Make the Grade 2019

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 1

2019

w TAX-FREE weekend w SCHOOL directory w SCHOOL updates Section C

Friday, August 2, 2019

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2 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 3

Blue Ridge Bank........................................................ Page 2 Blue Springs School District................................. Page 2 Summit Technology Academy............................. Page 2 School Updates......................................................... Page 4 State Farm - Blake Roberson................................ Page 4 Fort Osage School District.................................... Page 4 St. John LaLande....................................................... Page 5 Advanced Eye Care.................................................. Page 5 Public School Directory.................................... Pages 5-7 Public School - Dates to Know............................. Page 8 Private School - Dates to Know........................... Page 9 Private School Directory......................................Page 10 Tips to be Your Students Advocate.................Page 11 Nativity Of Mary......................................................Page 11 Immunizations and School.................................Page 12 Help Kids Create Good Study Habits...............Page 13 Messiah Lutheran School.....................................Page 13 What Freshmen Need to Know.........................Page 14 BR Carpet...................................................................Page 14 Missouri Tax-Free Holiday...................................Page 15 Independence School District............................Page 16

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Make the Grade is created annually by GateHouse Media LLC, The Examiner’s parent company, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.

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4 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

UPDATES

By The Examiner staff

Cassell Park Elementary is the newest school in the Independence School District

When I say When I say “good,” When I say “good,” you“good,” say youyousay say “neighbor.” “neighbor.” “neighbor.”

When I say

Cassell Park Elementary opened for summer school and is the 20th elementary school in the Independence School District. [Mike Genet/The Examiner]

I

ndependence’s newest elementary school, Cassell Park, opened for summer school and gives the Independence School District its 20th elementary.

The $38 million bond issue approved by voters two years ago allowed the district to build the new school on land at 31st Street and Hardy Avenue that used to be Cassell Park, a block away from Nowlin Middle School.

At two stories and 69,000 square feet, Cassell Park can accommodate 500 and 550 students. The new school allows the district to accommodate the continued student population growth on the city’s west side and to get rid of classroom trailers at Fairmont, Korte and Three Trails elementary schools.

It will be a feeder school for Nowlin Middle School and then Van Horn High School.

“This would not be possible without the generous support of our community,” said Superintendent Dale Herl.

Former Independence School Board Member Ann Franklin, who did

research on the Cassell name, said the Kansas City School district used to own Cassell Park even after the Independence School District annexed the western Independence and Sugar Creek parts of the Kansas City district 11 years ago.

“We at the time didn’t know that the Kansas City School District owned Cassell Park,” Franklin said. “That should have been a part of the annexation, but they were not aware of it and we were not aware of it, so it was not included in the properties that were annexed.”

Once the Independence district found out about that, the Kansas City district agreed to sell it. After doing some research, Franklin said she found out that Bill Cassell, who owned an engineering company, donated property to the Kansas district in the name of his sister, a teacher at William Chrisman and Van Horn high schools.

The district decided to name the school after the park.

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Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 5

PUBLIC SCHOOL DIRECTORY • INDEPENDENCE SCHOOLS

• Pioneer Ridge Middle School 1656 S. Speck Road 816-521-5385 Michael Estes, principal

HIGH SCHOOLS

William Chrisman Bears Truman Patriots • Truman High School 3301 S. Noland Road 816-521-5350 Ronda Scott, principal

Van Horn Falcons • Van Horn High School 1109 S. Arlington Ave. 816-521-5360 Dr. Justin Woods, principal

• William Chrisman High School 1223 N. Noland Road 816-521-5355 Mike Becker, principal MIDDLE SCHOOLS • Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School 2800 S. Hardy 816-521-5380 Cristin Nowak, principal • George Caleb Bingham Middle School 1716 S. Speck Road 816-521-5490 Brett Playter, principal • James Bridger Middle School 18200 E. Missouri 78 816-521-5375 Jeff Williams, principal

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS • Abraham Mallinson Elementary 709 N. Forest Ave. Sugar Creek 816-521-5530 Dr. Sarah Brown, principal • Blackburn Elementary 17302 R.D. Mize Road 816-521-5395 Christy Lamb, principal • Bryant Elementary 827 W. College 816-521-5400 Brian Duffie, principal • Cassell Park 10401 E 31st St 816-521-5540 Neal Johnson, principal • Christian Ott Elementary 1525 N. Noland Road 816-521-5435 Dr. Ronnee Laughlin, principal

• Fairmount Elementary 120 N. Cedar Ave. 816-521-5405 Jeff Anger, principal

• Randall Elementary 509 Jennings 816-521-5445 Bobby McCutcheon, principal

• Glendale Elementary 2611 Lee’s Summit Road 816-521-5510 Dr. Todd Siebert, principal

• Santa Fe Trail Elementary 1301 S. Windsor 816-521-5450 Gib Rito, principal

• John W. Luff Elementary 3700 S. Delaware Ave. 816-521-5415 Dr. Melissa Carver, principal

