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Employee Recognition
The heart and soul of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools can be found in the people who work in the system: the teachers, support staff, administrators and central office staff. Every day, our people give of themselves in extraordinary ways, in order to help all students reach higher levels of success, and to close the achievement gap between groups of students.
The Board of Education of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools deeply appreciates all those who work on behalf of students in KCK, and gives special recognition to those individuals whose work goes "above and beyond" the call of duty. To do so, the Board seeks nominations of outstanding individuals whose work and service deserve special attention. Each month during the school year, two individuals will be chosen as "Employee of the Month", and honored at a Board of Education meeting.
Please use the nomination form .pdf to share with the Board information about those individuals who deserve this honor.
Gary Harris, custodian at William Allen White Elementary School was recognized by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education as an Employee of the Month for May, 2008 at their meeting on Tuesday, June 11.
Note: Yes, May is right. Mr. Harris should have been recognized at the May 27 meeting, but because of a conflict, he was not able to come to that meeting.
– June 11, 2008 Email to Media
Theresa Collins, special education preschool secretary at the Education Center Preschool was recognized by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education as an Employee of the Month for May 2008. Mrs. Collins received her award at the KCK board meeting on Tuesday, May 27.
– May 27, 2008 Email to Media
Ron Malcolm, assistant principal at F.L. Schlagle High School, has received the Del Shankel Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Kansas. The award, which is the highest award offered to faculty members, is presented annually by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Malcolm has been an adjunct faculty member in KU's special education department for the past 10 years. He teaches American Sign Language (ASL) classes from beginner level through advanced.
"I felt very honored to be recognized by the students of KU," Malcolm said. "It was a complete surprise to me, but a nice surprise!"
– May 15, 2008 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to May Employees of the Month: Renee Madden, [right] secretary/administrative assistant at the Education Center Preschool; and Mary McGinty [left], librarian at Wyandotte High School.
In Madden's nomination, she was described as "a wonderful role model for children, teachers and parents ... She can multi-task with ease and never shows frustration, if she has it ... She is always friendly, kind and a conscientious worker who does not neglect even the slightest of details." Madden has created a "magic wand" that she uses to bestow a "kiss" on each preschooler who passes by when he/she leaves for the day. It makes each child smile.
McGinty creates a welcoming environment for all students and staff at Wyandotte, her nomination noted. "She is constantly looking for ways to draw staff and students to the library and to support the instructional program for students. Rather than being protective of 'her turf' she sees every meeting, visit or class in the library as an 'opportunity' to sway one more person into becoming a 'repeat customer.'" She has created a student gallery in one room of the library where any type of student project can be displayed. She created a Writer's Group at Wyandotte that meets regularly to help build students' writing skills. She is a strong advocate for the district reading program and is always eager to get reading logs into the hands of students.
– May 15, 2008 Staff Notebook
Graduation Honors
Congratulations to Rita Huerta-Suarez, secretary in the ESL department, who is graduating summa cum laude from Washburn University in May. Her degree will be a bachelor of interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in liberal arts.
– April 24, 2008 Staff Notebook
Outstanding Educators Slated to be Honored at Star Teacher Celebration
Forty-eight teachers in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) will be recognized for their outstanding efforts and dedication to the field at the 2008 KCKPS Star Teacher Celebration set for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 in the Jewell Center at KCK Community College.
Each year, principals nominate one teacher for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. The district-wide list of "star teachers" is then reviewed by a committee who selects one elementary and one secondary teacher nomination to forward on to the Kansas Teacher of the Year Program.
This year's KCKPS Teachers of the Year were announced in March. They are: Susan Taylor, kindergarten teacher at Claude Huyck Elementary School; and Cheryl McCabe, English/forensics teacher at F.L. Schlagle High School.
The other 46 Star Teachers are listed in the April 24 Staff Notebook.
– Excerpts from April 24, 2008 Staff Notebook
Marylee Griffiths to Receive Outstanding Graduate Award from Emporia State
The Department of School Leadership and Middle/Secondary Teacher Education and The Teachers College at Emporia State University have named Marylee Griffiths, preschool coordinator in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, the 2008 recipient of the Educational Administration Outstanding Graduate Student Award. She will receive the award at The Teachers College Honors Banquet set for May 9.
