Make The Grade 2020

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 1

2020 w SCHOOL directory w SCHOOL updates Section C

Friday, August 21, 2020

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2 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

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TABLE OF

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 3

Contents

School Updates..................................................................Page 4 How to Ease Back to School Stress ����������������������Page 11 Public School Directory........................................... Pages 5-7 Middle School Skills......................................................Page 12 Public School - Dates to Know ����������������������������������Page 8 How to Help Young Learners Thrive ��������������������Page 13 Private School - Dates to Know ��������������������������������Page 9 Talking to Your Child About Racism �������������������Page 14 Private School Directory.............................................Page 10 How to Really Help Teachers....................................Page 15

CONTACT US Phone: 816.254.8600 EDITORIAL localnews@examiner.net ADVERTISING displayads@examiner.net

Make the Grade is created annually by Gannett, The Examiner’s parent company, and is distributed with various Gannett 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.

Cover illustration: FREEPIK | ©2020 GANNETT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

UPDATES

By The Examiner staff

A couple of young Independence School District students observe a lesson during summer school at Mill Creek Elementary in July. The district still plans to start its fall semester Aug. 24, citing its success with summer classes and activities. [Photo courtesy of Jana Corrie/Independence School District]

Grain Valley elementary students at their laptops during summer school in July.

The district says it will start the school year on Sept. 8, with middle school and high school students on a hybrid learning plan for at least the first month. [Submitted photo]

everal local school districts have pushed the start of school back to the day after Labor Day in response to the COVID19 pandemic, in line with metro area health officials’ recommendations.

Officials say they have taken significant steps to protect the safety of students and staff.

“There are a lot of questions out there among our students, their parents and teachers in our school district,”

Students and staff who are on site will be required to wear masks at all times, including on buses, with exceptions for lunch and physical education classes.

Districts have had to juggle student schedules as well.

In Grain Valley, for example, there’s a hybrid model for middle school and high school students. Half of the students – roughly divided by midway through the alphabet – will have in-person classes on Monday and Wednesday, with virtual on Tuesdays and Thursday. The other half of students will have the opposite schedule, and all students will have virtual learning on Fridays.

The district isn’t using a hybrid model for elementary students because they are in one classroom most of the day, as opposed to the regular between-class interactions of older students. Most elementary classrooms will have closer to 20 than 25 students, according to the district.

Independence School District officials say if local health guidelines call

S

said Fort Osage School District Superintendent Jason Snodgrass, “and we’re doing our best to find the answers.”

“This pandemic is unlike anything I have ever had to deal with,” he added.

“This is a time we’re all going to have to think outside the box. Everything that just comes natural, now, as an educator you have to rethink a lot of things.”

Districts report that roughly one student in four has signed up for virtual classes for this fall.

Welcome back Fort Osage Students!

www.fortosage.net | #FortProud

for more capacity restrictions during the school year, a hybrid plan for middle school and high school students is ready to go. Half of in-person students would take virtual classes two days one week and three days the second week, and the other half will be on the opposite schedule. If schools get closed like in March, the district has a full virtual learning plan ready to go.

Each Fort Osage classroom will be sprayed with a mist-type disinfectant that Snodgrass said “will keep things sanitary, but not drench everything.

We will spray frequently and our custodians will have an electrostatic mister on their back and use a wand to keep things sanitary. We will wipe down desks throughout the school day and have purchased several hand sanitizers that will be stationed throughout the buildings.”

Masks are required on buses as well as in class.

“We will have assigned seating for all riders, and parents had to opt in for bus service,” Independence Superintendent Dale Herl said.

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 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 Lori Mertz, 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

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

• Randall Elementary 509 Jennings 816-521-5445 Sarah Jones, 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 Dr. Stephanie Merriott, 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

6 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

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 Phong Nguyen, principal

• Indian Trails Elementary 24300 E. Bundschu Independence, 816-650-7645 Mrs. Jennifer Stotler, 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 Susie Gouldsmith, director • Early Childhood Center 18109 E. 12th St. N. Independence 816-650-7480 Mrs. Amy Cox, 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 Monica Shane, principal • Buckner Elementary 13 S. Sibley St., Buckner 816-650-7300 Ms. Karen Hile, principal • Cler-Mont Elementary 19009 Susquehanna Ridge Independence 816-650-7350 Mr. Ryan Souza, principal

