The Pirate Report (10/20-10/26)

Belton High School Families,

We are thankful for a successful first quarter! Thank you for your support to BHS. Please use the information below to stay up-to-date.

Through this newsletter, The Pirate Report, we will share updates, important dates and information, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. Prior newsletters will be linked at the bottom of the page.

Thank you,

Mr. Kensinger

High School Principal

Freshman:

The Freshmen Class will participate in College Campus Tours. Students will have the opportunity to visit one of six college campuses in the Kansas City area. Students will travel by bus and have lunch provided. The goal of the trip is for students to see college campuses and explore different possibilities for post-high school life. Permission slips were sent home with students during Seminar class. Permission slips must be returned completed to their Seminar teacher by 10/24. Email Dr. Adkins if you have any questions.

Sophomores/Juniors:

October 29th is a full day of school (7:39-2:45).

During the AM, students will participate in a Pre-Act (Sophomores) or Practice Act (Juniors).

During the PM, students will eat lunch and attend intervention time to make up missing assignments or incentive time to celebrate first quarter.

Seniors:

We are pleased to offer our senior students an opportunity to be excused from school for their Senior Exploration Day on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This day is designed to help students explore post-secondary plans. Suggested activities include: campus visits, work on scholarship or college applications, job interviews, job shadowing experiences. Students will be marked present from school on this day but must have this permission form signed by a parent or guardian in order to participate and receive their attendance. Please complete the Senior Exploration Day Permission Slip and have your senior return it to their anchor teacher by November 5, 2025. Students who do not turn in this form will receive an unexcused absence for 10/29. Late forms will not be accepted.

BHS is pleased to announce two upcoming events for seniors and their parents/guardians.

These events are designed to provide important information and support as students prepare for their next steps beyond high school. This is a great opportunity for students, parents and guardians to learn specific steps to help students navigate post-secondary planning. Parents of seniors are encouraged to attend.

BHS College Prep Night

October 23, 2025 5:30pm

BHS Performing Arts Center

College Prep Night Topics will include:

• Preparing for college

• Senior year timeline

• Choosing a college

• Scholarships and financial aid information

• A+ Program

• College entrance exams (ACT)

This workshop is designed to provide hands-on assistance to students and families as they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid experts will be available to help answer questions and guide families through the application process.

By completing the FAFSA, you can unlock federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including:

• Grants

• Scholarships (completion of the FAFSA is required for the A+ Scholarship)

• Work-Study opportunities

• Student loans

What to bring

To make the process as smooth as possible, please come prepared with the following items:

• Your student and their MacBook

• FSA IDs: Your student and any contributors (parent or guardian) must each create an FSA ID at least three days before the event. This is your username and password for federal student aid websites. Create your FSA ID here: studentaid.gov

• Social Security Numbers: Your student's and any required contributors' Social Security Numbers.

• Records of income: Federal income tax returns (IRS Form 1040), W-2 Forms, and other records of money earned for the relevant tax year.

• Records of other untaxed income: Such as child support received, interest income, or veterans non-education benefits.

• Information on assets: This includes cash, savings, checking account balances, investments, real estate (not including your primary residence), and business or farm assets.

• Driver's license number (if you have one).

• A list of the colleges your student is considering applying to.

FAFSA WORKSHOP

October 29, 2025 5pm - 7pm

BHS Library

Contact information

If you have any questions, please contact the Belton High School Counseling Office at bhscounseling@bsd124.org or 816-489-7514

• Students driving and parking on campus must purchase a BHS Parking Pass
• Student drivers cannot allow other students to ride in their vehicle during the school day
• All traffic laws must be obeyed
• Students not abiding by the expectations and traffic laws will be subject to a disciplinary referral and/or driving privileges being revoked

• Do you know the requirements for graduation? 26 credits.
• Do you know how many credits your student currently has? Ask your counselor or academy assistant principal to print you a work copy of your transcript to review.
• See below for senior important dates and information.

BHS Theatre presents "Disney's Descendants" November 6-8th at 7pm and November 9th at 2pm in the Belton High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at our.show/descendants25.

“Be our guest for a wickedly good time!” as Belton High School Theatre presents Disney's Descendants. Disney’s Descendants: The Musical brings the children of Disney’s most notorious villains—Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos—to Auradon Prep, where they must choose between following in their parents’ footsteps or discovering the power of friendship and goodness. Featuring hit songs from the Disney Channel films, it’s a fun, high-energy adventure for the whole family!"

• Students must maintain 90% attendance to be eligible for course credit.
• When students fall below 90% attendance, they must complete make up sessions in Student Success Center (SSC).
• Students who do not complete their make up sessions may be assigned No Credits (NCs) on their transcript. See Student Handbook.
• Attendance checks every 30 days. Make up sessions assigned if below 90% attendance.
• Must have 90% overall attendance (per semester)

• Monday-Thursday 3:00-4:15 PM in Room 412/414
• Saturdays 9:00 AM-3:00 PM (dates TBD)
• Activity bus available @ 4:15 PM
• After school snack provided
• Math tutoring available

Consider putting together a team for the Turkey Bowl! See information on the school website.

Under the new policy, no personal device can be used by students at any point in the school day, from arrival to dismissal. This includes passing periods and lunch time. This rule applies to “personal electronic communication devices."

This update ensures BSD #124 is in alignment with a Missouri law that was recently passed, Senate Bill 68, Section 162.207. Students can keep their device with them, but it must be out of sight and cannot be used at any time.

However, there is an exception to this rule in case of emergencies, or for some other special circumstances. Our school handbook has been updated to reflect the changes, please take some time to familiarize yourself with our policies: beltonschools.org/family.

Please join us in embracing the new policy and help make our classrooms places of deep learning where all students can concentrate.