March 21, 2025

Make Up Day Plans

The Board approved the following make up day plan:

• January 7, 8, 9, and 10, and February 5, 2025 - Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days (do not need to be made up)
• February 12, 2025 - To be made up on Monday, April 14, 2025
• February 13, 2025 - To be made up on Tuesday, May 27, 2025
• February 18, 2025 - To be made up on Wednesday, May 28, 2025
• February 19, 2025 - To be made up on Thursday, May 29, 2025, a 3-hour early dismissal
• February 20, 2025 - The Board has waived this day.

Please note, with this make up plan, we are shifting Summer School to June 2-30, 2025. 

Kindergarten Enrollment Open; Kickoffs on April 15

Children who have turned five years of age before August 1, 2025, are eligible for kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year and are invited to our Kindergarten Kickoffs in our elementaries on April 15.

If you know of a family with a child entering kindergarten, please pass this information along. Incoming kindergarten families should complete new student registration linked here.

Summer School 2025 - K-8th Grade Enrollment Now Open

K-12 Summer School is scheduled for June 2-30 (please note revised dates) at the following locations:

• Barry Elementary: For all K-5th grade southern attendance area students (Pathfinder and Barry Elementaries)
• Compass Elementary: For all K-5th grade northern attendance area students (Compass and Siegrist Elementaries)
• PCMS: For all 6th-8th students, and 9th-12 grade students

Parents of existing students currently in grades PreK-7 interested in K-8 Summer School: You can now enroll for 2025 Summer School via the Forms on PowerSchool Parent Portal (via a browser or the app). Please complete by May 16, 2025. 

*Incoming Kindergarten students can complete summer school enrollment after completing their regular school year enrollment (Kindergarten Kickoffs will be held April 15).

**High School Summer School Forms will be available on PowerSchool Parent Portal on April 14.

PCR-3 Announces Dr. Drew White as Next Superintendent, Starting 2026-27 School Year

Dr. Drew White will become the next Superintendent of the Platte County School District and will officially begin serving in this capacity on July 1, 2026. He will succeed Dr. Jay Harris, who announced his retirement from the District following the end of next school year (June 2026). Upon his retirement, Dr. Harris will have served ten years in the Platte County School District, four years as superintendent, and 35 years in public education. Dr. White has served as Deputy Superintendent since 2023. Click here to read the announcement.

PCHS Announces New Assistant Principal

Morgan Scheib will serve as Assistant Principal at Platte County High School starting with the 2025-26 school year. With 15 years of experience in education, Morgan has served as a high school English teacher, Assistant to the Principal, and most recently, Instructional Coach at Platte City Middle School. Click here to read more.

Great Beginnings Expanded Offerings in 2025-26; Enrollment begins April 1

We have some exciting developments at Great Beginnings for the 2025-26 school year! We are expanding our Great Beginnings Preschool offerings to include both full and 1/2 day options and will now be open 5 days a week at the following locations:

• District Education Center (998 Platte Falls Rd, Platte City)
• Barry Elementary (2001 NW 87th Terr, Kansas City)
• Pathfinder Elementary (1951 NW 87th Terr, Kansas City)

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year will open on April 1, 2025, via an interest form posted on our District and Great Beginnings websites. Spots for preschool students will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to students living within our district boundaries or students of Platte County School District employees, but preschool will be open to children living outside of our district boundaries if spots are available. Spots will be filled with out-of-district students after May 1. We are working on options for before/after school care and will share information soon. Please note: Students eligible for Great Beginnings Early Childhood Special Education enroll separately from Great Beginnings Preschool and are not subject to the "first come, first served" policy.

• Tuition for Great Beginnings Preschool is $45/day for full day; $25/day for 1/2 days.
• Families qualifying for free/reduced priced lunch will be tuition-free.
• Tuition reduction may be available if grant monies are received.

Pirate Pride: Board Appreciation

For the Pirate Pride portion of the March meeting, we recognized members of the Board of Education for their service to the District. March is Board Recognition Month and our board members were treated with visits in each of our schools. Click here for photos from these visits.

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 March board meeting, we recognized Curt Claycomb and Teresa Ryun, staff members at Northland Career Center, for their student focus and results orientation. Both have exhibited outstanding dedication to our career center's success. As they retire after decades of service, their contributions to career and technical education, from coordinating student experiences to building a top-tier welding program, will be deeply missed.

