At KMS, we believe preparing students for the future means developing more than academic knowledge. STRIVE focuses on six durable skills (Self-Direction, Thinking, Responsibility, Interaction, Voice, and Engagement) that students can use across school and throughout their lives. This year, I will highlight one letter at a time in the parent newsletter. We encourage families to talk about these skills at home and point out teachable moments when they arise so we can use a common language and reinforce their importance together. We begin with S — Self-Direction: Take Ownership, Stay Focused, Keep Going. Students will work on setting goals, managing tasks and deadlines, staying focused, and showing resilience. These are not simply school skills; they are skills students will carry with them into high school, the workplace, relationships, and everyday life.