The award signifies premiere work in graduate studies. She was chosen for the recognition by her professors.
Griffiths will graduate in May with a master's degree in educational administration.
– April 17, 2008 Staff Notebook
Dr. Shackelford Honored by Kansas City Arts Partners
Superintendent Dr. Jill Shackelford has been honored by Kansas City Arts Partners for her commitment to providing arts programs to students. She was among eight professionals from local school districts recognized at the Annual Arts Partners Reception held April 14 at Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey's (KCFAA) dance studio.
Arts Partners is a collaboration of area arts organizations and school districts to ensure that every child has access to high quality arts programs as a part of their education. Arts Partners programs integrate community arts resources into the school's curriculum and combine classroom study, field trips, performances, workshops, and residencies in the visual and performing arts.
In 2007, Arts Partners reached 114,657 students in the Kansas City area.
– April 17, 2008 Staff Notebook
Two KCKPS Teachers Selected To Participate in Fulbright Project
Two teachers from the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools have been accepted into the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad – China program for the summer of 2008.
Bret Mock, from Sumner Academy, and Phil Webb, from J.C. Harmon High School, will spend five weeks in China from July 5 through August 9, taking language and other cultural courses, spending time at Chinese universities and visiting historical sites. After the trip, the teachers will write an instructional unit focused on a specific academic area (i.e., political science, government, economics, etc.)
In the summer of 2009, Mock will take part in another Fulbright program and travel to Potsdam, Germany for three weeks.
– April 17, 2008 Staff Notebook
Traci Chmidling, Accelerated Math teacher at Northwest Middle School, was honored by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education at their meeting on Tuesday, April 8. Chmidling, named April 2008 Employee of the Month, was nominated for her involvement with the six Northwest seventh grade students who were named Students of the Month at the same meeting.
– April 8, 2008 Email to Media
Congratulations Custodians!
For their dedication and outstanding work, three custodial staffs have been recognized with the spring 2008 Custodial Staff Achievement Award.
Congratulations to the custodial staffs at Noble Prentis Elementary School, Argentine Middle School and the Education Center. Thank you for your outstanding work and dedication to our buildings!
– April 3, 2008 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to March Employees of the Month Orlando Singleton, school resource officer at Eisenhower Middle School, and Sabina Gonzales-Hacker, ESL director.
Singleton shows his dedication to the community and students in the district on a daily basis. His presence at Eisenhower creates an environment of safety and order. He leads by example and never asks someone to do something he would not do himself, the nomination noted.
Gonzales-Hacker is a positive force and visionary for the KCK Public Schools. Her goal is to have the best ESL Department in the area, and she works hard to ensure that all staff are working toward that goal. Her leadership during training sessions is especially respected and appreciated by staff.
– April 3, 2008 Staff Notebook
Sue Elliott Named 'Outstanding Educator' by Kansas PTA
Sue Elliott, principal at Hazel Grove Elementary School, has been named 2008 Kansas PTA Outstanding Educator of the Year.
"I feel very honored by this recognition," said Elliott. "I have a PTA and staff that support me beyond belief."
The recognition is made annually to honor a teacher, principal, para-educator, administrator or superintendent who has made outstanding contributions in the field of education. Elliott will be honored Sunday, April 20 during the 94th Annual Kansas PTA Convention which will take place at the Salina Holiday Inn and Convention Center.
A strong advocate of the PTA, locally and statewide, Elliott attends all local functions and the state convention each year. She praised the Hazel Grove PTA for their activities and support, including their fund raising efforts for new playground equipment. Another of their many efforts is a "cold lunch" program that provides lunch for students who are out of lunch money.
Elliott has been principal at Hazel Grove for seven years and has been an educator in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools for 29 years. As a principal she sees her role as a sort of cheerleader for her staff. She knows that if she provides them with support and meets their needs, they will work hard for her and the students.
Her favorite part of the job is being around the students.
Even when I'm having a bad day I can go out into the hallway and get a hug and it just changes my whole mindset," she said.
The Outstanding Educator of the Year Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the PTA.
– April 3, 2008 Staff Notebook
Teacher of the Year Finalists Named
Susan E. Taylor, kindergarten teacher at Claude Huyck Elementary School, and Cheryl McCabe, English/forensics teacher at F.L. Schlagle High School, have been selected as the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools' finalists for the 2009 Kansas Teacher of the Year Award.
