THE PIPER PRESS
FROM HELM the
A Message from the Superintendent, Dr. Jessica Dain
Building the Future: Real-World Learning in Piper Schools
At the Piper School District, education extends far beyond the classroom—we are preparing students to lead, innovate, and shape the future. Through real-world applications of our guaranteed and viable curriculum, our students are gaining hands-on experiences that bridge learning with meaningful, career-connected opportunities. Whether it’s crafting a business proposal for a community Airbnb, “The Piper House,” or developing financial and marketing plans, our students are engaging in authentic problem-solving that mirrors the challenges and opportunities of the professional world. These experiences align with the Piper Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring that students develop critical thinking, creativity, initiative, and strong communication skills—all essential for success beyond high school.
Our Secure the Ship initiative is another example of how we are breaking down barriers to ensure all students can participate in Real-World Learning opportunities. By securing a “magic school bus” dedicated to after-school transportation, we are expanding access to clubs, internships, and hands-on career experiences that would otherwise be out of reach for some students. This initiative embodies the resilience, self-direction, and social awareness emphasized in the Piper Portrait of a Graduate, equipping students with the adaptability and confidence needed in today’s ever-changing world.
We are not just educating students; we are building the future workforce, the innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow. The investment in our students today is an investment in a stronger, more vibrant Piper community for generations to come. Thank you for your continued support in making these transformational learning experiences possible.
#BELIEVETHEHYPE.
Proud to be a Pirate,
GET ON THE BUS, GUS!
Piper School District Expands Student Opportunities with Generous Bus Donation
At the Piper School District, our commitment to a Connected Culture Among All drives everything we do. Thanks to the generosity of DS Bus Lines, our students now have a new tool to enhance collaboration, learning, and engagement across the district. The donation of a school bus will provide new opportunities for students of all ages to connect, create, and explore in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
This bus is more than just a vehicle; it is a moving hub for innovation and learning. Throughout the school day, the bus—driven by the district’s Elementary Real World Learning Coordinator Jessica Asbury—will transport students between buildings, allowing for cross-grade collaboration and shared projects. By bringing students together across different learning environments, we are strengthening our district’s commitment to real-world learning and ensuring that every student has access to hands-on, immersive educational experiences.
Beyond the school day, the bus will also play a key role in supporting after school programs and extracurricular activities, helping to remove transportation barriers and ensure that all students have equal access to opportunities. This aligns with our district’s focus on opening opportunities for all students, ensuring that every child can participate and thrive.
One of the most exciting aspects of this bus is its transformation into a mobile makerspace lab. The back four rows of seating will be removed, creating a space where students can engage in Future Ready learning, tackle hands-on projects, and collaborate with community partners. This innovative approach will give our youngest learners valuable real-world experiences, preparing them for the future and empowering them to think critically, problem-solve, and create.
To further foster district pride, the bus will be branded with emblems representing each academy and grade level theme, serving as a visible symbol of our district’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and student success.
We are grateful to DS Bus Lines for their generous donation and their investment in our students’ futures. This initiative exemplifies our shared commitment to building a culture of connection and ensuring that every student has the tools and experiences needed to succeed.
BUILDING LATITUDE, ACCESS, AND ZEAL THROUGH EQUITY (BLAZE)
Mikesha Bradner
Co-Chair, BLAZE
Morgan Crusoe
Co-Chair, BLAZE
Our District’s Inclusion Council is called BLAZE, which stands for Building Latitude, Access, and Zeal through Equity. Some of BLAZE’s initiatives within the District include the mentoring group Pirate PALS, monthly Read & Plays focused on diverse literature and social-emotional learning, and various building-specific efforts at each of our school sites. This year’s co-chairs are Mikesha Bradner, who is also a 1st grade teacher at Piper Prairie Elementary and Morgan Crusoe, who is a counselor at Piper Creek Elementary.
Pirate Pals Mentoring Program
Pirate Pals is a mentorship initiative inspired by the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, designed to foster meaningful connections between older and younger students within the Piper School District. Through this program, students from Piper High School and Piper Middle School are paired with mentees from Piper Creek Elementary, Piper Prairie Elementary, and Piper Early Childhood Center.
Each week, mentors and mentees come together for structured sessions that focus on building relationships, social-emotional growth, and academic support. Whether through engaging in interactive learning activities, playing games, reading together, or simply sharing conversations, Pirate Pals creates a positive and supportive environment that encourages confidence, leadership, and personal development.
