Park Hill South
est. 1998
Park Hill South Interim Principal: Dr. Kerrie Herren
Dr. Herren came to the Park Hill School District in 2007 as a teacher, coach and student council advisor at Park Hill South. In 2011, he became assistant principal at Congress and Plaza middle schools, and then at Park Hill South in 2013. He spent a year as the district coordinator of curriculum and student services before returning to his assistant principal position at Park Hill South.
He has a bachelor's degree in education from the University of South Dakota, a master's degree in education from the University of Kansas and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from KU.
He developed Park Hill South's Inclusion and Equity Council and he helps facilitate the Equal Opportunities School outreach plan. He led the AVID school wide implementation at his school, and he leads the academic intervention program, including the development of a writing center. He developed mental health training and helped implement the Signs of Suicide prevention program at Park Hill South.
Since the current principal, Dr. Dale Longenecker, announced his retirement late in the year, Dr. Herren will serve as interim principal for Park Hill South for the 2020-2021 school year, and then we will do a full principal search next year.
Summer Conditioning, Protocols & Camps
Park Hill South Families:
We have been working diligently to develop plans for returning to conditioning, practices, and camps this summer. As of today, our plan is to begin summer strength and conditioning on June 15. Some important information to keep in mind:
Student-athletes will have to sign up for the conditioning sessions they will attend. This helps us keep a record of who is coming on each day, and also helps us manage the numbers to ensure physical distancing expectations can be met. Use the this hyperlink to signup - 2020 Summer Weights Sign Up-Covid
- Student-athletes must have a signed permission slip in order to participate in summer activities. A permission slip is attached to this communication. Student-athletes may bring this on their first day of conditioning, or you may email the signed permission slip to carrj@parkhill.k12.mo.us.
- For the period of June 15-June 30, we will have conditioning sessions outside on our fields. We will not use any sport-specific equipment or weights during this time. Our goal is to work our student-athletes back into shape, and avoid injuries while doing so.
- Please see the attached document that outlines safety protocols we are following during this time.
Band may begin their practices no earlier than June 15. Band directors will communicate their schedules and safety protocols to their students.
The basketball, football, and wrestling camps previously scheduled for the month of June have been pushed to July, assuming we are allowed to have them per Platte County Health Department guidelines. Preliminary camp dates are also attached to this communication.
We will share this information in our school newsletter, and we will also post it on our school website. If you have any questions, please contact your specific coach about sports, activities, or strength and conditioning. As is common during a pandemic, all of these plans are subject to change given protocols we are following from the Platte County Health Department. We appreciate your patience as we navigate through this unprecedented time. The safety of our Panthers is a priority for all of us.
Head Coaches & Sponsors
Boston Higgins -Summer Strength & Conditioning- HigginsB@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Josh Dorr – Girls Basketball - DorrJ@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Dan Parra -Boys Basketball - ParraD@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Chris Farmer – Boys Soccer - FarmerC@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Jared Byrne – Girls Soccer - ByrneJ@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Samantha Williams -Volleyball - WilliamsS@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Dan Dunkin -Boys & Girls Wrestling - DunkinD@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Alan Wilmes -Football - WilmesA@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Josh Walker – Softball - walkerj@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Pam Jurgensmeyer -Girls Cross Country - JurgensmeyerP@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Allen Roth -Boys Cross Country /Boys Track - RothA@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Christopher Leibrand -Girls Track - LeibrandC@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Tracy Mangels – Girls & Boys Golf - Mangelst@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Ian Cunliff -Girls & Boys Tennis - CunliffI@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Tim Busenhart – Boys & Girls Swim/Dive - BusenhartT@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Andrew Gillespie -Marching Band - GillespieA@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Uribe, Catilin -Dance - UribeCa@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Andrea Henderson - Asst. Cheer - HendersonA@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Sincerely,
John Carr
Park Hill South
Athletic Director
816-359-4120
2020 Middle School Middle School Strength, Speed, and Agility Camps
Park Hill South will be holding a middle school strength, speed, and agility camp for males and females during the 2020 summer. The camp will be for incoming 7th & 8th graders at Walden or Lakeview Middle school. The camp will run from June 15th-July 30th on Monday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Camp is for all sports Please contact coach Alan Wilmes for details and sign up. wilmesa@parkhill.k12.mo.us
New P-EBT Benefits for Families That Qualify
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, families that qualify for free or reduced lunch at school may be eligible for a new benefit of up to $302 per child (PreKindergarten – Grade 12), known as the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program, to help with food costs while students continue to learn at home.