Through the program, all district principals are asked to nominate one outstanding teacher in their school for the recognition. The district-wide list of "star teachers" is then reviewed by a committee which selects one elementary and one secondary teacher nomination to send on to the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. (All Star Teachers will be recognized at a district program scheduled for Wednesday, April 30.)
Taylor has been at Claude Huyck since 1992 and has been with KCKPS since 1986.
"She has the courage to be strong enough to lead her students to reach higher levels of learning. She has the integrity to gain the respect and admiration of her colleagues and administrator," Principal Vicki Smothers said of Taylor.
"As a teacher, I see my job in the classroom as a most important role in preparing each and every child for life – a role that requires both a love of learning and of children," Taylor said.
McCabe has been a teacher at Schlagle for more than 25 years. Her principal, Doug Bolden, describes her as "a role model and a blueprint on how to be a model teacher."
For the past 12 years, she has served as student council sponsor at Schlagle. She has coached the school's forensics squad for the past 19 years and helped 24 students become state champions.
"I learned many years ago that students will respond well if they believe that I truly care about them and have their best interest at heart," McCabe said. "Therefore, I've worked very diligently to create a caring environment where true concern prevails."
Regional finalists for the award will be announced in September and the Kansas Teacher of the Year will be named in November.
– March 27, 2008 Staff Notebook
Tonya Wahl Named Educator of the Year in Arts and Disabilities
Music Therapist
Tonya Wahl
Tonya Wahl, music therapist with the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative, has been named 2007 Kansas Educator of the Year in Arts and Disabilities by Accessible Arts, Inc. (AAI) and the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBE).
"I am very honored to be receiving this award," said Wahl, who has been working as a music therapist for five years. "I've looked back at the names of individuals who have received this award in the past, and I don't feel worthy to be placed in the same category as them. This is really special."
She received the award at a special ceremony during the KSBE meeting on March 12 at the Kansas State School for the Blind.
AAI and KSBE established the Kansas Educator of the Year in Arts and Disabilities in 1983 to recognize the valuable work of Kansas artists and educators who include children with disabilities in art experiences.
As a music therapist, Wahl uses music interventions as a bridge, rather than as a "stand-alone" subject, to address academic, social/emotional, communication and physical needs of students. The students with whom she works have a wide range of special needs such as cognitive delays, Autism, Down Syndrome, hearing impairments, etc.
She often collaborates with teachers and other therapists in order to provide the best service possible for her students. For example, she may work with a student who is learning money skills or personal information. For the student, she will create a personalized song to help him/her learn these skills. Learning social skills is a need for many of her students, especially students with autism. Therefore, she often uses music as an informational carrier to help them learn appropriate social skills with other peers.
"Music can embrace many needs of a student, if music is that student's motivator," she said. "Music therapy is a non-threatening medium to work on academic goals and objectives."
Wahl's interest in the field of music therapy was piqued during her high school years. Always active in music, she was required during her junior year to study and research professions that she might be interested in for her future.
"That's when I discovered music therapy," she said. "It was a way to use music as a tool to help other people. I knew right then and there that that's what I wanted to do."
Wahl earned her music education degree from the University of Central Missouri, and her masters of music education with a focus on music therapy, from the University of Kansas. She went to work for the Cooperative after college.
The Educator of the Year is selected by a committee from nominations by peers. One of Wahl's peers wrote of her, "She has the unique ability to use music therapy as an effective tool when working with children with autism. With her music, she can communicate with children on a level where words are not effective."
– March 13, 2008 Staff Notebook
... to the TIS Department for their continued management of SPAM e-mails. When the district's SPAM filter went down last week, it let in scores of unwanted e-mails to all employees' inboxes. It opened employees' eyes to just how many of these unwanted e-mails the TIS staff filters out each day. Thanks to the TIS staff for their expertise and for their dedication to the district's network!
– February 28, 2008 Staff Notebook
Missouri State Retires Jersey of Daryel Garrison
A special ceremony was held last week at Missouri State University for Kidzone Program Specialist Daryel Garrison. He became the fourth men's basketball player in Missouri State's history to have his uniform and number permanently retired. The ceremony took place during halftime of the Missouri State vs. Central Michigan University game on February 23.
