July 29, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Donnie Mitchell, principal at Northwest Middle School, (913) 221-8385, carmitc@kckps.org, or
David Smith, chief of staff, (913) 279-2240, dasmith@kckps.org
Some middle school students in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) will be starting the 2011-2012 school year early.
Sixth-grade students at Northwest Middle School will begin school on Tuesday, August 2 and the first day for all Northwest students will be Wednesday, August 3. The start date is 10 days before the start of school for most KCKPS students. The early start date is part of a new extended year for the school, approved by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education in April.
"We are opening our school up early and extending our year to give our students increased opportunities for learning," said Donnie Mitchell, principal. "Research has shown that the more students are in school the more apt they are to achieve and be involved."
The new extended school year will bring a heavier focus on reading and math — those content areas that are critical to student success. Technology will also be an area of intensive focus, giving students additional time to practice 21st century skills needed for creativity, collaboration and community. A large component of the technology learning will be the placing of iPads in every classroom, for use by every student. In addition to learning to manipulate and master the iPads, students will be using a number of Apps to supplement their learning in core subjects.
Mitchell said parent and staff response to the new extended schedule has been extremely positive, and he anticipates a progressive and successful year as a result.
"Parents are excited that their students will be able to return to school earlier in August, but mostly they are excited about our curriculum and technology enhancement," Mitchell said.
The new extended school year will give students an additional 3-1/2 to 4 weeks of class compared to other middle schools in the district. The last day of school will be June 12.
For the complete 2011-2012 calendar for Northwest, go to www.kckps.org/calendars.