Kroesen, Highley win District Educator, Support Staff Awards


The Harrisonville School District recently recognized several year-end award winners at the district's end-of-the-year ceremony.

Harrisonville High School instrumental music teacher Andy Kroesen was named the Educator of the Year, Cass Career Center Director's Secretary Linda Highley was recognized as the Support Staff Employee of the Year, District Social Worker Jennifer Beavers was recognized with the Outstanding Community Involvement Award, and Ed Turner was named Volunteer of the Year.

Kroesen is in his 25th year of teaching.  He's taught at HHS since 2000.  Prior to that, he taught in the Sedalia, Windsor, and Osborn school districts.  He earned his Bachelor's in Music Education and Master's in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Central Missouri.

Kroesen was selected for the honor by a panel of judges from outside the community who interviewed four finalists.  The finalists were chosen by the Harrisonville Public School Foundation selection committee from nominations received from parents, students, and Harrisonville Schools' staff members.  

Nominations for Kroesen said, "He devotes countless hours to his students.  He embodies professionalism and thereby instills this in his students.  He challenges his students to strive for excellence not only in music, but in life.  His daily persistence and consistency in dealing with classroom managements provides a place for all students to succeed.  He has instilled many life-long virtues in his students including respect, responsibility, dedication, and integrity. I have never seen him have a bad day….he always greets everyone with a smile.  He teaches with passion and understanding."

The Harrisonville Public School Foundation presented Kroesen with a $500 grant. He also receives a plaque and a ring from Josten's.  He is eligible for the Missouri Teacher of the Year program.

Highley was also selected by a panel of outside judges from three finalists.  She has worked for the district for 15 years - all at Cass Career Center.

Her nominations cited the following.

"She's the backbone of Cass Career Center - she is instrumental in keeping us on track.  She is a model of dedication to the students and staff.  In addition to her professional skills, she is kind, compassionate, and thoughtful.  Her attention to detail is great and she's a positive team player.  If I ever have a question, I know that Linda will have the answer."

Highley received a desk plaque and a $100 award from Sherwood Community Bank. In addition, she will be recognized with a plaque in the district office, and a banner at her school.

Jennifer Beavers was recognized with the Outstanding Community Involvement Award sponsored by Community Bank of Harrisonville.  

She received a $100 award from Community Bank, a plaque in the district office, and a banner at her school.

Her nomination said, "Jennifer works tirelessly helping match community resources with students and families in need.  She deals with issues ranging from transportation to clothing to meals and anything else students need to make their lives easier and more productive. She is the go-to person for families who need assistance. Jennifer's work often extends past the school day into the evening hours and weekends.   She was instrumental in getting our backpack program up and going a few years ago and in bringing Bright Futures to our district this year. She is a huge asset to the Harrisonville School District and we are lucky to have her."

Finally, Ed Turner was honored as the district's 2013 Volunteer of the Year.  Turner has worked as a Bright Futures volunteer at Harrisonville Early Childhood Center.  

His nominations stated, "He comes to our school on a daily basis to help struggling students in math.  He works with small groups of students and once they master the concept they 'graduate' from his program, however, not all my students are happy about 'graduating' from his class because they wanted to go back and work with him on their numbers.  One of the great things about him coming to our school, is that he does not ask teachers to prepare any extra items. He plans and brings with him different activities, as well as using his iPad to keep students interested."

The award winners were recognized during a ceremony on April 25.  The ceremony also included the recognition of the district's retirees by the Board of Education.

Mr. Wildcat Pageant this Friday
Looking for some entertainment this Friday night? Head to HHS to see the Mr. Wildcat Pageant. It begins at 7 p.m. and the cost is $5/person. Those competing for the title of 2013 Mr. Wildcat include Myyon Davis sponsored by the Silver Sensations Dance Team, Austin Welhoff representing Drama Club, Taylor Ricker sponsored by Vocal Music,Tyler DeCavele representing SADD & wrestling, Mathew Bartlett representing the Football Team, Jon Tracy - sponsored by the Academic Club, Jordan Donegan representing DECA and Aaron Schrock representing the Lunch Ladies.

