Sabre Nation Newsletter

Students and Families welcome to a new school year. There is no doubt the excitement is in the air for the return to school. We ended last year with lots of positive notes. We had students traveling out of the country this summer with enrichment activities and our seniors last year performed really well on the IB Assessments with many students receiving the full IB Diploma in both DP and CP. Great work Sabres, time to kick off another great year!

We welcome our newest group of seniors, the class of 2023! I hope your senior year is memorable and I encourage you to work hard until the end. We are excited to invite all of our new students to Sumner Academy on Monday, August 15th. This will be the first day for all 8th graders and NEW 9th/10th graders. We will work with our link leaders to focus on a day of orientation and transition into becoming a Sumner Sabre!

The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, August 16th. All students will pick up a schedule on the first day and report to their first hour, remember school starts at 8:05. Students must be in class ready to learn when the bell rings. Attendance is critical and we will be working hard to maintain a low number of absences and tardies as we enter this school year. Sumner Academy is a school of choice and the rigorous academic environment takes dedication from the students to ensure success! There is no doubt you have set your self up for success by attending Sumner Academy!

As we prepare for the opening of schools there are some great events to get us ready, first I encourage everyone to attend the back to school fair sponsored by KCKPS on August 6th at FL Schlagle High School. Additionally at Sumner Academy we will be hosting three days of Family Advocacy from Wednesday, August 10th through Friday, August 12th from 8:00 to 4:00. Teachers will be reaching out to parents and the building will be open for those families that want to visit the school or teachers during this time.

Sumner Academy will be providing supplies for students as they need for classes. We continue to encourage families to have a bookbag for students and any additional accessories they may need/want for school. We will provide notebooks and pencils to all students and each teacher will provide additional supplies as needed for classes. (highlighters, notecards, etc.)

I am entering my fourth year as the proud principal of Sumner Academy. It has been difficult few years in education, but Sumner Academy continues to thrive. Our student's ability to rebound and renew their focus on education is a highlight of the dedication and passion of our students. I have no doubt we will continue to strive for excellence in all we do as we start this school year! I want to remind students to be a model Sabre this year and focus on our Pillars of Excellence: Self-Affirming - Authentic - Brave - Respectful - Ethical.

As always please don't hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions or needs. We are here to help and support!

Sincerely,

Mr. Rick Malone

Principal

Sumner Academy

I would like to introduce myself to everyone. My name is Ms. Bernard, and I am excited to be the 8th Grade Principal at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. As an Assistant Principal my passion is helping students reach their academic goals, building relationships and providing social-emotional supports to help your student have a successful school year. I am looking forward to learning more about you and your child as we work together to provide a positive, engaging and rigorous learning environment for all students.

On behalf of the 8th grade team at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, we would like to welcome you to our 8th grade family. We are thrilled to join you as you begin your career at a school that prides itself on a rich history of academic achievement and student success. Our goal is to provide you with a community of teachers, students, and administrators to ensure that you are supported throughout your academic and extracurricular experiences as a Sumner Sabre.

Link Crew for 8th Grade Students - Link Crew is a high school transition program that uses link leaders as mentors to help students navigate students through their first year.

8th Grade students will have an orientation with Link Leaders on Monday, August 15th. Students will participate in a variety of games and activities as we welcome them to high school. Please wear comfortable clothing.

Meet your 8th Grade Teachers

• Ms. Stephanie Hoover – 8th Grade Social Studies

• Ms. Samantha Davis – 8th Grade Social Studies

• Mr. Karl Johnson – 8th Grade Science

• Ms. Morgan DeWalt – 8th Grade Science

• Ms. Kaitlyn Jeannin – 8th Grade Math

• Ms. Robin King 8th Grade Math

• Ms. Kylie Brous – 8th Grade Math

• Ms. Samantha Sanders – 8th Grade English

• Ms. Avery Clipsham – 8th Grade English

• Ms. Tamara Miller – Gifted Education

8th Grade Expectations

• Respect yourself, the teacher & others. ·

• Always put forth your best effort and do your best work.

• Be prepared for class each day. Come prepared with all materials necessary.

• Follow directions when given.

• Be attentive, participate and ask questions.

• Preserve a positive learning environment.

• Take responsibility for your actions.

• Dream big, try new things and never give up.

• Believe in yourself and encourage others to do the same.

