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A GRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

State Champions

Academic All-State

Stock Market Game State Champions

Principal of the Year

SPRING 2019

EAGLE’S VIEW

ON THE COVER

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Emmett Reynolds enjoys STEAM Night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) at Stony Point Elementary on April 2. I ARD W

A GRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS PUBLICATION

Winter Sports Highlights

State Wrestling

Team Member Spotlight

Board of Education d r a o B e h t t e e M Our Vision

We are determined to be the best model of student success whose graduates are prepared to excel in a complex world.

he Board of Education is made up of seven members of our community who are elected to serve three-year terms. As a board, they are responsible for providing educational opportunities through policies and the evaluation of programs. The Board meets in regular session in the library at North Middle School, typically on the third Thursday of each month and has monthly work sessions at the district administrative office building on Pink Hill Road.

EDDIE SAFFELL PRESIDENT Eddie Saffell is serving his seventh year on the board and is the current board president. He and his wife, Debbie, have lived in Grain Valley for 14 years and have one grown daughter and two grandchildren. Mr. Saffell has served with Central Jackson County Fire Protection District for 28 years, currently as an assistant chief. He is a past president of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Eagle’s View 4

MICHAEL HACKETT VICE-PRESIDENT Michael Hackett is serving his fifteenth year on the board. He and his wife, Kathryn, have two children, one who has graduated and one currently attending Grain Valley Schools. Mr. Hackett is the Assistant Vice President of Information Technology for Blue Ridge Bank. He serves as a member of the Grain Valley Tax Increment Financing Commission. Mr. Hackett also plays in the ‘Bells of Faith’ hand bell choir at Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley.

TISHA HOMFELD SECRETARY Tisha Homfeld is serving her fifth year on the board and is the current board secretary. She and her husband, Eddie, have four children who have all attended Grain Valley Schools. Mrs. Homfeld is a realtor for Re/Max Heritage. She has previously served on the Grain Valley Lions Club, where she served as vice president and president.

Our Mission

We operate a public school district dedicated to educating every student, every day.

Our Goals JULIE GROFF BOARD MEMBER Julie Groff is serving her fifteenth year on the board. She and her husband, Donald, have three children who have all attended Grain Valley Schools. Mrs. Groff is employed with Phoenix Family as a service coordinator. She has been a residential manager for a group home with Special Neighbors. Mrs. Groff has served in the roles of Director of Preschool for Crossroads Church, a Girl Scout leader, and has been active in PTA.

JARED ENGLISH BOARD MEMBER Jared English is serving his second year on the Grain Valley School Board. He previously served on the board from 2004-2009. He also serves on the Grain Valley Park Board, the Pathways of Honor Board and the Grain Valley Education Foundation Board. Mr. English and his wife, Keri, have lived in Grain Valley for more than 15 years and have two children. He works in the enterprise risk management field and attends the Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs.

Be clear about what students need to know and do. Integrate technology into the learning experience. Students set learning goals and track their progress. Support students who struggle. Be safe, positive, respectful, and inviting. Be proactive and responsible.

JEFF COLEMAN BOARD MEMBER Jeff Coleman is serving his eighth year on the board. He and his wife, Debbie, have seven children. The younger five children have attended Grain Valley Schools. Mr. Coleman is a Grain Valley business owner specializing in retirement income, Medicare planning, and educating people on their options. He is a past president of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce and has served as mayor pro tem on the Grain Valley Board of Alderman. He was recently elected as Representative for District 32 in the Missouri House of Representatives.

JAN REDING BOARD MEMBER Jan Reding is serving her twentieth year on the board. Mrs. Reding has one son who is a 1990 graduate of Grain Valley High School. She also has three granddaughters. Mrs. Reding served as building manager of the Power & Light Building in Kansas City from 1961 until her retirement in 1998. She holds a masterâ€™s certification from the Missouri School Boards Association. She serves on the Grain Valley Education Foundation Board, the University of Central Missouri Foundation Board, the Grain Valley Assistance Council, FOCUS for Grain Valley, United Methodist Women of Faith UMC, and the Grain Valley Historical Society.

Be highly effective. Engage and inform.

Our Values Integrity Respect Self-discipline Responsibility Citizenship Leadership

Field Days

Elementary Field days will be held on the following dates.... Matthews Elementary • May 22 Prairie Branch Elementary • May 17 Sni-A-Bar Elementary • May 15

May

Stony Point Elementary • May 10

Track and Field Conference Championships

State MAP Testing K - 8th Grade Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Testing April 22 through May 17

May 1 at 2:00 pm at Platte County High School

Varsity Baseball Senior Night May 6 at 4pm Grain Valley High School

Senior Awards Night Class of 2019 Senior Awards will be held on May 6 at 7:00 pm at Grain Valley High School

High School Graduation

Thursday, May 16 Doors open at 6:00 pm Graduation Ceremony starts at 7:00 pm Community of Christ Auditorium 1001 W Walnut Street Independence, MO

Last Day of School is May 23

First Day of School is August 14

June

Summer SOAR 2019

June 3 - June 28 Summer School enrollment is now open.

Middle school and high school summer programs are at South Middle School this summer. Students entering Kindergarten next Fall can get a jump start on being classroom ready! Visit grainvalleyschools.org or the Grain Valley Schools App for available courses and to enroll.

Residency Verification Event

Held at South Middle School on July 23 from 11:00am to 7:00 pm All families must provide proof of residency and verify emergency contact information each year.

Familes have the choice of attending the Residency Verification Event to prove residency; or, they can verify residency online on our website under the FOR FAMILIES tab or on the Grain Valley Schools App. Online verification will be available beginning in early July.

6th Grade Transition Day

Junior Registration July 31 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Sophomore Registration August 1 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Freshman Orientation and Registration August 12 Freshman Orientation: 2:00 to 5:30 pm Freshman Registration and Parent Meeting: 4:30 to 5:30 pm

4th Annual Bright Futures Breakfast

August 1 at 7:30 am Grain Valley Community Center https://grainvalleyschools.org/get_involved/ bright_futures Bright Futures Grain Valley will host its annual breakfast to celebrate this past year’s successes and to discuss goals to help our community work together as a network to help our students in need.