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

816-244-1315 Dr. Charlie Belt, principal

• Freshman Center 2103 N.W. Vesper 816-224-1325 Doug Mattson, principal

• Lucy Franklin Elementary 111 N.E. Roanoke Drive 816-224-1390 Seth Shippy, 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 816-224-7800 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 Stephen 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. 816-224-1365 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 816-224-1375 Jennie Alderman, principal • James Lewis Elementary 717 N.W. Park Road 816-224-1345 Liz Talamantez, principal • James Walker Elementary 201 S.E. Sunnyside School Road 816-224-1380 Casey Brownsberger, principal • John Nowlin Elementary 5020 N.W. Valley View Road 816-874-3670 Stephanie Owings, 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 816-224-1340 Cory LaBoube, principal • William Yates Elementary 3600 Davidson Road 816-224-1350 Mrs. Kerri Edwards, principal OTHER • Liggett Trail Education Center 3575 S.W. Liggett Road 816-224-1360 Dr. Greg Johnson, director • Hall-McCarter Education Center 5000 N.W. Valley View Road 816-224-1330 Rhonda Malone, Cub Care Coordinator

• Cordill-Mason Elementary 4001 S.W. Christiansen Road 816-874-3610 Todd Nurnberg, K-2nd principal and Kacey Crum 3rd-5th principal • Daniel Young Elementary 505 S.E. Shamrock Lane 816-224-1335 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. David Sharp, 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 Carie 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 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 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 Sanders, 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 1101 NW Innovation Parkway 816-986-3410 Dr. Jeremy Bonnesen, principal

Oak Grove Panthers • OAK GROVE SCHOOLS HIGH SCHOOL • Oak Grove High School 605 SE 12th St 816-690-4152 Adam Salmon, 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 Dr. Amanda Allen, 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 Buffie McConville, 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 Melissa Gabbert , 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

Raytown Blue Jays

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8 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

INDEPENDENCE

OOL: FIRST DAY OF SCH August 24, 2020 EAK: THANKSGIVING BR through November 25, 2020 November 29, 2020

WINTER BREAK: through December 23, 2020 January 4, 2021 SPRING BREAK: ugh March 31, 2021 thro March 27, 2021 OOL: LAST DAY OF SCH May 21, 2021

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

FORT OSAGE

FIRST DAY OF SCH OOL:

September 8, 202 0

THANKSGIVING B REAK:

November 25, 202 0 through January 6, 2020

WINTER BREAK:

December 24, 202 0 through January 6, 2021

SPRING BREAK:

March 27, 2021 th rough April 4, 2021

LAST DAY OF SCH OOL:

May 26, 2021

LEE’S SUMMIT CHOOL: FIRST DAY OF S August 26, 2020

WINTER BREAK: 0 through December 23, 202 January 3, 2021 SPRING BREAK: rough March 29, 2021 th April 2, 2021

BREAK: THANKSGIVING 0 through November 25, 202 0 November 29, 202 May 26, 2021 : L O O H C S F O Y LAST DA

BLUE SPRINGS HOOL: FIRST DAY OF SC 0 September 8, 202 REAK: THANKSGIVING B 0 through November 25, 202 0 November 29, 202 WINTER BREAK: 0 through December 23, 202 January 5, 2021 SPRING BREAK: rough March 15, 2021 th March 19, 2021 OOL: LAST DAY OF SCH May 25, 2021

GRAIN VALLEY FIRST DAY OF SC

HOOL:

September 8, 2020 THANKSGIVING

BREA

November 25, 202 K: 0 November 30, 202 through 0 WINTER BREAK:

December 21, 202 0 through January 3, 2021 SPRING BREAK:

March 15, 2021 th rough March 19, 2021 LAST DAY OF SC

May 28, 2021

HOOL:

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 9

ST. JOHN LALAND E

PRIVATE SCHOOL - DATES TO KNOW

FIRST DAY OF SC HOOL: August 26, 2020

THANKSGIVING BREAK: November 25, 2020 through November 29, 2020 WINTER BREAK: December 22, 2020 through January 5, 2021

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: August 18, 2020

NATIVITY OF M ARY

THANKSGIV

ING BREAK: November 25 , 2020 throug h November 29 , 2020

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Augus t 19, 2020 THANKSGIVING BREAK: Novem ber 23 through November 27, 2020 WINTER BREAK: December 23, 2020 through January 4, 2021 SPRING BREAK: March 15, 202 1 through March 22, 2021 LAST DAY: May 20, 2021