• Spring Branch Elementary 20404 E. Truman Road 816-521-5455 Aaron Kirchhoff, principal

• Korte Elementary 2437 S. Hardy Ave. 816-521-5430 Ron Alburtus, principal

• Sugar Creek Elementary 11424 Gill, Sugar Creek 816-521-5460 Shellie Dumas, principal

• Little Blue Elementary 2020 Quail Drive 816-521-5480 Joe Armin, principal

• Sycamore Hills Elementary 15208 E. 39th St. 816-521-5465 Amber Miller, principal

• Mill Creek Elementary 2601 N. Liberty 816-521-5420 Lindsey Miller, principal

• Thomas Hart Benton Elementary 429 S. Leslie 816-521-5390 Leslie Hochsprung, principal

• Procter Elementary 1403 W. Linden 816-521-5440 Amy Hawley, principal

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6 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

PUBLIC SCHOOL DIRECTORY • Three Trails Elementary 11801 E. 32nd St. 816-521-5470 Kevin Lathrom, principal • William Southern Elementary 4300 Phelps Road 816-521-5475 Gwenn Tauveli, principal

• Elm Grove Elementary 18000 E. Kentucky Road Independence 816-650-7400; Ms. Anne Tapp, principal

OTHER

• Fire Prairie Upper Elementary 24810 East U.S. 24 Circle Independence 816-650-7158 Dr. Susanne Boyer-Baker, principal

• Hanthorn Early Education 1511 S. Kings Highway 816-521-5485 Amy Cox, principal

• Indian Trails Elementary 24300 E. Bundschu Independence, 816-650-7645 Mrs. Emily Cross, principal

• Sunshine Early Education Center 18400 E. Salisbury Road 816-521-5526 Amanda Spight, principal

OTHER

• Independence Academy 600 W. Mechanic 816-521-5505 Dr. Wendy Kline, principal FORT OSAGE SCHOOLS

• Career and Technology Center 2101 N. Twyman Road Independence 816-650-7180 Mike Pantleo, director • Early Childhood Center 18109 E. 12th St. N. Independence 816-650-7480 Mrs. Karen Harrach, principal • Lewis and Clark Academy 24801 East U.S. 24 Independence 816-650-7708 Mrs. Melissa Dorris, principal • BLUE SPRINGS SCHOOLS

Fort Osage Indians • Fort Osage High School 2101 N. Twyman Road Independence 816-650-7063 Mr. Scott Moore, principal • Osage Trail Middle School 2101 N. Twyman Road Independence 816-650-7151 Robbie Shepherd, principal ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Blue Springs Wildcats HIGH SCHOOLS • Blue Springs High School 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive 816-874-3400 Tom Alderman, principal

• Blue Hills Elementary 1911 N. Blue Mills Road Independence 816-650-7440 Ms. Monica Shane, principal • Buckner Elementary 013 S. Sibley St., Buckner 816-650-7300 Ms. Karen Hile, principal • Cler-Mont Elementary 19009 Susquehanna Ridge Independence 816-650-7350 Mrs. Julie Stout, principal

Blue Springs South Jaguars • Blue Springs South High School 1200 S.E. Adams Dairy Pkwy.

816-874-3500 Dr. Charlie Belt, principal

• Freshman Center 2103 N.W. Vesper 816-974-3440 Doug Mattson, principal

• Lucy Franklin Elementary 111 N.E. Roanoke Drive 816-874-3690 Doug Nielsen, principal

• Valley View High School 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 816-874-3750 Dr. Danica Fuimaono, principal

• Sunny Pointe Elementary 3920 South R.D. Mize Road 816-874-3700 Cassie Gengelbach, principal

MIDDLE SCHOOLS • Brittany Hill Middle School 2701 N.W. First St. 816-874-3470 Mr. Brett Lyon, principal • Delta Woods Middle School 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way Lee’s Summit 816-874-3580 Dr. Bryce Johnson, principal • Moreland Ridge Middle School 900 S.W. Bishop Drive 816-874-3540 Kelly Flax, principal • Paul Kinder Middle School 3930 N.W. R.D. Mize Road 816-874-3560 Steve Goddard, principal ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS • Chapel Lakes Elementary 3701 N.E. Independence Ave. Lee’s Summit 816-525-9100 Lizabeth White, principal

• Thomas Ultican Elementary 1812 N.W. Vesper St. 816-874-3710 Abbie Swisher, principal • Voy Spears Jr. Elementary 201 N.E. Anderson Lee’s Summit 816-874-3720 Nick Goos, principal

• Franklin Smith Elementary 1609 S.W. Clark Road 816-874-3640 Jennie Alderman, principal • James Lewis Elementary 717 N.W. Park Road 816-874-3650 Lori Reynolds, principal • James Walker Elementary 201 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-874-3660 Casey Brownsberger, principal • John Nowlin Elementary 5020 N.W. Valley View Road 816-874-3670 Seth Shippy, principal