Held at each middle school on July 25th from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

MSHSAA Summer Dead Weeks

Summer Camps Schedule The Summer Camps Schedule is available on the Grain Valley Schools Sports/Activities page. grainvalleyschools.org

Missouri State High School Activities Association mandates that every school has a designated “Dead Period” where no activities may occur. Grain Valley Schools has set their dead weeks as follows: June 29 - July 7 August 3 - August 11

August

Incoming students K to 5th grade who attend Stony Point Elementary and Sni-A-Bar Elementary will attend Summer SOAR at Stony Point Elementary.

July 30 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

July

Incoming students K to 5th grade who attend Prairie Branch Elementary and Matthews Elementary will attend Summer SOAR at Prairie Branch Elementary.

Senior Registration

Meet the Teacher Night

August 12 PreK: 5:00pm to 6:30pm Grades K-5: 5:30pm to 7:00 pm August 13 Grades 6-12 5:30 to 7:00 pm

The Eagle’s View 7

GVHS Students Selected for Missouri All-State Band

n December 2, 2018, musicians from all around the state of Missouri auditioned competitively for a chance to play with the All-State Band. Three Grain Valley High School musicians were fortunate enough to be awarded a spot in this highly competitive band. The three selected were

Charles Cross (Trombone), Alex Griffit (Oboe), and Emily Leske (Percussion). Sophomore Nathan Steinmuller was selected Honorable Mention (Trumpet). •

Senior Emily Leske

Sophomore Nathan Steinmuller

Senior Charles Cross

Senior Alex Griffitt

South Middle School Team Places First in Missouri in the Stock Market Game

rain Valley middle school students took part in the 2018 Fall Session of SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game. The game is an online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students in grades 4-12 in personal finance, economics, and investing. The 6th-grade team from South Middle School, The Symbolizers, took first place in the Missouri North division, as well as first place in the state in the Missouri Stock Market Game. Members of The Symbolizers included Ty Baier, Theo Simpson, and Aidan Wilson. The team competed against 939 other teams in the state of Missouri, including high school teams. The team ended up with an exceptional 17% return on their investments. • The Eagle’s View 8

Above the South Middle School team was recognized by the School Board for their achievement during the January board meeting. Pictured (left to right) are: Superintendent Dr. Marc Snow, Ty Baier, Aidan Wilson, Theo Simpson, sponsor Michelle Knox, and Board President Eddie Saffell.

Middle School Students Perform in Eastern Jackson County Honors Choir

iddle school students from Grain Valley School District participated in the 2019 Eastern Jackson County Honors Choir performance on February 21 at the Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. The EJC Choir is composed of top singers from schools in eastern Jackson County including Eastern Jackson County Honors Choir. Mrs. Libby Andreas playing the djembe during the choir’s final rehearsal. Blue Springs, Independence, Oak North Middle School student Trae Selemaea performance. The students gave an Grove, Fort Osage, and Grain Valley. was featured with a solo in the folk song outstanding performance for parents Student representatives learned and community members the evening of “Nine Hundred Miles,” and South Middle their individual parts by practicing School student Audrey Weathers was February 21. The EJC Honors Choir was at their own schools during the featured in a small ensemble in the song led by clinician Mrs. Beth Files, a longmonths of January and February. All time choral music educator from our “Music Changes the World.” • 111 students met for the first time area. and rehearsed the afternoon of the

Above are the Grain Valley students that participated in the 2019 Eastern Jackson County Honors Choir. Front row (left to right) are: Kaeron Naylor, Jersy Zogg, Ella Hayes, Alexis Stamps, Ava Laforest, and Harper Allie. Back row (left to right): Audrey Weathers, Trae Selemaea, Ellie Stahl, Allison Shafer, Mattie Mwangi, Marissa Johnson, and North Middle School music teacher Ryan Cox.

The Eagle’s View 9

STATE COMPETITION

CHAMPIO

ONS

GVHS Cheer Team is the Class 4 Large State Champions

rain Valley Cheer traveled to Lindenwood University in December to compete for the 4A Large All-Girl state title. Due to the later competition date, instead of having an intense summer, the cheerleaders went to summer weights and had a couple of practices a week to prepare for camp. But, when fall came around, the cheerleaders went full force to prepare for competition. Although they had a few complications throughout the season, they ended up on top at Kansas City Regionals, placing first with zero deductions and started preparing for state. Along with practices during the week, the cheerleaders also cheered on the football and basketball teams. They used the games to practice their stunts and cheers. They practiced twice a week for three hours and used every minute to perfect their routine. When the cheerleaders arrived at state, they took in every second to get in the zone before their warm-up. They had an almost perfect warm up making them feel extremely prepared and confident. Right before they went on the mat to compete, the team’s theme song, “Rise Up,” played in the warm-up room, making them feel like this day was meant for them. The routine went flawlessly; the coaches and the cheerleaders couldn’t have been prouder of how the day went. Three cheerleaders received the all-state award. To receive this honor, the cheerleaders’ coach had to nominate them and separate judges watched them perform. Congratulations to Madison Mayfield, Tessa Williams, and Dakota Vogel. The team received zero deductions and ended up with a state title, winning first in the 4A Large All-Girl division. Congratulations to the team and coaches on their huge win and for continuing their incredible legacy. •

Written by senior Liz Swafford

Pictured below(left to right) are All-State Cheerleaders sophomore Tessa Williams, senior Dakota Vogel, and sophomore Madison Mayfield

Grain Valley Junior Selected for the All-State Soccer Team

he Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association selected Grain Valley High School soccer player Jack Knust for All-State honors. Junior Jack Knust was selected Second Team All-State, Class 3 Kansas City All Region, First Team Suburban Blue All Conference, and First Team All District. Senior Ryan Maynard and junior Joe Prall were also named to the First Team All District. Juniors Byrant Madden and Kendall Scott, along with senior Julian Sanjur were selected to the Second Team All District.•

Pictured left is junior Jack Knust.

