Kozak Korner #36. May 30th, 2025
| Director's Message
Dear Families,
We have finished up the MAP testing and your child’s report may be found on your family Moodle account. If you would like to know more about NWEA MAP testing and reporting, please see Family Toolkit - NWEA or reach out to your child’s teacher.
This is a hectic time of year and there are many events at school. Please be sure to read the informers and SeeSaw messages to keep up with what is going on.
I hope to see many of you tomorrow at our Spring Fling. The weather looks lovely, and the event is sure to be a joyful celebration.
Best Regards,
You can always contact us by calling +38 044 452 2792.
Rachel Geary
rachel-geary@kyiv.qsi.org
| Saying Goodbye with Gratitude and Pride
Dear KIS Family and Friends,
The time has come - a moment I never quite imagined, yet such is life: everything has its beginning and its end. Guided by the wisdom of sages and the advice of my family and friends, I have made the decision to step off the deck of the KIS ship at the end of this academic year. One can never delay the inevitable, no matter how hard one tries.
It’s now clear that I have devoted 32 years to this journey (since September 1993) - try to catch up if you can.
Wishing peace and prosperity to the KIS family!
Sincerely yours,
Facilities Director
Alexander Postolovsky
alexander-postolovsky@kyiv.qsi.org
| Spring Fling Picnic
Dear KIS Community,
The School Picnic Day is just around the corner and YOU ARE INVITED!
📍 Location: Kyiv International School
📅 Date: Saturday, May 31st
⏰ Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
This year’s picnic will follow a potluck format, so we kindly ask each family or guest to bring a dish to share.
We look forward to a warm, sunny day filled with fun activities, great food, and time together as a community!
🐾 Help Us Help Them! 🐾
Our compassionate CAS students are leading a campaign to support local pet shelter—and they need your help!
Many shelters are doing their best to care for animals in need, but they can't do it alone. That’s where we, as a community, can make a difference.
We’re inviting everyone at KIS to join the cause by donating pet food. Every bag, box, or can makes a real impact in the lives of furry friends waiting for a forever home.
Key Dates
Spring - Summer:
- 31 May - Spring Fling
- 6 June - Sec IV Graduation Walk
- 7 June - Sec IV Graduation
- 8 - 14 June - HS WWW
- 12 June - Concerts (Elementary and Preschool)
- 18 June - Awards ceremonies MS / Secondary
- 19 June - Field day
- 20 June - Last Day of School
Policy and Procedures
| Spring MAP Results
The Spring MAP scores are available on the Family Moodle Accounts.
| LOE In 2025 - 2026
Languages other than English department is working already on the next school year schedule. It's time to think about your choice if it hasn't been done yet.
At KIS, we are offering 4 languages: French, German, Spanish and Ukrainian. All the students (from 6 y.o. up to Secondary 4), except those who are in Intensive English, have LOE classes. There are different levels of non-native programs (Elementary and Secondary, QSI and IB), aligned with the International scale for assessing language proficiency, from A1 to C2. Ukrainian is taught as native language; however, we are ready to teach it as non-native when there is a group of minimum 3 students.
You can see the list of available classes below.
QSI courses:
|
Levels: |
Languages: |
|
1 – Introductory (A1) |
French, German, Spanish, Ukrainian |
|
2 – Intermediate (A2) |
French, German, Spanish |
|
3 – Advanced (B1) |
French, German |
|
4 – Advanced (B2) |
French, German |
|
Native programs |
Ukrainian |
To existing options will be added Spanish Intermediate, one group for High School and one for Middle. 10-11 y.o. students will have a possibility to take Spanish Introductory (only) or another language.
Several Secondary III students will start the International Baccalaureate program, and they can choose one or two of the following courses.
IB courses:
|
Courses: |
Prerequisites: |
|
French / German Ab initio SL |
none |
|
French / German B SL |
A2 level completion |
|
French / German B HL |
B1 level completion |
|
Ukrainian A: Literature SL / HL |
Ukrainian 2 Sec. Native |
|
Language A (self-taught) SL |
mother tongue, tutor |
In IB, you can learn your mother tongue, even though it is not offered by the school, with a tutor. Also, we are working with Pamoja, and they provide online IB subjects, including Spanish B. So far, this service is free for us.
This is a brief explanation of what LOE is. For further information, please contact Sergey Berezhny, our LOE Coordinator - Room 208, sergey-berezhny@kyiv.qsi.org.
The Empower curriculum integrates the Success Orientations, Social Emotional Learning concepts, and Child Protection principles into individual lessons throughout the year. These lessons will be delivered during a dedicated weekly EMPOWER class time. This approach aims to equip students with a comprehensive set of skills applicable throughout their lives. Specific lessons tailored to each grade level ensure developmental appropriateness. While some concepts may be revisited annually, the lessons will vary based on the students' age. For more information, please see the QSI Empower statement.