 
HMS 5K Wildcat Run early registration deadline Friday
The community is invited to participate in the first-ever Harrisonville Middle School Wildcat Run on Wednesday, May 22.  The event will benefit the HMS physical education department.

The event will feature a 5K which begins and ends at Harrisonville Middle School.  Registration for the 5K is $20 and the pre-registration deadline is May 3.  However, participants may register up to the day of the race for an additional $5 per person.  All pre-registrants will receive a race t-shirt.

Sponsorships for the Wildcat Run are available.  Sponsorship levels begin at $100 for a White Sponsor.  Royal Blue Sponsorships are $500 and True Wildcat Sponsorships are $1,000.  

Prizes will be awarded for top finishers in each grade as well as top fundraisers for each grade.  

Organizer Lindsay Hartzler, HMS PE teacher, said "We believe that it is important for our students to participate in lifetime fitness activities such as running/walking.  We are asking community members to also participate to reinforce the concept of lifetime fitness."

Registration forms are available on-line at www.harrisonvilleschools.org/hmswildcatrun or at Harrisonville Middle School, 601 S. Highland.

Race-day registration begins at 8:30 a.m.  The 5K begins at 9 a.m.

For additional information, contact Hartzler at 380-7654, ext. 5843 or Lindsay.hartzler@harrisonvilleschools.org 

FFA to host annual Plant Sale this Friday, Saturday

Don't miss the Annual Spring Plant Sale this Friday, May 3 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 4 from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at Cass Career Center, 1600 Elm. All plants are grown by our FFA students throughout the year!

HMS to host Parent Night for Incoming 6th Grade Parents
Harrisonville Middle School invites parents of incoming sixth graders to a special event on Thursday, May 9 from 6-7 p.m. The Fifth Grade Parent Night will be an opportunity for parents to visit HMS, meet the sixth grade teachers, learn about life at HMS, and participate in a "mock" class schedule.  

Fifth graders will be visiting Harrisonville Middle School on either May 7 or 8 for a half day.   The fifth graders will sit in on class sessions and have the opportunity to learn about HMS.

Parents who would like to send questions in advance can email Assistant Principal Angela Gibson - angela.gibson@harrisonvilleschools.org  or call 380-7654, ext. 5222.

Help the School & Community Garden win a grant

Last year, a school and community garden was developed by students and teachers at Harrisonville Middle School.  The garden is located on part of the Harrisonville Early Childood Center playground area.  Students planted and harvested from the garden throughout the summer.  The vegetables were frozen and then used this fall in the Family and Consumer Science classes.  Organizers have now applied for a grant and you can help our the garden win $10-25,000. Follow the link below, "like" the page, enter our zip code (64701) and then click "Vote." You can vote daily through May 15.

https://www.facebook.com/seedsofchange?sk=app_589705354373524&app_data

https://www.facebook.com/HarrisonvilleGardenClub

Foundation, district prepare for Senior Excellence in Academics Ceremony
The Harrisonville Public School Foundation and Harrisonville High School are making plans for the Senior Excellence in Academics Ceremony.

The event will be held on May 16 at 8 a.m. in the HHS gym and include recognition of Excellence in Academics recipients (seniors who complete the year in the top 15% of their class) and scholarship presentations.

The Excellence in Academics program has been in existence for over 27 years.  The ceremony recognizes honorees during all-school assemblies, which include parents and community members.  Seniors are recognized at the event in May and underclassmen are honored at the Excellence in Academics Assembly in August.

For several years, the Excellence in Academics program has included the presentation of $500 scholarships to four-year recipients.  Recent additions to the program included an e-mentoring program for first year recipients and college visits for second- and third-year recipients.

The Excellence in Academics program would not be possible without the support of the community.  The Foundation is currently looking for subscribers for the 2013 program.  There are varying levels of support available including $100 Subscriber, $500 Scholarship Subscriber, and $1,000 Corporate Sponsor.  

