February 2013 Issue

INSIDE
R-7 Board of Education
301 N.E. Tudor Road
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
816-986-1000
 Five-year strategic plan provides guidance for schools | 4
 Weekly structured teacher collaboration benefits students | 5
 German teachers receive national recognition | 6
 Mark your calendar for Taste of Lee’s Summit | 8
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U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
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FEBRUARY 2013
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LS Educational
Foundation
hosts Google
Chromebook
unveiling
Missouri Innovation Campus offers rigorous,
accelerated training for high-demand technological fields
Foundation’s annual fund drive
includes Chromebook computers,
classroom grants
The Lee’s Summit Educational
Foundation recently hosted a special event to highlight the charitable
organization’s partnership with the R-7
School District. Through the Foundation’s annual fund drive, Google
Chromebooks are being purchased
for all R-7 schools. A special unveiling event was held Nov. 15 at Summit
Lakes Middle School to celebrate this
initiative.
The first schools receiving Chromebook carts were the top elementary,
Thanks to a unique collaborative effort
involving the Lee’s Summit R-7 School
District, the University of Central Missouri (UCM), Metropolitan Community
College (MCC) and a number of business
partners, area students are receiving the
opportunity of a lifetime. Through the
Missouri Innovation Campus, located
at the R-7 School District’s Summit
Technology Academy, 19 high-school
juniors are participating in a rigorous, accelerated program that prepares them for
high-demand careers and reduces their
higher-education costs to almost nothing.
Through the program, which began
in fall 2012, students will complete an
associate’s degree from Metropolitan
Community College by the semester
after high-school graduation, earning a
CHROMEBOOK | page 22
From the superintendent
COMMENTARY
Dr. David
McGehee is
Lee’s Summit
R-7 School
District
superintendent and a
Lee’s Summit
David McGehee resident
Unique program provides college
degree at virtually no cost
for students
Joey Nooner and Armaja LaRue-Hill work together at the Innovation Campus.
bachelor’s degree in systems engineering technology from UCM within two
years after high-school graduation.
Throughout the students’ involvement
in the four-year process, they are also
participating in high-impact internships
TECHNOLOGY | page 20
Advocating for students and schools in state capitol
A few weeks ago, Missouri elected
officials returned to Jefferson City to
begin our state’s annual legislative session. From January through May, Missouri senators and representatives are
addressing issues such as economic development, transportation and education
with state legislators’ actions having a
significant impact on our schools.
With this in mind, our Board of Edu-
cation approved our district’s 2013 Legislative Platform with an emphasis on
education funding and other state-wide
education legislation. This document
sets priorities to help us work with other
education leaders in the state to provide
the best possible education and learning
resources for our students.
The 2013 Legislative Platform is once
again based on positions developed
by public school districts throughout
the Kansas City metropolitan area. By
working together, these approximately
30 school districts can speak as one
voice on issues that are vital for our
districts’ children and communities.
Our legislative priorities for this
spring’s General Assembly session
MCGEHEE | page 22
Fully accredited school district – Winner of state’s Distinction in Performance Award
Page 2
February 2013
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February 2013
Page 3
THE STORY PROJECT:
SLMS WELCOMES NEW STUDENT,
CREATING SMOOTH TRANSITION
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 Summit Lakes Middle
School follows.
We moved from a very small town to
Lee’s Summit this year. Our daughter
Ashley is very shy, so we were nervous
for her transition into seventh grade at a
new, much larger school. The teachers
at Summit Lakes Middle School were
amazing at making her feel welcome
and comfortable. Mr. Carr went out of
his way to check in on her and make
sure she was doing OK those first couple of days. This made me feel at ease
when sending her off to school on the
days following. She also
had a very
helpful and
sweet class�����������
mate in her
homeroom
who Ashley clung to those first few
days. She helped Ashley meet new
friends and made walking between
classes more fun. Ashley has adjusted
well, is excelling in her classes and
loved this first quarter. We are looking
forward to the years ahead!
Submitted by Christina and Kevin
Lint
Steppin’ Out-The Studio
Phyllis Balagna, Owner/Director
Community Involved ~ Family Oriented
Professional Training
The “Fun” Place to be in 2013!
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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
Ballet • Jazz • Contemporary • Hip Hop • Tap
• Musical Theater • Acrobatics • Cheer • Voice
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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.
Little Steppers Preschool Classes are the BEST!
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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.
DANCE FOR FUN! DANCE FOR LIFE!
816-525-7464
750 NW Main St. Lee’s Summit
www.steppinout4kids.com
Page 4
February 2013
Five-year strategic plan
progress report available
on R-7 website
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The Lee’s Summit R-7 Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
(CSIP) is available on the district’s
website. The five-year strategic plan
was developed by a team of community and staff members.
The plan focuses on five areas
– governance; student performance;
highly qualified staff; facilities, support and instructional resources; and
parent and community involvement.
The complete plan is posted at http://
www.lsr7.org/district/news-publications/ under “R-7 School District
5-year plan.”
The plan covers 2011 through
2016 with the major emphasis on
student achievement. Members of an
approximately 40-person community
team developed the five focus areas
into goals, strategies and action steps
for each area. To ensure accountability, the action steps are placed on
a timeline and reviewed annually by
the CSIP Team, the Superintendent’s
Leadership Team and the Board of
Education.
An important part of the district’s
Comprehensive School Improvement
Plan is its role in the district’s state
evaluation process. Every five years,
Missouri public school districts
go through a thorough evaluation
conducted by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education. Following the state’s
most recent review of the local district, Lee’s Summit R-7 received full
accreditation, the highest Missouri
classification.
Two file for two seats on
Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education
Two candidates have filed for two
positions on the Lee’s Summit R-7
School District Board of Education.
Filing closed for R-7 Board of Education candidates on Jan. 15.
Candidates (listed in filing order) are
Phyllis Balagna and Bob White. Ms.