Garrison is a 2007 inductee into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame and a 1986 selection for the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame. He was a four-year starter for the Bears, and his 1,975 point total has not been beaten even though his career was completed 12 years before the introduction of the three-point field goal.
Garrison played in 107 Missouri State games and only 21 people have since reached or exceeded that total. He still holds MSU career marks in 20-point games (46), double-figure games (97), field goals (830) and field goal attempts (1,755).
– February 28, 2008 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to February Employees of the Month Shannon Sundberg and Sarah Gerber, kindergarten teachers at Stony Point South Elementary School, and Javier Ruiz, night custodian at McKinley Elementary School. [see photo below]
Sundberg and Gerber received the recognition for "going above and beyond to teach and build one-on-one relationships with every child in their class," the nomination stated. "They have a way of connecting with every student as well as being able to teach in a way that allows every student to catch on." They were nominated by the parent of a former student.
Ruiz is respected by colleagues and students alike. He is a "dependable, conscientious worker," his nomination stated. Speaking both English and Spanish, he has been asked on occasion to be a translator, and he willingly steps in to help staff communicate with parents or students. He is appreciative of his job and it shows through his dedication to McKinley.
Each of these staff members is a true asset to the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
– February 28, 2008 Staff Notebook
At their meeting on Tuesday, February 26, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized (l-r) Shannon Sundberg, kindergarten teacher at Stony Point South Elementary School, Javier Ruiz, custodian at McKinley Elementary School, and Sarah Gerber, kindergarten teacher at Stony Point South Elementary School as Employees of the Month for February, 2008.
– February 26, 2008 Email to Media
...to staff members Carol Normandin, Freda Ogburn, Alan King and Ryan Most, and to Board of Education member George Breidenthal, who recently took part in Courageous Conversations. Courageous Conversations is a program that brings together KCKPS administrators and staff to converse about poverty, racism and their potential negative impact on academic achievement as it relates to all students, particularly the ESL population and students of color. The conversations are drawn from a book titled, "Courageous Conversations About Race: A Strategy for Achieving Equity in Schools," by Glen Singleton, along with videos and other articles.
There is space available for other staff who want to join in the "conversations." Contact Addye Hawkins for more information, (913) 627-2407, adhawki@kckps.org.
– February 21, 2008 Staff Notebook
Recognized two staff members who recently earned their doctorates: Michelle Colvin, special education coordinator, and Ramona Stowe, principal at Emerson Elementary School. Colvin's Ph.D. is in school psychology from the University of Kansas. Her dissertation was titled, "Effects of Three Conditions of Intervention in Improving Early Reading Proficiency." Stowe's Ph.D. is in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on ESL, from Kansas State University. Her disssertation was titled, "The Home Literacy Environment of Low-Income, Urban, Mexican-American Kindergarten Students."
– February 14, 2008 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to members of the Maintenance Shop who were recognized as "Employees of the Month" for January.
This group of employees, which includes electricians, pipe fitters, carpenters, labor crew members and more, provided unending assistance during the Central Office staff's relocation to and from the Education Center, and throughout their moves between floors in the building.
"They always had a smile and were willing to go the extra mile for us ..." the nomination stated. "They cheerfully helped us in every way possible to make the transition as smooth as it could be ... They are, without a doubt, a hardworking and dedicated group ..."
– January 24, 2008 Staff Notebook
At their meeting on Tuesday, January 22, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized the Maintenance Shop Staff as January 2008 Employees of the Month. Shop staff were nominated for this award by members of the Central Office Staff who appreciated so much their help and care during the renovation of the central office building. The nomination read, in part, "We would like to recognize and nominate for Employee of the Month (and the year, and probably even the century), the labor crew, electricians, pipe fitters, carpenters, and entire maintenance shop team ... They helped us in every way possible to make the transition as smooth as it could be. They are without a doubt a hardworking and dedicated group of men [and women] and we appreciate them very much!" They were awarded a trophy, which will be housed at the maintenance shop. Each shop staff member received a certificate of appreciation.
Pictured are members of the maintenance shop staff that attended the board of education meeting.
Front row: Secretaries Re'Nae Gilliard and Malinda Threadgill; Ira Lourie, director of physical properties and Joe Herbin, coordinator of buildings and grounds.
