Blue Springs School District

On Monday night, Senior Vice-President David Disney of JE Dunn Construction was recognized with our Pillar of Distinction Award for providing our district with various learning opportunities to help our students grow. During the summer school session of 2019, Mr. Disney partnered with our district for Summer STEM Academy, where students participated in several projects and took field trips to places not everyone can access, like behind the scenes of the Kauffman Center for th...e Performing Arts. He personally attended the summer academy classes and tours to offer his expertise to our students. As a valued member of our MSIP Committee, Mr. Disney offers valuable information for our career and college classes and recently assisted in applying for several grants through the Greater KC Community Foundation, adding a donation of $10,000 from his own foundation to purchase over $35,000 in tools and supplies for our upcoming KC Construction Career Academy. Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and community! #WeAreBSSD

Congratulations to our December Employee of the Month, Kristi Mansingh! Serving as the kitchen manager for William Bryant Elementary, Kristi has been with the district for eight years. She is fully involved in all WBE activities and naturally develops positive relationships with staff and students. People love Kristi because she is hardworking, kind, and positive. She has a heart for helping and always puts the needs of others before her own. "She works absolutely focused on ...efficiency and rolling out a great product in the cafeteria, but she also balances that with the ability to develop relationships with everyone. Within a few short weeks of the start of school, Kristi knows every kid by their first name, which is a pretty incredible feat." - WBE Principal Cory LaBoube said. #WeAreBSSD

We would also like to recognize our January Employee of the Month, Kevin Clevenger! A computer science teacher at Blue Springs High School, Clevenger has become one of the best at what he does - not just at the state level but at the national level. He has been instrumental in implementing the Project Lead the Way Computer Science Program across the country, and in 2019, he was named Outstanding in his Field at the national PLW Summit.... In addition to his work in the classroom, Kevin also has also started an eSports team at BSHS, with over 60 students involved so far. Participants are also beginning to earn recognition from post-secondary institutions and have the opportunity to earn college scholarships. Kevin is a one-in-a-million talent who has the work ethic to stay current in an ever-changing field," principal Tom Alderman said. "He has the knowledge base to make his curriculum relevant and builds relationships and trust with his students, which allows him to deliver high-level curriculum daily. This combination builds a foundation of success all while preparing his students for their future pathways. #WeAreBSSD

During last night's board meeting, we were able to honor our January Student of the Month, Kali-Ann Gruber! An eighth grader from Brittany Hill Middle School, Kali-Ann is involved in many groups and activities for the Eagles, including Advanced Orchestra, Yearbook, Basketball, Neighbors to Nations, Student Council, and more. She is committed to serving others and exceeds expectations for academics, extra-curricular participation, service, and character. ... Kali-Ann is an enthusiastic leader, dedicated student, and an incredible team player," BHMS teacher Dana Bowers said. "She is cheerful, hard-working, and encouraging to others around her. I could not describe a more positive role model for my students, our school, and the community. Congratulations to Kali-Ann on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to have you represent our district! #WeAreBSSD

Thanks to a donation from the Chapel Lakes Elementary PTA, the Cheetahs were each able to make a special ornament to surprise their parents with! Different grade levels incorporated unique designs, with some classes making snowmen out of their painted fingerprints. Great work by the PTA and CLE’s art department to celebrate the winter season!... #WeAreBSSD

Over the past week, the Blue Springs Education Foundation awarded $14,000 in scholarships to our staff members! These funds allow our teachers to continue their education and grow in their profession, which directly impacts students across the district. Congratulations to the 2020 recipients on earning this recognition:... Bartolotta Family Scholarship Anna Cole, BSHS Alex Duvall, BSHS Gale T. Bartow Aspiring Administrator Scholarship Jed Paulson, BSHS Bruce Wehling, MRMS BSEF Staff Scholarship Kelsey Becker, BHMS/PKMS Cody Fritts, BSSHS Julie Heidi, PKMS Willie Horn, VVHS Paige Maggio, JLE Lexi McVay, CME Kennedy Merrell, CME Jennifer Rohner, DWMS #WeAreBSSD

As we close out the first semester, we want to wish all of our students, staff, and community members a happy holiday season! Thank you for all the extra effort, care, and precautions you and your family have taken to help keep our schools healthy and safe this year. Have a great break and we’ll see you back on Jan. 6! #WeAreBSSD

Reminder: Students in grades 9-12 will be learning from home on Wednesdays this semester. *Students who attend Hall-McCarter Education Center will continue to learn in person, five days a week as scheduled. For more information, visit: https://www.bssd.net/news/what_s_new/second_semester_update... #WeAreBSSD

After receiving over $1,300 in anonymous donations, Sunny Pointe Elementary was able to put together gift baskets for 13 families in need during the holiday season! In addition to purchasing gift cards for the baskets, SPE staff members baked cookies for the families to decorate, sent hot chocolate kits, and included many other fun activities that the Pumas would normally do during their holiday banquet. It's amazing to see the support our students and families receive from t...he local community and our hard-working educators! #WeAreBSSD