• Lee’s Summit North High School 901 N.E. Douglas St. 816-986-3000 Dr. Jeff Meisenheimer, principal

• William Bryant Elementary 1101 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-874-3730 Cory LaBoube, principal • William Yates Elementary 3600 Davidson Road 816-874-3740 Mrs. Kerri Edwards, principal OTHER • Liggett Trail Education Center 3575 S.W. Liggett Road 816-874-3680 Stephanie Owings, principal • Hall-McCarter Education Center 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 816-874-3762 Rhonda Malone, Cub Care Coordinator

• Cordill-Mason Elementary 4001 S.W. Christiansen Road 816-874-3610 Todd Nurnberg, K-2nd principal and Kacey Johnson 3rd-5th principal • Daniel Young Elementary 505 S.E. Shamrock Lane 816-874-3630 Ryan Crum, principal

LS North Broncos

LS West Titans

• Lee’s Summit West High School 2600 S.W. Ward Road 816-986-4000 Dr. Chad Hertzog, principal MIDDLE SCHOOLS • Bernard C. Campbell Middle School 1201 N.E. Colbern Road 816-986-3175 Jeffrey Scalfaro, principal • Pleasant Lea Middle School 630 S.W. Persels Road 816-986-1175 Dr. Janette Miller, principal • Summit Lakes Middle School 3500 S.W. Windemere Drive 816-986-1375 David Mitchell, principal ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Lee’s Summit Tigers

• LEE’S SUMMIT SCHOOLS HIGH SCHOOLS • Lee’s Summit High School 400 S.E. Blue Pkwy.

816-986-2000 Kari Harrison, principal

• Cedar Creek Elementary 2600 S.W. Third St. 816-986-1260 Jenifer Opie, principal • Greenwood Elementary 805 W. Main St. Greenwood 816-986-1320 Carrie Jackson, principal • Hawthorn Hill Elementary, 2801 S.W. Pryor Road, 816-986-3380; Dr. Troy Hogg, principal • Hazel Grove Elementary, 2001 N.W. Blue Pkwy., 816-986-3310; Kristen Merrell, principal

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 7

PUBLIC SCHOOL DIRECTORY • Highland Park Elementary 400 S.E. Millstone Ave. 816-986-2250 Jodi Mallette, principal • Lee’s Summit Elementary 110 S.E. Green St. 816-986-3340 Tracy Sample, principal • Longview Farm Elementary 1001 S.W. Longview Park Drive 816-986-4180 Kim Hassler, principal • Mason Elementary 27600 E. Colbern Road 816-986-2330 Beth Ratty, principal • Meadow Lane Elementary 1421 N.E. Independence Ave. 816-986-3250 Dr. Sheryl Cochran, principal

OTHER

OTHER

• Great Beginnings Early Education Center 905 N.E. Bluestem Drive 816-986-2460 Kerry Boehm, principal

• Early Childhood Special Education, 31604 N.E. Pink Hill Road, 816-994-4901 Shannon Jenkins, associate director

• Richardson Elementary 800 N.E. Blackwell Road 816-986-2220 Lisa Detig, principal • Summit Pointe Elementary 13100 E. 147th St., Kansas City 816-986-4210 Dr. Heather Kenney, principal • Sunset Valley Elementary 1850 S.E. Ranson Road 816-986-4240 Dr. Greg Johnson, principal • Trailridge Elementary 3651 S.W. Windemere Drive 816-986-1290 Jennifer Kevern, principal • Underwood Elementary 1125 N.E. Colbern Road 816-986-3280 Jerrod Fellhauer, principal • Westview Elementary 200 N.W. Ward Road 816-986-1350 Dave Boulden, principal • Woodland Elementary 12709 Smart Road 816-986-2360 Stacy James, principal

OTHER

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

• Herndon Career Center 11501 E. 350 Highway 816-268-7140 Dr. Cheryl Reichert, director

• Miller Park Center 600 S.E. Miller St. 816-986-1510 Kelly Twenter, principal

• Raytown Central Middle School 10601 E. 59th St. 816-268-7400 Dr. Jaime Sadich, principal

• New Trails Early Learning Center 6325 Hunter St. 816-268-7430 Donna Denney, principal

• Summit Ridge Academy 2620 S.W. Ward Road 816-986-4120 Andy Campbell, principal

• Raytown Middle School 4900 Pittman Road 816-268-7360 Dr. Georgetta May, principal

• Northwood School 4400 Sterling Ave. 816-268-7250 Mary Beth Sprecher, principal

• Raytown South Middle School 8401 E. 83rd St. 816-268-7380 Carl Calcara, Principal

• Raytown Success Academy 9020 E. 51st Terrace 816-268-7180 Lori Forté, principal

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• Three Trails Preschool 8812 Gregory Blvd.

