Key News
Harrisonville Schools E-newsletter - September 4
2019 Hollywood-themed Homecoming set for next week
Harrisonville High School Homecoming 2019 activities will be taking place the week of September 9-13. The theme for this year’s event is “Hollywood Homecoming.”
Students throughout the district will participate in spirit week that week and all Harrisonville residents and businesses are invited to participate in Citywide Blue & White Day on Friday.
The spirit days are as follows:
Monday - Wild Wild West (dress in western/cowboy wear)
Tuesday - Born in the USA (red, white & blue)
Wednesday -
Blue Hawaii (tropical, Hawaiian) - HMS, HHS
Dress Like A Movie Star (dress your best) - ECC, HES, McEowen (it's picture day at ECC & McEowen)
Thursday - Space Jam (sports jerseys/ sports shirts)
Friday - Friday Night Lights (Wildcat attire or blue & white)
The annual Homecoming Parade will be at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, September 13 Businesses and groups interested in participating in the parade can access a form on the district website (www.harrisonvilleschools.org) or can contact HHS Student Council Sponsor Emily Terwilliger, at 380-3273, ext. 6850. The parade will begin at city park, travel west on Ash street, turn south on Independence to the square, then east on Pearl street to Bradley and head north returning to the park (see map below).
Candidates for Homecoming royalty include FRONT ROW: Amy Tracy, Taylor Fordyce, Karley Reynolds, Arden Middaugh, Mia Cardenas, and Makenna Chamberlain and BACK ROW: Carson Crowley, Kyron Beavers, Jacob Poisal, Bryce Jenkins, Landon George, and Colby Knowles. The coronation of the King and Queen will take place before the football game at approximately 6:30 p.m. The Wildcats play Blue Valley Northwest at 7 p.m.
The Homecoming dance will be Saturday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at HHS.
The Foundation will also host three Homecoming events - the Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament, the Alumni Tailgate, and the Catch the Spirit 5K Color Walk/Run. See additional information on these events below.
The Wildcat football team will also host the annual Hall of Fame induction prior to the football game at approximately 6 p.m. 2019 inductees are Jeff Rudell, Russ Pogue, and Reuben Hartzler.
Wall of Fame rescheduled induction set for Friday
A Harrisonville High School graduate will become the fifty-second alum inducted into the HHS Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame during the rescheduled induction ceremony on Friday, September 6 at halftime of the varsity football game at Memorial Stadium.
The induction was originally scheduled for February, but due to winter weather had to be canceled. The Sept. 6th event will include a public reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Harrisonville Middle School cafeteria.
Denise (Massie) Davidson, HHS Class of 1981, will be the 52nd inductee. She recently retired after more than 30 years in law enforcement. From her beginnings as a dispatcher for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Davidson rose through the ranks from corporal, to detective, to detective sergeant to lieutenant, to captain. She was the first full time female patrol deputy.
She received training and was a member of the Metropolitan Area Major Case Squad; she’s a graduate of the FBI Command Leadership Program - “Law Enforcement Executive Development Association;” and she’s also a graduate of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Program – “Women’s Leadership Institute.”
Davidson has served as a member of the Cass County Child Fatality Review Board and conducts victim advocacy programs. Davidson has conducted many of the advocacy programs with Kim Case, an abduction and rape victim, whom Davidson interviewed following her ordeal many years ago. Case said, “The compassion and professionalism showed to me during the long interviews that took place after I escaped from my captors changed my life. The most important words that have ever been spoken to me were uttered by then Deputy Davidson that day; ‘I believe you, this is not your fault.’ Those words freed me to trust again.”
Davidson was honored with the 2017 Enoch B. Morelock Award in recognition of her outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and her community. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented annually by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee.
Her community work includes serving as member and chair of the American Cancer Society - Cass County Relay for Life and board member for Hope Haven of Cass County, Blue Notes Booster Club, Harrisonville Athletic Booster Club, the Nazarene Church Daycare, and Bright Futures Harrisonville.
Davidson is married to Gary and they have four grown children, along with four grandchildren.
Davidson will be honored during a public reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the HMS cafeteria on Sept. 6 and introduced to the community at halftime of the varsity football game which kicks off at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium that same night.
Fans encouraged to follow the Wildcat Way
As the fall sports season gets underway, we encourage all our fans to remember the Wildcat Way when you're attending games/activities.
