WINTER 2021
Igniting Careers With Fire and Science 15020 Metcalf Overland Park, Kansas 66283
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PAID U. S. Postage
PRSRT STD Chase Hartman | Photographer | CAPS Digital Design and Photography
More Than Just A Single Score The Power of Paraeducators WINTER 2021 • 1
A Message
from the Superintendent As I reflect on the first semester of the 2021-22 school year, I find myself circling back to one thought—what a great first semester. I am grateful to all of our students, staff and families for their continued hard work, resilience, flexibility, and patience. The start of school this year, like so many things these past 18 months, was unprecedented. Thankfully, we have our students back in school, in-person, five days a week. This was only possible due to the collaborative work of everyone in the Blue Valley community. Strong communities rally in difficult times, and this community is showing just that. This semester, I’ve had the uplifting opportunity to visit all 39 of our schools and programs. In addition to our 35 schools, this includes our four programs: Blue Valley Academy, CAPS, the 18-21 program, and Hilltop Learning Center. It is inspiring to see all the positivity radiating from our campuses. Students are engaged in the learning experience and excited to be with their friends. I saw teachers and staff setting the foundations for genuine relationships with their students. At the same time, I saw them challenging students to think critically about new concepts and ideas. It’s not only in our classrooms that students are engaged. In athletics and extracurricular activities, students are embracing the competitive spirit and expanding their life learning to the fields and the stages. School spirit is also shining through, evident at all of our high schools’ homecomings. Our campuses are more than just places of learning—they are communities where our
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students grow and develop their character through academic and social experiences. Blue Valley is a special place. Our talented and caring educators are one of the main reasons for this—not only our teachers, but also Blue Valley’s support staff. On pages 8-9 you will read about some of our exemplary paraeducators and the positive impact they have on our students every day. Another reason Blue Valley is a special place is the many unique learning experiences for students to grow and excel. On pages 4-5 you will read about the new opportunity for students to become career ready in fire science. As the second semester approaches, I urge all of our students to take advantage of the many opportunities throughout their school, whether it be band, choir, athletics, debate, theatre, CAPS programs, or Career Ready programs.
Aubrey St
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The extraordinary educational opportunities and the people of Blue Valley make this a destination district for families and staff alike, evidenced by Blue Valley’s growing enrollment. Enrollment on the state’s official census day reflected 21,847 students in kindergarten through grade 12. This is an increase of 224 students from last school year and also marks a record kindergarten enrollment at 1,554.
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While we will continue to highlight and celebrate our successes, we realize there is still work to be done this year and in the future. Each student’s individual learning continues to be our top priority and the main focus of our work. On pages 6-7 you will read about how we measure student success. Student success is not measured by a singular assessment, but rather the entire student’s learning experience. Our students have enormous potential and it is our goal to maximize that potential. Finally, I want to extend my thanks to the entire Blue Valley community. Thank you to all the staff who rolled up their sleeves to make this first semester a success. Thank you to all the parents who have shown unwavering support - not only this year, but throughout the uncertainty of the past 18 months. Thank you, especially, to the students who brought life to our hallways and classrooms. I cannot wait to see the successes to come in the second semester.
Sincerely,
Tonya Merrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent
Aubrey Stone
Blue Valley Schools 15020 Metcalf Ave. P.O. Box 23901 Overland Park, KS 66283-0901 (913) 239-4000 Superintendent Tonya Merrigan, Ed.D.
Board of Education Amy Tysseling, President Michele Benjamin, Vice President Jodie Dietz Patrick Hurley Tom Mitchell Stacy Obringer-Varhall Mike Seitz
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Website www.bluevalleyk12.org For more information about Blue Valley Today, contact the Communications Department 913-239-4043.
