Raymore-Peculiar School District News

Oct. 6, 2023

This Aiphone provides another layer of access control at Stonegate Elementary School. Soon, visitors will need to communicate via the Aiphone before gaining entrance to the school vestibule.

Ray-Pec receives $249,272 safety grant

The state of Missouri is awarding a $249,272 School Safety Grant to the Ray-Pec School District.

On Monday, Oct. 2, Gov. Mike Parson announced that Ray-Pec is one of 566 grant recipients selected in the second round of funding for the School Safety Grant Program. The grant opportunity was announced last June, when Gov. Parson signed a bill appropriating $50 million for a second round of grants to support physical safety improvements in schools across the state. See a list of all schools receiving a grant in Round II.

The Ray-Pec School District will use the funds to cover part of the expense of adding an additional layer of school security in the form of access control.

Currently, an Aiphone is in place inside the vestibule at each location. With help from the grant funds, the District plans to install another Aiphone at the exterior of each school and the Administrative Services Center. The second Aiphone will require visitors to present identification and provide rationale to gain access to the vestibule, where they will be face-to-face with front office staff before being granted access to the building.

Stonegate Elementary School is the first school to have the Aiphone installed, and all buildings will be equipped by January of 2024.

Read the state's press release: Governor Parson Announces Recipients of Second Round of New School Safety Grant Program

Board Approves Class of 2024 Graduation At Panther Stadium

The graduation ceremony for the Ray-Pec High School Class of 2024 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Panther Stadium.

For many years, graduation took place at the Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was postponed until July at Panther stadium. Graduation took place at the stadium since then. Last month, District leaders and School Board members considered possible locations for the ceremony.

They discussed the advantages and disadvantages of having the ceremony at the stadium. Board members said that the community appreciates having the ceremony closer to home. The Board approved the costs for the 2024 ceremony, which include staging, lighting, sound, and a professional live stream for people who cannot attend. The approval was for the 2024 ceremony only.

Thomas Ott Joins First Student as Transportation Director for Ray-Pec

First Student Bus Co. announces the hiring of Thomas Ott as the new transportation location manager serving the Ray-Pec School District.

He comes to First Student from Columbia, where he was the bus terminal manager for STA of Missouri, also known as Student Transportation of America. For the past 10 years, Ott managed the daily operations at the terminal, including staff scheduling and safety protocols. He first began working in the transportation industry in 1990.

Ott officially started work last week at the Ray-Pec terminal. He said there are currently eight drivers in the process of completing the training and certification process. He said that when those drivers come on board, he can focus less on covering routes and more on managing the operation.

Ray-Pec Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Bryan Pettengill said he is happy to welcome Ott to the transportation team. "He comes to us with a wealth of experience, and we look forward to his efforts to work with the schools and community to ensure safe and dependable transportation for Ray-Pec students."

Calendar reminders

Monday, Oct. 9 - Schools are not in session to allow staff to participate in planned professional development.
Monday, Oct. 9 - Foundation Golf Tournament. More information
Monday, Oct. 23 - Schools are not in session to allow for staff collaboration and planning.
Wednesday, Oct. 25 - Trunk or Treat at Ray-Pec High School. 6 to 8 p.m. Bring non-perishable items for admission.

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