816-268-7145 Tara Baker, principal

• Summit Technology Academy, 777 N.W. Blue Pkwy., Suite 3090, 816-986-3410; Dr. Jeremy Bonnesen, principal STA

Oak Grove Panthers • OAK GROVE SCHOOLS HIGH SCHOOL • Oak Grove High School 605 SE 12th St 816-690-4152 Martha Brazil, principal

• Pleasant Lea Elementary 700 S.W. Persels 816-986-1230 Aaron Barnett, principal • Prairie View Elementary 501 S.E. Todd George Pkwy.

816-986-2280 Amy Fennewald, principal

• Raytown South High School 8211 Sterling Ave. 816-268-7330 Dr. Kevin Overfelt, principal

Grain Valley Eagles • GRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS SECONDARY SCHOOLS • Grain Valley High School, 551 S.W. Eagles Pkwy., 816-847-5000; Jeremy Plowman, principal • North Middle School, 31608 N.E. Pink Hill Drive, 816-994-4800; Theresa Nelson, principal • South Middle School, 901 S. Ryan Road, 816-229-3499; James Myers, principal ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS • Matthews Elementary, 144 McQuerry Road, 816-229-4870; James Pinney, principal

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Blue Ridge Elementary School 6410 Blue Ridge Blvd.

816-268-7200 Danielle Miles, principal

• Oak Grove Middle School 401 SE 12th St 816-690-4154 Tracy Kemp, principal

• Eastwood Hills Elementary School 5290 Sycamore Ave. 816-268-7210 Amanda Coleman, principal

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• Fleetridge Elementary School 13001 E. 55th St. 816-268-7220 Mrs. Stephanie Vickers, principal

• Maple Elementary School 501 SE 12th St 816-690-4153 Peggy Tiffany, principal PRIMARY SCHOOL • Oak Grove Primary School 500 SE 17 St 816-690-8770 Laura Oyler, principal OTHER • Charlene Roscher Early Childhood Center 1205 S. Salem St. 816-690-3762 Lorri Boydstor, principal • RAYTOWN SCHOOLS

• Prairie Branch Elementary, 2100 Dillingham, 816-847-5070; Dr. Kevin Carroll, principal • Sni-A-Bar Elementary, 701 S.W. Eagles Pkwy., 816-847-5020; Dr. Carrie Reich, principal • Stony Point Elementary, 1001 Ryan Road, 816-847-7800; Scott Schmitt, principal

• Laurel Hills Elementary School 5401 Lane Ave. 816-268-7230 Dr. Suzanne Brennaman, principal • Little Blue Elementary School 13900 E. 61st St. 816-268-7740 Dr. Julie Schmidli, principal • Norfleet Elementary School 6140 Norfleet Road 816-268-7240 Lori Kang, principal

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• Robinson Elementary School 6707 Woodson Road 816-268-7265 Jamie Washington, principal • Southwood Elementary School 8015 Raytown Road 816-268-7280 Dr. April Sutherland, principal

HIGH SCHOOLS

• Spring Valley Elementary School 8838 E. 83rd St. 816-268-7270 Dr. Judith Jordan Campbell, principal

• Raytown High School 6019 Blue Ridge Blvd 816-268-7300 Dr. Chad Bruton, principal

• Westridge Elementary School 8500 E. 77th St. 816-268-7290 Matt Jones, principal

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8 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

INDEPENDENCE

OOL: FIRST DAY OF SCH August 14, 2019 WINTER BREAK: through December 23, 2019 January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: ugh March 20, 2020 thro

March 27, 2020 BREAK: h April 10, April 9, 2020 throug 2020 OOL: LAST DAY OF SCH May 15, 2020

PUBLIC SCHOOL - DATES TO KNOW Compiled by Nancy Melton nmelton@examiner.net

FORT OSAGE

FIRST DAY OF SCH OOL:

August 14, 2019

WINTER BREAK: December 23, 201 9 through January 6, 2020

SPRING BREAK: March 20, 2020 th rough March 27, 2020

BREAK: April 10, 2 020 LAST DAY OF SCH OOL:

May 20, 2020

LEE’S SUMMIT CHOOL: FIRST DAY OF S August 14, 2019

SPRING BREAK: rough March 16, 2020 th March 20, 2020

WINTER BREAK: : April 10, 2020 K A E R B h g u 9 thro 2020 December 21, 201 through April 13, January 5, 2020 ay 19, 2020 M : L O O H C S F O LAST DAY

BLUE SPRINGS HOOL: FIRST DAY OF SC August 21, 2019 WINTER BREAK: 9 through December 23, 201 January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: rough March 16, 2020 th March 20, 2020 EASTER BREAK: April 10, 2020 OOL: LAST DAY OF SCH May 21, 2020

GRAIN VALLEY FIRST DAY OF SC

August 14, 2019

HOOL:

WINTER BREAK:

December 20, 201 9 through January 5, 2020 SPRING BREAK:

March 16, 2020 th rough March 20, 2020 EASTER BREAK:

April 10, 2020 thro ugh April 14, 2020 LAST DAY OF SC

May 20, 2020

HOOL:

