Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools | Our Mission ... Inspiring Excellence: Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day!
Student Recognition
The Student Recognition Program is designed to recognize students for their exemplary academic efforts, community service, citizenship, athletics, volunteer service, etc. If students are nominated for a reason besides academics, they should have demonstrated at least average academic effort, good school attendance and good discipline.
Each month during the school year, an elementary, middle and high school student will be recognized at a meeting of the Board of Education. Nominations may be made by students, teachers and school-based administrators.
To nominate a student, please complete the nomination form .pdf, [interactive! Requires Adobe Reader 8. Fill out and click on the Submit Form button. The form will be emailed to the Communications office and we will submit it for consensus to your school principal.] Hard copies should be submitted to your principal and then forwarded to the Communications office.
Thanks to Susan Enloe for the pictures and emails to media.
Not only are the "students of the month" listed below, but also other events from our district and community newsletters.
For a quick link to a specific month, please select the month you wish to view.
KCKPS and the KCK Foundation for Excellence Announce Community Partnership
Scholarships donated by community partners through the Kansas City, Kansas Foundation for Excellence were awarded at the Tuesday, May 11 meeting of the Board of Education. Community partners are McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips, P.A., Virginia E. Shinkle, Johnson County Community College Sunflower, the Bill Self Assist Foundation, Providence - St. John's Hospital, and Dr. Jill Shackelford.
Students applying for any of these scholarships must have been accepted to an accredited college, university, or technical school for the 2010 fall semester, and submit the scholarship application accompanied by high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores and two letters of recommendation. Students must also have at least 90 percent attendance during their senior year.
Reasons to Believe (McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips)
The Reasons to Believe scholarships, sponsored by McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips, P.A., were established to honor graduates of the school district for their achievements and inspiration to today's students. The scholarships, will be paid directly to the post-secondary institution, and is to be applied only to the cost of tuition, books and fees.
Recipients are:
- Reasons to Believe - $1000 (Funding by McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips)
- Janiece M. Walker - F.L. Schlagle High School
- Cynthia A Marcilla - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Reasons to Believe Memorial - $500 (Funding by McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips)
- Erika Y. Hernandez - Wyandotte High School
Virginia E. Shinkle - $2000 (4 year)
The Virginia E. Shinkle Scholarship is paid to the college of the student’s choice. Payments of $500.00 are made at the beginning of each of the first four semesters that the student is enrolled in college. To be eligible for this award, seniors must graduate in good academic standing, take at least one Family and Consumer Science (FACS) course, and plan to major in a FACS related area at a college or technical school of their choice.
Recipients are:
- Abigail M. Bennett - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Ryan D. Allen - F.L. Schlagle High School
- Robert K. Miller - Washington High School
- Alexandra N. Bradley - Washington High School
Johnson County Community College Sunflower - $2400 (2 year)
Sunflower Johnson County Community College Scholarship is awarded to two high school seniors, in the amount of $750.00 per semester, with the opportunity to earn more funding to JCCC throughout the year. To be eligible for this award, students must be a first generation college student, demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylee or meet HB2145 requirements, and must be entering as a first time college student.
Recipients are:
- Cynthia L. Pizarro - J.C. Harmon High School
- Andrea Q. Woodson - Wyandotte High School
- Abdullahi A. Omar - J.C. Harmon High School
- Darius J. Hill-Batts - Fairfax Campus
Bill Self Assist Foundation (4 year)
Funded by the Bill Self Assist Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to four Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools graduating students. Requirements include extra-curricular and/or community service activities, demonstration of their education and career goals in an essay, and at least two letters of recommendation. The scholarship will be paid to the college of their choice in the amount of $2500.00 per semester.
