January 19, 2024

Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences, Early Release - Feb. 15

Spring parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for February 15. Students will be released 3 hours early on this day (Great Beginnings is not in session on this day). This is a very important time for parents to discuss or see their student's progress, as research has shown that parental involvement is one of the most important factors in a student's success in school. Additional details regarding each building's conferences will come directly from your child's school or classroom teacher.

• Platte Purchase Middle School, Platte City Middle School, Platte County High School, and Northland Career Center: 12:00-6:30pm
• Barry Elementary, Compass Elementary, Pathfinder Elementary, and Siegrist Elementary: 1-4pm and 5-7:30pm
• Great Beginnings (at DEC and Barry): 8:30am-7:30pm

Future Freshman Course Offerings and Expo Night - Jan. 31

PCHS is planning an 8th grade student/parent night on January 31, 2024, 6:30pm in PCHS's Wilson Auditorium. The purpose of Future Freshman Course Offerings Night is to meet teachers and learn about academics and curriculum offerings at the high school as well as attend our electives expo where families can learn more about elective courses, clubs, and activities. The Expo will be open for all PCHS students from 5:30-8pm.

We encourage both the student (current 8th graders) and parent(s) to attend, so that all can receive the information about courses offered at Platte County High School. This will greatly assist you and your student in the planning process and in course selection for the 2024-25 school year. If you would like more information, please contact your student's counselor: Kim Schank or Whitney Edman, Platte City Middle School Counselors, or Amanda Griffin, Platte Purchase Middle School Counselor.

Pirate Hall of Fame Will Induct Three New Members - January 23

Join us as the Platte County R-3 School District Hall of Fame inducts three new members following the PCHS winter athletic signing ceremony, on January 23, 6pm, in the Pirate Fieldhouse at Platte County High School.

This year's inductees are: Molley (Scanlon) Burns (former All-State and All-American volleyball player), Gena Puckett (23 years at PCR-3 as math teacher and Student Council sponsor), and Barrett Martens (former State Champion golfer).

Three File for Two Seats on Board of Education

Three candidates have officially filed for two positions on the Platte County R-3 School District’s Board of Education. Filing closed for Board of Election candidates on December 26, 2023. Candidates (listed in ballot order) are as follows:

• Karen Bryant
• Kathy Schlimm
• Matt Craine

The seats up for election are currently held by Doug Doll and Karen Bryant. The annual municipal election will be held on April 2, 2024. For more information about the PCR-3 Board of Education, visit the Leadership channel of the District's website. Board of Education members are elected to three-year terms during at-large elections. Elected board members must complete 18.5 hours of board member training within the first year.

The last day to register to vote in the April 2, 2024 Election is March 6, 2024. Patrons may register to vote in any of the Platte County R-3 School facilities or at the Board of Elections offices. Persons can also register by mail by visiting this website.

No Tax Rate Increase Prop C Waiver and Levy Transfer Informational Meetings

This question will be placed on the April 2, 2024 ballot. Pending voter approval, this proposal will allow the District to allocate resources to better attract and retain quality staff, and enhance safety and security. For more information, click here, or attend an Informational Meeting:

• Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 6pm, Platte Purchase Middle School
• Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 6pm, Platte County High School

PCHS Seniors: Apply for Platte County Education Foundation Scholarships by March 8

The Platte County Education Foundation will award multiple, $1,000 college and trade school scholarships to PCHS seniors, based on the following categories: Academic, Financial Need, Community Service, and Entering Education. Applications (linked here) are due no later than March 8, 2024. When completing an application through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, students may become eligible for other local scholarships. Additional scholarship opportunities can be found via PCHS's Counseling Center here.

Pirate Pride: Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Staff Member Sharing Talent

For the Pirate Pride portion of the January meeting, the Board recognized PCHS seniors Emmalyn Burnett, Lucy McClain, and Katherine Morgan, the three finalists in the inaugural PCHS "Aspiring Entrepreneurs" program, who have been awarded $10,000 each to propel their entrepreneurial aspirations forward.

The Board also recognized Sara Price, NCC English Instructor and member of the Professional Development Committee, for her outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Sara, also a New Teacher Facilitator, has showcased her musical talents on five TV shows and recently contributed to a touching Children's Mercy TV advertisement with her song, "I Won't Let You Feel Alone". The board commends Sara as a teacher, leader, and a source of hope through her impactful use of talents.

SCHIVIR Me Timbers Staff Recognition

Each month, PCR-3 recognizes staff members who are living our vision, mission, and values, by presenting the "SCHIVIR Me Timbers" award. SCHIVIR is an acronym for our values: Student Focus, Collaboration, High Expectations, Integrity, Visionary Leadership, Innovation, and Results Orientation.

