Keokuk schools depend on supportive parents and guardians.
FAST FACTS
– The district’s main form of communication with parents will be through our Communication App ParentSquare.
– Keokuk Schools offer a wide array of opportunities and information for students and parents, including Parent-Teacher Organizations.
–Â Parent-Teacher Organizations are a way for parents to get more involved with their child’s schools (see more below).
– Parents of students in music programs at KCSD have the opportunity to join KHS Band Boosters and KCSD Vocal Boosters.
– Parents of student athletes can join the Keokuk Athletic Boosters and the Keokuk Chief Fans ParentSquare group to stay up-to-date on athletic news, fundraisers and more.
ATTENDANCE
Student attendance is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Absenteeism must be reported by phone to your child’s school via the automated system, you may contact:
TORRENCE:Â (319) 526-3665
GW:Â (319) 524-1953
HAWTHORNE:Â (319) 524-3503
KMS:Â (319) 524-3737
KHS:Â (319) 524-2542
NOTE:
– Medical excuses will require a doctor’s note that can be given to the attendance secretary or faxed to the school.
– All communication will be given to the building’s attendance secretary.
STATE ABSENTEEISM LAW
Iowa state law (SF2435) provides clear guidelines for limited circumstances that are exempt from attendance requirements (medical absences with a physician’s note; school-related field trips and events; court appearances; religious services or instruction; eligible IEPs and 504s; and those students who have already completed required graduation requirements).
CLOSURES & DELAYS
There are times when school is canceled due to inclement weather or other building problems. Information regarding school closings and delays will be distributed as early as possible should the need arise through Urgent Alerts on ParentSquare (text/email/call/push notification). Please access your PowerSchool Parent Portal and insure phone numbers and emails are accurate and up to date.
When school is closed or dismissed announcements will be made through local news and radio stations, phone and text alerts, as well as social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
It’s also important to discuss, in advance, with your child where they need to go in case of an early dismissal.Â
INCLEMENT WEATHER TRANSPORTATION
School district buses will not operate when weather conditions due to fog, rain, snow or other natural elements make it unsafe to do so. Because weather conditions may vary around the school district and may change quickly, the best judgment possible will be used with the information available.
The final judgment as to when conditions are unsafe to operate will be made by the superintendent. The superintendent will be assisted by the actual “on location” reports of the drivers.
Several drivers each year will be specially designated to report weather and road conditions by bus radio when requested to do so. Other employees and students will be notified by commercial radio when school is canceled or temporarily delayed. Â When school is canceled because of weather anywhere in the school district, all schools will be closed.
When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, cancellation notices will be announced by commercial radio. Students will be returned to their regular drop-off sites unless weather conditions prevent it. Â In that case, students will be kept at or returned to school until they are picked up by the parents.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
Keokuk Community School District believes positive home/school relations are critical to the support and success of our schools. Our schools utilize a variety of tools to communicate directly with students and parents, to ensure our messages are clear and our community is connected to the district.
Issues are best addressed by communicating with the people who are most directly involved with them. In order to address issues appropriately, parents are always advised to follow the correct communication sequence (teacher, principal, superintendent, and then board member. Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken. If the issue or concern has not been resolved satisfactorily, they may then choose to move on to the next person in the communication sequence. The easiest way to communicate is via email or phone call.
However, making an appointment for a face to face meeting is always welcome. In addition to successfully resolving concerns and issues, parents and community members are also encouraged to reach out and share successes.
PARENTSQUARE
Our district utilizes ParentSquare to deliver emails, text messages, and mobile calls straight to your phone or email with important information about events, school delays/closures, safety alerts, and more. You can check to see if your information is in the student information system by asking your school secretary or by checking the Powerschool Parent Portal.
PARENT INFO | DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PARENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Little Chiefs PTO: The Parent Teacher Organization for George Washington and Hawthorne Elementary and Torrence Preschool is an organization of parents and teachers who work to encourage a closer relationship between home and the schools.
Meeting Times/Location: 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Hawthorne School.
The PTO provides gifts to our school. Recent gifts include: playground equipment on kindergarten, 1st 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th playgrounds; trash receptacles around the building; TV’s and VCR’s in all classrooms and basketball hoop and backboards for playground. In addition it has provided entrance mats, benches, and computers for K-1 computer lab.
- – The PTO provides ribbons to Hawthorne students for sportsmanship in physical education.
– The PTO provides Christmas trees and fans to Hawthorne classrooms.
– The PTO gives cards and gifts to school personnel. The PTO “Sunshine Fund” chairperson remembers our teachers and staff in the event of extended illness, death in the family, and the like.
– The PTO provides refreshments to students and parents at school programs and other activities.
– The PTO gives recognition to those who have provided outstanding service to PTO by awarding PTO Life Memberships & Spotlight Awards.
– The PTO has developed an Attendance Incentive Program
PTO Observes
– American Education Week
– Teacher Appreciation Week
PTO sponsors and/or assists with:
– Bookstore
– Book Fair
– School Pictures
– Kindergarten Rodeo and Roundup
– Room Mothers Program
– Programs by Guest Artists
PTO Organizes:
– Birthday Lunches
– PTO Spooktacular
– School PTO Handbook/Calendar
– School Shirt Sales
– Birthday Treats
– Monthly PTO Meetings and Special Activities
KMS PTO: The Parent Teacher Organization for KMS is an organization of parents and teachers who work to encourage a closer relationship between home and the schools.
Meetings: Second Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m. in the in the KMS Library.
The Keokuk Athletic Boosters is a volunteer group of parents and other generous individuals who are devoted to supporting athletic activities at KHS.
The boosters partner with local businesses and individuals to sponsor home events each season through the Game Sponsor Program. The program offers advertising opportunities, while providing essential support for athletic programs.
Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 5:45 p.m. in the KHS Library.
The KHS Band Boosters is a volunteer group of parents and other generous individuals who are devoted to supporting KHS band activities.
Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the KHS Band Hall
The KCSD Vocal Boosters is a volunteer group of parents and other generous individuals who are devoted to supporting vocal groups and classes for grades 6-12.
Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the KHS Vocal Room.