Winter 2018

HIGHLIGHTS OF DIPLOMA+ IN ACTION PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY

BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION RESULTS

CELEBRATING REASONS TO BELIEVE

UPCOMING BOND

PROJECTS

2010 N. 59th St., City, KS 66104 KS City, Kansas St., 59th N. 2010 Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Public Kansas City, Kansas 75092111 Call us 816-765-6600 crittentonkc.org

75095771 EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 3 IN THIS ISSUE

Superintendent’s Message 5 Education Connection is a quarterly Board of Education Election Results newsmagazine of the Kansas City, Kansas 6 Public Schools (KCKPS). Editorial copy and New KCKPS Video Highlights photography are created by the KCKPS District’s Outstanding Features Communications Department and produced KCKPS is Developing a Welcome by NPG Newspapers. To receive a copy of Center the magazine, call (913) 279-2242. A Spanish translation of the stories included in Education Sumner Academy is Accepting Connection is available on the district’s website Admission Applications at www.kckps.org/index.php/community- information. 7 Preparing Students for Success in a Global Society Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Central Offi ce and Training Center + 8 Highlights of Diploma in Action 2010 N. 59th St. Kansas City, KS 66104 Teaching Fellows Program Provides 9 (913) 551-3200 Opportunity to Become a KCKPS www.kckps.org Teacher Superintendent of Schools 10 Celebrating Reasons to Believe Dr. Cynthia Lane 11 Upcoming Bond Projects Chief of Public Affairs David A. Smith 12 District Calendar Director of Communications & Marketing Melissa Fears Editor, Education Connection COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCES KCK Board of Education Wanda Brownlee Paige Website: kckps.org Harold Brown Maxine Drew Facebook: Janey Humphries KansasCityKansasPublicSchools Brenda C. Jones Winter 2018 HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Valdenia Winn OF DIPLOMA + Twitter: twitter.com/kckschools IN ACTION Dr. Stacy Yeager PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN A Superintendent’s Blog, “It’s Up to Us.” GLOBAL SOCIETY BOARD OF EDUCATION blog.kckps.org ELECTION RESULTS CELEBRATING REASONS TO BELIEVE

UPCOMING BOND KCKPS-TV: PROJECTS Channel 18 (on Spectrum)

Channel 145 (on Google Fiber) 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, KS 66104 KS City, Kansas St., 59th N. 2010

YouTube: youtube.com/KCKPSTV Schools Public Kansas City, Kansas

44 EDUCATIONEDUCATION CONNECTIONCONNECTION —— WINTERWINTER 20182018 MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

KCKPS is leading the way in redesigning schools to prepare our students for their futures. The Kansas State Board of Education (SBOE) has established a vision that “Kansas leads the world Dr. Cynthia Lane in the success of Superintendent of Schools each student.” The successful Kansas graduate is defined by academic, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills, and civic engagement. To measure the success of schools, the SBOE has determined these outcomes to be most important to prepare our students for their futures: • Kindergarten Readiness • Individual Plans of Study focused on career interest • High School Graduation Rates • Postsecondary Completion and Attendance • Social/Emotional Growth KCKPS is pleased that the SBOE has moved away from a single test score as the sole measurement of quality schools. We understand that tests are an indication of academic preparedness. We also know a score on a state assessment rarely indicates that an individual is prepared for college or the workforce. This is why Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools’ approach to education is different place them on the pathway to academic and future success. than it was 10 to 15 years ago. Our approach must be Today, education means ensuring students have access to different, if our children are going to have the knowledge a rigorous curriculum that aligns course work and school necessary to compete in our local and global economy. In experiences with each student’s future goals. Diploma+ Kansas, by 2020, 72% of all careers will require more than a emphasizes the need to be prepared at all levels of high school diploma. That’s why KCKPS has transformed education. It also emphasizes strong relationships between learning from what many of us know as “traditional” school the staff, students, family and community to ensure we are to “Diploma+” learning. surrounding students with the skills and support they need Diploma+ begins in preschool, building a strong to achieve their goals. foundation in academic and social emotional skills – like We are excited to be part of the State Board of Education’s stepping stones to the future. Diploma+ continues into vision for the future. In KCKPS, the future begins middle school with project-based, hands-on learning today. Learn more by visiting our website, kckps.org/ experiences, career exploration, and college and industry diplomaplus or by reading this publication. visits. As high school students, our freshman will soon be selecting an Academy that is based on industry themes (Architecture – Engineering – Construction; Health Sciences; Advanced Manufacturing; Business – Finance; Technology; Check out Dr. Cynthia Lane’s Human/ Public Services). Once in the Academy, students will learn through real-world experiences tied to their blog, “It’s Up to Us” at individual career interests. Most importantly, the students will be on their way to graduating with their high school blog.kckps.org diploma plus one or more critical endorsements that will

EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 5 BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION RESULTS In November, Kansas City, Kansas voters elected four new • Janey Humphries, a community volunteer and members to the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education, and current board member, will serve a two-year term. re-elected one current member. The board members will take offi ce in January 2018. The new members: Congratulations to them. We look forward to their insight and • Harold Brown, a businessman and foster parent, leadership as we work together to graduate each student will serve a two-year term. Diploma+ and further the mission, vision and values of the • Maxine Drew, a former teacher in KCKPS for 35 years, school district. will serve a four-year term. Deep appreciation is extended to outgoing board members • Wanda Brownlee Paige, a former teacher in KCKPS Irene Caudillo, Rev. Rick Behrens, Dr. Evelyn Hill and for 30 years, will serve a four-year term. Richard Kaminski for their tireless work, dedication and • Dr. Stacy Yeager, a business owner and parent of KCKPS leadership during the years. students, will serve a four-year term.

NEW KCKPS VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING FEATURES There is a new video showcasing the school district’s outstanding qualities from the technology-integrated instruction in preschool through high school, the dedicated teachers, administrators and staff to the innovative Diploma+ initiative. Learn more about the outstanding attributes of KCKPS by viewing the video, “We are KCKPS,” at kckps.org or on youtube.com/KCKPSTV.

KCKPS IS DEVELOPING A WELCOME CENTER KCKPS is developing a Welcome Center to enroll fi rst-time documentation at the Welcome Center. There will also be students to the school district in grades kindergarten to 12th information about the district’s vision and the Diploma+ initiative grade. The Welcome Center will be located in the Central Offi ce provided to families. and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th Street, and will open in March, Staff will be present to assist with translation. 2018. The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday The Welcome Center will not replace online re-enrollment for from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. students returning to the school district. Along with school enrollment, parents and guardians of For more information, contact [email protected]. fi rst-time students to the district will be able to complete lunch applications and special dietary forms, learn about school bus transportation and drop off immunization forms and other

SUMNER ACADEMY IS ACCEPTING ADMISSION APPLICATIONS Visit kckps.org and click School Information and Sumner Admissions for information. The application deadline is February 9, 2018. If you have questions, contact Student Services at 913.279.2248.

6 EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY

EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 7 HIGHLIGHTS OF DIPLOMA+ IN ACTION!

Wyandotte Students Connect with Community Partners to Further Diploma+ Experiences Students at Wyandotte High School are partnering with community partners to gain new experiences outside of the classroom as part of Diploma+. Students from the Human and Public Service Academy, Health Academy, Information T.A. Edison Elementary Takes on Technology – Graphics and Video Academy, Entrepreneurship Academy and Architecture, Construction and Engineering the Illumination.org Cardboard Challenge Academy have met with representatives from or visited the Students at T.A. Edison Elementary took on the task of making following partners: unique creations when they joined Imagination.org’s Global • Avila University Cardboard Challenge. • Baker University The Global Cardboard Challenge (GCC) is a project that • Cerner Corporation celebrates the creativity and imagination of each child as they • Garmin build original creations using cardboard and recycled materials. • Guadalupe Culinary Institute The students at Edison took this vision and challenge to heart • Johnson County Community College and spent weeks gathering the necessary materials for build day. • Kansas City Kansas Community College These materials included cardboard boxes of every shape and • Kansas City Kansas Community kind and other recycled materials. College – Technical Education Center Before any building could happen, all students participated • KCK Fire Department in “plan day.” This day allowed teachers and students at every • KCK Police Department grade level to conduct research on how to build things out of • Marketing Group cardboard. It also allowed them to get an idea of what kind of • Kansas University Medical Center things they could create once the build day arrived. • Lansing Correctional Facility After the students had completed their research, they were • Metropolitan Community College divided into small build teams. Each team worked together • Mosaic to decide what they were going to make and create a list of • Nelson-Atkins Museum materials they would need for their project. Once these tasks were • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) completed the teams were set to build their cardboard creations. • Park University Now that they were ready, the student teams got together • Pittsburg State University and started building. The designs they chose included castles, a • Steam Studio semi-truck, a soccer pitch, Arrowhead Stadium, arcade games, • United States District Courthouse crocodiles, a house, a giant jack-o-lantern and so much more. • University of Central Missouri Their creativity and enthusiasm was endless. • University of Kansas The fi nal projects were displayed throughout the school so that • Kansas City students, staff and visitors could enjoy their inventive creations. • University of Missouri Kansas City – This Diploma+ opportunity allowed students to experience Center for Architecture and Design managing a project from planning to designing and fi nally • Washburn University implementing. • Wayside Waifs • Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department