Recipients are:
- Pamela Williams - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Luis Aparicio - Wyandotte High School
- Laura Castro - Wyandotte High School
- Dyman Johnson - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
Providence-St. John's Hospital Scholarships
Providence - St. John's Hospital awards five scholarships each year for tuition, books and fees that will be paid for continuous enrollment until $1000 is awarded. Seniors eligible for the scholarship will need to be accepted in the medical fields. Academic, club, community, and athletic involvement as well as awards and honors in high school are all considered in evaluating scholarship applications.
Recipients are:
- Racquel Kimbrough - F.L. Schlagle High School
- Cierra Bailey - F.L. Schlagle High School
- Jessica Rodas - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- J'Quaysha Tucker - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Darius Johnson - J.C. Harmon High School
Dr. Jill Shackelford Teacher Scholarship - $500
The Dr. Jill Shackelford Teacher Scholarship is awarded to a KCKPS graduating senior who plans to major in education.
Recipient is:
- Tayler Anderson - J.C. Harmon High School
Photo 1:
Front Row (l-r): Darius Hill-Batts, Erika Hernandez, Janiece Walker
Second Row (l-r): Alexandra Bradley, Robert Miller, Ryan Allen, Abigail Bennett
Back Row (l-r): Abdullahi Omar, Andrea Woodson, Cynthia Pizarro
Photo 2:
Front Row (l-r): Dyman Johnson, Laura Castro, Luis Aparicio, Pamela Williams
Second Row (l-r): Jessica Rodas, Cierra Bailey, Racquel Kimbrough
Back Row (l-r): Tayler Anderson, Darius Johnson, J'Quaysha Tucker
– May 14, 2010 Email to Media
KCK Foundation for Excellence announces scholarship recipients
Front Row (l-r): Brianna C. Nelson, Natashia N. Banks, Erick C. Ramos
Second Row (l-r): Shanaye L. Dillard, Tylisha M. James, Brett L. Burgess, Armita Hosseinzadeh-Seisan
Back Row (l-r): Jimmy A. Kennedy, Joseph D. Dixon, Monique L. Lane, Michael A. Harris II
Not Pictured: Milvi S. Saarna
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board or Education recognized the recipients of scholarships awarded by the Kansas City, Kansas School Foundation for Excellence at their meeting on Tuesday, May 11.
Shelley Coulter, Foundation Specialist, awarded twelve $3,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic success and the determination to continue their education post high school.
Students applying for this scholarship must have been accepted to an accredited college, university, or technical school for the 2010 fall semester, and submit the scholarship application accompanied by high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, information about school activities and community involvement, and two letters of recommendation. Students must also have at least 90 percent attendance during their senior year.
A 500 word essay on the topic "How have the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools prepared you for your future goals?", and an essay on one of the following topics are required:
- How will your study of ____ contribute to your immediate or long range career plans?
- Explain the importance of (your major) in today’s society
- What do you think the industry of your major will be like in the next 10 years?
- What are the most important issues your field is facing today?
- When you graduate from college, are your plans to come back to your community?
- What are your plans for giving back to the community?
2010 Scholarship Recipients are:
- Erick C. Ramos - Wyandotte High School
- Milvi S. Saarna - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Natashia N. Banks - Washington High School
- Brianna C. Nelson - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Armita Hosseinzadeh-Seisan - Wyandotte High School
- Brett L. Burgess - Washington High School
- Tylisha M. James - Washington High School
- Shanaye L. Dillard - J.C. Harmon High School
- Michael A. Harris II - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Monique L. Lane - Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
- Joseph D. Dixon - Sumner Academy or Arts and Science
- Jimmy A. Kennedy - Wyandotte High School
– May 14, 2010 Email to Media
Promise of Possibilities Scholarship recipients
Front: Jessica Rodas
Second Row: Mario Torres, Natalie Smith, Takira Carter
Back Row: Ryan Allen, Tylisha James, Abdulli Omar
The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized the graduating seniors who have been selected to receive the Promise of Possibilities (POP) Scholarships at their meeting on Tuesday, May 11.
