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Principal highlights fifth-grade play, bingo night and restorative circles at Kensington Elementary
Summary
The principal reported a successful fifth-grade play and community bingo night, noted food-service coverage by SAU 16 and coop staff while an employee is on leave, and described piloting restorative circles in fourth grade with positive student engagement.
The principal delivered a report focused on student activities and school community initiatives at the Kensington School District meeting.
Under academic excellence the principal highlighted a well-attended fifth-grade play that involved high-school alumni helping with stage presence. The principal said the temporary stage limited rehearsal time but praised students’ performances. The principal also described a bingo night that drew wide community attendance and raised about $700 for the PTO.
On equity and social-emotional learning, the principal described launching restorative circles in fourth grade as a pilot developed with other SAU 16 professionals. "I'm really impressed with how serious the kids are taking it…they're really being really honest with each other about how they're feeling," the principal said, adding that expansion to other grades would require additional professional development for teachers.
The principal also reported that SAU 16 and the coop have provided substitute food-service staff while the regular employee is on leave; those staffing costs will appear in future district financial statements under the food-service line. Interviews for a nurse vacancy (due to an end-of-year retirement) were scheduled, with five candidates slated for interviews this week.
Board members praised the principal's Substack blog and the principal clarified the blog is a personal Substack and not published as SAU 16 material. The board closed public input and moved to nonpublic session later in the meeting to discuss safety and legal strategy.
The principal noted staff and families will receive more details and that the district will continue piloting restorative practices and monitor results before expanding them beyond fourth grade.