District Buses Earn High Marks for Maintenance and Safety

rain Valley Schools transportation department has earned a 98% on the annual state inspection by the Missouri Highway Patrol in February. This high mark on the Annual Fleet Inspection now qualifies the transportation department for the Excellent Fleet Award from the state of Missouri, which will be announced on a later date. Our mechanics, drivers, and director are serious about safety, and this high score is the result of their attention to detail. Grain Valley has a fleet of 49 school buses owned and serviced by the district’s transportation department. All school buses must pass a state motor vehicle inspection every year.

•

Several students compete at DECA State Competition

STATE COMPETITION

his past March, several Grain Valley students competed in the DECA State Career Development Conference March 24-26 at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. DECA is an organization that helps students prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and managements. Students that competed in the state competition were:

Carter Barnes: Marketing Communications Lexi Battle: Food Marketing Series Clara Gower: Professional Selling-Consulting Landen Hinton: Automotive Marketing and Services Quincy Jones: Sports and Entertainment Marketing Alice Lin: Start-Up Business Plan Mia Powell: Professional SellingHospitality and Tourism. Powell placed in the top 8 at the state competition â€˘

Sophomore Carter Barnes

Sophomore Lexi Battle

Sophomore Clara Gower

Sophomore Landen Hinton

Sophomore Quincy Jones

Junior Alice Lin

Freshman Mia Powell

The Eagleâ€™s View 13

WINTER SPORTS

HIGHLIGHTS

Photo courtesy of John Overstreet

Dance The Royal Talons continued to provide halftime performances and competed at three competitions this year: KC Classic, Leeâ€™s Summit North Individual, and State. They finished their season at the Missouri Dance Team Championships in St. Louis where they earned 2nd placed in Division 4 Lyrical and 3rd in division 4 Pom Pon. The team finished 5th in the state in division 4! Six dancers received Academic All-State honors.

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball program finished the season with a record of 16 wins and 11 losses. They finished 3rd in their first year in the Suburban Conference Blue Division. Junior Josh Kilpatrick and Sophomore Cole Keller earned Class 5 District 14 All-District honors, as well as All-Conference honors. Senior Kevin Gutierrez and junior Caden Matlon also earned a spot on the All-Conference team. This past year was the first year the Eagles competed in Class 5, and they earned their first-ever Class 5 district tournament victory by defeating Blue Springs High School. The Eagles finished their season as a semi-finalist in the MSHSAA district tournament.

Wrestling

The wrestling team finished their first season in the Suburban Conference Blue Division with a 2nd place finish. The Eagles qualified 7 wrestlers for the State Tournament and capped their season with a top 15 finish in the MSHSAA Wrestling State Championships. The Eagles were led by state medalists Mtchel Alexander (3rd) and Hunter Newsome (4th). Other Eagle state qualifiers included Jaden Worthington, Caleb Benshoof, Ethan Grasher, Trent LeGrotte, and Donovan McBride.

Photo courtesy of John Overstreet

Girls Swimming and Diving This was the first season for the Grain Valley swim/dive team, and 36 girls competed in the program. Though it was their first season, and they competed against more experienced programs, the program enjoyed a great deal of success. The team finished in third place in the Suburban Conference blue division, and also qualified four girls to the state meet. Rachel Turpin (11th) qualified in the 100 Fly. Hayden Meyer (9th), Abbie Castle (10th), and Piper Barnard (11th) qualified in diving. Meyer became the first state medalist in program history with a 5th place finish.

Winter Guard

The Grain Valley Winter Guard program is growing with over 70 students ranging from 7th grade to seniors. The GV Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams will compete four times this season. The Winterguard program gives these students a chance to perform a routine using flags, rifles and dance choreographed to music. These students have worked very hard to put on captivating and empowering performances all season.

Photo courtesy of John Overstreet

Girls Basketball

The girls basketball program finished their first season in the Suburban Conference with a record of 11 wins and 15 losses. They finished fifth in the conference standings with a record of 5-7. The Eagles were led by 2nd team All-Conference players Brittany McKay(12th), Kendra Sibert (12th), and Keeley Hill (11th). Sibert and Hill also earned all-district honors. The girls competed in Class 5 for the first time in school history and earned their first Class 5 district victory by defeating Raytown High School. They finished their season as semi-finalists in the MSHSAA district tournament. Photo courtesy of John Overstreet

Royal Talons Place Fifth Overall at State

STATE COMPETITION

he Grain Valley Royal Talons dance team, also known as the “Tallies,” had an amazing year performing and cheering on their fellow Eagles during football and basketball season. They’ve worked incredibly hard to perfect and perform their competition pom and lyrical routine at this year’s Missouri Dance Team Association state competition. However, they couldn’t have done it without their coach, Natalie Upton. Pictured above the dance team awaits their scores This season was “the best season yet” for the Royal Talons. “It was filled with challenges

at the Missouri Dance Team Association state competition.

and hardships, but it wasn’t anything that this team couldn’t handle,” said Upton. The Tallies competed in Division IV and placed second in their lyrical and third in their pom routine, ultimately winning fifth in the state, out of all of the Division IV teams. Upton enjoyed “everyone working together to dance as a unit and leaving it all on the floor.” There were six dancers that achieved Academic All-State awards, including Halle Harshman, Samantha Petralie, Kaitlyn Petty, Amanda Postlethwait, Adison Richardson, and Reese Servi. • Written by senior Kaitlyn Petty

Pictured below are The Royal Talons dance team that competed in the State Competition on February 23. Front row (left to right): Reese Servi, Kaitlyn Petty, Chey-Ann Kimbrough, and Emma Carico. Back row (left to right): Halle Harshman, Amanda Postlethwait, Samantha Petralie, Adison Richardson, Morgan Darling, Abbey Neer, and Paige Bopp.

