Frontier News
December 2024
Enrollment for 2025-26 School Year
Frontier Schools is now accepting new student applications for the 2025-26 school year. The easiest and quickest way to apply is online at frontierschools.org. The application deadline is February 1st, 2025.
Help Us Grow the Frontier Family!🌱
Attention, Frontier families! Enrollment season is here, and we need YOUR help to make it the best yet. Do you have friends, family, or colleagues who would love the Frontier experience? Give them a nudge and let them know we’re open for enrollment!
To sweeten the deal, we’ve got special gifts 🎁 for our amazing parents who help spread the word. We’re talking hats, mugs, tote bags, umbrellas, shirts—you name it! But hurry, these goodies are limited (only 500 available) and will be gone faster than a snow day announcement in January. Don’t wait—grab yours before January 15th, 2025!
Here’s how you can join the fun:
🏡 Yard Sign Love
Swing by any Frontier campus and pick up a yard sign. Proudly display it at your home, snap a photo, and email it to us at communications@frontierschools.org. That’s it!
📲 Social Media Shoutout
Are you a social media superstar? Share our enrollment campaign or post a photo of why YOU love Frontier! Be sure to tag us @frontierschools and use #ApplyFrontier to get your post noticed.
Your support helps us build an even brighter 2025-26 school year. Together, we can make a difference—one family at a time. Thank you for being the heart of Frontier Schools! ❤️
Let’s get those signs out and posts up! Supplies are limited, so don’t delay! 🌟
7th Annual KC STEM FEST
On November 22nd, Frontier Schools proudly hosted the 7th Annual KC STEM FEST, celebrating a remarkable year of innovation and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The event was a resounding success, as students enthusiastically showcased their projects and accomplishments, inspiring peers and attendees alike.
At Frontier, our dedication to advancing STEM education and preparing students for thriving careers in these essential fields remains unwavering. This year, we were honored to present Bayer's KC STEM Outreach Team with the 2024 KC STEM Leader Award, recognizing their outstanding commitment to fostering STEM initiatives in the Kansas City area.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our incredible sponsors, partners, staff, students, and supportive community members. Your contributions were pivotal in making KC STEM FEST a truly impactful event. We are deeply grateful for your continued support!
Bayer's KC STEM Outreach Team Honored with KC STEM Leader Award
On November 22nd, Bayer's KC STEM Outreach Team had the honor of receiving the prestigious KC STEM Leader Award from Frontier Schools. This esteemed accolade signifies our sincere gratitude for Bayer's invaluable contribution to advancing STEM education in Kansas City. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support of Frontier Schools throughout the years.
Bayer Fund Supports Frontier's New Greenhouse Initiative
The Bayer Fund has been a valued partner of Frontier Schools for several years, contributing significantly to the success of projects like the school’s solar car. Recently, the Bayer Fund announced another generous donation to support the construction of a new greenhouse on the Front Street campus.
This greenhouse will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, integrating lessons in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics. Highlighting the impact of this partnership, Superintendent Demircan expressed gratitude to the Bayer Fund and its partner agency, Monsanto. “It is our hope that students gain a deeper understanding of ecosystem sustainability, resource management, and environmental stewardship,” he stated.
Frontier Schools is excited about the opportunities this initiative will offer students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering a passion for science and sustainability.
Foundation Partners Visit Frontier Schools
Health Forward Foundation representatives Kelli Doyle and Kael Martin recently visited Superintendent Demircan and science instructor Chris Kramer to see firsthand the impact of the foundation’s generous support. As part of an ongoing philanthropic partnership, the visit highlighted the foundation’s investment in innovative educational tools at Frontier Schools.
During their visit, the representatives explored the state-of-the-art Anatomage Table, a cutting-edge tool that enables students to engage with life-size 3D simulations of human and animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This interactive technology provides students with a hands-on opportunity to practice procedures in a digital environment, enriching their learning experience.
Superintendent Demircan expressed his appreciation, stating, “The Health Forward Foundation’s commitment to advancing healthcare education for diverse populations aligns seamlessly with our school’s curriculum and the needs of our student community.”
This collaboration underscores the shared vision of fostering equitable access to advanced healthcare education.
