Inspiring Excellence
Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day!
Friday, December 3, 2021
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KCKPS School Recognized Nationally
for Student Achievement
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Bertram Caruthers Elementary School is being recognized nationally by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) for exceptional student achievement in 2021.
The NAESPA publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools across the nation for the outstanding academic achievements of all students, including students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Principal Molly Struzzo has served the District 22-years, eight of them as the principal at Caruthers. She says parents are noticing the improvements that are being made academically and sharing those experiences with other parents which resulted in an increase in requests to enroll their child in her school.
“Being selected as an ESEA Distinguished School is a true testament to the commitment and hard work that the Caruthers staff displays every day,” said Ms. Struzzo. “Teachers and staff have worked relentlessly towards each student’s individual growth. Through teamwork and as a work family, student needs are put first at Caruthers.”
The ESEA program began in 1996 and has been highlighting the success of schools in one of the three categories each:
Category 1:
Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years.
Category 2:
Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years
Category 3:
Excellence in serving a special population of students.
The Kansas State Department of Education designated Caruthers Elementary as a National ESEA Distinguished School for closing the achievement gap.
"We are all proud of the achievement," said Dr. Anna Stubblefield, superintendent of schools. "The Distinguished School honor reflects the collective efforts of our teachers, administrators, and school support staff who help cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages academic excellence for all students. The national honor is the result of our student’s hard work and the guidance and encouragement from our parents. These are the outcomes we strive for on all of our school campuses.”
“This is an incredible honor for Caruthers. It pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of each student, teacher, and staff member by recognizing our commitment to education and growth,” said Caruthers fifth grade teacher, LeeAnn Thomas.
Join us in congratulating Principal Molly Struzzo, her staff, and the students at Bertram Caruthers Elementary School for being named a National ESEA Distinguished School for 2021.
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GEHA and 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Launch Health and Wellness Playbook Initiative for Kansas City Students |
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The program will educate and empower elementary students in underserved areas
Today, GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.) and 15 and the Mahomies Foundation launched a new health and wellness initiative with a kick-off event at Bertram Caruthers Sr. Elementary School. The program was created to educate and empower 3,500 students at seven elementary schools in Kansas City’s most historically under-resourced areas.
The GEHA/15 and the Mahomies Foundation Health and Wellness Playbook Program primarily focuses on the Northeast Corridor of Kansas City, Kansas, where children living in poverty are highest. The initiative aims to provide a low-cost, high-visibility educational wellness curriculum for elementary schools to implement.
The program is intended to be hands-on and integrate local health and dental nonprofit partners to promote access and continuity of care for both students and their families.
Throughout the 2021-22 school year, Vibrant Health – Wyandotte Neighborhood Clinics will provide in-school dental screenings and cleanings on site. The unique partnership between GEHA, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Vibrant Health and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (USD 500) supports continuity of care for students and families by introducing them to culturally attuned medical providers and multilingual take-home wellness materials for participating students and families.
The hour-long kick-off event, held at Bertram Caruthers Sr. Elementary School, included leaders and messages from GEHA, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Vibrant Health, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Students attended an in-school rally, received a new toothbrush and mini-football, and participated in the Chiefs Training Lab, Powered by GEHA.
The Chiefs Training Lab, powered by GEHA, launched in Fall 2021 as a way to teach students of all ages about the importance of activity and health in their day-to-day lives through exercise stations, nutrition tutorials, and a virtual reality experience to let participants see what it’s like to be a Kansas City Chiefs player.
“We are really appreciative of the collaboration and partnership that GEHA, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation and Vibrant Health brings to our school campuses. As organizations, we all share a common goal to provide access to resources that enhance the quality of life for us all,” said Dr. Anna Stubblefield, superintendent of Schools for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. “Having access to a quality education, healthy food choices, and health services have a significant impact on the overall wealth and health of an individual and the community we live in.”
For more information about GEHA, including 2022 health and dental plan options available to eligible federal employees and retirees, military retirees, and their families, visit www.geha.com.
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District Receives Commissioner's Award Honor |
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KCKPS-USD 500 is proud to be recognized by the Kansas State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education for the exceptional work we are collectively doing to implement systems that lead to positive academic outcomes.
KCKPS is among several districts throughout the state to earn the 2021 Star Recognition Awards Program honor. The district was recognized for achievement in one of the eight following outcome measures Kansans said they valued most:
Individual Plan of Study
Kindergarten Readiness
Social-Emotional Growth
Civic Engagement
Commissioner's Award (Commissioner's Award with Honors)
Postsecondary Effectiveness
Prepared for High School Graduation
Graduation
KCKPS received the Commissioner’s Award with Honors. These outcomes, categorized as either quantitative or qualitative measures, serve as a roadmap to help KCKPS and Kansas reach their educational vision.
"I would like to congratulate Kansas City USD 500 for receiving the Commissioner's Award with Honors in the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program," said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. "The program recognizes district success in the outcome measures Kansans told us they value."