Teachers will keep parents informed about the upcoming lessons for their child, and for certain grades, the lesson plans will be accessible in this newsletter. Click on the post below to view the message from the teacher.
![EMPOWER: Ms. Amanda Denney]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748418738/qsiorg/njetj88pqybfkxc36qiq/FrameEmpower.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748418738/qsiorg/njetj88pqybfkxc36qiq/FrameEmpower.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748418738/qsiorg/njetj88pqybfkxc36qiq/FrameEmpower.png","width":800}])
![EMPOWER: Ms. Olga Golitsyna]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748586361/qsiorg/ybciutuxwtysrzemsr1u/FrameEmpower_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748586361/qsiorg/ybciutuxwtysrzemsr1u/FrameEmpower_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748586361/qsiorg/ybciutuxwtysrzemsr1u/FrameEmpower_1.png","width":800}])
![EMPOWER: Ms. Nataliya Kuzovleva]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748597235/qsiorg/jerrup8vs4iqr3j7mrgy/FrameEmpower1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748597235/qsiorg/jerrup8vs4iqr3j7mrgy/FrameEmpower1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748597235/qsiorg/jerrup8vs4iqr3j7mrgy/FrameEmpower1.png","width":800}])
![EMPOWER: James Morgan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748594510/qsiorg/bslcynknmicyslywdihc/FrameEmpower_2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748594510/qsiorg/bslcynknmicyslywdihc/FrameEmpower_2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748594510/qsiorg/bslcynknmicyslywdihc/FrameEmpower_2.png","width":800}])
![Child Protection]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727422012/qsiorg/bouactk81napqpjmfd04/Screenshot2024-09-27at101858AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727422012/qsiorg/bouactk81napqpjmfd04/Screenshot2024-09-27at101858AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727422012/qsiorg/bouactk81napqpjmfd04/Screenshot2024-09-27at101858AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727422012/qsiorg/bouactk81napqpjmfd04/Screenshot2024-09-27at101858AM.png","width":1092}])
![Poetic Confidence: How 9s Found Their Brave]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748591973/qsiorg/rvs5nv4jvbik1l9g2xkg/WeekHighlight5_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748591973/qsiorg/rvs5nv4jvbik1l9g2xkg/WeekHighlight5_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748591973/qsiorg/rvs5nv4jvbik1l9g2xkg/WeekHighlight5_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748591973/qsiorg/rvs5nv4jvbik1l9g2xkg/WeekHighlight5_1.png","width":1200}])
POETIC CONFIDENCE: HOW 9S FOUND THEIR BRAVE
The Literacy 9's class worked really hard to memorize "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" by Maya Angelou. After this, they wrote about why they think they are brave. This is part of the work in our poetry unit we are finishing the year with. Their reflections
![Highlights from 11-y-o Week Without Walls]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748596953/qsiorg/bvzj1jp16c7q2uiekokq/WeekHighlight6.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748596953/qsiorg/bvzj1jp16c7q2uiekokq/WeekHighlight6.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748596953/qsiorg/bvzj1jp16c7q2uiekokq/WeekHighlight6.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748596953/qsiorg/bvzj1jp16c7q2uiekokq/WeekHighlight6.png","width":1200}])
ADVENTURE, TEAMWORK, AND FUN: WEEK WITHOUT WALLS FOR 11-YEAR-OLDS
Last week, our 11-year-old students took learning beyond the classroom and embraced adventure, culture, and fun during their Week Without Walls! The week kicked off with a journey into Ukraine’s heritage during Monday’s visit to the Pirohiv
![Exploring Evolution with Skittles Bears!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748593154/qsiorg/lr6ydeacvsphjnokpuci/WeekHighlight5_2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748593154/qsiorg/lr6ydeacvsphjnokpuci/WeekHighlight5_2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748593154/qsiorg/lr6ydeacvsphjnokpuci/WeekHighlight5_2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748593154/qsiorg/lr6ydeacvsphjnokpuci/WeekHighlight5_2.png","width":1200}])
FROM CANDY TO CONCEPTS: LEARNING EVOLUTION THROUGH SIMULATION
Secondary 1 and 2 Biology students recently participated in an engaging hands-on activity called Skittles Bear Evolution, designed to deepen their understanding of evolutionary mechanisms. Through a creative simulation using
![Blindfolds, Bites & German Vocabulary!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748589446/qsiorg/bpbntmw3ogaj3pueajyj/WeekHighlight5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748589446/qsiorg/bpbntmw3ogaj3pueajyj/WeekHighlight5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748589446/qsiorg/bpbntmw3ogaj3pueajyj/WeekHighlight5.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748589446/qsiorg/bpbntmw3ogaj3pueajyj/WeekHighlight5.png","width":1200}])
A TASTE OF GERMAN: LEARNING THROUGH SENSES AND FUN!