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Chase Hartman | Photographer, CAPS Digital Design and Photography
PROVIDING EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Blue Valley’s new Fire Science and Emergency Medical Career Ready program launches “What do I want to be when I grow up?” It’s an age-old question with the potential for limitless answers. For AJ Reed, a senior at Blue Valley North, a life experience combined with a new opportunity helped him answer that very question. “When I was at a really young age, my family experienced a total-loss house fire,” Reed said. “It never really affected me or crossed my mind on how I could shape that negative experience into a more positive light, until this opportunity came about.” That opportunity for Reed came in the form of the new Fire Science and Emergency Medical program through Blue Valley’s Career Ready Programs. In partnership with the Overland Park Fire Department
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(OPFD), Blue Valley juniors and seniors in high school can engage in hands-on learning and earn college credit in fire science. This program is unique to Blue Valley students and offers them a fast-track pathway into fire, emergency medical services, and other public service career fields upon graduation. “I want to be a firefighter,” Reed said. “The idea and reality of high schoolers coming in here (to OPFD) and having this opportunity is huge, especially for me.” Reed isn’t the only Blue Valley student that will benefit from this new program. The inaugural class is made up of 15 students, with at least one student from all five of the district’s high schools. Like some of Blue
Valley’s other Career Ready Programs, students take traditional classes in the morning at their home high school. In the afternoon, the students head to OPFD’s training center for hands-on-learning, sometimes alongside other OPFD trainees. This program is a dual-credit option, so students earn credit at their high school and also receive college credit in fire science from Johnson County Community College (JCCC). “We have real professionals around us and real professionals teaching us,” said Jenni Clarkson, a senior at Blue Valley Northwest taking advantage of the program. “What also adds to the experience is that normally all of the Blue Valley high schools have a little rivalry between us. But when we are
here, there’s no rivalry. We are really just one big group, kind of like a family because we see each other every day, ready to learn.” Clarkson, like Reed, became interested in the program to jump-start her future career. However, her career aspirations are slightly different from Reed’s. “I started this program because I could see myself being a paramedic,” Clarkson said. “I’ve had a person unconscious in front of me and I had no idea what to do. I felt helpless. That’s what got me interested in EMS, so I’m excited to learn more about that side of the class next semester.” The program is divided into three portions, allowing students with aspirations in fire science, medical professions, or other public service paths to find success. Students who come into the program as juniors will benefit most, as they can progress through all courses from their junior to senior year. However, students who start the program as seniors will also gain valuable career skills. In the first semester, students complete a hazardous materials course and an introduction to public safety course. During the next semester, students will shift to emergency medical science, where students will take courses like first aid, CPR, and emergency medical response. Starting in August 2022, current juniors in the program will take two courses, Fire I and Fire II, completing the two-year program. The new partnership with OPFD allows Blue Valley’s young adults to explore career paths or interests outside of the current traditional high school setting. “A really unique factor is that this is a one- or two-year interview process for
these students,” said Andrew Bobka, OPFD training officer and Blue Valley’s fire science and emergency medical instructor. “Upon graduation, they will almost be ready for employment and will have already built the relationships with a professional fire department.” Finding the right fit for students requires options and these career-ready courses are exactly what many students need. This notion of hands-on learning experiences is not new to Blue Valley. From programs like the district’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) at the high school level to the career and technical education courses that are available to students as electives starting in middle school, Blue Valley is committed to providing relevant learning experiences to students of all ages. Through the Career Ready Programs, college is still an option for many of the participating students. But for students who decide to enter the workforce instead, this real-world experience will provide them a solid foundation to make a seamless transition into their careers.
Grace Billman | Photographer, CAPS Digital Design and Photography
Blue Valley offers several career ready programs, each offering different opportunities for students based on interests and personal goals. • Automotive Technology • Automation Engineer Technology • Construction Management • Culinary and Hospitality Management • Dual Degree Program • Electrical Technology • Electronics Technology • Fire Science and Emergency Medical Program • HVAC • Plumbing Technology • Welding and Metal Fabrication
In 2022, Blue Valley Career Ready Programs will expand to include • Cyber Security • Nail Technician
“We may have students who go through this program and are hired as firefighters or paramedics—that’s a huge win,” said Adam Wessel, Blue Valley Director of Career Ready Programs. “However, we may have students who go through this program, or any of our Career Ready Programs, and decide the career path is not a fit. That’s still a tremendous win because it allows them to see if a career path is right for them before they even graduate high school and move on if it isn’t. They are still gaining valuable lessons from these experiences, professional development, high school credit, and even college credit.”
