HMC-1 School Messenger

Ernest J. Fields, Jr. Ed. D, Named Next Principal of Ruskin High School

The Hickman Mills C-1 School District Board of Education, along with the district’s Executive Leadership Team led by Yaw Obeng, Superintendent of Schools, are proud to announce Ernest Fields, Jr. as the new principal of Ruskin High School.

Dr. Fields has been an assistant principal at Ruskin High since July 2020. He has a range of experience in education including work as an administrator, teacher, department chair, and curriculum leader.

“I am excited to be the principal of Ruskin High School and feel blessed to be a district team

member. HMC-1 has a proud history and rich culture. I want to positively add value to our

district’s legacy serving our students, staff and families,” said Dr. Fields.

Dr. Fields will assume his new position effective July 1, 2022. Read the full news release here.

Summer School Applications Now Available

We’re accepting summer school applications for our program "Summer Explorations 2022." There will be two sessions offered – one in-person and one virtual. Applications are available by clicking here, along with important details regarding dates, times, and course offerings. Applications close on March 27. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school directly.

Congratulations to the District Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Finalists!

It's an honor to announce HMC-1’s top finalists for our Claudette Scott District Teacher of the Year & Millie Harness Support Person of the Year awards:

Claudette Scott District Teacher of the Year finalists:

- Fiona Carmody, Ervin Elementary

- Angelica Saddler, Ingels Elementary

- Carlie Murphy, Truman Elementary

- Amy Potter, Warford Elementary

Millie Harness Support Person of the Year finalists:

- Cyrus Rodgers, School Resource Office, Ruskin High School

- Traci Pettis Johnson, Family School Liaison, Truman Elementary

- Dominique Roberson, Family School Liaison, Warford Elementary

These outstanding staff members have shown exemplary work and go far beyond the call of duty. They brighten the days for students, staff, and families. Congratulations!

The awardees will be honored at the district’s Employee Recognition Dinner on Thurs., May 5.

Have you read Superintendent Obeng's “The Future We Want” updates? The Future We Want updates are sent out weekly to HMC-1 families, staff, and community members. They highlight important happenings in the district that directly touch on the Superintendent’s Entry Plan. With these updates, the goal is to invite you to become more engaged in the district actions and The Future We Want - today! You can view the newest update and past updates by clicking here.

Congratulations to our March Applause Applause honorees! This month we are recognizing three students from Compass Elementary.

R’Mani H. is a dedicated student. R'Mani is being recognized for moving up 84 points on her iReady math assessment. She never gives up on her work and is always willing to ask for help when needed. R’Mani loves to share her knowledge with others – she will often volunteer to answer questions or demonstrate her work on the board.

Brianna M. is an excellent student and loves school. Brianna is being recognized for moving up 154 points on iReady reading assessment. She is not only an excellent student, she shows great character every day by assisting other students in the class with their reading and math work.

Eliza G. is a sweet student who joined Compass a couple of months into the 2021-22 school year. Eliza is being recognized for moving up 102 points on her iReady reading assessment. She is a student who comes to school and tries her very best. She takes her learning seriously and enjoys making friends in class.

HMC-1 School Student Achievement Awardees

Congratulations to three HMC-1 principals for earning the Student Achievement Award, distributed by the district’s Curriculum and Instruction Department. Way to go Compass Elementary Principal Erica Hoard, Millennium at Santa Fe Principal Michelle McDaniel, and Truman Elementary Principal Susan Herrera. These three schools had the most improved percentages of students performing at or above grade level from fall to winter on their iReady reading and math scores.

Congratulations to Ruskin’s Theatre Department on a successful Spring Musical!

For the past two months, Ruskin High School's Theatre Department put in countless hours of rehearsal for their Spring Musical, ‘WORKING.’ From memorizing lines and songs, to putting together the set, to perfecting audio effects, the crew worked hard to make the visuals and composition of the show appealing for the enjoyment of the audience.

The musical debuted to students, families, staff, and community members this past weekend. With more than 300 attendees and two shows completely sold out, we can definitely call the ‘workings’ of the musical a success. Read more here.

HMC-1 Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program Expansion

Thanks to a growing interest in the HMC-1’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences Program, students are now working and learning in a brand-new lab at Burke Academy!

The program enrollment has outgrown the available lab space at Ruskin High School. The program first launched in the 2016-17 school year with 16 students. There are now 98 students enrolled in the program. The expansion and additional space for the program at Burke Academy will allow for more enrollment, more course offerings, and more certifications to students. Current courses offered include Medical Detectives, Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations, and the Healthy Science Academy. Real World Learning (RWL) certifications include Certified Nursing Assistant, Sterile Services.

HMC-1 Family Summit 2022

On Saturday, March 5, HMC-1 hosted the award-winning annual Family Summit, with more than 70 community organization and partner participants. Families received free health services including wellness services from Swope Health, dental services from Hope Dental, community resources, career and job opportunities, and live entertainment events. Thanks to our partnership with the Local Investment Commission (LINC), more than two dozen prizes were distributed to families in attendance. For more highlights of Family Summit, view this article from LINC.

Facility Renovations to Local Library

On Friday, March 18, Superintendent Obeng joined community members and leaders for the Mid-Continent Public Library Blue Ridge Branch rededication event.

The rededication event was held to showcase the major changes to the existing Blue Ridge Branch facility, including a brand-new community room that can be used for community forums, meetings, children story time, and so much more.

We're excited to have this amazing facility right in our backyard, and we hope you are too! Did you know that all HMC-1 student ID’s serve as a library card? And HMC-1 staff and community members can get a free library card, too! Go and check it out for yourself.

• Board of Education Meeting: Thurs., March 24, 5 p.m.
• Board of Education Meeting: Thurs., March 24, 6 p.m.
• No School - Spring Break: Mon., March 28 - Friday, April 1
• No School - District PD: Fri., April 15
• Junior/ Senior Prom: Sat., April 16, 8 - 11 p.m.
• Graduation 2022: Fri. May 20, 6:30 p.m.

Email: PIO@hickmanmills.org
Website: www.hickmanmills.org
Location: 5401 E. 103rd St. Kansas City, MO 64137
Phone: (816) 316-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HMC1Proud/
Twitter: @HMC1Proud