We are celebrating our School Board all month!
Meet Board Member Carol Barnes.
Carol worked for the District for 30 years, retiring in 2017, before being elected to the Board in April 2022.
“My ‘Why’ is to ensure that our students have the skills they need to successfully transition to the next level of learning and beyond. Beginning at the elementary level, our children need a strong foundation in language, social, motor, and emotional development to ensure positive academic outcomes. Faculty and staff, our ‘Dream Makers.’ need to feel safe, valued, and supported as they educate and guide our children on their journey.”
Thank you, Carol Barnes, for your dedicated service to our District!
The Ray-Pec Council of PTAs wants to recognize the amazing volunteers across our district with the Ray-Pec Volunteer of the Year award.
Any volunteer may be nominated for the award. Nominees and finalists for the VoTY award will be notified using the contact information you provide. All finalists will be individually recognized, and a winner announced, during the Volunteer of the Year presentation and reception at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in the Board Room at the Ray-Pec Academy. Please complete the nomination form by March 23: https://forms.gle/qiuXrGPjw7gUwT6d8
It's School Board Recognition Month, and you can be sure we are celebrating! 🎉
Each week, we will introduce one or two Board members. First up is Board President Ruth Johnson!
Ruth was first elected to the Board in April 2011 and is currently serving her fifth term. She was attracted to Board service because she wanted to help the community be better.
“My ‘why’ is to help make sure the next generation has access to what they will need to be successful. What education looks like is constantly evolving, yet stays the same. It’s about having great teachers to make those connections to the students and the proper programming.”
Thank you, Ruth Johnson, for your dedicated service to our District!
A new episode of Ray-Pec Connect dropped this morning! 🎙
In this episode Dr. Mike Slagle sits down with the Director of Shull Early Center, Mary Shatford, to talk about the choices that are offered to the parents of children before they get to kindergarten and how important that time is for their development. Hear how we are Empowering Our Littlest Learners!
raypec.org/page/ray-pec-connect-podcast
Join our team! 📢
Ray-Pec is looking for a Director of Special Education, Middle School Principal, and Middle School Assistant Principal. Who do you know that would be a great fit?
Follow these links for information about the positions:
• Director of Special Education: https://www.applitrack.com/raypec/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=2932
• Middle School Principal: https://www.applitrack.com/raypec/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=2933
• Middle School Assistant Principal: https://www.applitrack.com/raypec/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=2934
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
🎥 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
Look at this classroom fun! L.E.A.P students used Makey Makeys and their knowledge of circuitry to design and play a cardboard guitar. What a fun idea!!!
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.
🌟 Our 4th-grade superstars have just wrapped up an inspiring unit on reaching new levels of understanding through exploring diversity, and we can't wait to share their incredible journey with you!
In the final stretch of their exploration, these bright minds delved into the concept of inclusivity by researching what makes an inclusive playground truly special. 🤔💙 Armed with newfound knowledge, they took their creativity to the next level by sketching out their dream inclusive playgrounds.
But that's not all – our young innovators brought their visions to life by rolling up their sleeves in the SG Makerspace! 🛠️🎨 Groups of students worked together to meticulously craft a model of their ideal inclusive playground, showcasing their unique perspectives on fostering unity and embracing diversity.
From accessible swings to sensory play zones, their models are a testament to the power of understanding, empathy, and collaboration. 🌍🤝 Let's applaud these future leaders for not only learning about diversity but actively contributing to creating a more inclusive world.
Hey, Stingrays! 🌟 Last week, our little Kindergarten writers had a special treat with a virtual visit from the amazing author and beloved Ray-Pec alum, Cheryl Klein!
Ms. Klein took us on a journey from our own halls to her success as a children's book author, captivating our kindergartners with every word! 🎤💖 She shared the magic of turning observations into captivating stories and had our students hanging on to her every word.
The session's highlight? Ms. Klein unveiled the fascinating tales behind her popular books like "Hamster Make Bad Roommates" and "Thunder Trucks." 🐹🌩️ Wide-eyed and filled with wonder, our students got a peek into the creative process behind these charming stories.
It's heartwarming to see our little ones inspired to express themselves through words and imagination. Who knows, we might have future bestselling authors among us! 📚✨ A massive thank you to Ms. Klein for nurturing the love of storytelling in our youngest learners. 🙏 #FutureWriters #Inspiration #ChildrensBooks #RayPecAlumni #StorytellingMagic
Did you know Stonegate has the privilege of housing the district L.E.A.P program? Recently the L.E.A.P students have been learning all about coding and cybersecurity thanks to the generous support of our wonderful PTA.
A huge shoutout to our dedicated PTA for their unwavering support and commitment to enriching our students' educational experiences. 🙌 Your contribution is making a significant impact on our learners, empowering them with valuable skills for the future. 🌐🔐
The passion and curiosity displayed by our L.E.A.P students throughout this unit were truly inspiring. From mastering coding languages to understanding the importance of cybersecurity, they've shown exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. 🚀🔒
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.