The POP scholarship is funded through revenue generated through soft drink machine sales. Ten scholarships are awarded, two for each of the five comprehensive high schools. Each scholarship awarded is in the amount of $1000 to be paid directly to the college or university. Students submitted an application which included verification of acceptance into the college or university, 2.5 cumulative grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation and a summary of personal background to include school and community activities.
Recipients of the 2010 Promise of Possibilities scholarships are Abdulli Omar and Takirah Carter from J.C. Harmon High School; Ryan Allen and Natalie Smith from F.L. Schlagle High School; Irvin Umana and Jessica Rodas from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science; Darrell Walker and Tylisha James from Washington High School; and Mario Torres and Flor Valenzuela from Wyandotte High School.
– May 13, 2010 Email to Media
Wyandotte High School students receive scholarships
Pictured are Armita Hasseinzedah-Seisan, Luis Aparicio, and Trinity Hall.
Five Wyandotte High School graduating seniors were presented to the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education on Tuesday, May 11.
Four students, Amita Hasseinzedh-Seisan, Jorge Flores, Carla Cantaualla, and Luis Aparicio, have been selected as Winchell Children College Scholarship Recipients. The scholarship fund was established in 2006 by Mrs. Rose Winchell Hoeper in honor of herself and her three siblings, all graduates of Wyandotte High School. The fund is managed by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
One of the goals established by Mrs. Hoeper is to provide scholarships for students from Wyandotte High School who may not qualify for scholarships based specifically on academics. Her wish is that motivated students be given the opportunity to attend college regardless of GPA. Students submitted an application which included an essay explaining how this particular scholarship would help them attain their future goals. The scholarships are in the amount of $1000.00 each, and will be paid directly to the school of their choice.
The fifth Wyandotte scholarship recipient presented to the board was Trinity Hall. Hall has been awarded a $150,000 basketball scholarship to the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC).
– May 13, 2010 Email to Media
J.C. Harmon scholarship recipients recognized
Sylvia Parra, principal at J.C. Harmon High School presented two outstanding graduating senior students to the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education at their meeting on Tuesday evening.
Darius Johnson was admitted to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis — the first student in recent history to have been admitted. Johnson is a straight "A" student.
Michelle Diemer has received the Horatio Alger scholarship for $20,000 for students who have continued to achieve at high levels and have overcome great adversity. She will be attending UMKC in the fall, majoring in Business. Michelle was featured on Fox 4's Phil Witt's Reaching for Excellence for her achievements.
– May 13, 2010 Email to Media
Bowling Team Honored
The Washington High School boys bowling team was recognized by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education on Tuesday evening, May 11. The team brought home the first place tropy at the Kansas State Bowling Tournament. Pictured are (back row l-r) Coaches Dennis Bobbitt and Sharon Peters; (2nd row l-r) Seniors Jimmy Carter, Cody Nichols, and Junior Blackie Enloe; (front row l-r) Sophomores Greg Fears and Michael Allen.
– May 13, 2010 Email to Media
Students of the Month
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized Cristian Ragoytia (front), preschool student at the Kansas City, Kansas Early Childhood Center, (back l-r) Karolyn Miller, senior at Wyandotte High School, Cameron Long, 8th grader at Coronado Middle School, and Amalia Murguia, 5th grade student at Emerson Elementary School as Students of the Month for May, 2010.
Cristian Ragoytia was nominated by his teacher Melissa Keuchel. In her nomination letter, Keuchel said that although Cristian began in August with out letter or shape identification skills, he has made tremendous gains. In addition, she wrote, "Cristian's love for numbers absolutely astounds me. He is able to ... count in the 1000's. It is priceless to see the excitement on his face and hear him yell 'Yea!' as he accomplishes a new task!"
