Log into Instant Alert here.
Log into KavSIS here.
Kenston Forest School uses the Honeywell Instant Alert system for mass messages (from weather closings to game postponements) to parents and students of all grades. Through this system, contacts determine whether they receive messages via home, work, or cell phone, or email and text message depending on the level of alert.
As you look around
Kenston on any given
day, you will see
students researching
report topics on the
internet, editing papers
using word processing
software, viewing
downloaded instructional
videos in the
classrooms, or checking
grades and assignments
online.
Computers
and other Devices. The
25
computer terminals
in the library media
center are available
for students
throughout the day.
The 20 computers in the
computer lab are
used in formal
computer classes,
but are also
available to other
classes a few
periods each day. Several
classrooms in the
newer buildings have
digital projection
equipment installed
in the ceilings.
Older classrooms are
provided access to
similar equipment on
mobile AV carts.
Each classroom has a
computer primarily
for teacher use, but
students in the
Lower School use
these classroom
computers for
Accelerated Reader
testing as well.
Online
Electronic Gradebook.
KavSIS (Student
Information System)
is a robust program
enabling students to
see approaching
assignments and to
check their scores
on completed work.
School
administrators and
teachers have
accounts, and can
use the system to
send messages to
parents as well as
post grades.
While students have
accounts, parents
have related but
separate accounts,
and can check on
their students'
work. These
accounts are paid
for by the school.
All Upper School
teachers utilize the
online gradebook of
KavSIS. Upper
school "report
cards" are provided
(printouts from
KavSIS) but the
online system makes
grades available
continously. 
Student
Computers. When
Lower School
teachers work with
students on
computing, the
emphasis is to teach
computer skills that
compliment classroom
activity. For
example,
younger
students are
introduced to basics
of using computers
by identifying its
basic parts and
their functions. Programs like KidPix,
Jumpstart, Microsoft
Word, and various
“kid-friendly”
websites teach the
operation and
usefulness of the
computer.
Later, students expand
their computer
knowledge by
learning the uses
and limitations of
computers. Students begin
to see and use the
computer as a
support tool to aid
in the classroom.
Research and
exploration are
coupled with the use
of various software
programs to produce
finished products
and projects. They
learn research and
search engine skills
while learning about
concepts like idea
ownership,
acceptable use, and
basic “Netiquette.” As always, students
are taught how to be
safe while on the
internet. Computer 8 is a formal semester class conducted in the computer lab. Activities and projects are assigned during these classes to improve skills in a variety of different areas - including keyboarding, researching, writing, and oral presentation. Computer tools used include word processor, spreadsheet, presentation creation, and typing programs.
Students in the 10-12 grade are offered a semester-length computer elective which concentrates on the Microsoft Office suite of productivity tools. Students receive instruction primarily in Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, with an introduction to Access database uses.