Dear AL community,
As 2022 comes to an end, I would like to share with you some highlights and accomplishments of the first half of the school year.
Student transportation: In November, we successfully launched our own Armour bus service to address First Student transportation challenges. We bought 7 buses and are currently offering 5 routes. We also contracted with Assist Services to support some of our elementary students. Looking ahead, we are planning to provide after-school buses for some of the students attending academic support to encourage student participation.
Academic program: Read to Lead was implemented to support third graders in reading, with the help of SchoolSmartKC. Read to Lead is an effective online intervention program to accelerate learning. We are piloting Eureka Math in k-5 as well, a new mathematical instructional resource in French. Last, but not least, the ALIHS new state-of-the-art chemistry and arts rooms will be completed during the winter break.
Building safety: During winter break, we will start installing a new paging system in all three buildings based on the recommendation of the district safety and wellbeing committee. We will also add more security cameras and are planning to install the Raptor system to better screen and monitor visitors. The AL bus service will be equipped with a monitoring system to follow the buses as they run their routes.
Athletics and after-school program: Our athletes won the KC Metro Volleyball and Cross Country Championships, and our boys and girls cross country team won the state championship. The board approved additional funding to support more after-school programs. We have also secured the funding needed to replace the playground equipment at Cherry. The Oak playground is being reviewed for safety.
Annual fund drive: As you may know, we depend on the generosity of our stakeholders to continue to offer such a great education program for our children. Three percent of our budget revenue comes from community fundraising. This school year, we aim to raise $320,000. I strongly urge each and every member of our community to contribute to this effort based on their financial possibilities to help us reach our annual fund goal.
I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a great holiday season.
Good luck to the French soccer team on Sunday for the World Cup final against Argentina.
Joyeuses fêtes!
Elimane Mbengue
Head of School
