FRONTIER NEWS

Nov 2023

Enrollment for 2024-25 School Year

Frontier Schools is now accepting new student applications for the 2024-25 school year. The easiest and quickest way to apply is online at frontierschools.org. The application deadline is February 1st, 2024.

Open Enrollment Alert: Join Us in Spreading the Word, Parents!

Our open enrollment campaign has started. Please help us spread the word to your own family and friend networks.

Frontier Schools Highlights:

Strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focus
Sponsored by Saint Louis University
Tuition Free & College Preparatory
Breakfast & Lunch Service
Free Bus Service for Pre K-12
Full Day Pre K Program
100% College Acceptance
Gifted Education Program

Innovation Lab Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks New Beginning!

On Monday, October 23rd, Frontier Schools celebrated the grand opening of their new Innovation Lab. This impressive facility spans 8,000 square feet and promises to significantly enhance educational opportunities for the school's students. The generous support of key sponsors, including the Bayer Fund, Henderson Engineering, Country Club Bank, Turner Construction, and the R.A. Long Foundation, played an instrumental role in bringing this innovative Lab to life.

Heading this new venture is Dr. Geyik, the school's recently appointed Director of STEM Curriculum, who is now at the helm of the Lab's operations. Classes have already commenced at the beginning of the school year, benefiting Frontier students, spanning from the elementary to high school levels.

In photo, from left and right: Becky Gripp, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board member, Greg Rieke New Frontier Educational Foundation, Ugur Demircan Superintendent, Jamaal Carter Henderson Engineers, Katie Mahr Bayer Fund, Rachael Ausmus Country Club Bank and Carlos Gomez Executive Director Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

AcruxKC: A Great Partner!

AcruxKC, previously known as the Baptist-Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation, has been an invaluable partner to Frontier Schools for over five years. Their grants have been instrumental in enhancing health and mental health services for our students. Notably, Tammy Collingsworth, the Director of Community Programs at the foundation, recently had the privilege of presenting a generous donation to the school's board of directors.

Frontier Schools Host Districtwide Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 5th

Frontier Schools organized districtwide Parent-Teacher Conferences, bringing together students and their parents for one-on-one discussions with teachers and staff. During these meetings, both student performance and opportunities for improvement were actively addressed, promoting a collaborative approach to education.

Districtwide Professional Development

On October 6th, all our campuses came together for districtwide professional development. This valuable event offers our dedicated teachers and administrators the chance to acquire new skills and innovative techniques to enhance their classroom practices. The day's schedule included training sessions in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and Conscious Discipline, both of which are instrumental in promoting a positive and effective learning environment.

Ms. Wilson's Inclusion in Who's Who in America: A Distinguished Achievement

Congratulations to Ms. Wilson, Frontier STEM High School Social Worker, for her remarkable accomplishment of being recognized as a featured figure in Who's Who in America. This prestigious acknowledgment is reserved for individuals of unwavering professional integrity, exceptional achievements in their respective domains, and countless contributions to society at large. Well done, Ms. Wilson!

Bayer Tours Frontier Schools New Innovation Lab

On October 27th, Bayer representatives were treated to an enlightening tour of our innovation lab. Dr. Geyik and the students from FSHS enthusiastically shared details about the exciting projects they are currently involved in, including the development of a solar car, robotics initiatives, and a whole lot more!

Strategic Planning Meeting

On October 25th, the Frontier Advisory Committee gathered for their 3rd working session, a strategic planning meeting. During this crucial session, the committee continued its dedicated efforts to shape a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan, bridging the gap between conceptual ideas and the tangible improvements within our schools and classrooms.

Exploring Law and Justice: FSHS and FSE Students Take on Mock Trial at UMKC School of Law

The Criminal Justice classes and Mock Trial Clubs from FSHS and FSE had a field trip to UMKC School of Law on Monday, October 30th. They attended a class taught by a law professor, where they learned about presenting evidence related to character. After the class, they explored the law school and enjoyed lunch while chatting with law students who shared their experiences.

The highlight of the day was the mock trial, featuring the case of the Big Bad Wolf and the Three Little Pigs. The Big Bad Wolf faced charges of trespassing, property destruction, and attempted murder. Our students collaborated with UMKC law students, taking on roles as lawyers and witnesses for the case. Mr. Osgood, a FSHS teacher, played the role of the wolf. In the end, the jury of our students found the wolf not guilty.

National Junior Honor Society at FSI Middle

On October 30th, Frontier School of Innovation Middle proudly inducted its second group of National Junior Honor Society students. This esteemed national organization honors students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, character, citizenship, service, and leadership. We are thrilled to welcome the following outstanding individuals into this prestigious society: Emily Velazco, Sema Cayiroglu, Ahmet Kilic, Xianchi Dong, Gisselle Soriano, Saido Hassan, Michelle Hernandez, and Samara Riojas. Their dedication and achievements truly make them the best of the best in our school.