To become a subscriber, send a donation to the Harrisonville Public School Foundation, 503 S. Lexington, Harrisonville, MO 64701.  If you have any questions, please contact Foundation Executive Director Jill Filer at 380-2727, ext. 1224 or jill.filer@harrisonvilleschools.org 

Teacher Appreciation Week coming May 6-10
The Harrisonville School District, along with districts around the nation, will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10.  Several activities are planned both on the district level and within the buildings to show our teachers that the work they do each day is greatly appreciated.  We believe it is also important for our teachers to know that the community supports them in their efforts and this week provides the perfect opportunity.

There are several ways you can show our teachers your appreciation.

1.If you see a teacher in the grocery store, at the post office, or at a restaurant, take time to thank them for teaching our youth.

2.Parents could write their child's teacher a thank you note to let them know you appreciate the work they do.

3.Businesses could post signs in their windows or in front of their office thanking teachers during the week.

4.Civic organizations or businesses could adopt a building and provide small appreciation gifts or snacks for the teachers.

This is just a list of possibilities.  If you would like to get involved in any way with Harrisonville's celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, you can contact Jill Filer 380-2727, ext. 1224 or jill.filer@harrisonvilleschools.org  

McEowen honors April award winners - Click Here

Congratulations to the 2013-14 Wildcat Cheerleaders -  Alli Bomer, Ashton Taber, Bailey Whitehead, Courtney Hawley, Jazmyn Zielenski, Jessi Stratton, Jessica Lounsbery, Kylee Strickland, MacKenzie Willis, McKaila Shockley, Rylie Wells, Samatha Songer, Summer Pulliam, and Taylor Powers.

HHS foreign language students create award-winning films - Harrisonville High School foreign language students were honored for their work at a recent film festival.

The students created videos as part of advanced language class.  The French III class created "Le Top Model France," and won the award for Best French Comedy at the Intermediate Level.

The AP French and Spanish V students worked together to make the video "Los Cuatro Fabulosos" (The Fabulous Four) and won second place in the Best Comedy category at the Advanced Level. 

The University of Central Missouri Film Festival was held on Friday, April 12.

To view the videos, follow these links, Le Top Model France - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qnFh8tAl38 and Los Cuatro Fabulosos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=InRNhAD5oLc#!

Sonic Locker Room Radio Show - Each week, HHS activities are featured on the Sonic Locker Room Radio Show which airs at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays on 1030 AM.  The show is also available online at www.soniclockerroom.com     This week's show features Wildcat soccer with Coach Dan Coleman and players Anisa Alexander and Maria Sanchez.

Art in the Community -  The Harrisonville School District is proud to partner with local businesses each month for the Art in Our Community program.  Those participating businesses include Country Club Bank (square location), the Cass County Public Library, Community Bank of Harrisonville (291 Hwy), Commerce Bank, Garden Gate Floral, Schroeder Chiropractic, and the District's Administrative Office (503 S. Lexington).  Artwork from students in grades K-12 is on display and can also be seen on the district's website at www.harrisonvilleschools.org/parents    You can also listen to HHS students talk about their artwork on our YouTube page -  www.youtube.com/HarrisonvilleSchools

Board Meeting Info
The Board of Education will meet for its monthly meeting on May 21 at 7 p.m. in the Board of Education & Community Room, 503 S. Lexington.  

The agenda for each meeting is posted the Friday before the meeting and the summary is available after the meeting.   Click here to access the agenda or meeting minutes

DECA students compete at International conference
 
Cass Career Center DECA sophomores, Douglas Croy and Bethany Travis, earned the organization's highest honors at DECA's 67th annual International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, Calif., April 24-27, 2013. The students competed in a dual role-play about Marketing Communications.  

During the school year, approximately 120,000 of DECA's 200,000 student members take part in the organization's competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local and regional titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students' academic understanding and skills development. The top state and provincial winners put their talents to the test during the program's final round of competition in Anaheim. The DECA International Career Development Conference was the pinnacle of competition where nearly 10,000 students vied for international honors. Nearly $500,000 in scholarships and awards were presented to students and teachers for their achievements.