Balagna has served on the R-7 Board
of Education since she was appointed
to fill a vacated position during April
2012.
The annual municipal and school
election will be held on April 2. In
recent years, state law has changed to
allow school districts to forego an election when two candidates file for two
positions on the Board of Education.
This saves taxpayer dollars because
the school districts do not have to help
with election-related expenses, which
are normally divided between all entities with candidates or issues on the
ballot.
Lee’s Summit R-7 has no other
issues on the April 2 ballot, and the
Board of Education candidates will
not appear on the ballot. Following the
April election, Ms. Balagna and Mr.
White will be sworn in as Board of
Education members for a three-year
term.
For more information about the R-7
Board of Education, visit http://www.
lsr7.org/school-board/board-members/.
February 2013
Page 5
Lee’s Summit West High School among eight Missouri
schools in the running for ‘Blue Ribbon’ recognition
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Success stories: Regular
teacher collaboration on
Wednesdays benefits students
Lee’s Summit R-7 teachers and
principals recently shared several examples of how the district’s late-start
Wednesdays are directly benefitting
students. Beginning in fall 2012, all R7 schools began starting one hour late
on Wednesdays, providing teachers
with a weekly structured time to collaborate about specific student needs.
A few examples of benefits from
teachers and principals follow.
During a recent collaboration session, a fourth-grade teacher said, “I
felt so supported when our resource
reading teacher stepped in and helped
come up with ideas for how to help
low readers in fourth-grade.” This
plan included working with the sixthgrade teachers to identify students
who would be trained to help tutor the
younger students.
“I have been able to glean additional
ideas from these collaboration discussions that, in my opinion, have made
me a better teacher,” said an elementary teacher.
Another teacher shared a story about
a specific student with special needs
and structured collaboration discussions involving teachers from the
student’s grade level and special-edu-
cation teachers. The elementary teachers discussed the student’s progress
toward his goals, working together
to provide him with opportunities for
more growth and success.
At the high-school level, teachers
shared that they are working together
to break down data from student
exams to further target instruction.
American government teachers, for
example, used this information from
previous tests to revise and create
specific plans to address any gaps in
student learning.
The structured teacher collaboration
on Wednesdays has been an important part of the R-7 School District’s
Professional Learning Communities
initiative since it provides additional
emphasis on meeting each student’s
needs.
On late-start Wednesdays, parents
have the opportunity to enroll their
children in structured student supervision through SummitRise at the
elementary level and at programs specific to each middle and high school.
The supervision programs are available free each Wednesday and start
90 minutes before the regular start of
school.
Lee’s Summit West High School
is among eight public schools in
Missouri recently invited by the U.S.
Department of Education to apply for
national Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. The local high school is the only
school among the eight located within
the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program
recognizes schools where students are
achieving at high levels or where significant progress is being made in closing achievement gaps, especially for
disadvantaged and minority students.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was
allowed to nominate eight schools for
the 2013 awards, based on the state’s
public school enrollment.
“We are proud to nominate these
schools for this honor,” said Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. “We commend the teachers and
administrators for their commitment to
preparing all students for college, other
postsecondary training and careers.”
In addition to a nearly year-long application and review process, schools
nominated for the recognition must
meet specific levels of achievement,
called annual measurable objectives,
during the state’s spring assessment
testing. The Blue Ribbon Schools will
be announced in September 2013.
R-7 supporters invited to subscribe to new electronic
newsletter focusing on legislative advocacy
Lee’s Summit R-7 community
members and other interested individuals are invited to subscribe to the school
district’s new electronic newsletter,
known as “R-7 Advocacy.” The newsletter is designed to provide subscribers
with relevant and timely information
about legislative activities and proposals as well as opportunities to speak out
on behalf of the district’s schools and
students.
The majority of newsletter issues will
be sent to subscribers several times each
month during the Missouri General
Assembly session, scheduled for Jan.
9 through May 2013. The newsletter’s
frequency will depend on ongoing General Assembly activities and other state,
national and local legislative news. “R-7
Advocacy” will feature information as
well as occasional requests for subscribers to consider contacting their elected
officials about specific proposed legislation that could impact R-7 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.
The R-7 2013 Legislative Platform
is available at http://www.lsr7.org/district/2012-legislative-platform/. This
website also includes a list of area elected officials and a Toolkit for Advocacy,
developed with the assistance of the
Missouri School Boards Association.
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Page 6
February 2013
Lee’s Summit R-7 German teachers Jana Kindall, Jayne Hartwig and
Christie Brown named R-7 School
receive national recognition
District Learning for Life Award winners
The Lee’s Summit R-7 School
District German teachers were recently honored through the American
Association of Teachers of German
(AATG), receiving the organization’s
prestigious Center of Excellence designation. Only five German programs
in the nation received this recognition.
R-7 German teachers are Julie
Hume, Lee’s Summit West High
School; Deborah Parker, Lee’s Summit North High School; Rachel Reed,
Lee’s Summit High School; David
Beal, Bernard Campbell Middle
School; and Emily Aldenderfer, Summit Lakes Middle School and Pleasant Lea Middle School. Kendall Mellem, retired R-7 German teacher, was
also praised by her colleagues. Mrs.
Mellem, who taught German in the
school district for more than 30 years,
helped establish the strong program in
Lee’s Summit R-7.
The R-7 program received an excellent rating in all five areas reviewed:
organized and structured curriculum,
teaching methods, evidence of culturally authentic activities, assessments
and staff qualifications. To receive
the award, the teachers completed a
comprehensive application, providing
evidence in each category as well as
letters of support from school district
and community leaders as well as current and past students.
Unique strengths of the R-7 German program include its strong middle-school component and a 20-year
exchange with a school in Menden,
Germany. In addition, students compete in foreign-language competitions
through the University of MissouriKansas City and the University of
Central Missouri. Level 5 German
students have also regularly scored
very well on International Baccalaureate exams.