Students, the excitement is in the air! As principal of the 9th and 10th grade classes, it is my pleasure to welcome you back to Sumner Academy. Our halls and classrooms are ready to be filled with the energy and enthusiasm of students continuing to work hard on their paths to success! I hope you are relaxed, recharged and ready to start a new school year. As you begin this semester, I encourage you to get involved and explore one or more of the sports, clubs and activities that we offer. I want you to make the most of your time at Sumner. You will always find caring professionals ready to help you reach your full potential no matter which academic path you choose. The Sumner Administrative Team prioritizes our student’s social and emotional wellbeing as well as academic focus so that we can be supportive throughout your career as a Sabre.

My name is Mr. Baptista. This is my 6th year at Sumner and my 16th year in the KCK school district. I previously worked at Harmon and Schlagle before making my home here. I began my career in education as an English, Speech and Drama instructor. I have taught at the high school and college levels. Both of my parents were educators. They still continue to push me to excel academically. I have finally reached the dissertation phase of my Ph.D., which I am striving to complete at the University of Missouri Kansas City. In addition to World Literature, I enjoy reading and studying World History and Religions. My practice of Zen and the martial arts since 1998 continues to influence me physically and mentally. I hold 3rd degree black belts in Karate, Aikido and Jujutsu. I’ve played the violin since 2nd grade and enjoy all types of music, trucks, fishing and fireworks! I also love gardening and lifting weights. Above all, I cherish my family and watching my children grow.

I want to meet each of you and assist any way I can not only for your freshman and sophomore years, but until I have the pleasure of shaking your hand as you walk across that stage leading to the rest of your lives. Please don’t hesitate to stop by my office if you have any issues or questions or if you just want to say hello!

A favorite quote of mine reads; Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. (Malcolm X.) My door is always open to assist you as you continue to manage any personal, social or emotional issues, tackle challenges, strive in the classroom and accelerate towards your future!

Parents, I value and welcome your positive energy and dedication to Sumner Academy as we continue our excellence in education. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with questions or concerns. We will continue to utilize Infinite Campus as our primary process for disseminating information.

Again students, I’m here to assist you in making this academic year the best yet. I look forward to seeing all of you soon!

Sincerely,

LeBaron Baptista,II

9th & 10th Grade Administrator

Dear Junior and Senior Families and Students,

I trust you all had a nice summer. I look forward to serving as your 11th and 12th Grade Principal. My primary responsibility is to ensure that all of our students maintain their grades and attendance, are aware and take advantage of all the opportunities available to them to ensure that each and every student remains and graduates from Sumner Academy.

Managing your Junior and Senior years can be challenging for many students. Many are entering or continuing the Diploma and Career Program. You are taking your first specialized courses for your career pathways. You are in your first or second year of IB courses. You are looking at colleges and universities and seeking out scholarships. The success of your Junior and Senior years can be enhanced by utilizing the support systems that we have in place at Sumner Academy. Communication is going to be key. Therefore, I am suggesting to you the 4Cs of Communication at Sumner Academy.

Communicate with your School

Make sure that all contact information is up to date in Infinite Campus. If you are going to be late, sick, or will miss school for any reason, please call the school and let us know. We are here to help you and ensure that your attendance is accurate.

Communicate with your Teachers

Your teachers are your first point of contact when you need help or clarity. Share with them your understandings and points where you need clarity. If you are getting behind, let them know. If you don’t communicate with your teachers, then they might not know how to most effectively help you. Let them know if you are going to be gone. The more they know the better.

Communicate with the Sumner Success Center

We have a fully staffed Sumner Success Center. They are a valuable resource when it comes to Financial Aid, College Enrollment, Scholarships, and will help you plan your transition from Sumner Academy to your next adventure in life.

Communicate with Me

I am on your side. Many students will tell you that I am a highly involved principal. I celebrate our wins but also focus on where as a school we need to improve. The better our communication, the better I can support you in meeting your goals and aspirations.

This year, one of my goals is to form a Junior/Senior Advisory board that will meet with me throughout the year to discuss areas we need to improve and celebrate where we are doing things well. Be on the lookout for an application process.

I look forward to seeing you on August 11th at our #4the Academy celebration at Sumner Academy.

See you soon!

Sincerely,

Brian Dolezal

Assistant Principal Sumner Academy of Arts and Science

brian.dolezal@kckps.org cell: 913-340-4307 office: 913-627-7214

Greetings Sumner Academy friends and family!

