School Hours

Office Hours: 8a-5p

School Hours: 9:10a-4:10p

Arrival/Breakfast: 8:50-9:10a

**Please do not drop off students before 8:50a. Students eating breakfast should report to the cafeteria between 8:50-9:10a.

Dismissal: 4:10p

**We will begin helping students make it to their dismissal locations at 3:55p.

Contact Information

Address: 5704 NW Northwood Road, Kansas City, MO 64151

School Phone: 816-359-4360

Technology Support: 816-359-5000

Principal: Jason Pope Assistant Principal: Lynsey Peck

Counselor: Mandy Frayer Social Worker: Sidney Thomas

Office Staff: Dianna Kernel and Jordan Meals

Nurse: Cassie Grantham

December 23rd-January 3rd: Winter Break

January 6th: PTA Meeting, 6:30-8p

January 10th: First Friday

January 10th: PTA Skate Night @River Roll State Center, 5:30-7:30p

January 14th: Fire Drill @10:20a

January 14th: DEIB Council Coalition @Lead Innovation Studio, 5:30-7:30p

Research shows a direct relationship between school attendance, academic achievement and success in school. The state’s Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP6) expectation for public school attendance is 90% or above. We are striving to ensure that at least 90% of students are here at least 90% of the time.

See below for the percentage of students per grade that meet the goal of being at school 90% of the time during the week of December 16th-20th.

Kindergarten: 64 out of 78 or 82% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%.
1st Grade: 88 out of 106 or 83% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%.

2nd Grade: 68 out of 82 or 83% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%.

3rd Grade: 69 out of 85 or 81% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%.

4th Grade: 82 out of 96 or 85% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%.
5th Grade: 69 out of 92 or 75% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%.
School: 440 out of 539 or 82% of students have a rate of attendance that is at least 90%

Parents,

Keep an eye out for a special surprise coming home. 📚✨ Kids will be bringing home FREE skating passes to enjoy during the holiday break, thanks to their amazing teachers! 🎄🛼

This gift is a perfect way for your kids to stay active, have fun, and make great memories during the holidays. Be sure to check out River Roll's special holiday skating times – plenty of opportunities to roll into some festive fun!

Stay tuned for updates and schedules on their website or social media. We want everyone to enjoy this opportunity with your family at River Roll Skate Center! ❤️🎅

#FreeSkatingPass #HolidayFun #FamilyTime #StayActive #RiverRollSkateCenter

We are excited to kick off One School, One Book when we return from winter break. This is a great opportunity to bring our entire school community together through the shared experience of reading the same book. We will kick this off at our first Fridays assembly on January 10th. The title of the book will be revealed at the assembly. Throughout the month of January into February there will be engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement among students, parents, and staff. The book, and activity calendar will come home with students on January 10th as well. Each family will receive one copy of the book. If you have multiple children at Southeast, it will be sent home with the oldest child. Every student will receive a calendar with more information.

Throughout the program there will be themed dress-up days, book discussions and projects all centered around our chosen book. This is a wonderful opportunity to foster a love of reading, build a sense of community, and encourage lifelong learning.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic journey! Let’s come together to celebrate the joy of reading and make One School, One book a memorable experience for everyone.

Look for more information in the newsletter when we return from winter break.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Jenny Johnson @ johnsonjen@parkhill.k12.mo.us.

This year we are making two changes in our building related to Valentines Parties. The first change is that we are moving our spring parties away from February 14. This year, our spring parties will be on Thursday, March 20. In keeping with this change, we will not be exchanging valentines at Southeast. We understand that holidays are very important to our entire community. We will continue our practice of recognizing holidays at school without celebrating holidays. There are many opportunities for students to participate in holiday celebrations with their families, community groups or friends outside of school. While we are at school, we will focus on creating opportunities that all students will be able to enjoy without the need for students to opt out of activities. We thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

Everything you need to know about AMI days and snow days can be found on the Park Hill School District website below.

AMI Days, Snow Days and Late Starts

In December, we join people all over the world in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This special day reminds us of the importance of making our school and community welcoming and accessible to everyone. It's a time to learn about the unique talents and abilities of people with different challenges, and to think about ways we can be kinder and more inclusive in our everyday lives. We will celebrate the power of diversity and the strength that comes from working together.

