Sabre Nation Newsletter
March Edition 2021
From the Principal
Happy March Sumner Academy Students and Families,
I feel as if the second semester and 2021 has been flying by. The month of February was a busy month at Sumner, but we were able to see students come into the building for testing multiple days, lots of sports activity, and groups of students returning to the building regularly for support. It is exciting to begin to see students walking the halls of Sumner again as we slowly return back to a "sense of normal."
Student progress reports should be available in Infinite Campus. I would invite families to review students’ progress and current grades. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to student’s teachers as well as their counselor if you have any questions or concerns. I know based on the numbers we have some students that are not performing as well as they would hope in classes, however it is still early in the semester and grades can quickly change. We are still offering Sumner tutoring Monday through Thursday and KU Gear UP has tutoring available for our 9th and 10th grade students. Please reach out to a counselor for more information.
We have noticed a slight reduction in attendance to all courses by students. It is not necessarily flagged as an absence if they have attended at least on class throughout the day, but parents please talk with your students about the need to attend all classes regularly and be sure to check in with teachers often as well as communicate any upcoming absences to Mrs. Alvarado.
Spring break is right around the corner, take time to rest and relax, but students please use that time to catch up on any work in classes if needed. The month of March will go by quick and we will welcome back a large number of students in April. We are all looking forward to students return. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all.
Sincerely,
Mr. Rick Malone
Principal
Information about Reentry to Physical School
We are excited to have students return to us in April. Currently the date is set for Monday, April 5th for student return. Students will return on a four day a week schedule with Wednesday being remote for the entire district. There is currently a Kansas Bill that if passed will require those students who have elected to return, to begin returning Friday, March 26th and students will return five days a week. We are closely monitoring Senate Bill 235 and will keep students and families updated along the way. Families that would like to make changes to their choice of students returning in person or staying remote may do so beginning March 22nd. However, I would encourage you to call our front office (913-627-7200) as we will begin to track your request.
Typical Day for Students.
The first part of safety begins at home. We are asking families to closely monitor student’s health and please do not send students to school that have any symptoms related to COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19.
Transportation and Entry into the Building
All busses will run as normal and those students who qualify for transportation will be able to use district transportation. Student entry will be monitored to ensure quick and safe entry to the building. Student temperatures will not be required when students entered the building but students will still go through the metal detector each morning. Our nurse will triage with any students who appear symptomatic throughout the day.
Upon Entry in the building (Breakfast and Lunch)
When students arrive, they will receive a grab and go breakfast if they choose and will report directly to their first class of the day. We want to limit the amount of time students are in the hallway or in the common areas of are building. Students will travel to all scheduled classes throughout the day. We will maintain directional flow patterns for hallway passing periods and stairway use. We will use an electronic hall pass system that will allow a certain number of students in the hallway or restrooms during classes. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria and students will be spaced out, every other seat in the cafeteria.
The Classroom
The classroom structure will include teachers teaching simultaneously the students who are in person as well as virtual. Students who are virtual will conference into class during normal instructional time. Our teachers are currently exploring and planning to make this process as efficient as possible. Virtual learning will look slightly different for those students who remain virtual as we make the model fit for a majority of students that will be returning in person.
Classroom Capacity
Classroom capacity will be monitored to ensure students are at least three foot apart and facing the same direction when possible. Student desk shields use may be required by classroom teachers. If students are wanting a desk shields for those classes that do not require a desk shield, we have additional desk shields that students may use.
Masks
At least a two-layer face mask must be worn at all times covering the mouth and face by all staff and students unless actively eating or drinking. Water fountains will not be available throughout the day, but our bottle fill stations will be available, so students please bring a refillable bottle for use throughout the day.
Sanitizing
Our custodial team will clean regularly throughout the day being sure to clean and sanitize bathrooms frequently as well as common areas and common touched surfaces. The custodial team will thoroughly sanitize each classroom nightly as part of their ongoing routine. Students may be asked to support cleaning and sanitizing in each room by preparing their desk and sanitizing their hands as they enter each room.
The first couple week as we transition to this new model will be a period of adjustment for students and staff. We will continue to reflect on our practices and adjust as needed to maintain an excellence in the learning experience as well as maintaining the safety and security of our students. We are excited to have students return and look forward to the additional support bringing students back will provide for our students! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns at all (rick.malone@kckps.org). And please know we will continue to provide updates as changes may occur as we get closer to student return
From the Nurse's Office
We are so excited for students to return and want to remind parents of some important back to school information in regards to health and Covid.
- If you've received a message that your child is missing an immunization, please follow up Nurse Carter as soon as possible to ensure the student and records are up to date. (renee.carter@kckps.org)
- If your child has any health needs including medication, please contact Nurse Carter before the first day of school to discuss in detail and obtain the appropriate forms.
- Daily temperature checks are to be performed at home every morning before school. If the temperature is 99.0 degrees or higher, your child must stay home.
- Other symptoms that would keep your child home include nausea, vomiting, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, congestion, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell.
- If you child has a fever or other Covid symptoms at school, they will be placed in an isolation room and need to be picked up within 45 minutes.
- Cloth or surgical masks are to be worn at all times (no gator face coverings). Medical documentation is required for any mask exceptions.
- Should your child encounter the need to be in quarantine or isolation, Nurse Carter will follow up with you throughout the process to provide support and ensure a healthy and easy transition back to school.
