SPRING 2015

CAREER JUMPING EXPOSES STUDENTS TO PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

STATE BUDGET CRISIS PUTS EDUCATION FUNDING AT RISK BULLDOC CLINIC IMPACTS MORE THAN

STUDENT HEALTH

2010 N. 59th St., City, KS 66104 KS City, Kansas St., 59th N. 2010 Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Public Kansas City, Kansas

EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 1 MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT ',6&29(57+(',))(5(1&(

know that by 2018 in Kansas, 65 percent of the high- Education: demand, high-wage jobs are going to require some Individual form of post-secondary (post high school) education. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and Right, Moral the Workforce forecasts that by 2020, 72 percent of all jobs in our state will require a college degree or indus- Imperative, try credential. and To reach these high educational standards, we must be willing to invest in quality education for all Economic of our children and youth. In Kansas, we are fund- ing schools at the 2001 levels of school finance. We Necessity continue to do remarkably well, despite the lack of I believe there are investment in our public schools. Our state ranks in few among us who the top 10 of all leading indicators for public school are not moved by the performance. Still, many wonder: How long will our thought of education success continue without additional investment in Dr. Cynthia Lane as a basic human our schools? Superintendent of Schools right for children. Imagine the achievements we would realize if fund- Still, there seem to ing was equitable, and at levels adequate to ensure be some in our state who do not embrace providing that each student graduated prepared for college and education as a moral imperative. Elaine Wynn, writ- careers in a global society. When businesses, civic ing for Fox News, understands their thinking: groups and religious organizations make it clear that $W.$16$6&,7<.$16$6 “Those are the high-minded reasons that education is of vital importance to all, we have the we invest in our public schools, but now the public will necessary to develop and support broad- number-crunchers at Standard & Poor’s have based solutions. Bill Gates wrote in 1996, “Obviously,     &20081,7<&2//(*( given us one more: For the national economy, education is the best investment that we can make . . . education is the tide that lifts all boats. The better educated our students are, the better we ´0DNLQJ/LIH%HWWHUµLVPRUHWKDQMXVWDVORJDQ If American workers had just one additional  will perform economically.” year of education, S&P estimates the Is education an individual right? Absolutely! It’s 6LQFHLW·VEHHQDWUDGLWLRQ U.S. Gross Domestic Product would increase in our state’s Constitution, and it’s essential for our by $525 billion over five years.” individual life outcomes. Is education a moral im- -(Elaine Wynn, Fox News, September 12, 2014) perative? Certainly! Education has been the back- There can be no debate that education is the key to bone of our state and nation, and free, quality public a healthy economy. It’s also clear that the level of edu- education for all is one of cational attainment required the things that makes us to obtain a high-demand, Imagine the achievements Americans. Is education an high-paying job is chang- we would realize if funding economic necessity? The data ing. When I was in school, is clear: Education is vitally you earned your high school was equitable, and at levels important to the prosperity diploma and then went off to adequate to ensure that each “ student graduated prepared of our communities, our state figure out what you wanted and our nation. Now “It’s Up to do with the rest of your life. for college and careers in a To Us” to ensure that each In today’s highly competitive global society. citizen has access to the best world, employers expect more. education we can provide. “Making Life Better” Graduating from high school Kansas City Kansas is essential. However, a high school education alone is not enough education to un- ” lock access to the middle class, or a higher standard of Check out Dr. Cynthia Lane’s Community College living. All students will need access to post-secondary edu- blog, “It’s Up to Us” at 6WDWH$YHQXH.DQVDV&LW\.6 cation, and it is this truth that is driving the work of blog.kckps.org ‡ZZZNFNFFHGX the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS). We ´$Q(TXDO2SSRUWXQLW\(GXFDWLRQDO,QVWLWXWLRQµ

40225924 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 3 IN THIS ISSUE STATE BUDGET CRISIS