In our recent German unit, we added a fun and engaging twist to learning by bringing the topic “At a restaurant” to life — quite literally! Instead of the usual classroom routine, students took on the challenge of identifying various food items with
Who We Are
![Parent-Teacher Organization]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724952968/qsiorg/phanh8la8eyhojoei5tb/PTO.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724952968/qsiorg/phanh8la8eyhojoei5tb/PTO.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724952968/qsiorg/phanh8la8eyhojoei5tb/PTO.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1724952968/qsiorg/phanh8la8eyhojoei5tb/PTO.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724952968/qsiorg/phanh8la8eyhojoei5tb/PTO.png","width":1500}])
The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), a non-profit group, brings together parents, teachers, and administrators to enhance the school experience for our students. PTO Lobby Shop raises funds to support school events, gifts, and surprises for students, teachers, and staff. Any KIS parent is welcome to join.
What is KIS Moms & Dads?
KIS Moms & Dads is a private Facebook group for KIS parents and the PTO. It's a place to discover ways to get involved in school activities, PTO events, and volunteer opportunities, as well as to share ideas, feedback, and suggestions with the school and PTO. To join, please complete the membership questions.
How to join PTO?
It's simple - just send an email at pto@kyiv.qsi.org or talk to one of the PTO members at the PTO Shop.
![Moodle]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1692953769/qsiorg/qukzjzojr3gt0iyd7qiu/Moodle.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1692953769/qsiorg/qukzjzojr3gt0iyd7qiu/Moodle.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1692953769/qsiorg/qukzjzojr3gt0iyd7qiu/Moodle.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1692953769/qsiorg/qukzjzojr3gt0iyd7qiu/Moodle.png","width":1200}])
Moodle: Your All-in-One Platform for Seamless School Engagement
![Seesaw]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1692953783/qsiorg/odnijc6fizay3o821acw/Seesaw.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1692953783/qsiorg/odnijc6fizay3o821acw/Seesaw.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1692953783/qsiorg/odnijc6fizay3o821acw/Seesaw.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1692953783/qsiorg/odnijc6fizay3o821acw/Seesaw.png","width":1200}])
Seesaw: Elevating Learning Engagement
![Office 365 Teams]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1692953769/qsiorg/hkmcde8c1xfmkfsnfgfj/Office365.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1692953769/qsiorg/hkmcde8c1xfmkfsnfgfj/Office365.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1692953769/qsiorg/hkmcde8c1xfmkfsnfgfj/Office365.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1692953769/qsiorg/hkmcde8c1xfmkfsnfgfj/Office365.png","width":1200}])
Office 365 Teams: Empowering Collaborative Excellence
![Cafeteria]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693568882/qsiorg/umftehmvndlzx6h22jnf/Cafeteria.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693568882/qsiorg/umftehmvndlzx6h22jnf/Cafeteria.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1693568882/qsiorg/umftehmvndlzx6h22jnf/Cafeteria.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693568882/qsiorg/umftehmvndlzx6h22jnf/Cafeteria.png","width":1200}])
We ensure that students have access to delicious and nourishing meals
![Transportation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693569290/qsiorg/f0c0ilmexpyrekrii6ph/Transportation.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693569290/qsiorg/f0c0ilmexpyrekrii6ph/Transportation.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1693569290/qsiorg/f0c0ilmexpyrekrii6ph/Transportation.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693569290/qsiorg/f0c0ilmexpyrekrii6ph/Transportation.png","width":1200}])
Safe and efficient transportation is a key factor in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable school experience
Book Club For Adults
KIS has started a book club for adults, and you are invited to join!
Here are the plans:
- Read one book per month and be ready to discuss it in English.
- Each month one person in the club chooses three titles and we will vote for which one we want to read. We will have one month to read the chosen title before our next meeting.
- That book host/hostess of the month will also choose the restaurant or cafe where we will meet to discuss the book and enjoy each other’s company.
If you are interested, please contact Diane Baima at diane-baima@kyiv.qsi.org
English Tutoring!
Are you looking for a tutor to enhance your child's English language skills? Look no more!
KIS teacher, Ms. Nataliya Rudenko offers:
- Customized Lessons: Tailored to meet your specific needs and goals
- Flexible Scheduling
- Focus Areas - Elementary, Kindergarten: grammar, reading, writing, and math!
Why to choose Ms. Rudenko?
- She is an ESL tutor with 10 years of teaching experience.
- Proven track record of helping students achieve fluency.
- Passionate about helping students succeed in a comfortable and supportive setting.
If interested, please contact her at +38 067-665-36-97.
English For Parents!
KIS is delighted to offer English Classes For Parents!
Class starts at 10:15 am in Room 204.
- Tuesday, Thursday: Beginner learners
- Wednesday, Friday: More advanced learners
Got questions? Please contact: natasha-kuzovleva@kyiv.qsi.org