April 2013 Issue

INSIDE
R-7 Board of Education
301 N.E. Tudor Road
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
816-986-1000
 Citizens’ Advisory Committee hosts legislative forum | 4
 Chamber Excellence In Teaching Award winners | 6
 Student advances to National Spelling Bee | 6
 LSHS honors Hall of Fame inductees | 7
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APRIL 2013
Proudly presented by the Lee’s Summit Journal
��������������������������LEE’S SUMMIT JOURNAL. ��
From the superintendent
COMMENTARY
Dr. David
McGehee is
Lee’s Summit
R-7 School
District
superintendent and a
Lee’s Summit
David McGehee resident
Spring is a time for
celebration in
our schools
Within our schools, spring is a
time of meaningful and motivational
student celebrations. From DARE
graduations to awards assemblies to
end-of-the-year concerts and competitions, there are countless reasons to
recognize student success.
The last few months of school also
provide many opportunities to honor
our outstanding R-7 staff members
who make sure our schools and our
students succeed. On page six of this
publication, you’ll find our district’s
Chamber of Commerce Excellence
In Teaching Award winners, a group
recognized by our community for
helping students achieve both in the
classroom and beyond. Just after this
newspaper went to press, we selected
MCGEHEE | page 23
High school students participate in
national campaign to stop using the “R-word”
Approximately 425 students and staff members took a pledge to support the elimination and
derogatory use of the “R-word” during a recent
campaign at Lee’s Summit North High School.
Students and staff members had the opportunity to sign large pledge banners during lunch
shifts on March 21 and 22. Students also viewed
videos about this national campaign at school,
and a video created by LSN students was shown
at pledge tables in the cafeteria during lunchtime.
The pledge signed at LSNHS stated: “I have
pledged to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the R-word from everyday speech and
promote the acceptance and inclusion of people
with intellectual disabilities.”
After signing the banners, students received a
sticker to wear. The banners signed by students
and staff are being displayed at LSNHS to promote awareness of the campaign.
The national campaign, known as Spread the
Word to End the Word, focuses on eliminating
the use of the word “retard(ed),” which hurts
individuals with intellectual disabilities. National
campaign organizers stated.
Students sign pledge banners at Lee’s Summit North.
LS Educational Foundation hosts A Taste of
Lee’s Summit to benefit R-7 schools and students
Annual event raises approximately $100,000
The Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation hosted
the 14th annual Taste of
Lee’s Summit on March 2
to raise money in support of
excellence in education in
the Lee’s Summit R-7 community. Held at The Pavilion
at John Knox Village, the
event raised an estimated
$100,000.
The popular, sold-out
event included both live
and silent auctions, a Grand
Prize Board, a Dine-Around
Game and an opportunity to help provide Google
Chromebooks for classrooms
through the Fund-A-Cause
portion of the evening. More
than 550 guests also had
the opportunity to sample
TASTE | page 22
Fully accredited school district – Winner of state’s Distinction in Performance Award
Page 2
April 2013
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April 2013
Page 3
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Reorganized School District. No. 7
301 N.E. Tudor Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Published by the R-7 Board of Education ♦ Dr. David McGehee, Superintendent
Editor: Janice Phelan, Communications Executive Director
Produced by the LEE’S SUMMIT JOURNAL ♦ www.lsjournal.com
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Regular Board of Education meetings are held on the third Thursday of each
month at 7 p.m. at the Stansberry Leadership Center, 301 N.E. Tudor Road.
Info line: 816-986-1001. Web address: www.leesummit.k12.mo.us.
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We prepare each student for success in life.
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Lee’s Summit R-7 is an exemplary school district, graduating students who are college and
career ready with the competitive advantage necessary to be successful.
Lee’s Summit R-7 reflects a culture of respect and acceptance.
Collaboration is an expectation that fosters mutual understanding and a focus on student
achievement and staff development. Lee’s Summit R-7 encourages innovation and creativity,
recognizing student learning as our fundamental purpose.
Tough year for fifth-grader turns
fantastic thanks to Meadow Lane teacher
The Story Project features personal
stories about our students and their
accomplishments in school. If
you would like to submit
a story about your child,
visit www.lsr7.org/static/
projects/story/. A story
from Meadow Lane Elementary follows.
Before my daughter Kate began her
fifth-grade year at Meadow Lane Elementary she was unenthusiastic about
returning to school. For weeks prior to
school starting, she would complain
about summer’s end. This was the first
time she was not excited about school.
Upon discovering that Mrs. Susan Phillips was her teacher, Kate’s negative
comments decreased and an occasional
positive remark was made. After Meet
the Teacher night, Kate finally said she
was eager for school to begin. Mrs.
Phillips had eased Kate’s concerns
regarding ASPIRE and the fifth-grade
expectations. As the weeks went on,
I continued to hear more and more
positive comments from Kate about
time spent in Mrs. Phillips’ classroom.
“Mrs. Phillips is so funny!
She treats us like fifth
graders! She looked
through the book order
with us; it was so cool!”
These are just a few of the
many encouraging remarks Kate
has said. Mrs.
Phillips turned
what I believed
was going to be a
tough year into a
fantastic one. I am
incredibly grateful!
She is just one of
many AMAZING
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teachers Kate has
had at Meadow
Lane Elementary. Thank you Mrs. Phillips and the incredible MLE staff for
academically and emotionally enriching
Kate’s life!
Submitted by Kerri Kay
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April 2013
FR
EE
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Saturday, April 20
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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One of the largest kite festivals in the Midwest!
A breathtaking event for all ages!
presented by
MCC-Longview Campus
500 SW Longview Rd • Lee’s Summit, MO
Bring your own kites and fly with us!
