Parent Newsletter February 20, 2023
#YouBelongHere
North Kansas City High School
Website: https://www.nkcschools.org/Domain/35
Location: 620 East 23rd Avenue, North Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-321-5310
Twitter: @NorthtownNews
MISSION & VISION
Mission
North Kansas City High School establishes a supportive learning community, which fosters creativity and curiosity and promotes critical thinking. North Kansas City High School creates a challenging learning environment which encourages effective communication and compassion and that develops positive contributors to our global community.Vision
A learning community where we appreciate and foster civility and success for all.
# NorthtownTRUE
IB Mission & Vision
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Sunday Announcements
Northtown's Upcoming Events
Monday, February 20th
- No School Presidents Day
Friday, February 24th
- Black History Assembly
Friday, March 3rd
- Blood Drive
Tuesday, March 7th
- Extreme Test Day
Friday, March 10th
- Jostens: Graduation Announcement Delivery Day
Help us recognize our amazing Northtown Staff!
Let's Celebrate
Brickyard Coffee Shop
The Brickyard coffee shop was recently awarded Bronze Certification. To give a brief synopsis of the process to get certified students from the SBE or school store have to write a paper detailing all parts of their SBE which turns out to be a 20+ page document (see attached for a more in-depth explanation). Each SBE can receive gold, silver, or bronze level depending on how they are judged, or they can be denied certification. The Brickyard was one of 461 schools internationally to be certified at any level and one of only 23 schools in the state of Missouri to receive certification.
Please congratulate Gerald Lewis & Hector Carreon as they were the two students that primarily worked on the submission.
Two students earn academic all-state for Softball!
Coach Douglas, NKC AP and Head Football Coach earns Semper Fi Award!
Note Regarding Student Attendance
I am writing this message to all families in hopes of creating awareness of the importance of regular attendance for all students at school. As you may be aware, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommends that students have greater than 90% attendance to ensure their success in school. Every minute counts, we appreciate your efforts in helping your student arrive at school by 7:43am and leave after 2:40pm.
We understand that there may be times when your child is unable to attend school due to illness or other personal reasons. However, it is important to emphasize the impact that even a few absences can have on your child's academic progress. Regular attendance is a critical component of your child's education. It allows them to remain engaged in the learning process, participate in classroom discussions, and keep up with assignments and assessments. Additionally, consistent attendance helps students develop positive habits and routines that will serve them well in the future.
We want to work with you to ensure that your child has every opportunity to succeed. Please take a moment to review your child's attendance record which can be found on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. We are always happy to partner with families to find solutions to your unique school attendance issues. We have several staff members that can be of assistance to you as we move forward. Your student’s teachers, the school nurse, the school counselor, the School Community Resource Specialist, and school principals are ready to assist. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Please contact the school at (816) 321-5310 with the reason anytime your student needs to be absent from school. We also understand the complexity of making doctor, dentist, and other appointments. Please make these outside of school hours whenever possible. If your student needs to be gone during the day, please only have them away from school for the time of the appointment. You can pick them up and return them to the school to minimize time away from instruction. We also ask that you please provide notes from the doctor whenever possible.
Thank you so much for your attention to this matter!
GO HORNETS!
Drew White, Ed.D
Principal
North Kansas City High School
What's buzzing around Northtown?
Giving to Give Back is a service project!
Giving to Give Back is a service project being led by our 9th grade Human Services classroom. They are collecting donated items from advisories to put into care packages for those in poverty. The advisory to donate the most items will win a donut party. Please send in travel size toiletries, prepackaged food, or first aid products!
Free College
FREE College- Check this out!
If you would like to attend an Early College Academy Parent/Student informational evening, to be held from 6:00pm -7:00pm via video conference on Zoom. Please click on RSVP, to be sent a link to join our virtual meeting.
MCC-ECA: February 15, 2023 March 9, 2023
UMKC-ECA: February 1, 2023 February 16, 2023 March 8, 2023
ECA Quick Facts:
- Students will earn approximately 10 – 12 college hours/semester of enrollment at MCC - Maple Woods or UMKC at NO COST to families (value more than $3000 at MCC and more than $7500 at UMKC).
- Students can choose from a morning (8:00am – 11:00am) session or afternoon (11:00am – 2:00pm) session. Transportation is provided for the morning session at MCC. Currently no transportation will be provided for UMKC.
- These college courses will concurrently count toward high school graduation requirements AND towards a college degree.
- These courses may be part of the CORE 42/MOTR that are transferrable to any publicly funded 4-year college or university in Missouri.
- Students are still eligible for MSHSAA athletics and activities.