The opening session featured PostNet CEO and Undercover Boss guest star Steve Greenbaum. In addition to career-based competition, DECA members engaged in leadership academies and networking opportunities with over 60 internationally recognized businesses.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. 

Kanies, Spencer chosen Prom King, Queen
 
Harrisonville High School seniors Bryant Kanies and Taylor Spencer were crowned Prom King and Queen during the 2013 HHS Prom which was held on Saturday, April 27 at Arrowhead Stadium. 

Musicians earn top ratings at State
Seventeen Harrisonville High School students brought home the top rating possible at State Music Contest. The students qualified for State by earning  a "I" or Superior at Districts and went on to earn a "I" or Superior at State in Columbia on Friday, April 26.

Those earning a "I" for their vocal talents include soloists David Roth, Mat Bartlett, Taylor Ricker, Austin Welhoff, and Aaron Schrock.  The ensembles receiving a "I" rating were a mixed quartet consisting of Lena Quinlin, Kailey Huston, Welhoff, and D. Roth and a men's quartet including Ricker, Welhoff, Chris Roth, and D. Roth.

On the instrumental side, those soloists earning a "I" were Abagail Armstrong, flute; Amanda Armstrong, flute; Austin Welhoff, alto saxophone; Taylor Chancellor, French horn; David Roth, trombone; and Nathan Morse, marimba and snare drum. Ensembles bringing home a "I" were a flute quartet consisting of Amanda Armstrong, Abagail Armstrong, Caitlin Hargis, and Kaitlyn Patterson and a brass quintet including Jonathan Tracy, Jimmy Carotenuti, Chancellor, D. Roth, and Malachi Hargis.

HATS students share projects
 
Elementary students in the Harrisonville Schools' gifted program recently showcased projects for the parents and other guests.

The 34rd Annual HATS (Harrisonville Academically Talented Students) Sharing of Independent Studies and Invention Convention was held at McEowen Elementary School on April 24-25.  

Third and fourth grade HATS students presented their Invention Convention and fifth graders presented their Independent Study projects. Invention Convention challenge students to be inventors.  They search for something that bugs them or a need that demands a solution, then they seek to solve the challenge and build a prototype.  Independent studies are in-depth research projects in which the students choose a topic and spend both class time and personal time collecting information.  All students then create a media display based on their research.  

Student displaying Invention Convention projects included Audrey Barnes, Drawerganizers draw dividers; Connor Everhart, Fishington's Fish Feeder automatic feeder; Josie Anderson, Cool Divides cooler dividers; Hunter Baker, SafeRemote box to protect Wii remotes; Abigail Borland, Deskor desk/locker organizer and briefcase; Kendall Fischer, Board Buddy white board marker/cleaner/eraser; George Frees, PVSeat made of rope and PVC pipe; Kiley Friend, Cocoa Burrito chocolate burrito kit; Hudson Johnson, Portable Cleats that attach to any shoe; Erison Maxwell, Ear Protectors for eyeglasses and sunglasses; Delaney McGuire, Bandage Remover liquid for painless band-aid removal; Nolan Medlin, Cherry Chips cherry-flavored potato chips; Selah Norman, Booe-shoe that converts to a warm boot; and Monte Schroeder, RC Convenience Cabinet, a remote control cooler box.

Independent Study Investigations included Facebook by Megan Allen, US Navy by Ryan Anderson, Submarines by Kyron Beavers, Great Barrier Reef by Mackina Chamberlain, Sparta by Michael Dahn, Lacrosse by Evan Filer, Leonardo da Vinci by Landon George, Periodic Table by Ethan Inman, Bald Eagles by Mason McDermed, Minecraft by Elizabeth Reece, Missouri Caves by Parker Rowland, Waldo Pizza by Michael Schuhler, and Dum Dum Pops by Amy Tracy. 

Additional pictures are posted on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/HarrisonvilleSchools

SADD hosts pre-Prom activities
 
As part of Prom week activities, members of the HHS SADD group conducted a seat belt check last Wednesday morning.  In addition, SADD invited Highway Patrol Officer Stosberg to present information to students during an assembly, sponsored a crash simulator during lunch, and hosted a "hat" day called "Hats off to good choices."