8 EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 Students at West Middle Learn About Wetlands Sixth-grade students at West Middle School learned about all facets of creating a wetland during their visit established, students used a soil auger to dig deep into the with offi cials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ground and take multiple soil samples. Their soil samples Students took a short fi eld trip from the classroom to the back determined the ratio of top soil to clay in the ground at that yard at West Middle. There they learned about the difference location. The students learned that it is easier to build a wetland between land that is covered in mowed grass versus a wetland if the ground is made up of more clay than top soil because clay ecosystem which helps wildlife thrive. After they learned about acts as a natural barrier which holds in water. the importance of wetland ecosystems, they proceeded to This Diploma+ opportunity allowed students to have a hands- determine if the backyard at West Middle would be a good place on learning experience which allowed them to dig deeper into the to build such an ecosystem. world of wetland ecosystems, ecosystem design and soil science. The fi rst step was for students to measure the size of a manageable wetland ecosystem. Students fi rst fi gured out the For more information on Diploma+, please visit diameter needed for the space and then marked the circumference kckps.org/diplomaplus. of the wetland by creating a giant compass with a long tape For more stories on Diploma+, please visit measure. Each student measured out 30 feet from the center of the circle and placed a fl ag marker until the circle was complete. youtube.com/KCKPSTV and watch KCKPS Spotlight. Now that the shape and size of the wetland had been TEACHING FELLOWS PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A KCKPS TEACHER

Would you like to utilize your corporate • The KCKPS Certifi cate • The Master’s of Art in Teaching skills in the teaching profession? Learn all the details and ask There is an opportunity for you to join the notable teaching profes- questions about the Kansas City, sion tasked with preparing future generations for success in a global Kansas Public Schools Teaching society by applying to become part of the new class of the Kansas Fellows program by attending one City, Kansas Public Schools Teaching Fellows program. of the informational sessions to be The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is recruiting high-per- held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Central Offi ce and Training Center, forming individuals from other careers to be a part of this successful 2010 N. 59th Street on: program. Since the program’s inception in 2000, more than 200 • Thursday, January 25, 2018 individuals have graduated and have gone on to teach in the school • Wednesday, February 2, 2018 district. There are a variety of teacher positions available in disciplines, For more information about the such as: Science, Math, English (English Language Arts), Engineer- Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Teaching Fellows ing, Technology and Information Systems, and Finance/Accounting. program, contact Recruitment Manager Cynthia Fulks Through this program, there are two alternative pathways to becom- at 913.279.2364 or visit ing a teacher in one of the school district’s classrooms: kckps.org/index.php/kckps-teaching-fellows.

EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 9 CELEBRATING REASONS TO BELIEVE

Congratulations to the 12 Their qualities exemplify to all of Honor Roll, which spotlights alumni honored at the us why they are Reasons to Believe successful alumni to encourage Reasons to Believe Celebration on and inspirations to many. and inspire today’s students. The November 15 in the Central Reasons to Believe was nominations are reviewed by a Offi ce and Training Center, established in 2002 to generate panel of judges that includes a 2010 N. 59th Street, Kansas pride and celebrate the member of the Board of City, Kansas. The honorees’ progress being made Education, Reasons to Believe accomplishments showcase their throughout the school district. Steering Committee, a student, incredible skills and life stories, As part of the program, a business leader, and a former highlighting their perseverance, nominations are sought for Alumni Honor Roll recipient. hard work and dedication. the Reasons to Believe Alumni

The 2017 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll:

Dennis Ray Brockman, Sr., Dr. Latorua J. Chinn, principal Joanne Collins, community leader Honorable Stephanie Dawkins regional vice president – Midwest of Trini-Con, Thel, & Beck, LLC, a and former Kansas City, Davis, United States District Court Region, Starbucks Coffee Company, government contract compliance Missouri councilmember, magistrate judge, F.L. Schlagle High Washington High School class company, Wyandotte High School Sumner High School class of 1953. School class of 1985. of 1983. class of 1974.

Mark A. Dupree, Sr., Wyandotte Chris Gaunce, division president, Ronald Harland, Sr., president and John William Hudson, II, is chief County district attorney, Wyandotte SumnerOne| Unisource Document founder of Evolv Solutions, LLC, executive of cer and president of High School class of 2000. Products, Washington High School Sumner High School class of 1967. Focus Driven Enterprises, LLC, class of 1975. Washington High School class of 1996.

Ronald Miller, United States Honorable Mary H. Murguia, Raymond Rico, immigration Yolanda Thompson, principal, marshal for the District of Kansas, United States circuit judge for the attorney, Garcia Immigration Law F.L. Schlagle High School, Sumner Washington High School class of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, J.C. Firm, LLC, Sumner Academy of Academy of Arts and Science class 1968. Harmon High School class of 1978. Arts and Science class of 2001. of 1989.

