Dear parents/guardians of current 8th graders,
As we near the end of the 2022-2023 school year, I’m excited to introduce myself and share some information about the 2023-2024 school year. My name is Alan Downing and I will be the principal of the Raymore-Peculiar Ninth Grade Center. I am humbled and grateful to be the principal for the new Ninth Grade Center, which will open in August. I have worked in the Ray-Pec School District since 2008 and began my teaching career as a math teacher in the original Ray-Pec Freshman Center. Since then, I have been a high school math teacher and an instructional coach.
I’m also excited to introduce Emily Terwilliger as the Assistant Principal of the Ninth Grade Center. Most recently, Mrs. Terwilliger has served as an instructional coach in the Raymore-Peculiar School District. Prior to that she taught social studies in the Lathrop School District and Harrisonville School District.
There have been several exciting things happening recently regarding the Ninth Grade Center. The website for the Ninth Grade Center went live last week and can be found by going through the school district website at www.raypec.org. We will post updates and information to the website throughout the summer. Also, I am pleased to report that construction is on schedule. They are putting the finishing touches on the exterior of the building and finishing up the built-in cabinetry work on the interior. The roundabout in front of the building on 58 Highway is also starting to take shape. If you haven’t driven past the school site next to East Middle School on M-58, I encourage you to do so. You can also see photos posted here.
Later this month, I will send a message with some important reminders for you to prepare for next year, including information about the registration process that will take place this summer.
I am looking forward to welcoming the class of 2027 to the Ninth Grade Center. The first year of high school is an important time in the lives of our students. A lot of planning is already underway to develop a culture of respect and responsibility, and to help set our students up for success. Mrs. Terwilliger and I are working with district leaders, both middle schools, and the high school to ensure we create an environment where every person is valued, challenged, and supported.
Sincerely,
Alan Downing