Inspiring Excellence:

Every Grown Up, Every Child, Every Day

February 19, 2025

See What's Happening!

District Calendar

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March 13: End of 3rd Quarter

March 14: Inservice/0.5 Records Family Day - No School

March 17-21: Spring Break - No School

Full Calendar Here

News & Updates

KCKPS Board of Education to Hold Listening and Learning Session

The KCKPS Board of Education cordially invites you to a Listening and Learning session.

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 11, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Central Office, located at 2010 N. 59th St. in KCK.

The focus of the listening and learning session will be on school budget and finances.

Dinner will be served. Look for more details soon.

2025-26 School Year Registration Underway

Parents and guardians, do you have a child who will be five years old by August 31, 2025?

Do you live within the school district boundaries?

If the answer is yes to these questions, now is the time to register your child for Kindergarten.

Coming Soon: Dual Language Family Night

Would you like your child to be able to speak and write in English and Spanish?

The Multilingual Education and Services Department is hosting a Dual Language Family Night where families can learn more information about the Dual Language Program.

The KCKPS Dual Language Program offers students the opportunity to become bi-literate in Spanish and English.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 6, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at J.C Harmon High School, located at 2400 Steele Road, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Save the Date: Unity in the Community is Coming Soon

The Second Annual Unity in the Community event is just around the corner.

This community resource fair aims to provide families with access to various programs, resources and services available throughout the summer and beyond.

Families will have the opportunity to connect directly with community organizations and get more information about local programs in a fun environment for all.

Don't Forget that there's Help For Parents

Parents and guardians, KCKPS wants to remind you about a free and confidential website that provides guidance to help you support your child.

You can get answers to mental health questions, especially anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicide ideation, self-harm, bullying, family strife and other mental health concerns.

The program offers various guidance courses, parental coaching, mental health webinars, and a Live therapist.

Please reach out to any school social worker or Student Services team member for additional questions or support.

Reminder: SPED is Hosting Family Talk Huddles

The Special Education Department (SPED) wants to remind everyone about its Family Talk Huddles.

Parents and guardians, you are welcomed to join Dr. JaKyta Lawrie, Executive Director of the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative.

She will be hosting virtual huddles to help you learn more about special education, share your feedback, and ask any questions you may have about special education offerings in KCKPS.

Opportunities Available to Learn More about Computers

and Information Technology

Does your student have an interest in computers or Information Technology?

The Tech Impact Program is offering an opportunity for sophomores and juniors to learn more about these fields which can be high-paying.

The program offers 3-hour college credit through KCKCC and have several opportunities for internships through Oracle, TIS and PrepKC.

The application window is now open.

BPU is Offering Student College Scholarships

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU )Scholarship Program aims to provide high school and college level students with financial assistance toward pursuing a college education and later professional development opportunities within the utility.

Applicants may receive a scholarship for up to two years.

Applicants must maintain a 2.75 GPA to remain eligible.

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2025.

Scholarships Available for Hispanic Students Interested in STEM

The lack of funds is one of the most challenging reasons facing Hispanic students pursuing their degrees.

SHPE offers thousands of reasons to ensure their members reach graduation.

With over 1,500 scholarships awarded since 2018 totaling over $5,000,000, SHPE is actively narrowing the gap in the Hispanic STEM education pipeline.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship is February 28, so act quickly.

Financial Assistance is Available for Youth Sports Registration Fees

Help is available for those needing assistance with covering the cost of youth sports registration fees.

Applications are now being accepted for The Spring Every Kid Sports Pass program.

Through the generosity of several foundations, the program helps ensure kids can experience the joy and benefits of sports.

The KCK Public Library to Host Spring Break Nature Quest

It's not too early to be thinking about what the kids can do that's fun during spring break.

The KCK Public Library will be hosting a Spring Break Nature Quest: Incredible Journey.

The journey will take place Monday, March 17 through Friday, March 21.

Students will learn about the importance of water cycle and a closer look at the journey a water droplet takes in our world.

Additional News & Updates

Sister-Duo Finish Tops in the 2025 Wyandotte County Spelling Bee

Two siblings emerged from more than three dozen students to take top honors at the 2025 Wyandotte County Spelling Bee, held at Piper High School on Saturday, February 1.

Niralya Pugazhendhi, a 5th-grade student at Frank Rushton Elementary School, came in first place, while her older sister, Oviya Pugazhendhi, an 8th-grader at Sumner Academy finished second.

Leaders at Frank Rushton say Niralya trained hard, and it showed. “We are very beyond proud of Niralya's hours of studying and preparing for the spelling bee.

Quindaro Elementary School Students Aim for Success

with New Archery Curriculum

A fun and exciting new curriculum has students at Quindaro Elementary School laser focused and ready to hit the bullseye.

The sport of archery was introduced to fourth- and fifth-grade students on Monday, January 27, sparking a wave of excitement at the school.

Students had been eagerly awaiting for the start of the new unit since their return from the long winter break.