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Jana Kindall, Jayne Hartwig
and Christie Brown were recently
named Lee’s Summit R-7 Learning for Life Award winners. Mrs.
Kindall, the award’s December
winner, is a secretary in the
Special Services Department at
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the Stansberry Leadership Center.
departments.”
Mrs. Hartwig, the December win“Jayne exhibits strong character,
ner, is a fifth-grade teacher at Trailridge
empathy
and a willingness to work
Elementary. Mrs. Brown, the January
beside
someone
to help find solutions to
winner, is a library media specialist at
problems,”
said
a
colleague. “In addition
Summit Lakes Middle School.
to
co-sponsoring
the
Trailridge Student
The award is presented to one emCouncil,
she
is
responsible
for bringployee each month who is nominated
ing
the
after-school
robotics
program to
by co-workers and selected by a staff
Trailridge.”
committee.
“Christie has an amazing knowledge
“Jana is very dedicated to our proof
all subjects and is willing to suggest
grams and is always so pleasant and
books
and lead research for whatever we
always professional,” said a colleague.
might
be
studying in class,” said a col“She has been the individual who acleague.
“She
engages our students and
complishes everything on schedule for
knows
exactly
what they want to read.”
a staff of over 450 people in multiple
February 2013
Page 7
Senior citizens tour Hazel Grove Elementary
as part of R-7 community program
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A total of 24 area senior citizens participated in a special event hosted Oct.
30 by the R-7 School District. Through
the district’s Senior Citizens’ School
Tour program, the local residents toured
Hazel Grove Elementary.
The event included a tour of the
elementary building, school lunch, a
demonstration of instructional technology and a performance by the school’s
Honors Choir. Senior citizens also had
the opportunity to visit with Student
Council members during lunch. In addition, Dr. David McGehee, R-7 superintendent, spoke to the group.
Since the district’s Senior Citizens’
School Tours began in 2007, more than
345 local seniors have participated in the
program. The opportunities are provided
to seniors two or three times each school
year.
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Area senior citizens are invited to participate in the R-7 spring community-wide
Senior Citizens’ School Tour, scheduled
from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 20
at Summit Ridge Academy. To make a
reservation or for more information, please
contact the R-7 School District Communications Department at 986-1014 or e-mail
janie.rohlfi[email protected] by
March 15.
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LS AREA THEATRE
STUDENTS COLLECT
7,000 POUNDS OF FOOD
FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
Student members of International
Thespian Society troupes from Lee’s
Summit High School, Lee’s Summit
North High School, Lee’s Summit West High School and Summit
Christian Academy collected approximately 7,000 pounds of canned
and dry goods for Lee’s Summit
Social Services on Oct. 31.
The food was collected by the
theatre students and other students
from the four schools as part of the
Thespian Society’s Trick or Treat so
Kids Can Eat program. More than
150 students from the four schools
participated in the drive which ended
at Lee’s Summit North High School
where the students celebrated.
Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat is a
national community service program
for ITS-member schools to collect canned and dry goods for local
charities and food banks.
Page 8
February 2013
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a benefit for the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation
6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2,
at the John Knox Pavilion
Tickets are $60 per person ��Adults 21 and over
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www.lsedfoundation.com
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High turnout among R-7 students as
part of R-7 Votes mock election
A total of 13,737 Lee’s Summit
R-7 students participated in this
fall’s election through R-7 Votes.
This is approximately 78 percent of
the school district’s students from
first grade through 12th grade.
Through the program, students
learned about the election process
and the importance of voting while
participating in the district-wide
mock election in late October and
early November.
R-7 Votes, which began in 2008,
was developed specifically for local
schools by district staff members.
Students voted on ballots that were
the same as the real ballots in terms
of candidates, so candidates beyond
the two main parties were included.
Students’ lessons through R-7 Votes
are tailored to fit their grade level.
R-7 Votes is a non-partisan effort
that does not endorse any candi-
dates or issues.
A focus of the program is to help
students learn about the importance
of good citizenship and being a
well-informed voter. Depending on
students’ grade levels, R-7 Votes
covers topics such as voter registration, primaries, precincts and voting
jurisdictions, political parties and
the Electoral College. By participating in the mock election, students
will also develop lifelong voting
habits.
School district officials believe
that R-7 Votes is the largest mock
election taking place in Missouri. It
is also unique among mock elections because the students are voting on a number of local issues as
well as national and state issues. All
students voted through a web-based
computer program developed by R7 staff members.
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February 2013
Page 9
THE STORY PROJECT:
UNDERWOOD ELEMENTARY WORKS
CLOSELY WITH FAMILY TO HELP
CHILD BE SUCCESSFUL
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 Underwood Elementary follows.
Lana Snyder was my son’s first
grade teacher at Underwood Elementary. It was a challenging year for him
as he was smart, yet high energy and
very social. Just when you were sure
he wasn’t paying attention, he could
repeat almost verbatim what was said.
Good for him, but not so good for the
other students or the teacher. Mrs. Snyder communicated with me early and
often. We formulated a plan. One particular day Mrs. Snyder was working
with the kids, all seated on the carpet
facing the
front of the
room, with
my son on
the front
row being
very social.
I quietly snuck in and seated myself
at a nearby table. After about five
minutes, it was brought to his attention
that I was there. I’ve never seen a first
grader with such great posture as he
quickly straightened up! It is true that
actions speak louder than words. Mrs.
Snyder allowed for that first-grade
experience to be a turning point for me
and my son. He knows I will follow
through when I tell him I am happy to
go to school with him and, as a ninth
grader, that is not very appealing!
Cedar Creek Elementary receives
$10,000 as NFL Play 60 Super School
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Cedar Creek Elementary received a check for $10,000 during a
Dec. 11 all-school assembly featuring place kicker Ryan Succop
of the Kansas City Chiefs, KC Wolf and Chiefs cheerleaders.
