A very warm welcome to our KDO Families!

Here's Everything You Need for a Smooth First Day at KDO and Beyond

This page gathers all the essential information you’ll need for a smooth first day — and every day after — so that you and your student feel confident, prepared, and excited to begin the year.

Quick Overview

Class Hours

Elementary: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Bridge/High School: 8:15am – 2:30pm

Communication

All official updates are sent via email and Jupiter. You can find infor below.

Pickup Placard

For the safety of our students, all Elementary families are issued a KDO Pickup Placard at orientation. This is for the elementary pick up line placard must be clearly visible during pick-up.

Dress Code

We ask that all students arrive in clothing that is neat, modest, and appropriate for active, hands-on learning. Before the first day, please take time to read the full dress code in the KDO Policies and Guidelines.

Allergies

Please talk to your student about not sharing food. A no-sharing rule helps protect students with severe allergies.

Hands Off Policy

Keep in mind that students are to keep their hands to themselves at all times. Thank you!

Parents To Do

Connect to Jupiter

Jupiter Emergency Texts - please make sure your mobile phone number is listed on your Jupiter account, and sign up by texting "Jupiter" to 26396 to enable text notifications.

*Click the vertical lines, select Settings; enter your mobile number, then scroll down to Notifications and check the block "Emergency alerts" under text msg

Join the KDO
Facebook Group

Our private Facebook group is an important communication and community space for KDO families. It’s where reminders, quick updates, and helpful parent-to-parent information are shared throughout the year. Joining the group helps you stay connected, ask questions, and feel supported as part of the KDO community.

Print our your Student's
Class Schedule

Print the KDO schedule and highlight students' classes, so that room numbers will be easier to find. We do NOT have a copy of your students schedule at the front desk. It is your responsibility to talk this over with your student.

For High School / Bridge Students

Entry Passes & Placards

Bridge/HS Entry Pass:
- Required to enter. An attachment is included in this email.
- Print, laminate, or keep it on your phone. You must have it to enter the building.
- If you don’t have it, you’ll need to show ID and be located on the list.
Elementary Placards:
- These will be emailed to you.
- Used for both entry and pick-up.
- If you do not have a placard, park and walk up. You may NOT use the pick-up line!
- Print extras for your car and authorized pick-up people only.
- Need a new one? Email elemregistration@kdoacademy.org

Parking

Bridge/High School (non-drivers): Lot E or F
HS student drivers & staff (no fobs): Lot B (left side of building)
Instructors with fobs: Lot A
Elementary families: Lot D
7th Grade Pick-Up Exception: Parents may park in Lot C from 2:15-2:45pm only (visitor or handicap spots beyond the grass line may be used, near atrium doors only—not in the elementary car line).

Entrances

Everyone: Enter through the glass atrium doors.
Staff with fobs only: May use Student Center doors (enter quietly—church offices are nearby).

Drop Off & Pick Up

General Rule: Drop Off / Pick Up at the Atrium Circle anytime except 2:00-2:45pm.

Sign in at the table when you arrive:
- Students sign themselves in and out.
- Sign out any time you leave campus.
- Parents should monitor Jupiter attendance.
High School / Bridge Pick Up:
- Non-drivers: Sign out, then meet parents in Lot D, E, or F (except 7th graders, use Lot C).
- Parents may use Lot B for HS/Bridge Pick Up.
- Students may not exit through Student Center doors.

Drop-off: 9:15am (Classes begin 9:30am)
- Instructors sign in students at drop off.
- Please move quickly and quietly through the atrium as classes are in session.
Pick-up: 2:00–2:45 PM
- Placard must be displayed — no exceptions.
- Use the Elementary Car Line is using the atrium circle.
- Parents may use Lot C from 2:15-2:45pm.
- High School / Bridge cars cannot use car line.

Class Logistics & Schedules

Schedule

Print the KDO schedule and highlight students' classes, so that room numbers will be easier to find. We do NOT have a copy of your students schedule at the front desk. It is your responsibility to talk this over with your student.

New Students

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed — just ask someone in a lanyard or WELCOME CENTER for help. You’re not alone, and people are excited to welcome you!

Room Locations

Student Center, Rms C & D, 200s, 300s – upstairs
400s and 500s – downstairs

Waiting Areas

Students should wait in the Courtyard, not in the hallway outside classrooms.
They may go to class 5 minutes before start time.

