Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | |
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Inspiring Excellence:
Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day.
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December 21 - January 3
Winter Break - No School for Students
December 22 - January 1
Administrative Offices Closed
January 4
All Students Return to Class
January 15
No School/Admin. Offices Closed (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
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Happy Holidays to KCKPS Students and Families | |
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KCKPS would like to wish each and everyone of you peace and joy this holiday season.
May you be surrounded with family and friends who love and care for you.
Have a great holiday and be safe.
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Canned Goods Collected for KCKPS Students and Their Families for the Holidays | |
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The Police Department at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools joined forces with several local agencies to help students over the winter break.
The KCKPS Police Department, along with the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, and the KCK Fire Department took part in a food drive competition.
The goal of the Battle of the Badges was to see which department could collect the most canned goods.
To read more, click the button.
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Fun Activities During Holiday Winter Break | |
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During winter break, students deserve a well-earned reprieve from homework and school responsibilities.
However, the holidays will come and go and in time, students will be returning to the classroom.
To help prepare them for a seamless transition back to school while taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to them during this time, students and parents can do fun activities that also maintain and build upon academic skill sets.
To read more, click the button.
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KidZone Program Winter Break Update | |
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Parents and guardians, please note that KidZone will not be in service from Thursday, December 21, 2023 through Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
KidZone programming will resume Thursday, January 4, 2024, when students return from Winter Break.
For more information, please contact KidZone at 913-627-4391.
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The New HELPme App is Available During the Holiday Break | |
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The holidays can be a time of joy, but they can also bring stress and emotional challenges.
It's important to take care of yourself during this time.
KCKPS has launched a new 24/7 support system app for students, families and district employees.
For more information on how to receive help, click the button.
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Save the Date: Kindergarten Registration is Coming Soon | |
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Parents and guardians be sure to save the date.
Beginning February 4, 2024, you can start registering your kindergarten student for school.
Look for more information at the beginning of the new year.
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You're Invited to Join the KCKPS SEL Advisory Committee | |
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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 5.
To read more, or learn how you can sign up, click the button.
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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.
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Now Open: Sumner Academy Application for Enrollment | |
Enrollment is now open to students interested in attending Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences for the 2024-2025 school year
All students in the 7th and 8th grade that are interested in applying for Sumner Academy must complete the online application located on the district website, found at this link.
Important: The window will close on Friday, February 9th.
To read more, click on the button.
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KCKPS Virtual Learning Opportunities | |
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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.
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Graduation Ceremony Information for 2024 | |
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Information about the class of 2024's Graduation Ceremonies are now available, online.
This information will help you and your family plan around the big day.
To read more, click on the button.
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Watch: KCKPS Speaks Your Language | |
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Did you know that there are over 60 languages spoken by our KCKPS families?
Meet one man who is helping to bridge the gap, and making our district #BetterEveryDay.
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J.C. Harmon's Music Department Receives $20,000 Gift from the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation | |
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The Music Program at J.C. Harmon High School received a huge lift thanks to the generosity of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the school’s auditorium on Tuesday, December 5, where they learned that the two organizations donated $20,000 to the music department.
The huge investment allowed the school to purchase new instruments.
To read more, click the button.
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KCKPS Students Receive $50,000 College Scholarships | |
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More than a dozen students from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools received $50,000 scholarships to attend college.
They learned about the amazing gift during a live broadcast of ABC’s Good Morning America at Kansas City’s Union Station, on Friday, November 17.
ABC News Correspondent Steve Osunsami, Kansas City hip-hop artist Tech N9ne, and Hollywood actor and Kansas City, Kansas native Eric Stonestreet told the crowd of over a hundred local high school seniors that they would receive the generous gift, totaling over $5 million.
To read more, click the button.
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KCKPS Students Named Top 20 Finalists in Battle of the Brains Competition | |
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In a field of nearly 750 competitors in the greater Kansas City area, a group of incredibly talented students from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools have advanced to the next round in the Battle of the Brains Competition.
The students and their classmates learned the good news during a special announcement at Emerson Elementary School on Thursday, December 7.
The event featured a Battle of the Brains party bus with organizers who cheered students on with bullhorns, bubble dispensers, and foam fingers.
To read more, click the button.
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December is National Drunk/Drugged
Driving Prevention Month
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Celebrations during the holiday season often leads to drinking and driving, which could spell disaster.
December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month, or National 3D Prevention Month. It serves as a reminder to never drive impaired.
It's important to speak to loved-ones about drinking and driving.
To read more, click the button.
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Bethany Thang is an Early Childhood scholar at Bethel Early Childhood Center.
She was nominated by her teacher, Dorothy Betts under the pillar of Service and Citizenship.
Bethany has shown great emotional and compassionate empathy and support to one of her younger classmates.
