2020-2021 School Calendar
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The 2020-2021 Smithville School District Calendar is available!
You may notice some changes, like a little later than usual start date (August 25) due to new legislation, and a guaranteed last day of school (before Memorial Day)!
Click
here
for a printable version.
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Mark Your Calendar: Kindergarten Registration
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Hello, Class of 2033! Kindergarten Registration will be held at Grace Community Church April 13-17.
Please call your neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Please go
here
to view which elementary school your child will attend based on where you live.
Children who reach the age of five (5) before August 1, 2020, are eligible for kindergarten for the 2020-21 school year. Click the image for details.
Call TODAY!
Eagle Heights Elementary: 816.532.5959
Horizon Elementary: 816.532.4566
Maple Elementary: 816.532.0589
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Harwood Named Director of Student Services
Denise Harwood, current principal of Horizon Elementary School, will serve as the Director of Student Services starting July 1.
The district office will restructure following the retirement of Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, Wayne Krueger. His position will be replaced with a Director of Student Services. “Supporting our students and staff in the area of student services was a primary goal in our restructuring effort. This is a growing need in every school district and this structure allows us to address that need with no additional positions,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Schuetz.
Read more
.
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You're Invited: Candidate Forum
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The Courier Tribune will host a Candidate Forum on March 31, at 7 PM, in the Smithville School District Board Room.
The positions currently held by Russell Fries, Denney Fales, and Greg Chastain will be considered by the voters at the April 7, 2020, election.
Russell Fries, Scott Haggerty, Susan Whitacre, and Denney Fales have filed for the April 7, 2020, Board of Education election.
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Northland 2020 Community Survey
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Smithville Community In Action wants to hear from you! The Northland 2020 Community Survey is now available!! Please use this link to participate in the 15 minute survey:
https://bit.ly/2H1HtiM.
The results guide programs and strategies as Smithville CIA work to reduce youth substance use and prevent youth suicide. Smithville CIA appreciates your time and participation. Those who complete the survey will have the chance to enter to win a $25 gift card!
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Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Dinner
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The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to celebrate Community Champions for the fourth year in a row.
Smithville citizens and volunteers play an integral role in the success of our community, and the Chamber feels it is important to recognize Community Champions. Please take time to nominate a Community Champion.
Categories: Smithville Area Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year, Community Service Award, Educator of the Year, Rising Star Award, William E. Parks Legacy Award
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These are the highlights from the February 19th meeting of the Smithville School District Board of Education (BOE).
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- Approve Bills for Payment
- February Supplemental Pay
- Out of State Travel / Winter Guard
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High School Presentation
Staff members Dr. Tracy Platt, Ms. Hannah Graham, Ms. Lara Miller and former students Arielle Bixler, Josh Riley, Colton McGinnis, and Sara McGinnis shared their individual experiences in and after the Learning Center, demonstrating the importance of the Learning Center at the high school. This program allows students the opportunity to learn in an alternative setting. The Learning Center supports students with “wrap around services” to meet individual needs beyond academics. In addition to academics, the Learning Center prioritizes community building, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices.
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Board Appreciation
The buildings and district office provided tokens of appreciation to the Board in the spirit of National Board of Education Appreciation Week.
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The Board received a thank you note from Christine Deihl for a plant sent in honor of her father.
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- Spark Hire is a tool that has been implemented for the application process. It provides the opportunity for a candidate to create a video addressing screening questions as well as live-interview opportunities. Feedback from hiring managers and candidates has been positive to-date.
- Current projections have us wrapping up FY20 at 17.64%. This is up from 17.02% in FY19.
- We anticipate a 0.5 FTE (currently utilized) being available next school year to expand our early childhood offerings. We are currently in discussions as to what this might look like.
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Mr. Krueger provided an update regarding the implementation and installation of the Transportant transportation solution. Currently 14 of the 27 buses have new cameras installed and are being tracked via GPS. A wireless network solution is being designed to off load data collected and an API to allow Transportant to talk with our routing software. Our goal is to have everything up and running prior to the end of the school year with a goal to roll out the student monitoring tracking app next fall.