At the January board meeting, Barry Elementary's Reading Improvement Specialist Blaire Zessin was recognized for her visionary leadership. Blaire is truly a servant leader and has been key in establishing and building community as a new school with her implementation of a student-led store.

2024-25 Academic Calendar Approved

The Board approved the academic calendar for the 2024-25 school year, as suggested by teachers, support staff, and parents on the calendar committee, and taking into consideration feedback during public review. The draft was formulated based on required student hours, teacher contract days, historical parent and staff survey data, parent and staff feedback regarding parent/teacher conferences, as well as consideration of the alignment with other Northland districts from a programming perspective. The calendar has the first day of school on August 20, the last day of school on May 23, and has changed fall parent/teacher conferences to include one separate evening for PreK-5th grade and 6th-12th grade and one full day for all grades.

PCR-3 Received Parks and Rec Grant for Platte Purchase Site Trail

Platte County School District was recently awarded a $1 million 2023 Partnership Grant with the Platte County Parks and Recreation Department to develop a 1.8-mile trail throughout the Platte Purchase Middle School site. The trail aims to connect with both existing and future residential trail systems in the area and will feature a tunnel beneath the parkway, ensuring safe passage to the Central Bank Sporting Complex. The trail is designed to be accessible to the public and promote partnerships for use by community groups. At the January meeting, the Board approved the contract to begin design and survey services for the project. Estimated completion date is December 2024.

Stadium Bleachers at Platte Purchase Middle School

At the January meeting, the Board approved the purchase and installation of stadium bleachers for Platte Purchase Middle School, with seating available for 600+ spectators along with ADA wheelchair spaces. Funding for this project will come from 2021 bond proceeds dedicated to the Platte Purchase Middle School project. We anticipate installation to be complete prior to the spring activities season.

2022-23 Annual Performance Report

District leaders presented its 2022-23 Annual Performance Report (APR) at this month's meeting. Issued annually by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the APR assesses the overall academic performance and continuous improvement of each school district and determines accreditation status. PCR-3's overall APR percentage for 2022-23 is the 5th highest in the Kansas City Metro area (DESE Region B) and ranks within the top 10% statewide. Click here for PCR-3's 2023 APR Summary Report.

Information Management and Technology Services Key Process Update

At the January meeting, David Dixon, and Curtis Nower presented a key process update on the District's Information Management and Technology services. In the department’s efforts to better meet the needs of all users, and empower all users to be safe and capable in the use of technology, they highlighted three areas of emphasis:

• Continued infrastructure upgrades and cybersecurity preparedness
• Continued implementation and development of software - PowerSchool, Canvas or Google Classroom, and EduClimber
• Improvements to device renewal and issuance process

PCHS FBLA Bingo Night for Hillcrest - Jan. 25

PCHS FBLA is partnering with Hillcrest Platte County for their Community Service Project and is hosting a "Community Bingo Night" January 25, 6-8pm at PCHS. Bingo is $5/individual or $15/family; bring a household cleaning item for an extra bingo card. See flier for details.

YMCA Kids Night Out - Feb. 3

All kids ages 3 months-11 years are invited to join us for a night of fun at the Y. Kids will have dinner, make crafts, swim, play games, and more! Registration ends February 1. See flier for details.

PCHS Cheer Stunt Clinic - Feb. 7

PCHS Cheerleaders are inviting K-8th graders to learn stunting skills with them at their stunt clinic on February 7. Sign up by clicking here and see flier for details.

PCHS Dance Father-Daughter Dance - Feb. 10

The PCHS Treasures Dance Team is inviting all girls in grades preK-5th to invite their dad, uncle, grandpa, mentor, etc. for a night of music, dancing, photos, and more! Sign up by clicking here and see flier for details.

Community Education Winter/Spring Classes

Enrollment is now open for both youth and adults for our winter/spring community education classes! Click here or call 816-858-5505 x1703 for information and to enroll. See catalog for details.

Character Warms the Heart - Feb. 12-16

Each February, PCR-3 warms up our character education program with a week devoted to good character. Join in the warmth by participating in our Spirit Week, donating to the Treasure Chest, and celebrating our character trait and leadership students. See flier for details.

PC Parks and Rec Spring Soccer

Platte City Parks and Recreation's Spring Youth Soccer registration is open until February 26. The season runs March-April and is open to students PreK-8th. Visit plattecityparks.org to register and see flier for details.

PC Parks and Rec Spring Ball

Register for Platte City Parks and Recreation youth t-ball, softball, and baseball for PreK through 8th grade by March 17! Visit plattecityparks.org to register and see flier for details.

February 15: 3-hour early dismissal; Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences

February 16: Professional Learning Day, No School

February 19: No School, Presidents' Day

February 22: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

March 8: End of 3rd Quarter

March 14: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

March 15: Report Cards Go Home

March 25-29: No School, Spring Break