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 9

PRIVATE SCHOOL - DATES TO KNOW

FAMILY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

FIRST DAY OF SC HOOL: August 21, 2019 WINTER BREAK December 23, 2019 through Jan 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: March 9, 2020 thro ugh March 13, 2020 EASTER: April 10, 2020 throug h April 13, 2020 LAST DAY OF SCH OOL: May 28, 2020

ST. JOHN LALAND E

PLAZA HEIGHTS OL: FIRST DAY OF SCHO August 15, 2019 K: CHRISTMAS BREA through December 23, 2019 Jan 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: ugh March 16, 2020 thro March 20, 2020 EASTER BREAK: h April 10, 2020 throug

April 13, 2020 OL: LAST DAY OF SCHO May 15, 2020

FIRST DAY OF SC HOOL: August 15 , 2017 BOOK FAIR: Oct. 4 th Feb. 24, 2020 thro rough Oct. 11 ugh Feb., 28, 2020 CHRISTMAS BR EA December 23, 2019 K: through January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: March 16, 2020 th rough March 20, 20 20

EASTER BREAK: April 10, 2020 thro ugh April 13, 2020

GRADUATION (8 th Grade): May 15, 2020 LAST DAY OF SC HOOL: May 22, 2020

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 20, 2019 WINTER BREAK: through December 23, 2019

January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: 20 rough March 20, 20 March 16, 2020 th

TIMOTHY LUTHERAN FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 20, 2019 CHRISTMAS BREAK: December 28, 2019 through January 3, 2020 EASTER BREAK: April 10, 2020 through April 13, 2020 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: May 15, 2020

EASTER BREAK: ugh April 13, 2020 April 10, 2020 thro HOOL: LAST DAY OF SC May 22, 2022

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL HIGH SCHOOL

Compiled by Nancy Melton nmelton@examiner.net

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 16, 2019

MESSIAH LUTHERAN

HOOL: FIRST DAY OF SC August 15, 2019 WINTER BREAK: through December 10, 2019 January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: rough March 16, 2020 th March 20, 2020 EASTER BREAK: ugh April 13, 2020 April 10, 2020 thro OOL: LAST DAY OF SCH May 22, 2020

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 14, 2019 CHRISTMAS BREAK: Dec. 20, 201 9 through January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: March 9 2020, through March 16, 2020 EASTER BREAK: April 10, 2020

LAST DAY: May 29, 2020

CHRISTMAS BREAK: December 20, 2019 through January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: March 12, 2020 through March 20, 2020 EASTER BREAK: April 10 2020 through April 13, 2020 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: May 22, 2020

NTIST SUMMIT VIEW ADVE

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 14, 2019

SPRING BREAK: March 16, 2020 , through March 20 2020

EAK: CHRISTMAS BR LAST DAY OF 19 December 23, 20 SCHOOL: through May 15, 2020 January 3, 2020

NATIVITY OF MARY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 16, 2019

CHRISTMAS BREAK: December 23, 2019 through January 3, 2020 SPRING BREAK: March 12, 2020 through March 20, 2020

EASTER BREAK: April 9, 2020 through April 13, 2020 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: May 20, 2020

10 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY

 INDEPENDENCE Center Place Restoration School Grades: kindergarten through grade 12 Affiliation: Christian, Restoration Administrator:Dan Schoenemann, school administrator Address: 819 W. Waldo Ave. Phone: 816-252-1715

Cornerstones of Care Therapeutic Day Schools Grades: kindergarten through grade 12. School calendars will Nativity of Mary Grades: preschool through grade 8 differ. Paul McCorkle, Executive Director Affiliation: Catholic Diocese of For more information, call Kansas City-St. Joseph 844-824-8200 Administrator: Mary Parrish, principal Address: 10021 E. 36th  BLUE SPRINGS Terrace Phone: 816-353-0284

Nova Center School Grades: kindergarten through grade 12 Affiliation: not-for-profit corporation, special education Administrator: Georgette Elder, principal Family Christian Academy Address: 2425 S. Hardy Ave., Grades: kindergarten through Independence grade 12 Affiliation: Christian, non- Phone: 816-924-1703 denominational Administrator: Rita Website: novacenter.org Schowengerdt, administrator Address: 11625 E. 15th St. S. Phone: 816-836-1075

Messiah Lutheran School Grades: kindergarten through grade 8 Affiliation: Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Administrator: Eric Eckhoss, principal Address: 613 S. Main St. Phone: 816-254-9409

Plaza Heights Christian Academy Grades: preschool through grade 12 Affiliation: Plaza Heights Baptist Church Administrator: Charles Lawson, administrator Address: 1500 S.W. Clark Road Phone: 816-228-0670

Rainbow Center Grades: ages 3 through 21 Affiliation: day school, communiThe Schoolhouse cation disorders Grades: pre-kindergarten through Administration: Jill Calvert, grade 6 Affiliation: independent Director of Development Administrator: Mary Childers, prin- Address: 900 N.W. Woods Chapel cipal Address: 14709 E. 35th St. Road, Blue Springs Phone: 816-373-5938 Phone: 816-229-3869 Website: rainbow-center.org

St. John LaLande Catholic School Grades: preschool through grade 8 Affiliation: St. John LaLande Catholic Church Administrator: Ann Wright, principal Address: 801 N.W. R.D. Mize Road Phone: 816-228-5895

Timothy Lutheran School Grades: kindergarten through grade 8 Affiliation: Lutheran Ministries Administrator: Ed Kuerschner, Administer of School Ministries.