Children go "Wild about Animals" at PAT event
 
ECC kindergarten teacher Heather Caldwell and her 17-month-old son Kace feed a goat during the Harrisonville Parents As Teachers Wild About Animals event.  The event featured animals from the Kansas City Zoo and Palace Pony in Pleasant Hill. Children had the chance to pet the animals and learn more about them.  Animals on display included chickens, pot-bellied pigs, goats, Madagascar hissing coachroaches, a tortoise, and more.  The event was held at the Harrisonville Early Childhood Center.  Additional pictures are posted on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/HarrisonvilleSchools

Art students recognized for work
 
Several Harrisonville High School students earned top honors for their artistic talents at the recent Cass County Art Show.  Those students earning recognition included Lisa Vaccaro, 1st place for Shoes; Lia Lloyd, 3rd place for Self Portrait; Rebecca Kanies, 2nd place for Men; Samantha Geier, Harrisonville Fine Art Association Special Merit for Ceramic Vase; Kathryn Yoder, 1st place for Girl on Tracks; Samantha Kimbrell, 2nd place for Self Portrait; Cheyenne Cox, 1st Place and Fine Art Association Special Merit for Beach Painting; Kaitlynn Austin, Judge's Merit for Self Portrait; and Starr Myers, 3rd place for Ceramic Clock.

Harrisonville High School art students earned the top places in a recent contest. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary sponsors a patriotic art contest annually.  First place went to Jessica Lounsbery; second place was Bryan Buckley; and third place was Rebekah Freeman.  Lounsbery's art will move to compete at the next level where she is eligible for scholarship monies.  Pictured are the HHS students who entered the competition including Kaitlyn Austin, Brooke Rogers, Samantha Kimbrell, Rebekah Freeman, Jessica Lounsbery, Bryan Buckley, and Austin Heermann.

HHS sophomores attend leadership conference
 
Harrisonville High School sophomores Douglas Croy and Sydney Hoffman recently returned from a weekend leadership conference. They participated in the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program in Arkansas April 5-7.

Founded in 1958, HOBY's mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students.

Croy is the son of Steve and Tandy Croy.  At HHS, he is involved in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, DECA, soccer, and track.  He recently returned from competition at the International DECA conference in Anaheim, California.  Outside of school, he is a member of YoungLife, the United Methodist Church Cornerstone Youth Group, and Premier Soccer-Sporting, Blue Valley.

Hoffman is the daughter of David and Roseann Hoffman.  She is involved in SADD, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volleyball, and FFA.  Outside of school, she's in 4-H, the National Junior Simmental Association, and the National Junior Angus Association, and has coached a youth volleyball team.

Croy and Hoffman were selected for the honor by the faculty at Harrisonville High School.  Their participation in the conference was funded by the Harrisonville Public School Foundation.  Another sophomore - Melissa Watson - will also attend a HOBY conference this summer in Illinois.

FFA members earn top honors at State Convention

Thirty-one members of the Cass Career Center FFA Chapter participated in the 85th Annual Missouri FFA Convention April 18th and 19th.  Members took part in the convention's leadership workshops, convention sessions, career development event contests, career show, and award sessions.

At the first general session, Thursday afternoon, the Cass Career Center FFA was awarded a Superior Chapter Rating, the highest rating a FFA chapter can attain.  Jessie Poisal, Harrisonville sophomore, was recognized for being selected to the 2013 class of the Missouri Agribusiness Academy.

Seven FFA members, Megan Adams, Kaitlin Fifer, Malachi Hargis, Emily Hix, Sawyer Kresse, Mattie Moore, and Carter Neill each received their State Finalist Proficiency Awards at the Second General Session Thursday evening.

Throughout the convention, the Cass Career Center FFA had eight contest teams compete in Career Development Events.  The Ag Sales Team placed 4th and received a Group I Rating.  This team consisted of Luke Cook, Chelsey Dudley, Mattie Moore, and Sydney Sorensen.  Cook and Sorensen each received a Group I Individual Rating.

