LEAD Center

Happy National Public Schools Week! 🏫🎉 This week we celebrate the incredible educators and students who make our public schools shine. ✨ Share your favorite school memories and spread the love for accessible education! #PublicSchoolsWeek #psw24

February is National CTE Month. What a perfect time to highlight the future CTE programs in the district. In 2024-25 we're excited to offer a Heavy Machine Operating program! Just one more way Ray-Pec is a #DistrictOfChoice To learn more about his program, visit our website: https://www.raypec.org/o/lead/page/heavy-machine-operating This series details some of the lesser known topics around the district and highlights some of the wonderful things that go on behind the scenes. https://youtu.be/MqpRwrxfNt0

🎥 Staff Spotlight 🎥 In this episode of Staff Spotlight, Raymore-Peculiar School District Superintendent, Dr. Mike Slagle, chats with Tracy Elliott. Tracy is a special education teacher at Shull Early Learning Center. raypec.org/page/staff-spotlight-2023-2024

Today is National School Resource Officer Day! We would like to take a moment and recognize all of our SRO's who help keep our students and community safe! 👮‍♀️👮‍♂️ Cass County Deputies: Cole Briscoe, Summer Jacobs, and Mary Wilson Raymore PD: Stephanie Hornbeck Peculiar PD: Ryan New

Congratulations to the finalists for Ray-Pec 2024 Teacher of the Year! Here are your finalists: Jenni Beck, Raymore Elementary Jenny Bowman, South Middle School Monica Crabtree, Peculiar Elementary Kevin Crean, High School Rebecca Dobson, Raymore Elementary Gina Garrison, Bridle Ridge Elementary Peggy Miller, Timber Creek Elementary Jennifer Ramirez, Ray-Pec Academy Jennifer Talley, High School Kelli Yahnig, Eagle Glen Elementary The finalists will be honored and the winner announced at a program and dessert reception scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the high school patio commons. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to Pam Steele at pam.steele@raypec.org.

Congratulations to the finalists for Raymore-Peculiar 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year! Here are your finalists: Renee Anthuis, Raymore Elementary Matt Caston, Technology Department Amy Harrell, High School Amy Kaye, Stonegate Elementary Amber Sutton, Stonegate Elementary Melissa Tabor, Bridle Ridge Elementary Natalie Thomas, South Middle School and Ninth Grade Center Colleen Warchola, Timber Creek Elementary Penny Wilson, Creekmoor Elementary The finalists will be honored and the winner announced at a program and dessert reception scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the high school patio commons. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to Pam Steele at pam.steele@raypec.org.

As we prepare to cheer for the Chiefs this weekend, we also are looking ahead to next week. As a reminder, schools are not in session on Monday, Feb. 12, for staff collaboration. If the Chiefs win on Sunday, Ray-Pec schools will not be in session on Wednesday, Feb. 14. After much discussion, it was decided that it would be difficult to maintain a normal school day due to the high number of families and staff planning to attend the Super Bowl Champion celebration activities. Classes would be canceled. No virtual learning will occur. The Ray-Pec Administrative Services Center would be open. All school buildings would be closed. BOOST (Best Out Of School Time) would open at 8 a.m. for families who are already enrolled. The make-up day for Feb. 14 would be on Tuesday, Feb. 20, which is currently on the calendar as a non-attendance day for students. Should the Chiefs receive an unfavorable result, schools will be in session as usual on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

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.

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.

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

The LEAD Center open house has been rescheduled to next Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 4:30-6:30. We hope to see everyone next week! In the meantime stay warm Panthers!

❄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.

RPHS Course Planning Night will be January 24, 2024 from 5-7pm. This evening is a great opportunity for families to learn about courses, programs and opportunities that are offered. There will be a series of informational sessions, a sophomore orientation meeting, and a department fair to share information regarding courses. You can learn more about the informational sessions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CsYXjW7CEx_pQf3TfPwdp9-nhoD_sqi5PyP_9wsF6Ew/edit?pli=1#heading=h.55hgjyset6v3

The Ray-Pec School District is seeking nominations for the 2024 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year. The award finalists will be honored in the spring. Anyone may nominate a teacher by submitting a letter of nomination by Jan. 19. A candidate must: Be a full-time teacher, librarian, or counselor. Be returning to teach in 2024-25 in the District. Have completed 3 or more years teaching at Ray-Pec. Be effective and innovative in the classroom. For the Support Staff award, you may nominate a full-time or part-time employee who has worked at least one year for the District. The deadline is also Jan. 19. Examples of eligible employees include: accompanist, accounts payable, BOOST before and after school care, buildings and grounds, child nutrition, crossing guards, finance employees, lunch monitors, media assistants, nurses, paraprofessionals, payroll, safety and security, secretaries, teacher aides, and technology employees. Send nomination letters to: Teacher of the Year/Support Staff Employee of the Year, Administrative Services Center, P.O. Box 789, Peculiar, MO 64078, or via email to: michele.stidham@raypec.org or rp.update@raypec.org.