Address: 301 W. Wyatt Road, Phone: 816-228-5300

Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic School Grades: kindergarten through grade 8 Affiliation: Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church Administrator: Jodi Briggs, principal Address: 150 N.W. Murray Road Phone: 816-251-1150

Summit Christian Academy Grades: preschool through grade 12 Affiliation: Christian, non-denominational Administrator: Linda Harrelson, head of school Address: 1450 S.W. Jefferson St. Phone: 816-525-1480

 LEE’S SUMMIT

St. Michael the Archangel Grades: High School 2901 NW Lee’s Summit Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Affiliation: Christian, Catholic Administrator: Jodi Briggs, Principal Phone: 816-763-4800

Summit View Adventist School Grades: kindergarten through grade 8 Affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist Church Administrator: Marilyn Suarez, Principal/Grades 5-8: Matt Daarud; Grades 1-4: Heather Daarud; Pre-K/K: Marilyn Suarez Address: 12503 S. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-697-3443

TIPS

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 11 RO OT E D I N FA I T H

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GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE

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SERVING OTHERS

to be your

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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ngaged in education research and program evaluations for 35 years, Nancy Brigham knows that not all children are treated equally in the public education system.

“Poor, minority, students with disabilities and non-English-speaking students are shortchanged by schools. These students don’t have the same experiences as more affluent kids do,” said Brigham, author of “A Fragile Enterprise,” which addresses pitfalls she’s seen in the U.S. educational system and highlights devoted people who are making a difference in students’ lives.

Educators and administrators have knowledge and experience, but parents may feel like beginners when it comes to understanding what a child’s rights are, Brigham said.

“It’s easy for parents to feel intimidated. Schools are a beaurocracy,” she said.

Some tips to help parents be advocates for their children: w Save all paperwork Children with special needs will usually have an individualized education program, or IEP, which is a strategy for how the school will serve and meet a child’s unique needs,

Brigham said. IEP meetings can be overwhelming, but being organized can help lessen anxiety and increase a parent’s role as an advocate.

“Save all your paperwork. Take notes. Build a file,” she said. During IEP meetings someone on the school staff should be taking notes; request those notes, Brigham said. Be sure to keep everything that is pertinent to the education and well-being of your child.

“Paper is out. Instead, urge the school to deliver paperwork digitally,” she said. w Find a partner Families who seek help often feel like there is a divide with parents on one side and the school on the other, Brigham said. Try to close the gap by finding a partner.

“Families have to build a relationship with the school. More than that they have to find a partner within the school who they can talk to and trust,” Brigham said. That person could be a teacher or administrator — someone whom you feel comfortable talking with and emailing directly. w Ask questions During meetings with teachers or other staff make sure your voice is heard.

“You should feel comfortable asking questions. At the end ask what the next step will be,” Brigham said.

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student’s advocate

Be sure to get direct email addresses for the people you want to contact.

“General school (inboxes) may get 500 emails a day. If you send an email there, forget it. You may never get a response,” Brigham said.

Parents need to be open-minded and understand that schools are strained financially and that teachers are often dealing with many children who need special help. Make appointments with individual teachers to discuss your child’s IEP, their strengths and weaknesses.

w Meet with teachers RO OT E D I N FA I T H

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GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE

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12 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

IMMUNIZATIONS

school

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ecent outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough have ignited controversy about childhood vaccines, but infectious disease specialists and public health doctors urge children to get vaccinated to ensure their long-term health.

“Back-to-school is a great time to think about vaccinations because it’s one point when your child’s pediatrician is checking to see if they’re up to date,” said, Dr. Zachary Klase, assistant professor of biological sciences at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Vaccines are more than just a government regulation or requirement: They are an extremely effective public health tool that protects the spread of disease, Klase said.

The common preventable illnesses protected by childhood vaccinations include tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and meningitis.

“Parents are faced with a

complicated set of vaccinations that children are asked to get and that makes some parents concerned, but it is much better to get the vaccine than to get the disease,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. w Recommended schedule Throughout childhood there are three main stages when a child is recommended to receive vaccinations: from birth to age 2, from 4 to 6 and from 11 to 13, Offit said. At 16, young people should receive booster doses of meningitis vaccine, he said.

“Every child over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot each year,” Klase said.

Additionally, preteens should get the HPV (or human papillomavirus) vaccine, which protects against cancer later in life in men and women, Offit said.