The $10,000 grant was through the National Football League’s
“Play 60” program, and the money will go toward the school’s
health and wellness program. The NFL selects one school in
each market as a Play 60 Super School with the school receiving
a $10,000 grant. Play 60 encourages children to get at least 60
minutes of exercise each day.
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Page 10
February 2013
Women’s care
close to you:
Megan L. Sneed, MD
Board-Certified OB/GYN
• Well woman visits
• Obstetric care
• Minimally invasive
female surgery
• Treatment of women’s
bladder / leakage
disorders
To schedule an appointment,
call (816) 333-5005
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Certified Nurse Midwife
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Certified Nurse Midwife
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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
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2100 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Teachers honored as Missouri
Lottery Star of the Classroom
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Rachel Gooding, third-grade
teacher at Underwood Elementary, and Kellie Smith, a social
studies teacher at Bernard
Campbell Middle School,
were named Missouri Lottery
Stars of the Classroom during
December.
Through the recognition,
both teachers received two
tickets to see Kansas City
Chiefs games, a parking pass
and pre-game field passes.
They were each honored
during a game, receiving
certificates and appearing on
ArrowVision, the Chiefs instadium video boards.
Mrs. Gooding was honored
at the Dec. 23 Chiefs game,
and Ms. Smith was honored
during the Dec. 2 game.
Parent University to offer
workshops for parents
and caregivers
Come and learn from experts effective tools for parenting children of all
ages. The 10th annual Parent University will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Feb. 23 at Pleasant Lea Middle
School.
Participants can attend three of 18
workshops offered on a vast array of
topics such as How to Motivate the
Unmotivated Student, A Parent’s Guide
to Internet Safety and How to Get Your
Child To Listen. A showcase featuring
local businesses sharing valuable information and resources for parents and
caregivers will also be provided.
Cost is $10 per adult which includes
breakfast and workshop materials.
Childcare for children 1 through 12
years of age will be provided at a cost
of $5 per child with a maximum of $15
per family. Scholarships are available. Online registration and complete
workshop information is available at
http://lscares.org/.
Parent University is a public service
for the community and is organized
by Lee’s Summit CARES in partnership with the R-7 School District, the
Lee’s Summit Police Department and
ReDiscover.
February 2013
Page 11
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What does waking up, thunder,
freezing, building a house and
putting out a fire all have in common? These were just some of the
movement to music and interactive songs that students in the life
skills and medically fragile classes,
joined by peer buddies, at Sunset
Valley Elementary recently participated in thanks to a Lee’s Summit
business.
On Jan. 8, Karian Hayes of
Gymboree Play and Music provided free classes to the students
to engage them in developmental
learning activities.
During the classes, the students
had the opportunity to explore
rhythm with a variety of instruments, learn new ways to move,
and connect with each other
through cooperation and communication to play movement games.
Each of the activities featured
physical-fitness skills uniquely
modified to ensure that all the
students would experience success
with movement and music.
Tim Richardson of LSNHS named to
Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Tim Richardson, Lee’s Summit
North High School teacher and head
boys soccer coach, was recently
selected for inclusion in the Missouri
State High School Soccer Coaches
Association (MSHSSCA) Hall of
Fame.
This is the inaugural year for the
Missouri Hall of Fame, and Mr.
Richardson is among 11 outstanding
coaches selected from throughout the
state. In addition, the LSNHS teacher
is the only coach from the Kansas
City metropolitan area
to be selected for the
2013 honor.
All Hall of Fame inductees were honored
at the MSHSSCA Boys
Soccer Banquet and
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Hall of Fame Induction
on Jan. 5. Mr. Richardson was selected for this honor based
on his success at building winning
soccer programs at LSNHS and previously at Lee’s Summit High School.
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Gymboree visits R-7 life skills
and medically fragile classes
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Page 12
February 2013
Greenwood Elementary receives
grant for Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Greenwood Elementary School
recently received a $4,000 grant that
is funding a Grab-and-Go Breakfast
program at the school. The grant,
written by R-7 Nutrition Services
staff members, is through Fuel Up
to Play 60 and the Midwest Dairy
Council.
Breakfasts are available each morning at the school’s front entrance.
Students have the opportunity to
pick up their breakfast and take it to
their classrooms. Since the program
began in October, participation in the
breakfast program at Greenwood has
increased.
“This allows the students more time
to get ready for their day, talk with
their teachers and enjoy a healthy
breakfast,” said Lori Danella, R-7
Nutrition Services coordinator. “With
this grant we are able to promote eating breakfast, healthy nutrition and
additional exercise.”
Greenwood Elementary is the fifth
Assistant principal, police officers take polar plunge to reward
Meadow Lane Elementary students for meeting reading goals
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R-7 school to receive this grant and
implement the Grab-and-Go Breakfast
program. Other schools already initiating the program are Meadow Lane
Elementary, Pleasant Lea Elementary,
Summit Pointe Elementary and Sunset
Valley Elementary.
Braving 26-degree weather, a
Meadow Lane Elementary assistant
principal and four Lee’s Summit police
officers took a polar plunge as part of a
special reading incentive at the school.
The plunge took place Dec. 10 on the
school playground to reward students
for meeting reading goals.
While students meeting the goal
watched, assistant principal Andrew
Gibb, Police Chief Joseph Piccinini,
LEE'S SUMMIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
RUSSELL E. BERLIN, JR., MUSIC DIRECTOR,
PRESENTS
Officer Jeremy Brownlee, Officer
Beth Glover and Captain Brian Wilson
jumped into an inflatable pool filled
with water.
The Lee’s Summit Police Department is paired with Meadow Lane
Elementary through the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District’s Partners In
Education program and works with the
school on numerous projects throughout the year.
Help is here.
