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Accelerated Schools Of Overland Park 10713 Barkley, Overland Park, KS............September 2022


Welcome Back!!

No School September 5


ASOP will be closed on Monday, September 5, for the Labor Day holiday.

Get Ready For Picture Day


Students and staff will have their photos taken on Tuesday, September 8, These photos are used in the yearbook and on ASOP ID cards. Thanks to Sarah J. for taking the photos.  

New School T-Shirt


Last school year students worked on designing a new school T-shirt. Over the summer, ASOP teacher Mindy worked on the design based on some of the students' ideas which focused on 'Respect." Jane is modeling the final shirt design.


When the new T-shirt is ready, all students and staff at the school will receive one. The plan is to have everyone wear them one day each week.


Michael and Andy Return to Teach Drama


Andy and Michael Grayman-Parkhurst, producers of the Spinning Tree Theatre, are returning to teach drama at ASOP. Before starting their theater company, Andy and Michael taught drama here for several years.


"We're really glad to be able to return to ASOP as drama teachers. Our theatre company, Spinning Tree Theatre, opened as a not-for-profit professional theatre company in 2011. During the downtime from canceling our 10th anniversary season because of COVID, we worked with a committee of professional artists and reimagined Spinning Tree into something truly unique," said Andy. "We now serve Kansas City area youth with and without disabilities in a season of four mainstage productions and our Young Playwrights and Directors Lab each season!"


"We've worked with young artists of all abilities for several years, and enjoy the inherent challenges and joys. It's a gift getting to witness the increase of confidence and self-trust." Andy added. "Our teaching style focuses on the use of voice and physical self, mutual respect, imagination, and participation. We're looking forward to seeing what the ASOP drama students bring to the 2022-23 school year!"

New Teachers Join Staff


Kyle, Joy, David and Tony have joined the ASOP staff.


David S.. who will teach high school English,  grew up in St. Louis and received a BA in English from Washington University in St. Louis. He taught at Rockhurst High School in KC; took a year away from education to write a novel; and then returned to Rockhurst where he has taught English and creative writing for the past 8 years. He is currently working on a second novel, which is one of his hobbies along with reading and running.


"I'm excited to join Accelerated Schools of OP!" David said. "I've only ever taught in a traditional high school setting, and I really look forward to the smaller class sizes which allow for more one-on-one instruction."


Joy B., who will be teaching art, is a mixed-media artist specializing in mandalas on canvas.  A teacher since 2013, she enjoys working with a wide variety of students and has developed private classes for children, adults, and teens. In addition, she has developed specialized curriculum for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities as well as Alzheimer's patients. 


"I enjoy teaching art classes that are designed to build creative confidence," Joy said.  "My favorite student is the one who insists they can't create art."


When she is not making art with others, she is creating art in her studio located in historic Downtown Overland Park, Kansas with the "help" of her beloved pets. Bert, a sheltie poodle, and her new rescue kitten, Treasure. She also enjoys gardening, reading and creating music with her friends. 


Kyle W. went to the University of Kansas earning his degree in BGS - History. At ASOP he will teach social studies. Currently he is working on earning a Masters in Education from Fort Hays State University. His hobbies include reading, playing games with his children and camping.


"This is my first professional teaching assignment," Kyle said. " I wanted to teach at ASOP because of the exceptional education that our students receive. I am looking forward to being a partner in providing this excellent educational experience!"


Tony S. will teach earth/space science, intro to business, and financial literacy. A graduate of Oklahoma State, Tony has a masters' degree in Agricultural Education and a bachelor's in Agricultural Economics. He taught high school for over 30 years. He and his wife of 35 years have four adult children.


"I came to ASOP because it allows me to continue teaching while also having time to focus on my family beekeeping business," Tony said. "A new school year is always exciting. I am especially looking forward to ASOP where small class sizes allow the opportunity for more personalized, individual instruction."

ASOP Receives Grant


For the third year, 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. We thank the Foundation and the employees of American Century Investments who support our school with either matching donations or serving on the school's board of directors.

TIPS at JCCC


Three ASOP seniors will be attending the Johnson County Community College Transition into Post Secondary (TIPS) program during the fall semester. Blane H., Lena B., and Shay S. are among eight seniors who will be graduating at the end of the fall semester. During the first day of school, they met with the TIPS counselor, Ashley Graham, at ASOP. The next day they attended orientation at JCCC. The program begins on Monday, August 29.


















Building Renovation/

Security Audit



Besides the new carpeting and paint, the pod in the south building has an entirely new look. The study carousels are gone, replaced by round tables and a open room better for classes and for lunch.


In early August, Officers Bill Koehn and Wes Griffith from the Overland Park Police Department came to ASOP to do a security audit of the school. They met with Jane, Annie and Ellen as they walked through the buildings and recommended security upgrades.


Funding from this year's wish list donations will be used to pay for some of these upgrades. Thank you to all of our friends and donors who have already contributed! 

Amazon SMILE Helps ASOP

For those of you who shop on Amazon, please know that ASOP is a part of Amazon Smile. Every time you shop, whether you use regular Amazon or Amazon Prime, the school will get a donation. It will not cost you a cent, but you will be helping the school!


How to use AmazonSmile on a web browser:

  1. Visit smile.amazon.com
  2. Sign in with the same account you use for Amazon.com
  3. Select your charity
  4. Start shopping! Remember to checkout at smile.amazon.com to generate donations for your chosen charity.
  5. Tip: Add a bookmark to make it easier to shop at smile.amazon.com.

How to use AmazonSmile using the Amazon app on your mobile phone:

  1. Open the Amazon Shopping app
  2. Navigate to the main menu ()
  3. Tap on Settings and then select “AmazonSmile”
  4. Select your charity and then follow the on-screen instructions to turn ON AmazonSmile in the mobile app
  5. Once AmazonSmile has been activated in your app, future eligible app purchases will generate a donation for the charity you have selected.



Thank you for choosing Accelerated Schools of Overland Park on Amazon Smile!!!


Calendar:


September

September 5: No School, Labor Day

September 8: Picture Day

September 22: Middle School Field Trip to Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory.


October

October 14: Students, no school; staff Professional Development

October 19-20: Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

October 21: No School


If you have any questions, please call me at 913-341-6666.

 

Sincerely,

 


Jane Curran

Accelerated Schools of OP