News and Events

"Great things that are happening in PDS and in our schools"

PDS Executive Council welcomes its new members for the 2009-2010 school year:
- Karen Jorgenson, KU faculty and Central Jr. High Liaison
- Jennifer Clarkson, math teacher and former KU intern, Central Jr. High
- Deb Martin, 4th grade teacher, Starside Elementary
- Carla Max, 2nd grade teacher, Merriam Park Elementary
- Tom Petz, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, KCK
KU PDS hosted its first PDS Community Building and Kick-Off Event on Monday, October 19 from 4:30-6:30 at Starside Elementary. This successful gathering provided the opportunity for the many participants of the KU PDS Alliance to meet and learn valuable information about the PDS internship experience. Those in attendance at the event included: KU interns, clinical supervisors, PDS site representatives, administrators, collaborative class faculty, and KU PDS liaisons.

JC Harmon High welcomes their new principal, Sylvia Parra, and is pleased to have 10 teachers who are ESL endorsed, with 8 more expected to earn their ESL endorsement this year.

Argentine Middle School is extremely excited to have made AYP in both reading and math, and the school continues to strengthen their programs with assistance of three new consultants this year: Marilyn Alt from KU in math, Mary Capellini with ESL support, and Monica Nance in Reading.

CJHS made the Standard of Excellence Schoolwide and for 7th grade Reading
CJHS had an outstanding after-school program EDGE—Engaging Diversity, Gaining Experience.
CJHS in now a Title school providing extra support for students in reading and math.

New Stanley is expanding the technology available in its classrooms. They now have six new Smartboards with five more on the way. New Stanley has also added several document cameras and clickers. The students and teachers love the new technology!

Starside has been honored with the Kansas Green School Award. Their whole building is fully embracing the reduce, reuse, and recycle them. They have seen a significant decrease in the amount of trash being thrown away and even focus on reusing items before recycling.
Starside is excited about their 21st Century grant programs. They have Spanish classes open to all students, Chess Club for third through fifth grades, choir for fourth and fifth grades, running club for fourth and fifth grade, and Sparkle tutoring for grades two through five.

Pinckney's PTO is initiating a community project that benefits the Pinckney family as well. The 6th street tunnel that serves as a crosswalk for a lot of our families will be turned into a light and sound installation designed by KU Art students. The fundraising is beginning now. Stay tuned for more information.

Merriam Park made AYP in reading and Math. They reached the standard of excellence in Reading-3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade and Building Level; Math-3rd & 6th grades & Building Level in Science.
Merriam Park students contributed over $1,500 for the building United Way Drive.
Fourth Graders became “Energy Vampires”. In conjunction with the city of Merriam, students searched their homes for electronics that used electricity. Mrs. Whittaker’s fourth grade took first place.
Well attended Parent Teacher conferences were held in October.