The Diploma+ Program at KCKPS Helps Middle School Students

set their Sights on a Career

It’s never too early to start thinking about a career, even if you’re a 13 or 14-year old middle school student.

Thanks to a partnership between the Diploma+ Program at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and the organization PrepKC, students throughout the district are participating in an event to help guide them toward a career.

From the end of January through March, students will be sitting in on interactive career exploration events called Career Jumping.

The events are very similar to speed dating.

Students of the Month

Adakai Perry - Early Childhood

Adakai is a remarkable preschool student at Bethel Early Childhood who consistently demonstrates exceptional positive behavior.

He arrives at school with an infectious, genuine smile and goes above and beyond to help his peers.

He shows a proactive and supportive attitude towards his classmates.

Daily, he demonstrates selflessness and kindness and shows a proactive and supportive attitude toward his classmates. Adakai lives up to the slogan “Better Every Day In Every Way.”

Christopher Camancho Torres - Elementary School

Chris an outstanding 5th-grade student at Quindaro Elementary School who demonstrates exceptional academic and personal qualities.

He excels in all subjects, particularly math and science.

Chris completes homework consistently and thoroughly.

His qualities are courteous, polite, kindhearted, collaborative, and positive attitude, and he asks thoughtful questions and seeks clarification when needed.

Evely Quintana - Middle School

Josue is an 8th grader at Carl Bruce Middle School.

He has shown remarkable growth and positive transformation this year.

Nominated by the Assistant Principal for his exemplary Positive Behavior, Josue's journey is a testament to perseverance and personal development.

Josue has made significant strides in his academic performance, nearly doubling his GPA from the previous year.

Nevaeh Rosa - High School

Nevaeh is a senior at Washington High School.

She is an exceptional candidate for recognition.

Nominated by her teacher, Ms. Matthews, Nevaeh stands out as one of the most academically gifted students in her class.

However, her true distinction lies in her unwavering commitment to justice and dedication to creating a safe and effective learning environment for her peers.

Principals' Corner

Dear KCKPS Families,

Although it may not feel like it or look like it outside, spring is just around the corner.

For schools and students, this season also signals the arrival of important assessments.

Whether it’s the ACT, SAT, Kansas State Assessments, or other tests, these assessments play a key role in measuring student progress.

Ideally, testing would be a time for students to showcase the knowledge and growth they’ve achieved throughout the year, rather than a source of stress.

However, we know that for many students, taking these assessments can trigger anxiety and negative emotions.

While we can’t completely eliminate these feelings, there are ways families can help reduce anxiety and support students in performing at their best. Here are a few tips:

Encourage Your Child to Give Their Best Effort:

Instead of asking your child how well they did on the test, ask if they gave their best effort. The effort they put in is something they can control, and that’s where your encouragement should be focused.

Promote Strong School Attendance:

Help ensure your child arrives at school on time, every day. Teachers will do their best to prepare students, but nothing can replace the value of consistent instruction. If your child has to miss school, be sure to communicate with the teacher to avoid any make-up assessments.

Prioritize Rest and Nutrition:

A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast are crucial for your child’s performance. Tired, hungry students will struggle to focus and lack the energy needed to reach their full potential.

Stay Positive and Calm:

Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and calm demeanor. If you stay positive, your child will be more likely to approach their assessments with confidence. Positive energy and calm support will be far more helpful than expressing anxiety or nervousness.

Sincerely,

Principal Brett Bernard

Emerson Elementary School

Community Notes

Ride KC On-Demand in Wyandotte County Expands

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas will expand RideKC On-Demand to include a new Northeast Microtransit Zone.

This zone, connecting the Fairfax area to I-70 between the Kansas River and North 43rd Street, will link to the existing Midtown and Legends Zones.

This will make it easier than ever to access employment, retail, healthcare, regional transportation and more.

Microtransit is an on-demand shared ride service, like an Uber or Lyft, that can be scheduled and paid for via the IRIS Mobile App (for Android and iOS).

Trash and Recycling Services Have Changed for

Wyandotte County Residents

As of February 1, 2025, Waste Management (WM) is now handling all residential trash and recycling customer service for Kansas City, Kansas.

The change should result in more enhanced efficiency, a streamlined reporting process, and ensure that residents receive faster, more reliable assistance.

Resident can now report missed collections directly to WM through their online tools, mobile app, or customer service hotline.

The Unified Government Expands Hours for Senior and

Disabled Tax Rebate Program

Good news!!

The Unified Government's Clerks Office has added additional appointment times to neighborhood locations for the 2024 Senior and Persons Living with Disabilities Tax Rebate Program.

Since the program launched on January 2, the UG has processed a total of $221,422.88 in property, utility and sales tax rebates for seniors and persons living with disabilities in KCK/Wyandotte County.

Residents can call 3-1-1 (or 913-573-5311) to make an appointment, arrange for FREE transportation, and get answers to their questions about what is required.