Second row: John Faniuk, plumber; Richard Porras, carpenter foreman; Larry McAdams, brickmason foreman; Mike Johnson, roofer and sheetmetal helper; Pete Sosa, electrician; Jack Gandy, laborer; Michael Pierce, carpenter.
Third row: A.J. DeVriese, brickmason; John Pflumm, plumber; Steve McGill, general mechanic; Mark Scaletty, sheet metal foreman; Joseph Lillich, carpenter; Robert Pendleton, carpenter.
Fourth row: Joe Mann, carpenter; Johnny Lasley, truck driver; Keith Woolridge, plumber foreman; Gary Stauch, roofer foreman; Bervin Byers, Jr., plumber; Gary Marx, Jr., laborer foreman; John McClain, mechanic.
Fifth row: Carl Scammahorn, carpenter; Michael Battles, painter foreman; Don Morgan, truck driver
Not pictured, but receiving awards are: secretaries Nicole Skinner and Rosemary Marsh, Bessie VanRoss, payroll, James Michael Dodd, auto mechanic; Daniel Felich, custodian; Jeffrey Fisher, carpenter; Bradley Hoffman, John Kraft, Steven Roecker, and Joseph Bonomo, electricians; Jerry Belk, John Brooks, Jr., Kenneth Clayborn, Kevin Hamm, Kenneth Karnosky, Steve Griggs, Tim Gaines, David Watts and Curtis Stevenson, laborers; Stanley Freeman, grounds department foreman; Darrin Boehm, Arthur Carvin, Daniel Charles and William Michael Weaver, grounds crew; Michael Reynolds, painter foreman, Kevin O'Malley, Thomas Solombrino, Kenneth Williams, and Frank McKay, painters; Randy George, pipefitter foreman; John Feeback, Terry Scott, Timothy Jensen, and Steve Knight, pipefitters; John Silvey, cement/laborer; Patrick Santoyo, truck driver, and Bill Duncan, preventive maintenance technician.
– January 22, 2008 Email to Media
The Communications Office has received two awards in the 2006-2007 publications contest sponsored by the Kansas Association of School Boards and Kansas School Public Relations Association (KanSPRA).
The department received an Award of Excellence (the top award) in the School Calendar division for the 2007-2008 Reasons to Believe calendar, and an Award of Merit in the Web Site division for the district's website.
The annual contest provides recognition and feedback for outstanding communications programs in Kansas schools, but also serves as a model for what schools should be doing to effectively communicate with their publics.
– January 10, 2008 Staff Notebook
... Forest Stewart and Tom Parle are instrument repair technicians in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools' (KCKPS) instrument repair shop located at the Integrated Arts and Resource Center (IARC). Their job is to repair and restore all district band and string instruments, which is no small feat. KCKPS is one of the only school districts in the state that provides instruments to students, according to Jean Ney, coordinator of fine arts and physical education. She estimates that 99 percent of the instruments used by KCKPS students in band and orchestra are district provided.
Link to the rest of the story ... All in a Day's Work: Repairing Instruments is Their Trade, Sweet Music is Their Reward
– January 9, 2008 News Release
Shelia Blume, librarian at F.L. Schlagle High School, has received the 2007 Champion of Opportunity Award from the University of Kansas.
The award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the KU Educational Opportunity Programs, demonstrated significant commitment to the mission of equal educational opportunity, and more.
– December 20, 2007 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to December Employees of the Month: Merry Meli [right], secretary at White Church Elementary School, and Katherine Balmer [left], instructional coach at John Fiske Elementary School.
Bruce Haber, principal at White Church, said Meli "has been such a huge support in my transition at White Church this year. When ideas are thrown at her, she is always right there with a 'Let's try it and see what happens' or a hesitant 'You may want to rethink that, because ....'" She greets all parents, students and staff with a smile every day.
In her nomination, Balmer is described as an "awesome" instructional coach for whom the entire staff at John Fiske is thankful. The first week of the school went very smoothly because of her. She is always in the halls greeting all the students. She is making her way around to all the classrooms to do read-alouds, and afterward she always donates to the class the book she read. She is always helping or asking if anyone needs help with anything. She is appreciated by both staff and students.
