KJH readies for staff reunion

KINGSTON — Since opening its doors in 1990, Kingston Junior High has been a pillar of the North End community. In the fall, the 17-year-old school will shift its support a bit as it is transformed into a middle school.

With the opening of Kingston High School this fall, grade levels throughout the North Kitsap School district will be reconfigured. KJH, which currently houses students from seventh through ninth grade, will become a middle school with students enrolled from sixth grade through eighth grade. Thirteen current KJH teachers will be making the switch to teaching at Kingston High School in the fall.

With all of the changes taking place, KJH staff members began the process of locating as many former staff members as possible via e-mail beginning in January, with the hope of setting up a celebration/reunion in the spring, commemorating nearly two decades of excellence at KJH.

KJH accomplished its mission.

A substantial combination of current and former staff members will come together for a reunion at 7 p.m. May 17 in the KJH commons. KJH Assistant Principal Bill Breakey expects at least 100 people to attend, including former principals Steve Richards, Cindy Simonsen, Ed Serra and Jack Hedgcock. A Powerpoint presentation featuring pictures of the last 17 years will be shown for the viewing audience.

“It will be an exciting time. It will be great to see faces of people have made such a positive difference in the last 17 years,” Breakey said. “Each one of these individuals has played a part in children’s success. They have a heart for kids and their contributions are wonderful.”

The task of tracking down former KJH staff members was relatively easy due to the power of modern-day technology.

“We sent an e-mail to staff at the North Kitsap School District asking them if they were still in contact with any of their former colleagues at KJH. If they were, we asked them to send them an e-mail with a message to contact the KJH office,” Breakey said. “If they contacted our office, we informed them of our interest of having a reunion/celebration of staff members.”

The extravaganza featuring a large contingent of former Cavaliers should be plenty of fun.

“We hope everybody comes,” he said.

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