VEX IQ Robotics Tournament
November 16th through 17th, six Frontier VEX IQ teams competed at the Reeds Spring tournament, with many students experiencing a robotics competition for the first time. The event proved to be one of the season’s most challenging, setting a high standard for future competitions.
A special thank you to Ms. Demircan, Ms. Basdas, and Ms. Breslin for leading the 26 students who participated, including Aris, Max, Mahir, Mesut, Ipek, Nurdide, Senanur, Nihal, Selma, James, Omar, Rico, Nergis, Samara, Cemal, Sophia, Asuman, Bianca, Meryem, Harry, Terryon, Derreck, Genesis, Umsun, Rabia, and Eqlas.
Our students received praise for their kindness and sportsmanship, and the TechTigers team earned the Excellence Award, the highest honor of the event!
While there were moments of both triumph and learning, our teams demonstrated great teamwork, strategic thinking, and resilience. Four of our teams—TechTigers, Perfect Storm, Queens, and Cuddle Crew—are currently ranked in the top 10 in the state, marking a significant achievement for our robotics program.
District Wide Professional Development
Alumni Thanksgiving Social
On Friday, November 22nd, the Frontier Schools College and Career Department hosted its 9th Annual Alumni Thanksgiving Social. The event featured a delicious meal and an engaging presentation by Alumni Coordinator Catia Montelongo, showcasing the department’s achievements over the past year. Alumni from as far back as the Class of 2012 to recent graduates from last year came together to celebrate and reconnect. This cherished tradition is one we look forward to continuing for many years to come!
NFEF Advisory Board "Friendsgiving" Kick-Off Lunch
On November 22, 2024, the NFEF Advisory Board hosted a successful "Friendsgiving" Kick-Off Lunch following the KC STEM Fest at Frontier Schools Central Office. The event welcomed alumni, board members, and staff to build on the Friends of Frontier program launched last spring. Discussions focused on expanding support through key initiatives, including financial contributions, mentoring, corporate partnerships, and alumni engagement.
Highlights included a discussion with Frontier alumni sharing how the school prepared them for college and careers, as well as a presentation on the Kauffman Real World Learning Grant and its strategic priorities. The group explored integrating AI and real-world learning into the curriculum and discussed ways to support economic mobility in Kansas City. This event laid the groundwork for strengthening the program and enriching opportunities for Frontier students.
FBLA National Fall Leadership Conference
From November 7-9, a group of Frontier High students attended the National Fall Leadership Conference for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) in Columbus, Ohio. They kicked off their trip with a tour of Ohio State University, immersing themselves in the campus of one of the nation’s top-ranked schools.
Throughout the conference, students engaged in diverse workshops, each designed to sharpen essential skills for future business and leadership roles. Highlights included Competent Creative Communication, an interactive session on mastering effective communication; Business World, a hands-on experience in building a business from the ground up; and Dare to Lead, a workshop focused on competitive success within FBLA.
The conference also provided insights into 21st-century business skills with sessions like RuneScape to Silicon Valley, where students explored entrepreneurship and the role of generative AI. They wrapped up with the High School Ethics Summit, where students discussed real-world business ethics with industry leaders.
It was an inspiring event for all, offering invaluable skills and insights that will guide them in their educational and career journeys.
FSI Middle Students Shine at Robotics Tournament!
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! This past weekend, Mrs. Demircan's robotics teams participated in the first tournament of the season at the 4H Kirkwood Robotics VIQRC Tournament—and they swept the top awards!
The Cuddle Crew team earned both the Excellence Award and the Teamwork Championship Award, securing first place in the Teamwork matches. Congratulations to:
- Ipek D., 6th grade
- Nurdide K., 6th grade
- Senanur A., 6th grade
- Nihal C., 6th grade
- Selma E., 5th grade
Our Tech Tigers team also achieved incredible success, placing 3rd overall in the Middle-Elementary blended game and earning the highest score in the Elementary division. They were recognized with the Innovate Award! Congratulations to:
- Cemal G., 5th grade
- James R., 5th grade
- Rico R., 4th grade
- Omar G., 6th grade
Both teams have officially qualified for the State Championship in their first tournament of the season!