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February 2013
Page 13
LSNHS students learn lessons about generosity and
compassion through community-service projects
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Lee’s Summit North High School
students participated in several community-service projects this fall.
LSNHS National Honor Society members and students in social development classes joined forces to conduct
a coat drive, collecting approximately
500 gently used coats as well as a
number of blankets.
Following the November coat drive,
social development students delivered
the coats and blankets to St. Vincent de
Paul Thrift Store in Downtown Kansas
City.
“It was an excellent lesson in giving back to others in the community,”
said Leslie Bross, LSNHS teacher.
“In addition to collecting and delivering the coats, students made posters
and announcements all around school
to promote the drive and spent time
organizing all the coats into various
categories.”
In addition, National Honor Society
members prepared and served a meal
at a family shelter in Kansas City and
provided child care for employees at
a local business during the company’s
holiday party. The NHS members
also decorated two area Hope House
facilities for the holidays and provided
snacks for children.
THE STORY PROJECT:
R-7 PARENT
EDUCATOR IS BLESSING TO
YOUNG FAMILY
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 the R-7 Parents
As Teachers program follows.
When I became a mother, I was
overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that came with this new role. Alli
was colicky and refused to sleep. I hated
to hear her cry. Through the Parents as
Teachers program, our parent educator,
Kari Wilcox, was my guiding light. She
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Page 14
February 2013
R-7 Student Activity Advisory Council, LSWHS work
together to help Hope House Holiday Store and Center
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The R-7 Student Activity Advisory
Council and Lee’s Summit West High
School recently worked together to
raise money and provide gifts for
Hope House’s Holiday Store and
Center. Students and staff members
raised $1,345 in cash and gift cards.
Students also filled a school bus with
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toys, toiletries and women’s gifts to
help families at Hope House during
the holidays.
LSWHS staff member Annette
Helton also made 17 blankets, embroidering the first name of each child
currently living at Hope House on
each blanket.
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February 2013
Page 15
LSHS students collect over
1,000 food items for Harvesters
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Lee’s Summit High School
students and staff members
recently donated more than
1,000 food items for the
Harvesters Community Food
Network in Kansas City. In
addition, the school collected
enough money to fund 50
BackSnack items.
Through Harvesters’ Back-
Snack program, students from
low-income families receive a
backpack full of food on Fridays to help combat weekend
hunger. The backpacks are
delivered to students confidentially through their schools,
and the children take them
home to provide food throughout the weekend.
Hazel Grove Elementary students
take reading to a higher level
Students at Hazel
Grove Elementary recently took reading to
a higher level through
a special activity. Library media specialist
Sandy Bauer ventured
onto the school’s
roof to read one of
this year’s Show Me
nominated books, “Librarian on the Roof: A
True Story” by M.G.
King.
The students listened from the ground
level to a true story
about a public library
in Lockhart, Texas.
Librarian RoseAleta
Laurell spent a week
on the roof to raise
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children’s section.
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Page 16
February 2013
R-7 Nutrition
Council elects officers
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Summit Technology Academy hosts Student
Professionalism Career Day Conference
R-7 Elementary Nutrition Council
officers for 2012-13 are (from left)
Megan Pulis, Meadow Lane Elementary, secretary; Josh Nazworthy, Lee’s
Summit Elementary, vice president;
and Lathan Hansen, Richardson Elementary, president.
The Elementary Nutrition Council includes representatives from
all 18 R-7 elementary schools. The
students meet monthly to provide
feedback about school breakfast and
lunch items. They also sample new or
proposed menu items and share their
opinions.
In addition, Nutrition Council
members help promote healthy choices
for students participating in the Lee’s
Summit R-7 breakfast and lunch
programs at their schools. Each R-7
middle school and high school has its
own Nutrition Council to provide feedback on meals and to promote healthy
nutrition at the secondary schools.
For more information about the
Nutrition Services Department, visit
http://www.leesummit.k12.mo.us/
nutrition/default.htm. The website
includes a wide variety of resources,
including menus, food allergy guides,
online payment options and
nutritional guidelines.
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Summit Technology Academy students had the opportunity to prepare
for college and careers Nov. 6 during
a special event at the Lee’s Summit
R-7 school. As part of a Student Professionalism Career Day Conference,
approximately 25 presenters provided
job information, resume writing skills
and interviewing tips.
Students also learned about specific college majors and career fields.
Session topics included SkillsUSA,
becoming an entrepreneur, public
speaking, social media, how to find
an internship, interview skills, dressing for success and online portfolios
– to name just a few.
Students came to the conference
dressed in business casual attire and
were able to network with the speakers. In all, a total of 360 students
attended the Student Professionalism
Career Day Conference with each
student participating in three sessions. The conference was organized
by staff members at Summit Technology Academy, a pre-professional
learning environment for high school
students.
Area students, families and community members interested in learning more about Summit Technology
Academy may visit http://sta.leesummit.k12.mo.us.
February 2013
Page 17
SLMS art students learn about mask making thanks to PEAK Grant
Summit Lakes Middle School art students recently
learned about the importance of mask making thanks to
a special guest presenter. Dr. Emmanuel Ngomsi of All
World Languages and Cultures spent the day with the
art students. A native of Cameroon and current Lee’s
Summit resident, Dr. Ngomsi shared the art of mask
making and the importance of various other art objects
in the West African cultures.
After Dr. Ngomsi visits with the students, they begin
making their own expressive masks from clay. Dr.
Ngomsi’s visit is funded through a Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation PEAK (Promoting Education and
Knowledge) Grant.
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BCMS rewards frequent library users thanks to business partners
Students who are frequent
users of the Bernard Campbell
Middle School library were
rewarded recently with the help
of the school’s business partners.
The library hosted a Holiday
Hoopla to celebrate the frequent
users.
The students received books
and posters with more than 40
books and approximately 50
posters given away. Local businesses that are partnered with
BCMS through the Lee’s Summit R-7 Partners In Education
program helped with the event.
