Excellence at a Glance

Monday, March 11, 2024

There will be no school from March 11-15 due to Spring Break. We will see you on March 18th.

Please Join Us!

Time to Make Up Those Snow Days

New Graduation Requirements

Dual Language Family Night

Leon Brady Visits Sumner Academy

February Employee of the Month

Spring Career Fairs

High School Students Build Playhouses

KCKPS Student Wins County Spelling Bee

Students Take Part in Youth Homelessness Conference

Read Across America Day

February Students of the Month

Students Learn About Construction Safety

Principal Wins LatinX Administrator of the Year

Health Services Department Hosts First Ever Community Roundtable Event

Kansas Kids Fitness Day

Black History Month in KCKPS

Community News

Due to the inclement weather days impacting our required 1116 school hours at the high school level, in collaboration with the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA), we have made some adjustments to the high school schedules to meet the requirements.

Beginning Monday, March 18, 2024, we will be adding twenty minutes to each school day. As a result, April 19, 2024, will now be a day off for both staff and students at all levels.

Below are the revised school hours, effective after spring break:

Alfred Fairfax Academy, Harmon, Schlagle, Washington, Wyandotte

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:10 AM - 2:25 PM
• Wednesday: 7:10 AM - 12:25 PM

Sumner

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:50 AM - 3:10 PM
• Wednesday: 7:50 AM - 1:10 PM

We recognize that these adjustments may impact your schedules and appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to meet the required school hours. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

The KCKPS Dual Language Program offers students the opportunity to become literate in Spanish and English by learning the language through the lessons taught by qualified dual language teachers. This immersion educational strategy allows students to learn academic content while acquiring another language at the same time.

The program officially launched this 2023-2024 school year in two elementary schools, both at the kindergarten grade level. You can learn more about this innovative program by watching a Facebook Live! event recording hosted by Multilingual Education and Services Director Jaqueline Rodrigues and Dual Language Coordinator Julia Linkous.

“We are eager to share more about this program with KCKPS parents. To this end, we prepared a Facebook Live! presentation that unpacked the program,“ says Jaqueline Rodrigues. “We are always trying to find the right communication fit for our families and leverage the power of social media. The community's engagement was positive, and our live session has been shared through multiple organizations,” said Jaqueline Rodrigues.

As we prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, we want to keep our KCKPS families informed and engaged with the various programs and events happening in our school district.

New Graduation Requirements

Beginning 2024-2025, all incoming 9th grade students will need to meet new state credit requirements to qualify for graduation. These requirements are outlined on the district’s Diploma+ web page.

Aside from new credit requirements, the class of 2028 will also be required to earn two Diploma+ endorsements or two state assets. More information will be provided in the future about this specific requirement to graduate.

Under Diploma+, students have an opportunity to achieve various education priorities and endorsements, such as achieving a minimum score on standardized tests, completing internships or industry projects, participating in International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, earning industry-recognized certificates, or pursuing military service or post-secondary education.

Graduation Transition Initiative

Join us as the Diploma+ College and Career Readiness team launches an exciting initiative to support 8th-grade students in their transition to high school this spring!

Our goal is simple: to ensure that every 8th-grade student is well-informed about upcoming opportunities within Career and Technical Education (CTE), Work-Based Learning, and Dual/Concurrent programming.

What does this mean for your student?

It means access to a wide range of opportunities, including hands-on vocational training, real-world work experiences, and the chance for students to take college courses right at their high school, taught by professors. These programs are designed to help students explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and stay on track with their Individual Plan of Study.

Ready to get started?

Keep an eye out for upcoming informational sessions and resources provided by the Diploma+ College and Career Readiness team. We're here to support you every step of the way!

Have questions or need more information? Don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help!

A living legend returned to Sumner Academy of Arts and Science in hopes of inspiring students.



Educator and professional percussionist Leon Brady stopped by his old stomping grounds on Friday, March 1.