Food and beverages available for purchase. Alcohol prohibited.
No glass containers. No pets allowed.
Fisher Boy, National Bank of Kansas City,
New Longview Commercial District, Paradise Park,
Spin! Pizza, Summit Fair & SummitWoods Crossing,
Thermal King Windows, US Bank
Hawthorn Bank, Mid-Continent Public Library, World Class Financial
Blue River
Business & Technology
Longview
Maple Woods
Penn Valley
www.MCCFlightsofFancy.org
R-7 Citizens’ Advisory Committee
hosts legislative forum focusing on
education-related issues
The Lee’s Summit R-7 Citizens’
Advisory Committee hosted a legislative forum Feb. 28 focusing on
issues that impact the school district’s
approximately 18,000 students.
Lawmakers attending were Sen. Will
Kraus, Rep. Mike Cierpiot, Rep. Jeff
Grisamore and Rep. Sheila Solon of
the Missouri General Assembly.
The meeting included both the
Citizens’ Advisory Committee and the
Business Roundtable, R-7 community
groups that provide input and also
help the school district better communicate with the public. All 12 state
legislators representing the school
district were invited to attend the
event.
R-7 Citizens’ Advisory Committee
Chairperson Kent Kirby facilitated
the meeting, which included questions
from members of both district groups.
At the meeting’s start, Dr. David McGehee, superintendent, presented the
district’s legislative platform, which
includes support for full funding of
the Missouri Foundation Formula
(which funds public schools), support
of state tax-credit review, opposition to open-enrollment legislation
that would allow students from other
districts to transfer into Lee’s Summit R-7, and opposition to legislation
that diverts revenue away from public
schools through vouchers, scholarship
or tuition tax credits or tuition tax
deductions. The complete legislative
platform as well as contact information for legislators is available at
http://www.lsr7.org/district/2012-legislative-platform/.
The forum included a lively discussion among the legislators and the
R-7 School District groups. Questions from the Citizens’ Advisory
Committee and Business Roundtable
members focused on issues such as
the state’s teacher retirement system,
tax-credit reform, the governor’s
proposal for an extended school year,
early-childhood education funding,
services for children with disabilities,
school choice, vouchers and vouchertype programs, merit pay for teachers,
teacher evaluation based on testing,
local control of school districts and
the impact of tax reduction efforts in
Kansas.
Through the school district’s
advocacy efforts, Lee’s Summit R-7
recently launched an electronic newsletter known as “R-7 Advocacy.” The
newsletter provides subscribers with
relevant and timely information about
legislative activities and proposals as
well as opportunities to speak out on
behalf of R-7 schools and students.
To sign up for “R-7 Advocacy,” visit
http://lists.leesummit.k12.mo.us/mailman/listinfo/r7advocacy or send your
request to Janice.phelan@leesummit.
k12.mo.us.
April 2013
Page 5
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Page 6
April 2013
Twelve R-7 teachers receive Chamber of Commerce Excellence In Teaching Awards
Twelve Lee’s Summit R-7 School
District educators were recently named
Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce
Excellence In Teaching award winners. Recognized teachers are Tracy
Bertoncin, Lee’s Summit High School;
Ricky Boedeker, Greenwood Elementary School; Stacey Bryant, Underwood Elementary School; Jessi Cox,
Summit Pointe Elementary School;
Kathy Giangreco, Bernard Campbell
Middle School; Sarah Graff, Lee’s
Summit North High School; Peggy
Hinzman, Summit Technology Academy; Kay Rader, Sunset Valley Elementary School; Melissa Searls, Lee’s
Summit West High School; Deanna
Soukup, Bernard Campbell Middle
School; Laura Turner, Highland Park
Elementary School; and Michael
Walker, Summit Lakes Middle School.
All 12 recipients were honored at a
reception and program April 4 (after
press deadline for this publication)
when the Teacher of the Year was
scheduled to be announced. The recep-
tion is sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce and the R-7 School District.
The recognized teachers were
selected by a committee composed
of R-7 staff and representatives from
the Chamber of Commerce and the
community. Excellence In Teaching
winners are also finalists for the R-7
Teacher of the Year program.
In addition to the Excellence In
Teaching Award winners, other finalists
for 2013 Teacher of the Year include
Teachers of Distinction, former Excel-
lence In Teaching recipients who were
nominated for the award again this
year. The Teachers of Distinction interviewing for Teacher of the Year were
Brian Campbell; Summit Lakes Middle
School; Stacy Collins, Lee’s Summit
North High School; Gail Morton, Hazel Grove Elementary School; Barbara
Noble, Longview Farm and Sunset
Valley Elementary Schools; Deborah
Parker, Lee’s Summit North High
School; and Carla Thomas, Prairie
View Elementary School.
Meah Wilburn of Highland Park Elementary advances to National Spelling Bee after winning county event
Meah Wilburn, a sixth-grader at Highland Park Elementary, qualified for a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the
Scripps National Spelling Bee. Meah captured first place at the 2013 Jackson County Spelling Bee during a competition held
Feb. 23 in Kansas City.
Meah won on the word “lamentation.” In addition, Sam Royce, a student at Longview Elementary School, won third place
at the Jackson County Bee.
The National Spelling Bee will be held May 28 through 30. The event begins with a written test of 25 words and students
advance to preliminary and semifinal rounds based on ongoing competition.
This will be the fourth year in a row that a Lee’s Summit R-7 student has won first place at the Jackson County Spelling
Bee and advanced to the national competition. Jordan Hoffman represented both the county and the R-7 School District for
the last three years at the national bee, tying for eighth place in May 2012.