Celebrating Diversity: Honoring Traditions and Celebrations Around the World

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to celebrate the diversity of traditions within our school community. This time of year is about unity, compassion, and the spirit of giving, and we believe that every family’s unique traditions should be honored and celebrated.

Below, you'll find information about some of the largest holidays around the world, along with a variety of books and songs you can incorporate into your family’s holiday season.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration observed from December 26 to January 1, honoring African American culture, heritage, and community values. Kwanzaa emphasizes the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba), which include unity, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility. During this time, families gather to reflect on these values, light the kinara (candleholder), exchange meaningful gifts, and enjoy traditional foods.

• Books: “Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa” by Donna Washington, “My First Kwanzaa” by Karen Katz, “Together for Kwanzaa” by Juwanda G. Ford, “The People Remember” by Ibi Zoboi, “Seven Days of Kwanzaa” by Melrose Cooper

• Songs: "Kwanzaa Song" by Tom McCants, "The Kwanzaa Song" by 3D Family, "Happy Kwanzaa" by The S.O.S. Band, "Nia" by Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), "Umoja" by The Impressions

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that usually takes place in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days despite there being only enough oil for one. Families celebrate by lighting the menorah, adding one candle each night, and reciting special prayers. Other traditions include playing the dreidel game, exchanging gifts, and enjoying foods fried in oil, like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Hanukkah is a time to gather with family, celebrate Jewish identity, and share in the joy of light and hope.

• Books: "Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story" by Laura Krauss Melmed, "The Miracle of Hanukkah" by Shirley K. Brucker, "Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah" by Tilda Balsley, "Light the Menorah: A Hanukkah Handbook" by Jacqueline Jules, "How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

• Songs: "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel", "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah", "Maoz Tzur" (Rock of Ages), "Sevivon, Sov Sov Sov", "The Latke Song" by Raffi

Christmas

Christmas, observed on December 25th, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and participating in various cultural and religious traditions. Many families celebrate with decorations such as Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes, while others observe through church services or community events. While Christmas traditions vary around the world, the themes of kindness, generosity, and togetherness are common across cultures.

• Books: "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" by Dr. Seuss, "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg, "The Christmas Story" by Jane Werner Watson

• Songs: “Silent Night”, “Joy to the World”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Jingle Bells”, “Deck the Halls”

Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year)

The Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar, celebrated widely in countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Mongolia. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The holiday symbolizes fresh beginnings, family reunion, and prosperity. Traditions include cleaning the house to remove bad luck, sharing a festive reunion dinner, giving red envelopes with money for good fortune, and enjoying lion dances, fireworks, and parades. Special foods like dumplings and sticky rice cakes are enjoyed for luck and prosperity. It's a joyful time for family and cultural celebration.

• Books: "Bringing In the New Year" by Grace Lin, "The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" by Dawn Casey, "Round Is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes" by Roseanne Thong, "Celebrating Chinese New Year" by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith

Songs: "Gong Xi Gong Xi" (恭喜恭喜), "Happy New Year" (新年好), "Chun Jie Yue Yuan" (春节月圆), "The Lion Dance" (舞狮歌), "Cai Shen Dao" (财神到)

First Fridays are new this year at Southeast. On the First Friday of each month, the whole school pauses our normal schedule to work on some of our schoolwide goals. We also work to help each student feel a sense of belonging at Southeast. Each First Friday we have multiple whole school events:

• Schoolwide Assembly- The whole school attends a morning assembly led by student leaders. We celebrate attendance, AVID and PBIS Leaders, and other schoolwide events.

• College and Career Readiness Clubs (CCR Clubs)- Students are placed in different clubs based on their interests. Teachers and school staff lead these clubs for 40 minutes.

• Some of the clubs that kindergarten, first, and second grade students attend are business club, authors and illustrators club, design and building club, and Spanish club.

• Some of the clubs that third, fourth, and fifth grade students attend are jewelry design club, shark tank club, debate club, mystery solvers club, and wilderness conservation club.