Tess Vanberg | Photographer, CAPS Digital Design and Photography
Students interested in learning more or enrolling in any of Blue Valley’s Career-Ready Programs should contact their high school counselor and visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/CareerReady for more information. WINTER 2021 • 5
MEASURING STUDENT SUCCESS
Academic excellence has been a cornerstone of Blue Valley’s foundation for more than 50 years and is characterized by students achieving at unprecedented levels. Today, our students are still the ones who are outperforming state and national benchmarks and setting records along the way. We know that our students’ academic success cannot be judged by a “point-in-time test” but a more comprehensive look at a variety of assessment opportunities throughout their educational experience.
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1332
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Blue Valley
19.6
1243
US
1060
Kansas
that measures math, verbal and writing skills
*1,731 students took the ACT
24.2
Composite average for 2021 graduates
1600
Blue Valley
Blue Valley 2021 graduates’ average score
ACT
36
9
SAT
20.3
US
BLUE VALLEY STUDENTS CONTINUE TO ACHIEVE AT EXTRAORDINARY LEVELS
97.2% Graduation rate Graduation rate for Kansas: 88.3% (KSDE outcome for measuring progress)
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KANSAS ASSESSMENTS Blue Valley students continue to exceed the Kansas average in effective or excellent ability to understand the use of skills and knowledge needed for College and Career Readiness.
46.55% effective or higher in math 56.31% effective or higher in reading 50.53% effective or higher in science According to National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), Kansas assessment standards are on average among the highest in the nation.
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2021 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
Students from all 5 BV High Schools
District record
Most in a Kansas school district
(KSDE outcome for measuring progress)
Kansas
WITHIN 2 YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION A STUDENT WILL: • Obtain industry recognition • Earn post-secondary certification • Earn post-secondary degree • Enroll in post-secondary institution
5-year 82% success average 56%
Blue Valley
Post-secondary success
MARKET VALUE ASSET (MVA) 2021 – 52.4% graduates MVA’s are industry valued and recognized skills—like college credit, internships, or industry-recognized credentials—that aid in transition from school to post-secondary/ workplace.
52.4%
Goal is to increase this 10% each year until we reach 100%
100%
AP SCHOLARS
615 70%
BV students received honors from AP for scoring a 3 or higher on at least three AP exams
2021 grads took at least one AP class
KANSANS CAN STAR RECOGNITION PROGRAM Program recognizes district success in KSDE outcome measures Gold Honors for post-secondary effectiveness and graduation
Commissioner’s Award with Honors for post-secondary effectiveness rate
Bronze Honors for preparation for high school graduation
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Paraeducators Supporting Student Success in Our Schools Walking down the hallways of Blue Valley High you will see classroom after classroom filled with students and teachers repping their Tiger pride. In almost every one of those classrooms, Laura Burke has made a positive impact on someone. “I don’t have my own classroom, but throughout my 20 years here I’ve been in almost every single one of them,” Burke said. “This whole place is kind of like my big classroom and I consider it my second home. I’ve built so many relationships with staff and students here throughout my time and I don’t know what I’d do without this place.” Burke has been a paraeducator at Blue Valley High for 20 years and a support to hundreds of students, including those who need an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or have special learning needs. Paraeducators, like Burke, play a vital role in Blue Valley’s schools and are unsung heroes in classrooms. There are currently more than 475 paraprofessionals working in schools across the district. They support
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over 2,100 students as they refine personal and academic skills and learn the general education curriculum. Talk to paraeducators throughout the district and you’ll hear a consistent theme— building trusting relationships with the students is one of the most important, and most rewarding, parts of the job. For Curt Alderman, a para at Harmony Middle for the past six years, that’s certainly the case. “Our main role is to be a support system for our students,” Alderman said. “Even when they don’t realize they need help, we still need to be there for them. Whether it’s with a math problem or just giving them that extra encouragement to get over the hill, they need to know we are in their corner with them every step of the way.” Alderman has been a part of the Blue Valley community his entire life and became a para to give back to the community that helped shape him. He attended Stanley Elementary, Blue River Elementary, Blue Valley Middle and then Blue Valley High.