3 Superintendent’s Message PUTS EDUCATION FUNDING AT RISK Education Connection is a quarterly 5 State Budget Crisis Puts Education newsmagazine of the Kansas City, Kansas Funding At Risk Public Schools (KCKPS). Editorial copy and In 2010, on a plan for block grants that photography are created by the KCKPS behalf of 52 would eliminate the school 2014-2015 District Calendar 2014-2015 Communications Department and produced school funding formula, cut funding districts and for the current school year (fis- Construction Update by NPG Newspapers. To receive a copy of 144,792 students, cal year 2014-15), and provide DISTRICT 6 the magazine, call (913) 279-2242. A Spanish a lawsuit, Gannon no new funding for schools for 7 Summer Food Service Program translation of the stories included in Education v. State of Kansas, was the fiscal year 2015-16 and fiscal CALENDAR Provides Healthy Meals to School- Connection is available on the district’s website filed asking that the year 2016-17. This would mean at www.kckps.org/index.php/community- school funding system be that, even as costs for health Aged Children declared unconstitutional. care, energy and other services information. The system had been increase, and even if school Boundary Changes Will Address declared unconstitutional enrollment grew dramatically May Overcrowding, Underutilization Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools twice before, because the state (as it has in KCKPS), school dis- 12 Board of Education of Space Central Office and Training Center was not providing enough tricts would see no new money. Meeting money to adequately fund The block grant plan changes 2010 N. 59th St. 21 Last Day of School schools across the state. the way schools are funded, so BullDoc Clinic Impacts More Than for Students* 8 Kansas City, KS 66104 In 2013, the court again that funding is no longer con- Student Health (913) 551-3200 declared the school finance nected to what it actually costs 22 1/2 Day Records www.kckps.org system unconstitutional, and in to serve students, and schools Prep/1/2 Day 10 The Library’s Summer Reading 2014, the Kansas Supreme will no longer receive addition- Inservice* Program is for Everyone Superintendent of Schools Court unanimously found al funds if they have more stu- 25 Holiday/ that the state failed to fund dents, or if the needs of those Administrative Dr. Cynthia Lane Students Experience Career education equitably. In students increase. Unfortunate- Offices Closed December of 2014, a three- ly, even with this major change 11 26 Board of Education Possibilities Through KCKCC judge panel in Topeka found in education policy, the state Chief of Staff Meeting Partnership David A. Smith that the state was not providing has still not solved its budget adequate funding for public problems. And despite repeated Career Jumping Exposes Students to schools. This ruling is promises that education would June 12 Communications Manager currently being appealed to not be cut (after more than five Professional Opportunities Tammy Dodderidge the Supreme Court. years of severe budget reduc- 9 Board of Education The challenge the state tions, which have cost KCKPS Meeting Nominations Sought for Reasons to Editor, Education Connection 14 cross the state, people faces now is that in 2012, the $45 million), educators across 23 Board of Education Believe Alumni Honor Roll KCK Board of Education involved in and sup- legislature passed and Gover- the state continue to worry that Meeting portive of education nor Brownback signed major the state will seek to balance the George Breidenthal A suspect that the 2015 legisla- changes to tax law, which budget by further reductions to Dr. Evelyn Hill SPRING 2015 tive session in Topeka will be a included massive income tax public schools, rather than by July Brenda C. Jones CAREER JUMPING defining moment for the future cuts. While many were delight- rescinding the tax cuts which EXPOSES STUDENTS of public . ed by the idea of paying lower caused the deficits. Richard Kaminski TO PROFESSIONAL 3 Holiday/ OPPORTUNITIES With education funding repre- taxes, most of the benefit from It is important that parents Administrative 2015 KCKPS Vicki Meyer STATE BUDGET CRISIS PUTS EDUCATION senting half of the state budget, these cuts went to the wealthy, and community members who Offices Closed Christal Watson FUNDING AT RISK BULLDOC CLINIC a school funding case currently as well as to certain classes of are concerned about public IMPACTS MORE THAN 13 Administrators Gloria Willis STUDENT HEALTH in front of the Supreme Court, business owners, who no lon- education continue to pay at- GRADUATION DATES Report and the state facing a potential- ger had to pay any taxes. These tention to actions taking place ly catastrophic budget deficit, cuts have taken what once was in Topeka. The district will 21 Board of Education