As a person ages a TD booster is recommended every 10 years to protect against tetanus and

“Why take a chance of getting a serious illness?

You can almost die — or die — from something that is vaccinepreventable.”

Zachary Klase, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

diphtheria, Klase said.

Check cdc.gov/vaccines/ growing/immunizationschedule.html to see an easyto-read schedule.

No matter if a child is taught healthy habits or if a school is clean and wellmaintained, children get sick.

Schools are a great environment for spreading bacteria and viruses because students are in crowded classrooms, sharing things and in close proximity to one another, Klase said. w Check state requirements While the federal government recommends the immunization schedule, it varies somewhat state to state, which can cause some confusion especially when a family moves, Klase said.

All 50 states require children attending public schools to be vaccinated (unless they have an exemption) for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and chicken pox, Klase said. Some states require others, such as hepatitis B and meningitis

vaccines, Klase said.

Thanks to modern science many people don’t understand the severity of childhood illnesses that vaccines protect against, Klase said. For example, in 2017 a 6-year-old Oregon boy who was not vaccinated contracted tetanus after cutting his forehead. He spent nearly two months in the hospital, a majority in intensive care, and the family racked up a medical bill of over $800,000, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While measles was practically eradicated in the United States, it is now back, and whooping cough is also on the upswing, Klase said.

“Why take a chance of getting a serious illness? You can almost die — or die — from something that is vaccinepreventable. If you have questions, talk to your doctor.

Talk to a couple of doctors.

Don’t just go on the internet and do your own research,” Klase said.

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 13

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ncouraging good study skills when children are young is an effective way for parents to help support their future academic success.

It’s crucial for parents to help students move beyond simply memorizing facts from their homework to really engaging with the material, said Dr. David Timony, an educational psychologist and chair of Delaware Valley University’s Department of Education.

“Children naturally practice, rehearse and study to develop their skills and interests. They understand that improvement requires work and it’s important that we recognize that and tap into that focus and motivation,” he said.

Young children may not be developmentally ready to see these relationships, but parents can help them connect the dots.

“Look for improvement, point it out and celebrate growth,” Timony said. w Have a conversation Part of the conversation needs to be to frame take-home work and study skills in a positive light rather than suggesting that homework is a hassle.

“Just like their parents, children always have something they would rather be doing, and interrupting them to do something else may be met with resistance. Helping parents and children to see the functional value in homework is an important factor in motivation,” Timony said. w Model the behavior “Homework is simply one type of practice that we engage in as students,” he said. “If you think about it, we do all sorts of activities that require practice to improve our skills. Connecting our practice in life to the practice of improving our academic skills is one that kids will understand if it is explained through patience and demonstration rather than through

telling, rule-making and punishments or threats.” w Offer support A parent has many ways to be supportive to the process of completing homework.

“For younger children, it may be something simple like proximity — sitting down together while the child works,” Timony said. “They can pause every so often for a quick chat, encouragement or snack. It’s not necessarily one-on-one time, but that shared parallel experience may serve to support the activity.” w Don’t be dismissive While parents should obviously not do their child’s homework, there are other things to avoid.

“Don’t allow homework to be the wedge in your lives and your relationships,” Timony said. “Parents should avoid getting in between the teacher and the student. You don’t want to be dismissive about the assignments or the teachers or show your frustration. This doesn’t advance the conversation and creates conflict that kids are not prepared to mediate.” w Be organized but flexible Structure and organization can be helpful as long as it’s flexible. Be sure to include the child in developing a plan of action.

“Too often, parents impose a structure that does not work for the child. For example, a parent may demand the child sit at the kitchen table to do their studying but the child may prefer to sit on a comfy chair or even lay on the floor to do their studying,” Timony said. “Giving children choices increases their engagement and improves outcomes. That’s not to say that they will always have the best ideas, but our kids deserve a conversation rather than an edict.

Let’s explore together what works best.”

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14 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

What FRESHMEN need to know

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ntering high school may bring on feelings of excitement or anxiety for students. Making friends, managing classes and extracurriculars and succeeding academically will be easier with some tips and advice to launch yourself to a great start.

w Learn to manage time “Having worked with students on their journey throughout high school, I would say the one skill that rising freshman should try to focus on is managing their time effectively, which includes balancing study skill habits, exploring academic and personal interests, and getting enough sleep,” said Anna Ren, founder and college admissions consultant at Elite Advantage Prep in Somerville, New Jersey.

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w Freshman year matters “Perhaps the best piece of advice for incoming freshmen is that ninth grade grades matter. They count toward your GPA, they count to make you NCAA-eligible as an athlete, they count toward graduation requirements — they count! So many ninth graders think of that first year as a trial run.

