Originally delivered on 11/2/2026 8:01 am

SUBJECT: November 2026 - Kiva Caller

November Kiva Caller
President's Paws

Dear Kiva Families,

As we head into November, it's the perfect time to reflect on all that makes Kiva such a special place to learn and grow. We have so much to celebrate and so many reasons to be thankful!

Thank you, students, teachers, and staff! We have exciting news to celebrate. Kiva was recently ranked the #1 elementary school in Scottsdale Unified School District and #6 in Arizona by U.S. News & World Report! This outstanding recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, the hard work of our students, and the strong partnership between our school and families. We're especially proud of Kiva's commitment to ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. What an incredible accomplishment for our Cougars!

Thank you, Kiva families! Our Fall Fundraiser kicks off on November 2, and we're grateful for the generosity and support of our school community. With a goal of raising $100,000 for school security, campus enhancements, and educational materials, every contribution helps make Kiva an even better place for our students to learn and thrive. Thank you for investing in our Cougars and helping make Kiva an exceptional place to learn and grow.

Thank you, Kiva volunteers! October was filled with fun and community spirit thanks to our first Fall Festival and annual Family Fun Night! A special shout-out to Lisa Gacula for organizing another wonderful Family Fun Night, which continues to be one of Kiva's favorite traditions. A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers who gave their time and talents to make both events such a success. It's moments like these that remind us how special our Kiva community truly is.

Thank you, Kiva Dads! We're looking forward to celebrating you at Dads & Donuts on November 6. Your involvement, encouragement, and support mean so much to our students and our school community. We can't wait to share this special morning with you.

Thank you, veterans! On November 10, we'll come together for our Veterans Day Assembly to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and service.

November reminds us that gratitude is more than a feeling. It's reflected in the ways we support one another, celebrate our successes, and come together for our children. I'm so thankful to be part of a community that continually shows up for our students, our teachers, and one another.

Wishing all our Cougar families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, connection, and time with loved ones.

With Cougar pride and gratitude,

Jennifer Metz
Kiva PTO President

Important Reminders

Dads, don't forget to purchase a box of donuts to share with family and friends by Wednesday, November 4, at 12 PM.

And families, yearbook pricing increases on Saturday, November 21.  Purchase now to save!!

See below for more details.

Jump High, Give Big 2026 is Underway!

Our Kiva Fall Fundraiser officially kicked off today!

We’re excited to see our Kiva Cougars jump in and help raise funds for school security, campus enhancements, and educational materials.

Mark your calendars for Jump Fest on Friday, November 13! 

Please sign up HERE to volunteer for the incentive distribution and HERE to volunteer at Jump Fest.

Let’s make it a great year for Kiva! 💙

Staff Luncheon - November 5


❤️ A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL DONORS! ❤️

A special shout-out to the two amazing families who generously stepped up to cater Kiva’s November staff luncheon! We are incredibly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and willingness to support our team.

Your thoughtfulness and support mean so much to us. Thank you for helping make our staff feel valued and celebrated. Your generosity and willingness to show up for Kiva truly make a difference!

We appreciate you more than you know! 💙

Dads & Donuts - November 6

Calling all Kiva Dads, Grandpas or other loved ones! Join your kids for FREE donuts and coffee at Valley Presbyterian Church by the Awaken Cafe (east side of Kiva) on Friday, November 6, at 8 AM.  

Consider purchasing a box of assorted donuts from Valley favorite Bosa Donuts to share with your co-workers or family. All proceeds will benefit the KIVA PTO.

To ensure you receive your box(es) of donuts, we kindly ask that you pre-order your donuts HERE by Wednesday, November 4, at 12 PM. Donuts will not be available for purchase at the event.

PBIS Save the Dates! 🎸

Veterans Day Assembly | November 10

Join us as we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country! Kiva's Veterans Day Assembly will take place on Tuesday, November 10, at 9:00 AM on the K-1 field. Mrs. Pentland will be sending out an RSVP for families and veterans who would like to attend.  

As part of the celebration, Kiva will create a special display of stars honoring veterans who are family members or friends of our students. Families are invited to recognize one or more veterans by completing a brief form for each person they wish to honor. Please watch for the form coming home with students soon and help us celebrate these special members of our Kiva community!

Gratitude Grams | November 16–24

Spread a little kindness this season! Gratitude Grams will be sent home in November, giving students a fun way to show appreciation and recognize others. Each Gratitude Gram includes a festive temporary tattoo! (Grams are $1 each).

Dine for Kiva - November 18
Yearbooks On Sale Now!

🎸 DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS year's ROCKIN' memories! 🎸

Kiva's 2026–2027 Yearbook is going to ROCK! 🤘🎶 Capture all the unforgettable memories from this school year for just $40!

⚡ ORDER BEFORE NOVEMBER 20TH! ⚡
Prices increase to $45 on November 21st, so grab yours now and save $5!

🎸 Don't miss a beat—order your yearbook HERE today! Order code Q46TD9.🤘

Kiva's Thanksgiving Feast - November 19

Please join us for Kiva’s annual Thanksgiving Luncheon with all the trimmings on Thursday, November 19.