The Wildcat Way is a program designed to teach our students how to exhibit positive character traits in their daily lives. The Wildcat Way for Fans encourages positive fan participation. The three key components are as follows.
· Be respectful – treat participants, coaches, referees/umpires, and other fans with dignity. Leave the playing field/stadium better than you found it.
· Be a true fan – watch the game/event and show your support for the Wildcats.
· Be proud – wear royal blue & white, stand up & sing during the fight song, cheer with the cheerleaders.
If your family attends Wildcat activities, we encourage you take a moment to talk to your children about the proper way to act as a Wildcat fan using the Wildcat Way as a guide. Please stress to them that running around and horseplay are not acceptable and that movement from your seat should be limited. When it is necessary to get up, the Wildcat Way is to use proper manners when crossing in front of other fans and returning to your seats as soon as you can. We would also like to stress that unsportsmanlike or negative cheering is not The Wildcat Way. Finally, we encourage fans to clean up after themselves - deposit trash in recycling or garbage bins.
We encourage families to attend events together and to limit student attendance at the game without parental supervision.
Thank you for your support of the Wildcat Way and GO WILDCATS!
Bus tracker app provides real-time info
It's a free download and is also accessible through the district app. Once you download the app, you will need your student's ID number which is available under Student Details in the Parent Portal.
Learn more at https://www.durhamschoolservices.com/pages/durhambustracker.aspx. If you have questions about the Durham Bus Tracker app, please call the bus company at 380-2028.
Travel opportunity for HMS, HHS students
Did you know that Harrisonville Middle/High Schools are traveling to Costa Rica in 2020!?!?
After successful trips to a dozen different European countries, the most recently being Italy, HHS, HMS, and Lone Jack schools are taking a trip to Costa Rica in June of 2020.
Students in grades 7-12 can come hear more about this amazing trip on Sunday, September 8th at 4:30pm in the LJHS Library. This adventure will include volcano hikes, jungle zip lining, whitewater rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming in hot springs under waterfalls. Don’t miss it.
You can see Mrs. Frees or Ms. Thomas at HMS for more information, or you can always visit the tour website at https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2087462FN. Feel free to email laura.frees@harrisonvilleschools.org or melina.thomas@harrisonvilleschools.org with questions.
Please RSVP to our meeting here...https://rsvp.eftours.com/ku44ykx
Foundation announces Homecoming events - golf tournament, tailgate & color run
Team and individual openings are available for the Harrisonville Public School Foundation’s Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament on Friday, September 13, 2019.
The Tournament will be part of the Harrisonville High School Homecoming festivities and will take place at Hoots Hollow at Country Creek Golf Course beginning at 8 a.m. on September 13.
Registration and payment is available online at https://www.harrisonvilleschools.org/Page/212 or forms can be picked up at the district’s administrative offices, 503 S. Lexington. Registration is $80 per golfer or $320 per team which includes green fees, a cart, and a buffet lunch following the tournament.
The Tournament will be played as a four-person scramble with two flights. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams in each flight as well as for closest to the pin and longest drive.
The Foundation is also looking for Tournament sponsors. Three levels of sponsorship are available; True Wildcat ($1000), Royal Blue ($500), and White or Tee/Green ($100).Alumni Tailgate
The Harrisonville Public School Foundation invites Harrisonville High School Alumni to attend the 2nd annual Alumni Tailgate as part of Homecoming 2019.
The event will take place on Friday, September 13 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot northeast of the stadium. It is free to alumni and their families and will include hot dogs, chips, cookies and a drink.
Although RSVPs are not required, alumni are asked to complete an online form for the Foundation’s planning purposes. The form is located at https://forms.gle/csE5fEPt164EuFEL9.
The Wildcats will take on Blue Valley Northwest in the Homecoming football game which kicks off at 7 p.m. The coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen will take place prior to the game at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Color Run
The 2019 Catch the Spirit 5K walk/run will once again be a “colorful” event. The Harrisonville Public School Foundation will host the annual event for the 12th time on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 a.m. at Harrisonville High School.
Registration is open through race day for $30/person and you can still register school-age children under the Family Plan for only $15 with a paid adult registration.
At various stations on the 5K route, participants will be showered with colored powder which is made of non-toxic colored cornstarch. 5K-goers can also participate in a color toss at the end of the race (see photo for a look at last year's color toss). Participants can also choose to not participate in the color fun by running or walking on the opposite side of the street when you reach a color station.