"As the representative of USD 500, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, I am excited and proud to congratulate the school district for being honored and recognized for their work to achieve outcomes around the Kansans Can Vision," said Janet Waugh, Vice-Chair of the Kansas State Board of Education and representative of District 1.
"I want to thank Dr. Watson and Janet Waugh for the consistent pillar of support they provide for public education in Kansas. This kind of support is what is needed for educators to stay focused on producing the educational goals and highest level of outcomes that we all can be proud of," said Dr. Anna Stubblefield.
Join us in congratulating KCKPS and the District’s staff for their exceptional work toward achieving the state board’s vision for Kansas education.
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KCKPS Student Receives 2021
Young Entrepreneur Award
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They say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and 11-year-old Nelson McConnell holds that saying true. The Gloria Willis student was honored for his hard work outside of the classroom during the Kansas Department of Commerce 2021 Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program.
Nelson’s Flavorades got its start back in 2018 and has been quenching the taste buds of hundreds ever since. With flavors like black cherry, watermelon, orange pomegranate, and even strawberry, Nelson’s reviews have been nothing but positive.
Now all of that hard work is paying off. Nelson recently took home the honor of Young Entrepreneur of the Year, an award presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Minority & Women Business Development. To be honored the nominee had to be under the age of 30 and the business had to be open for more than six months.
Nelson credits his mom, dad, and grandma for their continued support and the business’s success.
You can watch a portion of Nelson's award presentation on YouTube.
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Noble Prentis Building of the Month |
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Congratulations to Noble Prentis Elementary School and Eisenhower Middle School custodial staff for being selected as the Buildings of the Month. These schools were selected for their dedication to keeping the building clean and safe for all those who enter.
Principals from each school submit a “report card” that grades the work of their custodial staff and based on those reports, the facilities team selects who is most deserving of this honor.
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Sumner Admission Application is now Open |
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The Sumner Academy of Arts and Science Admissions Application is now open through Friday, January 28th at noon.
If you or your child will be in grades 8-12 during the 2022-2023 school year and are interested in applying, please visit: https://kckps.org/sumner-admissions/ for more information. If you are resident of Wyandotte County, If you are a resident of Wyandotte County and live within district boundaries but do not currently attend KCKPS schools, please call the Student Services department at 913-279-2248.
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Looking for Suggestions on a New Name
for the KCAL
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As we get ready to head into a new year-- the Kansas City Atchison League (KCAL) is currently taking suggestions on a new league name.
Currently, the league is home to six different high school athletic teams; including all five KCKPS high schools. However, during the 2022-2023 season, Topeka’s Highland Park High School will be joining the league.
We are asking members of the community, students, and staff in the KCKPS areas to throw out their best name ideas. Your idea will then go head-to-head against others from the Topeka and Atchison area.
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Kansas City, Kansas Mask Mandate Extended to January 6, 2021, On Thursday evening, November 19, the Unified Government Commission voted to extend its previous mask order for Kansas City, Kansas, and the unincorporated area of Loring in Wyandotte County through 11:59 pm on January 6, 2022. The resolution extending the mask order will be signed into effect by the Wyandotte County Clerk later today. The proposed resolution to extend the mask order, as reviewed and adopted by the UG Commission last night, can be viewed here. |
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K-State College of Education Roadshow |
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The Prepare House Annual Holiday Sale |
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the annual Prepare House Holiday Sale! Find out how you can deck your hall and help KCKPS students at the same time. |
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American Education Week: Thank you to families and other supportive adults! |
Some of the most important people in a child’s education do not work in a school building. Today we want to take time to say thank you to all of the adults who support and promote a child’s education. |
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Board of Education
Upcoming Events and Activities
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KCKPS Board of Education Meeting November 30, 2021
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Board of Education
Upcoming Meetings
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Upcoming Meetings
December 7, 2021
January 11, 2022
Zoom meeting
(web-based video conferencing)
5:00 pm
The public can join in on the meeting to listen by clicking on the link on the home page of the district's website.
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KCKPS-TV
Your Education Channel
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KCKPS-TV is the cable access channel for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. We provide a variety of viewing options for the public to access and watch public meetings and district programming on KCKPS-TV 24-hours, every day of the week.
Broadcast TV
- Available on Spectrum cable, Channel 18, and in HD on Google Fiber, Channel 145.
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Available online on the KCKPS website.
- Programs and school board meetings are also scheduled for rebroadcast on KCKPS-TV.
You can also watch us live where ever you are online, on Roku or Apple TV app.
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The Kansas City, Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence is celebrating the selection of this year’s 2021 Reasons to Believe Alumni Honorees. This year, our Reasons to Believe celebration will be held virtually on November 11th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Take a moment to see the 2021 honorees. You can also make a donation to the Foundation on their behalf. The honoree with the highest donations will receive special recognition.
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Visit the KCKPL website for a full list of calendar events for adults and all ages.
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Kansas City, Kansas
Public Schools
2010 N. 59th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66104
913-551-3200
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