The Ag Mechanics team received a Group I Rating.  This team consisted of Bryce Alexander, Jason Goss, and Malachi Hargis.  Alexander and Hargis earned Group I individual ratings.  

The Dairy Foods Team received a Group II Rating.  The team consisted of Emily Hix, Austin Moreland, Blake Moreland, and Carter Neill.  Blake Moreland received a Group I individual rating.

The Farm Management team received a Group II Rating.  Members included Levi Anderson, Kaitlin Fifer, Jack McCleave, and Dustin Wallen.  McCleave received a Group I Individual rating and earned 3 hours of credit for Mizzou's Farm Management course.

The Meats Evaluation Team received a Group II as well.  Members included Sydney Hoffman, Jessie Poisal, and Frank Yoakum.

Members of the FFA Knowledge team received a Group III Rating.  Those members were Kaylea Eddy, Mikaila Livingston, and Savannah Nash.

Grace Hamilton, Sawyer Kresse, and Eric Vestal were members of the Soils Evaluation team.  This team earned a Group III Rating.

During Friday morning all members attended the State FFA Career Show where members had the opportunity to speak with many colleges, technical schools, and employers about their future.

In addition during the Friday evening session, Luke Cook, Emily Hix, and Mattie Moore were recognized with their State FFA Degree, the highest degree the State FFA can award.  Each year only 3% of members are awarded this coveted award.

HES holds annual Career Day
 
Harrisonville Elementary School hosted Career Day on Friday, April 19.  Students had the opportunity to listen to classroom speakers in the morning and then went outside for the Careers on Wheels portion of the day during the afternoon.

The morning speakers included Melissa Morgan, Sugar Creek Equinapy; Ben Warner, Cathy Grimes, and Charla Yoder, Keys to Music; Leo Walter, American Investment; Tyler Donnell, F'Real Food; Kristi Osborn, Harrisonville Animal Shelter; Dana Raynard, SERC Physical Therapy; Melinda Lacy and Terry Johns, Cass Regional Medical Center; Jerry Gibbs, City of Harrisonville; Joshua Shadwick, Missouri Conservation Department; Sandy Bradshaw, Commerce Bank; Vince Bertucci, Town & Country Disposal; Olivia Steinmetz, Schroeder Chiropractic; Elsa Genis & Josh Paul, Church & Dwight; Virginia Atkinson, Garden Gate Floral; Dr. William Atkinson, retired Centers for Disease Control; and Sarah Williams, Eagle Eye Consultant.

During the afternoon, the speakers included Brice Barnaby, City of Harrisonville, Street Sweeper; Brack Courtney and Harper Koenig, 522 Inked; Jason Coffey, Coffey Trucking; Jesse Bunger, Ballistic Images; John Coffey, John's Tree Trimming; and Bill Filer, Brew HaHa's Coffee Truck. 

Additional pictures are posted on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/HarrisonvilleSchools

HHS, HMS Job Olympians bring home medals
 
Harrisonville High School students recently brought home numerous medals from a county-wide competition.  The Job Olympics challenged students to perform specific tasks which exist in a real job setting.  

The Job Olympics featured 13 categories of competition.  Earning medals were Zane Myers, Level 1 Animal Pet Care, bronze; Lindsey Barrentine, Level 2 Animal Pet Care, bronze; Curtis Priesendorf, Level 1 Bagging Groceries, silver; Tyler Waters, Level 2 Bagging Groceries, silver; Priesendorf, Level 1 Computer Skills, Business Letter, gold; Myers, Level 1 Custodial, silver; Waters, Level 1 Custodial, bronze; Quinton Cornelius, Level 2 Custodial, gold; Todd Fischer, Level 1 First Aid, bronze; Myers, Level 2 First Aid, silver; Elijah Skoropat, Level 1 Host/Hostess, bronze; Krista Britt, Level 1 Laundry Folding, gold; Connor Brown, Level 1 Laundry Folding, bronze; Sarah Doubledee, Level 2 Laundry Folding, silver; Barrentine, Level 2 Place Setting, silver; Britt, Level 1 Silverware Rolling, silver; Skoropat, Level 1 Silverware Rolling, bronze; Doubledee, Level 2 Silverware Rolling, silver; Waters, Level 2 Shelf Stocking, silver; Joe Puryear, Level 2 Shelf Stocking, bronze; Doubledee, Level 1 Job Applications, silver; Britt, Level 1 Job Application, bronze; Barrentine, Level 3 Job Application, silver; Barrentine, Level 3 Job Interviewing, silver; and Cornelius, Level 3 Job Interviewing, bronze.

