Kensler Elementary School

Kensler is a diverse neighborhood school that celebrates learning. We have integrated curriculum that focuses on the academic, social, physical and emotional needs of each student. In addition to the regular curriculum, Kensler offers physical education, vocal and instrumental music and art programs, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), interrelated special education classes, all-day kindergarten and PreK regular and special education classes. We place special emphasis on teaching the state and district standards which align with the State Assessments.

Kensler has computers in each classroom with school wide Internet connections, a computer lab, and two portable wireless laptop systems which assists in the delivery of technology standards at all levels.

Kensler offers a strong and supportive parent/community volunteer program. We pair with Northwest High School to offer tutoring/mentoring capabilities by having high school students assist the classroom teacher with additional support by providing extra help for students in need. Our PTA has strong leadership and continually offers opportunities for our students to have fun and excel in school. Kensler's experienced, warm and friendly staff work closely with parents to provide a quality education for all children.

• 2003-2004 received the State Standard of Excellence Award on 4th grade math scores

Exit west Kellogg at Ridge Rd. Go north on Ridge Rd. about 2.5 miles to Wilbur St. Go west on Wilbur St. to Kensler. See Maps for all USD 259 locations.

The mission of Kensler Elementary School is to provide a safe, supportive, nurturing environment where, rigorous, differentiated learning opportunities are available to all the students.

Our students will develop skills, acquire knowledge, and develop the ability to apply new learning.

Believe in Yourself
Achieve to the Fullest
Succeed in a Global Society

Reading

• We will improve the reading achievement of Kensler students so the 76% of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will demonstrate reading proficiency or higher as evidenced by the State Reading Assessment administered in March 2008

Math

• We will improve the math achievement of Kensler students so the 74% of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will demonstrate

Each school has a site council, which is a group of parents, community members, business representatives, teachers and other school staff. Site councils identify, consider and discuss educational problems and issues at the school. Councils provide advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district and school site performance goals and objectives. Councils may also recommend methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives. 

Meeting Day: Last Thursday, every other month to coincide with our Carousel Skate Nights
Time: 6:00 p.m. (Please call the school for the exact dates 973-1350)
Location: Carousel Skate Center
Chairperson: Lynae Reith, 316-973-1350

• Childcare program for elementary school children before and after school and in the summer
• Junior League $20,000 Library Grant: 2006-2007
• Cougar Club Service Organization/Student Council
• Computers in each classroom
• SMART Board Technology to be used in the classrooms and in the Cougar Tech Den
• Strong Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and School Site Council
• English as a Second Language Program (ESOL)
• Mentoring program with Co-op students from Wichita State University
• LRE Aides to assist in classroom
• Bal-a-Vis-X Brain-Body Integration Program
• Block Scheduling for Reading and Math Instruction
• Scheduled Math/Reading Intervention Blocks, 1 hour daily
• Mobile Wireless Laptop Labs
• Traditional Computer Lab
• Full time + Speech/Language Pathologist
• Full time Media Specialist
• Full time Nurse
• Music, PE and Art for all students
• Instrumental Strings offered to 5th Graders
• Outstanding physical education, vocal and instrumental music and art programs
• Three Interrelated Special Education classes
• All day, every day kindergarten program
• Outstanding Parent/Community Volunteer Program
• Internet connection to each classroom/computer lab/growing technology opportunities

Kindergarten

Half-day Kindergarten: None
All-Day Kindergarten: 9 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.

Special days, assemblies, speakers and field trips help students apply the curriculum to real life experiences.  Other activities include: 

• Fun Night
• Movie Night
• Pride Days each Friday
• Parent Conferences, twice each year
• Field trips to enrich curriculum
• Open House
• Vocal Music Programs
• Various instrumental music programs
• Curriculum related Parent nights
• Field Day
• Grandparents' Day in November
• Classroom plays and performances
• Volunteer appreciation teas and lunches
• Professional Development within school day, embedded within schedule and curriculum for teacher (three hours monthly). This allows staff additional training/learning time on site
• An active PTA providing many special times and scheduled special days throughout the year
• DARE Drug Awareness Resistance Education program at 5th Grade
• Battle of the Books Literature Program
• 2003-04 and 2004-05 received the State Standard of Excellence Award on 4^th grade math scores

Pearl Kensler was the third school built in District 69 and was located in Country Acres, bounded by Wilbur Lane, School and Tenth Streets. The school was named in honor of Miss Pearl Kensler, a Kansas educator who was a teacher from 1895 to 1950, and from 1950 to 1957 was Sedgwick County Superintendent.

Delayed by one bond election defeat, the school of nine classrooms for grades kindergarten through eight was still under construction in September 1958. By then it had become obvious that the building would be inadequate for the school enrollment. The 1958-59 school year began with Country Acres pupils being bused to temporary quarters in the district. Fourth through eighth grades at Peterson School went on double shifts to accommodate corresponding Kensler grades. When the Kensler building was completed in February, 1959, approximately 280 children in kindergarten through sixth grade moved in. Fifty seventh and eighth graders completed the year at Peterson.

A bond issue had been voted in January 1959 for an addition of six classrooms and an auditorium. This was completed early the following October, and all eight grades, 372 pupils, were in the building. However, the heavy enrollment in kindergarten and a preschool census indicated further space needs.

Annexation by Wichita in early 1960 relieved the building crisis temporarily. Since grades seven and eight attended Hadley, there was sufficient room for the remaining grades. Additional services which the county school did not have were also provided. These included library space and staff, a speech therapist, nurse and music instructors.

Three portables were moved to Kensler for the 1961-62 school term. Enrollment increases required additional portables each year until in 1966-67 a total of nine had been added. In 1967-68 four classrooms of pupils were bused to McCollom School. Busing was continued for the 1968-69 school term.

The space north of the school site between Tenth and Warren Streets was acquired in 1967. Tenth Street was closed and the playground area enlarged. A major addition to Kensler was approved by the Wichita Board of Education and construction began November 1968. the $750,000 addition, consisting of 20 classrooms and a large library complex, opened at the beginning of the 1969-70 school year with an enrollment of 753. The new building had sufficient space to accommodate four classrooms of Follow Through.

During the 1985-86 year a computer lab was developed and enrollment reached 650. Due to the loss of sixth graders to middle school in 1989, and the moving of Special Ed programs around the city, Kensler’s enrollment averaged 525.

In April 2000, the voters of the Wichita School District approved a $284.5 million bond issue. The projects began in the fall of 2000 and were completed over the next five years. The plan built 19 multipurpose rooms, upgraded science labs, replaced portable classrooms with permanent construction, improved handicap accessibility to all buildings, rebuilt five existing elementary schools, added a new elementary and middle school, expanded seven other elementary schools and provided nine new libraries as well as the expansion of nine others. Building infrastructure in 82 buildings was also upgraded, including the replacement of antiquated plumbing, updates and expansion of electrical systems, replacement of inefficient or broken windows and doors, upgrades of heating and cooling systems, and asbestos abatement when required.

The district utilized PBA Architects, P.A. and Brecko Construction Co. to give Kensler a new addition including five classrooms and a kitchen, as well as renovations for student support.

The Bond project was dedication ceremony was held September 19, 2002.