AVID ENROLLMENT
Calling Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors! Are you thinking about college, but feel like it’s out of reach? AVID can help! Northtown AVID applications for the 2023-2024 school year are available! You can apply online! Just simply log in using the QR code on the AVID flyers. The link to the application is also available on the North Kansas City School District AVID website. Apply for Northtown AVID today to take the first step to accomplishing your college dreams! See Dr. Evans in Room M115 or any additional questions!
AUTO TECH
2022-2023 Academic Calendar
NKC Schools families:
This Tuesday evening (January 17th), the Board of Education approved academic calendars for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Several important changes have been made based on parent and staff feedback, the work of our Collaborative Team for Teacher Negotiations (CTTN), and our new Strategic Plan.
We will not have Late Start Thursdays during the 2023-2024 school year. In exchange, students will have several additional full days off while our employees engage in professional development. This change should better allow staff collaboration time and keep schedules consistent for families. As a result, students will also have a full week off for Thanksgiving Break. We appreciate all those who have shared their input on this important topic.
Please review the calendar (linked below) for all details and dates:
Inclement Weather Communication
To: All Parents
Subject: Inclement Weather Plans for 2022-2023
As we look forward to fall, it is time to share a few updates regarding North Kansas City Schools’ inclement weather plans for this 2022-2023 school year. Our goal, as always, is to ensure the safety of all during inclement weather events while minimizing disruption to students’ learning.
The first three inclement weather days this year will be traditional “snow days” with no in-person or virtual classes. Students will not be expected to log in. Optional enrichment activities will be accessible online should your family wish to continue learning from home. These days may be required to be made up.
Beginning with the fourth inclement weather day, if needed, we will shift to virtual learning. Similar to last school year, all students will be expected to log in and continue learning online. Teachers will work from home to support student learning. These days would not be required to be made up by students.
Please read more about virtual learning expectations for students, athletics and activities, Adventure Club on our district website at nkcschools.org/weather.
In the case of a change to normal school operation due to inclement weather, families and staff will be notified as soon as possible in several ways. These channels include the district website; email, phone and optional text messages; and announcements on social media, radio and TV.
To prepare for potential weather, we encourage you to:
● Opt in to receive text messages from your student’s school and the district. Text YES to 67587.
● Download the VersaTrans MyStop app to track your child’s bus in wintry conditions.
● Ensure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school.
North Kansas City Schools
Updated: Student activity attendance procedure
As we continue to provide the safest, most enjoyable experience at our athletic and activity events, we are adding a few additional procedures moving forward for the remainder of the 22-23 school year:
- . Middle school and elementary school students may only gain admittance to events when accompanied by an adult. If students arrive to the entrance gate without an adult, they will be asked to contact an adult immediately and will not be allowed entrance into the event.
- . All middle school and elementary school students will be asked to remain with an adult OR in the assigned seating area determined by the school for the duration of the event.
- . All students will be asked to remain in the stands during games and will not be allowed to loiter in the concourse or restroom areas.
- . Students who are unwilling to comply with the directions of the on-site administrators, supervisors or law enforcement will not be able to attend athletic or activity events for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year.
- . All students should leave immediately following the conclusion of all school events.
- . All school district policies remain in effect during all activity and athletic events.
UPDATED: NKC Schools Cell Phone Policy & Procedure
At North Kansas City Schools, our goal is to create a warm, welcoming, safe, academically focused environment for students. Student cell phone use at school has been identified as a tremendous distraction to meeting that goal. And, with the deployment of district-issued MacBooks, cell phones are unnecessary for academics throughout the school day. The building practice outlined on the attachment below has been developed in coordination with NKC Board Policy JG-R- Technology Misconduct. You may also reference Board of Education Policies EHB – Technology Usage and EHBA – Use of Personal Electronic Devices for Instructional Purposes for more information.
Please see the UPDATED NKC Schools Cell Phone Policy and Procedure below.
Senior News & Updates!
NKCHS College Advisor, Madelynn Zimmerman
If you would like to schedule a meeting with Ms. Zimmerman, please stop by the library during the school day to set an appointment http://calendly.com/madelynnzimmerman or e-mail her at madelynn.zimmerman@nkcschools.org.
Please follow her on Twitter - @nkccounseling, and on Instagram - @nkchscounseling
FAFSA DEADLINE
FAFSA is now open
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! Any senior who is planning to attend a college or university next year MUST fill this out. We will be providing several opportunities to support our seniors and parents as they navigate this process - starting with this week during parent-teacher conferences! We also have a staff member, Ms. Madelynn Zimmerman, who is a dedicated college advisor and can provide help support navigating the college-going process. You can set an appointment at http://calendly.com/madelynnzimmerman or e-mail her at madelynn.zimmerman@nkcschools.org.