The benefits include:
• $57 for March
• $125 for April
• $120 for May
Students can receive P-EBT benefits even if they have been or continue to receive meals provided by the school district during the school closure.
If your child was not previously eligible for free or reduced price meals, but you have now lost income, you may be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits (review the P-EBT Eligibility Criteria document below).
If you are eligible, the benefit months you are eligible for will be loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. If you received Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, DO NOT apply for these new/additional benefits. The full $302 will automatically be loaded to your existing EBT card. If you need more information on SNAP, visit mydss.mo.gov.
If you did not receive Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, you must apply for this benefit and complete all sections of the application.
Resource Parents qualify to receive P-EBT, as Foster Care children receive free lunch. If you are a Resource Parent who wants to receive these benefits, you will also need to complete the application.
Select one of the following ways to apply:
• Complete the online application at EmergencyMealSurvey.com/MO
• Scan your completed and signed application, then email it to: FoodandNutritionServices@dese.mo.gov
• Mail your completed application to:
DESE Food and Nutrition Services
205 Jefferson Street P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will verify that your household qualifies to receive free or reduced price meals and will then send your application to the Department of Social Services, Family Support Division (FSD). FSD will send you a letter. If you are approved, you will receive an EBT card with the benefit on it to buy food. Your card will have the one-time benefits loaded on the EBT card to purchase food at any retailer with the QUEST Mark ® logo.
Items you can buy include:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food
Items you cannot buy are:
• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
• Live animals (except shellfish or fish)
• Hot foods
• Any nonfood items like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, household supplies, hygiene items, or cosmetics
For more information on the EBT card, visit: mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/ebt.
If you have questions on how to apply, you can use the online chat feature at mydss.mo.gov or call 855-373-4636. If you need additional assistance with food, childcare, transportation, and/or other services, visit the Missouri Services Navigator at mo.servicesnavigator.org
PHS Word Cloud
Summer School 2020
Look for an email confirming your summer school enrollment on Monday, May 25th. This email will have your course specifics and teacher for both sessions.
Questions please email Dr. Beth Esco huntescoe@parkhill.k12.mo.us
PHS 2020 ACT Summer Workshops
PHS 2020 ACT Summer Workshops
Dates and Times TBD
Watch for Summer ACT Workshop information to come out soon!
PHS Art Department Website
This site showcases the work that would have been displayed at this year's art fair. Please take a moment to check out all the talented artists here at South
Park Hill South Art Department
Please help us announce the new FMPs for the 2020-2021 school year!
After deliberation from many applicants, the following students have been chosen to serve as FRESHMEN MENTORS in our tutorial program for first semester of the 2020-2021 school year! We thank all those who applied and showed their interest in helping our new freshmen feel part of South!. You will be welcomed and mixing with our returning crew through some summer ZOOM meetings and google files. Please email williamsm@parkhill.k12.mo.us a summer email address you honestly check WEEKLY for updates and plans.
Congratulations go out to the following:
Abigail Ervin
Nathan Shaw
Riley Parman
Jessica Eisler
Elliott Smith
Sophia Dunn
Chloe Bowman
Catherine Tejeda
Morgan Homoly
Color Guard Tryouts
Color Guard Interest Form
The View Issue 6--Final Issue of the semester!
The staff of The View, Park Hill South’s newsmagazine, is excited to distribute our final issue of the semester today! Please enjoy this issue that was organized, written, edited, and designed entirely from home. We have also continued to update our website, phsouthnews.com, daily with even more South- and quarantine-related content.
Click here to read a flippable online version
Click here to download a PDF version
Thanks for your continued support of Panther Publications!
Megan Palmer & The View Staff
Yearbook Information
Still want to order a 2020 yearbook? It’s not too late! Order online through Infinite Campus or at www.yearbookforever.com through the last day of school (May 22). Not sure if you have purchased a book or not? Check the (updated) list! Email adviser Megan Palmer at palmerm@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Distribution Update: Currently, the plan is to (hopefully) distribute senior yearbooks at the Senior Event in July for a seniors-only signing party. Underclassmen will (hopefully) be able to pick up books at registration in early August. Look for more details as those dates get closer.
AP Resources and Updates for Exams
- 2020 AP Exam Day Checklist: Students will need to complete this checklist for each exam they take and keep it next to them while testing.
- Explainer Videos: New videos are available to give students quick, easily accessible information about their test day experience, what they need to do to prepare, exam security, and more. Explore the playlist.