GVHS Football Players Named to All-Conference Team

everal members of the Grain Valley Eagles football team were selected to the Suburban Conference Blue Division All-Conference team. Trent LeGrotte was selected All-Conference first team. Willie Lanear, Ethan Grasher, Trenton Tarrants, Gavin Olyer and Bennett Disco were all selected to the All-Conference second team. Cole Keller, Jack Bailey, Joey Packer, Chance Pittman, Parker Bosserman, Mitchel Alexander, and Seth Dankenbring received All-Conference Honorable Mention. In addition, the Missouri Football Coaches Association named senior Ethan Grasher, senior Trent LeGrotte, junior Willie Lanear, and junior Gavin Olyer to the MFCA Class 4 All-District team. •

Photo courtesy of John Overstreet

2018 The Examiner All-Area Tennis Team Qualifiers

ongratulations to junior Ryan Deaton and senior Kendra Sibert on being selected to the 2018 The Examiner All-Area Girls Tennis Team Doubles. The team finished the season with a 16-6 record and were undefeated in the Suburban Conference (Blue division). Junior Alyssa Owens also received an Honorable Mention in the 2018 The Examiner All-Area Girls Tennis selections. •

2018 The Examiner All-Area Girls Tennis Team athletes (left to right): Ryan Deaton and Kendra Sibert. Not pictures Alyssa Owens. Photo by senior Liz Swafford

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COURTWARMING 2019 Congratulations to the 2019 Courtwarming Court

rain Valley High School hosted Courtwarming spirit week activities from January 28-February 2. Seniors Scott Overfield and Bryana Claphan were crowned the 2019 Courtwarming King and Queen. The Courtwarming Dance: To The Moon And Back was held on Saturday evening.

2019 Courtwarming Queen Bryana Claphan is the daughter of Donald and April Claphan. Bryana is vice president of student government and is in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She plays tennis and is also the manager of the girls basketball team. Bryana plans to attend Baptist Bible College and major in ministry.

King candidate Joey Packer is the son of Brian and Mary Packer. Joey is involved in football. He plans to attend the University of MissouriKansas City to major in engineering or finance. King candidate Jesse Scholtz is the son of Randy and Mary Scholtz. Jesse is involved in basketball and baseball. He plans to attend Missouri Western Univeristy or community college to major in business finance.

Queen candidate Erin Gillihan is the daughter of Chad and Nancy Gillihan. Erin is involved in theatre and is the lead critic for KC Cappies and is the secretary of drama club. She plans to attend Columbia College in Chicago to major in acting and American Sign Language.

King candidate Dakotah Wright is the son of Mike and Jessica Wright. Dakota plans to attend either the University of Missouri or University of Central Missouri. He plans to major in either business or sports management. â€˘

Queen candidate Bailey Perry is the daughter of Above is the 2019 Courtwarming Queen Bryana Claphan. Travis Perry and Jennifer Ward. Bailey is involved in tennis, basketball, and DECA. She plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in psychology.

Photos courtesy of John Overstreet

Queen candidate Sydney Slaven is the daughter of Kevin and Shelly Slaven. Sydney is in National Honor Society and she plays volleyball. She plans to attend Missouri State University and major in nursing. 2019 Courtwarming King is Scott Overfield, the son of Nathan and Denise Akridge. Scott is involved in band, theatre, speech and debate, and is in National Honor Society. He plans to attend Western Carolina University to major in music education. Above are 2019 Courtwarming candidates Dakotah Wright and Sydney Slaven.

Sophomore Tyler Hagan will compete on BMX Team USA at the 2019 UCI BMX World Campionships in Belgium.

Sophomore Tyler Hagan to compete in the BMX World Championships

ophomore Tyler “Thunderfoot” Hagan has earned a spot on the BMX Team USA. Hagan competed in the 2019 BMX Spring Nationals race held in Albuquerque, NM, in March where he earned a spot on the team. He will go on to represent the USA in the 16-year-old Challenge Boys Class in for the 2019 UCI BMX World Championships held July 23-27 in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. Hagan has recently been training in Arizona at a BMX “Spring Training” hosted by longtime BMX racer Burlin “Bubba”

Harris. Hagan has been able to keep up with his studies while he is training through a partnership between Grain Valley High School and Launch. The Launch program provides online courses for students in need of flexible and personalized learning. Launch courses are designed, developed, and delivered by Missouri educators. Hagan plans to tour early this summer participating in mini training camps across the US and Canada as he prepares for the 2019 UCI BMX World Championships. •

Sni-A-Bar Principal named KC Suburban Distinguished Principal of the Year

ni-A-Bar Elementary principal Dr. Carrie Reich as been named the Kansas City Suburban Distinguished Principal of the Year. Dr. Reich was surprised with flowers and the news on January 3 by Emily Cross, last year’s Missouri Distinguished Principal of the Year, and Monica Shane, president-elect of the KC Suburban Elementary Principal’s Association. This is Dr. Reich’s eighth year as principal at Sni-A-Bar Elementary School. She will be honored at a reception with the other honorees from across the state in March. •

Pictured right is Sni-A-Bar Principal Dr. Carrie Reich, Emily Cross, last year’s Missouri Distinguished Principal of the Year recipient, and president-elect of the Kansas City Suburban Elementary Principal’s Association.

Four Athletes Compete in the Girls Swimming and Diving State Championships

STATE COMPETITION

he Grain Valley Girls Swimming and Diving team sent four athletes to the Missouri State High School Girls State Championships to end of the school’s inaugural year in Swimming and Diving. The State Championships were held February 14-16 in St. Peters, Missouri. Rachel Turpin, junior, qualified for the State Championships in the 100-yard butterfly and finished 21st. Freshman Hayden Meyer competed in the Girls 1-meter Diving event. Meyer earned All-State honors finishing in 5th place with 346.90 points in the Class 1 MSHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships.

