Blue Valley Today — Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

The next generation of educators Mother-daughter duo brightens bus rides BV educator's journey to classroom 15020 Metcalf Overland Park, Kansas 66283

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PROUD TO SUPPORT BLUE VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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As the first semester comes to a close and we prepare to usher in a new year, I’ve reflected on the moments that have defined my time in Blue Valley. As many of you know, I announced in November that I’m retiring at the end of the school year. This was a difficult decision but one that I made with heartfelt gratitude and optimism for the road ahead.

Being part of Blue Valley has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I’ve witnessed the passion you bring when supporting our schools and your children’s education, whether cheering on students at events, volunteering in classrooms or partnering with us during challenges.

Together, we’ve fostered an environment where students can thrive.

As I prepare for this next chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the relationships we’ve built and the shared mission of ensuring every student reaches their full potential. I am confident that Blue Valley’s best is yet to come.

While this news marks the beginning of a personal transition, my dedication to the success of the district, students and staff remains steadfast.

Blue Valley’s commitment to student achievement continues, thanks to our dedicated educators. This issue highlights one such individual who inspires countless students — and me.

in our special education program at Mission Trail Elementary, it brought tears to my eyes.

Akema’s story is a testament to the power of nurturing and supporting staff who are passionate about making a difference. Educators like her are one reason Blue Valley’s tradition of excellence continues. In October, we released our Champions of Learning publication, showcasing our students’ achievements, including Advanced Placement scores, post-secondary successes and significant growth in math and literacy.

As our students excel, we continue to dream big for their futures. This year, our strategic planning committee has gathered insights from students, staff, families and community members about the priorities, strengths and opportunities that matter most to them. Thank you to everyone who participated in our strategic plan survey.

Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the future of Blue Valley Schools. I look forward to sharing more as we finalize a plan shaped by our community’s aspirations.

These partnerships are the foundation of Blue Valley’s success. From parent engagement in conferences to widespread support for staff, family and community involvement ensures our schools thrive. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our students. Thank you for being part of this journey.

I first met Akema Brown when I was Blue Valley North's principal, and she was a custodian. She exuded warmth and positivity, leaving a lasting impact on students. This year, when I learned she now works as a lead teacher Full Color

Website www.bluevalleyk12.org For more information about Blue Valley Today, contact the Communications Department at 913-239-4047.

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CAPS Teacher Education program inspires the next generation of teachers

Teaching has been Megan Holsapple's dream for as long as she can remember. Growing up in the small town of Louisburg, she often imagined herself in front of a classroom, inspiring students just like her favorite teachers had done for her. So when she discovered Blue Valley's renowned Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Teacher Education program, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

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her family made coming to Blue Valley a priority so she could enroll in the program that would set her on the path to becoming a teacher.

“Coming from a small town and moving into Blue Valley, just seeing the difference of what we have available for our students, whether it’s technology or what our buildings have to offer,” Holsapple said. “Blue Valley is kind of like a mecca.”

During her time at CAPS, Holsapple observed classrooms across the

district, building valuable connections with her mentors. These relationships helped her gain confidence when it came time to interview for a teaching position.

“It really set me up for success,” Holsapple said. “I learned a lot from the mentor teachers, and it made me more comfortable because I knew Blue Valley educators had seen me and they were backing me.”

Holsapple’s dream came full circle after college when she secured a

position teaching elementary school in Blue Valley. Today, she brings her passion for art to life at Lakewood Middle.

“Blue Valley was my goal,” Holsapple said.

Launched at CAPS in 2009, this immersive teacher education program offers students a first-hand look into the teaching profession — from learning how to lesson plan to mastering educational pedagogy.

Now, 14 years later, CAPS’ Teacher Education program is still going strong, with 45 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year. The program is one of many ways the district works to address national recruitment and retention challenges facing education and aims to inspire students to consider returning as future educators.

McKenzie Lueders, CAPS’ teacher education instructor, said exposing students to real-world learning and developing professional skills helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.

“Education is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of society,” Lueders said. “Our program is continually adapting to ensure that our students are equipped not only with foundational skills to one day lead a classroom of their own but also with the skills needed to embrace diverse learners, new technologies and to be adaptive, critical thinkers."