– December 20, 2007 Staff Notebook
to the following staff members for their recent fund raising efforts for breast cancer awareness.
Andrea Luchen, of John Fiske Elementary School, coordinated a fundraiser by having staff members preorder pink carnations for a secret Santa delivery. The carnations will be delivered on a designated day and everyone will wear pink. HyVee was willing to sell the carnations for a discounted price. Money raised is being donated to the American Cancer Society to be used to help low income women get reduced fee or free mammograms.
Sharon Rodina, of F.L. Schlagle High School, promoted Breast Cancer Awareness Month and collected donations. All funds were contributed to a young woman Rodina met who, each year, completes 12 of the three-day 60-mile walks to support breast cancer. For each walk, participants are asked to raise $2400. This is both a physical and emotional challenge. Rodina put together a variety of activities to work to raise money through the staff, so she could make a donation in support of her friend's efforts. In the end, staff contributed $600 to fight breast cancer.
Throughout the district, a number of employees participated in the Lee National Denim Day for breast cancer awareness.
– December 6, 2007 Staff Notebook
to the staff at Hazel Grove Elementary School for their dedication and hard work at the site of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition earlier this month. All staff at the school were involved in the home building project for the Gilyeat family, three of whom attend Hazel Grove. The staff took it upon themselves to sign up for the volunteer team and performed every duty assigned including picking up trash, serving food, and working in the VIP tent. Principal Sue Elliott said the staff typically worked full days at the school and then spent their evenings at the site.
– November 29, 2007 Staff Notebook
Charlene Littlefield, ESL school facilitator, has received an honorable mention in the USA TODAY's 2007 All-USA Teacher Team program. The All-USA Teacher Team was started in 1998 to recognize outstanding teachers across the country. Out of a national pool, judges selected 20 teachers for the 2007 Team, as well as 14 honorable mentions.
– November 29, 2007 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to November Employees of the Month: Gerri Skaggs [left], administrative assistant at the Central Office, and Karlean Kramer [right], family and consumer science teacher at Central Middle School. These staff members were recognized by the Board of Education at its Tuesday, Nov. 27 meeting.
Skaggs has been with the district for 14 years, and currently serves as the administrative assistant in the Communications Office. Each year she oversees the district's United Way Campaign and goes out of her way to try to increase giving districtwide because she knows it helps so many in the community. She also is responsible for the annual Employee Retirement Banquet. The way she puts her heart and soul into the event — and every other project — is what sets her apart from others. Her dedication to the employees and families of the district is without end. She's the first one to volunteer to help when service projects come along — like helping families in need after disasters or during the holidays.
Kramer goes the extra mile to help students grasp important life skills in her classes. They have learned culinary skills and received feedback for their efforts at bake sales held during the school day and during Family Advocacy days. She also has had a major impact this year in supporting the staff and students in reaching Central's school improvement goals in reading and math. She designed a computerized program that assists in assigning students to classes for each grade level based on the recommendations made by teachers. The school's first pullout day was a tremendous success. Teachers were able to provide their students with more instruction and practice on the benchmarks/indicators, and many students passed their benchmarks.
– November 29, 2007 Staff Notebook
At their meeting at Claude Huyck Elementary School on Tuesday, November 13, members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized Claude Huyck, Douglass and Stony Point North elementary schools, and Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences, for achieving the standard of excellence on the 2006-07 Kansas State Assessments.
– November 15, 2007 Staff Notebook & email to media
At their meeting at Claude Huyck Elementary School on Tuesday, November 13, members of the Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized Sumner Academy of Arts and Science and Douglass Elementary School as recipients of the 2007 Challenge Awards. The Challenge Awards are designed to recognize Kansas schools that are making a significant difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in school population.
– November 15, 2007 Staff Notebook
At their meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at Claude Huyck Elementary School, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored Jamelle McConnell-Brown as the recipient of a 2007 Milken Family Foundtion National Educator Award. By honoring outstanding educators, the Milken Foundation strives to attract, develop, motivate and retain talented people to the challenge and adventure of teaching. Representatives of the Milken Foundation, officials from the Kansas State Department of Education, Governor Kathleen Sebelius, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education, and administrators from the Kansas City, Kansas Public schools were at the all-school assembly at Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, October 30 to surprise Brown with the award.