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CELEBRATION AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER
SATURDAY JUNE 15, 2013 8:00 pm
Russell E. Berlin, Jr., Music Director
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TICKET INFORMATION AT
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816-965-0090
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April 2013
Page 7
HONOREES TO BE INDUCTED
INTO LEE’S SUMMIT HIGH
SCHOOL HALL OF FAME
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Five distinguished alumni are being inducted into the Lee’s Summit
High School Hall of Fame on April
13 at Lee’s Summit High School.
Alumni being honored for the 20122013 school year are Roby Combs
Little, Class of 1970; Lyle Brizendine, Class of 1970; Scott Graham,
Class of 1974; Scott Wehner, Class
of 1976; and Phyllis Clark Balagna,
Class of 1976.
The distinguished alumni are being
recognized at the annual LSHS Hall
of Fame banquet. Lee’s Summit High
School has inducted distinguished
graduates into the school’s Hall of
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Fame for 16 years. Approximately
five alumni are inducted each year
during a dinner ceremony. Plaques
featuring the honorees are also displayed on a “wall of fame” at Lee’s
Summit High School.
The LSHS Hall of Fame inductees
are selected by a committee of graduates and staff. Alumni are eligible for
this honor 10 years after graduation.
Nomination forms for next year
are available by calling Lee’s Summit High School, (816) 986-2000.
They should be returned to the high
school at 400 SE Blue Parkway,
Lee’s Summit, Mo., 64063.
Four seniors named to
Missouri Scholars 100
Four Lee’s Summit R-7 high school
seniors were recently selected for
the 2013 Missouri Scholars 100, a
statewide program that honors 100 of
Missouri’s top academic students in the
graduating class of 2013. Students will
be recognized at a luncheon in Columbia on April 28.
R-7 students selected are Wes Orth
and Alexis Lowe of Lee’s Summit High
School, Alex McCarty of Lee’s Summit
North High School and Brittany James
of Lee’s Summit West High School.
Women’s care
close to you:
Missouri Scholars 100 is sponsored
by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Schools across
Missouri are invited to nominate candidates for this state-wide recognition.
The selection is based primarily on a
formula using the student’s grade-point
average (GPA) and ACT or SAT college-preparation score. Each nominated
student had to first meet criteria of an
“academic decathlon,” which included
10 events designed to assure the academic strength of the student.
Megan L. Sneed, MD
Board-Certified OB/GYN
• Well woman visits
• Obstetric care
• Minimally invasive
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• Treatment of women’s
bladder / leakage
disorders
To schedule an appointment,
call (816) 333-5005
Julie Gorenc, JD, RN, MS, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
Leslie Porch, RN, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
Kara Winkler, RN, PA-C, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
Women’s Center at Lee’s Summit
2000 SE Blue Parkway, Ste 220
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Phone: (816) 333-5005
LeesSummitWomensCenter.com
Lee’s Summit Medical Center
2100 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Page 8
April 2013
C.J. Arasim and
Julie Kirkpatrick named
Learning for Life Award winners
C.J. Arasim was named the Lee’s
Summit R-7 Learning for Life
Award winner for February. He is a
delivery driver for
the R-7 Warehouse.
Julie Kirkpatrick
was named the R-7
Learning for Life
Award winner for
March. She is a
reading specialist at
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Richardson Elementary.
The award is presented to one
employee each month who is nominated by co-workers and selected by
a staff committee.
“C.J.’s kindness radiates to
everyone he encounters,” said a
colleague. “He always has a smile
and a positive attitude
and consistently goes
above and beyond
what is requested of
him.”
“Julie is caring and
patient with everyone
she works with and is
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always willing to help
others,” said a colleague. “She supports our teachers
by brainstorming ideas, modeling
lessons, researching and assisting
during parent meetings.”
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Four students named National Merit
Scholarship Corporation finalists
Four Lee’s Summit R-7 seniors were
recently named National Merit Scholarship Corporation finalists through
the national program. Students recognized are Alexis Lowe, Lee’s Summit
High School; Quint Doan and Matt
Magerkurth, Lee’s Summit North High
School; and Brittany James, Lee’s
Summit West High School.
The students were named National
Merit Scholarship Corporation semifinalists last fall. Recognized students
have the opportunity to continue in the
competition for approximately 8,200
National Merit Scholarship Awards,
worth close to $33 million, to be offered this spring. There are approximately 15,000 finalists throughout the
United States.
Nearly 1.5 million students throughout the United States entered the 2013
Merit Program as juniors by taking
the preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test, which
serves as an initial screen of
program entrants.
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April 2013
Page 9
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Page 10
April 2013
Family is thankful for Parents
As Teachers, Great Beginnings
The Story Project features personal stories about our students and
their accomplishments in school. If
you would like to submit a
story about your child,
visit www.lsr7.org/
static/projects/story/.
A story from Great
Beginnings Early Education Center and Parents As Teachers
follows.
When our daughter was born our
Parents As Teachers parent educator, Kari Wilcox, was the amazing
support we never knew we needed.
When our son came along four
years later we had a totally different parenting experience. He was
a different eater, different sleeper,
etc. We found we still needed Kari.
When he was 18 months old, we had
a nagging concern with some areas
of his development. Kari helped us
see what was part of normal devel-
opment and what might not be. She
arranged his evaluation, which was
difficult due to the timing of his
birthday. It turned out he
had a significant delay
in the area of understanding (among other
things) and qualified
for Great Beginnings.
Within a few weeks at his new
school (many thanks to Beth Stratton, Donna Boucher and Jill Kounkel), he was like a different child.
We see huge improvements daily.
We’re so happy we didn’t listen to
people who said we were overreacting! We have an amazing group of
people who care about our son, and
we can’t imagine what we would do
without them! We’re so thankful for
the amazing Parents as Teachers and
Great Beginnings programs.