Business partners are Summit
Bank of Kansas City, Paradise
Park and PBI Industries. Parent
volunteers also assisted with the
Holiday Hoopla, setting up the
room and assisting with treats.
In addition, Campbell Middle
School collected more than 450
books from staff, students and
families for the Coldwater backpack program for needy families.
Valentines Day
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Page 18
February 2013
Mason Elementary Student Council
holds pumpkin fundraiser for
Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation
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LS R-7 STUDENTS CAPTURE
AWARDS IN READING
COUNCIL POSTER CONTEST
R-7 School District students
recently captured awards in the Lee’s
Summit Reading Council Poster
Contest. The 12 winning posters are
advancing to state competition.
Winners in the kindergarten through
second grade category are Ella Davis,
first place, Prairie View Elementary; Kate Hammerly, second place,
Richardson Elementary; and Elijah
Baker, third place, Longview Farm
Elementary.
Winners in third through fifth
grades are Daniella Archdekin,
Mickaylah Lee and Leah Houston, all
Prairie View. Winners in sixth through
eighth grades are Erin Coughennower,
Summit Lakes Middle School; Lindsay Calaguin, Prairie View; and Olivia
Reynolds, Prairie View.
High school winners are Kylea
Smith, Michaela Thomson and
Melody Cox, all Lee’s Summit High
School.
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Mason Elementary Student
Council hosted its second annual
pumpkin fundraiser last fall with
proceeds benefitting the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Foundation.
Mason staff members submit
a variety of creatively decorated
pumpkins, which are displayed in
the school library. Students vote for
their favorite pumpkins by donat-
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BEST
SELECTION
1707 NE Rice Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
816-524-0255
February 2013
Page 19
Trailridge Elementary
displays Veterans’ Wall
Trailridge Elementary
celebrated Veterans’ Day
with a special school
display during November.
This is the school’s second
year for its Veterans’ Wall,
which is located in a school
hallway. Photographs of
veterans who are family members of Trailridge
students and staff members
are featured throughout the
month and were a special
highlight of the school’s
Nov. 19 Grandparents’
Night. Fourth-graders also
wrote letters to the veterans
in their families.
Local veterans visit
Richardson Elementary
School sixth-graders
Four local veterans of the United States Army visited with Richardson Elementary sixth-grade students Nov. 12 as part of a recognition of Veterans’ Day. The visitors are members of the Lee’s Summit
Veterans of Foreign Wars. Pictured at the school are (from left) Ken
Davis (Vietnam), Michael Dodig (Grenada), Cliff Mathis (World
War II) and Larry Phillips (Vietnam).
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Page 20
Page 20
February 2013
Accelerated training offeredAccelerated
for technological
trainingfields
offere
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and on-the-job education thanks to the
partnering businesses.
These companies, which include
Cerner, DST and Saint Luke’s Health
Systems, enter into participation agreements with the Missouri Innovation
Campus (MIC) and receive grant funds
from the state to help them hire the student interns. The companies then help
underwrite the cost of training provided through the Innovation Campus. So
far, the MIC project has received state
grants totaling $1.5 million to assist
with these costs.
For the students, the benefits are
significant as they will complete their
bachelor’s degree just two years after
high-school graduation and pay virtually zero for their tuition from MCC
and UCM. Through the business internships, it is anticipated that students
will have the opportunity to become
full-time employees of the partner
companies immediately following
graduation.
“We’re building a new model for the
way we deliver higher education that
creates a win-win situation for students
where college will cost less, take less
time to complete, prepare students to
be job ready and leave them debt-free,”
said UCM President Charles Ambrose.
“The corporate participation in the
Missouri Innovation Campus is exceptional, and we’re especially grateful
for the enthusiasm shown by our state
leaders and Gov. Jay Nixon, who not
only supports what we are doing, but
is encouraging similar collaborations
across the state.”
Cindy Herbert, computer science
faculty member and program coordinator for MCC-Longview, added that
blended courses and project-based
learning have been critical in this group
effort. “The hard work stakeholders
and students have put into the MIC
project will be more rewarding when
we get to see the first graduating cohort
of students receive their bachelor’s
degree in systems engineering technology.”
An important part of the program’s
success is Summit Technology Academy, which has focused for many
years on high-tech career training with
the help of business partners. For this
reason, the Lee’s Summit school is
uniquely positioned to serve as the first
location for the Innovation Campus
program.
“Our district is proud to be a part of
the Innovation Campus, which is serving as a model for programs nationwide that truly partner high schools,
higher education and industry,” said
Dr. David McGehee, R-7 superintendent. “In addition to the advantages to
the students, the program is meeting
our state’s workforce needs in high-demand areas.”
Jeff Banhart, Innovation Campus
information technology teacher at
Summit Technology Academy, said he
tionleaders
Campus
is Gov.
the partnering
busihas ����������
seen an increased interest in inforand
Jay Nixon,
who not
nesses.
mation
technology
careers
among
his
only
supports
what
we
are
doing,
but
�����������������
Mike
Mallett
of
Saint
Luke’s
19 students.
“We
try
to
relate
the
class
Health
is
encouraging
similar
collaborations
and on-the-job education thanks to the
work
and the career
to the students
Systems
hiring and developacrosssaid
thethat
state.”
partnering
businesses.
constantly,
but
until
the
student
sees
ing
people’s
skills
andcomputer
knowledge
is
Cindy
Herbert,
science
These companies, which include
the career
as
a
viable
and
soon-to-be
vital
to
the
success
of
a
business.
“The
faculty
member
and
program
coordiCerner, DST and Saint Luke’s Health
attainable
option,
interest agree-MICnator
information
technology program
added that
for MCC-Longview,
Systems,
entervery
into little
participation
is displayed,”
he
said.
