The Good News Report: Everyday Successes

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The Good News ReportEveryday Successes

• Kansas City, Missouri School District
• Public Relations Department
• Wednesday, August 27, 2008

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Department of Language Services
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Introduction
School Districts are responsible for providing
scientifically research-based language
instruction and instructional programs that
increase English proficiency and academic
achievement for all English Language Learners
(ELL).
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Students served by the KCMSD
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ELL Programs offered

• Pull-Out ESL Elementary Pull-out
• Content-Based ESL Sheltered Content area at
  Middle and High School levels.
• Sheltered Classes
• New Americans
• Professional Development for Teachers and
  Paraprofessionals Tuition Reimbursement for
  ESL endorsement, Co-teaching, SIOP initiative,
  Spanish Classes

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ELL Programs offered

• English language for students and parents
• Translations for parents and schools, IEP and
  testing
• Parent Leadership Academy and cultural diversity
  training (Partnership with Family Conservancy)
• Community Partnerships (Mutual Help, LULAC,
  Mattie Rhodes, Guadalupe Center) for specific
  programs like cultural sensitivity, nutrition,
  clothing, etc.

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Continued Initiatives for 2008-2009

• 1) Sheltered Instruction training offered to all
  teachers, so that all classroom teachers are able
  to address the needs of English language learners
• 2) Increase number of classroom teachers who are
  ESL certified
• 3) Dual language program to promote development
  of native language (as they learn English) which
  improves achievement in English due to transfer
  of skills from one language to another.

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Back to School

• The District welcomed students back on Aug. 25
  with a variety of events. Commemorative banners
  were hung at the entrances of all District
  schools, and community ambassadors such as Susan
  Stanton of KCPT Channel 19 and A. Marie Young of
  the KC Black Chamber of Commerce greeted parents
  and students.

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Back to School ambassadors

• The District would like to thank the following
  community ambassadors for their service to our
  families during the first day of school.

• Kimberly Randolph
• A. Marie Young
• Anita Russell and staff
• Karen Haren
• Rev. Charles Briscoe
• Rev. Spencer F. Barrett
• Susan Stanton and staff
• Rosa James
• Rev. Givens
• Orissa Kellie-Logan
• Laura Partridge
• Augusta Wilbon

• Debbie Soar and Calvary Temple
• Mary Ann Grayson
• Calvin Thompson
• Roman Lee
• Jason Parson
• Billie Edwards
• Joshua Russel
• Tanesha Goshan
• La Verne Rami
• Eric Williams
• Rev. Larry B. Aiken

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Back to School insert
A special welcome back magazine was included in
every Kansas City Star delivered within the
Districts boundaries on Aug. 24. Additional
copies are available in the
Public Relations Office.
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Back to School enrollment

• According to preliminary reports, the District
  will have a healthy enrollment for the 2008-2009
  school year. As of today
• The District has a total enrollment of 22,710
  students, despite the loss of 2,000 students to
  Independence.
• Kindergartners are the largest classification in
  the District with 2,122 students.
• for the month of August, the Admissions
  Department has assisted more than 4,500 patrons.

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Back to School media

• Media representing the metro areas four major
  television stations, along with four radio
  stations and The Kansas City Star, reported on a
  relatively trouble-free opening day of school for
  the District. Featured items included
• The new Southwest Early College Campus
• New programs at Swinney and Van Horn at East
• Community participation at Trailwoods
• The transition to high school for Lincoln Prep
  freshmen
• Back to school celebrations.

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School open houses

• Several district schools will host open houses
  for back to school. Be sure to visit the District
  web site www.kcmsd.net to get a full listing
  of planned events in your neighborhood.