Teamwork was on full display in Miss Dunnigan’s classroom this week as students raced the clock in a high-stakes cup-stacking challenge! Working in small teams, the goal was simple yet tricky: collaborate to build the tallest tower possible before time ran out.

The room was buzzing with communication, creative troubleshooting, and plenty of lighthearted "do-overs" as towers wobbled, tumbled, and rose again. Through all the trial and error, students supported one another and celebrated every victory along the way. It was an incredible team-building activity that sparked tons of laughs and helped lay the foundation for a strong, supportive classroom culture!

The energy was electric in the gym as our entire school gathered for our very first Pep Rally of the year! Students and staff came together to celebrate unity and learn all about our core Viking Values (Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe). The gym echoed with loud chants, huge smiles, and plenty of incredible dance moves as everyone showed off their school spirit. It was an unforgettable way to kick off the new year, get excited about making positive choices, and set a joyful, supportive tone for the entire Kaegebein community!

A huge thank you to all the wonderful families who joined us for our Open House and Supply Drop-Off! It was absolutely incredible to see our hallways and classrooms buzzing with energy and filled with so many smiling faces.

We truly appreciate everyone's flexibility and active participation as we navigated our new format together—the evening was a glowing success because of your support! For anyone who missed a portion of the presentation or would like to review the information shared, you can find Mr. Howe's presentation slideshow linked below. Thank you for partnering with us to kick off an amazing year!

We’re excited to streamline our school picture process this year! We are partnering with Upstate Images across all school buildings to offer a modern, digital photo viewing and ordering experience. Keep an eye out for emails and text messages directly from Upstate Images with details on how to view and order your child’s pictures. (Note: You can easily unsubscribe from these notifications at any time using the link at the bottom of their messages.)

If a student will be absent from school, a parent/guardian can contact the Kaegebein attendance office on the morning of the absence. The attendance office can be reached at 716-773-8840.

An emailed / written excuse must be submitted upon the student’s return to school. Our email is KAattendance@gicsd.org. A student who requires an early dismissal for a dental, doctor, or other necessary appointment must submit a note signed by the parent/guardian to our school attendance clerk. Students who are arriving late to school are also expected to have a note from a parent/guardian to provide to the attendance office. Please be sure to review the GICSD Attendance Policy here: https://www.grandislandschools.org/departments-services/pupil-personnel-services/pupil-personnel-services/attendance-policy

Students are not permitted to use electronic communication devices during the school day. This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, smart watches, tablets, etc. It is best practice to keep electronic devices at home; however, if your child brings a device to school all cell phones must be silenced upon entering the building. Cell phones and other devices are to be kept in their locker or cubby throughout the entire school day. If necessary, students can bring devices to the office to be stored safely at the beginning of the day. A rule of thumb is if it plugs in keep it at home or in your locker.

Effective August 1, 2025:

In compliance with New York State Education Law §2803, the Grand Island Central School District has adopted a uniform policy governing student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This policy promotes a focused academic environment and safeguards student safety and well-being. A more detailed description of this policy is attached below.

What does this mean for your child(ren) attending the school(s) identified above?

All students enrolled at Grand Island Central Schools are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2026-2027 school year.

All families are encouraged to complete the Free & Reduced Application below to support the district's reimbursement efforts. If you have any further questions, please contact us at (716)773-8885 or (716)773-8847

Sincerely, Cynthia Richert & Ariel Fulbright

Although meals are free, students have the opportunity to purchase snacks or extra lunch items at a cost. Students can bring in cash or families can pre-pay and keep a balance on your child's individual account. Options for pre-payment include sending in money or a check in a sealed envelope with your child/ren’s name(s) on it or you can go to myschoolbucks.com to set up accounts using your credit card. This feature lets you monitor purchases and balances from ANY internet connected device. You may also stop in or mail a payment to our office at 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Attn: Food Service. If you would like us to put any special notes/restrictions on your child’s account, or have any questions regarding our meal program, please call our office at 773-8885 or 773-8847.

Kaegebein is a 1:1 device school, which means each student will be provided a Chromebook to use in the classroom. Students in grades 5 may bring their devices home to use for homework and other school tasks. More information can be found here: [GICSD Chromebook Insurance]

Accidental Damage Insurance for Student Devices
As part of the 1:1 Initiative, GICSD offers optional accidental damage insurance for student devices at $15 per year. It covers accidental damage (e.g., a cracked screen), but does not cover lost, stolen, or intentionally damaged devices.

Deductibles per claim (per year):
• 1st claim: $20; 2nd claim: $40; 3rd claim: $60, etc.

Without insurance, families are responsible for repair or replacement costs:
• Screen repair: ~$100; Lost/damaged Chromebook: $300; Case: $25; Charger: $75

Did you happen to spot our incredible NEW Book Vending Machine during Open House?! We are beyond thrilled to feature this amazing addition to our school, made possible thanks to our incredible PTA and their unwavering dedication to growing readers at Kaegebein!

To celebrate, the PTA is giving students a special chance to be among the very first to use it. Any family that becomes a PTA member by September 20th will receive a golden Book Vending Machine token for their child to pick out a book of their choice! Joining is quick and easy—simply visit kaegebein.givebacks.com to sign up today and secure a token for your young reader. One token per membership. Thank you for supporting our school and helping us foster a lifelong love of reading!

The Kaegebein PTA is an important part of our school. Our PTA funds many events for our students including special guests, field trips and family nights. Your membership and support is a HUGE aspect of PTA success. Please consider joining the PTA by going to kaegebein.givebacks.com and becoming a member. Also, please consider participating in any of the fundraisers throughout the year to support our incredible programming.

PTA Meeting Dates:

September 8th @ 3:30

October 13th @ 6:00

November 10th @ 3:30

January 12th @ 6:00

February 9th @ 3:30

March 9th @ 3:30

April 13th @ 3:30

June 8th @ 3:30

Tuesday, September 8th - PTA Meeting @ 3:30

Tuesday, September 8th - BOE Meeting @ 7:30 (Eco Island)

Friday, October 9th - School Picture Day