He was there to speak to the student-body and members of the faculty in the school’s auditorium. Sumner Academy Principal Rick Malone says the main reason for the visit was to show students that just like Brady they can be part of the rich history at the top-rated school.  

“I hope they just continue to build this legacy of excellence we have here at Sumner. That’s something we always coin and talk about to our kids,” said Malone. 

KCKPS and Workforce Development have teamed up for a series of Spring Career Fairs.

Each individual high school in KCKPS will have its own career fair for students who are looking to enter into the workforce after they graduate from high school.

These fairs present career guidance, networking opportunities, and resources for exploring desired career pathways.

These events will also provide students with practical context on workplace training and other critical career details.

Students will be able to meet with more than 50 employers at their school's career fair. The dates of the fairs will vary.  

Here are the listing for each school's career fair from 8:30 am to 10:30 am:

• Sumner Academy of Arts and Science High School - April 2
• F.L. Schlalge High School - April 4
• Washington High School - April 30
• J.C. Harmon High School - May 1
• Wyandotte High School - May 2

Contacts:

Danijela Crncic/Work Based Learning

danic@workforcepartnership.com

Lauren Kneeland/Dual/Concurrent & Special Programs Coordinator

lauren.clay@kckps.org

Highlights Around the District

Recess at Lindbergh Elementary School has reached a new level of fun. There are two brand-new playhouses on the school’s playground, courtesy of students at Wyandotte High School.

Lindbergh Elementary School Principal Dustin Wiley conducted a small dedication ceremony for the new playhouses on Tuesday, March 5. 

He thanked some of the students who helped build the playhouses. The students are part of the Construction and Design Pathway Capstone at Wyandotte. The construction program is designed to provide students with valuable hands-on experience to help develop them into well-prepared graduates. 

Students from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools performed well in the 2024 Wyandotte County Spelling Bee, including taking home first place in the competition.

Byrdie Tyx from Sumner Academy was crowned champion at the spelling bee held at Tuner Middle School on February 3.

He went on to compete in the Kansas State Spelling Bee in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday, March 3.

Second place went to Oviya Pugazhendi from Rosedale Middle School. 

Jia Carter from Gloria Willis Middle School finished in the top seven. 

A total of 23 students from KCKPS took part in the competition. 

They competed against students from Turner USD 202, Piper USD 203, Bonner Springs USD 204, and St. Patrick Catholic School. 

"The event was a major success. We were honored with students ranging from 3rd to 8th grade, who were well prepared," said Turner USD 202 Parent and Community Liaison Luke Lee. 

Congratulations to all of the winners and participants.

To view all of the students from KCKPS who took part, watch the video. 

A group of students from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools have a better understanding of what homelessness is all about thanks to an event they sponsored. 

A dozen Wyandotte High School students participated in the Our Perspective Youth Homelessness Conference at their school in December.

The conference was planned, facilitated, and executed by students who are members of the Suite 1886 Program at Wyandotte High School. Suite 1886 is a co-working space for students.

Students say the conference centered on their perceptions of student homelessness, how the issue could be solved, and the resources that should be available to young people. They invited several social service professionals who discussed homelessness's many causes and impacts on the Kansas City, Kansas community. Students are well aware that some of their peers are homeless or unhoused.

Students, staff, and Board Members visited several elementary schools to read to our young learners as part of the annual Read Across America Day and Week.

One of the bigger celebrations took place at Stony Point South Elementary School on Monday, March 4. 

KCKPS Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield was joined by members of the Board of Education, including Maxine Drew, Rachel Russell, Yolanda Clark, Dr. Valdenia Winn, and Board President Randy Lopez.

They were each assigned designated rooms and a set amount of time to read to students. Several members of the community also came out to read to students.

A group of students moves one step closer to becoming construction professionals.

Several dozen students from JC Harmon (16) and F.L. Schlagle (12) High Schools took part in an OSHA-10 training session provided by Kansas City-based construction company JE Dunn Construction. 

