Friday, January 19, 2024

Inspiring Excellence:

Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day.

Parents

District Calendar

February 16

No School for Students (Family Advocacy Day)

February 19 (President's Day Holiday)

No School for Students/Administration Offices Closed

District Calendars

News and Updates

Kindergarten Registration to Begin January 22

Parents and guardians, this is an important reminder that Kindergarten Registration begins on Monday, January 22.

To register for Kindergarten, a student must be five years old by August 31.

They must also live within the school district boundaries.

The registration window closes on Wednesday, May 15.

To learn more, including other requirements, click the button.

Dual Language Program Change for the 2024-25 School Year

Parents and Guardians, you can expect a change to the Dual Language Program at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

All current Silver City Dual Language students will be able to transition to either Frances Willard or New Stanley as an incoming 1st-grade student.

The change allows the district to concentrate its support for both students and teachers, and provide the most effective instructional program.

If you prefer, your child can continue their education at Silver City Elementary and join a traditional 1st-grade classroom.

To read more, click the button.

KCKPS School Board Holds World Cafe-Style Listening and Learning Session

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Board of Education invited the community for a World Cafe-Style Listening and Learning Session.

The evening event took place at Central Office on Thursday, January 18

World Cafe-Style meetings are a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue.

To learn more, click the button.

January is School Board Recognition Month

January is School Board Recognition Month!

KCKPS would like to thank past and present board members who dedicated their time to our district.

Snow Day Activities

With the winter we've been having lately, there's a good chance more snow days could be coming for our students.

For parents, it can be a huge chore finding something the kids can do while they're home.

There are some educational activities that can help keep younger students engaged and active.

Click the Read More button for some fun ideas.

Carl B. Bruce Middle School Unveils New Classroom after a $50,000 Grant Makeover

Carl B. Bruce Middle School has a brand new Medical Detectives Lab thanks to a $50,000 grant makeover.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to help unveil the classroom on Thursday, January 18.

KCKPS administrators and special guests were on hand for the celebration.

The lab features new VR headsets, lab tables, eye wash stations and medical testing equipment.

To read more click the button.

You're Invited to Join the KCKPS SEL Advisory Committee

Parents, guardians, and community members, you're invited to be part of the KCKPS SEL Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee is being created to help advise the Department of Student Support Programs and District leadership at KCKPS on topics related to the strategic goals of the district.

The committee wants your insights and input. The deadline to sign up is January 24.

To read more, or learn how you can sign up, click the button.

Comite' Asesor SEL de KCKPS

Padres, cabezas de familia y miembros de la comunidad. Quedan invitados para formar parte del Comité Asesor SEL de KCKPS.

Este comité se ha creado para ayudar a asesorar al departamento de programas de apoyo estudiantil y a los líderes de KCKPS sobre temas relativos a las metas fijadas por el distrito escolar.

El comité desea que aporte sus puntos de vista y sus opiniones. La fecha límite de inscripción para participar es el 5 de enero.

Haga clic en el botón para saber más detalles o si necesita ayuda para apuntarse.

Leer Mas

Hispanic Family Financial Aid Event

Do you have concerns on how your 12th-grade student is going to pay for college or trade school?

Joins us Saturday, January 27, from 10am - 2pm at KCKPS Central Office for a special Hispanic Family Financing College Day event.

Attendees will learn how to qualify for financial assistance regardless of citizenship, and have tax questions answered.

To read more, click the button.

Evento de Ayuda Financiera para Familias Hispanas

Nos reuniremos en la oficina del distrito de KCKPS (2010 N. 59th St) para discutir cómo pagar la universidad y completar la Solicitud gratuita de ayuda federal para estudiantes, para aquellos que sean elegibles.

Este evento es para estudiantes de 12º grado de las Escuelas Públicas de Kansas City Kansas y sus familias.

Que traer:

Una computadora portátil escolar o personal.
Números de seguro social y tarjetas verdes, para residentes permanentes legales, si los tiene
Formularios de impuestos sobre la renta de 2022, si los tiene (W-2, formulario 1040, etc.)

Leer Mas

Save the Date: Financing College Night Event

Leaders of the Diploma+ Program will host a Financing College Night for students needing information on how to pay for college.

The event will take place from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Thursday, February 8, at Central Office, located at 2010 N. 59th St., in KCK.

To register for the event, click the button.

KCKPS Virtual Learning Opportunities

Parents and guardians who are interested in taking advantage of Virtual Learning, there are plenty of opportunities and options through KCKPS.

Successful virtual students demonstrate high levels of independence, are able to maintain focus and engagement with little to no prompting, and are engaged in the online coursework 25-30 hours each week.

To read more, click the button.

Summer Research Program for High School Students

The University of Kansas Cancer Center's Accelerate Cancer Education summer research program for high school students is now accepting applications.

Current juniors and seniors attending schools in Wyandotte County, KS, or Jackson County, MO, are eligible and may apply for the program.

Students must be 16 years old as of June 1, 2024.

To sign up or learn more, click the button.

Kansas Future Teacher Academy

Is your son or daughter interested in becoming a teacher/educator?

Applications are now open for the Kansas Future Teacher Academy.

It's a five-day program designed for high school students interested in teaching as a profession.

The Academy will hold two sessions, June 3-7, and July 15-19.

To read more or to sign up, click on the button.

