The Pirate Report (8/4-8/10)

Belton High School Families,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the final days of summer. My name is Mr. Kensinger and I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Belton High School. It is with great excitement that I join this incredible community, and I look forward to working together to make this school year a meaningful and successful one for all our students. As an educator I believe deeply in the power of strong relationships, high expectations, and a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.

This year, we’re embracing the motto as our vision for Belton High School: One ship. One CREW. The principles of CREW are Character, Respect, Excellence, and Worth. We will work to use these principles in what we do to navigate toward our common goal: the growth and achievement of our students. This year, the entire BHS team will commit to supporting all students using the principles of CREW.

The team here at Belton High School will work toward building a strong and inclusive school culture that will support academic growth for every student. At BHS this year, we will strongly encourage and promote communication and collaboration between school and home.

I know that starting a new year brings both excitement and questions — especially in the first few weeks. Please know that my door is always open. I welcome your thoughts, your feedback, and your partnership.

Through this newsletter, The Pirate Report, we will send out updates, important dates and information, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.

Please read the newsletter below for important information about the upcoming week and back-to-school.

I look forward to meeting you and your student very soon. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

With great excitement,

Mr. Kensinger

High School Principal

• This year we will host orientations for each academy.
• Orientations will begin with a presentation from Administration at the start time.
• After the presentation, students will be able to pick up schedules, fill out forms, purchase a parking pass, and pick up their device.
• 9th grade students will have the opportunity to walk their schedule.
• Classrooms will be closed during orientation.
• Please plan to attend orientation evening for your academy.
• These nights will take the place of Open House at the HS this year.
• Parent/Teacher Conferences will be October 23rd and 29th. More information will be sent beginning in late September.

Expectations

• Students driving to and parking at Belton High School or any of the Belton School District properties must have a parking pass registered with the school district.
• It is the responsibility of the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) to notify the school when a student begins to drive to school.

Procedure

• Review the Student Parking/Driving Policies & Procedures
• Complete the BHS Student Driving/Parking Application
• After the application has been verified and approved by the BHS office, a $40 charge will be placed on the student's account. (Students can pay the fee online on MySchoolBucks.)
• Parking passes will be enforced beginning August 25th.

Timeline

• Seniors Only (Can come early to purchase and pick out parking space.)
• Tuesday 8/12, Senior Spot Day from 12:45-2:45 PM (Option 1)
• Wednesday 8/13, Senior Spot Day from 9:00-11:00 AM (Option 2)
• All Grades
• Visit table at Orientation night and purchase and pick out parking space.

Reminders:

• You cannot purchase a parking space until the BHS Student Driving/Parking Application has been completed and approved.
• Students may not have other students in their vehicle at anytime during the school day, including when driving to/from Yeokum. Violating this policy will be an automatic suspension from driving on school grounds.

On May 13, 2025, the Missouri Legislature passed Senate Bill 68, a new law requiring all public schools to limit student cell phone use during the school day. This includes passing periods and lunch. The law aims to reduce distractions and improve student engagement.

Belton High School will implement a building-wide Personal Device Policy beginning on the first day of school. This policy is to help students maintain an instructional focus and enhance their learning experience. Cell phones and all personal communication devices (smart-watches, tablets, earbuds, headphones, speakers, etc.) will not be allowed beginning at the first bell until the last bell (7:39-2:45). Students must store all personal devices in backpacks, and ensure they are powered off from bell-to-bell.

Using a personal device as a substitute for a MacBook that is either forgotten or not charged is NOT permitted.

Assistive medical devices will follow regular procedures with the nurse’s office.

Arrival Times

• Bus Riders: will be dropped off at Door #1 (Main Entrance). Doors will open at 7:15 AM and students will remain in the commons until 7:25.
• Car Riders: should be dropped off at Door #5 (East Entrance by baseball fields). Doors will open at 7:25 AM. Please do not drop students off early.
• Student Drivers: must park in assigned parking space and enter at Door #20 (Fieldhouse Entrance). Doors will open at 7:25 AM.

Dismissal Time

• The last block of the day ends at 2:45 PM.
• Students should be off campus or waiting outside for their bus/ride by 2:55 PM.
• After 2:55 PM, students must be under the supervision of BHS Staff for a sanctioned purpose (event, practice, game, tutoring, student success center, etc.)
• Parents/Guardians contacting attendance office to dismiss their student must do so prior to 2:30. After 2:30, the student will be dismissed at 2:45 by the bell.