August 7, 2025

Dear Keystone Oaks High School Students & Families:

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you all to the 2025-2026 school year at Keystone Oaks High School!  My name is Dr. Michael Linnert and I will serve as your High School Principal.  At Keystone Oaks High School, our goals and vision centralize around the mission statement of the school district - excellence in engaging, empowering, and enriching today for tomorrow’s expectations.  I believe that all students are both capable and deserving of the opportunity to learn and grow.

During this school year, students will take a lead role in their learning, in collaboration with their teachers.  With a focus on personalized learning, my goal is for students to have authentic learning experiences that expand upon their knowledge and help to prepare them for their future.  Teachers, staff, and administrators have worked tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming school year and we are greatly looking forward to welcoming you all into the high school building.  Whether you are a new or returning student, our collective goal is to provide an outstanding educational experience for students, while continuing to grow our connection to our shared communities.

At this time, I would like to introduce and welcome our new members to the Keystone Oaks High School staff:

• Ms. Lisa Kolarac, School Police Officer

• Ms. Quinn Lema - High School Secretary

• Ms. Rachel Willig - Special Education Teacher

Additional new staff members to Keystone Oaks High School will be announced at a later time.

Below you will find important information regarding the high school.  This information may include both changes and updates, which are important to review and familiarize yourselves with.  I encourage you to take the time to read through this information and reach out to the appropriate person(s) with any questions that you may have.

First Day of School

The first day of school will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025.  Students may enter the building at 7:20 a.m. and must report to homeroom by 7:45 a.m.  Following homeroom, Keystone Oaks High School will operate on a modified daily schedule.  This will allow students the opportunity to participate in four scheduled activities by grade level.  The schedule for the morning will be provided by homeroom teachers on the first day of school.  Following our activities, students will participate in their school day in shortened periods.

PowerSchool Access

Access to PowerSchool will be provided to students and families on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Arrival & Transportation

Students will be permitted to enter the high school building at 7:20 a.m. each morning.  On dates when a two-hour delay is in effect, students will be able to enter the building two hours later, beginning at 9:20 a.m. and follow their daily schedule on a delay.

For this upcoming school year, it is important to follow the arrival procedures outlined below.  Depending upon your method of arrival, please utilize the following entrance(s):

• Students can enter the building at 7:20 a.m.

• Buses will drop students off at the lower-level Kelton Avenue entrance to the Middle & High Schools.

• For students who ride to school with a parent, guardian, or family member, students may be dropped off in one of two locations: the McNeilly Avenue entrance to Keystone Oaks Middle School or at the stop sign across from the track. 

• Students who drive to school are to park in the student parking lot and enter the building through the gymnasium.  Student parking on campus will not be permitted to park at any other locations.

• Cars will not be permitted to drop off students at the lower-level Kelton Avenue entrances to the Middle & High School. 

Please note, students being dropped off via car are no longer allowed to make a right at the stop sign below the tennis courts prior to 7:45 a.m.  All students arriving after 7:45 a.m. must enter through the main high school entrance along the bus loop.

Electronic Devices

Effective January 7, 2023, the Keystone Oaks School District has updated its policy regarding students’ use of personal electronic devices. Electronic devices, including cell phones, are to be turned off during school hours. Students may bring their cell phone to school, but they must remain turned off during the school day. Students may keep their cell phone in a pocket, bookbag, etc. so that they are accessible in case of an emergency, such as a lockdown or evacuation of the building. Anyone who needs to reach a student during the school day is to call the main office and a member of the front office staff will ensure that the student receives the message.  The main office at Keystone Oaks High School can be reached at (412) 571-6000.

This policy will be strictly enforced and monitored throughout the school day.  Violations will be addressed through high school administration, in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  More information regarding this policy can be read at the link below:

https://files.smartsites.parentsquare.com/8758/237_electronic_devices_final2.pdf

Dress Guidelines

All students entering Keystone Oaks High School are expected to strictly adhere to the Dress Guidelines.  Specifics regarding the Dress Guidelines are identified below and are subject to updates:

• No hats, head coverings, or bandanas worn, or carried in school, except for religious purposes.

• Appropriate undergarments worn and not visible.

• Shorts and skirts of reasonable length (midthigh).

• No clothing displaying inappropriate messages e.g. apparel that demeans or degrades another, suggests sexual activity (innuendo) or refers to violence, alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

• No extremely tight, loose, or revealing clothing.

• Any tops that expose midriff, bare back, chest, or underwear.

• Building administration and faculty have the right to question a student’s dress and grooming and take necessary action if an item is not specifically stated above.

• The building administration will make the final decision of appropriateness.

Attendance

Regular attendance in high school is critical.  Regular attendance will allow for access to learning opportunities and will guide the development of students.  Consistent, on-time attendance will provide students with the best opportunity to learn and be a productive member of the school community.  Students may enter the high school at 7:20 a.m. and must be in their homeroom by 7:45 a.m.   Students will be considered tardy to school if not in their homeroom each day by 7:45 a.m.  Students who accumulate tardies will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the student handbook.

9th Grade & New Student Orientation

Orientation for all 9th grade and new students will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  The event will be held in the LGI.  Guests will arrive through the middle school entrance along the bus loop.  Following a meeting with principals and other staff members, students will have the opportunity to tour the high school building and walk their schedules.  This event is open to both students & families.