– November 15, 2007 email to media
The Kansas City Kansas Public Schools' First Quarter Custodian Awards were presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, November 14 at Eisenhower Middle School. Custodial staffs are nominated for their dedication, efficiency, and overall presentation of their buildings. The nominees are then reviewed for operations' procedures and adherence to BOE custodian manual / employee guidelines.
For the first quarter of 2007-08 school year, award winners were Claude Huyck Elementary School, Central Middle School, Washington High School, and the Education Center administrative offices and early childhood center.
Claude Huyck: (l-r) Nicole Skinner secretary to the coordinator of buildings and grounds, Ira Lourie, director of physical properties, Vicki Smothers, principal, Gary Cowan, head custodian, and Joe Herbin, coordinator of buildings and grounds. Not pictured: Shelly Arnote, custodian.
Central Middle photo: (l-r): Nicole Skinner, secretary to the coordinator of buildings and grounds, John Rock, head custodian, Ira Lourie, director of physical properties, Kristen Ludwig, principal, Francene Ackors-Lopez, Brenda Aquino, Joe Herbin, director of buildings and grounds, Gene Brown and Brian Seaver.
Washington photo: Back (r-l): Rotier Daniels, assistant principal, Dennis O'Neal, head custodian, Clayton Young, Carla Alexander, Terry Hunter, Jack Bond. Front (r-l): Ira Lourie, director of physical properties, Steve Peirsol, Wanda Shannon, Alvin Cox, and Joe Herbin, coordinator of buildings and grounds. Not pictured Kelly Adam.
Education Center photo: (l-r) Nicole Skinner, secretary to the coordinator of buildings and grounds, Ira Lourie, director of physical properties, David Tatum, head custodian, Dr. Kelli Mather, executive director for student, family and community services, Hector Cabrera, Joe Herbin, coordinator of buildings and grounds, and Bobbie Carmack. Not pictured: Dan Skahan.
– November 15, 2007 email to media
More staff members are joining in on monthly "courageous conversations" regarding poverty, race, racism and their potential negative impact on student achievement as it relates to all students, particularly, our ESL population, and our students of color. (Several were recognized in last week's edition of Staff Notebook.)
Give these staff members a hand for their commitment and hard work: James McNeal, Eva Tucker Nevels, Mary Stewart, Hafeeza Majeed, Mary Ann Petrich, Virginia Anderson, Greg Netzer, Angela Brockman, Lisa Perry, Kristi Berlin, Gloria Willis, Karuna Yeada and Eddie Wright.
– November 8, 2007 Staff Notebook
to all the staff members who have made a commitment to engage in monthly "courageous conversations" regarding poverty, race, racism and their potential negative impact on student achievement as it relates to all students, particularly, our ESL population, and our students of color. Glen Singleton has written a book called "Courageous Conversations About Race," the conversations are drawn from it along with videos and articles.
Staff members include: Laurie Boyd, Cathy Daly, Cecil Christwell, Susan Englemann, Rebecca Estes, Josie Herrera, Patricia Hodison, Connie Horner, Ileana Farney, John Burton, Jarius Jones, Karlean Kramer, Kelli Mather, James Estes, Sabina Hacker, Norman Sedillo, Susan Hodges, Konya Tyler, Javier Fox, Jayson Strickland, Marcy Clay and Tyrone Seymour.
There are slots available if others are interested. Call Addye Hawkins, (913) 627-2407, adhawki@kckps.org.
– November 1, 2007 Staff Notebook
As a speech/forensics teacher, Jamelle McConnell-Brown rarely finds herself at a loss for words. But at a school assembly on Tuesday, Oct. 30, she was utterly speechless.
During the program, she was named a 2007 recipient of the $25,000 Milken National Educator Award.
"I was completely in shock and just so overcome with emotion," said the four-year teacher at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science.
Recognizing teachers and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education is the goal of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program. By honoring outstanding educators, the program strives to attract, develop, motivate and retain talented people to the challenge and adventure of teaching.
Representatives of the Milken Foundation teamed up with officials from the Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, members of the KCK Board of Education and administrators from the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) to surprise McConnell-Brown with the award. When her name was announced, she received immense applause and students began to chant, "Ms. Brown, Ms. Brown, Ms. Brown, Ms. Brown."