Strategic Plan 2025-30 Approved

At the March meeting, the Board of Education approved Platte County School District’s Strategic Plan for 2025-30. Developed with input from parents, community members, students, and staff, this plan outlines our mission, strategic anchors, and key initiatives for the next five years. Action Planning Teams have created detailed steps to guide our progress. Click here for an overview of the plan.

High School Strategic Plan Update

Dr. Kiel Giese, Platte County High School Principal, provided the Board with a high school strategic plan update at the March meeting. Click here to view the presentation.

Technology Transition Plan Approved

At the March meeting, the Board approved an Apple Lease Agreement as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain up-to-date technology for students and staff, a top-five requirement of our stakeholders. This decision aligns with our long-term technology refresh plan, ensuring that devices remain current, effective, and well-supported. The phased implementation will provide iPads and MacBooks to students and staff, enhancing instructional technology while optimizing costs. The implementation will begin with iPads with a case for K-2 and iPads with case and keyboard for 3-5 in the 2025-26 school year, followed by iPads with case and keyboard for 6-8 students and MacBooks for 9-12 students during the 2026-27 school year.

Technology Services Key Process Update

At the March meeting, David Dixon presented a key process update on the District's Technology services. A district-wide audit assessed stakeholder feedback, technology policies, and system reliability, leading to recommendations such as strengthening cybersecurity, enhancing professional development, and streamlining device management. Plans are also underway to improve emergency communication systems and refine technology support processes to ensure efficiency and accessibility.

World Down Syndrome Day Walk - March 21

TONIGHT! On March 21, all are invited to join as a community to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with 3.21 mile walk around the indoor track at PCHS Pirate Fieldhouse, starting at 5pm! See flier for details.

Safe Sitter Course for Grades 6-8 - Mar. 27

Platte County Health Department is offering the Safe Sitter course (Mar. 27, Jun. 11, Jul.7 & Aug. 6), designed for young teens in grades 6-8, to equip students with essential skills for safety, childcare, first aid, and rescue, as well as life and business skills, preparing them to be safe and competent babysitters. Register by clicking here. See flier for details.

Platte City Pizza Shoppe Spring Break Special - March 27

Platte City Pizza Shoppe is offering $5 kids meals on Thursday, March 27. See flier for details.

PCHS 4th/5th Volleyball Camp - April 23 & 24

PCHS Volleyball is hosting a volleyball camp for current 4th and 5th graders on April 23 & 24 at PCHS Pirate Fieldhouse. Register by April 4. See flier for details.

Northland Ethnic Festival - April 12

The annual Northland Ethnic Festival will be held April 12 at Maple Woods Community College. Save the date for an afternoon full of performances, snacks, learning and fun. Admission and parking are free. See flier for details.

Middle School Musical and Art Show - April 16 & 17

Come enjoy the talent from both Platte Purchase Middle School and Platte City Middle School as they present "The Addams Family, Jr." April 16 and 17 at 7pm at PCHS's Wilson Auditorium. Visit the art show both evenings starting at 6pm. See flier for details.

Pirates ROCK End-of-Year Celebration - May 2

Get ready for the "Greatest Show" of Character! The Pirates ROCK End-of-Year Celebration and Sharpen the Saw Challenge Course will be at Barry-Platte Park on Friday, May 2. Course is open from 5-7pm, with the character recognition ceremony at 6pm. Pre-register here and see flier for details.

Airmen of Note Concert - May 4

The United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note is soaring into Platte County High School for their Spring Tour on Sunday, May 4th, at 5pm! Don’t miss this incredible evening of live music! FREE registration is available by clicking here. Seats are limited. See flier for details.

March 24-28: No School, Spring Break

April 8: Municipal Election Day

April 14: Make-up Day; SCHOOL IN SESSION

April 17: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

April 21: Community Advisory Meeting/Real World Learning Showcase

Thank you to our Pirates ROCK Stars!

Thank you to all our Pirates ROCK Star business partners who support character education in our schools including our District-wide Pirates ROCK Star business partner for 2024-25: Farmers Insurance - Weaver Hamman Agency.