Keuchel attributes Cristian's love and excitement for learning to his mother, Rosa Ragoytia. She is a student in the On-Track Family Literacy Program, also at the preschool site. His mother is working on her English language skills. "Cristian," said Keuchel "is fortunate to have his mom attend school, on site, with him. What a powerful example Rosa is setting for Cristian and her three older sons!"
Fifth grade teacher Annette Bright nominated Amalia Murguia for Student of the Month. A student in the Gifted program and the Elementary Strings program, Amalia is president of the Emerson Student Council. Bright wrote that Amalia is a responsible leader, who consistently scores high on tests and class projects.
"Amalia shows compassion for others and helped organize the food drive during the Thanksgiving season for needy families through the Student Council," said Bright. "I feel that Amalia is an example of the best of the best in District 500 Schools."
The 8th grade teaching team at Coronado Middle School nominated Cameron Long for Student of the Month. Representing the team, teacher Sharon Cress wrote, "Cameron is a leader in every sense ... is the president of our student council. It is in this role that Cameron's leadership and maturity have been evident. When he notices problems with the student body, he shows great initiative and takes it upon himself to come to the staff and administration with suggestions on how to improve the situation."
Speaking in behalf of the school staff, Principal Jewell Ragsdale praised Cameron for both his academic and civic accomplishments, saying that he is respected and admired by both students and staff at Coronado Middle School.
Nominated by Instructional Coach Brian Dolezal, Karolyn Miller is the lead of one of the college course study groups at Wyandotte High School. She has taken charge of that group, creating agendas, encourages group members, and delegates roles in the study group for assignments. She has helped other students with "career crusing". As manager for the football, boys basketball, and track teams, every coach is grateful for her presence, wrote Dolezal. "After the first couple of days of the season, they rarely have to direct Karolyn because she already has the routine down and completed. She is reliable and trustworthy."
Karolyn intends to attend Missouri State University in the fall, then return to Kansas City, Kansas and apply for the Kansas City, Kansas Police Academy.
"If we could sum her up in words," said Dolezal, "solid, consistent, happy, resilient, tenacious, dependable, and someone who has found herself."
– May 12, 2010 Email to Media
Congratulations to the Sumner Academy Forensics Team!
The Sumner Academy Forensics Team competed this past weekend in the Kansas State High School Activities Association's (KSHSAA) State Forensics 4A Championship Tournament in Topeka, KS at Washburn Rural High School. The 4A state championship tournament consisted of 52 high schools from across the state with 512 total entries.
Overall, Sumner Academy finished 2nd in the tournament! Individual awards were earned by:
- Senior, Robert Coppage, 1st Place (State Champion), Poetry Interpretation
- Sophomore, Shaleena Williamson, 7th Place Poetry
- Junior, Jazmyne Preston, 1st Place (State Champion), Serious Solo Acting
- Senior, Marcus Banks, 2nd Place, Serious Solo Acting
- Junior, Jazmyne Preston, 1st Place (State Champion), Prose Interpretation (Preston was the defending State Champion)
- Freshman, Deonte Minor, 2nd Place, Prose Interpretation
- Junior, Meagan Howard, 7th Place, Prose Interpretation
- Seniors, Marcus Banks and Robert Coppage, 2nd Place Duet Acting
- Senior, Khrystal Johnson, 3rd Place, Humorous Solo Acting
- Seniors, Rachel Marshall and Caleb Sisk. 3rd Place, Improvised Duet Acting
Sumner's Forensics students also competed in the State Speech and Drama Festival at KCKCC, May 1. Sophomore, Vincente Perez and freshman, Nancy Carrillo received a 1st Division Rating!
The team is now gearing up for the Catholic Forensics League (CFL) Grand National Tournament, May 28-31 in Omaha, NE and the National Forensics League (NFL) National Tournament, June 13-18, in Kansas City, MO!
– May 3, 2010 News Release
Students of the Month
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized Yaminah Chapell, Rachel Allen and Geidy Contreras-Kelly as April 2010 Students of the Month at their Tuesday, April 14 meeting.