My name is Dr. Kurt Parker and I am honored and excited to be joining the Sumner Family this school year as the new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director! I look forward to meeting you all soon and helping continue the amazing work being done at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science!

The Sumner Athletics mission focuses on the complete success of our students, and I have always been a firm believer that interscholastic athletics and activities are an immense part of excelling in an educational setting. Our student-athletes push for excellence in their extra-curriculars. They work hard to fulfill their potential in the classroom and on the playing surfaces, and have become leaders and role models within our school community and beyond. Our Principal, Administrators, Faculty and Staff are committed to get the most out of our STUDENT-athletes.

Learning and growing has been a huge focus for my life for as long as I could remember. I am both a proud Emporia State University Hornet and Baker University Wildcat. I earned a BS in Secondary Education, Mathematics and MS in Educational Administration from ESU. I continued my education at Baker, earning MS Special Education and EDD in Educational Leadership. Working in KCKPS since 2011, I served as a mathematics and PLTW engineering teacher, an assistant football coach and head wrestling coach. For the last three years, I have served as the district Curriculum & Instruction Coach for Secondary Mathematics and as a Summer School Principal.

Our coaches, athletic department staff members, and I are always happy to talk with you about our programs and answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact myself and the coaches.

Dr. Kurt Parker

Assistant Principal & Athletic Director

kurt.parker@kckps.org

Office: 913-627-7219

Cell: 913-603-4833

Sherlice Wesson

Athletics and Activities Secretary

sherlice.wesson@kckps.org

The purpose of Family Advocacy is to build meaningful and lasting relationships with students while teaching social emotional character development and college and career readiness standards in order for our students to learn the skills necessary to navigate life post graduation.

• We will use these three days to re-connect, or connect for the first time, with our students and their families. They are designed for outreach around the wellness of our students.

• Your child’s advocate will be making calls on these days to their advocacy students to verify the student is returning to school and if there are any questions or concerns you may have in starting the new year.

• You may come to the school at any time during these days to visit with teachers or take care of any other needs you may have

Please wear comfortable clothes, no items will be needed! Our Junior and Senior LINK Leaders will navigate students through an orientation of what it means to be a Sumner Sabre! It is a day to focus on transitioning into a new school and meeting new friends.

Students will enter the school and go through metal detectors and be directed to get breakfast as grab and go. All students will go to the below location to pick up schedules. All teachers are in the hallway outside their classrooms helping students if they are lost.

Students who arrive at 7:15 will report to the cafeteria until 7:30. Students will pick up a physical copy of their schedule if they have not done so already at the following locations

• 8th Grade: Library

• 9th and 10th Grade: Alumni Gym

• 11th Grade: Big Gym

• 12th Grade: Cafeteria

The School Day is from 8:05-3:05 except on Wednesday Early release (8:05-1:05). It is the expectation that students are in their class at 8:05. Being in line for metal detectors or in the hallway after the 8:05 bell will be considered a Tardy. Below is the bell schedule for students.

Sport Schedules

Download the rSchool Today App for your phone! (Search for rschool -> Download Activity Scheduler. Then choose Kansas->Sumner Academy->KCKPS (not KCAL!) This app will give you access to all competitions and performances going on at Sumner Academy. You can also access the full website through our school website. Physical schedules will be provided at the Parent Meeting on August 24th, and be available in the front office with Ms. Wesson.

Pre-Participant Requirements

Before a student may begin any athletic practice, they must have one file all the required forms from both KSHSAA and KCKPS. A packet of all the forms can be picked up in the front office of Sumner Academy or you can print from this link: https://tinyurl.com/KCKPSportPacket. Spanish translations can be found on the district webpage. All 8 forms are required to participate. You must have a physical on file with the Athletic Director’s Office in order to practice on Aug. 15th.

Starting this year, KSHSAA requires all students to participate in 12 days (previously 9 days) of practice prior to the first competition in Cross Country and Football. For Soccer, students must participate in 9 games. There are plenty of practice dates for student-athletes as long as they get their pre-participant forms turned in!

The federal pandemic relief waiver (free meals) was not extended for schools. Families at that are eligible for free/reduced meals must apply to receive benefits.

Meal Price ($1.85 8th Grade & $2.10 HS)

The district will continue to offer free breakfast and snacks regardless of meal status. Students cannot order Grub Hub, Door Dash, or any other food delivery service during the school day.