“The
Innovaprovides
blended
Saint
courses
Luke’s
and
an
project-based
avenue
to
ments with the Missouri Innovation
tionCampus
Campus(MIC)
program
is
working
with
share
learning
our
technological
have
been
critical
advancements
in
this group
and receive grant funds
an understanding
of
this
dynamic
to
with
effort.
future
“The
job
applicants.”
hard
work
stakeholders
from the state to help them hire the stuget the
invest
their time
and students
Evans ofhave
Cerner
put added
into the
that
MIC
her
dentstudents
interns.to
The
companies
then help Laura
and underwrite
interest andthe
expend
the
energy
to
company
project
is
will
exploring
be
more
multiple
rewarding
ways
when
to
cost of training providprepare
for
a
position
not
four
or
five
fill
current
we
get
to
and
see
future
the
first
needs
graduating
for
technicohort
ed through the Innovation Campus. So
years
but fourhas
or five
months
of students
to support
receive
Cerner’s
their bachelor’s
continued
far,from
the now,
MIC project
received
state cal talent
fromgrants
now.”totaling $1.5 million to assist growth.
degree
“The
in systems
MIC approach
engineering
challenges
technolThe
Innovation
Campus
students,
status
ogy.”
quo
by
developing
accelerated
with these costs.
An for
important
of the
program’s
who come
from
all three
Summethods
studentspart
to not
only
gain a
For the
students,
theLee’s
benefits
are
success
is
Summit
Technology
Acadmit significant
R-7 high schools
as
well
as
high
degree
but
the
work
experience
needed
as they will complete their
emy,
which
has
focused
for
many
schools
in
seven
other
districts,
have
to
successfully
apply
their
skills
solvbachelor’s degree just two years after
on high-tech
career
training with
alsohigh-school
been enthusiastic
aboutand
the pay
higherreal-world
problems
in a teamgraduation
virtu- ing years
education
and
internship
aspects
of
the
the
help
of
business
partners.
For
based,
professional
environment,”
shethis
ally zero for their tuition from MCC
program.
reason,
the
Lee’s
Summit
school
is
added.
and UCM. Through the business in“Starting
college
early
is
a
great
uniquely
positioned
to
serve
as
the
first
The
information
technology
course
ternships, it is anticipated that students
opportunity
because
it
not
only
comes
location
for
the
Innovation
Campus
at
MIC
is
just
the
beginning
for
this
will have the opportunity to become
at a full-time
reduced cost
but alsoofbecause
you
program.
advanced
program. In fall 2013, the
employees
the partner
finish
your
degree
earlier,”
said
Keaton
“Our
district
is proud
to launched
be a part of
second
student
cohort
will be
companies immediately following
Thomson,
Innovation
Campus
student
the
Innovation
Campus,
which
is servwith
a
digital
electronics
course,
which
graduation.
from Lee’s
Summit
West
High
School.
ing
as
a
model
for
programs
nationwill
be
open
to
qualifying
students
“We’re building a new model for the
Armaja
fromeducation
Raytownthat fromwide
that
truly partner
Lee’s
Summit
R-7 as high
well schools,
as the
way weLaRue-Hill,
deliver higher
South
High
School,
agreed.
“This
class
higher
education
and
industry,”
18
area
high
schools
sending
students
said
creates a win-win situation for students
has where
taught college
us manywill
valuable
job
skills,
to
Summit
Dr.
David
Technology
McGehee,
Academy.
R-7
superintenThe
cost less, take less
including
professional
schools pay
tuition
to
dent.high
“In addition
to the
advantages
to
time tomaintaining
complete, prepare
students to sending
attitudes
and
troubleshooting
problems
the
R-7
School
District
for
the
MIC
the
students,
the
program
is
meeting
be job ready and leave them debt-free,”
thatsaid
occur,”
shePresident
said. “There
are plenty
as wellworkforce
as other high-tech
our state’s
needs in prohigh-deUCM
Charles
Ambrose. courses
of job
opportunities
in
IT,
and
this
grams
offered
mand
areas.”
at
the
school.
“The corporate participation in the
course
will benefit
me inCampus
taking advanmoreBanhart,
information
Innovation
about the
Campus
MIC,
Missouri
Innovation
is excep- For Jeff
tagetional,
of thatand
bright
future.”
visit
information
http://sta.leesummit.k12.mo.us/
technology
teacher
ator
we’re especially grateful
Another
vital
element
of
the
Innovahttp://www.ucmo.edu/about/mic.
Summit
Technology
Academy,
said
he
for the enthusiasm shown by our state
Mustard
Science
Guild
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Contact: Annetta Toomey, Director
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Mustard Seed Community Learning Environment has a racially nondiscriminatory policy which governs all aspects of our school’s operations.
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February 2013
Page 21
SLMS Veterans’ Wall recognizes
American soldiers’ sacrifice
Summit Lakes Middle
School social studies teacher
Michael Walker has created a
Veterans’ Wall during November the last few years to recognize the sacrifice of America’s
soldiers.
“I wanted to demonstrate in
a visual format what 6,636 deceased service members looked
like,” Mr. Walker said. “This
helps students understand the
magnitude of what has been
sacrificed for them. I used
online resources to find the
names and information.”
Mr. Walker then divided
up the names among the four
social studies teachers and
provided a list of names, dates
of birth and death, and how
they died. Each year the list is
normally around 1,300 names
for each teacher or about 12
names per student.
BCMS family and consumer sciences
students read to elementary students,
complete community-service project
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students visited Underwood Elementary School and read to the younger
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In addition, BCMS students made
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Page 22
February 2013
2013 legislative platform
MCGEHEE Continued from 1
A ribbon cutting at Summit Lakes Middle School highlighted the Chromebook
effort.
