Pirate Post...Weekly Newsletter

As Kansas City Public Schools prepares for the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, we are reaching out to gather your valuable input. Your voice plays an essential role in ensuring that our financial decisions reflect the needs of our students, families, staff, and community.

Below are several key districtwide initiatives aligned with Blueprint 2030 and currently in place at Paseo Academy. We ask that you rank these priorities in order of what is most important to you as we plan for the upcoming school year.

(click on the below graphic to balance the budget)

Looking for a fun, creative, and confidence-building summer opportunity for students? This June and July, students are invited to dance into summer with two exciting, FREE dance programs designed for different age groups and experience levels. No prior dance experience is required—just energy and a willingness to try something new!

AileyCamp (Grades 5–8 | Ages 10–14)

June 3 – July 8, 2026

AileyCamp is a dynamic, 6-week summer camp filled with movement, creativity, and joy. Participants will explore a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, and more, while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Students will make new friends, express themselves, and showcase what they’ve learned in a final performance at the end of the program.

✔ Free program
✔ No dance experience needed
✔ Seats are limited—apply early!

Summer Dance (Grades 9–12)

June 3 – July 2, 2026

Designed especially for high school students, Summer Dance is the perfect place to develop new dance skills, stay active, and have fun in a supportive environment. Whether students are new to dance or continuing their training, this program encourages creativity, self-expression, and connection—all while dancing through the summer.

✔ Free program
✔ Welcoming to beginners
✔ Learn, move, and grow with peers

Spots are limited for both programs. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Scan the QR codes on the flyers or visit the program website to learn more and complete an application.

This summer, let students move, grow, and shine—through dance!

We’re Making Progress — and I’m Here to Help!

Thank you to our families who have already completed Annual Enrollment — we continue to see great progress! Since our last update, many more families have submitted their enrollment forms, and we truly appreciate your effort.

If you’ve started but haven’t submitted, you’re almost done!

If you haven’t started yet, that’s okay — there’s still time.

Please remember: You are not alone in this process.

If you have questions, need help logging in, are missing documents, or would like someone to walk you through the form step‑by‑step, you can always call me. I am here to support you every step of the way.

All enrollment must be completed by May 22.

Let’s continue working together to ensure every Paseo Academy student is ready for a successful school year!

Registration is now open for KCPS Summer Academy 2026, a free learning opportunity designed to help middle and high school students stay on track, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Summer Academy Details

• Dates: June 3–30, 2026
• Days: Monday–Friday
• Hours (Middle & High School): 8:20 AM – 2:30 PM
• Cost: Free for all currently enrolled KCPS students

What Students Receive

• Academic support aligned to grade‑level expectations
• Engaging instruction to support credit recovery, skill building, and readiness for the next grade
• Free breakfast and lunch daily
• Free transportation to and from assigned Summer Academy sites

How to Enroll

Families can register online at:
👉 https://www.kcpublicschools.org/summer

You will need your student’s information from Infinite Campus. If you need help accessing your account, please contact your school secretary or the KCPS Help Desk at 816‑418‑4357.

We strongly encourage Paseo middle and high school students to take advantage of Summer Academy to stay focused, earn support, and start the next school year strong.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri is partnering with local school districts to provide Justice in the Schools, a free legal clinic designed to support students, families, and school communities by addressing legal issues that can impact education and family stability.

Through this school‑based program, eligible families in Kansas City Public Schools, Grandview School District, Center School District, and Hickman Mills C‑1 School District, along with district employees, can receive free legal help in a wide range of areas, including:

• Landlord/Tenant Law and eviction defense
• Public and subsidized housing issues
• Foreclosure prevention
• Family law and guardianships
• Domestic violence protection
• Healthcare access
• Food Stamps (SNAP), TANF, and SSI benefits
• Consumer matters, such as car titles, loans, and bankruptcy
• Tax Law Clinic assistance
• Unemployment benefits denials

Justice in the Schools focuses on removing legal barriers so families can stay housed, safe, and financially stable—helping students stay focused and successful in school.

Families who need assistance or want to learn more can contact the Justice in the Schools Legal Clinic at 816‑474‑6750, ext. 0465 or visit kclinc.org/justiceintheschools.