• Family Groups- At the end of the day students meet in Family Groups. Each group is led by a staff member. Each group has students from each grade in it. Each family group works on relational capacity and teambuilding activities each month. The goal of family groups is to connect students of all ages and to help students develop a relationship with a staff member they might not have worked with previously. Family groups will stay together year after year, so your child will stay in the same family group as they get older.

• Schoolwide Goal Lessons- We have three main initiatives that we focus on as a school. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), CRE (Culturally Responsive Education). Each First Friday we do lessons with students for each of these initiatives. For example, this month we will be working on the following lessons:

• AVID- Goal setting

• PBIS- Working on strategies to avoid defiance

• CRE- Holidays around the world & Disability Awareness Month

Dear Southeast Superstars Parents and Community Members,

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for our Southeast Superstars – the College and Career Readiness Day on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Event Details:

• Booth Setup: 9:20 AM - 9:50 AM (for 3rd - 5th grade)

• Event Time: 9:55 AM - 12:25 PM (for 3rd - 5th grade)

• Booth Setup: 12:40 PM - 1:00 PM (for K-2 grade)

• Event Time: 1:00 PM - 3:35 PM (K-2nd grade)

We are reaching out to you with a special request: Would you be willing to participate by setting up a booth? You can choose to do either the morning session, the afternoon session, or you may do the whole day. Your insights and experiences can make a significant impact on our students' understanding of various career paths and educational journeys.

What's In It For You:

• Support: We will assist with setup, teardown, and any necessary copies.

• Engagement: Connect with our enthusiastic students and share your knowledge.

• Community Building: Be a part of an event that strengthens our school community.

Your participation will contribute immensely to the success of this event, and we genuinely appreciate your consideration. Please let us know if you're available and interested by December 6, 2024. Please fill out this form with your information, and we will reach out to you.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Southeast Superstars family! We look forward to making College and Career Readiness Day a memorable and enriching experience for our students.

Best regards,

Southeast AVID Team

Mrs. Johnson is sponsoring the Creative Club for K-2 students! She has created an Invest now grant through the Park Hill Education Foundation. If you would like to help Mrs. Johnson acquire materials for her club, please scan the QR code. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Hi!

This is Ms. Thomas, Southeast School Social Worker.

I cannot believe that we are already finished with 1st quarter! I wanted to share another Confidential Resource Checklist with you all that way if your needs have changed since this form was sent home with your kiddo early this year, we can still partner to get you connected to the resources that you need. Fill out this form and I will send home more information regarding the resources that you request.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me by p: 816-359-5847 or e: thomassi@parkhill.k12.mo.us.

I look forward to supporting your family!

Sidney Thomas, LMSW

School Social Worker

Southeast Elementary

816-359-5847

Check out the linked Curriculum Connections below to see what our Superstars will be working on in each subject area during the month of September! We want to share the learning topics at all of the grade levels so that you are familiar with what topics and content are taught this month!

ELA

Math

Social Studies/ Science

Visitors: Visitors are welcome at Southeast! Visits should be prearranged with the appropriate Southeast staff member at least one day in advance of the visit. All visitors must check in at the office, identify the purpose of the visit, and will receive an ID sticker to wear during the visit.

Volunteers: We welcome all volunteers into our schools and classrooms, with prior arrangements made with Southeast staff. All volunteers who work with our students need to complete background screening by Park Hill. Forms for the screening are available here. Volunteers must check in at the office and wear an ID sticker.

Early Student Check-Out: Anytime a student is checked-out, the adult checking the student out must present appropriate ID.

Field Trip Volunteering:

• Any volunteer who will be alone with students must have a full screening, which includes a criminal background check, a check of the child abuse and neglect registry, and a check of the sexual offender registry. Volunteers must complete the paperwork found here. Please submit all paperwork to Park Hill School District Central Office.

• Any volunteer that plans to attend a field trip with students must have a full screening completed which includes the above information.
• If you completed a background check with Park Hill before March 2020, you must do it again, because the earlier screening process did not include the criminal background check.
• If you completed the full screening last year, you will NOT need to do it again.
• All volunteers must read and agree to the rules in our policy and procedure, and each volunteer will sign in and reaffirm the rules each time they arrive at a school to volunteer.
• The district will receive updates if a volunteer’s screening status changes. Someone’s volunteer status can change at any time.