Google Chromebook
unveiling at Summit Lakes
Over the last three years, the Educational Foundation has completed
successful fund drives, reaching the goal
middle school and high school based on
participation of staff members in the fund each year. From 2009 through 2012, the
drive. In addition to Summit Lakes, other annual fund drive’s emphasis was on
providing audio-enhancement systems
top schools being among the first to refor kindergarten, first- and second-grade
ceive the Chromebooks are Hazel Grove
classrooms in all schools. Previous anElementary, Lee’s Summit North High
nual fund drives also provided money for
School and Summit Ridge Academy.
district-wide
technology, PEAK Grants
Thanks to the Foundation’s anand
the
endowment
fund.
nual fund drive and district funding, the
The
Lee’s
Summit
Educational
Google Chromebooks are being distribFoundation
is
a
501c3
organization that
uted to all schools. A total of $360,000 is
raises,
manages
and
distributes
funds
earmarked for the Chromebook computfor
educational
programs
that
benefit
ers . The Foundation and the R-7 School
students, staff and citizens of the Lee’s
District will share in the cost to provide
Summit R-7 School District. It is mana 30-computer mobile Google Chromebook lab for each school ($200,000 from aged by a voting Board of Directors and
non-voting Advisory Council composed
the Foundation’s annual fund drive and
$160,000 from the district’s instructional of community members. During the last
seven years, the Foundation has provided
budget). The computers will be located
more than $6.5 million to help support
on charging carts so they can be easily
numerous educational programs throughaccessed by classrooms throughout each
out the school district.
school.
For more information about making
The annual
fund drive is also designat������������������������������������������������������
tax-deductible
donations to the Foundaing $50,000 for the Foundation’s PEAK
tion,
leaving
the
Foundation in your will
(Promoting
Excellence and Knowledge)
������������������������
��LEE’S or
SUMMIT
JOURNAL. a ��volunteer or particitrust,
becoming
Grant program with $25,000 directed to
pating in Foundation events, visit www.
the Foundation’s endowment.
CHROMEBOOK
Continued from 1
emphasize appropriate state support for schools by encouraging full
funding of the state’s Foundation
Formula, which continues to be
underfunded. We are also requesting
that our lawmakers oppose any legislation that diverts state revenue from
public schools through voucher-type
programs as well as seeking opposition to open-enrollment legislation
that would allow students from other
districts to attend Lee’s Summit R-7
schools.
On the revenue side, our school
district is asking elected officials to
consider several priorities that would
provide additional income for the
state budget, including a proposed
change to Missouri law that would
also allow the state to collect Internet
sales tax.
In addition, we are encouraging
our legislators to take a closer look
at Missouri’s tax credits, which have
become an out-of-control obligation
within the state budget. Currently, tax
credits are the state’s No. 1 financial
commitment with many of these
credits providing little or no return on
this significant investment. Within the
2013 state budget, tax credit redemptions totaled $629.5 million, making
them the fourth highest expenditure
in our state.
In a report published in 2011, the
Missouri Tax Credit Review Commission noted 28 different tax credits
that should be eliminated, consolidated or not reauthorized due to the
fact that there is no justifiable benefit
in relation to their cost to taxpayers.
For example, Missouri is among the
top two states annually in tax credits
given out for historic preservation, a
worthy cause but not the top priority for a state that is underfunding its
public schools and struggling to meet
overall financial obligations.
Although the Board of Education
and I frequently discuss these issues
with our state lawmakers, we have
learned that our most effective advocates for our students are our district’s
citizens. Beginning last month, we
launched a new Lee’s Summit R-7
electronic newsletter, known as “R-7
Advocacy,” designed to keep our
citizens informed about legislative activities. Through this newsletter, we’ll
also be alerting interested individuals
when we need their help to advocate
for our schools on specific issues
under consideration in the Missouri
House and Senate.
If you are interested in our district’s
Legislative Platform or in signing up
for the “R-7 Advocacy” newsletter,
please visit http://www.lsr7.org/district/2012-legislative-platform/. You
will also find a list of our elected
officials on this website as well as a
toolkit for legislative advocacy.
We appreciate the support our community provides to students and your
interest in our schools. Thanks for all
you do for the children!
FIND US ONLINE
�����������
VISIT the R-7
WEBSITE AT
WWW.LSR7.ORG
February 2013
Page 23
TRAILRIDGE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
JOIN FORCES TO PRESENT ROBOTICS
DEMONSTRATIONS AT PRICE CHOPPER
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R-7 hosts Resource Fair to provide
resources to assist students
Lee’s Summit R-7 guidance counselors and Student Assistance Program
coordinators hosted a Resource Fair
Dec. 4 at the district’s Stansberry Leadership Center. The event included 16
area organizations that are able to offer
support and assistance to R-7 students
and families.
School counselors and Student Assistance Program coordinators from
throughout Lee’s Summit R-7 attended
the fair and had the opportunity to talk to
representatives from the local agencies
and pick up materials.
Organizations attending the fair were
Child Abuse Prevention Association,
Coldwater, Missouri Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
Vocational Rehabilitation, Hillcrest
Transitional Housing, Hope House,
Lee’s Summit CARES, Marian Hope
Center, Metro CARE, Metropolitan
Organization to Counter Sexual Assault,
Lee’s Summit R-7 Parents As Teachers,
Preferred Family Health Care, Pro Deo
Youth Center, Rachel House, ReDiscover, Solace House and Truman Medical
Center-Lakewood.
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The Trailridge Elementary School
FLL (FIRST Lego League) Timberbots robotics teams recently joined
forces with Team Aluminum, the
Lee’s Summit West High School
Team Titanium’s FLL team hosted
by Trailridge Elementary. The teams
worked together to present robot
games and project demonstrations
at Price Chopper in southern Lee’s
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Summit, one of Trailridge’s Partners
In Education.
Price Chopper has hosted the Timberbots’ demonstrations for two years
in a row. One of the core values in
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is
for students to share what they learn
through the program with the community.
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February 2013
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