LAST DAY OF SC HOOL: May 21, 2021

F SCHOOL: August 26, 2 020

FIRST DAY OF SCHO OL: August 28, 2020

TIMOTHY LUTHERAN

SPRING BREAK: March 15, 2021

FIRST DAY O

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCH ANGEL HIGH SCHOOL

Compiled by Nancy Melton nmelton@examiner.net

SPRING BR

EAK: March 15, 20 21 through March 19, 20 21 LAST DAY O

May 21, 2021

F SCHOOL:

WINTER BR

EAK:

December 23 , 2020 throug h January 4, 20 21

WINTER BREAK: December 21, 2020 th rough January 4, 2021 SPRING BREAK: March 15, 2021 throug h March 19, 2021 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL : May 19, 2021

FIRST DAY OF EASTER BREAK: ugh April 5, 2021 SCHOOL: April 2, 2021 thro August 19, 2020 WINTER BREAK: HOOL: LAST DAY OF SC through 20 20 , 24 r be m Dece May 28, 2021 January 4, 2021 SPRING BREAK: 21 rough March 15, 20 March 12, 2021 th

CENTER PLAC E RESTORATIO N SCHOOL FIRST DAY O F SCHOOL: SPRING BR August 27, 2 EAK: 020

y, Blue Springs Plaza Heights Christian Academ tion time of publica No posted start date for classes at

ndence

ool, Indepe Messiah Lutheran Church Sch

publication ted start date for classes at time of

No pos

ependence

Family Christian Academy, Ind

No posted start date for classes at

THANKSGIVING BREA November 25, 2020 th K: November 30, 2020 rough

time of publication

Summit Summit View Adventist, Lee’s of publication e tim at ses No posted start date for clas

THANKSGIV

ING BREAK: November 25 , 2020 throug h November 29 , 2020 WINTER BR

EAK:

December 19 , 2020 throug h January 3, 20 21

April 2, 2021 through April 9, 2021

LAST DAY O

May 28, 2021

F SCHOOL:

10 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

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: Dr. Lisa Lauck, Address: 10021 E. 36th Terrace  BLUE SPRINGS 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, Phone: 816-924-1703 non-denominational Administrator: Website: novacenter.org Rita Schowengerdt 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 Eckhoff 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: Marilu W. Herrick, grade 6 Affiliation: independent Executive Director 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 Principal: Marianne Organ 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: Matt Daarud Address: 12503 S. Missouri 7 Phone: 816-697-3443

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 11

FREEPIK.COM

HOW TO EASE

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

STRESS

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

C

“Your message should be that it is normal to feel a bit worried when you encounter any new situation, but your child has handled all kinds of difficult things in the past successfully, and they will be able to handle this.”

DR. LAURA MARKHAM

hildren feeling scared or nervous about school starting is common, and parents may worry about how they will adjust.

Some kids dwell on who will be in class, will they make friends and what will the teacher be like, while others have special challenges that can make school more difficult, said clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Markham, founder of Aha! Parenting and author of “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids.”

This fall children may worry about leaving the safety of their home and returning to school, being in close contact with others amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Markham said.

Some of the signs a child may feel anxious about school include: • Procrastination getting ready • Crying before school • Stomachaches • Acting needy and overwhelmed • Acting short-tempered with parents or siblings • Fighting with parents • Wetting the bed • Less appetite than usual “Basically, think fight (challenging behavior), flight (not attending to getting ready) or freeze (regression and collapse),” Markham said.

To relieve stress visit the school, even if a child is familiar with it.

“If the kids will be allowed to play on the

playground, then playing on the playground now, before school opens, will help the child feel comfortable there and look forward to being at school,” Markham said.

Laughter is also a terrific stress reliever, so playing silly games about the return to school can be helpful, she said.

“Encourage your child to share concerns by asking what he thinks his new grade will be like. Normalize any fears,” Markham said. Help your child brainstorm how they will handle situations they’re worried about happening.

“Your message should be that it is normal to feel a bit worried when you encounter any new situation, but your child has handled all kinds of difficult things in the past successfully, and they will be able to handle this,” Markham said.

Younger kids need to bond with their teachers so that they are comfortable in the absence of parents. If possible, meet them in advance.

“Take a photo of your child with the teacher and put it up on your refrigerator and talk to it, which builds a relationship between your child and the teacher,” Markham said.

Reading books together is a good way to start conversations and help get a child excited about what they can expect, Markham said.