Submitted by Chris and
Tammy Wollerman
NEW SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
NAMED FOR LSHS, LSNHS AND BCMS
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New administrators for 2013-14 were
named for several schools at the January and February Board of Education
meeting.
Jeff Meisenheimer, currently assistant principal at Lee’s Summit
High School, was named principal for
Lee’s Summit North High School. Mr.
Meisenheimer will serve as principal
during 2013-14 and will replace Lisa
Jacques, who is retiring this summer.
Dr. Sherri Lewis was named 2013-14
principal for Bernard Campbell Middle
School, replacing Dr. Vicki Porter who
is retiring at the end of this school year.
Dr. Lewis is currently assistant princi-
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pal at BCMS.
New assistant principal for Lee’s
Summit High School will be Michelle
Edwards, currently a teacher at Lee’s
Summit West High School. She will
replace Mr. Meisenheimer. Michael
McGurk was named LSNHS activities/
athletic assistant principal for 2013-14,
replacing Cheryl Bramlette who is retiring this year. Mr. McGurk is currently activities director at Jefferson City
High School. Tim Collins, a teacher at
Lee’s Summit North High School, was
named LSNHS assistant principal for
2013-14. He will fill a vacant assistant
principal position.
Happy
Spring
Dr. Sheila
Jungmeyer
Dr. Samantha
Hindupur
Dr. Harris
Tran
JUNGMEYER DENTAL
Tudor Square, Executive Business Park
246 NE Tudor Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
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April 2013
Page 11
BOB GARD, RACHEL SMITH EARN
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION “GOLD
STANDARD” FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Bob Gard and Rachel
2000 when the school opened.
Smith, both Lee’s
He previously worked for a
Summit R-7 teachers,
middle school in Storm Lake,
earned National Board
Iowa, and also spent one year
Certification through
with the eMINTS program.
In 1995, he was named Iowa
the National Board for
Technology Teacher of the
Professional Teaching
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Year and also received the
Standards (NBPTS)
Lee’s Summit R-7 Learning
during December.
for Life Award in 2006. Mr. Gard’s National
Mr. Gard is a computer literacy teacher at
Board Certification focus area is career and
Summit Lakes Middle School. Ms. Smith
technical education.
is a third-grade teacher at Hawthorn Hill
Ms. Smith has taught at Hawthorn Hill
Elementary.
National Board Certification through NB- Elementary for eight years, teaching second
grade for one year before moving to third
PTS is considered the “gold standard” for
teaching excellence, according to officials at grade. She also co-teaches graduate-level
education classes through the district’s
the national organization. To earn the certipartnership with the University of Missourification, teachers must complete an intenKansas City. At Hawthorn Hill, Ms. Smith
sive, multi-year process of standards-based
has been a Student Council sponsor for the
performance assessment and peer review.
past four years, and she serves as a first-year
By the end of 2012, more than 100,000
teacher mentor. Through the National Board
teachers nationwide had achieved National
Certification program, Ms. Smith’s focus
Board Certification with approximately
area is early and middle childhood/literacy:
5,000 earning the certification during 2012.
reading-language arts.
Mr. Gard began teaching at SLMS in
Kristen Merrell featured
on Pearson Foundation’s
‘Five Things I’ve Learned’
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Kristen Merrell, a Lee’s Summit
proven practice and wisdom about
Elementary kindergarten teacher,
learning, teaching and helping
is being featured on the Pearothers. Mrs. Merrell’s five things
son Foundation’s digital
as well as her bio are
project, “Five Things
available at http://www.
I’ve Learned.” She is the
thefivethings.org/mo-kris2011-12 Lee’s Summit R-7
ten-merrell/#. In summary,
Teacher of the Year and the
her five things are
2012 Missouri Teacher of
• Never stop dreaming.
the Year. Her contributions
• Great teachers love.
and insights are included
• Education should be
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among other leaders whose
provided by well-trained,
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students.
• It is OK to be afraid.
“Five Things I’ve Learned”
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chronicles personal and professionThe web page also includes a
al lessons learned from decades
link to a YouTube video featuring
of real-world experience, sharing
the Lee’s Summit teacher.
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Page 12
April 2013
Jeff Diekmann named to High School
Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
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Jeff Diekmann, Lee’s Summit North High School
teacher and head baseball coach, was inducted into the
Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association
Hall of Fame Jan. 19 at a banquet in Jefferson City.
The state coaches association includes approximately 400 members. Three members were inducted
into the Hall of Fame this year, and Mr. Diekmann was
the only inductee from the metropolitan Kansas City
area. The Hall of Fame induction is the highest honor
presented to coaches by the state organization. Hall of
Fame inductees are selected by members of the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Mr. Diekmann was honored based on his success
at building winning baseball programs at LSNHS and
previously at Lee’s Summit High School.
SLMS teacher Michael Walker honored as
Lee’s Summit and District 5 VFW
Teacher of the Year
Michael Walker, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Summit Lakes Middle School, was recently
named the Lee’s Summit Post 5789 and District 5 Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of the Year for
2012-13. He was honored at a VFW meeting on Jan. 9.
The VFW annually recognizes educators who teach citizenship education topics and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively. Each local post submits its winning teacher for
consideration in the district-level contest. District winners advance to state with state winners progressing to national competition.
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April 2013
Page 13
Kyle Pace among 15 educators
spotlighted in national magazine’s
‘Leaders To Learn From’ report
Kyle Pace, instructional technology their school districts.”
specialist at the R-7 School District,
Mr. Pace was recognized for helpis among 15 educational
ing teachers learn to use social
leaders from throughout the
media for professional develUnited States being featured
opment through tools such as
in a new special report from
Twitter and blogging. Through
Education Week, a national
Twitter, for example, the teachmagazine.
ers are able to connect with
The 15 educators are
like-minded educators to imspotlighted in the magazine’s
prove their own teaching skills.