A draft application for the Education Wall of Distinction was provided for the Board of Education to review.
Mr. Krueger shared the results of the Hillyard CCAP assessment recently completed this winter. Hillyard, the district custodial solutions vendor, conducted a facility evaluation based on square footage maintained, assets available, type of conditions, level of cleanliness, and personnel. The data is plugged into a national data base for comparative analysis on cleanliness, assets, and personnel assigned. With no exception, custodial staff in the Smithville School District out-perform industry peers. In addition, the data provides empirical data that if additional assets and personnel were available, it would present an opportunity for greater cleaning outcomes and an improved learning environment. The district will use this data to balance work assignments, justify additional assets, and personnel.
Finally, Mr. Krueger provided a quick update on the district’s performance in the self-insurance pool of greater Kansas City regarding medical benefits. Currently, Smithville is experiencing a 137% loss ratio for the year which translates into a loss of $494,788 to-date. This is the result of higher than expected utilization and the skyrocketing cost of healthcare. Based on the current data, the district actuary was suggesting a 23.4% increase in premiums or an additional $516,000 to maintain the same benefits as the current year. The district has been analyzing the recommendation closely and has come back with a 12% increase and a few plan design changes to reduce exposure. An illustration of the proposed changes was included for the Board to review. Because open enrollment starts in April, the BOE will be asked to approve the insurance changes at their March meeting.
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Comments from the Assistant Superintendent from Academic Services
Dr. Michelle Kratofil
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Dr. Kratofil advised the Board that the 2019 Assessment Executive Summary is complete with all missing data being added. The highlight of the latest additions is that 5th Grade Science ranked 1st in the Northland, 1st in the KC Metro, and 4th in the state among districts with 150 or more students per grade level. Congratulations 5th grade teachers and current 6th grade students!
A Diversity and Inclusion steering committee has met to continue planning next steps for staff and students. Two high school students, Josie Martorana and Cassie Sherwood, have also met with Dr. Kratofil to provide the student perspective on current and future efforts.
The Board was given documents related to the Kauffman Center’s work on Real World Learning. Through collaboration between educators and business leaders, Market Value Assets, key high school student outcomes that signal career and college readiness, have been identified so that metro school districts have guidelines for authentic, valuable, real- world learning opportunities. For the Smithville School district, client projects and internships are the areas in which we could expand our current opportunities. Client projects and internships are fully supported by our new Comprehensive Strategic Improvement Plan as well as the strategic plan being developed by the city of Smithville. To make this happen, the district needs a staff member devoted to the development of partnerships with business and industry, to the supervision of student internships, and to the implementation of the strategic plan’s various K-12 career outcomes. Kauffman is offering grant funds to help with the implementation of all of this. These funds would become available to us during the 2021-2022 school year and could be used to fund a Real World Learning staff member. After 2021-2022, the district would be required to fund this position, however.
Susan Argotsinger, K-12 Math Facilitator, and Annie Palmer, K-12 Literacy and ELA Facilitator, presented progress made in these content areas this year.
The Board recognized the following students for their performances at state athletics this past fall:
- Olivia Littleton, 3rd Place Cross Country
- Nathan Noll, 2nd Place 100 Meter Butterfly
- Nathan Noll, 3rd Place 200 Meter Freestyle
- Brady Bell, 8th Place 100 Meter Breaststroke
- Ray Fugett, Kolby Ruff, Brady Bell and Nathan Noll, 4th Place 200 Meter Medley Relay
- Ray Fugett, Kolby Ruff, Brady Bell and Nathan Noll, 6th Place 400 Meter Free Relay
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Andrea Ambroson, Director of Student Services, and Lisa Manz, Family Resource Specialist, provided information and data on the districts' At-Risk programs. The Clay County Children’s Service Fund Grant has allowed students, staff, and families to receive resources, counseling and therapy services, and professional development opportunities throughout the school year as well as district employees providing interventions, strategies, and counseling. Information and data was provided on Smthville’s homeless and the procedures and processes the district takes to ensure students and families are safe and have a place to stay. The district continues to address the social-emotional learning and mental health needs of our students and community.