The Job Olympics is open to any special education student enrolled at Belton, Ray-Pec, Cass Midway, Pleasant Hill, or Harrisonville High Schools.  The event was held on April 12th at the High Blue Wellness Center in Belton and was organized by the Northern Cass County Cooperative.   

Harrisonville Middle School students recently brought home numerous medals from a county-wide competition.  The Job Olympics challenged students to perform specific tasks which exist in a real job setting.  

The Job Olympics featured several categories of competition.  Earning medals were Harley Cruce, Bronze in Folding Towels; Dominic McCoy, Bronze in Paper Shredding; Ryan Troup, Gold in Paper Shredding and Hygiene; Triston Page, Gold in Folding Towels, Silver in Paper Shredding, and Bronze in Applications.

The Job Olympics is open to any special education student enrolled at Belton, Ray-Pec, Cass Midway, Pleasant Hill, or Harrisonville Middle Schools.  The event was held on April 19 was organized by the Northern Cass County Cooperative. 

Journalism students, teacher recognized

Two Harrisonville High School journalism students have been honored by a metro-area organization for their work.

Junior Cassie Long and sophomore Jessica Poisal each earned third place in photography at the annual Journalism Educators of Metro Kansas City (JEMKC) contest.  Long's award was in the Newspaper News Photography division and featured a photo of a performance from the homecoming assembly.  Poisal's award was for Yearbook Feature Photography and the photo was taken during a performance of Forefront, the schools JV show choir.

The annual contest recognizes high school journalists in the areas of writing, photography, and design and with individual scholarships.

Harrisonville High School journalism teacher Brad Lewis has been elected the President of the Journalism Educators of Metro Kansas City organization for the 2013-14 school year.  

Lewis is in his sixth year at HHS teaching Introduction to Multimedia Journalism, Photojournalism, Newspaper, Yearbook, and WCN (broadcast journalism).  Prior to teaching at HHS, he completed his student teaching and a long-term substitute contract at Blue Valley West High School.  He is also an Adjunct Professor at Avila.  Lewis earned his bachelor's degree from Emporia State University and his teaching certification from Avila.   He has earned his certification as a Certified Journalism Educator from the Journalism Education Association.

The Journalism Educators of Metro Kansas City is an organization made up of journalism educators from high schools both in and around the metro Kansas City area.  JEMKC serves as a collaborative group offering support to other journalism educators around the area.  JEMKC also offers awards and scholarships to current high school journalism students throughout the metro area.   Every April, the organization holds the annual JEMKC Awards Ceremony honoring outstanding work of area high school students in the categories of newspaper, news magazine, yearbook, and broadcast.  Several high school journalists are also honored for their overall work in within their high school journalism career in writing, photography and editorial leadership.

Lewis' main responsibilities as President will be to oversee all executive board meetings, look for ways to grow and expand the organization, and to work with the Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer on membership drives and the annual spring contest.

HATS students explore college options
 
The 8th grade HATS students visited UMKC and Avila to complete their college exploration unit.  They also compared and contrasted different universities, analyzed tuition costs related to different majors, and completed the Pfautsch scholarship application. Partcipating students included Sidney Keeney, Eleanor Dick, Aubrey Valentich, Micaela Roberts, Suzzie Gaines, Keegan Hix, Dillon Eisel, Garrett Lukenbill, Dawson Truman, Jake Holden, Jacob Rushly, Ellis Liles, and Bryan Littrell.