This program is supported by Legal Aid of Western Missouri in partnership with LINC, the Legal Services Corporation, and participating school districts—working together to strengthen families and communities.

KCPS Cares – Easy Guide for Families

Kansas City Public Schools has helpful tools and resources for you and your family.
Use the QR codes to get information quickly on your phone.

📱 Know Your Rights App

Learn what your rights are as a student and family.
Scan the QR code for iPhone or Android.

🏘️ Community Resources

Find help with food, housing, clothing, transportation, and more.

🧠 Mental Health Resources

Get support for stress, emotions, counseling, and overall mental well‑being.

🪪 Know Your Rights Card

A small card that explains your basic rights.
Scan to download it to your phone.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Preparedness Plan

A simple plan to help your family stay safe and prepared in emergencies.

🔗 Need More Info?

Visit: www.kcpublicschools.org/families
Email: kcps_cares@kcpublicschools.org

Paseo alumni are living proof that our students’ potential extends far beyond our school walls. Through hard work, growth, and determination, they continue to shape their futures and inspire the next generation. Each week, we celebrate an alumnus/a whose journey reminds us what’s possible.

The Paseo Baile is BACK! Please join us in celebrating Latin music and culture at the 3rd Annual Paseo Baile, a dance featuring Latin music of all genres! We’re thrilled to invite all Paseo families to join us in enjoying light appetizers, a DJ, awards for best dancers (novice and expert!), piñatas, a community art project, and more! See you Thursday, May 14th from 6:00pm-9:00pm!

• Tickets go on sale this Friday during students’ lunch hour

• $5 ($7 at the door) per person

• Family must enter with their student/s and family under 11 enter for free

• Student Dates who do not attend Paseo must submit a signed guest form from the office and be under 18 years of age

¡El Paseo Baile está de VUELTA! Acompáñenos a celebrar la música y la cultura latina en el 3.er Paseo Baile Anual-- ¡un evento de baile que presenta música latina de todos los géneros! ¡Nos entusiasma invitar a todas las familias de Paseo a unirse a nosotres para disfrutar de aperitivos ligeros, un DJ, premios para los mejores bailarines (¡tanto principiantes como expertos!), piñatas, un proyecto artístico comunitario y mucho más! ¡Los esperamos el jueves 14 de mayo, de 6:00 p. m. a 9:00 p. m.!

• Las entradas saldrán a la venta este viernes durante la hora del almuerzo de los estudiantes.

• $5 por persona ($7 en la puerta).

• Las familias deben ingresar acompañadas de su(s) estudiante(s); los niños menores de 11 años entran gratis.

• Los acompañantes de los estudiantes que no asistan a Paseo deben presentar un formulario de invitado firmado por la oficina y ser menores de 18 años de edad.

Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts is excited to welcome our incoming Freshman Class of 2030!

Hello Paseo Families!

My name is Ms. Carla, and I am the Family and Community Engagement Liaison (FaCE) here at Paseo Academy. Most of our incoming freshmen already know me, but for those who don’t, I’m excited to officially introduce myself. This will be my second year at Paseo Academy, and I look forward to supporting our students and families during this exciting transition to high school.

I would like to personally invite you and your family to attend Freshman Night, an informative and engaging evening designed to help you feel prepared and confident for the upcoming school year.

📅 Monday, May 18, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Main Auditorium & Cafeteria
🏫 Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts
📍 4747 Flora Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

What to Expect:

• Presentation in the auditorium from 5:00–6:00 PM
• ICAP & 4-Year Course Plan review
• School-specific overview of programs, supports, and 9th-grade success strategies
• Important content alignment information including sports eligibility, credits and graduation requirements, attendance and discipline, and academic pathways

Freshman Night is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet staff, and learn what it means to be a Paseo Pirate. We can’t wait to welcome you!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
📧 chubbar1@kcpublicschools.org

I look forward to seeing you there!

🎬🎶 A Night at the Cinema 🎶🎬

The Paseo Academy Music Department proudly presents A Night at the Cinema!