Geidy Contreras-Kelly, a fifth grade student at John Fiske Elementary School, was presented to the Board by her teacher Brandi Napier. "Geidy has an inquisitive mind and soaks up knowledge ... I am not, however, nominating her for her academics. I am nominating her for her compassion and spirit," wrote Napier in her nomination letter. Napier cited two instances where Geidy lead initiatives to collect money for those less fortunate. She, herself, collected over $60 as her contribution to the school's United Way campaign. When the student council sponsored a donation drive for the American Red Cross earthquake relief effort in Haiti, Geidy, along with another friend went door to door to businesses and homes in their neighborhood asking for donations. They collected $107.31. "A sign of compassion like this cannot go unrecognized. Geidy is by far the most compassionate child I have met at John Fiske," concluded Napier.
Teacher Kristy Poplau presented Central Middle School sixth grader Yaminah Chapell to the Board of Education. Yaminah, said Poplau in her nomination letter, "always works her hardest so that she can be her best and help the students around her to be their best. She has an excellent attitude and always thinks of how others feel. She is the first to help a student in need and the first to volunteer to help a teacher. She is a joy to work with everyday. I know that she will be very successful because the sky is the limit for her opportunities."
"Rachel Allen is an amazing young woman," said Lt. Col. Patrick McCormack when he introduced her to the Board of Education. A senior at Washington High school, and a second year member of their Air Force Junior ROTC, Rachel was born with Cerebral Palsy. But, said McCormick, "she hasn't let her handicap interfere with her desire to try and experience all that school and life offers." In fact, she worked so hard to excel in her first year as a cadet, that she was awarded the Sojourner Medal for Outstanding Performance by a first year cadet, and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Rachel was also selected as one of 12 cadets to attend the Greater Kansas City Leadership School held at Central Missouri University and Whiteman Air Force Base, where her outstanding performance resulted in a promotion to the rank of Cadet Major and her selection as the Deputy Support Squadron Commander for the 230 cadet ROTC group. Cadet Major Allen is an honor roll student, ranked #10 in her class, and has been accepted to Kansas State University where she will major in either Biology or Computer Technology. An outstanding athlete, Allen competes in the Mid-American Games for the Disabled, where she earned seven gold medals at last year's games. She is also a member of the Washington Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Team. In conclusion, McCormack said that Allen "is an inspirational leader who represents the best of Washington High School, USD 500, and this community, and is well deserving of our praise and this recognition."
– April 15, 2010 Email to Media
Jocelyn Quiroz [left], Darrell Walker [center], and Tevin Newton [right] were recognized on Tuesday evening by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education as March 2010 Students of the Month
Joceyln Quiroz is a fourth grader at Quindaro Elementary school. She was nominated by her teacher Amy Long, who says that Jocelyn is "the definition of an all around exemplary student." Her math and reading skills are above grade level, in spite of a language barrier. When she was ill this year, she completed every assignment and even logged extra reading pages. She is thoughtful of her teachers and fellow students, often offering her assistance without being asked. In the conclusion of Long's nomination letter, she said of Quiroz, "When faced with an obstacle or struggle in life, Jocelyn takes it in stride and even assists others in handling it. Her caring and helpful spirit carry over into her home life as well. She has faced many challenges in her personal life that a girl of her young age should not have to deal with. Yet, most people who encounter her would never know what she is going through."
Tevin Newton is an eighth grade student at Eisenhower Middle School. Laura Butner, his art teacher and advocate described him as "a teacher's dream student" in her nomination letter. With a 4.0 grade point average, Tevin is very focused and determined to do his very best. He is in the advanced art class, and has had creative input in t he mural being planned for the entrance to the school. When presenting him, Butner told members of the Board of Education that Tevin is the kind of young man that she hopes that her son will grow up to be like.
