Brief evacuation for fire alarm interrupts graduation ceremony

	Graduation Program

The Class of 2018 had commencement exercises on May 18 at the Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence. Congratulations to the 425 graduates!

The ceremony included special recognition of IB Diploma candidates, foreign exchange students, and the top 10 students in the class. The  Salutatorian was Joshua Figge, and the Valedictorian was Aaron Fuller.

The ceremony also included a performance by the Senior Ensemble with solos by 2018 Seniors Song Waltz and Emily Creek, a duet featuring Sarah Scott and Talmage Kelley and a solo by Chely Stratton.

The ceremony was interrupted after a fire alarm sounded. A light malfunctioned, causing a ceiling tile to smoke. The auditorium was evacuated, and Independence Fire and Police Departments addressed the issue. Commencement resumed following a 30-minute delay. Thanks for everyone in attendance for an orderly evacuation during the unexpected event.

Melissa Lucas has been named principal of Creekmoor Elementary School, beginning in fall 2018. The School Board approved the hiring at its May 24 meeting. 

Lucas has worked in the Ray-Pec School District since 2006, most recently as  assistant principal intern at Raymore Elementary School the past three years. 

Earlier, she taught kindergarten and second grade at Peculiar Elementary School for nine years. She was also a summer school principal in 2017.

Lucas replaces Dr. Jerrod Fellhauer, who is resigning to take a similar position in the Lee's Summit School District.

Also on May 24, the School Board approved hiring two new supervisors for the Buildings and Grounds Department. Jasmine Demerath is the new Custodial Supervisor, effective June 1. She replaces Larry Dial, who is retiring. Shaun Henry is the new Maintenance Supervisor, also effective June 1. He replaces Scott Dobson, who has been promoted to Director of Facilities.

Summer School begins on Monday, June 4. 

Watch for an email on or about Wednesday, May 30, with a welcome message, and information about your child's teacher assignment, class schedule, and bus route.  If you do not receive an email by June 1, and believe your child is enrolled in Summer School please contact Becky Coster at 892-1341. 

Bus transportation is available for students entering grades K-12. Bus routes are being prepared and will be posted online when complete.