Sophomore Abigail Castle earned honorable mention All-State honors and finished 15th with 312.25 points in the Class 1 Girls 1-meter Diving event. “Representing our school as the first ever Grain Valley State Swim and Dive Team was such an amazing accomplishment and honor,” explained Castle. “It was an amazing first season with so many successes, and I’m already looking forward to what we can accomplish next season and future seasons ahead.” Junior Piper Barnard qualified for the State Championships in the Girls 1-Meter Diving event but did not make it past the early rounds. •

Pictured above(left to right) are state qualifiers Hayden Meyer, Piper Barnard, Rachel Turpin, and Abigail Castle.

Elementary Schools receive Grants for SNAG Golf

rain Valley elementary schools obtained a $3,000 grant from Midwest PGA Foundation and a $1,000 grant from the Grain Valley Education Foundation to buy new SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment for the elementary physical education programs. Physical education teachers at all four elementary schools have been instructing students using the SNAG golf equipment since 2013 to help students learn the game of golf. •

Seniors selected for KMZU-FM’s Football Dream Team

ach year, KMZU-FM honors central Missouri’s high school football standouts by selecting them to the KMZU Football Dream Team. These athletes are recognized for their exceptional performance on the football field during the 2018 season. KMZU named senior Ethan Grasher as the KMZU Football Dream Team Grain Valley Offensive Player. Grasher averaged 15.8 rushing attempts per game during the 2018 season. He had 900 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 14 receiving catches and 83 total receiving yards. Senior Trent LeGrotte was selected as the KMZU Football Dream Team Grain Valley Defensive Player. LeGrotte averaged 5.7 tackles per game. He ended the season with 48 unassisted tackles, 17 assisted tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. •

Pictured above is Prairie Branch Elementary student Elliana Wadleigh.

Eagles selected for KMZU-FM’s Basketball Dream Team

our Grain Valley High School students have been selected for the 2018-2019 KMZU Basketball Dream Team. Each year KMZU-FM honors central Missouri’s high school basketball standouts who have demonstrated exceptional performance on the basketball court. Grain Valley High School sophomore Cole Keller and junior Josh Kilpatrick received the honor for the boy’s basketball team, while seniors Kendra Sibert and Brittney McKay earned spots on the girl’s basketball team. •

Pictured right are the KMZU-FM Basketall Dream Team athletes (left to right): Cole Keller, Brittney McKay, Kendra Sibert, and Josh Kilpatrick.

Senior Ethan Grasher

Senior Trent LeGrotte

Photo by senior Liz Swafford

STATE COMPETITION Mitchel Alexander had a strong showing at the MSHSAA State Competition placing third in the 138 weight class.

GVHS sends Seven Wrestlers to State T he Grain Valley High School Wrestling team had seven wrestlers qualify for state in their 2018-2019 season. The state qualifiers include Caleb Benshoof (132), Mitchel Alexander (138), Trent LeGrotte (145), Ethan Grasher (152), Hunter Newsom (170), Jaden Worthington (220), and Donovan McBride (HW), two of which fought hard for their place on the podium and brought home state medals. Although the Eagles didn’t get as far as they wanted in the state tournament, they had an impressive season and ended with a 14-4 Dual record and took second in the Suburban conference.

Of the seven qualifiers, five are seniors, and head coach Jesse Whitson has played a huge role in each of their wrestling careers. Whitson has coached each of these boys since their first-day wrestling at the high school level, and some he’s coached since their youth days on the mat. Whitson has high expectations for his team that extend off the mat as well. Throughout his career at Grain Valley High School he has continued to train his team to focus on being better wrestlers with an open mind rather than being medal winners. Whitson’s goal has always been to pass on the life skills of discipline, dedication, responsibility, and hard work because “learning these things while you’re young will set you up for success in your future.” Senior Mitchel Alexander is a four-time state qualifier and a 3-time state placer. This year at the state tournament, Alexander earned a third-place state medal in the 138 weight class. Mitchel describes his state experience as, “a war”

because “nothing at state is given, even if you have beat your opponent before. Each victory has to be earned.” Throughout high school, Alexander has struggled with a recurring knee injury. This injury prevented him from competing in most of last year’s season. However, he was determined to not let his injury discourage him from achieving his goals this year. Sophomore Hunter Newsom began this season as a first-time varsity starter. At the state tournament, Newsom won his first two matches which quickly placed him at the top of his bracket. However, his semi-finals didn’t go as planned and he took the fall. Newsom then fought hard to keep himself in the race for a state medal and took sixth in the 170 weight class. Newsom’s improvement did not go unnoticed, as he earned this year’s “most improved” award voted on by his fellow teammates. When speaking of Newsom, head coach Jesse Whitson proclaimed that “he wrestled JV last year and this year he was a state placer, that doesn’t happen often, and it doesn’t happen by accident.” Newsom says that he is proud of what he accomplished this season, but next year he is aiming for a higher spot on the podium. Even though the Eagles didn’t prove everything they set out to at the state tournament this year, Whitson speaks very highly of the seven qualifiers. He denotes that “wrestling isn’t about the medals or the trophies or the plaques, those go in a box one day. Wrestling is about the life lessons you learn and the moments you will remember forever.” • Written and photos by sophomore Addy Blackmore

Seven GVHS wrestlers qualified for the State competition. Pictured below (left to right): Trent LeGrotte, Jaden Worthington, Donovan McBride, Mitchel Alexander, Hunter Newsom, Caleb Benshoof, and Ethan Grasher.

Athletes selected for Academic All-State

rain Valley athletes not only excel in their sports, but also in classrooms. Several Grain Valley athletes from Volleyball, Cheerleading, and Dance have been selected to Academic AllState Teams. Volleyball Several GVHS Volleyball players were recently named to the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association’s Academic All-State team. To be considered, Academic All-State players must have competed in at least 75% of the team’s varsity matches and must have at least a 3.6 cumulative rounded grade point average.

Volleyball players receiving Academic All-State honors include seniors Karly Tharp, Sydney Slaven, Morgan Scott, Gracelyn LaForge, Emily Hughes, and Hannah Berry; juniors Jessica Slater and Abie Groes; and sophomore Ashlynn Pruett.