- AP Exam Demo (available May 4): AP students should use the clickable exam demo to practice the different ways to submit their exam responses. The demo will help students confirm that their testing device will be able to access and run the online exam. If they can’t access the demo, the final slide of the Testing Guide can help them troubleshoot. The sample content in the demo will be the same for all users and isn't a practice exam. We’ll send educators and students an email to remind them when the demo is available. This is an important preparation step all students need to do.
- Online AP Classes and Review Sessions prep week: The week before exams, online AP classes will focus on the exam day experience and sample exam questions.
- Student Outreach: If any of your students are having difficulty receiving College Board emails, walk them through the steps on the "Confirm your email address" page.
- Information for AP Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish Language and Culture Exams:
- The above exams will be administered using a new dedicated app, the AP World Languages Exam App. Students taking these exams must use this app on smartphones or tablets. This free app will be available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store the week of May 11. We’ll email students and their teachers to let them know when the app is available to download. Visit our site for more details.
- A video walk-through of the test-taking experience will be available the week of May 4.
- Details on accommodations for the above exams are also now available.
- Information for AP Music Theory Exams:
- Before exam day, students will need to print or hand copy the 2020 Music Theory Answer Sheet and gain access to an audio recording app or software before exam day. Please see more information on the website.
Having technology issues with your computer?
Dual Credit & AP Information
We are here to help your support your students as they take on the challenges of Dual Credit and AP classes. These classes could require more than an hour worth of your time. This is because MCC extending their school year so that all of the curriculum could be covered, we are not extending the school so teachers could need your students to work more than an hour. For AP, teachers need to cover all material before the exams begin in May. We are here to help if your student is struggling in any way. Let their teachers, counselors, or Dr. Esco (huntescoe@parkill.k12.mo.us ) know if they need any extra support.
Also we have had inquiries about the MCC is appeals process for a grade change. There is no appeal process for MCC, the grade your student earns for PHS is grade that is submitted to MCC for dual credit.
Stay At Home Information
There have been many questions concerning events and the procedures such as yearbooks, lockers, senior cap and gowns, cords and medals, laptops, uniforms and etc.
With the Stay-At-Home orders in place for Kansas City, we cannot allow any student or parent into the building as per the Health Department. When these restrictions are lifted we will notify all students and parents of the procedures for collecting items and turning in laptops, uniforms etc.
We are all in this together. Please Stay Safe!
Technology Support
Does your student need technology support or help? This link (https://bit.ly/phstudent) can be accessed through your child’s Schoology webpage. It has information on:
- Adobe
- Schoology
- Conference Tools
- TurnItIn
- How-To Documents
Students may also reach out to their teacher or the district’s technology office for assistance.
Coping With Quarantine
STUCO is partnering with your PHS Counselors and Social Worker to provide you with ALL the ways to stay healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally during this CRAZY time of isolation. Use this access code to join in the fun!
KPHJ-8HPF-45HS9
While there isn’t much we can do to change the given situation, we can support you, and encourage you to support one another as well. We will be providing some resources for you, in hopes that it will make your days a little bit brighter. Use this as a break to take time for yourself and make sure your friends are doing the same. Keep being productive, go outside, get some sleep, and PLEASE wash your hands J
Stay tuned and stay connected, Panther Nation! #AloneTogether
@south_stuco @CounselorsPHS
Writing Lab News
Hello!
Is your student struggling with a writing assignment? Online writing consultations are available for all students, in all writing assignments, in any subject area, along with scholarship and college application essays.
Email Dr. Whitlow whitlowj@parkhill.k12.mo.us and she will help your student understand the assignment, develop an outline, review a draft of a document in Google Doc or a Word file, and send the student feedback.
Making Writing Easier: Park Hill South High School students have a resource for getting help on writing strategies, drafting papers and perfecting college essays. Watch to learn about how the Writing Center is making writing easier for students!
https://www.facebook.com/ParkHillSchoolDistrict/videos/858768647909840/
A+ Tutoring
Students:
Park Hill South needs online TUTORS during the shutdown. If you are interested in TUTORING and earning A+ hours, please fill out the link below. Online tutoring starts next week!
To become a tutor, complete this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1F8HF03qGnGQ3If4vnhsowelbWXJk01MvxGDcR6KkAhc/edit
From The Nurses Office
Students and families, if you are in need of hygiene products, foods, or your immunization record please contact either Kathy Cole RN or Robin Roe LPN at 816-359-4124 or email them at colek@parkhill.k12.mo.us or roer@parkhill.k12.mo.us.