FAFSA Application Website: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Here are some important notes:
- FAFSA is officially open!
- Seniors should fill out the FAFSA whether they're planning to go to a 2- or 4-year college, trade school or even if they're not sure what they want to do after graduation.
- If you need help filling out your FAFSA: we can provide 1-on-1 support. set an appointment http://calendly.com/madelynnzimmerman or e-mail Ms. Zimmerman at madelynn.zimmerman@nkcschools.org.
- Parents will need to be there with the student to provide information on their 2021 federal tax return
- A great resource with lots of financial aid information : https://sites.google.com/view/hcat/pay-for-college/fafsa?authuser=0
- Create your FSA ID and your parent's FSA ID to speed the process along if coming to a parent help night: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
- The sooner you complete your FAFSA, the better!
FAFSA Checklist
Looking for Scholarships?
https://myscholarshipcentral.org/category/kansas-city-metro/
Jostens Orders for Graduation
Seniors, if you haven't placed your order for Graduation Announcements or Cap & Gown, you may call Jostens' local number 816-523-4900 or you may place an online order if you prefer at The Graduation Center.
A+ Seniors Tutoring and Community Service Opportunity
Free Study Material for ACT, SAT and more
https://www.mometrix.com/academy/college-admissions-and-placement/
Save the Date: Class of 2023 Last Day and Graduation
169 Closure Map
2022-2023 School-year Calendars
Daily Bell Schedule (M,Tu,W,F)
Thursday Bell Schedule (Late-start)
Food Service
Free and Reduced Meal Program
With the expiration of the federal waiver, NKC Schools will no longer be able to provide free meals for all students. We encourage families that may be eligible to apply for the free and reduced meal program.
The free and reduced meals program offers many benefits beyond nutrition for participating families, including fee waivers, activity scholarships and school supplies. We encourage all families to take advantage of this option if eligible.
Find more information and application https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=0306152235285801&page=lunchapps
Meal Prices for 2022-2023
Student Services
Affordable Connectivity Program
To learn more information please click here https://www.fcc.gov/acp or call 877-384-2575
You can enroll through a participating broadband provider https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Compay https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/.
Transportation Update
Versatrans My Stop App allows parents to track their student students' bus location and arrival times as well as receive notifications on delays or other pertinent information. It is an application that can be downloaded from the Apple or Android Store on your mobile device.
For a handout with directions have your student stop in the Main office and see Mrs. Schwartz or click the links below for more information.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Parents, do you have a book title that you would like to see in our high school library’s collection?
If so, please fill out this form for consideration of your recommendation:
Thank you for encouraging and sharing the love of reading!”
Activities and Athletics!
Please see the link below for all North Kansas City High School activity and athletic events.
https://www.gkcsconference.org/public/genie/694/school/199/
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Mrs. Amber Washington (amber.washington@nkcschools.org)
Northtown Gear - We've Got SPIRIT
COUNSELING CORNER
Ms. Copas:
(816) 321-6887
- School of Health and Wellness (Freshman & Sophomores)
- Last names A-C (Juniors & Seniors)
Ms. Olvera:
(816) 413-3782
- School of Human Services (Freshman & Sophomores)
- Last names D-K (Juniors & Seniors)
Ms. Washington:
michelle.washington@nkcschools.org
(816) 321-5791
- School of Business, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship (Freshman & Sophomores)
- Last names L-P (Juniors & Seniors)
Ms. Deister:
(816) 321-4461
- School of Design, Innovation, and Technology (Freshman & Sophomores)
- Last names Q-Z (Juniors & Seniors)
Northtown Admin Team!
Principal
Dr. Drew White
Assistant: Mrs. Jessy Byers 816-321-4961Athletic Director
Mr. David Garrison
Asst. Principal
- Freshman and Sophomores: Health and Wellness Pathway
- Juniors - Seniors: Last Names A-C
Counselor: Ms. Shelli Copas
Assistant: Mrs. Joanne Schwartz 816-321-6956
Asst. Principal
- Freshman and Sophomores: Human Services
- Juniors - Seniors: Last Names D-K
Counselor: Ms. Amanda Olvera
Assistant: Mrs. Jenny Moore 816-321-5767
Asst. Principal
- Freshman and Sophomores: Business, Leadership, & Entrepreneurship
- Juniors - Seniors: Last Names L-P
Counselor: Mrs. Michelle Washington
Assistant: Mrs. Tara Holmes 816-321-4974
Asst. Principal
- Freshman and Sophomores: Design, Innovation, & Technology
- Juniors - Seniors: Last Names Q-Z
Counselor: Mrs. Maria Deister
Assistant: Mrs. Jeaneen Colston 816-321-4365