We are proud of their hard work, teamwork, and exceptional representation during the event. Well done, students! 🎉
TSA Members Attend Fall Leadership Conference
Our TSA students achieved outstanding success at the Fall Leadership Conference!
- 1st Place – Technology Problem Solving: Iusuf A., Aiden N., Dominic R., Alexis A.
- 2nd Place – Chapter Team Event: Rachel F., Victoria A.
- 3rd Place – Promotional Marketing: Christian Deleon
On November 10-11, FSHS TSA (Technology Student Association) members attended the TSA Fall Leadership Conference, where they gained essential leadership and technical skills to support their future in technology and engineering. Students participated in workshops focused on leadership and communication skills, strategic planning, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within technology and engineering.
Advisors also received specialized training to enhance chapter management, ensuring that our TSA chapter remains strong and effective. The conference wrapped up with sessions on chapter development, leadership frameworks, and a closing awards ceremony.
Thank you for cheering on our TSA members as they bring new insights and skills back to our school community!
FSHS Students Selected as Finalists for KC One Health Day
We’re thrilled to announce that three Frontier STEM High School students—Emma T. (Senior), Angela H. (Senior), and Valeria G. (Sophomore)—were chosen as finalists to present at the KC One Health Day celebration on November 1! This international event celebrates the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, and our students contributed research on the theme "Food as Medicine."
As finalists, they created scientific posters to showcase their research findings, which they presented not only at One Health Day but also at the KC STEM FEST Celebration on November 22 at FSI Middle School. Please join us in congratulating these talented students on their hard work and creativity!
A Cause to Applaud: FSE Falcon Wind Ensemble's First Performance
Congratulations to our talented students who performed in Concert for a Cause on November 2nd, hosted by the George Washington Carver Birthplace Association! This concert marked the debut of the FSE Falcon Wind Ensemble, a select group of dedicated band members who rehearse solely after school hours. Their performance was truly outstanding, showcasing their hard work and commitment to excellence.
We’re proud of these students for their dedication and their remarkable inaugural performance. A special shout-out to band director, Mr. Banks for his guidance and support in bringing this group together!
November Parent Academies
The Parent Academy is a FREE, district-wide initiative that strives to open the lines of communication between home and school by connecting parents to the resources and information needed to support their child's education.
Throughout the year, all campuses will host several Parent Academy events that will consist of educational and inspirational sessions covering a wide variety of topics; including, Conscious Discipline at Home, College Prep and Financial Aid, FAFSA, NWEA, etc.
- November 15th: Freshman & Sophomore parents learned about graduation requirements, GPA requirements, dual credit/AP courses, scholarships and more at FSHS.
- November 15th: 4th & 5th grade Pastries with Parents covering the school's website, PowerSchool, the Calendar/Upcoming Events, ClassDojo, Home Visits, Google Classroom, Aleks/Zearn (Math) & Lexia (ELA)
College & Career Fair at FSHS
On November 7th, distinguished organizations and universities, including Bayer Corporation, Country Club Bank, KCPD, Black & McDonald, Mizzou, Rockhurst University, UMKC, and many others, shared valuable insights about their careers and educational programs with our students. The event featured an impressive 28 booths, offering students a wealth of information. Even the 8th graders from FSI Middle took the opportunity to stop by and engage in the experience.
FSHS Alumni Inspire Seniors with Career Advice and Life Insights
On November 6th, alumni from Frontier STEM High School returned to speak with our seniors, sharing their experiences in their careers and reflecting on life during and after high school. They offered valuable advice on opportunities and pathways that seniors can explore as they prepare for the future.
A heartfelt thank you to Ayde Montelongo, Ashley Martinez, Najaji Kebe, and Maylin Fernandez for generously sharing their insights and inspiring our seniors with real-world perspectives and encouragement. We appreciate their continued connection and support for our students!
Pastries With Parents
Veterans Day Assembly at FSE
On November 11th, Frontier School of Excellence proudly hosted a meaningful Veteran's Day Assembly to honor and recognize the sacrifices of our nation's heroes. The event featured a heartfelt performance of the National Anthem by the school band, followed by a presentation of slides prepared by our Student Council highlighting the significance of the day.