Amazon Books & Audio Stories
All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet using the following link https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Families First Coronavirus Response Act-Free Meals
According to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, all students enrolled may receive FREE meals regardless of the ability to pay. We can assure you, you ARE NOT taking away from other students in need.
Distribution times are from 11-1 Monday through Friday.
If you are in need of student meals, are not accessing meals due to lack of transportation and are interested in delivery, please email Lauren Caldwell: caldwelll@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Here is next week's meal plan.
https://www.parkhill.k12.mo.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_62416/File/20-21/Meals_April-13-17.pdf
COUNSELING NEWS
Follow Us
Friend us on Facebook @ParkHillSouthHighSchool
Follow us on Twitter @ParkHillSouthHS and @phsouthscores for highlights and current event information
Connect with PHS Counseling
Website https://counselorsphs.weebly.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/CounselorsPHS
Senior Honors Celebration!
Even though we were unable to host our Senior Honors Night, The PHS Counseling Department wanted to recognize the graduating Class of 2020 and all of the honors they have received. We hope you enjoy the Class of 2020 Honors Celebration presentation. We are all very proud of our Panthers and wish you well in your future endeavors!
You can find the presentation here: https://youtu.be/rg-_gL7yDz0
AP Information!! Please Read!!
All information involving how to take your online AP exam will come to you through the email you used to register for your course. All information on testing will come from college Board (not PHS). It is your responsibility to make sure you are checking your email and are ready to test on your testing date. If you have questions please see the College Board webpage https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students/taking-ap-exams. Thank you!!
If you choose not to take the exam and would like a refund you must email Mrs. Dorrell dorrellt@parkhill.k12.mo.us by May 4th.
Below are the testing dates and times.
Notice from ACT’s Website:
The safety of students and test center staff is ACT’s top priority. ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. Learn more.
Resources for ACT PREP:
ACT Academy
Free, personalized online learning tool and test practices featuring video lessons, interactive questions, full-length practice tests, educational games, and other materials targeted to students’ academic needs.
Senior Scholarship Opportunities
Sophie's Run Information
Sophie's Run
Hello Colleagues-
My name is Rebecca Hart and I teach at social studies at Park Hill High School and additionally I serve on the Board of Directors for Sophie’s Run. I am here with a shameless plug for this amazing organization! We were scheduled to have the Run on Saturday, May 9th. In lieu of an in-person run, we are offering a virtual version. We would LOVE the support! You can register to run (or walk). We have cool new t-shirts this year that will be available May 9th. You can participate any time the week of May 24th – 30th by posting a pic and tag us on social media.
Sign-up link: https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/KansasCity/SophiesRunLakeWaukomis
If you are curious what exactly we do… we help kids that otherwise cannot communicate. This usually looks like an iPad with an app called TouchChat. Kids can use their iPad to communicate wants, needs, etc. We provide them predominantly for younger students in Park Hill but we continue to purchase upgrades to devices and software for kids of all ages. You have probably seen some kiddos in your hallways utilizing them. Though some insurance will pay for a device, it is usually only ONE device before age 18. Our organization can cut through the red tape of dealing with insurance companies. Additionally, the devices we provide kiddos can be taken home from school for constant support. I hope you learned something new today!!
Help needed in the nurses office!
The nurses would greatly appreciate your help with donations of the following items:
New packaged girls underwear in various sizes
New gray or black sweatpants (men's) in either medium or large
Thanks so much for your help!!
From Your Librarian
Summer Reading
Dear Students and Parents,
It's been quite a year, hasn't it? Between the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl, our regular school year being interrupted by a worldwide pandemic, and all of us learning firsthand how to function and progress through distance learning, we have definitely made the 2019-2020 school year one for the record books. Along the way we have learned a great deal and many times, even had some fun while doing it.
As the school year comes to a close, I just want to let you know that it has been a pleasure working with all of you this past year. We have been fortunate to share many books and even more stories together.
Now that summer break is upon us I would like to provide you with some ideas for summer reading to hopefully help you find those perfect books to keep you busy and reading throughout the summer.
The first list contains our Gateway Award Winners for next year. Reading these books is always a great idea but reading any of these over the summer will give you a great start on several promotions that we will have during the next school year regarding this collection. You will be given more details next year but let’s just say there will be prizes involved.
