Image of Djenabou Diallo speaking at Raytown South High School graduation this past weekend.

RSHS Senior Djenabou Diallo - May Ray of Hope Award

Congratulations to Raytown South High School senior Djenabou Diallo on being named our May Ray of Hope recipient. Djenabou's acceptance into multiple Ivy League universities reflects her commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As Student Council President and an active member of FBLA and many other extracurricular activities, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, determination, and service to her school community.

Link to the May Ray of Hope Video

Image of Chef Mike and his culinary arts team at the National Prostart Invitational competition in Baltimore, MD.

Herndon Career Center Culinary Arts Program Named National Champions

Congratulations to the Herndon Career Center Culinary Arts Team who have been crowned National Champions at the National ProStart Invitational! After countless hours of preparation, these talented students took the national stage in Baltimore and delivered an unforgettable performance. This team demonstrated incredible execution, focus, poise, and skill. Congratulations to our amazing students (and future chefs!) and a big thank you to Chef Mike for his dedication and mentorship along the way.

Images of RHS and RSHS seniors at graduation 2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Congratulations to the seniors of Raytown High School and Raytown South High School who graduated this past weekend! This milestone is the result of years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and unforgettable memories made along the way. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished both inside and outside of the classroom, and we know they will continue to do amazing things in the future. We can’t wait to see where their journeys take them. Congratulations, graduates!

Images of Little Blue Elementary Students with the KMBC 9 First Alert Weather Team

KMBC 9 First Alert Weather Team Visits Little Blue Elementary for Weather School Week

Thank you to the KMBC 9 First Alert Weather Team for visiting Little Blue Elementary during KMBC 9 Weather School Week! They discussed topics such as what makes up a storm, what to listen and watch for, the importance of alerts, and how to choose a safe space to take shelter in the event of a severe storm. The visit gave students valuable knowledge and practical safety tips that will help them stay prepared and confident during severe weather situations.

Collage of images of our four Grow Your Own scholarship recipients for 2026.

3 Trails Preschool Career Day

Career Day at Three Trails Preschool was an exciting opportunity for students to learn about the many careers that help keep our community running every day. Representatives from the fire department, police department, Jackson County Water Service, MoDOT, and many other organizations spent time sharing about their important work and answering student's questions. Students loved getting an up-close look at the trucks, equipment, and vehicles, and many even had the chance to climb inside and explore.

Image of Austin Terryberry with an airplane.

Raytown High School Real World Learning Spotlight: Austin Terryberry

Austin Terryberry, a Raytown High School senior, spent this year working toward his Private Pilot License (PPL) through Summit Flight Academy as part of the RHS Real World Learning program. Over the course of the year, Austin logged more than 65 flight hours, 35 ground school hours, and 30 flight simulation hours, all while maintaining his studies and developing real aviation skills. His dedication, discipline, and commitment throughout this intensive program are a true testament to what our students are capable of. Entering college with this level of experience and progress toward a PPL gives Austin a remarkable head start in a future career in aviation.

Raytown High School Student Alesha Maxi Accepted to Missouri Fine Arts Academy

Raytown High School student Alesha Maxi was recently accepted into the prestigious Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) this summer for poetry and short story writing. MFAA is a highly competitive two-week residential program at Missouri State University for talented high school artists across Missouri. Students selected for the program must complete a rigorous application process that includes submitting a portfolio or performance sample, an essay, and a student evaluation form. Through the academy, Alesha will participate in accelerated creative writing courses and earn college credit from Missouri State University at no additional cost. Congratulations!

New Leadership Hires for the 2026-2027 School Year

The Raytown Quality Schools Board of Education recently approved the hiring of leadership positions for the 2026–27 school year.

Collette Chaney has been named principal of Laurel Hills Elementary School. She brings more than 15 years of experience in school leadership, most recently serving as a principal in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.

Monte Westfall is moving from assistant principal to principal of Raytown Central Middle School. His experience also includes positions at Lawrence Public Schools, Blue Valley Schools and Shawnee Mission Schools.

Dr. Heather Renk has been named principal of Raytown South High School. Renk joins RQS with extensive educational leadership experience and a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence. She is moving from St. Joseph Central High School in St. Joseph, MO where she currently serves as principal.

Claire Quinn will be the next principal of Raytown Middle School. Quinn currently serves as principal of Southwood Elementary and has previous experience as an administrator intern and teacher in Raytown Quality Schools.

Heather Reardon has been named Assistant Director of Student & Family Programs, where she will lead residency, enrollment, and family support programs. Reardon currently serves as Family Support Services Coordinator and has more than 20 years of experience in Raytown Quality Schools.

Images of each RQS retiree at the district retirement dinner on May 8th.

Raytown Quality Schools Retirement Celebration 2026

Congratulations to all of our 2026 retirees! On May 7th, Raytown Quality Schools proudly celebrated these dedicated staff members during a special district retirement dinner honoring their years of service, commitment, and impact on our students, schools, and community. We are incredibly grateful for the passion, care, and dedication they have shown throughout the years, and we are honored to recognize each of them for their service.

Thank you for the countless lives you have touched and the difference you have made in Raytown Quality Schools.

Graphic promoting hiring for the special education department.

Join the Raytown Quality Schools Special Education Team for the 2026-27 School Year!

Join the Special Education department at Raytown Quality Schools and help empower, support, and inspire every student to succeed. We’re hiring passionate educators and specialists for the 2026-2027 school year.

Now hiring:

• Elementary Special Education Teachers – Special Programs
• Elementary, Middle & High School Special Education Teachers – Resource & Co-Teaching
• Building Special Education Coordinator
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Special Education Interventionist

Don't forget! There is a $2,000 signing bonus for special education teachers. Your next opportunity to make an impact starts here: Link to Apply for Special Education Positions in Raytown

Express Yourself Camp 2026

Express Yourself Camp is a special two-day summer camp for children ages 5–14 who are experiencing grief, loss, or a major life change. Hosted by Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice and Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri, the camp provides a supportive environment where children can connect with others while participating in activities like arts and crafts, music therapy, games, and group activities.

This camp will be held June 8–9, 2026, from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at Camp Tongawood. The cost is just $10 per camper, and lunch and snacks are included. For more information or to register, call Melissa at 816-502-8901.

May 2026 Recognition and Observance Days

May 1st: School Lunch Hero Day
May 1st - 31st: Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
May 4th - 10th: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6th: National School Nurse Day
May 9th: National School Communicators Day
May 18th: Speech-Language Pathologists Appreciation Day
May 22nd: Last Day of School - Early Release
May 25th: Memorial Day - All District Offices Closed

To view our district calendar, visit our website here.

Have something you want to see us share in our newsletter or social media? Email us at communications@raytownschools.org for consideration.