SCHOOL DATE LOCATION TIME legislators are faced with deci- a $1 billion surplus, and in continue to post updates about Meeting

2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, KS 66104 KS City, Kansas St., 59th N. 2010 Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Public Kansas City, Kansas Fairfax Learning Center May 15 Bridges 7 p.m. sions that will impact Kansas three years, turned it into a $600 school funding to this web *(If no emergency closure make EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 Bridges May 15 Bridges 7 p.m. 1 for generations to come. million deficit. page: www.kckps.org/index. up days are required.) Sumner Academy May 16 KCKCC Fieldhouse 11 a.m. Unsurprisingly, the most im- Now, facing this massive php/school-funding. portant decisions that Governor budget deficit, leaders in the The full district calendar is High May 18 Washington Stadium 7 p.m. Brownback and the Kansas Kansas house and senate have accessible from the homepage legislature face revolve around chosen to blame spending on of the website, www.kckps.org Wyandotte High May 19 Wyandotte Stadium 7 p.m. (click on “calendars”). Schlagle High May 20 KCKCC Fieldhouse 7 p.m. funding for public schools. A schools, rather than their tax little background on how the cuts, for the shortfall. Legisla- Harmon High May 21 KCKCC Fieldhouse 7 p.m. state came to this point: tive leaders have put forth 4 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 5 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM Schlagle Stadium and Bus PROVIDES HEALTHY MEALS TO SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN Parking to Be Completed This Fall The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools’ Nutritional meals throughout the summer months, to children in the In the fall of 2015, F.L. Schlagle High Services Department is proud to offer healthy meals to all district and the community. Food insecurity is the state of School students will have a new home students and children in the community throughout being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of sports complex. The construction of the the summer months. The Summer Food Service affordable, nutritious food. Wyandotte County school’s new football and soccer stadium Program makes food available to school- has the highest percentage of food insecu- has been under way since the summer of aged children during a time when many rity in Kansas at 19.2%, reflecting that 2014 and is anticipated to be complete in late September of this year. The sports com- of them may not have access to healthy more than 30,000 people are unsure plex will include an all-weather turf field, meals. Offerings include breakfast, of where their next meal is coming track and stadium seating. It will be located lunch and snacks for all school-aged from. KCKPS’ Nutritional Services just south of the school on the west side of children. Meals will be available in Department is charged with provid- Meadowlark Lane between Parallel and many areas throughout the Wy- ing meals to school aged children, State avenues. andotte County area, beginning in especially targeting areas in which This same location will house parking June and going into early August. there may be little access to healthy for a number of the district’s school buses. Community members, whether en- and nutritious food. District growth (including an increase in rolled in the district or not, can take Please join in serving the commu- the number of early childhood students) has resulted in overcrowding at the Kansas advantage of these meals at a site near nity by participating in the Summer City, Kansas Public Schools’ Transportation them. Watch for a listing of the sites for Food Service Program through outreach, Department in terms of both employee and the 2015 Summer Meals program, which education and participation. Through the bus parking. This site will accommodate up will be posted sometime in May at kckps. program, children can be provided with the to 100 buses and vehicles. It will serve as a org/index.php/summer-menus. nourishment they need, throughout the year, to satellite location for the Transportation Department and The purpose of the Summer Food Service Program continue to learn and develop into our future leaders. will include a facility to accommodate drivers and staff. Funding for Construction Projects is to battle food insecurity