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new “Leaders to Learn From”
They also use social media to
report, which is included in
communicate with students
the Feb. 6 print issue of Education
and parents while serving as positive
Week. An electronic version is at
technology role models for students.
http://www.edweek.org.
In addition, Mr. Pace organized
According to magazine officials,
a local education “unconference”
the 2013 report “profiles district-level known as Edcamp KC, which has met
leaders – superintendents, assistant
annually for the past three years. The
superintendents and others – who
event provides a free day of professeized on creative but practical apsional development with teachers atproaches and put them to work in
tending from throughout the Midwest.
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Emi volunteers at Harvester’s Food
Pantry packing backpacks and sorting
food, volunteers at a consignment shop
sorting clothes and also volunteers at
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the
Ronald McDonald House.
“I like volunteering because we get
to help other people, and it’s fun,” Emi
said. “My favorite place to volunteer is
the Ronald McDonald House because
we get to make food and desserts.”
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Emi Stewart, a student at Summit
Lakes Middle School, was honored for
her exemplary volunteer service with a
President’s Volunteer Service Award.
The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered
significant amounts of time to serve
their communities and their country,
was presented by The Prudential Spirit
of Community Awards program on
behalf of President Barack Obama.
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Page 14
April 2013
R-7 STAFF MEMBERS
RECEIVE REFLECTIONS OF
CHARACTER AWARDS
Three Lee’s Summit R-7 staff members
were among 15 local citizens receiving Reflections of Character Awards at the Jan. 24
Lee’s Summit Mayor’s Character Breakfast.
The awards are presented to community
members who are nominated based on character traits.
Shery Batliner, Summit Lakes Middle
School guidance secretary, received the
Reflections of Character Award for kindness.
Her award is based on her quiet, “behind-thescenes” efforts to reach out to others in need.
Ron Cox, R-7 director of purchasing and
distribution, received the Reflections of
Character Award for citizenship. His award
is based on his numerous volunteer activities
as well as his role in organizing a successful
blood drive.
Dawn Myers, a teacher at Great Beginnings Early Education Center, was presented
with the Reflections of Character Award for
compassion. The award is based on her work
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to help others as she continues to exceed
expectations for meeting the needs of both
students and their families.
Two R-7 students also received Reflections
of Character Awards during the event. Jordan
Hoffman, a Lee’s Summit High School
student, was honored for loyalty. Samantha
Drehle, a student at Lee’s Summit West High
School, received the award for courage. Lee’s
Summit North High School parent Kelly
Christensen received the award for cooperation based on her work to organize a successful fundraising event at LSNHS.
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Summit Technology Academy
CyberPatriot team wins Cisco Networking
Award at national competition
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A team of students from Summit Technology Academy in the
Lee’s Summit R-7 School District
recently captured the Cisco Networking Award at the CyberPatriot
national competition, held March
14-16 in Washington, D.C., area.
The local team was one of 12 to
qualify for national competition
during January.
Summit Technology CyberPatriot team members are Elias
Duckworth, Lee’s Summit West
High School; Brian Green, Lee’s
Summit North High School; Saige
Mehl, LSWHS; Kevin Schulmeister, LSNHS; Keaton Thomson,
LSWHS; and Ben Wolff, LSNHS.
The team is coached by Lisa Oyler, Summit Technology Academy
teacher. John Madick of Epiq Systems in Kansas City, Kan., served
as the team’s mentor.
Summit Technology was the
only team in Missouri to qualify
for the national competition. Last
year, the local team qualified for
semi-finals.
April 2013
Page 15
Parents As Teachers
DUANE FLECK IS NAMED PRAIRIE
scheduling preschool
CHAPTER DAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Duane Fleck, history teacher at Lee’s Summit High
Class-Within-a-Class history class for
developmental screenings School,
was named the Prairie Chapter Daughters
special-needs students.
of the American Revolution Teacher of the Year in a
In 2003, Mr. Fleck initiated an
for 3- to 5-year-olds
ceremony held Feb. 9 in Lee’s Summit.
after-school historical game club,
Getting ready for school starts well before
kindergarten, and parents of preschoolers have
a variety of ways to help their children be prepared. The Lee’s Summit R-7 Parents As Teachers
program encourages local parents to schedule free
preschool screenings for their 3- to 5-year-olds.
Parents As Teachers are currently scheduling developmental screenings. To schedule your child’s
screening, call (816) 986-2486. For more information, you may also visit the Parents As Teachers
website at http://pat.leesummit.k12.mo.us.
Screenings provide parents with an opportunity
to see where their child’s progress fits in with standardized measures of child development. Health,
hearing and vision screenings are also provided.
The developmental screenings highlight the
strengths and abilities of each child and usually
reassure parents that their children are meeting
developmental milestones within expected age
ranges. If delays are identified that may affect future learning, parents can be referred to resources
that will provide help for their child.
A teacher at LSHS for 19 years, Mr. Fleck previously taught adult education classes in technology
in Lawrence, Kan. At LSHS, he has taught American history, Advanced Placement European history,
current events, International Baccalaureate History
of the Americas and world history. In addition, he
works with a special-education specialist to offer a
known as the Organization of Strategic Gaming, that evolved into the
Recruits Wargaming Convention,
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held two times each year at LSHS for
people interested in historical games
and research. In fall 2012, more than 500 people from
throughout the Midwest attended the 20th show.
