Kozak Korner #37. June 06th, 2025
| Director's Message
Dear Families,
It was lovely to see so many of you last week at the picnic! We were lucky with a beautiful day and no air alarms. We look forward to celebrating our graduates tomorrow! They have worked hard, and we know they will go far!
Our secondary students are off to the Carpathians for the WWW. Students who opted out are welcome at school to catch up on units, but there are no classes.
We will see many of you next week, on the 12th, for the concerts! It's always a heartwarming event.
I hope we have a quiet and uneventful weekend.
Take care.
You can always contact us by calling +38 044 452 2792.
Rachel Geary
rachel-geary@kyiv.qsi.org
| Welcome New KIS Teacher For 2025-26
Mr. Jake McGrew will join KIS for the 25-26 school year as a teacher of mathematics and music.
He taught secondary school for several years in California before moving to Bulgaria to work at the American College of Sofia. Most recently he has worked as a Lecturer and the Director of the Student Life Office at American University Kyiv. He has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Central European University (CEU) in Budapest, Hungary, a BS Degree in
Economics (w/honors) & Music with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR, USA, and just received his second Master's degree in Student Affairs from LUMSA University in Rome, Italy. Jake first came to Ukraine in 2013 as a Peace Corps Volunteer, where he taught English at a Gymnasium in Volodymyr (Volyn Oblast) and immediately fell in love with the country. He is looking forward to new experiences and challenges at Kyiv International School.
| Pre-K & Elementary Summer Concerts
Key Dates
Spring - Summer:
- 7 June - Sec IV Graduation Ceremony
- 8 - 14 June - HS WWW
- 12 June - Concerts (Elementary and Preschool)
- 18 June - Awards ceremonies MS / Secondary
- 20 June - Last Day of School - half day
Policy and Procedures
QSI Virtual Summer School For Secondary Students
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. Olga Golitsyna]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749123798/qsiorg/zqihkkjb2jobolxy6jkb/FrameEmpower_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749123798/qsiorg/zqihkkjb2jobolxy6jkb/FrameEmpower_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749123798/qsiorg/zqihkkjb2jobolxy6jkb/FrameEmpower_1.png","width":800}])
![EMPOWER: Ms. Olga Kardash]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749116030/qsiorg/vaihzh81akl2joyhbp0i/FrameEmpower2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749116030/qsiorg/vaihzh81akl2joyhbp0i/FrameEmpower2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749116030/qsiorg/vaihzh81akl2joyhbp0i/FrameEmpower2.png","width":800}])
![EMPOWER: Mr. Jacques Kaufmann]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749109472/qsiorg/sez9k2keu854rt7wtnky/FrameEmpower.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749109472/qsiorg/sez9k2keu854rt7wtnky/FrameEmpower.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749109472/qsiorg/sez9k2keu854rt7wtnky/FrameEmpower.png","width":800}])
![EMPOWER: Ms. Nataliya Kuzovleva]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749116168/qsiorg/ajcn8pn5rm3mmx2doshj/FrameEmpower1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749116168/qsiorg/ajcn8pn5rm3mmx2doshj/FrameEmpower1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749116168/qsiorg/ajcn8pn5rm3mmx2doshj/FrameEmpower1.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}])
![Secondary Student Council Election]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749208031/qsiorg/zre3t30ilmvuywhqbxo4/WeekHighlight7_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749208031/qsiorg/zre3t30ilmvuywhqbxo4/WeekHighlight7_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749208031/qsiorg/zre3t30ilmvuywhqbxo4/WeekHighlight7_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749208031/qsiorg/zre3t30ilmvuywhqbxo4/WeekHighlight7_1.png","width":1200}])
ELEVATING STUDENT VOICE: KIS 2025-26 STUCO ELECTIONS
This morning at Kyiv International School, leadership took center stage as our Secondary students participated in the annual Student Council (StuCo) Elections. Candidates for Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President delivered
![Secondary Biology: Gummy Bear Evolution Game!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749117062/qsiorg/wli27ozjrnnmvztsmbag/WeekHighlight7.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749117062/qsiorg/wli27ozjrnnmvztsmbag/WeekHighlight7.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749117062/qsiorg/wli27ozjrnnmvztsmbag/WeekHighlight7.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749117062/qsiorg/wli27ozjrnnmvztsmbag/WeekHighlight7.png","width":1200}])
BIOLOGY COMES TO LIFE WITH GUMMY BEAR EVOLUTION GAME
Secondary 1 and 2 biology students recently explored the evolution through a fun and interactive “Gummy Bear Evolution Game.” This hands-on activity helped students understand key mechanisms of evolution such as mutation
KIS Spring Fling 2025
This past weekend, Kyiv International School came alive with the spirit of community at our annual Spring Fling. Families and friends gathered to share delicious dishes, dive into a campus-wide scavenger hunt, browse the book fair and the PTO shop, and take part in a variety of engaging activities.
The sun was bright and the energy was contagious. It was time to celebrate the spirit of togetherness, fun, and the joy of simply being part of the KIS family.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a fantastic day!
P.S. We have collected some precious moments in the photo-folder, and are happy to share it with you HERE. Please note that this link will remain active for three weeks. Be sure to save any photos you'd like to keep before it expires.
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