Bend Gate Elementary School

10/22/2026

🚨 THE FINAL COUNTDOWN IS ON! 🚨 We are nearing the end of our Giving Market fundraiser!
We are so grateful for all the support so far, but we need one final push to help us reach our goal. If you haven't had a chance to shop yet, now is the time to jump in!
Whether you’re looking for gifts or just want to treat yourself, every single order helps our students finish the program strong.
✨ Register, shop and share at givingmarket.shop
Let’s see if we can hit our goal together! 🚀

10/21/2026

🐊We are so lucky to have the BEST principal! We are grateful for her leadership, empathy, and vision!
💙Bend Gate is better because Mrs. Kirkwood is here!

🎉 October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we're shining a spotlight on the incredible leaders who help our schools pursue excellence every day!
Today's spotlight is Mrs. Katie Kirkwood from Bend Gate Elementary School

Most-used phrase in your school building?
"Bend Gate is better because you are here." I also end our morning meeting each day with—"Make it a great day—the choice is yours!"

One thing always on your desk?
A diet Mountain Dew on ice, my planner, & about a million post its of things to do!

What's a hidden talent or surprising fact about you?
I went to Bend Gate as a student back in the ’90s, and now I get to be the principal! 🙂

In another life, I would have been an attorney—probably advocating for kids!

What's one thing you love most about your school community? The people, without a doubt! I love our students and getting to watch them grow, learn, and discover what they’re capable of. Our staff has such big hearts and truly cares about doing what’s best for kids, and our families are the BEST! The love and support they show our school mean so much. Bend Gate is special to me because I was once a student here myself, and now I get the privilege of leading this school and serving the same community that helped shape me. There’s something really special about being part of a place that feels like family. Once a Gator, always a Gator! 💙💚🐊

10/20/2026

We are halfway through our Giving Market program, and we’re working hard to hit our goals! 🎯
If you haven’t participated yet, there is still time to join the fun. When you shop the Giving Market, you’re doing more than just picking up great items—you’re directly funding things like…. Playground equipment and basketball goals .

How to jump in today:

1. Register your student at link to create a shopping page
2. Already registered? Great -->sign back in at link to shop and share!
3. Shop on your students store for gifts or household treats.

Help our students reach their goals and earn their VIP Ducks! Every order gets us one step closer to success. Let’s finish strong!

10/20/2026

Our fall Book Fair is NEXT WEEK!! Set up your child's eWallet using the link below! Join us at our Trunk or Treat on Thursday night for family shopping!

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/bendgateelementaryschool

10/19/2026

🏀It’s basketball season! Come out and support our Gator basketball players and cheerleaders!📣

10/19/2026

Our childcare students & families were given a Birdfeeder Kit to do at home over Fall break. Check out some of these creations! Each students name was entered into a drawing for an Inflatable outdoor screen, foldable table, 4 beach towels, popcorn and candy for a Movie Under Stars Night! Bend Gate childcare staff is amazing!!

10/19/2026

This week at Bend Gate💙

10/18/2026

We are only a few days into the Giving Market, and students are already busy collecting their VIP Ducks from the Legends Series! 🌟 Want to join the fun and start your collection?

1. Register your student at the link to create a shopping page
2. Already registered? Great -->sign back in to shop and share!
3. Earn your first VIP Duck after just 1 item sold!

https://givingmarket.shop

Let's see who can collect all 10! Who has the coolest one so far? Share a pic in the comments! 👇

10/16/2026

💙💚 BEND GATE IS GREEN! 💚💙

We are SO proud of our Gators! 🐊 Being green on KSA is something to celebrate, and it reflects the hard work, dedication, and growth of our students and teachers.

A huge shoutout to our amazing teachers for all the time, effort, and heart they pour into helping our students succeed. And to our students, we are so proud of you for showing up, working hard, and doing your best!

This is what Gator Greatness looks like! 💚💙

10/15/2026

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Natalie!! 💙🐊🥳