Now, Alderman wants to be a role model for his students. Not only is he a para, but after school he coaches football for the Huskies of Blue Valley Northwest, coaches basketball and helps direct the musicals at Harmony Middle. “One of the coolest moments of being here is when I saw one of my former students at Harmony as a football player at Northwest and he wasn’t excited to talk to me about football or anything else. He was excited to tell me about his awesome GPA,” Alderman said. “That’s what is most rewarding to me—seeing them succeed.” Blue Valley, like school districts across the country, experienced applicant shortages with paraeducator positions this year. Substitute paras became a need for the schools to continue to give that support to students who needed it most. Jennifer Crable and Amie Bybee, two parents who have had children in the district, felt like they could give back and took substitute para positions at Lakewood Elementary.
“I appreciate all the paras’ hard work that had been done for my children in the district and just felt like it was my turn to give back,” Crable said. “It’s been amazing seeing these kindergartners finding their place and I’m just incredibly happy I get to be a part of their journey.” Bybee, like Crable, found a deeper appreciation for the work paras do for students while in the position.
JCCC: A RESOURCE OPEN ALL YEAR
“It’s been so eye-opening to see how special education works from the view of a para,” Bybee said. “I’ve always appreciated all they do, but seeing it and being a part of it is so much different. Paras are really the heart and soul of some students’ days.” Each and every one of Blue Valley’s paraeducators has a unique story, but have one thing in common—being a support for students and teachers. Paras make a real difference in creating successful classrooms and are instrumental in the mission to provide the best possible education for Blue Valley students.
We’re here for every step of your educational journey. We offer flexible online and on-campus classes—all at competitive tuition rates.
Interested in helping change the lives of Blue Valley’s youth? Blue Valley is hiring paraeducators in a variety of positions, including substitute paras. These positions offer flexible schedules and benefits. If you have some free time, consider becoming a substitute para. Paraeducators are an integral part of the educational team in the schools.
Enroll today. jccc.edu/enroll High school students can earn JCCC credit through College Now—our concurrent enrollment program.
For more information or to apply, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/Employment.
Visit jccc.edu/collegenow
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News & Notes Blue Valley Schools ranked among the top in Forbes’ 2021 list of America’s Best Employers by State
Blue Valley Schools was named to the 2021 Forbes Best-in-State Employers list, ranking #2 overall among Kansas employers. Blue Valley also came in as the top-ranked school district employer in the state for the third straight year. The outstanding staff and students are what make this district one of the best places to work and what make Blue Valley still the one.
BV students set National Merit semifinalists record Fifty-eight Blue Valley seniors were named National Merit semifinalists. This number set a district record and was the most semifinalists in a Kansas school district for the year. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring: Blue Valley High: Tyler H. Cho, William J. Creamer, Sophia D. Dvorak, Sofia G. Hughes, Stephania Kontopanos, Erin G. Lynn, Nathan A. Nguyen, Helenna N. Shcherbinin, Jocelyn Wang, and George C. Xue Blue Valley North: Audrey C. Beckman, Qasim M. Chohdry, Caroline I. Clarke, Kevin H. Fan, Matthew A. Freeman, Anna C. Hamilton, Prakhya Haarika Kakumanu, Cadence I. Koffman, Jordin R. MacKenzie, Ella E. O’Brien, Samuel E. Peterson, Hyesoo Song, and Meredith C. Vaughn Blue Valley Northwest: Daniel Cheng, Evan F. Clark, Elizabeth G. Cross, Ian D. Fletchall, Carly H. Gagnon, Anusha R. Gampala, Renee A. Liou, Hunter W. Long, Younggi D. Moon, Saisharan Narayan, Ethan H. Shah, Adarsh R. Veerapaneni, and Julianne G. Zheng Blue Valley Southwest: Brianna E. Duty, Logan D. Garber, Nicole J. Giam, Samuel B. Grimsley, and Sophia C. Rose Blue Valley West: Shashank Aitha, Puneet S. Bagga, Shriya Dave, Lauren Dsouza, Ethan Guo, Joseph K. Liang, Humphrey Luo, Kushala Madduru, Liam A. Mann, Yaeesh A. Mukadam, Chethani M. Perera, Max J. Rong, Aastha Sharma, Saumil Sharma, Sachin S. Shenoy, Samuel Wang, and Amanda J. Zhu
District hosts annual BV high schools marching band showcase Everywhere you look in Blue Valley’s schools you will find talent. In September, all five Blue Valley high schools’ marching bands clashed to showcase their talents. This spectacular event showcased each band’s performance in full uniform.
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