Students like Hayden Hare and Sophia Beardslee are following in Holsapple’s footsteps, driven by the same passion to make a difference in the classroom. For them, CAPS isn’t just a program; it’s a pathway to leading their own classrooms one day.

“I had such a good experience here as a student, and I loved all my teachers and the way the principals interacted with teachers,” Beardslee said. “I want to have that same impact on kids and just make learning fun and create a safe environment for my students.”

The chance to experience the classroom from a teacher’s perspective has provided both students with valuable insights into their professions, helping them clarify their goals before choosing their post-graduation paths.

“Getting to be in the classroom as a high schooler is something that isn’t seen very often,” Beardslee said.

“It’s easier to figure out which grade I want to teach now, and I wouldn’t have known that until I got that hands-on experience.”

This experiential learning is a key element of the CAPS program, allowing students to refine their goals, whether they are sure of their teaching aspirations or still exploring the possibilities.

“It’s a building block for me to keep going and pursuing education,” Hare said. “I get to see in real life how to be successful and how to be an effective teacher while getting college credits from Baker University that I can transfer to wherever I decide to go.”

Beyond the learning done in their classrooms, Hare and Beardslee have found that the lessons from the program extend into everyday life. Whether it’s de-escalating an argument between siblings or learning to manage emotions with maturity, this program teaches life skills — preparing students not just for teaching, but for becoming wellrounded thoughtful individuals.

“When I first started, I thought it would

be a fun class,” Hare said. “I didn’t realize how much I would take from it.

We have to act like professionals, and it’s showing me what daily life would look like at a job.”

The CAPS program’s dedication to developing future educators like Hare, Beardslee and Holsapple embodies the district’s commitment to addressing the challenges in education and cultivating the next generation of passionate educators.

“I hope current students realize they are truly getting a real-world experience as they’re in CAPS, no matter what strand they are in,” Holsapple said. “The fact that our students get to experience something that brings them joy and is a potential passion for them is really setting them up for success in the real world… I think that’s really special.”

To learn more about the Teacher Education program and other programs offered at CAPS, visit bvcaps.yourcapsnetwork.org.

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A PATH OF

PURPOSE

Finding a calling in Blue Valley When Akema Brown first walked the halls of Blue Valley in 2008, it wasn’t in the role she holds today — it was as a custodian. She started in this role with hopes of finding a job that allowed flexibility for her family. As it often goes in life, what Brown found was more than a job; it was the beginning of a journey.

Brown quickly noticed the supportive, positive environment Blue Valley fostered. She felt a strong sense of community and belonging where everyone’s role was valued.

“Being a custodian in the school environment just kind of made me want to be in the classroom,” Brown said.

Growing up with the idea of following her mother’s footsteps into nursing, Brown once thought her calling would be in healthcare. After a “bring your child to work” day, she realized nursing wasn’t quite for her. Instead, Brown discovered a desire to work with children and serve her community in a way that felt natural and fulfilling.

Laying the foundation As Brown took on more responsibilities, including becoming a lead custodian, her communication, organization and relationship-building skills only strengthened. She became someone who could set clear expectations and work collaboratively with both staff and students.

“It was about laying out expectations from day one, being clear-cut… which really set me up for my [future role],” Brown said.

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Supported by a network of colleagues who recognized her dedication, Brown found encouragement at every step. From now Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan and the entire Blue Valley North team to the staff at Hilltop Learning Center, each person she encountered encouraged her to believe in her abilities.

Her journey was not without its challenges, but Brown’s hard work helped her overcome them. With each new responsibility, her commitment to learning and growing guided her path forward.

Brown never thought she’d become a teacher, but Blue Valley opened a door and the possibility of a new future with it.

Stepping into the classroom Today, Brown works as a lead special education teacher at Mission Trail Elementary, finding fulfillment in a role where she makes a meaningful impact each day. For her, teaching special education felt like a natural fit, combining her empathy and passion to support and inspire her students.

“It’s the personality for me,” Brown said. “When a child communicates — even if it’s by yelling — it means they’re telling me what they want and that makes my day.”

Working with students who may be nonverbal or face unique challenges, she finds joy in every small milestone.

“I want the best for your child,” Brown said. “These kids are very smart… their parents are very involved, it’s amazing.”

One of the things Brown values most about her journey is the unwavering support from her Blue Valley family, especially her principal Debbie Bond.