Darrell Walker is a senior at Washington High School. He was nominated by Micheal Schmieding, teacher and advocate. Schmieding wrote of Walker, "Being respected by your peers as the most courteous and polite student they know is an attribute worth more than words. But best of all, those descriptors are used when mentioning his name — no soliciting necessary." Darrell is a leader, he interacts well with students and staff, and takes his classwork seriously. Schmieding concluded his presentation saying that while he's proud of Walker and will miss him greatly when he graduates and goes on to Fort Scott Community College next year, but he knows that the relationship that he and Walker have is one that will stand the test of time.
– March 9, 2010 Email to Media
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored three students as February 2010 Students of the Month at their meeting on Tuesday, February 9. Second grader Jordan Whytus from Stony Point South Elementary School, sixth grader Mistica Lopez from Rosedale Middle School, and 12th grader Justin Strickland from Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences were honored at the meeting, held at Stony Point South Elementary School.
Jordan Whytus was nominated by her teacher Nancy Jensen. Jensen said that she is very proud of how hard Jordan worked this year to achieve her goal of reading on grade level. She "is a great classmate, showing kindness to others. She follows school and classroom rules everywhere she goes in our building, making her a super citizen of Stony Point South!"
Teacher Julie Day nominated Mistica Lopez for her award. Day noted that Mistica "should be recognized for many reasons, including her academics, behavior, leadership and involvement in school and community." Day told the board about Mistica's spectacular efforts to raise money for the school collection for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. She made a donation box for placement at a local grocery store, saying that she wanted to take the school collection a step further and opening it up to the community. Her donation box raised $100. Mistica is involved in all areas and aspects of school. She's in student council, on the school newspaper and yearbook staff, plays the viola, and takes swimming lessons — all while maintaining straight A's in her classes.
"When you see Justin Strickland in the Sumner hallways, he stands out from the others," wrote Lori Mason, the Sumner counselor who nominated him. "He is a gentle giant who exude commitment to others, assured that his faith will abide with him. A student-athlete, Justin maintains a nearly 4.0 grade point average. He has scored in the 30's on his ACT tests, which places him in the top 1% of students nationwide. Justin, who is active in his church and his community, was selected as the Channel 9 Hy-Vee scholar-athlete of the week on January 29. He was also voted employee of the month at Sheridan's Frozen Custard. Mason closed her remarks by saying, "I do not know how Justin balances his excellence in academics, in athletics, and in community service, but he does, and he does it with great aplomb!"
– February 10, 2010 Email to Media
Sumner Debaters Finish First
The Sumner Academy Debate Team placed first in the Kansas State High School Activities Association's Regional 4-Speaker Debate State Qualifier.
Seniors David Hutchinson and Caleb Sisk, Junior Candace Villanueva and Sophomores
Mia Richardson and Vincente Perez competed in the 4-Speaker Regional Debate Qualifier, December 18-19 at Blue Valley Classic High School. Overall, the 4-Speaker team finished the tournament with a 11/1 win/loss record. The debaters will now compete in the State 4-Speaker Championship tournament in Wichita January 22-23.
– January 14, 2010 Staff Notebook
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized Sylvia Wong, sixth grade student at Central Middle School; Nia Johnson, Kansas City Kansas Early Childhood Center student; Ja'Ron Nichols, Wyandotte High School senior; Denise Quinones, fifth grade student at New Stanley Elementary School; and Rhajae Battles, eighth grade student at Sumner Academy as Students of the Month.
Sylvia Wong was nominated by the teachers in the sixth grade house at Central Middle School. In their nomination, they said, "Sylvia is popular among her peers who recognize her focus on academics and do their best to distract her from her objectives. Her teachers enjoy her because she embodies all the qualities of the ideal student: Focused, well-behaved, and respectful."
Nominated by teacher Riana Latimer because of her love for learning, Nia Johnson came to preschool already knowing her leters, letter sounds, and how to read! Latimer said in her letter, "I do not think that Nia's success would be possible without her mother and grandparents who are very active in Nia's education!" When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Nia promptly said, "A doctor, a fashion designer, and a princess!"
