KCPS eNews

ENJOY YOUR LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, KCPS!

From top: Children's House students at Border Star Montessori on the playground; Northeast High School students at graduation; Troost Elementary students practicing their archery during field day; the Foreign Language Academy band performing at eighth grade promotion; the Paseo Academy Class of 2022; sixth graders at Pitcher Elementary celebrating with the school counselor after their recognition ceremony. The last day of school is Friday, May 27, 2022.

Thanks for Joining Us for Blueprint 2030 Chats!

Left column: Students from Sra. Martinez and Sra. Villegas's kindergarten classes and Sra. Vargas' first grade class at Carver Dual Language School danced before the Blueprint 2030 Community Chat on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Right column: The Harmony Project KC works with Wheatley Elementary students to teach orchestral music. Elementary strings students performed before the May 23, 2022, Blueprint 2030 Community Chat at JA Rogers.

Thank you to students, parents, teachers and community members who joined us this week for our Blueprint 2030 Community Chats! We had students from across the district perform at these events. Their joy while singing, dancing and playing underscores how important these conversations are. Every student in KCPS deserves a robust experience that helps them grow socially, emotionally and academically.

These were the largest events we've hosted this year, and we received excellent feedback from new participants in our Blueprint 2030 process. Your voice matters as we plan for our district's future. Watch the Blueprint 2030 virtual presentation and submit your thoughts!

IN THE NEWS

KSHB's Charlie Keegan interviews 2022 Lincoln College Preparatory Academy graduate Sidney Richardson on Monday, May 16, 2022. Sidney, who had just finished taking her last International Baccalaureate exam, is headed to Yale University in the fall.

KCPS to Expand 'College Access Team' in Upcoming School Year

By CHARLIE KEEGAN, KSHB

Sidney Richardson admitted she never would have applied to Yale University without encouragement from Kansas City, Missouri, Public Schools’ College Access Coordinator Joyce Nguyen Hernandez.

“She was like, ‘No, no, Sidney, you gotta apply,’” Richardson recalled. Continue reading ...

Central Middle eighth graders Maliyah Campbell and Melvin Griffin are members of the school's new golf team. Although they're just playing for fun right now, Coach Joe Kirk says his goal is to build a competitive program.

Central Starts First Golf Program in KCPS

By PJ GREEN, FOX4

Central Middle/High School head golf coach Joe Kirk has been involved in the game of golf for 35 years. In his time, he’s never seen Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools field a golf team. He was determined to change that. 

“This is something that’s been coming for about 10 years,” he said. “To where we could go into the high schools and introduce the game of golf to the kids.” Continue reading ...

STAFF RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Derald Davis Recognized for Equity Work

Congratulations to Dr. Derald Davis, recipient of the 2022 National Society for Experiential Education's Anna Julia Cooper Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Experiential Education award! This award recognizes an outstanding K-12 or higher education program or initiative that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in experiential education in their classrooms or on their campuses.

Dr. Davis was nominated by Joyce Hernandez, College Access Coordinator, for this award. He will be recognized in September at this year’s NSEE Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

STAFF INTRODUCTIONS

Ms. Shanelle Smith, LCPA Principal

Shanelle Smith is a Kansas City native and Lincoln Prep alumna. In 2003, she earned her bachelor's degree from Fisk University where she majored in Business Management & Political Science, graduating with both Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. She is a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

While attending University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, personal tragedy struck. After her mother’s unexpected passing, Ms. Smith began supporting her younger siblings. She took a job as a Youth Opportunity Career Development Executive at the Full Employment Council and discovered she loved educating young people. Seventeen years later, Ms. Smith has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, adjunct professor, online instructor and high school vice principal, most recently at Southeast High School. Ms. Smith founded HBCU Walking Billboard, a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of, attendance to and graduation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Ms. Smith and her husband, fellow Lincoln Prep alum Darnell Smith, live in Kansas City with their two sons, both of whom plan to attend LCPA.

KCPS BULLETINS

Current KCPS Students are Already Enrolled!

Do you know someone looking for a great school for their child? KCPS is fully accredited and now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year! From neighborhood schools to Montessori, Head Start to Evening Academy, we have options for every family. Check out our enrollment guide for information for current families, propspective families and new pre-K students.

Already a KCPS family? Current KCPS students will automatically “roll up” to the next grade, and no action is required from parents/guardians at this time!

KCPS Families Get Discounts on Royals Tickets!

The KCPS Education Foundation is partnering with Royals Charities to help our schools! KCPS families and friends can get discounts on home game tickets purchased through our community partner link (code KCPS2022!) and Royals Charities will donate $3 per ticket back to KCPSEF.