Staff Newsletter - 04.16.10

Students see fruits of their labor in quilt-form
Nicole Kelley, The Chieftain

Yells of "thank you!" echoed through the halls of the Bonner Springs Head Start building Thursday as the students got to see their artwork turned into masterpieces. Two members of the Senior Center - Twila Williams and Jean Bush - visited the students to show off what became of a new partnership between two different age groups.

Back in November, each Head Start student decorated a small block of fabric. Designs ranged from drawings of family members to interpretations of what they're most thankful for in life. The blocks, with each student's name printed in big letters, were then turned over to the Senior Center, where a committee of members, led by Williams and Bush, turned the blocks into quilts. "It was a great partnership," said Head Start teacher Tammy Griffin.

A quilt was made for each of the four classrooms and was trimmed in the color - either red, blue, yellow or green - that was given as a name to each room at the beginning of the year. Griffin said the partnership between the Senior Center and Head Start started because the students were working on a unit about quilts. Learning about the different types of quilts and what they can represent led Head Start teachers to the idea of the students creating their own versions of the art they were seeing in pictures.

As the idea developed, Griffin said she realized she was in need of expert sewers and asked the Senior Center for its assistance. Not only did she find a skill she needed for the project, but Griffin said working together in groups is an important lesson the Head Start program tries to instill in its students. "We talk about coming together as a group because we can see just how much we can accomplish as a team," she said.

Both groups said Thursday they would like the partnership to continue in the future and branch out into other areas. "I just love kids," Bush said. "I get such an enjoyment out of it. Sometimes seniors get lonely but volunteer work helps with that loneliness and seeing kids always makes it better." Williams said the Senior Center likes to be involved with youths in the community and feel a sense of accomplishment when giving back. "We do the scholarships for the high-schoolers," Williams said, "but I think we have a better relationship with the little ones because they're easier to please."

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Bonner Springs Senior Center members Jean Bush, right, and Twila Williams show off a quilt they made for a group of Head Start students. The students each drew a picture on a fabric square and then a committee of Senior Center members turned the squares into a quilt that was given to each Head Start classroom. Photo by Nicole Kelley.

Delaware Ridge Elementary would like to invite you to a reception in honor of Ms. Jackie Rickert's 36 year dedication to teaching as she retires at the end of this school year. The reception will be at DRE in the cafeteria on Thursday, May 27 from 3:30-4:30 pm.

For more information please contact our school x1500

Wyandotte County Master Gardeners
Annual Plant Sale - Flowers, Herbs, Tomatoes, Peppers
April 30 and May 1 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
79th and State Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas
Call 913-299-9300 for details

I will be providing summer child care again this summer! If you need someone to watch your children between the dates of June 1st - July 30, the charge is only $20/child/day and I will provide lunch and a snack. Please email Beth French or call 913.375.5509 if you are interested.

WIZARDS HOST SOCCER DAY 5K FOR AUTISM SPEAKS:

The Kansas City Wizards have teamed with the Kansas City Soccer Foundation for the first annual Soccer Day 5K. The race will benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of autism and securing funding for research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for the disorder.

"We are extremely excited to be a part of the Soccer Day 5K - It will do wonders for awareness and will provide proceeds that help our research and advocacy," said Jennifer Smith-Currier, Midwest Regional Walk Director for Autism Speaks. "The Wizards players have been so supportive of the autism community over the last few years, and we feel privileged to be a part of their community spirit once again."

Registration is now open for the race, which will take place on Saturday, May 15 in the Village West neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. The race will start at 8 a.m. outside of Community America Ballpark. Those who act now will get a discount on registration. The cost is $25 for those that register between now and April 18th.

Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, a complimentary general admission ticket to that night's Kansas City Wizards game against the Chicago Fire at Community America Ballpark and food and drinks following the race. Race participants will also have the option to purchase additional game tickets at a discount. All registered participants and volunteers will be helping raise money for Autism Speaks and the Kansas City Soccer Foundation.

To register, go to http://www.sportkc.com/sportkc.aspx?pgID=866&event_id=368

It would be great to represent USD 204 getting families and students involved that day!

If you have any questions, please contact Tierney Thompson .

Attention Spring cleaners! As you go through your children's toys, games, and DVD's please remember the District childcare. We would appreciate any donations.
Thanks,
Childcare staff Are you spring cleaning?

USD 204 Safety Driving Competition team is having a fund raiser to compete at state competition. We will be having a fund raising garage sale to help fund these expenses April 17. We are accepting cash donations and donated goods at the bus barn. You can drop them off any time between 6am-5pm thru April 17 or we will pick up if needed. Contact 913-956-1153 for Dustin Arnett or 913-915-5153 for Debbie Elmer for more information.

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