Lee’s Summit Elementary School fifth-grader’s
essay featured at Missouri Capitol Rotunda
Grace Garrett, a fifth-grade student at Lee’s
Summit Elementary, was presented on the floor
of the Missouri House of Representatives and
Senate after winning first place in an essay
contest sponsored by the Gifted Association of
Missouri (GAM).
Her essay, entitled “Why We Should Keep
Gifted,” was read in the Capitol Rotunda to
a group of hundreds gathered to celebrate the
Week of the Gifted Child, Feb. 25 through
March 1.
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Page 16
April 2013
R-7 Before- and After-School Services offers summer camps
Lee’s Summit R-7 Before- and AfterSchool Services (BASS) is planning for
a fun-filled, energy packed summer for
children and youth!
Kids Country Camp, a summer camp
for kindergarten through fifth- graders,
will have a few new twists this summer.
On-line streaming video, featuring Betty
White, James Earl Jones and others, will
provide enriching story-telling experiences. Children will explore the world of
bats – even making a bat cave, as well as
creating their very own “natural disasters,” specifically a rain storm, a twister
in a jar and a volcano. Field trips, arts
and crafts and fitness fun round out the
curriculum. Kids Country Camp will be
at five elementary schools this summer.
CampLYNX, a program for sixththrough eighth-graders, will include past
favorites such as duct tape creations,
painting fingernails, playing on the Xbox
Connect, shooting hoops in the gym or
just chillaxin’. Middle school youth love
“gross” stuff, included in CampLYNX
Weird Science projects. Students will
also create a potato launcher, make
elephant toothpaste and compete in some
“sports science” activities. Summit
Waves and T-Bones baseball are two
preferred field trips back by popular
demand. In addition, youth will discover
treasures of the Steamboat Arabia, shop
the City Market, visit a large indoor
trampoline park and see new release
movies at the theater. CampLYNX will
be at one middle school this summer.
KC Cubbies, a preschool program
for children from 3 to 5 years, is a year
round program. It currently has a waiting list, so please contact the BASS
Administrative Office for information.
The little ones love water play and will
get to “visit the beach” and splash up a
storm in the water table, sprinklers and
water games outdoors. They will travel
to exciting and educational destinations
like Deanna Rose Farmstead where the
children get to pet goats, go fishing, and
ride the go-kart bikes. Lego Land, Science City, and Kid Zone are planned. KC
Cubbies is located at Great Beginnings
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Early Education Center.
Enrollment information for all programs is available on the BASS website
at sites.lsr7.org/beforeandafter with
enrollment beginning April 12 for Kids
Country Camp and CampLYNX. For
more information, visit the website or
contact BASS at 816-986-3440.
Shining Light Music Studio
I will praise the name of God with a song,
“Where Learning Is Fun!”
“It has been fun to watch our
son mature academically
and socially. He has gained a
confidence we were hoping
he would have before
starting Kindergarten. He is
more than ready to start in
the Fall! We are very pleased
and thankful how Appletree
Academy has prepared him.
Thank you for all your
time and energy to make
Appletree Academy a great
place for our children to
learn!”
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
129 SE 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
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April 2013
Page 17
Steppin’ Out-The Studio
Phyllis Balagna, Owner/Director
Community Involved ~ Family Oriented
Professional Training
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Trailridge Elementary initiates
Spanish Club to enrich learning
The “Fun” Place to be in 2013!
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Trailridge Elementary School
recently initiated a Spanish Club
designed to provide foreign-language enrichment for high-achieving
students. The program came about
through discussions among teachers
during the school’s structured teacher
collaboration on late-start Wednesdays.
Fifth-grade teachers were talking
about ways to provide enrichment
activities for students who are achieving at high levels at school. With the
help of parent volunteers and a highschool Spanish student enrolled in the
A+ program, the Trailridge Spanish
Club began in November 2012. Parents Hilda L’Heureux and Anensky
Norberto, whose native language is
Spanish, and Blaike Cook, a thirdyear Lee’s Summit West High School
Spanish student, are working with
fifth-grade teachers to offer the club.
The student club includes 12 fifthgraders this year with plans calling
for the club to expand to include both
fifth- and sixth-graders in 2013-14.
The Spanish Club meets Monday
through Thursday during the fifthgraders’ intervention time.
Ballet • Jazz • Contemporary • Hip Hop • Tap
• Musical Theater • Acrobatics • Cheer • Voice
Three R-7 schools selected for
NFL Play 60 Super School assemblies
Three Lee’s Summit R-7 schools
were recently selected for all-school
assemblies featuring KC Wolf of the
Kansas City Chiefs. Schools participating in 45-minute interactive Fuel
Up to Play 60 assemblies are Meadow
Lane Elementary, scheduled for
March 1; Sunset Valley Elementary,
scheduled for May 9; and Greenwood
Elementary, scheduled for May 6.
Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to
teach students about the importance of
eating healthy and staying active. The
three local schools were awarded the
assemblies based on their success with
the Grab-and-Go breakfast programs,
offered through Lee’s Summit R-7
Nutrition Services.
Little Steppers Preschool Classes are the BEST!
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Page 18
April 2013
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HUNDREDS OF MUSIC
STUDENTS TRAVEL TO NEW
YORK CITY FOR ONCE-IN-ALIFETIME PERFORMANCE
Close to 340 Lee’s Summit R-7
students and chaperones traveled
to New York City during March for
a once-in-a-lifetime performance
opportunity at the internationally
known Lincoln Center. The students
are in band, choir and orchestra from
Lee’s Summit North High School and
Lee’s Summit West High School.
The LSNHS and LSWHS groups
were selected to perform March 17 at
Lincoln Center after completing an
extensive application process through
Distinguished Concerts International
– New York.
