Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens announced that Kenston Middle School has earned renewal of its designation as a Purple Star school...
Purple Star Designation
Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens announced that Kenston Middle School has earned renewal of its designation as a Purple Star school. The award recognizes a school’s commitment to serving and supporting students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces and Ohio National Guard. KMS is 1 of 432 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and support to students in military families.
“Purple Star schools are another example of Ohio’s proud tradition of honoring our servicemen and women,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “As a community, these schools are embracing our military-connected students and their families, providing them with support and resources to meet those families’ unique needs.”
“Congratulations to all of the schools joining the growing list of those across the state who are leaning forward in taking care of Ohio’s military youth,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general and commander of the Ohio National Guard. “Supporting our children in the classroom is one of the most important things a school can do to give back to their local military members who have sworn an oath to protect and defend the nation’s families.”
To meet the Purple Star Award requirements, schools must designate a liaison between military-connected students and their families and the school. The liaison works with teachers to support the military-connected students in school and helps to ensure military families and students have access to necessary considerations and resources in the community.
“The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that honor and support military-connected youth and their families unique needs,” said Siddens. “I applaud these schools and their extraordinary commitment to ensuring students’ success through academic and wraparound supports.”
The announcement of the Purple Star Class of 2022 is part of Ohio’s participation in the national celebration of the Month of the Military Child. April was first designated as the Month of the Military Child by the United States Department of Defense in 1986 to increase public knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding children who have a parent in the military.
The Purple Star Advisory Board helps determine school eligibility requirements. A Purple Star School receives the designation for three years, after which the school can apply for renewal of the designation. Kenston Middle School was first bestowed with the honor in 2020, and the renewal carries through to 2025. Timmons Elementary School is also recognized a Purple Star School.
Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition
The artwork of Kenston High School artist Erin McFadden has been selected as “Top 25” in the 52nd annual Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Her work was chosen from over 6,280 statewide regional entries.
“Whole Lotta Tomato” by Erin McFadden is on display in the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower, across from the State Capitol, through the end of May. Her pieces, “Hands On Engineer” and “Lyrically Deserted” are featured on the Ohio Department of Education Virtual Showcase.
Mara Dubay and Erin McFadden received regional recognition for their artwork.
The exhibition is a valuable incentive for Ohio’s youth; it encourages an appreciation for the arts throughout Ohio and reflects the quality of art instruction and talent in our state.
Fine Arts Showcase
Kenston Schools wil host its annual Fine Arts Showcase from May 2 – 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Kenston High School. The showcase will highlight the district art show featuring AP art portfolios and music performances by the bands and choruses from the middle and high schools. Musical performances will be every evening at 7 p.m. in the high school’s Robert A. Lee Auditorium.
On May 2, the Kenston Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade band will perform. The seventh- and eighth-grade choirs will showcase their talents on May 3, with the high school chorus concert on May 4. The showcase will conclude with the KHS band concert on May 5.
Russian Scholar Laureate
Junior Viktoriya Taran has received the 2021 Russian Scholar Laureate award.
The ACTR Russian Scholar Laureate Awards were first presented in 2005. From each secondary school where Russian is taught, one sophomore or junior may be nominated to receive the award as the school’s most outstanding Russian student for that year. They represent the top students studying Russian in schools across the country. Viktoriya was one of 38 Russian Scholar Laureates named for 2021.
Kenston Conversations
Kenston residents are invited to join the superintendent and members of the administrative team at upcoming in-person community opportunities to share a cup of coffee and talk about what is happening at Kenston Schools.
Join today from 1-2 p.m. at Buckeye Chocolates. The superintendent and administration look forward to being out in the community to connect with members of the district.
Safe School Hotline
The Ohio Department of Education has partnered with Ohio Homeland Security to offer all Ohio school districts a safe and secure tip line. The tip line can be anonymous, or callers have the option to leave contact information.
The Homeland Security team will assess any threatening information or suspicious activity to determine the threat level. If it is determined to be a high-level threat, they will communicate directly with local law enforcement and the school district.