in the community and state. Last Frequently questions arise about how construc- summer, Nutritional Services provided more than 82,000 Our goal is to provide the tion projects are funded in the district, especially with the continued funding cuts to education by the best environment possible to All questions related to the Summer Food Service Program can be directed to the state of Kansas. A portion of the education funding enhance the learning for our levied locally to all public schools is designated as Nutritional Services main phone number, (913) 627-3910. Summer Food Service Program “students. Our students deserve “capital outlay” funds. These are funds that are to sites will be posted online in May at kckps.org/index.php/summer-menus quality facilities that they can be used only for existing facilities, improvement be proud of and our teachers of grounds, construction of facilities, additions to appreciate buildings that allow facilities, remodeling of facilities, or for the purchase them to have the space and or lease of equipment. This money cannot be used BOUNDARY CHANGES WILL ADDRESS OVERCROWDING, resources they need to teach. for staff salaries, classroom materials, etc. All of – Dr. Kelli Mather, the district’s new buildings and building upgrades Chief Financial Officer are paid for with capital outlay funds. With care- UNDERUTILIZATION OF SPACE ful planning and intentional saving of these funds, The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools West Middle School and 8th graders will In addition, a few school assignment the district has been able to pay for 13 building is implementing a number of boundary advance to F.L. Schlagle High School.) changes also have been made (and com- construction projects since 2008 (this includes new Groundbreaking for New Frank Rushton changes for the 2015-2016 school year. • Quindaro Elementary School municated to families) at the elementary facilities, additions or upgrades). Building Set for Spring The number one goal in making bound- attendance area will become a part level for transportation safety reasons (it In the fall of 2016, students at Frank Rushton” Elementary School ary changes is to positively impact the of the West Middle/F.L. Schlagle High allows students to get to bus stops without will begin the school year in a brand new building. The district learning environment for students. These feeder (5th graders will advance to having to cross major streets, etc.). Again, will break ground on the construction of a new school building changes will address overcrowding in West Middle School and 8th graders these families have already received notifi- this spring. some school buildings and underutiliza- will advance to F.L. Schlagle cation of the changes. The new two-story facility will be capable of housing up to 500 tion of space in others. High School) All families who are being impacted will students. (The current population at Frank Rushton is around 418 Families who are being impacted by • Welborn Elementary School receive (or may have already received) so the new building would allow room for additional growth). It these changes have already been notified, attendance area will become a part of follow-up information from their schools, will be 61,000 square feet with 22 grade level classrooms (three per either by phone or by letter. The main the Eisenhower Middle/Washington counselors and the transportation depart- grade level, one additional kindergarten classroom and 3 swing changes impact attendance/feeder pat- High feeder (5th graders will advance ment over the next couple of months. classrooms). There will be an art room, music room, multipurpose terns for the following schools: to Eisenhower Middle School and 8th Families with questions about this process room, gym and media center. • New Chelsea Elementary School graders will advance to Washington should contact their school principal or the The new building will sit opposite the current building on the attendance area will become a part High School) office of Dr. Kelli Mather, chief financial school grounds. The current building will be razed once the new of the West Middle/F.L. Schlagle High officer, (913) 279-2231. building is completed. Architectural drawing of the new Frank Rushton Elementary School. feeder (5th graders will advance to VIEW FROM SOUTHEAST 6 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 7