Race proceeds benefit the Christina Collins Memorial Scholarship and the Foundation. The scholarship is awarded each year to a student in the Peer Helpers group in memory of 2006 HHS graduate Christina Collins.
Registration and sponsorship commitment forms can be completed online here - https://www.harrisonvilleschools.org/Page/169.
Payment can also be made online here - https://harrisonvillepublicschoolfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/13691-2019-catch-the-spirit-5k-color-walk-run.
Bright Futures hosts annual breakfast
It was a full house at the eighth annual Bright Futures Harrisonville kick-off breakfast. The event was held on August 27 at the Harrisonville Community Center with over 100 in attendance.
The event kicked off with Bright Futures Chair Bill Kirkemo welcoming those in attendance and sharing the goals for the year including recruitment and retainment of volunteers, student mental health, and expansion of the organization’s positive adult role model programs.
He recognized the monthly partner and volunteers of the month and then presented Chris and Lora Kurzweil with the Advocate of the Year Award. The Kurzweils were integral in the work of the summer food program and have partnered with Bright Futures for the annual community parade over the last few years.
Guests then heard from four speakers sharing their perspective on Bright Futures. First up was Harrisonville High School graduate Briseida Chavez who shared her appreciation for Bright Futures support of her throughout her time in Harrisonville Schools. She shared her message via video as she had class at MCC-Longview.
Next, Harrisonville High School Bright Futures Council Chair Cheryl Osborne talked about the impact of various programs on students at HHS including the prom closet and the new 4U2 Wear program. She emphasized that for high school students to succeed, basic needs extend beyond food and shelter.
Bright Futures Advisory Board member Denise Davidson talked about the organization’s resource area, Station 42 which houses clothing, shoes, school supplies, and hygiene items. She explained that the goal for Station 42 would be to have it open to families on a regular basis and announced plans to begin working toward that goal by opening two nights per month.
Finally, Harrisonville School Superintendent Paul Mensching talked about his impressions since coming to Harrisonville and the impact that Bright Futures is having on children. He emphasized the importance of meeting students needs in order to ensure they can focus on academics. He also thanked those in attendance for their support of Bright Futures.
In closing, Bright Futures Advisory Board members led small group discussions at the tables offering guests the chance to ask questions and learn more about opportunities to engage.
Bright Futures Harrisonville strives to help students achieve success by matching student needs with resources through partnerships between the schools and the community. Those partnership areas include faith-based, social/human services, businesses, and parents and volunteers are asked to give of their "time, talent, and treasure" to help children.
For more information on Bright Futures Harrisonville, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BrightFutures or website - www.harrisonvilleschools.org/BrightFutures or call 380-2727, ext. 1224.
Advocate of the Year
A Full House
Superintendent Mensching speaks
Bright Futures Blue Barrel Collection - September
Points of Pride
- The Cass Career Center FFA chapter is featured in an article in a statewide publication - check it out! https://missouriffa.org/mo-ffa-today/
- HHS hosted a club/organization fair during the second week of school for students to learn about the opportunities available. Over 20 clubs were represented at the event in the gym.
- Each week, HHS students and coaches/sponsors are featured on the Sonic Locker Room Radio Show. The show airs on Mondays at 4:45 p.m. on 1030 AM or you can listen to archived shows online at www.soniclockerroom.com. This week's show features Wildcat football.
Photos from Around the District
Summer reading celebration
Students at McEowen Elementary School recently celebrated the completion of a summer reading challenge with a pizza party. The students were challenged to read 1500 minutes over the summer either by themselves or with someone.
Board of Education
August, September Board of Education Meetings
The Board held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 27 at 7 p.m. at the district's Administrative Offices, 503 S. Lexington. Prior to the meeting, the Board held the annual levy hearing.
Agenda items included:
- A report on summer maintenance projects by Assistant Superintendent Jason Eggers
- An update on the district's strategic planning process by Superintendent Paul Mensching
- Approval of the levy as follows: Incidental/General Fund $3.9000, Teachers/Special Revenue Fund $0.0000, Debt Service Fund $1.1772, Capital Projects Fund $0.0000 for a total Tax Levy of $5.0772.
- Approval of a contract with Beck Events Space from Prom 2020 on May 2
The September meeting is set for Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the District's Admin Office. The Board meeting agenda is posted here the Friday before the meeting.
Videos of past meetings are available at this link - https://www.harrisonvilleschools.org/Page/940.