“If you’re new in town, make a special effort to meet other kids in the neighborhood. ... Even if your child is not new to the school, find out what other kids are in her class and arrange a playdate so she’ll feel more connected if she hasn’t seen these kids all summer,” Markham said. “If you can

arrange for your son or daughter to travel to school that first morning with a child he or she knows, even if they aren’t in the same classroom, it will ease last minute jitters.”

Offer a child reassurance that they will have fun, that the school can reach you if necessary and that your love is always with them even when you aren’t, Markham said.

Even young children can benefit from mindfulness practices such as listening to a guided meditation to help them relax, she said. Start when children are little and they will use this invaluable habit throughout their childhood and into high school or college.

“Orchestrate small separations to practice saying goodbye, and develop a parting routine, such as a hug and saying something like, ‘I love you, you love me, have a great day and I’ll see you at three!’” Markham said.

Give your child a small token to hold on to, such as a cut-out heart with a love note, a scarf or a small stone you found together, that they can keep in their pocket while you’re apart and give back upon your return.

“Most kids like to have a picture of the family in their backpacks,” Markham said.

12 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

SOFT

FREEPIK.COM

SKILLS

YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOLER SHOULD KNOW

W

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

hile learning about complex math, foreign language and how to take a bus to school, middle schoolers are also refining the soft skills that will help them in school and in everyday life.

“Middle school is the best time to lay soft skills foundations,” said Sarah Fraser, founder of Academic Coaching DC. “Giving them a strong foundation now helps them build up a better sense of self before high school and sets them up to thrive inside and outside the classroom,” Fraser said.

Critical thinking

“Thinking critically means reflecting and evaluating ourselves and our views of the world.

To do this requires an openness to acknowledge that our views could be partial or incomplete, to genuinely step outside of our own beliefs or perspectives,” said Kelsey Komorowski, chief skill builder and founder of Komo, an online learning platform.

“Middle school is a great time to begin building this skill because this is when kids are starting to form their sense of self. If they understand the value in questioning the information on their phones or that their friends’ opinions don’t need to be their opinions, then they can start to grow into an authentic version of themselves,” Komorowski said.

Empathy “Middle school involves tough issues,” said educator Karen Gross, author of “Trauma Doesn’t Stop at the School Door.” Middle schoolers are struggling with growth spurts, and engagement between the sexes is often fraught with teasing.

“It is for these reasons that middle schoolers can and should develop empathy, caring about others and appreciating the consequences of their acts,”

Gross said.

Encourage philanthropic activities such as volunteering, visiting or reading to senior citizens, or making gifts for those in need.

“This shows the tweeners they are developing,” Gross said.

can work on this through asking for their student’s understanding of their homework at the beginning of middle school, backing out of the process as it becomes clear their student is assessing their understanding independently,” Fraser said.

Communication

“Middle school is the best time to learn how to effectively manage a course load,” Komorowski said. “Once students understand what time management looks like in practice and how it makes their lives easier, it becomes a part of their everyday life. High school has a more demanding course load, so middle school is the perfect time to learn how to properly manage and complete their work.”

“At this point, students should be able to advocate for themselves when it comes to their progress in class, their grade and to explain their thinking. It would be hard for middle schoolers to get their point across if they were constantly getting upset and unable to communicate effectively,” said Annette Estrada, fourth/fifth grade classroom teacher at LUCHA Elementary in San Jose, California.

Metacognition Just because a student reads an assignment doesn’t mean they understand it.

“Metacognition is thinking about how you are thinking,” Fraser said. Using metacognition a student can understand how a reading or homework assignment fits within the subject as a whole.

“This is a deeply important skill, and middle school is the best time to start building it. Parents

Time management

Perseverance Middle schoolers have to learn that mistakes are part of life and learn from them.

“Failures are the road to success; without failure it would be difficult to learn the many angles of solving a problem,” said Estrada.

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 13

HOW TO HELP

YOUNG LEARNERS

THRIVE

T

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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he skills children learn in elementary school build upon each other like the foundation of a house. ”The habits of the mind for a growing child — reading, writing, math, learning — all start from a young age, and there are several things parents can do at home to help in the scaffolding process,” said Pam Allyn, senior vice president of innovation and development for Scholastic Education.

This “scaffolding process” is “fast and deep,” she said.

“It’s really exciting to watch children, mine and others, learn.

Children are always growing and learning, and they are very aware they are learners,” Allyn said.

For little learners to build a solid academic foundation, families need to focus on some big concepts along the way.

Readiness to learn Creating a healthy living routine can make sending a child to school ready to learn easier for busy caregivers, Allyn said.

“With a routine it becomes less of a task and more of a habit,” she said.