The Lee’s Summit students and
chaperones visited Times Square,
took a harbor cruise and saw a
Broadway show. Students, supervised by chaperones, also broke into
smaller groups and participated in
activities such as visiting museums,
the Met, Rockefeller Center, NBC
Studios, the Empire State Building and the National September 11
Memorial.
The trip was funded by the
students’ families. Students also
participated in a number of fundraisers to assist with the trip costs.
Trip coordinators were Joe Keeney,
director of orchestras at LSNHS, and
Kirt Mosier, director of orchestras at
LSWHS.
situations. You may be dealing with emotional and
behavioral concerns that feel out of your control. That’s
why so many parents turn to Lakewood Counseling
Service in downtown Lee’s Summit. Our trusted and
compassionate specialists partner with your family
to help make your home a happy and healthy one.
Support is just a call away. 816.404.6170.
We accept most health insurance plans,
including Medicaid and Medicare.
Dorothy Gardner, Missouri PTA
vice president of legislation and advocacy, moderated the event with the assistance of Jacque Gragg of the Lee’s
Summit R-7 PTA Council. Questions
were related to Missouri PTA’s top
priorities for local control of schools,
funding for early childhood education, increased parental engagement
and tax credits for tuition to parents of
nonpublic school children.
Lee’s Summit
Raising a family comes with a lot of difficult
Individual, Group and Family Counseling
Child and Adolescent Treatment
Medication Management
Substance Abuse Treatment
Compulsive Gambling Treatment
Approximately 36 Lee’s Summit R-7 PTA members and citizens
participated in a Kids First Town Hall
Meeting, hosted March 8 by Missouri
PTA and the Lee’s Summit Council of
PTAs.
Elected officials attending included
Sen. Will Kraus, Rep. Jeff Grisamore,
Rep. Gary Cross, Rep. Mike Cierpiot,
Rep. Donna Pfautsch, Rep. Joe Runions and Rep. Sheila Solon.
Prepare your child for the
Help is here.
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PTA members participate
in Lee’s Summit Kids First
Town Hall Meeting March 8
300 SE 2nd Street
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
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April 2013
Page 19
Underwood Elementary collects 2,000 canned
goods through Souper Bowl of Caring
Longview
for
College
ER
M
M 3 Kids
U
S
1
20S 4 -15
E
AG
Students and staff members at Underwood Elementary recently participated in
the Souper Bowl of Caring, a metro-area
food drive sponsored by the Kansas City
Chiefs. The school collected approximately 2,000 canned goods that were
donated to Lee’s Summit Social Services.
Papa John’s, an Underwood business
partner, donated pizza to the class bringing in the most food items. The Chiefs
also donated prizes. Students in Debbie
Mallett’s second-grade class (pictured)
and Student Council members helped organize food into boxes during the contest.
Senior citizens tour Summit Ridge Academy
as part of R-7 community program
Week long classes
begin June 10th!
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A total of 14 area senior citizens
participated in a special event hosted
March 21 by the R-7 School District.
Through the district’s Senior Citizens’
School Tour program, the local residents toured Summit Ridge Academy,
the district’s secondary alternative
school.
The event included a tour of the
school, lunch and presentations by
Summit Ridge principal Burt Whaley
and assistant principal Mitch Pycior.
Since the district’s Senior Citizens’
School Tours began in 2007, more than
350 local seniors have participated in
the program. The opportunities are
provided to seniors two or three times
each school year.
The tours for senior citizens are part
of the R-7 School District’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and
were recommended by a community
team. Plans call for additional tours to
be offered in 2013-14.
En
Noroll
w!
classes include:
Basic HorsemansHip
rockin’ roBots
Video Game makinG
nasa-Journey into outer space
medieVal cHain maille
pinterest creations
For more information
visit our website
prepper kids
mcckc.edu/lvcommed
and mucH more!
or call 816.604.2030
Page 20
April 2013
Special-needs students participate in LEGO
activity thanks to business partners
In just one hour a house, a castle,
a sky scrapper, a fish and a samurai
were built. Impossible you say? Not
when you are using your imagination,
a bag full of LEGOS, and the right
combination of kids.
Students from the medically fragile
and life skills programs at Sunset Valley Elementary were able to let their
imaginations roam as they enjoyed
the timeless activity of building with
LEGOs.
Ellen Beatty, with Bricks 4 Kidz,
shared this fun leisure activity. Bricks ������������������������������������������������������
4 Kidz is a creative learning program
that provides an extraordinary atmosphere for children to build unique creations using LEGO® bricks.
Lessons from math, science, social studies, and language arts are integrated throughout the program.
The students also had the opportunity to work on fine motor skills, social exchanges, problem solving
and other skills.
FIND US ONLINE
KC Wolf visits Hazel
Grove Elementary
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April 2013
Page 21
Pleasant Lea Elementary
celebrates Reading Week
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Pleasant Lea Elementary recently celebrated Reading Week with a variety of
special activities as well as a life-size super-hero display. Located at the front of
the school, the display also featured “cloud” pillows for students to sit on while
reading and a skyscraper background. On Lee’s Summit Reads Day, held March
1, Pleasant Lea Elementary students occupied the reading area from 9:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. Employees from Pleasant Lea Elementary’s business partner, Sylvan
Learning Center, also visited the school to read “Cat in the Hat” to kindergarten
and first grade.
Campbell Middle School students
enjoy Indian Food Day
as part of study of India
Seventh-graders at Bernard Campbell
Middle School recently completed their
study of India during social studies classes. The unit ended Jan. 29 with Indian
Food Day, catered by Taj Mahal restaurant. The meal was purchased through
donations from parents and students.
Parent Erin Sprouse is pictured dishing
up food to students (from left) Marisa
Davis, Karishma Millet, Jeffrey Scarborough, Madison Madden, George Noll and
Jelanae’ Drew.