FRANK RUSHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

KANSAS CITY KANSAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS USD #500 02/18/15 BULLDOC CLINIC PAYI NG IT IMPACTS MORE THAN FORWARD STUDENT HEALTH

Preventive Care Greiner said. “It’s very unusual for them About 2/3 of each student’s ap- to do a physical examination on someone pointment time at the clinic is spent on whose heart sounds normal and whose assessing their health and giving them lungs sound normal because they do prevention tips, according to Dr. Allen most of their training in the hospital with She helped lay the Greiner, associate chair of research in people over the age of 60, and many have the Department of Family Medicine at chronic diseases.” groundwork for the KUMC. Greiner and LeMaster are two of The clinic provides hands-on learn- the KUMC doctors who volunteer their ing experience for Wyandotte students t opened as a clinic to provide basic BullDoc; now she time at the BullDoc. as well. Students in the Health Sciences health services for students, such “We tell them how they can make III class work at the clinic each week. works there. as sports physicals and immuniza- I alterations in their lifestyles to maintain They help with paperwork, appointment tions. Now three years later, the BullDoc Rosa Favela, a 2012 graduate of good health,” Greiner said. scheduling and sometimes escort patients Clinic at is a Wyandotte High School, helped lay He said they frequently ask students to the clinic. Robbie Howard, health sci- highly valued and integral part of the the groundwork for the BullDoc Clinic. to think about what their goals are five ence teacher at Wyandotte, is the coordi- school community, impacting not only She and several other students in the years from now, and how their current nator of Wyandotte’s Health Community student health, but also academics and Health Community (a small learning behaviors and personal health will im- (one of the school’s many small learning career paths. community at Wyandotte that focuses pact those goals. communities which focus on a career on health careers) were on the original BullDoc was formed in 2012 out of a path). He also serves as the school-based student Board of Directors. At the time, partnership with the University of Kan- director of the BullDoc. He meets with she never dreamed she would be creat- sas Medical Center (KUMC). The goal It’s Not Just parents and staff about students’ needs, ing a path for her own future. was to positively impact the health of and he is always looking for ways for his Today, Favela is the safety coordina- students in Wyandotte County. Though Physical Health students to gain hands-on experience in a tor of telemedicine for the BullDoc, it is one of more than 1,500 school-based In the spring of 2014, a mental health clinical setting. Robbie Howard, coordinator of the Health Community at Wyandotte High and an employee of KU Medical School, is the school-based director of the BullDoc Clinic. health care clinics around the country, it component was added to the BullDoc. “Having this opportunity has re- Center. does not resemble any one of them. But Patients are given a mental health screen- ally changed the theme side of how we “Sometimes it’s hard to believe that that is why it is so successful, according ing that they take via an iPad. The screen- teach,” Howard said. “I am starting them extracurricular activities. academic performance in terms of grades I was a student who helped build the to BullDoc Advisor Dr. Joseph LeMaster, ing checks their emotional health – stress as freshmen with the goal in mind of “We saw the numbers rise as far as the and tests,” Greiner said. clinic,” she beamed. “And now I’m associate professor in family medicine level, behavior, attitude. working in the BullDoc as seniors.” number of male and female athletes,” Perhaps most importantly, students are working for KU Medical Center and at KUMC. The BullDoc was established “We are trying to screen every student Wyandotte students also have the ben- Howard said. “It has allowed them starting to learn how to take care of their coming back into the school. It feels re- specifically to meet the needs of the com- we interact with,” Greiner said. “Teens efit of networking with the doctors and to be more successful and to belong own medical needs. ally great to keep the trend going.” munity that it serves. And it preparing and adolescents are very emotional. medical students, and watching them to something.” Favela is a Certified NursingAssis- Future Goals tant (CNA) and a student at Donnelly students for their futures. Some come in with a stomach ache or work. They can get advice on coursework Greiner said a new program is being College. Her health sciences teacher “The main idea behind the clinic is that headache and it’s really stress related.” they need to be focused on for a health Measuring Success piloted this spring at the BullDoc that at Wyandotte, Robbie Howard, who each student should finish high school career path. The number of students seen at the will allow the staff to make technological is also the school-based director of the healthy and ready to enter college and “For a lot of graduates, it has helped BullDoc has continued to rise each year, connections with students on days when the work population,” LeMaster said. A Learning Environment BullDoc, contacted her to tell her KU open up doors. They put the experience and both students and their families are the BullDoc is closed. Medical Center had an opening for for All on their resumes,” Howard said. benefitting from the health services pro- “We want to do secure televideo con- someone to help with telemedicine Hours and Appointments Medical students from KUMC do “It’s already giving the kids experience vided. More serious illnesses such as ju- ferencing or email, and phone and text screenings. And since she knew all The BullDoc is open to students each clinical rotations at the BullDoc, putting in professionalism. They get to work venile diabetes and heart problems have message communication with students about the BullDoc, and had her CNA, Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Every into practice what they have learned in alongside the doctors and have been detected in some students. There’s we need to do some follow-up with,” he she was a great fit. student who comes to the clinic is exam- medical school. This training provides conversations with them.” no denying that these results alone show said. At Donnelly, Favela is working on ined by a member of the KUMC faculty. an advantage over their hospital clinical the important role the clinic plays for Other goals may include longer clinic her bachelor’s degree in urban educa- Parents or guardians must sign a rotations because it allows them to see Getting Physical Wyandotte students. hours or additional days. And a long- tion. When she receives it, she wants to release form and agree to let their child patients they would not normally see in a But other evaluation methods are in term goal is to see a school-based health pay it forward. Nearly 400 Wyandotte students get “Once I have my bachelor’s degree be seen at the clinic (with or without the hospital setting. place to gauge just how far-reaching this clinic in other KCKPS schools. their sports physical each year through in urban education, I plan to become a parent there). Today, more than half of “Our medical students don’t get a lot of program is. the BullDoc. It’s convenient and easy, and teacher here in the district and impact the students at Wyandotte are registered training working with adolescents over- “We are starting to look at absenteeism, on-site. These on-site physicals are also lives like Mr. Howard impacted mine, at the BullDoc. disruptive behaviors, suspensions and all, but they do here (at the BullDoc),” increasing participation in sports and and keep the trend going,” Favela said. 8 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 9 THE LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING STUDENTS EXPERIENCE CAREER POSSIBILITIES PROGRAM IS FOR EVERYONE THROUGH KCKCC PARTNERSHIP

