The Renner Report
July 2020 Family Newsletter
Renner Elementary School
School Phone: 816-359-4350
Principal: Sasha Kalis
Assistant Principal: Allison Page
Administrative Assistant: Stephanie Stott
KidGuard Insurance
Park Hill School District (per Board Policy JHA) continues to offer all families the opportunity to enroll their student(s) (pre-K through 12th) in a low cost, district approved insurance program. Coverage can be purchased at any time during the school year with coverage terminating on the last day of the regular school term.
The application can be found here and is linked below:
- Go to www.parkhill.k12.mo.us
- Click on Parent Resources | Parent Information | Student Health | Insurance | 2020-2021 KidGuard
Kindergarten Enrollment
Do you have a child or know someone with a child starting kindergarten in the fall? We are now taking kindergarten information for the 2020-21 school year for children who will be five years old on or before July 31 this year.
Enrollment and residency verification is open and more information will be located on the Park Hill website, www.parkhill.k12.mo.us under parent resources.
New Staff Memebers
- Hannah Habiger will be the music teacher. Hannah grew up in Olathe, Kansas and student taught in the Blue Valley School district. She graduated from UMKC in May 2020.
- Grant Williams will be a third grade teacher. Grant is a Park Hill graduate and even attended Renner briefly as a child. Grant received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Park University in 2017 and received his Master's degree in Education from Park University in May 2020. Grant previously taught second grade in the Kansas City Missouri district.
- Tina Bacon will be a specialized teacher assistant. Previously, she was a high school business teacher. Tina's Bachelor's and Master's degrees are in Business from the University of Central Missouri and she has an Educational Specialist degree in Administration from UMKC.
- Melissa Davis will be the special education teacher assistant. She has a fine arts degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Melissa is recently moved to the area with her fiancee.
- Valerie Fuentes will be the English Language Development Aide. Valerie attended Renner in elementary school and Mrs. Schumacher was her ELD teacher. Valerie has experience subbing in Park Hill and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Valerie has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Missouri State University and is currently working on her Master's degree in counseling at Avila University.
- Amy Shumaker will be a specialized teacher assistant. Amy has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Amy has experience as a substitute teacher and working with people who have special needs.
Reopening Plan
As we prepare to reopen our doors for fall, we are trying to do the right things to take care of our students, our staff and our community. This is a difficult time for everyone, but it helps to know that this won’t last forever. Our Reopening Task Force created our plan, using guidance from public health officials and using input from more than 4,000 students, family members and staff members.
You will find the following in our plan:
- Academic Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Health and Safety Precautions
- In Case of COVID-19 Symptoms
- Staff Reopening Information
Thank you for all your support as we do our best to keep our students, our staff and our community safe during this pandemic. We are Park Hill Proud.
Residency Verification and Enrollment
Residency verification is now open! Log into your parent portal to verify your students and upload your residency documents. This also enrolls your child for next school year! Children who turn five on or before July 31 are eligible for kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year and can be enrolled now, too.
Talking to Children About Race & Racism
Recent protests have underscored the need to better understand how race impacts all aspects of society. The following resources from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) highlight ways families can discuss race and racism.
1. 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race:
Strategies and points for parents to consider when talking to their children about race.
2. Six Ways to Help Your Child Cope with Racism:
This article offers advice on how to help children cope with racism and how parents can address it.
3. Talking About Race: Parents & Caregivers:
In its "Talking About Race" resource page, The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers resources tailored specifically for parents and caregivers.
4. How to Use Children’s Books to Talk About Race and Racism:
How children's books can be used to effectively educate children about race and racism.
Resources
Free Food for All Area Children:
Beginning May 26, all children who are 18 and under may pick up meals (even the youngest siblings). We just received clearance from the state to serve any area children, even if they are not Park Hill students. This limited-time service is for all families, not just families in need, so please take advantage of this convenience.
Free Fruits and Vegetables for Families in Need:
Through the USDA and one of our vendors, our Park Hill nutrition services department can now offer free produce for families in need. Each of the four pick-up sites will have boxes available on Friday mornings during meal service. We will distribute boxes on a first-come, first-serve basis to any family in need. We must limit you to one box per family each Friday.
Renner Elementary School
Website: https://renner.parkhill.k12.mo.us
Location: 7401 Northwest Barry Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-4350
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RennerElementary
Twitter: @parkhillrenner