Join us for an exciting evening of movie-inspired music featuring: 🎷 Paseo’s Jazz Band

🎻 Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Orchestras
🎺 Concert Band
🎼 Symphonic Ensemble

📅 Thursday, May 7
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Paseo Academy Auditorium

Directed by Mrs. Garber, Mr. Gjovig, and Mr. Thornton

Bring your family, friends, and school spirit and enjoy a cinematic night of music performed by our talented students. We can’t wait to see you there!

Special Invitation:

We are also excited to welcome our new Principal, Mr. Patterson, who will be attending the concert. Mr. Patterson would love the opportunity to greet families and introduce himself. He will be available in the lobby beginning at 5:30 PM, prior to the concert.

We hope you can join us for an evening of great music and community connection.

The Kansas City Health Department is offering a series of free CPR and safety training events throughout May, and Paseo Academy staff, students, and families are encouraged to attend.

These hands‑on events are open to the public and focus on teaching practical, lifesaving skills for both people and pets. Trainings are provided by Basic Life Support and supported by Fire/EMT personnel and community partners.

What Participants Will Learn

Attendees can take part in interactive training and demonstrations, including:

• CPR Training
• Stop the Bleed
• Pet CPR
• EpiPen Demonstrations

Event Schedule

All events run from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

• Saturday, May 2
  Mohart Center
  3200 Wayne Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64109

• Saturday, May 16
  Northland Neighborhoods Inc. (NNI)
  5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64119

• Saturday, May 30
  Hillcrest Community Center
  10401 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134

Spanish interpretation will be available. For additional language support, participants may email OLA@kcmo.org or call (816) 513‑1030 by April 24.

Learning how to respond in emergencies can save lives. We encourage our Paseo community to take advantage of this valuable and free opportunity.

Intro to Theatre I and II Showcase

May 5th, 2026

Doors open at 5:30pm

Showcase begins at 6:00pm

Recital Hall

No Charge (Donations Welcome)

Students, Families, and Community Members are welcome!

Join us for the Theatre I & II Showcase as our students bring two energetic, fast‑paced comedies to the stage. Theatre I presents Check Please, a hilarious look at the chaos of modern dating, while Theatre II performs 8 Ways to Survive the End of the World, a rapid‑fire collection of outrageous survival strategies for every apocalyptic scenario imaginable. It’s an evening of creativity, comedy, and student talent you won’t want to miss.

Middle School Theatre Performance

May 19th, 2026

Doors open at 5:30pm

Show begins at 6:00pm

Recital Hall

No Charge (Donations Welcome)

Students, Families, and Community Members are welcome!

Get ready for a hilarious night of middle‑school mayhem as our young performers take on 9 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse. This fast‑paced comedy offers a collection of outrageous, over‑the‑top strategies for staying alive when zombies take over. With big characters, bold choices, and plenty of laughs, it’s a performance that showcases the creativity and energy of our middle school theatre students.

🎉 You’re Invited to Paseo Academy’s Legendary Fashion Experience! 🎉

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Paseo Academy Fashion & Costume Design Department presents LEGENDARY — our first-ever open‑air fashion showcase!

📅 Friday, May 8
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Historic Paseo Stairs
4747 Flora Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

Experience bold, original designs as we transform an iconic landmark into a powerful, elevated runway.

🎟 Admission:

• $5 for students
• $10 for adults

Come celebrate creativity, talent, and style while supporting our student designers. You don’t want to miss this legendary fashion moment!

Paseo Academy students interested in becoming teachers are encouraged to explore the KCPS Grow Your Own (GYO) Program. This opportunity provides access to college courses, dual‑credit options, real‑world learning experiences, community service hours, and industry‑recognized credentials. Students who successfully complete the program may attend UMKC tuition‑free to earn their teaching certification and receive an Intent to Hire from Kansas City Public Schools.
For more information, contact GYO@kcpublicschools.org.

At Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), we know that student success is deeply connected to family and community involvement. This Family Engagement Dashboard highlights the many ways our schools partner with families and communities to build strong, supportive environments for learning.

Compiled by Family and Community Engagement (FaCE) Liaisons at each school, this dashboard offers a transparent look at how we connect with families—from parent leadership meetings to home visits, school events, and local partnerships. It’s a celebration of the hard work happening every day across our district to make sure families feel welcomed, informed, and empowered.