August 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KCK Public Schools to Host Annual Convocation August 8 at Memorial Hall

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools will kick-off the new school year with its annual Convocation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 8 at Memorial Hall, 600 N. 7th St.

The all-staff event traditionally celebrates the new school year, welcoming new and returning staff, and setting the stage for a successful year.

The theme for this year's event will be "Believe," which emphasizes the district's mission statement, "We believe all students will reach higher levels of success and the achievement gap between student groups will disappear."

Dr. Jill Shackelford, superintendent of schools; will be the main speaker at the event. Other speakers will include Gloria Willis, KCK Board of Education president; Steve Gering, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning; Dr. Cindy Lane, assistant superintendent for business and instructional support services; J.D. Rios, assistant superintendent for human and community resources; and Linda Hollinshed, president of the National Education Association of KCK. The Convocation Band will also perform.

Along with district staff, local and regional dignitaries will be in attendance at the event including Mayor Joe Reardon, of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK; Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Alexa Posny; Kansas State Board of Education members Janet Waugh and Sue Gamble, State Senator Mark Gilstrap and Unified Government Commissioner Butch Ellison.

Monday, August 13 marks the official start of the 2007-2008 school year for students.