Royal Talons Dance Team The Missouri Dance Team Association named several Grain Valley dance team members to their Academic All-State Team. Dancers in grades 10 through 12 with a grade of 3.5 or higher were recognized.

Cheerleading Senior Kailyn Duett has been named to the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association’s Academic All-State Team. To be selected for this honor, a student must be a Varsity Cheerleader, have at least a 3.5 GPA, and score a 24 or higher on the ACT or be in the top 10 percent of their class.

Dancers honored with Academic All-State include: Halle Harshman, Amanda Postlethwait, Samantha Petralie, Reese Servi, and Kaitlyn Petty.•

Below (left to right) are Academic All-State athletes, front row: Reese Servi, Halle Harshmann, Amanda Postelthwait, Samantha Petralie, Ashlynn Pruett, and Hannah Berry; back row: Gracelyn LaForge, Morgan Scott, Abie Groes, and Kailyn Duett. Not pictured: Karly Tharp, Sydney Slaven, Emily Hughes, Jessica Slater, and Kaitlyn Petty Photo by senior Liz Swafford

Students raise money for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge

tony Point Elementary and Sni-A-Bar Elementary participated in the Kids Heart Challenge (formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart) to raise money for the fight against heart disease. The schools raised over $14,800.00 for the American Heart Association. Stony Point Elementary

tony Point hosted their event on February 15 and raised $7615.00. There were 123 students that helped raise money for this great cause. Mrs. Pfizenmaier’s class had the most students that participated in the fight against heart disease event and her class received an extra P.E. class as their prize. Carter and Delaney Sutton (brother and sister) were the

Pictured above is Sni-A-Bar kindergarten student Kadence Watkins particpating in the Kids Heart Challenge.

the top fundraisers for a second year in a row. These two students will have the Stony Point gym named after them for another year.

Above (left to right) are Stony Point Elementary students: Carter Sutton and Delaney Sutton who were the top Kids Heart Challenge fundraisers at the school.

Sni-A-Bar Elementary

ni-A-Bar Elementary raised a total of $7,227.00 in donations for the American Heart Association during this year’s Kids Heart Challenge. All students participated in a variety of fun movement and art activities during their specials class time to celebrate their

efforts. There were 129 students that participated in the challenge. This year the student who collected the most in donations was Payton Bell. Payton is a 4th grader in Mrs. Lindle’s class and she raised $360.00. •

Pictured left are Sni-A-Bar Elementary students front row (left to right): Silas Skrljac, Bentley Delaloye; middle row: Presley Powell, Vivianna Pauls, Lily Epperson, Everett Smith; back row: Justin King, Lincoln Smith, Payton Bell, and Chloe McHardie.

The Eagle’s View 25

Student Artists

North Middle School Artwork by Grace Slaughter, Grade 8

Matthews Elementary Artwork by Brody Danner, Grade 1

South Middle School Artwork by Allison Gray, Grade 7

Sni-A-Bar Elementary Artwork by Olivia Schwenk, Grade 4

Grain Valley High School Artwork by Gabrielle Aber, senior

Stony Point Elementary Artwork by Nathan Morgester, Grade 5

Grain Valley High School Artwork by Alaina Valverde, sophomore

Prairie Branch Elementary Artwork by Brett Bieri, Grade 3

Dr. Marc Snow selected as the New Superintendent of the Year

uperintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Snow was recognized by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) for his outstanding performance as a new superintendent at a reception of Missouri school district officials in March. Dr. Snow was nominated by his superintendent colleagues in the West Central MASA District. Dr. Snow has served as the superintendent for Grain Valley Schools since 2017 and as a school or district leader with our district for 17 years. â€˘

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Snow

Above Dr. Marc Snow received the New Superintedent of the Year award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators.

Eagle Fans In the Stands

NMS Students raise money for Pennies for Patients

rain Valley North Middle School held their annual Pennies for Patients fundraiser from February 14th through March 8th. The fundraiser kicks off with an assembly run by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in conjunction with the school’s Student Council where students are informed about blood cancers. The goal of the organization is to connect schools with local blood cancer patients, provide tangible life skills to

participants, and allow students to see the impact they’re making in the lives of others. Students bring in change for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which is donated to the organization. This year, the school total was $961.00 with Miss Sorenson’s homeroom class raising $303.00.•

Pictured above (left to right) front row: Race Schocke, Lukas Wolff, Brooklyn Spencer, Payton Nichols, Alainah Whitehead, Max Snyder, Kaden Crandall, Isabella Huff, Kane Santana; middle row : Ryan Rohr, Trace Compton, Landry Groes, Camryn Kelly, Adyson Nichols, Alexis Hempel, Kirsten Haskins, Anthony Atherton, Zach Generaux, Harrison Wells; back row: Mason Enlow, Brayden Rold, Amanda Chaney, Kayla Gallagher, Naiya Matthews, Elexis Bouldin, Callie Alberson, Caleb Collins.

Photos courtesy of John Overstreet

“I love seeing kids succeed both academically and behaviorally.”

- Debbie Isbell South Middle School Teacher

The Eagle’s View 30

PROFILE

Team Member Spotlight D

Debbie Isbell- Middle School Teacher

ebbie Isbell is the Focus Teacher at South Middle School. She has taught 29 years and all of it working with middle school students. She has been at South MIddle School for 19 years and previously worked in Kansas City, Kansas, schools for 10 years.

My job is very special in the school. I get the opportunity to partner with students, teachers, parents, and administers every single day - with no two days promising the same activities. I spend time working with kids, helping them make good choices, and developing positive habits that will follow them through life.

and innovative teaching techniques, have engaged kids beyond all expectation. One challenge I feel educators are faced with today is the quickly changing curriculum and how that curriculum is formatted and presented. My teaching career began back in the day of chalkboard and chalk, so to be instructing through the use of computer programs and sites is quite exciting for me. Education today, more than at any other time, is progressive and fast-paced. It relies on technology and researchedbased information; it is exciting and engaging and requires students to use higher level thinking at all times. We teach to their future. Our students are ready to step into the world when called upon to do so.