• The district must pay a fee of $42.75 for each background check, as required by the state. If you would like to donate to help defray this expense, please enclose a check made out to the Park Hill School District for this amount with your screening form. This donation is not required.

The screening process can take up to two weeks or longer, depending on the time of year. Please be aware of this when submitting your application in anticipation of volunteering for specific events.

We understand the desire to send students to school with cell phones and smart watches. Please see the important passage from our Park Hill Parent-Student Handbook below regarding their use during the school day (p.48):

Personal electronic devices are not permitted to be used during the school day. Students must place their personal electronic devices in the designated location established by the classroom teacher and/or school administration. Such devices must be turned off or placed on silent mode to avoid disrupting the learning environment.

Students will be asked to turn off these devices and stow them in their backpacks upon entry to the school and through the school day. Thank you for your support with maintaining our educational environment.

Parents can purchase additional insurance protection for accidents that may occur during school classes and while students are away from school, at home, during weekends and vacation periods, including the summer months. For information regarding this optional coverage, visit www.kidguardinsurance.com for additional benefit and on-line enrollment information.

The PTA of the Park Hill School District runs a clothing center that provides free, gently used clothing and new socks and underwear to district students.

The PTA Clothing Center serves all Park Hill School District students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and the PTA asks you to bring some proof that you are enrolled in a Park Hill school. This could be a student ID, bus pass, dated letter from a principal or social worker, class schedule or enrollment form.

Donations are welcome at the Clothing Center. Please make sure your donations are clean, in good condition and bagged in kitchen-sized bags that the volunteers can lift.

2024-2025 Park Hill PTA Clothing Center Shopping Dates

• August 20th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• September 3rd and 17th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• October 1st and 15th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• November 5th and 19th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• December 3rd and 17th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• January 7th and 21st: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• February 4th and 18th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• March 4th and 18th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• April 1st and 15th: 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm
• May 6th: 4pm-6pm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, there is tremendous need for 988 services in Missouri.

988 is the three-digit number to call (multiple languages), text or chat (English only) that connects people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental health–related distress. The chat feature is available through the Lifeline’s website. People can use 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Why did the snowman go to therapy? He had a meltdown.

What do you call a snowman on roller skates? Snow-mobile.

Students may bring a birthday treat or favor to school to share with their classmates, as long as they come from our list of treats that contain none of the eight (8) major allergens - milk, wheat, egg, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish.

Thank you for understanding that all classroom treats must come from this list, because we do not have the staff capacity to check for allergens that could threaten the health of some students.

Please bring birthday treats ahead of time (two hours after the start of school, at the latest).

We are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) work in Park Hill. Please use the link below to let us know when you have a comment about DEIB in Park Hill. We will keep this link within the helpful links section of this newsletter throughout the school year for your easy-access.

Park Hill Perspectives

Our employees are the reason we are so successful here in the Park Hill School District, and we would like to recognize them for all they do for our students. That is why we present the Park Hill Star award once a month to a pre-K or elementary teacher, a secondary teacher, and a support employee. Nominations from families are so meaningful to our staff!

We will keep this link within the helpful links section of this newsletter throughout the school year for your easy-access.

Park Hill Star Award Nomination Form

2024-2025 Park Hill School District Calendar

Email, Text, and Social Media for PHSD

Menus for Breakfast/Lunch

Parent Student Handbook

Park Hill Perspectives

Park Hill Star Nomination

School Cafe

You will find several ways to stay up to date on school activities on the Southeast website , Facebook, and newsletters from your child’s teacher. You will also occasionally get an automated email or voicemail message sent to you, by the school, with important information and reminders. We know two-way communication is best, so please feel free to call or email with any questions you may have regarding your child’s education.

Dr. Jason Pope

Principal

PopeJ@parkhill.k12.mo.us

(816)359-6707

Mrs. Lynsey Peck

Assistant Principal

PeckL@parkhill.k12.mo.us

(816)359-5737

Website: https://southeast.parkhill.k12.mo.us/
Location: 5704 Northwest Northwood Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816)359-4360
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Southeast-Elementary-School-Park-Hill-School-District-390510981515939/