Fifth Grade Merges Back to Kingsley Elementary School

Dear Families,

I wanted to reach out and touch base about a couple of things for the 2024-2025 school year. First and foremost, we have made the decision to merge the fifth grade back to the elementary school as it is more of an elementary age. This will change the configuration of the middle school to be true middle school grades of 6-8.

The elementary will operate the group of preschool through fifth grade students. With the changes, some things will stay the same, and a few will change, so we will focus on the changes that occur with fifth grade students:

• You will still be housed in the middle school building, just down the hall from the 4th grade. The 5th graders will not have overlap with the middle school students, except a shared choir time with 6th grade for those taking choir.

• The 5th grade will operate on a bell schedule. The students have already selected their electives for the upcoming year. You will receive your child’s schedule in the mail in mid August.

• 5th grade students take their electives and their lunch from the middle school building. This will continue.

• Key Staff: Principal-Mrs. Kristin Goethals, Counselor-Mrs. Emily Ruby, Administrative Assistant-Mrs. Erin Lefler (Mrs. Olivia Bradford (middle school counselor) will assist with Mrs. Ruby and then transition over the students to middle school)

• New Assistant Elementary Principal Marshall Collins will be housed in the 4th and 5th grade hallway for support. 

• The 5th grade team: 

• ELA: Mrs. DeWitt and Mrs. Jenkins

• Math: Mrs. Alger

• Science: Mrs. Bell

• Social Studies: Mrs. Roelofs

• Choir: Mr. Evans, Band: Mr. Dubay

• Art: Ms. Eichler

• Physical Education: Mr. Johnson

• You will still utilize the elementary office for the following:

  • Registration

  • Sending notes for pick up changes

  • Picking up a sick child

  • Picking up a child for an appointment

  • Changing address or phone number

  • If you are picking up a middle school student AND a fourth or a fifth grade student you may do all that at the middle school office.

  • You may use the middle school pick up and drop off lane

Should you have questions or concerns please let me know. You can find me at kgoethals@kingsleyschools.org or 231-263-5261 ext. 2100. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Kristin Goethals