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Greetings!
This is the November 5th edition of a weekly report to the LINC Commission. Our board is deeply interested in our work and wanted to learn about -- and share with others -- the great things LINC is helping to accomplish.
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Covington named Public Official of the Year
 Each year Governing magazine honors public officials who have made a significant difference in their community. It was recently announced that Dr. John Covington, Superintendent of the Kansas City, Mo, School District (KCMSD), received that honor this year.
Highlighted as a pioneer and a dramatic decision-maker, Dr. Covington was praised for his quick actions within the district during times of declining enrollment and poor academic performance. Dr. Covington implemented "Standards Based Education" in five elementary schools in response to KCMSD's test scores. The magazine recounts how, when faced with the district's dire situation, Dr. Covington focused on the task at hand and "rebuilt the school system from the ground up."
Dr. Covington shares the honor this year with other leaders such as Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Connecticut State Representative Diana Urban, as well as five other officials who are working to improve their communities.
The full article, including an interview with Dr. Covington, is available here. |
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LINC Halloween Chess Tournament a frightening success
 | | A LINC Chess student makes his move during the Halloween Tournament |
On Sunday, Oct. 31st, LINC held its first Chess tournament of the 2010- 2011 school year. LINC students from all over the Kansas City area gathered at the Waldo Branch of the Kansas City Public Library for three rounds of competitive play. Students and teams competed in one of three divisions, with awards given to top participants in each category.
LINC Chess Director Dale Lombard was thrilled by the success of the tournament, which hosted 63 players from 18 schools. He was also grateful for the 13 volunteers and seven LINC staff who served as tournament officials and team coaches and helped with the administration of the tournament.
The LINC Chess program is currently in 14 schools across five school districts. Along with learning the game, the LINC Chess program encourages students to perform better in school, think through their actions and practice patience. Other positive behaviors reinforced by chess benefit the students, their schools and families.
Photos and results from the tournament are online at the LINC Chess Website and on Facebook, which currently has over 150 fans. |
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Center School District celebrates Caring Communities
Center High School hosted our Boone and Center Caring Communities at a recent home football game as the district celebrated LINC's presence in its schools and neighborhoods.
Families from the two schools gathered before the game to tailgate and enjoyed dinner and a DJ. Two of our significant partners joined the party: the Marlborough Community Coalition and Kansas City Police Department each set up displays and information tables.
During half-time LINC students Zayvion Ray and Isaiah Ford spoke to the crowd from the announcers' booth. The Boone 5th graders shared in their own words what they like best about the afterschool program. Zayvion and Isaiah have participated in chess and are now looking forward to basketball. |
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Over 300 attend Buckner's Trunk or Treat on Hudson Street
 Over 300 people enjoyed the first-ever "Trunk or Treat on Hudson Street" on Halloween along one of Buckner's main streets.
The community relocated the Halloween event from Buckner Elementary to the thoroughfare to make it more visible and accessible to a larger audience. The City of Buckner closed a portion of the street to traffic so that families could safely visit merchants and organizations on either side.
Buckner Caring Communities partnered with First Baptist Church of Buckner, Christian Church of Buckner, Buckner United Methodist Church, Buckner PTA, and the City of Buckner to host the event. The City provided popcorn and cider. A DJ added music to the festivities that included a cakewalk and a maze. The Police and Fire Departments provided safety information and demonstrations for families.
The estimated population of Buckner, Mo is 2,900.
To see photos of the Trunk-or-Treaters visit the Fort Osage LINC website. |
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Putting the "Cool" Back in School
This fall LINC and Hickman Mills School District will work together to bring parents informational classes called "Putting the Cool Back in School."
Parents will learn the importance of attending school, doing one's best, and that determination and desire to learn are only two of the things necessary for students to succeed. Hickman Mills parents are invited and encouraged to attend one or both of these informative, free classes.
Two nights will provide parents the opportunity to take advantage of the free information. The first, titled "Putting the Cool Back in School," will be at Johnson Elementary, 10900 Marsh Ave, Kansas City, Mo, on Nov. 16th, 6-8pm.
The second night focuses on "Just the Basics" of participating in a child's education. Discussion includes tips on making homes literacy-rich, communicating with students and schools, helping with homework, and more. This class will be at Burke Elementary, 11115 Bennington Ave, Kansas City, Mo, on Dec. 2nd, 6-8pm.
For more information, visit the LINC website or call Casey Conklin, Burke Site Coordinator, (816) 316-8334 or Onita Omordion, Johnson Site Coordinator, (816) 316-7924.
"Putting the Cool Back in School" classes are also being planned for later this school year in the Grandview School District. |
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Independence holiday program serves over 400, but needs your help
Nearly 200 families are volunteering with the Independence School District and surrounding neighborhoods as part of the district's revamped Holiday Helpers program. The new program invites families to contribute volunteer hours and earn a gift card at a local vendor to purchase gifts for their children this holiday season. It is estimated that over 460 children will be served this year.
In the past, the Holiday Helpers program connected donors with families in need. This year, the program invites potential donors to adopt one family with a contribution towards their earned gift cards. The new approach respects the dignity of families in need, restoring to them a sense of real participation in the larger community.
The Holiday Helpers program is seeking tax-deductible donations of $250 which will cover the program costs for a family of four children. Through the program that family can earn $50 in gift cards per child, as well as a $50 food card for the holiday break this December.
To donate today, click here.
Watch a video about Holiday Helpers.
For more information contact Brad Smith, Director of Family Services for the Independence School District, at (816) 521-5300. |
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Chrisman ACE featured as a KCTV5 "Cool School"
The ACE Club was a featured activity when KCTV5's early morning news program visited William Chrisman High School for its "Cool Schools" segment. Cool Schools is sponsored by Wendy's and spotlights high school activities and clubs that are not sports related.
KCTV5 reporter Iris Hermosillo interviewed ACE's Stomp Out Bullying team for a live broadcast segment. In another feature, ACE members introduced viewers to the variety of service activities and programs the Club offers.
 "ACE" is an acronym for Association for Chrisman Excellence. Students participating in the ACE Club learn to be of service to their community and become more aware of their civic responsibility. ACE projects include: Peer Mediation and Mentoring, Garden Club, Chess Club, Students Without Borders, Teens Against Tobacco Use, and Stomp Out Bullying. ACE Club members are also planning a school-wide gift collection for children in developing nations.
A slideshow and links to video clips from the broadcast are on the LINC website. |
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November LINC Commission meeting set for Nov. 15
The LINC Commission will hold its last regular meeting of the year on Monday, Nov. 15 from 4-6 pm at the Kauffman Foundation.
The public is invited.
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Contact Information
Brent Schondelmeyer, Director of Communications
phone: (816) 410-8350
email: bschonde@kclinc.org
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