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During the month of January, we received $14,487,718.67, making a total of $23,453,542.34 received since July 1, 2019. Expenditures for January were $2,176,773.50, making a total of $16,375,024.11 expended since July 1, 2019.
Patrons can access the revenue report, expenditure report, and check register for the district on the district
webpage
under Departments and Business & Finance.
The current district enrollment is 2,663. Early graduates are reflected in this number.
Mr. Krueger shared the Master Facilities Planning Committee’s recommendation to proceed with the Master Facilities Plan as presented by DLR and administration that includes a 2020, 2025, and 2030 NO TAX RATE INCREASE general obligation bond question for the identified capital improvements.
The 2020 question includes six additional classrooms at Eagle Heights Elementary, an activities center at the stadium which includes a classroom/weight room, wrestling room, concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, training area, and ticketing area. Also included are playground resurfacing at all three elementary schools and various mechanical improvements.
The 2025 question includes expanding seating at the stadium, parking and pedestrian access, baseball and softball turf improvements, tennis courts, and land for future use.
The 2030 question includes a future elementary school which would allow for the expansion of Early Childhood and allow for student growth.
The planning committee identified several strengths of this strategy which include all capital improvement could be done without a tax rate increase. Additional classrooms are created which will reduce overcrowding and expand opportunities for children. All 2020 projects address student safety and ADA compliance and several more identified areas of improvement.
Mr. Krueger shared, pending BOE approval, it is the administration's recommendation to place two questions on the August 2, 2020 election.
- Question 1 – To approve approximately $15.3 million in general obligation bonds that would be serviced without a tax rate increase to allow for the construction of six additional classrooms at Eagle Heights Elementary, a field house/activities center at the stadium, playground improvements, and various mechanical improvements. (4/7 approval needed)
- Question 2- To allow the transfer of $0.10 from the current debt service levy (Fund 3) of $1.1535 to the operational levy (Fund 1), the net effect is NO change in the Total Levy of $5.10. (Simple majority needed)
In order to meet election deadlines, ballot language will need to be certified by the election authorities by May 26, 2020.
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District administration recommended that the Board approve an updated enrollment and residency verification system. This new online process will make enrollment more streamlined for families and greatly reduce the time that front office staff spend transferring data from paper based forms to Powerschool. Overall, Enrollment Express will help our distinct improve our enrollment processes and reduce the amount of errors through manual processes. The Board approved this recommendation.
Board Participation in Salary and Benefits Negotiations
The Salary and Benefits Committee posed the question as to whether it would be possible for a Board member to participate in the negotiations process. This same question was presented to the newly formed support staff committee, and they had interest in the Board's participation as well. The Board asked for clarification on what the committees envision this participation would look like.
The Board approved personnel items as presented.
Report from Attendees to the MSBA Legislative Forum
Len Matthies and Russell Fries provided a summary of the MSBA Legislative Forum in Jefferson City, which they attended on February 10.
Miscellaneous
- The Courier Tribune will host a Candidate Forum on March 31, at 7:00 PM, in the Boardroom.
- The Board spring visit is set for March 24 starting at Smithville Middle School at 8:00 AM.
- The Eagle Heights Elementary Listening Tour has been rescheduled for March 4 at 8 AM.
- The Northland Excellence in Education Banquet is scheduled for April 21. Dinner begins at 6:00 with the program following.
- The March board meeting is a week early due to Spring break. The meeting will be on March 11.
- The Board self-evaluation and superintendent evaluation workshop is set for March 4.
The meeting adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
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Smithville Boys Wrestling Finished Fourth at State
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The 90th Boys MSHSAA Wrestling Championships took place February 20-22 at Mizzou Arena, Columbia, MO.
