ASOP Is Back in Full Swing!

Accelerated Schools staff and faculty converged on 10713 Barkley Street on August 14th to get the new school year rolling with three days of professional development and classroom preparations. This year ASOP is excited to welcome four new teachers to its faculty: Diana, Laura, Erica and Peter!

DIANA BLESSEN: Math

Diana has an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State), and a Master's degree in Teaching Mathematics from Webster University.

She has taught math at Lee’s Summit High School, St. Teresa’s Academy and Bishop Ward High School, after which she retired. Since then she has been subbing in math classes.

"This year I’m excited to be at ASOP! I love math and being around people, and I want to continue helping students learn. ASOP allows me to work one-on-one with students, which I really value."

Diana loves to spend time with her three grandkids, friends and family. She says she is passionate about the people in her life.

LAURA HALL: Science, STEAM

Laura received a BA in Middle School Education with an emphasis in science at Northwest Missouri State University. She is teaching middle school science classes along with a STEM/art/games class. 

Prior to ASOP, Laura taught middle school for 15 years at St. Peters School. When she is not teaching, Laura enjoys running and spending time with her husband and four young children, as well as her goldendoodle puppy.  

“I am excited to join ASOP this year. I have taught in a traditional school setting so I am looking forward to smaller classes and getting to work with students in more of a one-on-one environment.”  

ERICA TILLMAN: Math

Erica grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University. Her hobbies include paddle boarding, building memories with family, traveling, and watching documentaries.  Something she would like to accomplish in life is to write a children’s book and have it published.

"After working in public education for many years, I came to ASOP because we are able to focus on the individual student."

PETER TUTTLE: English

Peter is teaching freshman and sophomore English this year. Before ASOP, he taught English and history at Independence Academy (part of the Independence School District). This is Peter's 8th year of teaching English. He is a graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in Secondary Education.

"I am excited to be at ASOP because it is a breath of fresh air for my teaching career. I am coming from years of public education at an alternative school, and I am glad I can help guide students and help them master writing."

School Announcements

No School: ASOP will be closed Monday, September 4th, for the Labor Day holiday.

Picture Day: Student pictures will be taken on Thursday, September 7th.

Early Dismissal: School will be dismissed at 1:00pm on Thursday, September 21st.

For the fourth year in a row, ASOP has received a grant from the American Century Investment Foundation for our Mental Health Matters! program. This grant helps fund the additional personnel and staff training needed to support our students. Accelerated Schools thanks the Foundation and the employees of American Century Investments who support our school with matching donations.

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Calendar

September

4: No School, Labor Day

7: Student Picture Day

21: 1:00pm Early Dismissal

October

13: No School, End of 1st Quarter,

Professional Development

18-19: 1:00pm Early Dismissal, Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences (3:30-6:30pm)

20: No School

2023-2024 School Calendar