The two-day, 10-hour training session occurred on February 6 and 7 at the construction company's headquarters. OSHA-10 training is an essential educational tool that equips construction industry professionals with the knowledge and skills to work safely, reduce hazards, and promote a culture of safety in the workplace. 

Central Middle School Principal Dr. Illeana Farney has been named the Administrator of the Year Award winner by the Latinx Education Collaborative Group.

This annual award is given to education leaders for their impact in the classroom and their commitment to the communities in which they live.

The LEC advisory board selected Dr. Farney over 116 nominees across the greater Kansas City area because she demonstrated a commitment to several of the organization’s core values.

Those core values include community, authenticity, personal growth, impact, and integrity.



The Latinx Education Collaborative Group is a Kansas City area nonprofit organization that works to retain and increase the representation of Latinx people in the education profession.

Earlier this year, Dr. Farney announced her retirement from KCKPS. It’s only fitting that she receives this award before she departs the school district.

Congratulations are also in order for Jessica Woodson, Denise Quinones, Karla Gonzales, and Salvador Gavalda. All four KCKPS educators were nominated for Educator of the Year.

A reception will be held on Friday, March 8, to honor all award winners.

This is the fourth year in a row that a member of KCKPS has been selected as a recipient.

Leaders of the Department of Health Services at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools held an event they believe will significantly impact the health and well-being of students in the district.

The group hosted the First Annual Community Roundtable at the Central Office in early February.

The guest list included local hospital administrators, KCKPS building principals, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, community and civic groups, social service organizations, healthcare providers, health departments, and businesses. 

According to KCKPS Director of Health Services Tiffany Lewis, the event's goal was to share essential information regarding the priorities and requirements of the school district and its stakeholders. “This will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, fostering understanding, and building relationships that will help contribute to our district's overall progress and development,” said Lewis.

In addition, a special $25,700 check was presented to the Health Services Department by Kansas City-based AcruxKC. The donation will help cover the cost for purchasing 14 new AEDs (automated external defibrillators) for the Athletic Department and Health Services.

We thank AcruxKC for their generous donation.

Kansas Kids Fitness Day is a district-wide event for 3rd graders where students rotate through 20 standards-based activities focusing on fitness, cooperation, fun competition, and safety.

Schools are split between two days:

• Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 10 am-12 pm at F.L. Schlagle Stadium
• Eugene Ware, Bertram Caruthers, Claude Huyck, Hazel Grove, John F. Kennedy, Lindbergh, Lowell Brune, Mark Twain, Quindaro, Stony Point North, Stony Point South, Welborn, West Park

• Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 10 am-12 pm at J.C. Harmon Stadium
• Douglass, Banneker, Emerson, Frank Rushton, Frances Willard, Grant, John Fiske, McKinley, M. E. Pearson, New Chelsea, Noble Prentis, New Stanley, Silver City, T.A. Edison, Whittier

Sumner Academy Black History Month featured several dance routines including members of the Sumner Majorette Dance squad, and students recited poems. 

Eisenhower Celebrated with an international special guest, rap star icon Tech N9ne.

The Chamber Singers from F.L. Schlagle High School performed during a school board meeting.

Rosedale hosted a program titled “Equality in Diversity, the Human Race” was held in the school’s

Quindaro students learned about inventions by many African Americans and later they were entertained by positive and uplifting songs about people of color.

J.C. Harmon students visited the famed Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Community News

The Wyandotte County Public Health Department now offers walk-ins for select health services on Fridays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Services include birth control, well-woman exams, STI testing and treatment, immunizations, treatment for skin conditions, treatment for ear, nose, and throat symptoms, pre-employment physicals, and more! 

Additionally, the health department offers free condoms and free Narcan (naloxone) daily in our lobby. Visit us at 619 Ann Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101.

KCKPS Videos to Watch

Board of Education