A Heart in a Body in the World – Caletti
After the Shot Drops – Ribay
Camp Valor – McEwen
Dread Nation – Ireland
Dry – Shusterman
Flight Season – Marquardt
Hey Kiddo – Krosoczka
Little White Lies – Barnes
Monday’s Not Coming – Jackson
Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe – Norton
Someone I Used to Know – Blount
The Book of Essie – Weir
The Cruel Prince – Black
The Poet X – Acevedo
The Unfortunates – Liggett
Some more great ideas for your reading enjoyment:
Fiction Titles: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin – Roseanne Brown, Admission – Julie Busbaum, Seasons of the Storm – Elle Cosimano, All Eyes on Her – L.E. Flynn, I Killed Zoe Spanos – Kit Frick, Beneath Like Water – Anna Jarzab, Dark Skies - Danielle Jensen, You Should See Me In a Crown – Leah Johnson, Last Chance Summer – Shannon Klare, The Extraordinaries – TJ Klune, A Wicked Magic – Sasha Laurens, Fake Plastic World – Zara Lisbon, Spiked – Jon McGoran, Burn – Patrick Ness, The Loop – Ben Oliver, Scorpion – Jeff Sweat, If We Were Us – K.L. Walther, The Goddess Twins – Yodassa Williams, A Sky Painted Gold – Laura Wood
Graphic Novels: The Daughters of YS – M.T. Anderson, A Dishwasher’s Guide to Mistaken Identity – Jarad Greene, Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Graphic Novel – Michael Moreci, You Brought Me the Ocean – Alex Sanchez
Non-Fiction Titles: Whose Right is it? The Second Amendment and the Fight Over Guns – Hana Bajramovic, Women’s Art Work: More than 30 Female Artists Who Changed the World – Sophia Bennett, Ms. Gloria Steinem: A Life – Winifred Conkling, All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto – George M. Johnson, Rewire Your Anxious Brain for Teens: Using CBT, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness to Help you End Anxiety, Panic and Worry – Debra Kissen, The Human Genome: Mapping the Blueprint of Human Life – Carla Mooney, The Radium Girls: The Scary but True Story of the Poison that Made People Glow in the Dark – Kate Moore, Sarah Bernhardt: The Divine and Dazzling Life of the World’s First Superstar – Catherine Reef, Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing – Julie Rubini, The Self-Love Revolution: Radical Body Positivity for Girls of Color – Virgie Tovar
Don’t forget to read. Books are there whenever you need them and are a great resource for your enjoyment, your education, and they can take you places that you want to go, even when you can’t leave your house! Remember that libraries are a great resource and can always be accessed online and in person. Make the most of them. Don’t forget that you can access our EBooks by clicking on overdrive, both through our Park Hill South library website and the Park Hill District website. Also, you can access Sora through the Mid-Continent Public Library website for their digital books. And be sure to participate in MCPL’s Summer Reading Program for more great reading ideas and the chance to earn and win prizes at mymcpl.org/dream. If you have any questions or problems with any of this or just want some other reading suggestions, please contact me at kaubleb@parkhill.k12.mo.us.
Be sure to have a great and safe summer break. I will look forward to seeing all of you back in the Park Hill South Media Center soon!
Mrs. Kauble
Media Specialist
Park Hill South
Mid-Continent Library
Community
Community Project with Zona Rosa
We are creating a community window mural at Zona Rosa made up of a "quilt" of colored pages by our community. For every page submitted, we are donating $10, up to $5,000 to North Kansas City Hospital for their employee appreciation & supply fund as a thank you for all their work on the front lines.
Would your students be willing to color for us? They'll get to see their works of art on display at Zona Rosa later this month!
Here's a link with all the information -- if you can pass this along to the teachers or art teachers, parents, etc as a fun activity, that'd be awesome!
https://www.zonarosa.com/our-heroes-wear-scrubs-a-project-to-benefit-healthcare-workers/
Food Pantry Options
Census: Shape Your Future in Park Hill
You'll soon have the opportunity to make sure you're counted in the 2020 Census! As the U.S. Constitution requires every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau will count every person living in our country. Starting in mid-March, every home will receive a questionnaire, which asks about the people living in the home, including their names and demographic information, such as age, sex and race. You can respond online, on the phone or through the mail.
It is important for all of us to take 10 minutes to participate, because the results impact everyone in our schools. The data determines how the government spends more than $675 billion across the nation, including funding for school lunches, services and support for low-income families, education grants, community classes and more. In addition, the census determines how we are represented on the state and federal levels.
The 2020 census records will be confidential until 2092.
For more information, please visit https://2020census.gov.