Locker Information

Students will be able to find their locker information in PowerSchool.  Please reference the picture below for how to access your locker number and combination:

Bell Schedule

Keystone Oaks High School will follow the Daily bell schedule below:

Keystone Oaks High School will follow the Two-hour Delay bell schedule below on days requiring a delayed start to school:

Keystone Oaks High School will follow the Early Release bell schedule below on days requiring an early release from school:

Breakfast

Breakfast will be available to students in the high school cafeteria from 7:20 - 7:40 a.m.  Students are encouraged to begin their school day with a healthy meal.

Bus Passes

Bus passes are no longer being mailed home.  All bus information is available in the Parent Portal in PowerSchool.  Click on “Transportation Info” to see bus information for this school year.  Any questions regarding the bus may be directed to Ms. Lema, High School Secretary, at lema@kosd.org. 

Chromebooks

Each school year, students are provided with a chromebook for use throughout the school year.  Students are expected to bring the chromebook to school each day, have the device fully charged, and be respectful of its usage through adhering to all expectations of the handbook and policy.

Keystone Oaks School District does not offer a device protection plan for student chromebooks.  If a chromebook is accidentally damaged, the student will be provided a device on loan (if one is available) until the repairs are finalized.  Gross negligence and/or inappropriate care for the chromebook may result in disciplinary action.  Please review the chromebook handbook for more information.

Chromebooks will be available for pickup on the first day of school.  Students attending Parkway West Career & Technology Center will pick their chromebook up upon arrival to school on the first day.

Daily Student Schedule

Students will access their daily schedule in PowerSchool.  Paper copies of student schedules will not be provided.  Students should be familiar with their schedule prior to the first day of school, as cell phones and electronic devices will not be permitted to view schedules.

Eagle Time

Eagle Time has been designed to allow for personalized learning and flexibility of scheduling for students. During this time, students will take ownership over their schedule and select learning opportunities based on personal interests, academic needs, and more. Students are encouraged to select an Eagle Time period that will best meet their needs. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for all students.  More information will be provided to students on the first day of school, including training for Enriching Students (the Eagle Time management system) and expectations for signing-up and participating in the various offerings.

Most students will be responsible for signing up for two Eagle Time sessions and one lunch period daily.  Students who attend Parkway West Career & Technology Center will be responsible for signing up for only one Eagle Time session and a lunch period, which will occur during Eagle Times 2 and 3.  Regardless of arrival time, all students attending Parkway West Career & Technology Center will be responsible for signing up for Eagle Times and reporting to their selected location upon arrival. 

A teacher has the authority to override a student’s Eagle Time selection based upon need. Failure to register for Eagle Time or failure to report to Eagle Time will result in a class cut referral.

Students must register for their daily Eagle Time activities and lunch by 9:45 a.m. each day.  Failure to do so will result in the student being assigned to Catchall.  Students assigned to Catchall must report to room 234 and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Food Deliveries

Students are unable to have food delivered during the school day from providers such as DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, or any additional third party delivery services.  Students violating this will be subject to disciplinary action within the code of conduct.

Parking Passes

Students in need of a parking pass must see Ms. Lema in the main office of the high school during the first week of school, if they have not already obtained a parking pass application.  Parking pass applications will be distributed and must be returned to Ms. Lema.  Students are subject to the Code of Conduct and School District Policies while driving.

PowerSchool Access

PowerSchool can be accessed using the new link below:

• https://kosd.powerschool.com/

Parents/Guardians will login as they have in the past.  Students will now select the following option:

Once selected, students will be prompted to login with their school Google account.  This same process will apply when logging in through the online app.

School Counselors

The school counselors can be found in the Student Services Suite, located down from the high school cafeteria.  School counselors are available for a multitude of student needs.  Students in need of their school counselor should schedule a meeting.  More information regarding this process will be shared by the school counselors.  Their information is listed below:

• Mrs. Tom, last names A-F, tom@kosd.org

• Mrs. Asmann, last names G-O, asmann@kosd.org 

• Ms. Varrenti, last names P-Z, varrenti@kosd.org

Student Handbook & Code of Conduct

The 2025-2026 Student/Parent Handbook will be available on the district’s website (www.kosd.org). This handbook contains important information about rules, expectations and procedures for our building.  The handbook will additionally be shared to students and families via ParentSquare.  All parents/guardians will be required to electronically sign-off on receipt of the handbook through ParentSquare.

Technology Support - Students & Families

The link below will direct you to the Keystone Oaks School District Student & Family Technology Support website.  Information includes Technology Support, Help Desk Ticket Submission, Username/Password, and more.

https://sites.google.com/kosd.org/kosd-parent-student-tech-suppo/home

Technology Quick Guide

The link below will direct you to the Technology Quick Guide, which can be used to access information regarding Technology, Chromebooks, PowerSchool, and more.  The link is viewable by those within the Keystone Oaks School District.  Students must be logged in to their KOSD Gmail account for viewing access.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11DpDgbfRMOgRkDaCJQNyOY9CwcrG3Oq2hTIJfr-RHgg/edit

Thank you for taking the time to review this important information regarding the start of the 2025-2026 school year.  We are very proud of the educational experience that we are prepared to offer to our students and the excellent service that we intend to provide to our families.  If you have any questions regarding the upcoming school year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I am looking forward to a wonderful school year and cannot wait to see you all on August 21st!  Thank you for your time and welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!

Michael Linnert, Ed. D.

Principal

Keystone Oaks High School