We also extend our appreciation to current members Nureni Sheikhnoor and Emmy La Pham, who were there to support the incoming inductees. The pride of our faculty and parents in these exceptional Tigers knows no bounds!

Pep Rally Electrifies FSI Middle School

On October 4th, FSI Middle School brought the house down with an exhilarating Pep Rally that united our students and staff in a fantastic celebration. The event featured the grand unveiling of our dynamic sports teams, thrilling games, and an unforgettable showdown where our staff squared off against the formidable volleyball team. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, making it a day of pure fun and boundless school spirit.

Bayer Visits 4th Grade Classes at FSI Middle

On Friday, October 27th, Bayer paid a visit to the fourth-grade students at FSI Middle School. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to sample various types of fruits and vegetables. After tasting these natural delights, the students were encouraged to take notes on their experiences, including their observations on taste, growth patterns, and the edible parts of the plants. The activity was not only educational but also a delightful experience that the students thoroughly enjoyed.

Red Ribbon Week at Frontier Schools

From October 23rd to 31st, Frontier Schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week, a campaign promoting a drug-free lifestyle and raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Our curriculum included relevant lesson plans and activities. Students enjoyed participating in dress-down days with different themes, such as 'Being drug-free is NO SWEAT! Wear workout clothes.

Trunk or Treat at FSI Elementary

On October 21st, FSI Elementary hosted an exciting Trunk or Treat and Family Movie Night event in the school's parking lot. It was a spooktacular affair with students and teachers decked out in creative costumes, delighting in distributing treats from their fantastically decorated trunks. The evening's festivities culminated with an enjoyable outdoor movie under the starry sky, creating wonderful memories for all.

Halloween Fun at FSE!

On October 28th, FSE held a Halloween event in the school's gymnasium. Students and teachers wore their creative costumes as they distributed treats and engaged in various entertaining games. It was a fun time for all who joined in the festivities!

FSI Elementary Students Trick-or-Treat at Central Office!

On Tuesday, October 31st, more than 400 students from FSI Elementary took a small walk to Central Office to do a little trick-or-treating. Central Office staff decorated their doorways and handed out small treats to each student. Central Office thoroughly enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm and joy that our little FSI Tigers brought that afternoon! We look forward to hosting this event again next year!

Making a Difference: Recognizing Oracle Health Foundation, Giving the Basics, and One Sight!

Oracle Health Foundation has generously provided 60+ care kits filled with age-appropriate essentials like pajamas, hygiene items, books, and more for our students. Additionally, we've received hygiene kits and feminine hygiene packets.
This school year, we're thrilled to partner with Giving the Basics, ensuring our students and families have access to essential items like laundry soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toilet paper through a monthly order.
One Sight has made a significant impact by providing eye exams for 67 students, with 61 of them receiving glasses. Thanks to their support!

October 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.

October 17th: Parent Meeting: Title I at FSI Elementary
October 17th: Power School training at FSI Middle (4th & 5th Grade)

College Visits

Frontier School of Excellence and Frontier STEM High School participate in several college visits throughout the year. During their visit, students learn about the academic programs offered, campus activities, the admissions process, financial aid, and how to apply for scholarships.

October 3rd: FSHS Seniors visit UMKC

October 11th: FSHS Sophomores visit MWSU

October 12th: MSU visits FSE Juniors

October 18th: FSHS Seniors visit NWMSU

October 24th: FSE Juniors visit NWMSU

October 25th: FSE Seniors visit UMKC

October 25th: NWMS visits FSHS Juniors

October 27th: FSHS Seniors visit MCC's Advanced Technical Skills Institute

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 are:

Drone Club at FSHS
Robotics Club at FSI Middle School

Home Visits

Teachers and school staff have visited 246 students in 209 homes since the start of the 2023-24 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!

Alumni Spotlight!

We take great pride in the outstanding achievements of our esteemed Frontier alumni. In our latest spotlight, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of those who are harnessing their talents to create a positive impact.

This month's Alumni Spotlight shines on Catia Montelongo, a 2019 graduate of Frontier STEM High School. Catia recently completed her academic journey at UMKC in May 2023, earning a Bachelor's degree in Communications Studies with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She is currently playing a pivotal role in the Central Office at Frontier Schools, serving as the Assistant Alumni Coordinator. Discover her reflections on her formative years at Frontier and the pivotal role it played in shaping her journey to her current accomplishments.

November Alumni Events:

November 15th, 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.: Central Office Hosts FSE Alumni Panel featuring Nabil Abas (Class of 2016) and Tedeja Dean (Class of 2017).
November 17th, 6:00 p.m.: Join us for the 7th Annual Alumni Thanksgiving Dinner.