We have some outstanding news to share about one of Team KSD’s exceptional educators!
The regional selection committee reviewed and scored applications from outstanding teachers throughout the Kansas City area. The committee selected six Regional Teachers of the Year and specifically recognized Dr. Miller as a finalist in an extraordinarily strong group of educators.
The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is designed to celebrate excellence in the teaching profession and recognize educators who are highly respected by their students, families, colleagues and communities. Candidates also must demonstrate leadership, service and a powerful ability to help students learn and grow. Dr. Miller exemplifies all of those qualities.
|
"How is America like a patchwork quilt?"
That was the driving question for fourth- and fifth-graders in Ashley Hummel’s Southview/Hawthorne Summer School class as they completed a colorful Project Based Learning experience celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Students researched states from across the country, learning about each state’s geography, history, symbols, wildlife and other distinctive features. They then used what they discovered to design individual paper quilt squares. When all of the pieces were brought together, they formed one impressive Celebrate America quilt representing the diversity of our nation.
The project also provided a wonderful example of the authentic literacy that Superintendent Emily Miller has made a top priority across Kearney School District. Students read informational materials, recorded and organized their research, wrote about what they learned, discussed their ideas with classmates and translated their new knowledge into a creative finished product.
In other words, they were reading, writing, thinking, talking and creating throughout the entire experience.
Just like America itself, the completed quilt is made stronger, more interesting and more beautiful by the many unique pieces that form the whole. This is the great work that makes Kearney a great community!
|
Fourth- and fifth-graders in Austin Bullock’s Southview/Hawthorne Summer School class packed plenty of learning into an imaginary road trip across the United States as part of their America 250 Project Based Learning experience.
Students selected destinations from across the country, researched the places they wanted to visit and planned what they might see and experience along the way. Working in teams, they then transformed cardboard, paper, paint and other materials into colorful dioramas that brought their road trips to life.
The project was another great example of authentic literacy in action. Students read and evaluated information, recorded their findings, wrote descriptions, discussed ideas with their teammates and used what they learned to create something meaningful. Their work connected literacy with geography, history, art, problem-solving and collaboration.
This experience also marked an exciting step in Mr. Bullock’s own Kearney School District journey. A 2021 graduate of Kearney High School, he began working with students in our Kids Club before- and after-school program while he was still in high school. After leading this summer school classroom, he is preparing to begin his second regular school year in public education as a third-grade teacher at Southview Elementary.
We are proud of the creativity and curiosity displayed by these young travelers, and thrilled to welcome Mr. Bullock home as the newest generation of KSD educators! This is how we keep Kearney strong!
|
|
Soon, many of the text messages you get from our schools will come from regular 10-digit phone numbers. This will make it easier to see who is messaging you. For example, a message from your child’s teacher will come from a different phone number than a message from the school office.
What’s changing?
Right now, most texts come from a 5-digit number. Soon, you’ll start getting texts from different regular 10-digit phone numbers for:
- Direct messages
- Classroom and group posts
- School posts
Messages from the district, digests and alerts will still come from the current 5-digit number.
What should you do?
When you receive a message from one of these new 10-digit numbers, save it to your contacts. Here are some suggestions:
- Save a teacher’s number as: "Ms. Davis - 4th Grade"
- Save classroom/group posts as: "Bulldog Elementary Classes"
- Save school posts number as: "Bulldog Elementary Updates"
|
Kearney School District will be transitioning to a new online payment system for families later this summer.
As part of this change, KSD will discontinue the use of LINQ Connect. Online payments through LINQ Connect will be turned off beginning June 15, 2026. For the remainder of summer school, families who need to make payments should do so directly through their child’s school using cash or check.
The district plans to launch a new online payment system through RevTrak in August 2026. Once RevTrak is available, families will be able to access the system using their existing PowerSchool accounts.
All existing balances will be carried forward automatically from LINQ Connect to the new RevTrak platform.
|
|
This summer, you can be a hero—with just a box of cereal. The Kearney Food Pantry is inviting the community to step up and help children in need by donating cereal during its 3rd annual Cereal Drive-By event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at 108 W. Washington Street.
With school out for the summer, many children who rely on school meals are left without a steady breakfast. The cereal drive aims to fill that gap—one box at a time.
Community members are encouraged to “drive by and drop off” boxes of cereal at the pantry. Every donor will receive a FREE drink token from Sonic as a thank-you for their support.
SOURCE: KPGZ 102.7FM
|
Kearney School District is hiring custodians to help keep our schools clean, safe and ready for learning every day.
Our custodial team members play an essential role in maintaining the spaces where students learn, teachers teach, and our Bulldog community comes together. This is hands-on, meaningful work with a team that takes pride in serving our schools.
KSD custodian positions start at $17.26/hour, with placement based on the district’s classified salary schedule. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Custodians help maintain clean and welcoming indoor spaces, restock supplies, support seasonal grounds work and respond to the daily needs of our schools.
|
|
Summer is a great time for Bulldogs to stay active, build skills, try something new and stay connected with classmates, coaches and activity sponsors.
Kearney School District has created a new Summer Camps and Activities webpage to help families find opportunities in one convenient place. The page includes youth camps, high school camps and clinics, tryouts, team activities, summer conditioning, open gyms and summer leagues.
Families can view dates, times, grade levels, locations, flyers, registration links and coach or sponsor contact information at: www.ksdr1.net/camps
|
We have prepared our key 2026 Back-to-School dates, including schedule pick-ups, transition events, open houses and the first day of classes. The first day of school for the 2026-2027 academic year will be Tuesday, Aug. 25. More important events, information and updates are available at www.ksdr1.net/back-to-school. |
Kearney School District is excited to open fall enrollment for Kids Club, our before- and after-school care program for elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Enrollment for families who are not currently enrolled in Kids Club opened on Monday, May 11.
Kids Club provides a safe, caring and convenient option for KSD families who need before- or after-school care during the school year. The program is available at each of our elementary schools and is designed to support students while giving parents/guardians peace of mind.
|
Kearney School District’s kindergarten enrollment is open for the 2026-2027 academic year! If you have a child who will be age five on or before July 31, 2026, this is the time to enroll them in kindergarten! Start the kindergarten enrollment process by clicking the link provided below.
Parents/guardians will be required to provide a birth certificate, a record of required immunizations, and proof of residence for their child during kindergarten enrollment. Use our online district boundary map to locate the elementary school your child will attend.
Kindergarten Orientation events will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at each of KSD’s elementary schools.
|
This annual event helps KSD students and families get ready for the start of a new school year by connecting them with school supplies, clothing and other helpful resources. Last year’s Resource Fair served 285 students, one of the highest turnouts since COVID. We are excited to continue working together to make sure every Bulldog has a strong start to the school year.
The 2026 Resource Fair will be held at Kearney Junior High:
- 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14
|
Kearney Middle Schoolers put their learning into action on Wednesday, June 24, by launching rockets they designed and built as part of a Project Based Learning experience in Michael Wernimont’s Summer School class. Students gathered on the Kearney High School practice field to test their creations, collect data and see their hard work take flight. It was a high-flying way to bring science, engineering and problem-solving together!
|
June 25 - Last Day of Summer School
Aug. 20 - Back-to-School Open Houses
Aug. 25 - First Day of School
Sept. 7 - Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
Sept. 25 - Homecoming 2026
Oct. 16 - Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
|
|
|
|