Beyond the weekly meetings, the program nurtures a sense of belonging and school pride, helping younger students feel connected to the broader Piper community while providing older students with valuable leadership and mentorship experience. Pirate
Pals serves as a bridge between grade levels, fostering a culture of kindness, encouragement, and lifelong learning throughout the district.
Read and Plays
Read and Plays are a collaborative literacy and enrichment initiative that brings students together across grade levels to promote a love of reading while fostering social-emotional learning and cultural awareness. Each month, students travel to different schools within the district to read engaging, meaningful stories that align with important themes such as kindness, resilience, empathy, and inclusion.
The program also highlights significant cultural and historical observances, including Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, and more. By sharing stories that celebrate diverse voices and experiences, District Read and Plays helps students build connections, broaden their perspectives, and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
In addition to reading, the sessions often include interactive discussions, creative activities, and role-playing exercises that reinforce key lessons from the stories. These visits not only enhance literacy skills but also encourage mentorship, collaboration, and community-building among students of all ages. By creating meaningful moments of learning and engagement, District Read and Plays strengthen the district-wide culture of inclusivity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL REALTOR TO LAUNCH AIR BNB PROJECT
Piper High School seniors are applying their academic knowledge and professional skills in an innovative real-world learning initiative, partnering with local Realtor Kim Brown to develop “The Piper House,” a community-based Airbnb rental. As part of their senior capstone project, students from various career academies are contributing their expertise in areas including social media management, construction oversight, marketing, finance, and government compliance.
The team meets twice a week at the Lynch Real Estate Office to discuss updates and delegate duties as they relate to the project. They recently reached a significant milestone, submitting their application to the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County for necessary project approvals. During the meeting, Brown reviewed the application in detail and congratulated the team for completing this major step in the process.
Each student plays a crucial role in the project’s success by leveraging their specialized skills. A student from the Academy of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation serves as the finance manager, overseeing the project budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Another team is responsible for regulatory compliance, working closely with the construction and project managers to uphold safety standards and zoning requirements.
The marketing team is spearheading promotional efforts, documenting the project’s progress
through social media platforms such as TikTok to engage a broad audience. Another student is focused on website development and designing marketing materials that will enhance the guest experience. Additionally, the team has been tasked with curating a welcome package, requiring extensive research into hospitality best practices.
This short-term rental project encompasses multiple industries, allowing students to explore various career paths, including government, real estate, business, finance, marketing, interior design, and construction trades. Through their involvement in “The Piper House,” students are gaining practical experience that directly aligns with these industries, enhancing their understanding of zoning laws, property management, financial planning, and design principles.
During a recent planning session, Brown guided students through the complexities of property management, preparing them for an upcoming presentation before the Board of Commissioners. She also provided an in-depth overview of rental property insurance, explaining key concepts such as deductibles, coverage, and liability—practical knowledge applicable across multiple career
paths.
Beyond regulatory approvals and financial planning, students are gaining hands-on experience in project coordination. They have contacted local plumbing companies, scheduled bids for a kitchenette installation, and explored the benefits of utilizing local contractors. These efforts highlight the importance of networking, community collaboration, and the role of word-of-mouth marketing in business success.
With a budget of $5,000, the students are developing crucial financial management skills, making strategic decisions to ensure responsible spending. Brown commended the students’ teamwork and problem-solving abilities, noting how their collective expertise is transforming this vision into a reality. This outstanding display of teamwork and collaboration reflects the concentrated work of
our Piper Portrait of a Graduate competencies and the district’s dedication to ensuring all of our students are well prepared for the future.
Brown’s involvement in this initiative extends beyond mentorship; she has established a client-connected project that provides students with invaluable industry experience. Through her guidance, students are acquiring practical business knowledge, cultivating professional relationships, and honing essential career skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. Her commitment to experiential learning underscores the profound impact that community partnerships can have on education.
Upon completion, “The Piper House” will stand as a testament to student innovation and collaboration, leaving a lasting mark on the community. This project embodies the district’s dedication to real-world learning and career preparedness, equipping students with the tools needed for future success.
Stay tuned for further updates as “The Piper House” moves toward its official launch.
Senior Capstone
As a part of the Piper School District Graduation requirements, each Senior participates in a Capstone Experience. This experience provides each individual senior the opportunity to be immersed in real world learning and to stand before their business partners, mentors, educators, community leaders, and peers to showcase their achievements in a culminating presentation.
This showcase not only indicates the employability and technical skills learned in the capstone experience, but also the Portrait of a Piper Graduate Competencies and Market Value Assets achieved.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation produced a video hilighting Piper’s Wallto-Wall Academies and Senior Capstone Project.