Supporting Our Own
Senior Mania 2020 will also host a silent auction at the football game on Friday night. Here are a few of the items available...
Senior Football Jerseys
Autographed Band Cowbell
Autographed Mercenaries Cowbell
Autographed Football signed by SENIOR Players
Autographed Football signed by the ENTIRE Football team
Autographed Cheer Squad Megaphone
Autographed Golf Tee-Towel
Autographed Girls Tennis Ball
Volleyball
Autographed Senior Softball
Harrisonville PTO Trash Bag sales run through September 13. See any K-5th grade student to place your order. The bags are $10/roll.
PTO also collects Box Tops for Education. This program is changing from a "clip & turn in" program to a "download & scan" program. You can now download the Box Tops app, choose a school, & simply scan your receipt each time you shop. See the flyer below or go to https://www.boxtops4education.com/newbtfe for more information.
September 5 - Parents As Teachers Playgroup, 9:15 a.m., ECC
September 6 - ECC Grandparents Day, 3 p.m.
September 9 - Harrisonville PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m., ECC
September 11 - ECC & McEowen Picture Days
September 12 - Parents As Teachers Playgroup, 9:15 a.m., ECC
September 13 - PTO Trash Bag Sales End
September 13 - Homecoming Parade, 1:15 p.m.
September 13 - Foundation Golf Tournament, 8 a.m., Hoots Hollow
September 13 - Alumni Tailgate, 5-7 p.m., Memorial Stadium
September 14 - Foundation Catch the Spirit 5K Color Walk/Run, 8 a.m., HHS
September 14 - ACT, HHS, 8 a.m.
September 17 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Admin Office
September 19 - Parents As Teachers Playgroup, 9:15 a.m., ECC
September 20 - ECC Breakfast Buddies, 8:30 a.m.
The 2019-20 school calendar is available by clicking here (scroll to the bottom of the page). The district's website calendar is being updated with school and district events throughout the summer. Some items to note...
- Homecoming, Friday, Sept. 13
- Parent-Teacher Conferences, Wed. & Thurs., Oct. 16 & 17
- No school on Oct. 17-18
- Winter Break, Dec. 21-Jan. 6
Community Events & Flyers
Check out our Community Flyers page on the website - click here. This page is updated regularly and current flyers are linked below.
Racing for Rett - 5K Run/Walk & Silent Auction Sat. Oct. 12th 9am at the City Park
Monday Movie Madness 6th-12th grade Monday Sept. 9 3:30-5:00 CCPL
Teen Trashion Show Thurs. 9-19 at 3:30pm. 6th-12th Grade Register Online CCPL
Girls Who Code. 6th-12th Grade. Tuesdays 9/3 - 12/3 5-6:30pm CCPL
Underground Readers Thurs. 9-12 at 3:30. 6th-12th grade. "The Knife of Never Letting Go"
Teen Advisory Board 6th-12th Grade Thurs. Sept. 5 3:30 CCPL
Minecraft Club - Thursdays Sept. 5 - Nov. 21 5 - 6pm Ages 8-14
Endurance Training for 5K. Tu/Wed/Sat. Aug. 20- Nov. 2 6pm Heartland Baptist Fellowship Free!
McE Young Rembrandts Fall 2019. Tuesdays 9/10 - 12/20 4:00-5:00 at McEowen- Enroll online
HES Young Rembrandts Fall 2019 Tuesdays 9/10 - 12/20 4:10-5:10 at HES. Enroll online
Join Cub Scouts - for information: BEASCOUT.ORG!
Durham School Services Now Hiring!! Sign On Bonus! Must be 21.
Tai Chi Tue/Thur Beginning 9/24. 9:30-10:30 am $40 MU Extension
A Matter of Balance Thursdays Sept 26; Oct 3,10,17,31; Nov 7,14,21 1:30-3:30pm MU Extension
Stay Strong Stay Healthy Sept 30; Oct 2,7,9,14,16,21,28,30; Nov. 4,6,13,18,20,27; Dec. 2 MU Ext.
Girls Scout Troops K & 1st grade now forming. K- Janis (816)-853-5814. 1st-Jess (816)-258-2525
About Us
Email: jill.filer@harrisonvilleschools.org
Website: www.harrisonvilleschools.org
Location: 503 South Lexington Street, Harrisonville, MO, USA
Phone: 8163802727
Facebook: facebook.com/HarrisonvilleSchools
Twitter: @HvilleSchools