This is McConnell-Brown's eighth year as a KCKPS teacher. Teaching has been her passion since she was a young girl.
"While all the other kids were out riding their bikes, I was playing school," she said.
Because her mother was a teacher, McConnell-Brown spent a good deal of time around educators and schools while she was growing up, and she fondly remembers helping her mother prepare her classroom before the start of a new school year.
She said her favorite part about teaching is watching her students excel.
"As a teacher, I strongly believe that all students can learn and that all students have unique gifts that are waiting to be challenged and developed," McConnell-Brown said. "It is my job to help students develop their strengths and gifts. It gives me great joy, pleasure and excitement to see my students succeed."
Unlike other national educator awards, the Milken National Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Instead, educators are recommended by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education.
Candidates are selected on the basis of the following criteria:
- Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
- Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
- Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership;
- Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
As a Milken Award recipient, McConnell-Brown joins the Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,300 distinguished educators. She will receive her $25,000 award check at the annual Milken National Education Conference this spring in Los Angeles, Calif.
– November 1, 2007 Staff Notebook
Two staff members from the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools were honored last week as members of the 2007 class of the Top 30 Under 30. They are: Zaneta Jordon, fourth-grade teacher at Caruthers Elementary School; and Jeremiah Furlow, band director at Wyandotte High School.
The program, which is sponsored by the K.A.O.S. Groupe, is dedicated to recognizing talented minority professionals in the area.
– October 25, 2007 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to October Employees of the Month, Elaine Harris [right], Nutritional Services computer technician at Argentine Middle School, and John Scanlan [left], math teacher at the Fairfax Campus. These staff members were recognized by the Board of Education at their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 23.
Harris is described as "the driving force" that pulls the district lunch application process together. She goes above and beyond to meet deadlines. She is always cheerful and kind, and treats everyone's issues as if they are the most important. She is proficient, professional and committed to the KCK Public Schools.
Scanlan has been at Fairfax Campus since its inception and has proven to be committed to creating a great place for students to learn and for teachers to facilitate learning. He is a math teacher who motivates and engages his students. He also takes on a number of extra responsibilities.
– October 25, 2007 Staff Notebook
to Early Childhood staff members in the district. The recent unexpected passing of Kay Watson, a staff member at Lowell/Lamb Early Childhood Center, brought together the entire Early Childhood Program. Staff members Peggy Wiens, Kerri Schreiber and Sarah Plese from the Education Center Preschool, Michele Garrett from Frances Willard, Manisha Patel, Travis Morlang, Layla Houser, LeeAnn Duncan, Brenda Temaat, Heidi Ford and Heather Turi from Morse/Lamb Early Childhood Center, volunteered to cover classes at Lowell so that all staff members were able to attend the funeral services. A special thanks to all who helped out during this difficult time!
– October 4, 2007 Staff Notebook
Thanks to the 70 staff members who have volunteered their time to serve as coordinators of their building or department's United Way Campaign this year. These coordinators use their own personal time (and often their own financial resources) to plan and coordinate events to get staff and students excited about giving. The program would not be possible without them!
– October 4, 2007 Staff Notebook
Congratulations to September Employees of the Month Louie Gonzales [right], teacher at J.C. Harmon High School, and John Cavendar [left], head day custodian at the Area Technical School.
- Gonzales is in his second year of teaching, coming from the Teaching Fellows program. He has an excellent rapport with his students and makes his classroom fun and exciting. He has created a notebook that includes every benchmark for all levels of high school and has copied and shared it with every employee.
- Cavendar went above and beyond to help employees transform the ATS child care facility into three classrooms this past summer: one kindergarten to absorb the overflow from Frances Willard Elementary School and two pre-K classrooms. He always had a warm smile. He took great pride in assisting in the transformation and was always just a phone call away for supplies that were needed.
– September 27, 2007 Staff Notebook
to Justin Cervantes, custodian at the Frances Willard Early Childhood Center. He came to Frances Willard to help the staff in their transition to support two preschools and one full-day kindergarten class. The nomination said, "Justin works tirelessly to ensure that students have a positive, clean and safe environment to learn and grow ... He never waits to be asked to do something — if he sees a problem, he gets it fixed or finds the resources to help get the job done."
– September 13, 2007 Staff Notebook