The thing I value most about each day is building relationships with students learning about their lives, dreams, and hopes for the future. Being trusted by the students and their families to help secure that future is a privilege. We collaborate daily to give each student the skills, foundations, and strategies to carry themselves successfully into whatever endeavors they choose. So many of our students “The thing I value most about each day have such wonderful opportunities and bright is building relationships with students.” futures ahead of them. - Debbie Isbell, South Middle School Teacher I love seeing kids succeed both academically and behaviorally. I think it is vital to engage and challenge the minds of students. My core belief about education is that the heart of teaching is relationships. Getting to know your students, their interests. Share in their successes. Enjoy their celebrations. Acknowledge their fears. Support their efforts. Set them up to succeed in all endeavors. Raise the bar of academic and behavioral expectations and give our students the strategies needed to reach those goals. Those have been my foundational beliefs since I began teaching. Grain Valley does such a great job in keeping up with the changing needs of students, matching our curriculum to their future needs. Our use of technology and the opportunity to be 1 to 1,

I feel very humbled and honored to be chosen to share my thoughts. It’s very special to be recognized when you have enjoyed working with an innovative group of administrators, educators, and parents who have always given the very best they have for Grain Valley children, adolescents, and teens! I was attracted to the “small town” feel Grain Valley offered. It was and remains a closely knit community. Ours is a district where each person can make an impact and a difference in the life of a child. This community has been a blessing for me. I have loved every year of growth and progression. Grain Valley has one of the greatest community of parents and educational supporters I have had the privilege of working for. I have seen the district grow from its small roots to what is now one of the finest, most competitive districts in the state of Missouri - in my opinion, the absolute finest! • Eagle’s View 31

Elementary Boundary changes begin Fall 2019

rain Valley Schools will implement new elementary school boundaries beginning the fall of 2019. The changes affect elementary school boundaries only and do not impact middle school boundaries. These changes came about because enrollment at Prairie Branch Elementary and Matthews Elementary is increasing and both Sni-A-Bar Elementary and Stony Point Elementary have empty classrooms and downtrending enrollment. The boundary adjustments will lead to up to 90 students each transferring from Matthews to Stony Point, from Matthews to Sni-A-Bar, and from Prairie Branch to Matthews. The result will provide Matthews and Prairie Branch with room to grow. To confirm your child’s elementary school, visit the GrainValleySchools. org website and click on “New Elementary Boundaries” under the FOR FAMILIES tab. There is a map available along with answers to parent questions. •

From Prairie Branch to Matthews

From Matthews to Stony Point

From Matthews to Sni-A-Bar

Grain Valley High School Students participate in Job Olympics

everal Grain Valley students participated in the Job Olympics on April 4 at Blue Springs Christian Church.

The competition helps promote transitition and employable skills for students. •

Students pictured above are front row (left to right): Joh’Don Frazier, Meghan Shelton, Olivia Smith, Tulsi Patel, Kacie Kubis; back row: Jenna Worthington, Tomas Lopez-Martinez, Cole Pearce, Ethan Waters, Daniel Holst, Sam Laws, Jeremy Sims, Dalton Downs, and Carson Snyder.

Matthews Elementary Art Teacher named Missouri’s Outstanding Beginning Teacher

atthews Elementary Art Teacher Deveri Harvey has been named one of Missouri’s Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Every two years, teachers across Missouri are recognized for their outstanding work with children. Ms. Harvey was honored at a ceremony on Wednesday, March 27, in Columbia, MO. The Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education is a state affiliate of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and serves as the voice for educator preparation programs across the state. MACTE recognizes teachers in their first two years of service who demonstrate excellence in serving children in school districts in Missouri. Ms. Harvey was selected based on recommendations from Missouri’s state and nationally recognized teacher education programs, as well as a recommendation from the school district. •

Above: the Eagles baseball team worked together during a day spent doing community service.

Baseball Day of Service

he Grain Valley Eagles Baseball program hosted its seventh annual “Day of Service” on Saturday, March 23. The baseball team enjoyed breakfast together and then divided into teams to volunteer to complete community work throughout Grain Valley. The baseball team helped with cleaning, gardening, raking, and painting. The team was able to help area organizations, businesses, and community members with their service needs. The baseball program hosts the “Day of Service” each year to help teach, promote, and build character in student-athletes. Performing community service helps the team strengthen community ties and put into action the positive character traits that are learned through participation in extracurricular activities. Please come support these fine young men during their baseball season that is currently underway. A schedule of their games can be found in the Activities Calendar in the back of this issue, or you can visit the 2018-2019 Activities Calendar online by clicking on the Sports & Activities tab on GrainValleySchools.org. •

Above is Matthews Elementary teacher, Deveri Harvey who has been named as one of Missouri’s Outstanding Beginning Teachers.

Eagle’s View 33

School Board Member Jan Reding selected for The Examiner’s Women of Distinction Honor

chool Board member, Jan Reding, has been named to The Examiner’s 2019 class of Women of Distinction. She was selected by a panel of independent business and community leaders based on her accomplishments and community involvement and was honored as one of the best in business, government, education, philanthropic, and not-for-profit fields in Eastern Jackson County. Mrs. Reding was recognized during the 2019 Women of Distinction Luncheon on March 7 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.

In addition to her service on the school board, Mrs. Reding is involved with FOCUS for Grain Valley, the Grain Valley Assistance Council, the Oakland UMC Cemetery, the United Methodist Women of Faith UMC, and the Grain Valley Education Foundation, among others. •

Mrs. Reding is pictured below with school board members and school district representatives (left to right): Julie Groff, Dr. Beth Mulvey, Lisa Limberg, Dr. Marc Snow, Eddie Saffell, honoree Jan Reding, Dr. Nick Gooch, Michael Hackett, and Dr. Brad Welle.