“She encourages you, she checks on you, she wants to make sure you’re good,” Brown said.

"THESE KIDS ARE VERY SMART… THEIR PARENTS ARE VERY INVOLVED, IT’S AMAZING." AKEMA BROWN

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, MISSION TRAIL ELEMENTARY

Brown said that no matter the situation, there’s always a helping hand and a team ready to step in.

To those considering following in her footsteps, Brown offers heartfelt advice: “There’s always time and it’s very rewarding… so aim for it, aim high.”

As she looks toward the future, Brown’s goal is clear. She wants her students to know that Blue Valley staff is here to support them.

“I just want them to know that they're loved, they're cared for and they're safe,” Brown said.

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LEADING BY DESIGN

Blue Valley North student’s robotics club inspires future engineers Every student has unique passions, and for Blue Valley North senior Sriram Srinivasa Kalki that passion is robotics. Kalki first learned about robotics at Overland Trail Middle, where his gifted teacher Emily Gill encouraged him to explore the field.

“For my first robotics project freshman year, we built a Halloween costume for a student with

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disabilities and designed something that worked with a wheelchair,” Kalki said. “We even created an electronic Coke dispenser that could be controlled through telekinesis. Seeing how all of the wires worked made me interested in programming.”

During his freshman year at Blue Valley North, Kalki founded the

school’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) club, a program that encourages students to design, build and program robots to compete in various challenges. While Kalki was already a member of a community robotics team, he recognized a growing interest among his peers and an opportunity to expand access to robotics at his school.

With support from the Blue Valley

Educational Foundation, the club received a grant to fund their program to participate in competitions.

Kalki approached Tanner Crow, a computer science teacher at Blue Valley North, about becoming the sponsor of the FTC club, coined the Silver Stallions. Crow said Kalki took on many of the club's responsibilities, such as walking the team through how to build and program a robot.

“He empowered a group of students who may not have had that feeling in other extracurricular activities,” Crow said. “After last year's excitement and success, my room is packed every meeting with more kids than we can handle, and I love every minute of it.”

Robotics has many layers — incorporating aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and hands-on experiences in coding, design, programming, computer science and physics.

The Silver Stallions begin each season with all club members working together on various aspects of team-selected projects. As the FTC competition approaches, the Silver Stallions form a focused sub-team of 15 members, selecting individuals for specific roles on each project.

“HE EMPOWERED A GROUP OF STUDENTS WHO MAY NOT HAVE HAD THAT FEELING IN OTHER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES." TANNER CROW

COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHER, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

During the team's 2024 season, the Silver Stallions ranked in the top 10 in the state and was the highest-ranked first-year team.

Kalki values the opportunity to help others, which is why his team regularly goes to Valley Park Elementary to work with students on building robots using Lego bricks. He emphasizes the valuable lessons robotics offers, including the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills.

“In robotics, there are several different facets students can explore,” Kalki said.

“If a student is more inclined toward the building, they can screw parts together.

If they’re interested in design, they can work on combining parts or creating a blueprint of the robot. In robotics, you can choose your own path, and that is what I like about it.”

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Mother-daughter bus driver duo fosters

positivity, a sense of calm as they transport Blue Valley students

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“IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING THEM FROM A TO B – WE’RE THERE TO HELP THEM START AND END THEIR DAY WELL." KATHY SNEED

BUS DRIVER, DURHAM SCHOOL SERVICES

As the sun crests over the horizon each morning and students wake up for another school day, motherdaughter duo Hannah and Kathy Sneed take their places on bus 343, preparing for the students who will soon board.

As the students are picked up and the wheels on the bus carry them to their destination, Kathy Sneed navigates through the streets while Hannah Sneed monitors the students. A sweet tune fills the air as the Sneeds lead the students in a song as they near the schools on their route.

For Hannah and Kathy Sneed, driving a bus is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and help them start their day on a positive note.

For more than 20 years, Kathy Sneed has worked as a bus driver for Durham School Services, holding her current route for the past 10. Four years ago, Hannah Sneed joined her mom as a bus monitor and now they work together to ensure each student feels seen and valued.

“When I first started, I drove a big bus and I thought it was important to get to know the kids’ names — I had 88 if you added them all together between the different routes,” Kathy Sneed said.