- For more information on the KCKPS Reopening of Schools Plan including questions & answers around Covid, click on the following link:
https://kckps.org/re-opening-health-safety/
- For information from the Wyandotte County Covid Hub regarding testing, vaccinations and more, click on this link:
https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/
We will follow the health department's guidelines and do everything we can to keep your student and all of our Sumner families safe! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Schedule for Even and Odd Days
GRADUATION UPDATES
Cap and Gown Seniors April 20th, 2021
Graduation Tickets
https://schooltraditions.thegraduationcenter.com/home?school_id=155
Senior Gala (Prom)
May 15th, 2021
We know that you missed out on your Prom your Junior year. We are excited to announce that we are planning a Senior Gala at the Kansas City Room in the 28 Event Space!!!!!! This Gala will be for Seniors only with one guest. We are excited to send our Seniors off in style. More details to come!
Counselors
Enrollment and Accuplacer
Students, please make sure you have enrolled for classes for the 2021-2022 school year. Please see your counselor if you have additional questions.
Accuplacer testing will be the week of March 22nd. If you signed up for a KCKCC course, please check your email for more information.
Sumner Success Center
Seniors Finalizing Plans for Next Year
It is not too late, but time is running out! Students who still need to apply to college or complete the FAFSA need to move quickly. We are here to help, so never hesitate to reach out. Don't wait until school is out to get started. Get things finished now while there are still spots open in colleges and while there is still financial aid money available.
Dr. DeVries - martha.devries@kckps.org
Ms. Ramirez - leslie.ramirez@kckps.org
Sumner Focus Newsletter
Don't forget, every Wednesday a new edition of the Sumner FOCUS newsletter comes out. CLICK HERE for the homepage. Every week there is new information about scholarships, summer opportunities, college visits, and more!!
Concurrent Credit Classes
Dual/Concurrent credit enrollment is underway! If you have enrolled in any college credit class you must apply to KCKCC then take the Accuplacer placement test. The Accuplacer test will be taken in person the week of March 22-26th. Below is the link to the Google form to guide you through the application process.
https://forms.gle/MH6nBTf2TgJ87siK7
We need your cooperation as we complete this enrollment process while we are still virtual. It is critical that you complete the above form as soon as possible.
International Baccalaureate
Important IB Internal Assessments Deadlines Approaching
This is the time of year when IB Internal Assessments are due. The English and Spanish A orals are completed but many other subjects still have their IA's to finish. These assessments are not only crucial to the student's course grade at Sumner but also to the possibility of earning college credit based on their IB scores. Since examinations have been modified, the IA in every subject weighs more for their overall IB score. Please be aware of these deadlines (all teachers have their individual deadlines in the next few weeks) and submit this important assessment component.
KU Gear UP for 9th and 10th Graders
KU Gear Up and Sumner Academy Partnership
Have you ever wondered about the benefits of KU Gear Up for our students. The data is solid that this program supports the success of our students in a variety of ways. For example:
- 96% of students in the KU Gear Up program had less than 10 unexcused absences.
- 83% of students participated in at least one KU Gear Up Activitiy.
- During Covid-19 Remote learning, students in KU Gear maintained GPAs at 2.4 and above.
Check out the data here.
KU Gear Up Wants to hear from you!
All surveys completed by March 31 will receive a Take & Bake Meal for 4. Please click on the below link to complete the surveys.Sumner Athletics
Sabre Parents and Students,
The winter and alternate fall seasons have come to a close at Sumner Academy and despite all the challenges presented by the pandemic the Sabres experienced a ton of success.
Our Lady Sabres basketball team finished the season with a 12 -1 record with going undefeated in the Kansas City – Atchison League and winning their first league title in three year.
Our Lady Sabres Volleyball team also went undefeated this year going 4-0 beating all of our district teams.
Our very own Jadyn Bond finished 3rd in the 2nd annual KSHSAA Girls Wrestling State Tournament becoming the first female wrestler to place in a state wrestling tournament in the history of KCKPS.
Congratulations to all of our winter athletics on a successful season.
Spring sports practice started March 1st for high school programs. Spring Sports offered at Sumner Academy include Boys and Girls Track & Field, Boys Tennis, Girls Swimming, Girls Soccer, Baseball and Softball. All the sabre spring sports teams are working hard and looking forward to kicking off competition after spring break.
Please follow the school social media, website and athletic and activity website (https://sumneracad.rschoolteams.com/
From the Library: In the Stacks
Happy spring from the Sumner Library! Stay safe and we hope to see you soon!
We have a new website! https://sumnerlibrary.wixsite.com/sumnerlibrary
All the sources you need to succeed are there! Access eBooks, databases, English and Spanish language newspapers, and so much more! Contact Ms. Mandina or Mr. Bauman for research help!
Race Project KC is happening this year https://www.raceprojectkc.com/
This is a great program to learn about KC’s dividing lines and connect with other metro high schools and have the difficult discussions that our nation too often fails to hold. Contact Mr. Bauman if interested: boyd.bauman@kckps.org
Remember the public library has many good resources and curbside book pick up, as well: kckpl.org.
Contact a librarian for any questions. Stay safe, Sabres!
Kansas State Assessment Program
Week of April 26-30
- Reading: All 8th Graders and 10th Graders
- Math: All 8th Graders and 10th Graders
- Science: 8th Graders and 11th Graders
- Social Studies: 9th Graders