Ja'Ron Nichols has earned the nickname "The Faithful One", from teacher Michelle Lee. The nickname, Lee says in her nomination letter, "represents his dedication to the Debate and Forensics Team." He is president of the senior class, captain of both the Debate and Forensics teams, is an active member of the Bulldog Marching Band, choir, and theater groups, as well as being active in his church. Ja'Ron plans to major in pre-law.
Teacher Cindy Moore nominated Denise Quinones. She often takes the initiative to help others, volunteering to help not only her classmates, but also students in other classes. She is a member of the Safety Patrol. "Denise is a role model for all students at New Stanley," says Moore. "Denise goes above and beyond the expectations. She BELIEVES in herself and her school mates."
Rhajae Battles, now a student at Sumner Academy, was nominated during the 2008-09 school year by Central Middle School student Bridget Gish. "Rhajae is a natural leader, but in a quiet way. She never asks to be in the spotlight, but she is not afraid to take a risk. From her music to her personality she is an artist."
– January 12, 2010 Email to Media
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized (l-r) Emily Jimenez-Olivares, third grade student at McKinley Elementary School and Ravone Franklin, eighth grade student at West Middle School, as Students of the Month for the month of December 2009 at their meeting on Tuesday evening, December 8.
Emily Jimenez-Olivares was nominated by her teacher, Cynthia Stockwell. In her nomination form, Stockwell wrote that Emily "works very hard on all her assignments and is very well liked by her peers." Emily wants to study education in college and become a teacher.
Teacher Ann Hill nominated Ravone Franklin. Hill is also Ravone"s advocate. "Ravone is an excellent example of a kid with great heart, determination, and has figured out what he wants and knows how to get there," said Hill in her nomination. "(He) is a leader, respected by his peers and teachers alike." While Ravone wants to be a football player when he grows up, he's also considering a career in construction, or as a mechanic.
– December 8, 2009 Email to Media
Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education recognized (L-R) Antonio Allen, 7th grade student at Central Middle School; Weah Landford, 5th grade student at Silver City Elementary School; and Zeidy Lee, 11th grade student at Wyandotte High School as Students of the Month for November 2009.
Nominated by instructional coach Heather Hamtil, 5th grader Weah Landford translated Hamtil's nomination speech into his native tongue for his mother, who speaks limited English. Landford and his younger sister joined the students at Silver City this year after moving from Emerson Elementary when the district changed boundaries. "Fifth grade is not an easy time to change schools," noted Hamtil. "But Weah still has a large smile and a great big 'Hello!' He has great leadership ability and is very involved in school." When he finishes college, Weah says he would like to be a "guy who works on computers".
Seventh grade student Antonio Allen was nominated by his science teacher, Jodi Reno. "Antonio is a student who overcomes his disability and does not allow that disability to get in the way of his learning. He can brighten our day with his sense of humor. He is very involved in many areas at school, including sports and extra-curricular activities." Teacher Wanda Paige spoke about Antonio's zest for learning and how he finds examples of how to apply his schoolwork to everyday life at home. When asked what he wants to be after college, Antonio said he'd like to be a football player and a math teacher.
Science teacher and women's soccer coach Katherine Marchin-Tomlin nominated junior Zeidy Lee, a student in the Visual Arts and Technology community. "I have known (Lee) for 3 years," Tomlin said of Lee. "I have always been impressed by her sweet personality and desire to work to her full potential. She is very active as a Wyandotte Bulldog and always gives 100%." Tomlin spoke of Zeidy's always positive approach to life. Zeidy plans to study Elementary Education in college, in preparation for becoming a kindergarten teacher.
– November 24, 2009 Email to Media
The Kansas City Kansas Board of Education recognized 10 schools for attaining the Standard of Excellence in 2009 at their meeting on Tuesday, October 27.