Meal Applications

Applications have been mailed. (kckcafe.com) Applications are due September 16th. This a very important date as it is tied to district and school funding. Our goal is have 100% of applications completed. To complete an application online, go to the following website and complete your application today!

Meal Application

Unpaid Meal Charges

Parents will be notified when a student has a negative account balance via the Bright Arrow messaging system

All students will received a meal regardless of balance.

Students must have their IDs in order to receive a meal. This will have their balance on their cards. This will begin on the first day of school.

All-in-one ID Bus and Lunch Card

This year, students must have a School ID and a Bus/Lunch Card ID. These will be needed to ride the bus. You should be able to check in Infinite Campus your bus pick up locations if you are riding the bus. A letter was sent home this summer as well. Parents and students must also download the parent portal app to receive important updates and information from transportation. If you have any questions regarding transportation, you can call the Transportation Department at 627-3100 or the School at 627-7200.

Charge for lost ID = $20

Cards will be delivered to schools and distributed to students during the first week of school

Infinite Campus

Parents should have received a letter last year with instructions on how to create a portal account. Included in the letter was an access code that you need to create your account. If you did not receive a letter or you received more than one letter, please contact your school for assistance. If you are unable to reach anyone at the school because they are out for the summer, please contact Infinite Campus Support at 913-627-4150. A complete list of directions for creating a parent portal account and re-enrollment can be found by clicking here. Remember all families need to re-enroll their students each year. This just ensures information is accurate and updated!

Contact information can be updated through the parent portal; please click here for detailed directions.

Please update your contact information through the parent portal or contact your child’s school.

Infinite Campus is the official program for Contact Information, Grades, Attendance, Transcripts, etc. It is very important that we are all utilizing this tool.

Enrollment Instructions for Infinite Campus

How to Utilize Infinite Campus as a Parent

Video explaining how to Utilize Canvas as a Parent

Website with easy to follow instructions on how to use Canvas as a parent.

There are two ways to engage with Canvas as a parent or guardian: 1) using the Canvas website from a web browser on your computer or phone and 2) using the Canvas Parent App. Each account provides a slightly different experience because of the various features. Simplifies teaching and learning by connecting the digital tools used by teachers in one simple place.

• Canvas is easy, open, adaptable and secure.

• Canvas streamlines instructional delivery, student feedback, performance reporting and family communication.

Canvas in the Classroom

Using Canvas, students can:

• Collaborate with classmates through discussion boards.

• Assess their learning through quizzes and activities.

• Receive and submit assignments.

• Receive teacher feedback in written and/or verbal form.

• Utilize web tools (such as Google Drive and Zoom) all within the Canvas interface.

• View their learning progress via the online gradebook.

• Receive course announcements, grade notifications, etc. on their preferred device(s).

Video explaining how to Utilize Canvas as a Parent

Website with easy to follow instructions on how to use Canvas as a parent.

Physicals at Sumner August 25, 1-4pm

Self-Affirming - Authentic - Brave - Respectful - Ethical

As the new school year starts, we want to remind our students and parents of our school wide expectations for students.

Sabres in the Classroom:

• I will Be on time and in my seat prepared for class when the bell rings.

• My cell phone will Be on silent and put away unless otherwise directed

• I will Be attentive, active and engaged with the classroom instructor.

• My behavior will always Be respectful to other students and my instructor and will not distract from the learning environment.

• I will Be sure to ask questions, do my own work and never cheat or plagiarize.

Sabres in the Cafeteria:

• I will Be responsible for my trash and any messes.

• My behavior will Be appropriate and my voice level will Be moderate.

• I will Be sure to stay in my seat unless I ask to use the restroom. If I request to go to another location I must have an e-hall pass.

• There will Be no horseplay.

• I will Be in my designated lunch and when lunch ends I will Be on time to class.

Sabres in the Hallway

• I will Be in my class on time when the bell rings.

• There will Be no running, yelling, profanity or horseplay.

• I will Be sure to have an E-hall Pass if I am in the hall during classes.

• I will Be sure to only travel to my E-Hall pass destination.

Sabres Before School

• I will Be on time to school and to each class every day.

• My behavior on the bus will Be respectful and follow KCKPS district policies.

• I will Be sure to display appropriate behavior whether,

• I am eating breakfast in the cafeteria,

• getting help from my teachers,

• studying in the library,

• mingling with my friends in the hall.

Sabres After School

• If I stay after school I will Be

• with a coach participating in a sport,

• with a sponsor participating in an activity,

• attending tutoring with an instructor.