Two adults allowed per student and unlimited siblings. Your student will bring home a sign-up sheet for you to fill out and return. Prepayment is required. 


Pre-K - 10:30 AM

Kinder & CGP K/1 - 10:45 AM

1st - 11:15 AM

2nd - 11:45 AM

3rd & CGP 2/3 - 12:10 PM

5th & CGP 5 - 12:35 PM

4th & CGP 4 - 12:55 PM


Can you help? Please sign up HERE to volunteer in the cafeteria that day.

Dadsgiving - November 21

Calling all dads! Bring your best dishes (and appetites) and join us at our famous Dadsgiving on November 21, at 5 PM! Please RSVP to kivadadsclub@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Break

Happy Thanksgiving to all!! Please mark your calendar: No school Wednesday, November 25 - Sunday, November 29.

Kiva Cares - Feed My Starving Children

Join fellow Kiva families for a volunteer event at Feed My Starving Children on Saturday, November 28, from 4:45–6:15 PM! Volunteers ages 5 and up are welcome to help pack meals for children in need around the world. 

Sign up HERE to keep the spirit of giving going throughout Thanksgiving weekend! 

Save the Date: Disco in the Desert!

Join us on Saturday, April 10, 2027, for Kiva’s Annual Live & Silent Auction, Disco in the Desert, celebrating Kiva’s 70th Anniversary! More details about donations, sponsorships, and event information are coming soon.

Questions? Contact us at kivaauction@gmail.com

🍎 Help Us Stock the Lounge! 🍎

Let’s show our amazing Kiva teachers and staff some love by stocking the lounge with their favorite snacks and treats! Check out our Amazon Wish List HERE and help us keep the lounge stocked as a small thank you for all they do for our Kiva Cougars. Every contribution is appreciated!

Shop Kiva Wear!

Our new Spirit wear designs are now on sale on the PTO website! Head HERE to grab your gear! Choose your favorites, make your payment easily online, and you will be notified by email when your spirit wear is ready to be picked up at the front office.

Marquee Board Messages

Celebrate Your Student!

Want to wish your student a Happy Birthday, congratulate them on a big achievement, or just tell the community how awesome they are? You can have a special message displayed on the school marquee for an entire week!

For just $75, your personalized message will be showcased for all to see. Simply choose your week and make your payment HERE. Then, send the message you want displayed to treasurerkivapto@gmail.com.

Let's make your student feel extra special. We can't wait to celebrate them!

Update Your Info!

Membership Toolkit is the best way to stay in the loop with everything happening in the Kiva community. Thank you for signing up, and don’t forget to encourage your fellow Kiva parents and classmates to join too!

If you were a member last year, please take a moment to update your information and renew your voting membership for just $10. Every dollar goes directly to supporting Kiva’s students and staff.

Join or renew HERE.

PTO Meeting Minutes

If you didn't make it to the meeting on October 23, we have the minutes HERE for your reading pleasure. 

Join us for our next meeting on Friday, November 20, at 9 AM at Valley Presbyterian Church, Room B108. We hope to see you there!

Sponsor Den

Camp Bow Wow Scottsdale Central

Camp Bow Wow Scottsdale Central is proud to support Kiva Elementary! Bring your pup for their first FREE day where they’ll enjoy all day group play in our indoor / outdoor play yards. We’re also offering Cougar families 1 FREE Fresh & Clean Bath for any overnight boarding stay. Promo code: KIVA. Call to schedule today: 480-291-8930

Click HERE for more details.

*First free day valid only for interview days. New customers only. Campers must meet entrance requirements. Free bath offer valid through 1/6/27. Limit one per customer. Other restrictions apply.

Catalina Island Camps

At Catalina Island Camps off the Southern California coast, kids unplug and dive into island life, from exploring kelp forests and tide pools to tackling the climbing wall and hiking island trails.

Before signing up for summer, come meet us! Join an online open house on November 22, 4 PM PT.  Get to know our team, hear about camp life, and ask your questions. We’ll help you decide if CIC is a good fit for your child.

RSVP HERE today!

Upcoming Events
Monday, November 2
Jump High, Give Big! Kiva's Fall Fundraiser Kick Off
Thursday, November 5
10:45a PTO/Family Sponsored Staff Luncheon
Friday, November 6
8:00a Dads & Donuts
Tuesday, November 10
9:00a Veterans Day Assembly, K/1 Field
Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day - No School
Friday, November 13
Jump High, Give Big! Kiva's Fall Fundraiser
Wednesday, November 18
1:15pm Early Release
Kiva Cares - Holiday Toy Drive Begins
2:00p Dine for Kiva at Jeni’s Ice Cream
Thursday, November 19
Thanksgiving Feast (by grade level)
Friday, November 20
9:00a PTO Meeting
Saturday, November 21
5:00p Dad's Club: Dadsgiving
Wednesday, November 25
Thanksgiving Break - No School
Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving Break - No School
Friday, November 27
Thanksgiving Break - No School
Friday, December 4
Kiva Cares - Holiday Toy Drive Ends
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