STEM night at Prairie Branch

ith a night full of science, technology, and math, STEM Night hosted at Prairie Branch Elementary School was one to remember. The young and bright minds who will soon make a difference in the world were able to explore many unique opportunities that the STEM field has to offer. Highlights of the night were the rubberband helicopters that flew throughout the gym as well as the huge inflatable dome that allowed the kids and many of the adults to explore space. • Written by senior Sam Collins. Photo by senior Ben Totta. Several Grain Valley High School students helped host STEM Night at Prairie Branch. Pictured right front row (left to right): Shaley Harper, Sophia Barra, Kendra Sibert; middle row: Scott Roselli, James Barnard; back row: Sam Collins, Trenton Tarrants, Alex Hawkins, Jase Tipton, Olivia Herder, Nathan Weidt, Jacob Collins, and Clair Hawkins.

The Eagle’s View 34

Softball Team named Academic All-State Team

he Grain Valley High School softball team has been named by the Missouri High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches’ Association as an Academic All-State Team. The team received the honor for having a cumulative grade point average of 3.36 on a 4.0 scale.

In addition, several members of the team were also selected individually to the Academic All-State Team including Kate Arnold, Bri Carter, Payton Walter, Elle Nicas, and Malia Gutierrez. Individuals had to have a GPA of 3.50 or higher, be ranked in the top 25% of her class, and had started in 70% of the team’s games. •

Pictured above (left to right) front row: Malia Gutierrez, Kaitlyn Lemery, Brianna Carter, Isabelle Bailey, Payton Walter, Kate Arnold, and Morgan Robinson; back row: Avery Huffman, Brileigh Sims, Alexis Parra, Keely Hill, Elle Nicas, coach Brian Driskell, Hailee Solomon (manager), Riley Downey, Kasey Kilburn, and Coach Garrett Ogle. Not pictured are Mikayla Chairez and Olivia White.

Grain Valley High School Alumni Registration

id you graduate from Grain Valley High School? The Education Foundation is building a database to communicate about reunions and other alumni gatherings, to gather history about the school, to share celebrations, and to promote the efforts of the Grain Valley Education Foundation and its impact. Alumni information will be used solely by the Education Foundation and the School District.

Grain Valley High School alumni are encouraged to register at: http://tinyurl.com/GVHSalumni or scan the QR code on your phone. The Eagle’s View 35

Grain Valley Schools receive100% 2018 APR Rating

he Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reported in February that Grain Valley Schools earned all 120 points possible on Missouri’s 2018 Annual Performance Report (APR). The annual APR is the state’s rating and feedback system for Missouri’s schools based on the measures in the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 5). Included in the ratings are student performance on MAP assessments in grades 3-8, student performance on select end-of-course exams in grades 8-11, college and career readiness standards, student attendance, and high school graduation rate.

district did not earn all status points possible for the assessed subject areas. The district is using the feedback from the assessments last spring to improve. By increasing the percentage of students performing at the proficient and advanced levels, school leaders feel they can increase status points and maintain a rating that is at or near 100% moving forward.

The 2018 ratings include results from new student assessments in English/Language Arts and Math, eliminating the benefits year-to-year comparisons of student performance in these content areas. New Science assessments were field tested with students last spring, so those results were not included in the calculations for the 2018 APR results.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Snow reflects on this year’s APR report: “An APR rating of 100% from the state is an affirmation of the hard work by everyone in our school community. Our teachers and administrators deserve a pat on the back for their work to provide an exceptional education to the children of Grain Valley, and we appreciate the vision of our Board leadership.

The district’s score of 100% in 2018 is up from 94.6% in 2017 and 91.4% in 2016. Missouri school districts need to earn at least 70% to be considered accredited.

Missouri’s school districts and state assessments are in a period of transition as we are operating under our third set of state standards in five years. Earning high marks from the state at this time reflects how our team is managing the transition.

A major contributing factor leading to the 100% rating this year is that student assessment scores were above the state average in every subject and every grade level except one. Despite a rating of 100%, the district still identifies areas for improvement from the 2018 APR results. The ratings are based on status points, plus growth points and progress points. Although earning a rating of 100% this year, the

The Eagle’s View 36

Year after year the district consistently earns at or very near 100% of the points possible for college and career readiness, as well as for student attendance.

We will reflect on the finer points within the report to continue our improvement efforts so we maintain the high marks our community has come to expect.” •

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Contributing Student Authors and Photographers

ddy Blackmore, junior, is the daughter of Bryce and Betty Blackmore. She has attended Grain Valley Schools since Kindergarten. Addy is involved with the wrestling team, swim team, yearbook, and track. This is her fourth time writing for The Eagle’s View. After graduation in 2020, Addy would like to go to college to major in journalism or literature.

en Totta, senior, is the son of Frank and Trish Totta. Ben is co-editor on the GVHS yearbook staff. He is also involved in NHS, HOSA, theater, and speech & debate at the high school. This is his fifth time contributing to The Eagle’s View. Ben plans on attending the University of Missouri to major in biomedical engineering.

am Collins, senior, is the son of Ray and Leigh Collins. He has attended Grain Valley Schools since Kindergarten. Ben is a member of GVHS yearbook and Eagle Media Productions staffs. He is also involved in NHS and HOSA at the high school. This is his first time contributing to The Eagle’s View. Sam plans to use his A+ benefits while attending MCC and obtaining an Associates Degree in Communications. He then plans to attend the University of Missouri to major in broadcast journalism.

iz Swafford, senior, is the daughter of Brett and Emily DeBerry. She has attended Grain Valley Schools since Kindergarten. Liz is a co-editor of the yearbook staff. She is also a varsity cheerleader and member of the Theater Department. This is her fourth time writing for The Eagle’s View. After graduation, Liz plans to attend Northwest State University to study creative writing and publishing.

aitlyn Petty, senior, is the daughter of Greg Petty and Lisa Robertson-Petty. She has attended Grain Valley Schools for 12 years. Kaitlyn is a first-year member of the yearbook staff. She is also a member of the dance team and NHS. This is her first time writing for The Eagle’s View. After graduation, Kaitlyn plans to attend Missouri State University to study exercise science and movement.

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