The Kansas State Department of Education defines the Standard of Excellence (SOE) for schools based on building performance on the subject areas sand grade levels of the Kansas Assessments. The standard is defined differently across grade levels, but the general requirements are these:
- A significant percentage of students must score in the Exemplary category.
- Only a small percentage may score in Academic Warning category.
- The distribution in between must demonstrate high performance.
Schools attaining the Standard of Excellence for 2009 are:
Wyandotte Cluster, Dr. Eva Tucker-Nevels, Executive Director - McKinley Elementary School (principal Terri Schneweiss)
Schlagle Cluster, Jim Antos, Executive Director - Eugene Ware Elementary (principal Bobbie Beverlin), Hazel Grove Elementary School (principal Sue Elliott)
Washington Cluster, Neadia Riley, Executive Director - Bethel Elementary School (principal Faye Thicklin), Claude Huyck Elementary School (principal Vicki Smothers), Quindaro Elementary School (principal Linnie McCluney), Stony Point North Elementary School (principal Mike Windes), White Church Elementary School (principal Bruce Haber), Arrowhead Middle School (principal Laurie Boyd)
High School Cluster, Dr. Mary Viveros, Executive Director Sumner Academy of Arts & Sciences (principal Dr. Gene Fite)
– October 27, 2009 Email to Media
Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education members recognized (l-r) Kenia Medina, Micailah McRoy, Sara Dominguez, and Denise Garcia as October 2009 Students of the Month.
Micailah McRoy, a 5th grade student at T.A. Elementary School was nominated by her teacher Michelle Michalski. In her nomination letter, Michalski says "Micailah is a very sweet and hard working young lady! She is not only an excellent student, but is a compassionate and loving person."
Nominated by teacher Janis Dow, Kenia Medina is a 7th grade student at Central Middle School. Dow, also Kenia's advocacy teacher says that Kenia exhibits many positive and mature traits. "This young lady comes to school each and every day enthusiastically embracing what lies ahead."
An 11th grade student at J.C. Harmon High School, Sara Dominguez was nominated by teacher and coach Steve Howard. "Sara is a unique young lady. She has been blessed with athletic abilities ... As accomplished as her career has been, she always finds time for others. When needed, she will help tutor and interpret to her classmates and younger students." Sara has lettered in three sports, is active in Student Council, and has competed and won vocal music awards.
Washington High School senior and Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Lt. Colonel Denise Garcia was nominated by ROTC Instructor, Lt. Colonel Patrick McCormick. Denise, McCormick reports, "is a standout performer and leader in all areas; academics, athletics, citizenship, and community involvement. She is Operations Squadron Commander. Denise represents the best of Washington High School, USD 500, and this community."
– October 27, 2009 Email to Media
Members of the Board of Education of Kansas City, Kansas recognized two students at their meeting at the Education Center on Tuesday evening. Named as Students of the Month for the month of September 2009 were: Josue Sepulveda [left], 5th grade student at Claude Huyck Elementary School and Gerry Bolden [right], 8th grade student at Eisenhower Middle School.
Sepulveda was nominated by his teacher, Katherine Durbin. In her nomination letter, Durbin said, "Josue is a wonderful student. He excels in many academic areas and always strives to do his best! Not only are Josue's academics exemplary, but so is his character! He is always kind and caring and very respectful to all classmates and adults. He shows incredible leadership qualities ... he is a bright and shining Claude Huyck Eagle, soaring high!"
Bolden was nominated by Eisenhower art teacher Laura Butner. Butner said of Bolden, "I have been very fortunate to be Gerry Bolden's art teacher. His creativity goes well beyond the average middle school student's mind. He inspires me to always give my best when teaching. Gerry is an outstanding role model of what we want in our KCK students. He is self-disciplined academically and behaviorally. I am so very proud to have him as a student and I wish I could have a hundred more students just like him!"
– September 22, 2009 Email to Media