10 EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 2017 REASONS TO BELIEVE

Front row (l-r): Dr. Latorua Chinn, Joanne Collins and Yolanda Thompson | Center row (l-r): Chris Gaunce, Honorable Stephanie Dawkins Davis, Sally Murguia (sister-in-law of Honorable Judge Mary H. Murguia) and Mark A. Dupree, Sr. | Back row (l-r) Raymond Rico, Ronald Harland, Sr., Ronald Miller and John William Hudson, II.

More Ways to Enjoy the 2017 Reasons to Believe! • Read the inspiring stories of this year’s Nominate a 2018 Reasons to Believe honorees at kckps.org. If you would like to nominate an individual for the • Check out the Reasons to Believe banners outside 2018 Reasons to Believe honor or have questions the Central Offi ce & Training Center about the program, please visit kckps.org to review • Watch the 2017 ceremony on the school district’s the criteria and download the nomination form. YouTube page: youtube.com/KCKPSTV.

EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 11 UPCOMING BOND PROJECTS

Voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of the $235 another step toward graduating each student Diploma+. million no-tax increase bond in 2016 paving the way Thank you, community! Check out the chart below for for work on a variety much-needed projects. The bond the schedule of upcoming projects or visit kckps.org. will touch each school building within the district and is

Schools Projects Details Construction Construction Start Date Completion Date Wyandotte High School · Plumbing work New plumbing will be added throughout December, 2017 Fall, 2018 · Academy space the building in addition to an upgraded · New, secure entrance entrance adjacent to the offi ce and new, · Remodeled science labs modern science labs. J.C. Harmon High School, F.L. · Academy space built in Academy space will be used to offer 2018 Summer, 2018 Schlagle High School and each building robust learning tied to in-demand career Washington High School opportunities. Sumner Academy · Plumbing work New plumbing will be added throughout 2018 Summer, 2018 · New, secure entrance the building in addition to an upgraded · Remodeled science labs entrance adjacent to the offi ce and new, modern science labs. Eugene Ware Elementary · New, secure entrance The school will have an upgraded 2018 Summer, 2018 School · Remodeled kitchen entrance adjacent to the offi ce and an upgraded kitchen. Grant Elementary School · New, secure entrance The school will have an upgraded 2018 Summer, 2018 · Kitchen entrance adjacent to the offi ce and the · Classroom additions addition of a kitchen and new classrooms. Silver City Elementary School · New, secure entrance The school will have an upgraded 2018 Summer, 2018 entrance adjacent to the offi ce. Claude Huyck Elementary and · Classroom additions Schools will have new classrooms and First Quarter, 2018 Summer, 2018 Stony Point North Elementary · New, secure entrance an upgraded entrance adjacent to their o f fi c e . Gloria Willis Middle School · New middle school The new school will be located on the First Quarter, 2018 Summer, 2019 existing campus of the current Coronado Middle School, 1735 N. 64th Terrace. The new school will accommodate the population of students from Coronado and West Middle schools. Welborn Elementary School • New school to replace Construction fencing will soon be First Quarter, 2018 Summer, 2019 the existing Welborn visible as the preliminary project work school buildings commences.

Arrowhead Middle School · New, secure entrances The school will have an upgraded Late Spring, 2018 Summer, 2018 · Career Exploration entrance adjacent to the offi ce, new space renovations space to enhance each student’s · Roof replacement opportunity to explore career options, a · New drop ceilings new roof, drop ceilings, carpet, interior · HVAC upgrades paint and an upgrade to the heating, · New carpet cooling and ventilation system (HVAC). · Interior paint

Rosedale Middle School · New kitchen School will have the outdated third-fl oor Late 2018 Fall, 2019 and cafeteria addition kitchen and eating space replaced.

12 EDUCATION CONNECTION — WINTER 2018 2017-2018 DISTRICT CALENDAR

January March 1-2 Winter Break continues 8 Last Day of the 3rd Quarter 1 Administrative Offices Closed 9 .5 Records Prep/.5 Inservice 2 Administrative Offices Reopen 12-16 Spring Break 3 School Building Staff Report 20 Board of Education Meeting (Teachers Report/ .5 inservice only) 4 Classes resume for students April 10 Board of Education Meeting 9 Board of Education Meeting 19 Kindergarten Roundup 15 Holiday/Administrative Offices Closed 20 Teacher Non-Duty Day/No School 23 Board of Education Meeting 24 Board of Education Meeting February 13 Board of Education Meeting May 8 Board of Education Meeting 14 Early Release/Family Advocacy 22 Board of Education Meeting at 9 a.m. 16 Family Advocacy Day/ No School 23 Last day for students if no emergency closure 19 Holiday/Administrative Offices Closed (make-up) days are used. 27 Board of Education Meeting

The full District calendar is accessible from the homepage of the website by clicking “calendars” at kckps.org.

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