Letter From Principal
Hello JSOC and Beyond the Bell Families,
Happy New Year! I know that sounds a little odd this time of the year, but that is what we are actually celebrating! It is the time of year that have an opportunity to start fresh with a new school year. So let me be the first to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. The district theme this year is "Every Student Every Day!” Journey has added 100% to the district theme. We believe that if we all strive for 100%, nothing can stand in our way of the ultimate goal of graduation!!! The Journey staff is eager to provide motivating and challenging opportunities so that each student can meet their academic goals and become a positive, contributing member of our school and community. We promise to work fervently as we care for the safety of all who enter the building. We share in the belief of the TUSD Mission Statement: Achieving success by expecting the best from everyone.
The building social media tag is #JSOCStrong. We grow stronger as we move toward the future. We will center our weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly challenges and celebrations around this idea of students actively engaging in daily learning and moving full steam ahead in their dreams and endeavors!
We are excited to welcome the fantastic returning staff of Mrs. Cano, Mr. McCullagh, Ms. Stump, Mr. Weir, Ms. Vanderpool, Mrs. Ramsey, Mr. Thrash, Mr. Baker, and Mrs. Keith each of whom has worked to make Journey the great place that it is. Please welcome new staff members; Ms. Bianco (PE), Ms. Hendrickson (Social Work), and Mrs. Gibson, (Special Education). They share the same passion for student growth in all areas as our current staff.
A big part of making this such a great place is the partnership between Journey and you, the families we serve. We are all committed to listening to and learning from those that make up the Journey Community. One of the ways that we will be strengthening this partnership is through our PTSA. This group is comprised of students, staff, parents and community members. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to the JSOC office.
The staff works to ensure we establish a firm foundation for Journey and Beyond the Bell, as we strive to improve with every step. We are dedicated to challenging ourselves and making this school and the programs we participate in even more successful. Your continued support is necessary for this to happen. I am looking forward to another great year!
Thank you for playing such an important role in the education of our students!
Dr. Rena A. Duewel
Gretchen Gibson | TUERNER/STEP Room
Hi, my name is Gretchen Gibson. This will be my sixth year in the Turner district. For the past five years, I have taught at the high school in Special Education. I am excited to join the Journey Team, I will be in the Turner room and helping throughout the building as needed. I am very happy, to be at Journey, and looking forward to the school year.
LAURA BIANCO | PHYSICAL EDUCATION
I’m Laura Bianco and I hail from Wichita. This will be my 11th year teaching Physical Education in Kansas. I enjoy running and drinking coffee- not necessarily at the same time! I’m a Red Sox fan, but will always root for the Royals (except when they play Boston). I love sitcoms, and frequently quote them. I have a large collection of stickers and Funko Pops. I also love shoes.
LAUREN MACOMBER | NURSE
My name is Lauren Macomber RN, BSN, and am starting my 6th year of school nursing. Prior to being a school nurse, I worked in pediatric home health and labor/delivery. I live in Mission with my 12 year old son and our menagerie of pets (a dog, cat, chicken, 2 rats, and 2 fish). I have an AAS in Nursing from JCCC and a BSN from Western Governors University. My loves - the mountains, my garden, all animals big and small, antiquing, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I’m also a kitten foster mom. I look forward to being your school nurse and working with families to keep our students healthy and ready to learn!
Suzie Hendrickson | SOCIAL WORKER
A little about me…This will be my 17th year as a school social worker and my 7th year in Turner. Up until this year I have been at the Sixth Grade Academy. Outside of school I have 2 sons, a cat, and 2 chickens that take up most of my time in the best ways💙. I began my career in an alternative school, and that setting has always been in my heart, so I am incredibly happy to be at Journey this year!
Journey School of Choice
Email: canomi@turnerusd202.org
Website: https://www.turnerusd202.org/our-schools/journey-school-of-choice
Location: 2540 Junction Road, Kansas City, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 288-3690
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneySchoolofChoice/
Twitter: @JourneySoc