, Mrs. Manuel
Contact the Vice Principal, Mr. Noteboom
Contact the Vice Principal, Mr. McKee
Kuna Middle School
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