As a token of gratitude, flowers were presented to special guests, including veterans Ms. Groves and Mr. Henderson. The assembly concluded with a moving performance of "Taps" and a moment of silence, providing students and staff an opportunity to reflect on the courage and dedication of our service members.
We are proud to commemorate this important day as a school community and to instill in our students the importance of honoring those who serve.
Tenacious Tiger Parties at FSI Middle
FSI Middle School recently hosted its exciting Tenacious Tiger Parties, celebrating student achievement and positive behavior. The 6th-8th grade party took place on November 8th, while the 4th-5th grade celebration followed on November 11th.
Students in grades 4-8 had the chance to earn a coveted Golden Ticket to attend these special "Tenacious Tigers Time-Out" events. To qualify, students needed to meet the following criteria:
- No D's or F's during the quarter
- No in-school or out-of-school suspensions
- No more than ten tardies in the quarter
This quarter’s participation was so impressive that the school had to host two separate events to accommodate all the qualifiers. Congratulations to our hardworking Tenacious Tigers—keep up the fantastic work! 🐾
FSI Middle 4th Grade Wax Museum
College Visits
Frontier School of Excellence, Frontier STEM High School and FSI Middle School participate in several college visits throughout the year. During their visits, students learn about the academic programs offered, campus activities, the admissions process, financial aid, and how to apply for scholarships.
November 8th: FSE Seniors visit UMKC
November 12th: FSE Sophomores visit Missouri Western State University
November 15th: Mizzou Representative visits Seniors at FSHS
November 21st: FSE Freshman visit Rockhurst University
After School Clubs
There are many opportunities for students to get involved in after school clubs, such as: Advanced Research Club, Gateway Readers' Club, Girls on the Run Club, Health Occupations Students of America Club, Writer's Workshop Club, Math Club, Fishing Club, Cooking Club, I.T. Club, Kindness Club, Art & Craft Club, Video Game Design Club, Chess Club, Fitness Club, Environmental Club, etc.
Featured this month:
- Cooking Club at FSI Middle
- Sewing Club at FSI Middle
Home Visits
Teachers and school staff have visited 489 students in 282 homes since the start of the 2024-25 school year. Home visits are paramount in bridging cultural gaps that might exist. These visits also provide opportunities for staff to understand their students better by visiting them in their home environments.
A SHOUT-OUT to our teachers & staff! Thank you for everything you do!
Winter Break
Million Father March
Career Opportunities at Frontier Schools
Discover rewarding careers at Frontier Schools. Join our passionate team in fostering student success with competitive pay and benefits!
Exciting News: Our commitment to educators was featured on Fox 4 News KC, showcasing our starting teacher pay of $60K! Read the article here.
Click here to explore our career opportunities now!
Inclement Weather Procedure
During inclement weather, Frontier Schools will implement a school closing policy to ensure the safety of our students.
Students may be released early or classes may be canceled entirely due to inclement weather. Please be familiar with the following information sources in the event of school cancellations, early releases or late starts.
Channels of Communication:
1. School Website:
Please check your school's website for information regarding school closings and other cancellations within minutes of a decision.
2. School Messenger:
Phone and optional voice/text messages are sent to school families when classes are cancelled, delayed or students are released early.
3. Social Media:
We will post information on the Frontier Schools District Facebook and Twitter pages.
4. Radio & TV:
Local Stations share announcements on-air and on their websites.
Frontier School of Innovation Elementary (Pre K-3)
Email: fsi@frontierschools.org
Location: 6700 Corporate Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 363-1907
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschoolofinnovation
Frontier School of Innovation Middle (4-8)
Email: fsi@frontierschools.org
Location: 1575 Universal Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 241-6202
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschoolofinnovation
Frontier STEM High School (9-12)
Email: infostem@frontierschools.org
Location: 6455 East Commerce Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 541-8200
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierstemhighschool
Frontier School of Excellence (6-12)
Email: fse@frontierschools.org
Location: 5605 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 822-1331
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschoolofexcellence
Frontier Schools
Website: frontierschools.org
Location: 6800 Corporate Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 982-4052
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschools
Twitter: @frontierschools