Hey, Knights community! Last week our budding Kindergarten writers had the incredible honor of hosting a virtual visit from the talented author and beloved Ray-Pec alumni, Cheryl Klein.
Ms. Klein shared her journey from our very own halls to becoming a successful children's book author, and the kindergarten students were hanging on to every word! 🎤💖 She talked about the process of turning observations from the world around you into captivating stories in a book.
The highlight of the session was when Ms. Klien shared the fascinating stories behind some of her most famous books, like "Hamster Make Bad Roommates" and "Thunder Trucks." 🐹🌩️ The students were wide-eyed and filled with wonder as they learned about the creative process behind bringing these charming tales to life.
It's so fun to see our little ones inspired and encouraged to express themselves through words and imagination. Who knows, we might have future bestselling authors in our midst!
A huge thank you to Ms. Klein for taking the time to nurture the love of storytelling in our youngest learners. 📚✨ #FutureWriters #Inspiration #ChildrensBooks #RayPecAlumni #StorytellingMagic

Don't forget TOMORROW, Friday, February 9th is the last day 3rd graders are collecting food for the Ray-Pec CAN program.

At the start of the week, our incredible 3rd-grade students had a special opportunity to dive into the world of everyday heroes and connect with a true local champion, Mrs. Jodie Huston, Executive Director of the Raymore-Peculiar School Foundation!
Mrs. Huston shared her inspiring journey and the vital role she plays in making a positive impact on our community through the Foundation's incredible programs. 🌟 One highlight was learning about the C.A.N. program (Caring About Nutrition), a heartwarming initiative that ensures our students have access to healthy and child-friendly food on weekends throughout the year. 🍎🎒
Our students were not only fascinated by Mrs. Huston's story but also moved by the importance of the C.A.N. program. 💖 They took her message to heart and, with the enthusiasm only 3rd-graders can muster, decided to take action!
In the true spirit of giving back, the kids organized a food drive to collect essentials for the C.A.N. program. 🥫🍽️ Their excitement is contagious, and we couldn't be prouder of their dedication to making a difference in the lives of their fellow students.
Mrs. Huston, thank you for not only being an everyday hero but for also inspiring the next generation to be heroes in their own right! 🙌 🌟👧👦 #EverydayHeroes #CommunityImpact #CANProgram #InspiringFutureLeaders #RayPecProud

The Ray-Pec RUSH Show Choir & Band will present a preview show on Thurs., February 8th at 6 pm in the RPHS Academy Theatre. Come out and support your RPHS Show Choir as they present "Sweet Dreams", songs & choreography for their upcoming competitive season! The show is free for all attendees.

The Raymore-Peculiar High School Fine Arts Department is pleased to announce its production of the musical comedy Shrek the Musical. Performances of the show will be in the Ray-Pec High School Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, Feb. 2, and Feb. 3; and at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 4.
To read more about this production, visit our website here: https://www.raypec.org/article/1427233
Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office line, 892-3999 extension 2400, or by utilizing the QR code below. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students.
Here is the link to reserve tickets: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeBhpP50Kcayb.../viewform

Attention Ray-Pec families: The National Weather Service has made us aware of the high potential for icy conditions in the morning. We will monitor conditions overnight and in the morning. If a schedule change is necessary for the day, we will communicate the information as early as possible.

Ray-Pec is again planning to participate in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics! The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27, at Longview Lake. ❄️
If anyone is interested in joining or donating the Surf's Up Panthers Plunge team, here is a link to instructions: support.somo.org/event/2024-kansas-city-polar-plunge/e521315

📢AMI Day📢
Due to the continued cold temperatures, and the forecast for extreme cold and wind chill, there will be no school Friday, Jan. 19.
This will be a virtual instruction day, also known as an AMI Day. AMI stands for Alternative Methods of Instruction. Students will learn from home.
This will be the District’s third AMI day during the 2023-2024 school year. Missouri law allows schools to use up to five AMI days during the year.
🏀Activities🤼♂️
All elementary school and middle school after-school activities and evening events will be canceled and/or rescheduled. Watch for separate notifications about high school events or activities. In some cases, those activities may continue as scheduled.
👦Child Care👧
BOOST (Best Out of School Time) is the program that provides before- and after-school care. BOOST will open at 8 a.m. to provide care to families who are already enrolled. BOOST will provide care at Raymore Elementary School only. The charge is $30 for the day. This is not included in the no-school-day sign-up or cost. Space is limited, due to the staffing ratio. Children are required to bring lunch on snow days, as the school cafeteria is not open.

Just a reminder that the Ray-Pec Spelling Bee is tonight at 6:00 pm at Eagle Glen Elementary School!
Good luck to all of the spellers! 🐝

Tonight is the District Spelling Bee at Eagle Glen starting at 6:30. The students representing EG are Ian Parker, Ben Bartlett, and Alexander Cole(pictured left to right). Congrats on making it as our school representatives and good luck!