Smithville finished fourth as a team with 4 medalists:
- Kolby McClain – 3rd
- John O’Rourke – 4th
- Devan Lewis – State Champion
- Ryan Hampton – 2nd
Congratulations
, Warriors!
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Smithville Girls Wrestling Finished Third at Districts
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The girls wrestling team finished third at their District Championship. The following four wrestlers advanced to State:
- Jessie Edwards – 4th
- Kaylee Vaughan – 4th
- Veronica McNeece – 3rd
- Chloe Williams – 2nd
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Girls Swimming & Diving State Championship
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The following Smithville Warriors competed at the State Championship on February 20 and 21: Elise Denney, Carlisle Palmer, Elizabeth Palmer, Lillian Palmer, Trinity Riecker, and Emma Webb. Congratulations, Warriors!
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Smithville Rotary Student of the Month
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Congratulations to Eastlyn Koons, Smithville High School Senior, who was honored by Smithville Rotary as Student of the Month.
Way to go, Eastlyn!
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National School Counseling Week
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National School Counseling Week 2020 was February 3-7.
The week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. We thank SSD’s amazing school counselors - Ms. Van Winkle-Holmberg, Ms. Downey, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Boyd, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Combes, and Ms. Hough!!!
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Inaugural Missouri All-State Children's Choir
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Congratulations to Anna Wallace, 5th grader at Eagle Heights Elementary, for being selected to the Inaugural Missouri All-State Children's Choir.
Over
1,000 students auditioned for the Inaugural Missouri All-State Children’s Choir, and 178 4th & 5th graders from across the state were chosen.
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Student Recognition Night
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On Monday, January 27, 2020, the Board of Education recognized several students for demonstrating excellence in academic and co-curricular activities. Congratulations, Warriors!
Click the image to view the photo album.
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Annual Board Recognition Dinner
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On Monday, January 27, 2020, the Board of Education hosted a dinner to recognize community and staff members for extraordinary support to the school district, staff and students. The Board and their honorees are listed below. Congratulations!

- Kelly Dearinger - Transportation Director at Coulter Bus Service recognized by Len Matthies
- Rachel Steffen - 2nd Grade Teacher at Eagle Heights Elementary School recognized by Russell Fries
- Amanda McCluskey - Special Education Teacher at Smithville High School recognized by Ian Saxton
- Diana Hedrick - Mathematics Teacher at Smithville Middle School recognized by Greg Chastain
- Christina Hough - Counselor at Maple Elementary School recognized by Sarah Lamer
- Hannah Mangan - 6th Grade Teacher at Horizon Elementary School recognized by Wade Kiefer
- Wayne Krueger - Assistant Superintendent for Support Services recognized by Denney Fales
Dinner was provided by OPAA! Food Management, Inc.
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Consider joining the Warrior Family! We are currently accepting applications for known vacancies and possible vacancies for the 2020-2021 school year. Learn more about our schools and community by watching
this
video and check out our job listing
here
.
It's a great day to be a Smithville Warrior!
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Shop AmazonSmile & Support SSD's Foundation
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Customers shop. Amazon gives.
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers.
Consider supporting SSD's Foundation when making your next Amazon purchase. Click the image for details.
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DISTRICT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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We are frequently approached by members of the business community wanting to promote their business to the staff of the Smithville School District. We appreciate the services local businesses offer to our community and staff and would like to work together to promote businesses while supporting the students and staff of Smithville School District.
For this reason, we provide a format to assist in the promotion of businesses through our District sponsorship program. The sponsorship dollars will assist in providing staff and student activities, services, or awards in addition to creating ways for you to share and promote your business and services.
Sponsorship and support of the District is available at various levels – bundled or separately.
To learn more about our sponsorship program, click
here
.
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- March 11 - Board of Education Meeting
- March 13 - End of Third Quarter (Early Dismissal)
- March 16-20 - Spring Break (No School)
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Smithville School District
655 S. Commercial Ave.
Smithville, MO 64089
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