Graduation Ceremony Information for 2024

Information about the class of 2024's Graduation Ceremonies are now available, online.

This information will help you and your family plan for the big day.

To read more, click on the button.

Watch: KCKPS Getting Better Every Day in Athletics

Samuel Simmons, Sr., the new Athletic Director for KCKPS has his head in the game!

During his first year as AD, Simmons is doing his best to make sure our student athletes, teams, and coaches are getting #BetterEveryDay.

Students of the Month

Angelina Min is an Early Childhood scholar at Earl Watson, Jr. Early Childhood Center.

She was nominated by principal, Stacy Maxwell under the pillar of Positive Behavior.

Angelina is a remarkable and positive young scholar in the EC program.

When Angelina started at Earl Watson, she would cry the entire day.

Since then, Angelina has made a complete turnaround.

She demonstrates hard work and persistence in school and shows up to physical therapy when needed.

She interacts with everyone who works with her and has made many positive connections.

Angelina's turnaround has been remarkable!

Christian Williams is a first-grade student at West Park Elementary School.

He was nominated under the pillar of Positive Behavior by his teacher Christen Ayala.

Christian is always such a big helper for teachers and peers in the classroom.

He is willing to hold peers' hands when they may be struggling with big emotions and makes sure other students are staying with the class when transitioning inside and outside of the school building.

He works hard in the classroom and always gives 100%, even when learning new, difficult tasks.

Christian always has a smile on his face and is just genuinely happy to be around others.

Teachers say they love having him in their classroom and appreciate all that he does for others and who he is as a person.

Jesus Cruz Gonzalez is a 7th grade student at Carl B. Bruce Middle School.

He was nominated by Counselor Jennifer Mullen.

Jesus is a student who has experienced some struggles in middle school.

Last year, while in 6th grade Ms. Mullen’s taught him how to play chess.

This year he asked if we could start a chess club at Carl Bruce and if he could teach other students the game.

Thanks to his drive, Carl Bruce now has a Chess Club, and Jesus has been an outstanding leader.

There are students in Chess Club who have not yet learned English and Jesus works with these students in such a kind and effective manner that they immediately feel connected to the group.

Lorena Chavarria Samayoa is a 10th grade student at F.L. Schlagle High School.

She was nominated by teacher Frank Allison, under the pillar of Service and Citizenship.

Lorena is a student in Mr. Allison’s Introduction to Law, Public Safety, and Security Class.

She is an exceptional student and human being!

"I would have liked to nominate her for several categories, but apparently, I had to choose one category," said Allison.

"Several weeks ago, Lorena came to me to write her a reference letter for the "Learning Club", said Allison.

It is an organization that selects students to serve as volunteers to tutor and mentor high-risk, disadvantaged children in Kansas City with the idea of unlocking their potential and hopefully providing them with a better future.

Lorena was selected and she has been providing critical help to many, many children!

Check out the district's Newsroom online to read more about what is going on throughout KCKPS.

Principal's Corner

Dear Parents,

From Kindergarten to 5th grade, elementary schools focus on helping students push themselves to reach their highest potential.

In doing this, schools hope that students will build a strong foundation of confidence, emotional intelligence, and a desire to continue to learn.

Elementary school students are building their habits that will help them persevere through life.

Paying close attention to how children play, communicate, follow rules, and interact with others can provide a lot of information that will help parents determine how to best support their child both academically and socially.

Often, we prioritize age appropriate milestones, but there is another important factor in development that families and schools can use to promote the most positive educational experience for children.

We can focus on teaching students to set goals and push themselves to continuously improve.

Carol Dweck, a psychologist and Stanford University professor, called this the growth mindset.

Researchers have long determined a correlation between high achievement and having the mindset that success is determined by time and effort.

Families can help shape this kind of mindset that is focused on growth by helping students set attainable goals, make a plan with actionable steps to achieve those goals, and providing students with a way to reflect regularly on their progress towards their goals.

Families might have children set goals to keep their toys put away, make their bed daily, help their parents with chores, complete their homework, etc.

The list is endless and the simple act of setting goals and making a plan to achieve them will benefit children for the rest of their lives.

Making small positive changes daily towards achieving goals leads to long-term success.

Thank you.

Dr. Dana Jackson

Principal

New Chelsea Elementary School

Community Outreach

Radon Test Kits Available

You can't see or smell radon, but it is very dangerous.

Breathing high levels of the radioactive gas can raise your risk of lung cancer.

The Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension Office is offering low cost test kits for $15.

Their offices are located at 1216 N. 79th St. in KCK.

Unified Government Launches Tax Rebate Program

The Unified Government has launched the 2023 Tax Rebate program from now until April 15, 2024.

Rebates are offered to eligible citizens who are BPU rate-payers in Wyandotte County for a portion of their BPU, gas or telecommunications utility bills.

If you qualify for utility rebates, you will also qualify for BPU PILOT relief.

Rebates are offered to eligible citizens of Kansas City, Kansas who have paid sales tax.

To read more, click on the button.

Open House for Rainbow Boulevard Improvements

What type of improvements would you like to see along Rainbow Boulevard?

Join the City of Westwood, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) at the public open house for the Rainbow Boulevard Complete Streets Traffic Plan to view and comment on recommendations.

The meeting will take place from 2pm - 4pm, on Saturday, January 27, at Westwood City Hall, located at 4700 Rainbow Boulevard.