It is not,” said Jen Henson, founder of Jen Henson ACT Prep in Montgomery, Texas.

w Introduce yourself to your counselor “It may feel awkward but most advisors will allow students to sign up for 10- to 15-minute meetings and it’s worth it to stop in and introduce yourself, saying you’re a freshman and looking forward to the school year,” said educational therapist Ruth Wilson, chief executive officer of The Polytech, a private school for students in grades 11 and 12 in Seattle. “It will impress the counselor that you took the time as well as make it so much easier if you need help during the term or to drop a class.”

w Be smart online “Be mindful of your online behavior.

This needs to start early in high school.

You don’t want that tweet regret or post remorse moment to jeopardize your future,” said educational consultant Sue Scheff of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, author of “Shame Nation.”

“Being responsible with social media is just as important as getting good grades in today’s digital world. They loved your GPA until they saw your tweets ... we hear this too many times.

Don’t let that 15 minutes of humor cost you a lifetime of humiliation.”

w Differentiate yourself “Be sure to join clubs and activities that you enjoy, not just the ones where your friends join,” said Jodi R.R. Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting in Marblehead, Massachusetts. “Be sure the way to spend your time reflects who you are.

You want to differentiate yourself from your peers. If everyone plays the flute, take up the French horn; if everyone sings in the glee club, take up musical theater. Ninth grade is a great time to start thinking about what truly interests you.”

w Ask questions “So many times students and parents go into the high school process completely unprepared with how the experience should go or could go.

Often, these same families end up in my office stating, ‘I wish I would have known about that program, or done that extra-curricular,’” said Amanda Sterk, senior editor of UnMazed Magazine & Resource Directory for college-bound teens. “Ask questions throughout your journey, like, ‘What academic programs are available? How can I get free college credits? When are the deadlines to get into these programs? What type of extracurriculars should I do to get into my dream college?’”

Friday, August 2, 2019 | MAKE THE GRADE / 15

Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4

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issouri is again offering the first weekend in August as a tax-free holiday for families doing their backto-school shopping.

It starts at 12:01 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4.

The Missouri Department of Revenue decides what qualifies for exemption from state and local sales taxes over the tax-free weekend: • Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less • School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase • Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less • Personal computers – not to exceed $1,500 • Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $1,500 • Graphing calculators – not to exceed $150

handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles.

“School supplies” – any item normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes, including but not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, handheld calculators, graphing calculators, chalk, maps, and globes. The term shall not include watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures.

School supplies shall also include computer software having a taxable value of $350 or less.

“Personal computers” – a laptop, desktop, or tower computer system which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, and a keyboard and devices designed for use in conjunction with a personal computer, w How much will you save? such as a disk drive, memory module, The state sales tax is 4.225 percent. w More details Add on to that y our local city and Jack- Section 144.049, RSMo, defines items compact disk drive, daughterboard, son County sales taxes. exempt during the sales tax holiday as: digitizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, For instance: “Clothing” – any article of wearing printer, scanner, single-user • Independence has a total combined apparel, including footwear, intended hardware, single-user operatcity, county and state sales tax of to be worn on or about the human ing system, soundcard, or 7.85%, minus two special districts that body. The term shall include but not video card. opted out. be limited to cloth and other material • Blue Springs has a total rate of 8.6%. used to make school uniforms or other • Lee’s Summit in Jackson County has a school clothing. Items normally sold in total rate of 7.85%. pairs shall not be separated to qualify • Grain Valley has a total rate of 8.1%. for the exemption. Diapers will be • Buckner’s total rate is 7.6%. included in this year. The term shall not • Raytown’s total rate is 8.35%. include watches, watchbands, jewelry, w Exceptions Cities can choose not to participate in the tax-free weekend. In Eastern Jackson County, only Sugar Creek has opted out.

In addition, certain taxing districts can opt out. Locally, the Independence Events Center Community Improvement District (0.75%) and the Crackerneck Creek Transportation Development District (1%) opted out, meaning you will pay those sales taxes. The Independence Events Center Community Improvement District includes such areas as Bolger Square (Target, J.C. Penney), Independence Commons (Kohl’s, Best Buy, Marshall’s), The Crossroads (Wal-Mart) and Eastland Center (Costco, Lowe’s).

The Crackerneck Creek Transportation Development District includes Bass Pro Shops, Hobby Lobby and Mardel.

Independence Center will be participating in the tax-free holiday.

w Other things to note: • If you are a teacher buying supplies for your classroom, that qualifies for the tax exemption.

• If you buy school supplies over the internet, the purchase occurs and the transaction is completed during the sales tax holiday, it qualifies. As long as it’s paid in full during the week end, the item can be delivered after the holiday.

• You don’t have to live in Missouri to take advantage of the holiday. w ONLINE: For more details about the sales tax holiday, go to the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website at: http://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/ taxholiday/school/

16 / MAKE THE GRADE | Friday, August 2, 2019

Student academic achievement is at an all time high in the Independence School District APR score of 97.5 percent is

97.5%

the highest score in Independence School District history the most significant growth by any school district in our area

24.3 OVER 5 YEARS This growth shows the focus on rigor and relevance in ISD classrooms. www.isdschools.org