A nutritious breakfast fuels kids for the day and gives them the energy they need to do better in school.

Alert learners need a good night’s sleep. That’s between nine and 12 hours a night for ages 6 to 12, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Be sure to create a consistent bedtime routine on school nights.

“Wake up a couple minutes early to be ready or lay out clothes the night before,” Allyn said.

Take attendance seriously because attendance is deeply connected to engagement, she said.

Being a role model Model and share lifelong learning, Allyn said. Allow your children to see you learning, whether that means trying a new recipe or mastering minor home repairs.

“It’s great to talk about ‘someday you could be a lawyer, a doctor or an educator,’ but it’s more exciting for children to see you as a parent as a lifelong learner,” Allyn said.

Reading together In addition to creating a safe space for children to learn at home, parents should give kids access to a diversity of books and magazines so children can have an expansive view of themselves, Allyn said.

“Reading is opening a world of possibility not just of who you are today or what career is possible but also what kind of person you are going to be,” she said.

Sparking their curiosity To open a world of possibilities, ask questions instead of making statements.

“Instead of saying, ‘Someday, you could be an engineer,’ create an inquiry. To ask a 7-year-old ‘What are your hopes and dreams?’ will spark some amazing conversation. We don’t give children enough chances to,” Allyn said.

Staying on track Be sure to take time to talk to kids about what they are learning in school so they know that education is important to you, Allyn said.

Review results of state standardized tests to see if children are meeting or exceeding standards.

“The results shouldn’t be a surprise. If they are a concern, you should have a good line of communication with the teacher. Don’t ever be afraid of having a team approach, but start with the teacher,” she said.

Ask what you can be working on at home and the best ways to keep in touch, Allyn said.

Being a fan “Have so much empathy for a child as a learner even when they stumble,” Allyn said. After a bad day or a poor grade, offer a warm embrace. Ask how you can help. Let them know you are their biggest fan.

14 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

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TALKING ABOUT

RACISM WITH YOUR CHILD

D

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

on’t shy away from the topic of race because children will encounter it, sometimes even at school.

“Continued education and engagement in conversations around race and white privilege are necessary in households of all races,” said Chrishane Cunningham, a postgraduate fellow at the Family Institute at Northwestern University.

Children are not too young to learn about this “slippery and elusive” topic, she said.

Many people tend to think of racism in “If they are very young, it can feel like the context of mistreatment based on skin a loss of innocence, and if they are older color and the belief in the superiority of it can feel like a cruel reminder of things one race over another, but racism is much to come,” Cunningham said. more complex.

“At its core, racism is about power and Parents should try to foster honest and prejudice,” Cunningham said. It “allows open communication with their child for one group (white Americans) to have about their experience and the world disproportionate access to resources as well around them, Cunningham said. Let chilas power and influence in shaping cultural dren share their experience, feelings and norms, values and institutional policies.”

Because racism is pervasive and full range of emotions. systemic, it is oftentimes perpetuated “Feelings such as fear, inadvertently and unknowconfusion, shame and anger ingly, for example in a lack of may arise. It is important to representation in school curriculums, Cunningham said. make sure to communicate Children of all ages can to them that they did nothing experience racism, and it can wrong, their feelings are valid be confusing and hurtful. and that they do not deserve “It can teach them that their value is determined by “Feelings such treatment,” Cunningham the color of their skin and such as fear, said. “It is also an opportunity not by all the wonderful confusion, to lead/teach by example. The things they will come to offer shame and the world,” she said. anger may arise. best thing you can do for your As a parent it can be a It is important child is be an advocate for daunting task to talk with to make sure to them and teach them how to a child who has witnessed communicate advocate for themselves.” racism, Cunningham said. to them that Help them through the proBut racism is rooted in injustice, and this is a concept that they did nothing cess of reporting the offense wrong, their most youth are familiar with. and looking into restorative feelings are In discussions, using age justice opportunities or helpvalid and that appropriate language helps they do not ing them find a trusted and your child gain a better deserve such understanding of what trained professional, such treatment.” they witnessed. as a school social worker CHRISHANE “It may be helpful to or therapist to process their CUNNINGHAM frame the conversation experience. around an ‘unfairness’ or ‘wrong’ they experienced,” “Ultimately, it is important Cunningham said. Ask questions like to help your child learn to talk about “Has there ever been a time where you their experience and how it makes them felt people treated you unfairly?,” “Did feel while ensuring that they know they anyone help or stand up for you?,” “If not, what did that feel like?” and “How do not have to handle such encounters would you have helped a friend in a alone,” Cunningham said. similar situation?”

