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Holliday Teacher Wins KCPSEF's Free Apartment Giveaway

Congratulations are in order for Mr. Kevin Hogan! Last week, Mr. Hogan was randomly chosen to win a free two-year lease at Two Light Luxury Apartments as a part of the Kansas City Power & Light District partnership with KCPSEF.

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Stay Healthy This Fall, KCPS

With cold and flu season upon us, KCPS has many resources for keeping your family healthy this fall. Remember, if your child is ill, please do not send them to school.

Dr. Bedell Participates in White House Virtual Roundtable on Black Student Mental Health

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On Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, KCPS Superintendent Mark Bedell participated in a White House Initiative conversation about Black student mental health. Other panelists included superintendents Dr. Luvelle Brown, Ithaca City School District, New York; Dr. Joseph S. Davis, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Missouri; and Dr. Tawana Grover, Grand Island Public Schools, Nebraska. Senior Advisor Monique Toussaint moderated the conversation.

 

Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell has transformed Kansas City Public Schools with leadership that centers equity and student voice. On Monday, educators across the country tuned in to hear from Dr. Bedell and other school leaders for “Breaking Barriers: A Systemic Approach to Support Black Student Mental Health,” a virtual roundtable hosted by the United States Department of Education.

 

Dr. Bedell explained the district’s code of conduct, which takes a restorative justice approach to discipline. He said students need counselors and educators who can recognize the impact of trauma.

 

“How do we as a school district create conditions that will control for variables that are beyond our control and beyond our students’ control?” Dr. Bedell said.

 

KCPS worked with students, families and staff to rewrite the code of conduct. Dr. Bedell said it’s important to keep parents involved as changes are implemented.

 

“We’re doing the work, but we have to make sure all the voices at the table feel like they’re being heard,” Dr. Bedell said.

 

Monday’s virtual roundtable was part of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. Many thanks to the U.S. Department of Education for including Dr. Bedell in this important conversation and for highlighting the good work of our Division of Student Services and Intervention.