The Program Runs June 1 through July 31 Reading logs and more Summer School will be out soon, but learning and reading will continue through the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library’s Reading Program details can be picked (KCKPL) Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Every Hero Has a Story” and there is something for up at any of the five KCKPL branches: everyone, ages birth through adult. The program runs June 1 though July 31. • Main Library, Summer Reading 625 Minnesota Avenue for Children Ages • South, 3104 Strong Avenue Birth Through 18 • West, 1737 N. 82nd St. Children and teens can earn prizes for reading this • Turner, 831 S. 55th St. summer. All they need to • Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle do is pick up a Summer Reading log (available (at Wyandotte County Lake), at any of the five library branches) and keep track of their reading progress. Points 4051 West Drive add up for prizes. They can finish one log in June and another log in July. In addition to reading books, points will be given for visiting library branches, getting a library card Summer Reading for Adults (or showing library staff that they have a library card), writ- A special Adult Summer Reading Program will take place ing a book review and attending library programs. at all five KCKPL branches. Adults who read five books Prizes include R.U. Dollars (based on the R.U. Reading will earn a coffee mug plus a five-dollar library voucher mascot) to use for fines or purchases at library branches, that can be used for fines, printing, copies, etc. Each five free books, coupons from area merchants and treats from a additional books they read will earn them an entry into the treasure box. In addition, all participants who complete the grand prize drawing for a tablet or iPad. (One will be given program will be entered into a drawing for a free iPad from away at each of the five library branches.) each library branch. To kick off the Adult Summer Reading program this year, As an added bonus this year, each library branch will KCKPL has invited New York Times bestselling author Laura present a traveling trophy to the school in their service area Moriarty to discuss her latest novel, “The Chaperone.” Her with the highest percentage of student participants. book tells the story of Cora, a Wichita woman who accom- Be sure to join in one of the Summer Reading Program panies a teenaged Louise Brooks to New York City in 1922, Kick-Off Parties being hosted by each library branch: changing both of their lives forever. The Common Grounds • Main Library: Monday, June 1 from 6 -7:30 p.m. There and Book Fix book clubs will read the novel in advance will be games, snacks, music, face painting and a presenta- of the event. Moriarty is scheduled High school students in the Kansas City, Kansas Public tion by Mad Science on the “Science of Superheroes.” to visit the West Wyandotte Branch Schools (KCKPS) are gaining exposure to a number of ca- • South Branch: Monday, June 1 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. They Library on Sunday, May 31. reer possibilities open to them, thanks to a partnership with will have a super hero costume party. Two additional events are being KCK Community College (KCKCC). • West Wyandotte: Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. They planned to dovetail with Moriarty’s More than 100 students attended KCKCC’s Math, Science will host real life superheroes (firefighters, police officers, visit. Tentatively scheduled for June & Technology Business Day this semester. During the spe- and other emergency staff.) They will also have crafts, face is a screening of Louise Brooks’ 1929 cial event, students took part in breakout sessions to learn painting and the Mad Science show. silent film, “Pandora’s Box,” ac- about fields such as meteorology, criminal justice, fire sci- • Turner Branch: Wednesday, May 27 at 3 p.m. Kids can companied by local musician Jeffrey ence, forensic science, chemistry and network cabling. They create their own superhero identity, play games, work on Ruckman on piano. And in May and also learned about admission criteria to attend KCKCC, their superhero skills and have their face painted. June, programming staff will conduct and heard what college life and classes are like from current • Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library: Wednesday, May an oral history project, interviewing KCKCC students. Soft skills were another focus of the day. This is the second year that students attended this part- 27 at 4 p.m. It will feature Gooey garbage, creating your library visitors about who their local Laura Moriarty, author of superhero costume out of recycled material, plus games heroes are. Collected stories will be “The Chaperone.” nership program at KCKCC. It contributes to the district’s (Photo by Tracy Rasmussen, mission of graduating students “college and career ready.” and music. shared on the library’s e-community. Insight Photography) 10 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 11 It’s never too early for students to gain exposure to the wide variety of career professions avail- able to them. On March Kansas City, Kansas School 6, nearly 50 area profes- sionals gathered at Central Middle School to take part in a Career Jumping event Foundation for Excellence with more than 250 6th graders. Career Jumping 25th Annual is like speed-dating, but focuses on careers. Career professionals rotate every Scholarship Golf Tournament 10 minutes to a new table of students and visit with them about their career Wednesday, June 10 and the education and/or training required to work in their field. Profession- Sunflower Hills Golf Course als who talked with Cen- tral students represented Two flight times: 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. a wide variety of career fields including healthcare, public safety, construc- Career Jumping Exposes Students tion, finance/banking, law, manufacturing and more. The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools partnered Proceeds provide 15 to Professional Opportunities with Prep-KC for the event. Prep-KC works to improve $3,000 scholarships the education and employ- ment opportunities for Kan- for KCKPS sas City’s urban youth. graduating seniors.