HES Honor Choir "tours" community
 
The HES 3rd Grade Honor Choir "toured" Harrisonville last week with performances at ECC, Crown Care Center, and their own school.  The tour ended with a performance at the school's Art Fair/Ice Cream social.  Additional pictures are posted on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/HarrisonvilleSchools

You can access lunch menus at www.harrisonvilleschools.org/dept/foodandnutrition or you can open the attachments.

5K to benefit Stacy Cox Memorial Scholarship
The 3rd annual Stacy Cox Memorial Scholarship 5K Walk/Run is Saturday, May 11th.  See flyer attached below for more info

Free Children's Vitamins
Gillen's Pharmacy is offering a free vitamin program for children up to 12 years of age.  Each month families can visit the pharmacy and pick up a new bottle of chewable multiviatmins.   Parents must come in and sign up for the program .

Farmers' Market
Coming this summer - Saturdays in June, July & August
7:30-11:30 a.m.
Harrisonville Square

Supporting Harrisonville Schools programs, students
All fundraisers approved and/or supported by the district are listed on the district's fundraising page of the website - www.harrisonvilleschools.org/fundraisers

HMS will host a Movie Night on May 11 with proceeds to benefit the development of a mdidle school archery program.  The event will feature "The Day After"

PTO sponsors an on-going collection of General Mills Box Tops, Best Choice UPC labels, Capri Sun, and Campbell's Soup labels.  These items can be dropped off at any elementary school during regular school hours.

For more information on district or booster organization fundraisers, visit our website at www.harrisonvilleschools.org/fundraisers

New Sports & Activities Calendar
The Activities Department is using a new calendar for all of our sports & activities. To access the calendar, click here .  You can also access it via the Calendar button on the home page of the district website, then click on Sports & Activities Calendar.

This calendar provides individual activities' calendars, exporting options, directions to away games, and much more.  

Keep up-to-date with daily posts on Twitter
Both the district (@HvilleSchools) and our Superintendent Dr. Bryan McDonald (@HvilleSupt) have Twitter accounts.  The district account provides daily event reminders and information.  Dr. McDonald provides insights to the district and classroom activities through his posts.   Follow us both on Twitter!

Key News provides regular e-mail updates
The district's e-newsletter, Key News, is sent via e-mail twice a month.  To subscribe to Key News, click on this link - Key News - then scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Subscribe envelope.  

Get reminders, alerts right to your phone with Wildcat Alerts
The Wildcat Alerts text messaging program sponsored by Country Club Bank provides regular calendar reminders, emergency alerts, and sports cancellations/changes right to your cell phone.  To sign up, click here .  From the sign-up page, you can decide what text groups you'd like to be a part of.

HHS Wildcat News provides online updates
The HHS Wildcat News has several ways to keep up-to-date on HHS and other district happenings.  You can follow on Twitter (@HHSWildcatNews) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HHSWildcatNews).  The publication website is www.hhsnews.com and from there you can also sign up for regular e-mail updates.

City of Harrisonville
Visit the city's website - www.ci.harrisonville.mo.us
Sign up to receive city news via e-mail - http://ci.harrisonville.mo.us/list.aspx

Chamber of Commerce
Visit the Chamber's website - www.harrisonvillechamber.com
Sign up to receive the Shop Local monthly e-newsletter -
Become a Fan of the Harrisonville Chamber on Facebook - Click Here

Cass County Democrat-Missourian
Visit the newspaper's website - www.demo-mo.com
Become a Fan of the Democrat on Facebook - Click Here

Cass Regional Medical Center
Visit the hospital's website - www.cassregional.org
Become a Fan of CRMC on Facebook - Click Here

Cass County Public Library
Visit the library's website - http://casscolibrary.org/harrisonville
Become a Fan of the library on Facebook - Click Here

Cass County Government
Visit the county website - www.casscounty.com
Become a Fan of the county on Facebook - Click Here

Harrisonville Schools
503 S. Lexington
Harrisonville, MO 64701
(816) 380-2727
jill.filer@harrisonvilleschools.org
Dr. Bryan McDonald, Superintendent
Jill Filer, Director of Communications

Become a Fan of Harrisonville Schools on Facebook