For more resources including book, These questions can help a child gain movie and podcast lists, check out empathy and a better idea of how to navigate future encounters, Cunningpb-resources.com, which was created ham said.

by New York University student Alexis It is also a great time to share with Williams. your child your personal experiences “I encourage people to look up orgaand struggles with racist encounters.

Hearing your struggles and steps nizations within their community that towards allyship — including your are working to spark positive changes, mistakes — can be illuminating for their as they are often loaded with informapersonal journeys, she said. tion and resources that directly impact If your child has been the target of racism, it can be very difficult to cope. your community,” Cunningham said.

Friday, August 21, 2020 | Make The Grade | The Examiner 15

HOW TO REALLY

HELP TEACHERS

By Melissa Erickson

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More Content Now

arents and teachers have one main thing in common: They both want children to succeed.

From donating supplies to sending kids to school ready to learn, there are plenty of things that teachers want parents to know.

Do what you can “When I taught elementary school, I loved having help from parents,” said Cindy McKinley Alder, a teacher from Milford, Michigan, author of ”One Smile and One Voice” and coauthor of “365 Teacher Secrets for Parents.”

“Help can come in so many different forms. Some parents have the time and energy to come in a few times a week to help with whole-class activities. Others prefer occasionally working with kids one-on-one. Some like to come in but would rather help with checking papers.

Parents can also pitch in from home to help prepare school projects such as assisting with book orders. Help is always welcome,” Alder said.

One of the best things parents can do to make a teacher’s job easier is to send kids to school ready to learn, Alder said.

A well-rested, well-fed child who comes prepared with homework and supplies will be in a better position.

Be a role model “We’ve all heard the famous adage, ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ but how often do we take it to heart?

Children are like sponges, and they’re learning all the time.

This is why it’s so important to model the behaviors you want from your children,” said Lisa McGrath, a high school teacher and mentor in Olympia, Washington.

“Take action: Read something every day, take a class, learn a new skill, and show — don’t tell — your children how important being a lifelong learner really is. The simple investment of time, curiosity and practice has the ability to transform your life, and you’re worth it,” she said.

“Teachers would love it if what they were doing in the classroom was reinforced at home. Knowing her students are reading and writing at home on a regular basis would make any teacher happy,” Alder said.

Make a donation Supplies are always a welcome gift.

Teachers need tissues, pencils, new markers, sanitizing wipes and more. It’s simple to find what a teacher is in need of: Just ask, Alder said.

Don’t just drop by to talk At some point most parents will need to contact their

child’s teacher with regular questions or in an emergency, so it is helpful for teachers to recommend the best way to communicate.

“Parents need to know that teachers are so busy and often don’t have time for drop-in conversations. Email is great because it gives both parties time to think before responding,” Alder said.

Be proactive Some schools may move to virtual learning in the fall, which presents its own challenges. Start the new school year on the right foot by expressing concerns before there is a real problem, said developmental psychologist Erin O’Connor, a professor at New York University and a mother of two daughters.

“Even though we’re all going through the same crisis, we have different resources at hand. What if a teacher doesn’t have a strong enough internet to do a virtual class live? Then a parent could offer to run a live book group with a small group so that children still have a chance to have real-time interaction,” O’Connor said.

Have a safe learning space Be intentional about the space you choose where your child will regularly engage in online learning or studying, said Dr. Kevin Corsini, president of San Diego Christian College. Ask yourself whether a student learns best in the solitude of home or in the midst of others at a local coffee shop.

“Everyone is wired uniquely. Figure out what works best for you and get to that spot each week for your class. Having a consistent location for your online class will help create a physical framework for learning and lead to a more enjoyable experience,” he said.

16 The Examiner | Make The Grade | Friday, August 21, 2020

STOP DENYING CHILDREN THEIR RIGHT TO LEARN ONLINE Some Missouri school districts are spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on costly litigation to prevent families from enrolling in a tuitionfree, full-time online school that allows their child to learn safely at home.

These districts have ignored enrollment requests for months, violated state law by wrongfully denying other request, and even forced a child and parent to testify under oath to defend their legal right to choose an online school.

THE NATIONAL COALITION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL OPTIONS CAN HELP. If you’ve been denied your legal right to enroll your child in an online school, call us:

1-866-491-1486 publicschooloptions.org/Missouri

Paid for by the National Coalition for Public School Options