A number of sponsorship levels are available. Call 913-279-2235 or email [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities or to register a team.

Thank you to our top sponsors in 2014! • CBIZ ($10,000) • McCownGordon Construction ($5,000) • UDP/Datamax KC ($5,000)

12 EDUCATIONEDUCATION CONNECTIONCONNECTION —— SPRINGSPRING 20152015 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 13 NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR REASONS TO BELIEVE ALUMNI HONOR ROLL Nominations are open for NOMINEES MUST: the Kansas City, Kansas Public • Be graduates of a KCKPS high school Schools’ (KCKPS) 2015 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honor Roll, part • Be successful in their chosen business, profession of a coordinated plan to spotlight or life work alumni successes to encourage • Be a person of integrity and stature that KCKPS would and inspire today’s students. take pride in recognizing KCKPS established the Reasons to Believe program in 2002 • Have demonstrated the importance of their to generate pride and celebrate education from KCKPS the progress being made through- Nomination forms can be downloaded from the KCKPS out the district. The Alumni Honor Roll annually showcases the high website, www.kckps.org/recognition/alumni or call caliber of graduates that the district produces and brings a select group (913) 279-2225 to request one. The deadline for returning of them together with staff, students, community members, colleagues and key leaders for a night of honors in November. nominations is Monday, June 15, 2015.

A hotel and convention Local Roots. Lasting Strength. center with everything you need in Kansas See us for all your financial needs City, Kansas. We thought it was about 110th & Parallel, Kansas City, Kansas time, too. Everything. Right 816-931-4060 where you need it.® www.countryclubbank.com

520 Minnesota Avenue Kansas City, Kansas 66101 913-342-7900

75043072 75030257

KANSAS CITY

Emporia State University – Kansas City offers a variety of degree programs at all levels so that you don’t have to leave the KC Metro Area:

Q Bachelors QMasters QDoctorate QCertificate or Licensure

913-338-4378 8400 W. 110th St., Suite 150, Overland Park, Kansas 66210

www.emporia.edu/kcmetro

40225925

75030014 14 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 EDUCATION CONNECTION — SPRING 2015 15 75037016