Mailboxes

Bridge/HS students have a mailbox (a hanging file with their last name) for submitting and receiving homework.

Please Keep in Mind

KDO Academy is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and Christ-centered learning environment. Students are expected to submit original work, follow academic integrity guidelines regarding AI use and plagiarism, treat one another with respect, and care for the Genesis Church facility where we meet. Reviewing the Policies & Guidelines (Find this in the links at the bottom of this page?) together helps ensure students understand expectations and supports a positive experience for the entire KDO community.

Homework

We meet just once a week — use the time well.
Parents are ultimately responsible for making sure work is completed.
Students should communicate proactively with instructors when they miss class.
Keep close contact with instructors — they want to support your student!

AI/Cheating Policy

All student work must be original.
AI-generated or plagiarized work will be treated as cheating.
Instructors will only bring it up with reasonable cause — please support them if concerns arise.

HS/Bridge Leaving Campus

KDO is not responsible for HS students who leave the building.
Students must sign in/out.
Parents should monitor attendance in Jupiter.

Conflicts

Address concerns first with the instructor and as soon as possible.
If unresolved, email updates@KDOacademy.org. The proper liaison will be notified and will contact you. You don’t need to explain, just ask for the liaison. (Confidentiality is assured.)
Kind, early conversations go a long way!

Respecting our Building

We are guests at the church.
Any damage is the parent’s responsibility.
Remind your student to behave respectfully — there are cameras throughout the building and campus.

Lunches

Watch weekly emails for fun lunch options (pizza, Chick-fil-A, tacos, etc.)
Once a month we pre-sell a special lunch. You may participate or not.
We keep prices low and students love them!

Payments, Invoices, Fees

Ways to Submit Payment:

Mail to: KDO Academy, 2536 Eastern Blvd, Unit 131, York PA 17402
Drop off in the clear box at the front desk.
Use bill pay from your bank
PayPal: Send payment to info@kdoacademy.org. NOTE: PayPal payments incur a 4% fee. Manually add the fee to the amount you wish to pay.

Please Note:
Please include your student’s name(s) on every payment! Reminder: $25 fee for bounced checks

Balances:

The front desk will not have access to balance info.
Use your invoice to know what’s due. Unsure or not receiving invoices? Please contact Karen Krape at payments@kdoacademy.org.

Payment Plans:

You may pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly — whatever works for your family.
Just don’t fall behind — access to Jupiter will be restricted.

Due Dates:

Invoices are sent every 4 weeks, not monthly.
Payments must be paid by the first Thursday of each 4-week cycle.
If you're facing financial hardship, email updates@kdoacademy.org (seen only by Bonnie & Sandra — your privacy is respected.)

Lab/Material Fees:

Pay directly to the instructor
If bringing cash, put it in a sealed envelope with the student's name. If paying by check, please make the check payable to the individual instructor.
Please pay these fees promptly, as these are for class supplies for the student.

What to Bring

Please label everything with your student’s full name.

Elementary (see also individual class lists)

- Backpack

- Pencil box with supplies

- Folder for weekly papers

- Non-refrigerated lunch & water bottle

- Any required medications in a labeled snap box (given directly to the instructor)

- Weather-appropriate clothing (some activities may be outdoors)

Bridge / High School

- Books & notebooks for Thursday classes

- Pencil pouch & supplies

- Lunch and/or money for snack shop

- Labeled medical items in the front pocket of backpack

- Respectful, modest attire following the KDO Dress Code

Rooted in Christ. Committed to Excellence. Partnered with Parents.

We believe parents are the primary educators, and our role is to support that calling through structured learning, hands-on experiences, and Christ-centered instruction that strengthens the homeschool journey.

Parent Partnership

Homeschooling is a shared calling, and your involvement matters. Your partnership strengthens the entire program and helps your student flourish. Please check your email weekly and ensure your contact information stays up-to-date to keep our partnership thriving!

Families are asked to

Reinforce classroom expectations
Check backpacks weekly for papers and projects
Support at-home learning as needed
Communicate directly with instructors through the portal
Uphold KDO values in speech, conduct, and community behavior

Weekly Communication

You’ll receive:

Official weekly emails with updates, reminders, and announcements
Classroom-specific communication via the online grading system
Jupiter text alerts for weather or urgent notifications

Have a great Semester at KDO!

We are honored to walk alongside you this year and can’t wait to see how God works in the lives of our students and families.