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Page 22
April 2013
Taste of Lee’s Summit benefits Educational Foundation
����������������������
cuisine from the following businesses:
Central States Beverage, Costa Vida,
Edible Arrangements, Hy-Vee, J.
Bean’s, McAlister’s Deli, Monetti’s
A Taste of Italy, Neighborhood Cafe,
On the Border, Outback Steakhouse,
Poppy’s Ice Cream, Summit Grill &
Bar, The Fig Tree and Waldo Pizza.
A number of area organizations also
generously helped sponsor Taste of
Lee’s Summit, including annual Friends
of the Foundation Sponsors at five different participation levels.
Chrome Sponsors include The Bernard C. Campbell Scholarship (Jack
and Marsha Campbell), CCR Roofing,
Major Saver and the H.B. Oppenheimer
Foundation
Superintendent’s Circle Sponsors include J.E. Dunn Construction Company,
The Gourley Family, Meyer Music,
Paradise Park, The Robert E. Rutherford Family and tingle flooring.
Benefactor Sponsors include CEAH
Realtors, Dow Kokam and Hy-Vee.
Leader Sponsors include George K.
Baum & Company; Control Service
Company, Inc.; DVA Enterprises;
GEHA; Kent and Wendie Kirby;
Metcraft Industries; Steppin’ Out – The
Studio; Chris and Audra Storms; Summit Bank of Kansas City; and UMB
Financial Corporation.
Patron Sponsors include ACI/Boland, Inc.; Arvest Bank; Bank of Lee’s
Summit; Capital Construction; CBIZ
Benefits and Insurance Services; Carl
and Jean Chinnery; Chinnery Evans &
Nail, P.C.; Commerce Bank; Hollis +
Miller Architects; David and Andrea
McGehee; Metcalf Bank; Thomas E.
Moore, DDS, P.C.; Jim Noel; Piper Jaffray & Co.; Saint Luke’s East Hospital;
Jim and Mary Stilley; Greg and Anna
Vahrenberg; and Bob and Candy White.
Event Sponsors include Jett Medical,
Lee’s Summit Medical Center and Lea
Anne and Kyle Mallot (Silpada Designs
Representative).
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The
Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation
�����������������������������������������������������������������������
is a non-profit, 501c3 organization established to raise and manage resources
in order to expand and initiate educa-
tional opportunities for R-7 students and
staff. For more information, visit www.
lsedfoundation.com.
ACTING CLASSES &
PERFORMANCE CAMPS
IN LEE’S SUMMIT
TRUE PRICING
MCC Longview Campus
Grades K-2
This is Not a Box!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
You Too Can Run the Zoo!
Grades 3-5
Don’t Change That Channel!
Summer Term at Hogwarts
Special Options for Grades 4-12
Fun Effects in Theatrical Makeup – Grades 4-7
Welcome to Musical Theatre – Grades 5-10
Funny Bones: Intro to Improv – Grades 5-7
Audition Lab – Grades 5-7 & 8-12
RobertsChevrolet.net
816-356-6610
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Performance Camps for Grades 5-8 & 9-12
Your Guide to Survival (and Werewolves) – Grades 5-8
Sweeney Todd – Grades 9-12
Registration & complete class
information at thecoterie.org
or call 816-474-4241
Hwy 50 frontage road between
Todd George Rd. and 291N
joy The Game Of
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Junior Golf Fee: $135 per week
Charlie Mahon - 35 years HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Call Grand Summit Golf & Country Club • (816)-331-3978
15101 Grand Summit Blvd, just east of 150 Hwy and 71
www.grandsummitgolfcc.com
April 2013
Page 23
LSNHS Social Studies Department
creates website to spotlight
Black History Month
The Lee’s Summit North High
School Social Studies Department
created a website this winter to focus
on Black History Month, recognized
each February nationally and in
Lee’s Summit R-7 schools.
The website, features biographies
and photos for 101 great Americans.
These African-Americans’ accomplishments cover a wide range of
areas such as art, literature, sports,
science, civil rights, music and
discovery.
Throughout the month of February, teachers at LSNHS encouraged
students to visit the website and
leave comments about the Americans
featured. Teachers in social studies
and other classes incorporated the
website biographies into lessons.
The public is also invited to visit
the LSNHS Black History Month
website at http://lsnblackhistorymonth.wordpress.com/.
Spring activities bring new excitement
as school year comes to a close
������������������������
our school district’s Teacher of the
Year, an educator who represents all
of the outstanding teachers in our
community and at the state level.
One of our former Teachers of the
Year, Kristen Merrell of Lee’s Summit
Elementary featured on page 11, is
spotlighted this spring at the national
level on a website and video, sharing
her wisdom about teaching with others. Mrs. Merrell is one of three R-7
teachers who have also been selected
as Missouri Teacher of the Year in
the last couple of decades. This is an
amazing accomplishment when you
realize there are more than 500 school
districts in our state, and our teachers
have received the top honor three out
of the last 19 years.
If you’d like to hear more about
success in our classrooms on a more
personal level, I would encourage you
to check out the R-7 Story Project,
which includes brief articles about
student achievement as told by parents. The stories are featured in this
newspaper as well as at http://www.
lsr7.org/static/projects/story/. The
Story Project website also includes
information about submitting stories
about your own children.
Within the next few weeks, we’ll
celebrate the graduation of more than
12,000 seniors along with the achievements of students at all grade levels
and all schools. For parents, the end
of the school year is one of many
times when we have the opportunity
to recognize our own children’s accomplishments and let them know
how proud we are to be their mothers
and fathers.
Thanks for all you do for the
children!
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Page 24
April 2013
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