STATE FRENZY WITH PIPER ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
The Piper Girls Wrestling team delivered an outstanding performance at the 5A State Tournament, bringing home multiple top finishes, including two state titles. Malia Martin (pictured above left) and Maia Dolinar (pictured above right) each secured 5A State Championship titles in their respective weight divisions, while Rylee Burke (pictured to the right) earned an impressive third-place finish. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Piper’s wrestling program, highlighting the dedication and talent of these student-athletes. The team’s success at the state level is a testament to their hard work throughout the season, as well as the support of their coaches, families, and the Piper community.
Girls Wrestling State Qualifiers
Savanna Bruce
Rylee Burke
Maia Dolinar
Abby Everson
Malia Martin
Nia Patterson
Olivia Schneider
Boys Bowling Takes 2nd Place at 5A State Championship
Brody Merrick
Coltyn Bard
Jackson Dissmeyer
Jack Bakarich
Jackson Darnell
Hayden Raynor
Boys Wrestling State Qualifiers
Dawson Dunn
Ruben Escalante
Myles Finley
Emiliano Martinez
Tannar McDaniel
Keith Slaughter
Girls Bowling State Qualifiers
Cambria Anderson
Molly Morse
Vinh Dark
Madi Raveill
Ava Azzeh
Lillian Hereford
Piper Boys Bowling Place 2nd at the 5A State Championship!
Boys & Girls Powerlifting State Qualifiers
Abrianna Everson
Adde Sambol
Addison Rich
Aiden Neer
Allyson McKinney
Arrin Taylor
Avery Williams
Blake McEachron
Brady Brooks
Breylin Richmond
Brylee Little
Brynley Green
Calei McConnell
Caliyah Jones
Boys & Girls Swimming State Qualifiers
Johnson Seal
Landon Jeffries
Justus Lockamy
Sean Nguyen
Evan Scruggs
Roman Mingorance, Avery Williams and Gavin Trusskey went as alternates for the relays.
Sean Nguyen broke the school record in 200 free nad 500 free.
Coach Amy Bartlow was named KSHSAA and UKC Conference Coach of the Year!
Cameron Madsen
Carter Laird
Christopher Stroede
Connor Musil
Cooper Ward
Dane Bakarich
Dawson Dunn
Dylan Eikenbary
Eli Utter
Ellie Bennett
Emiliano Trevino
Eva Sewell
Isabella Larrosa
Jacob Ballew
Jacob Bruce
Jayden Richard
Jose Maderos
Jovahni Perez
Julian Machuca
Justin Scott
Kaelyn Coffman
Kaiden Simons
Kamryn Monroe
Keith Slaughter
Kellen Heier
Kendyl Ketter
Kylie Cox
Landon Townsend
Leah Bradley
Lillian Willmon
Lillie Bauer
Logan Lux
Luke Johnson
Madyson Osner
Maia Dolinar
Malia Martin
Mason Masloski
Maya Cruz
Morgan Laird
Morgan Madsen
Morgan Miller
Natalie McCoy
Noah Collins
Nora Turney
Roch Emanuel
Roman Byers
Rylee Burke
Rylie Wiseman
Sadie Young
Samara Dinkel
Savanna Bruce
Tatiana Pate
Tinsley Samuel
Trent Rymer
Von Gardner
Westin Haworth
Wilde Baird
Zion Foster
Piper Pirates impressed at the inaugural Kansas 5A Deadlift State Meet, with a second-place finish for the women and a fourth-place finish for the men.Visit piratesnation.org for full rankings from the March 1st Deadlift Tournament and the February 15 Clean Tournament. Go Pirates!
KMEA All-State Treble Choir
Trin Bales performed with the All-State Treble choir at the annual Kansas Music Educators Association Conference (KMEA).
Trin rehearsed with the All-State Treble choir for 2 1/2 days ending with a sold out performance.
UPCOMING EVENTS - JOIN US!
A Message from Alumni Association Chair, Sandy Hennessey
Welcome back, Pirates!
Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, you’ll always be part of the Piper family. We’re excited to reconnect, share exciting updates, and celebrate your successes. By signing up for our alumni news and alerts, you’ll stay in the loop on district events, networking opportunities, and ways to give back to current students. Join us in shaping the future while honoring our rich history—because once a Pirate, always a Pirate!
Stay connected, get involved, and make a difference. Sign up today!
Scan the QR code below to fill out the contact form!
