NKC Schools

Parents as Teachers has turned virtual this year, but connecting with our community is more important than ever during the pandemic. NKC Schools Parent Educators assist new parents with resources, advice and evaluate their children for important benchmarks. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Early Learning Coordinator, Courtney Holt, and Lead Parent Educator, Jennifer Hansen, about what services Parents as Teachers provide and a recent national honor.

You see a lot of construction throughout NKC Schools and a major project underway at Gladstone's old Hobby Lobby. What's being built? We have the answers! New schools, and updates to existing schools. Some projects were a long time coming. Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Katie Lawson, Director of Early Education, and Jeff Vandel, Executive Director of Facilities, who provide an overview of the projects, the timeline and how these updates will benefit students by creating a better learning environment.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Jenna Knuth, NKC Schools’ Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Jenna discusses meal options for students, a possible free meal extension and why parents applying for free and reduced meals may be eligible for even more discounts. Preparing safe meals for thousands of students, some in school and some learning virtually, is a daunting task. Jenna explains the safety protocols in place and why parents should feel good about the nutritious meals the district provides.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens, about how students, teachers and staff are managing during a pandemic. With virtual, in-class and hybrid learning models in place, the district remains dedicated to serving students and staff in a safe environment.

Host, Susan Hiland, talks with North Kansas City Schools leaders about a new learning initiative to benefit students. Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens, explains the Board of Education goals for this year. Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services, Dr. Chad Sutton, talks about the North Kansas City Schools Portrait of a Graduate and its role in transforming the learning experiences for PK-12 students. The program will be implemented in several phases and is designed to instill specific characteristics in students which will give them an advantage or edge over other students once they graduate.