She made a deal with the students on those buses that if she couldn’t remember their names after two weeks, she would give those whose names she forgot a quarter. She only ever handed out a few over the years.

“You’ll find that [remembering names] goes a long way just to make them feel at ease,” Kathy Sneed said.

Now driving a smaller group, the duo builds connections through small gestures. Whether it’s adjusting where the students sit on the bus or singing them a song as they ride along, the Sneeds know how important their presence is to students.

“We know that sometimes they’re gonna have a rough day and we work through that with them,” Kathy Sneed said.

The Deepak’s are just one family the Sneed’s have been able to develop a positive relationship with through the years.

Radhika Mathur, mother to Aditya and Anushka Deepak, said Hannah and Kathy Sneed are the best bus drivers her children have had.

“My kids have special needs and can get easily overwhelmed, especially my daughter,” Mathur said. “Ms. Hannah has little toys to distract her. They do their best to avoid any change in schedule and in where they park the bus in front of our home so Nushki can stay calm and enjoy her ride.”

As a longtime bus driver, Kathy Sneed recognizes the responsibility that comes with the job. That’s one of the reasons Kathy and Hannah Sneed are so focused on creating a comfortable, positive environment for the students on the bus.

Kathy Sneed’s caring approach is echoed by her daughter as they both understand the little things that help kids start their day on a positive note.

Working together adds an extra layer to the experience. While they laugh about moments when “mom advice” or “coworker advice” overlaps, they know how much better the job is with each other.

“We get along well,” Hannah Sneed said. “If that weren’t the case, this job would be so much harder.”

For the Sneeds, driving a school bus is a role that requires patience and a love for kids. They know that even a brief bus ride can provide the warmth, stability and joy a student might need.

“We know the families,” Kathy Sneed said. “They know we care about their kids. It’s not just about getting them from A to B – we’re there to help them start and end their day well."

Are you interested in becoming a bus driver for Durham School Services? Apply online at tinyurl.com/applydurham or scan the QR code. Durham School Services, part of the National Express family, partners with Blue Valley Schools to transport students to and from school.

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News & Notes Blue Valley ranks in top 1% nationwide again In the 2025 rankings released by Niche, Blue Valley was once again ranked within the top 1% of school districts nationwide. The district was also recognized as the #1️ school district in Kansas and the #1️ district with the best teachers in Kansas.

We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, families and the entire Blue Valley community, who all play a key role in this recognition. Your hard work and dedication are why we sit atop the rankings each year.

Blue Valley educators named nominees for Kansas Teacher of the Year Alex Muninger, a fourth grade teacher at Cottonwood Point Elementary, and Kim Vail, a sixth grade teacher at Aubry Bend Middle, were selected to represent Blue Valley for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year award.

The Kansas State Department of Education award program honors exemplary classroom educators with five or more years of experience who are leaders in improving schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

District educators selected to represent Blue Valley for Kansas Horizon Award Brevin Armstrong, a first grade teacher at Mission Trail Elementary, and Audrey Burgoon, a theatre and modern communications teacher at Prairie Star Middle, were selected as Blue Valley’s nominees for the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award.

The Kansas State Department of Education award program recognizes up to 32 educators who excel in a manner that sets them apart as outstanding during their first year in the classroom.

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BVEF awards over $420,000 in classroom grants Blue Valley Educational Foundation (BVEF) awarded 156 classroom grants totaling more than $423,000.

These grants will impact thousands of students throughout the district.

Since its founding in 1991, BVEF has granted more than $9.1 million to Blue Valley schools. The majority of these grants have gone to educators to support their creativity and innovation in the classroom.

Blue Valley educators chosen as nominees for Kansas Master Teacher Jill Bergee, an instructional design coach at Valley Park Elementary, and Casey Engel, an English Language Arts teacher at Blue Valley High, were selected as the district’s nominees for the 2025 Kansas Master Teacher award.

The award program, established by Emporia State University in 1954, recognizes excellence in seven Kansas educators each year.

YOUR PATHWAY TO TEACHING Champions of Learning 2024 highlights Blue Valley’s academic success Get an in-depth look at Blue Valley’s academic success with the Champions of Learning 2024.

The special publication highlights assessment scores continuing to rise, setting Advanced Placement records, success after graduation and more.

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To read the full publication, visit tinyurl.com/COL24BV or scan the QR code.

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