She has spent time teaching him the classroom routines, making sure to sit with him during mealtimes, and assisting him with difficult tasks, such as hanging up his backpack and opening his milk.
“It is an honor to be her teacher, and I hope that the social-emotional behaviors she exhibits with others continue throughout her academic career in the district,” said Ms. Betts.
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Iker Hernandez is a fifth-grade student at Quindaro Elementary School and was nominated under the pillar of Outstanding Academics by his teacher, Ms. Amy Otto.
Iker strives to push his thinking in all areas of his academics.
He strives to excel in any academic task that is presented to him.
The best part is that he is helping his peers in the class to rise to the challenge and join him.
His excitement and passion to learn is contagious.
Others look to see what he is doing and want to join in no matter their level as a student in any subject.
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De’Andre Simms is an 8th grade student at Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences and was recommended by his principal, Rick Malone under the pillar of service and citizenship.
Principal Malone says that “De'Andre is an outstanding 8th grader who consistently demonstrates unwavering respect, empathy, and care towards others.
His genuine concern for the well-being of those around him is evident in every interaction he has.
Without fail, he makes it a point to engage in meaningful conversations with staff members each day, ensuring that they are heard and valued.
De'Andre's conversations are always filled with compassion, reflecting his sincere interest in the person he is communicating with,” said Principal Malone.
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Biak Thang is a senior at Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences and is being nominated by IB Career Coordinator, Edward Gunter under the pillar of Service and Citizenship.
He remarked that “Biak's work on Sumner Academy's social media pages has been far superior to anything I have seen in our building, EVER!!!”
Biak is a member of the Digital Media Pathway and one of a few students who have taken the generosity of resources provided by the board of education and the tremendous instruction of our digital media teacher, Ms. Megan Schmidt.
Biak is passionate about the work and ensures that Sumner Academy of Arts and Science is at the forefront of the digital media presence in USD 500 and Wyandotte County.
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Check out the district's Newsroom online to read more about what is going on throughout KCKPS. | |
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Dear Parents,
Embarking on the high school journey is an exciting and transformative time for both students and parents.
As your teenagers spread their wings and navigate the complexities of adolescence, staying connected with them and the school becomes a cornerstone of their success.
In the fast-paced world of high school, it’s easy to overlook the small victories that contribute to their overall success.
Staying connected allows us to celebrate achievements together, from acing a challenging exam to participating in a school play.
Recognizing and acknowledging these milestones fuels your child’s confidence and motivation, propelling them forward with a positive attitude.
High school can sometimes feel like uncharted territory, both for students and parents.
However, by establishing and maintaining open lines of communication, we build bridges that connect us to your child’s academic and social worlds.
These connections create a supportive network that fosters trust, understanding, and a sense of shared purpose.
In essence, staying connected with your child's high school journey is not just about monitoring grades and attendance; it's about actively participating in their growth, celebrating their achievements, and supporting them through challenges.
By embracing this journey together, we strengthen the foundation for a successful and fulfilling high school experience.
Thank you.
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Lynnae Knipp
Principal
Washington High School
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Story Time Available at Multiple KCK Public Library Branches | |
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If you and your family need something fun to do during the winter break that won't cost any money, why not stop by one of the KCK library branches.
There will be an assortment of events including Bilingual Story Time, Family Story Time, Nature Story Time, and Sensory-Friendly movies.
For dates and event listings, click on the button.
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Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is Now Available for Kansans | |
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The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit, will soon be available for eligible Kansans.
The program is managed and administered by the State of Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), with the 2024 application open from December 18, 2023, through March 29, 2024.
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills, with income eligibility requirements set at 150% of the federal poverty level, among other things.
To learn more, click the button.
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KCKPD is Offering Citizens Police Academy for Spanish Speakers | |
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The Kansas City Kansas Police Department is offering a FREE, eight-week Citizens Police Academy for Spanish Speakers.
The class is designed for residents seeking a better understanding of the basics of law enforcement, policies and procedures.
The hope is that graduates will then share that knowledge with their neighbors in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the Hispanic community and police.
To learn more, click the button.
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L to R: Rachel Russell, Vice President, Maxine Drew, Yolanda Clark, Janey Humphries, Board President Randy Lopez, Dr. Valdenia Winn, and Wanda Brownlee-Paige. | |
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Upcoming Meetings
Regular Board Meeting - January 9, 2024
Regular Board Meeting - January 23, 2024
Regular Board Meeting - February 13, 2024
Regular Board Meeting - February 27, 2024
Watch board meetings online on the district's YouTube Channel or KCKPS TV on Spectrum channel 18.
Visit the Board of Education website.
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We post announcements, information, and videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Please follow us! | |
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2010 N. 59th Street
Kansas City KS 66104
913-551-3200
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