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, schools will be closed today, January 15th. 2024. Schools will also be closed tomorrow to allow for staff collaboration.
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of a true education." -Martin Luther King Jr.

📣 Reminder! 📣
Classes will not be in session on Monday, 1/15/24, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Tuesday, 1/16/24, to allow for staff collaboration.

With the snow thawing, here's a look at some of the events that you can take part in over the next few weeks!
Saturday, Jan. 13 - RP Select Day
Tuesday, Jan 16 - Girl Scout Princess Party
Saturday, Jan. 27 - Shrek Workshop Day
Saturday, Feb. 3 - Father-Daughter Dance
January and February - individual sessions of Mini Jammers Basketball Camp
To learn more about how to get involved in these events and future events, visit our website: raypec.org/page/in-the-community
With the snow melting, here's a look at some of the events that you can take part in over the next few weeks!
Tuesday, Jan 16 - Girl Scout Princess Party
Saturday, Jan. 27 - Shrek Workshop Day
Saturday, Feb. 3 - Father-Daughter Dance
January and February - individual sessions of Mini Jammers Basketball Camp
To learn more about how to get involved in these events and future events, visit our website: raypec.org/page/in-the-community
📣 Spelling Bee Update 📣
With the cancellation of school on Wednesday, January 10th, the district will reschedule the Spelling Bee to next Wednesday, January 17th.
❄Due to heavy snowfall districtwide and road conditions in the rural areas of the district, there will be no school on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.
💻This will be a virtual instruction day, also known as an AMI Day. AMI stands for Alternative Methods of Instruction. Students will learn from home.
Despite efforts to get schools ready for tomorrow, winds and additional snowfall have combined to create drifts in areas previously cleared. Some rural roads have not yet been plowed. Our law enforcement and public works partners with other agencies have advised that there may be other areas of concern for drivers in the morning.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle said that, “I understand that any time school is not in session as originally expected, it can cause disruptions for families. Please know that our team will always strive to make the safest, most prudent weather-related decisions, and also will take into account the ability for all parts of school operations to run smoothly. I appreciate your understanding while we deal with this difficult week of weather.”
🤼Activities🏊♀️
All elementary school and middle school after-school activities and evening events will be canceled and/or rescheduled. Watch for separate notifications about high school events or activities. In some cases, those activities may continue as scheduled.
👦Child Care👧
BOOST (Best Out of School Time) is the program that provides before- and after-school care. BOOST will open at 8 a.m. to provide care to families who are already enrolled. BOOST will provide care at Raymore Elementary School only. The charge is $30 for the day. This is not included in the no-school-day sign-up or cost. Space is limited, due to the staffing ratio. Children are required to bring lunch on snow days, as the school cafeteria is not open. Watch for additional communication from BOOST.
📅Calendar📅
Because students are learning at home, the school day will not be made up later in the year. The last day of school remains scheduled for May 23, 2024.

❄️Due to inclement weather, there will be no school on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. This will be a virtual instruction day, also known as an AMI Day. AMI stands for Alternative Methods of Instruction. Students will learn from home.
🏀Activities🎭
All elementary school and middle school after-school activities and evening events will be canceled and/or rescheduled. Watch for separate notifications about high school events or activities. In some cases, those activities may continue as scheduled.
👧Child Care👦
BOOST (Best Out of School Time) is the program that provides before- and after-school care. BOOST will open at 8 a.m. to provide care to families who are already enrolled. BOOST will provide care at Raymore Elementary School only. The charge is $30 for the day. This is not included in the no-school-day sign-up or cost. Space is limited, due to the staffing ratio. Children are required to bring lunch on snow days, as the school cafeteria is not open. Watch for additional communication from BOOST.
📅Calendar📅
Because students are learning at home, the school day will not be made up later in the year. The last day of school remains scheduled for May 23, 2024.

Father-Daughter Dance! 📣
The Enchanted Forest Father-Daughter Dance is a fundraiser event for the Ray-Pec High School Band, Color Guard, and Orchestra Programs.
Who: Kindergarten through 5th grade girls and their fathers (or other special adult).
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. (Inclement weather date is Feb. 24)
Where: Ray-Pec High School gymnasiums and commons
What: Event includes dancing, games, cookies, crafts, and more. Gifts and concessions will be available for purchase.
Advance Tickets (purchased by Jan. 26): $30/couple, $20 for each additional girl. Tickets (purchased after Jan. 26): $35/couple, $20 for each additional girl. http://tinyurl.com/enchanted-dance

Check out the Mini Ray-Pec Prowlers Clinic info ⤵️⤵️⤵️

It is always more fun to give then receive! This year our thoughtful students put together a Holiday Goodie Bag for John Knox Hospice. Each grade created an item:
*Kindergarten: Goodie Bag
*Grade 1: Candy Christmas Tree
*Grade 2: Holiday Bookmarks
*Grade 3: Holiday Card
*Grade 4: Snow Globe
*Grade 4: Snowmen