We're proud to announce that James Lewis Elementary's Liz Talamantez has been named "Exemplary New Principal" by the Kansas City Suburban Elementary Principal's Association! With her selection, Talamantez will go on to represent KCSEPA at the state level and be recognized at the annual conference. Congratulations on this incredible honor and thank you for everything you do for the Supercats, Liz!... *Photo taken prior to pandemic* #WeAreBSSD

We're currently hiring part-time kitchen staff at locations across the district! For more information on the positions and how to apply, visit: https://bluesprings.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2332 #WeAreBSSD

During the holiday season, many of our buildings are hosting fundraisers and donation drives to support the local community! The "Tree of Warmth" at Sunny Pointe Elementary is currently collecting coats, pants, gloves, and other warm clothing items to directly benefit kids and families in the district. Great work by the Pumas to organize such a meaningful activity during the season of giving!... #WeAreBSSD

The 2021 Major Saver campaign kicks off across our district this week and runs through Tuesday, January 26th! Proceeds from the annual fundraiser go directly toward supporting your student's school and the Blue Springs Education Foundation. Cards are available to be purchased online using the information below: #WeAreBSSD

On Wednesday, all of our students at Liggett Trail Education Center were able to visit a special pumpkin patch thanks to the generosity of a local family. Each October, the Zucca family provides the pumpkins to spread joy to the Rangers and to honor the memory of their son, Colton Zucca, who attended LTEC. Such an incredibly sweet gesture and one that the kids and their parents enjoy every year!... #WeAreBSSD

The Blue Springs School District is hiring substitute teachers. Subs are needed now more than ever to keep our schools open during the pandemic. Please consider applying today! For more information or to apply, visit: https://bluesprings.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2251 #WeAreBSSD

Students at James Lewis Elementary were able to pick out their own pumpkin on Wednesday, thanks to a mini pumpkin patch supplied by the Supercat PTA! #WeAreBSSD

Congratulations to Blue Springs South Jaguars teacher and KMBC 9 meteorologist Pete Grigsby for his work on an Emmy Award-winning broadcast! The win for KMBC was announced virtually during the 44th annual Mid-America EMMY Awards/NATAS last month. Thank you to Pete for all the work he does for our students and the local viewing community! ... #WeAreBSSD

With a pumpkin-themed lesson, Blue Springs South Jaguars culinary students were able to get in the Halloween spirit this afternoon! The Jaguars carved designs to practice their knife skills and safety while saving the rest of the pumpkin to use in different holiday recipes this week. #WeAreBSSD

Last week, students at William Yates were able to showcase their Halloween spirit and celebrate literature by decorating pumpkins! Great work by the Bulldog staff members and the William Yates Elementary PTA to work together on this unique project. #WeAreBSSD

With temperatures in the 80s on Thursday, Sunny Pointe Elementary picked a great day to celebrate its National Blue Ribbon Award with Kona Ice. Congratulations again to the Pumas on this well-deserved academic recognition! #WeAreBSSD

Check out some of the reactions from a few of the teachers receiving bouquets yesterday! Thank you again to All A'Bloom Flower Design for thinking of us during this year's #PetalItForward campaign. #WeAreBSSD

It really warms my heart because I know this is really going to impact some peoples’ lives During #CommunityUnityWeek, schools across the district collected over 38,440 items and raised over $7,700 in support of the Community Services League. Hear from some of the organizers and participants on what makes this week so special.... #WeAreBSSD

On Tuesday evening, the Blue Springs Wildcats and Blue Springs South Jaguars met in the annual #DigPink volleyball match to raise money for local cancer organizations. Through their combined efforts, the teams raised over $10,000 for the Stephanie Vest Foundation during an emotional rivalry matchup. It's always inspiring to see our two high schools working together to raise money to support worthy causes during #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth!... #WeAreBSSD

We were so excited to brighten some of our staff members’ days with flower bouquets from All A'Bloom Flower Design! As part of the national #PetalItForward campaign, 40 employees across the district were able to keep one bouquet while passing another on to a deserving coworker as an act of kindness. Thank you to All A’ Bloom for including us in this great tradition!... #WeAreBSSD

Check out some of the highlights as the Blue Springs Wildcats and Blue Springs South Jaguars football teams squared off during #CommunityUnityWeek! #WeAreBSSD

Here are the top three schools in terms of the number of items collected during #CommunityUnityWeek: Voy Spears Jr. Elementary School led the way with 9,959, Cordill-Mason Elementary was second with 7,319, and the Blue Springs South Jaguars brought in 6,360. The Jaguars also collected over $4,500 in cash donations throughout the week, the largest financial contribution by any school!... Thank you to all of our buildings for their hard work and dedication this week as we helped support families in need! #WeAreBSSD

Congratulations to Voy Spears Jr. Elementary School for collecting a district-best 9,959 items to donate during #CommunityUnityWeek! For the second-straight year, the Falcons were led by first grader Leilani Elliott, who collected large donations from friends and family and donated all of her birthday money to provide items that will support the Community Services League. Great work by Leilani and the VSE students and staff to help make this week a success!... #WeAreBSSD

Through the kindness and generosity of our students, families, and staff members, our district collected over 38,440 items and $7,718 in cash donations during #CommunityUnityWeek! Thank you to everyone who contributed to support the Community Services League and families in need! #WeAreBSSD