
The C-2 View Newsletter
OCTOBER 2023

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Hall of Fame Class of 2023, from left to right: Kenneth Hardiman, Kemet Coleman, Lesa McCord Francis, Anthony Bustafka-Cruz, Dr. Keith Hardiman, and Bill Price (not pictured).
Congratulations, 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees!
Six RQS alumni were officially inducted into the district’s Alumni Hall of Fame as the Class of 2023.
The six inductees included Anthony Bestafka-Cruz (RHS Class of 2006), Kemet Coleman (RHS Class of 2005), Lesa McCord Francis (RHS Class of 1975), Dr. Keith Hardiman (RHS Class of 1997), Kenneth Hardiman (RHS Class of 1997), and Bill Price (RHS Class of 1963). The honorees began their induction weekend visiting with students at Raytown High School and Raytown South High School. They took part in a little bit of Q&A fun, met in small breakout groups with students, and enjoyed a community luncheon.
The activities continued on Saturday, October 7, with a visit to the Raytown Historical Society that morning, and the official induction that afternoon. Click here to for each inductees full bio.
Successful Inaugural RQS Day
Thursday, October 12, marked the first annual RQS Day, and what a wonderful day it was! Staff, students, community members, and businesses showed their RQS pride, wearing RQS spiritwear and their best red and blue. There were also door, car, and sidewalk decorations. Thank you for being a part of our first #RQSDay.
Our Schools
Robinson Elementary career day brings hands-on activities, smiles, and fun to students
Robinson elementary students recently held a career day that included many community members from various careers. Students rotated through stations to learn about different careers that represent the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Career Education Career Pathways.
Speakers included a nursing home administrator, a forensic DNA analyst, the KCMO Fire Department, a D.J., a carpenter, the Crazy Goat Lady, the Parks and Recreation Department, representatives from the U.S. Military, an engineer, an aviation expert, a basketball player/ entertainer, and students from HCC who spoke about diesel technology, construction trades, and foundations of nursing. These speakers and career fields were chosen to inspire Robinson students to dream big about their own futures in the world of work.
Eastwood Hills Elementary hosts fun-filled career day
At the Eastwood Hills Elementary career day, students learned about and explored different professions and career pathways, participating in hands-on experiences with various experts.
Eastwood Hills Elementary students had a busy day with community speakers for all grade levels, including visits from the Raytown police and fire department, a representative from the Kansas City Currents soccer team and a representative from the Kansas City Zoo, a visit from the KC Credit Union, an aviation expert, a mechanic, a former principal, and current nurse. Community business owners were also present to speak to students about entrepreneurship.
RSHS band brings home multiple wins following two competitions
Congratulations to the Raytown South High School band for multiple awards from two different invitationals!
Most recently at the Odessa Marching invitational, the RSHS band brought home not one, not two, but four awards. They placed first in indoor color guard, placed 2nd in indoor drumline, placed 2nd in the field show out of 17 bands, and member Sophia L. earned the outstanding musicianship award for her mellophone solos.
In early October, the RSHS band competed at the Smith-Cotton Marching invitational and took home seven awards in their class, which included first place indoor percussion, first place indoor color guard, first place field show, outstanding music, outstanding effect, outstanding percussion, and fan favorite. Amazing work!
Successful first pop-up event for Cinder, student-led restaurant
A busy month is wrapping up for the Herndon Career Center culinary students as they completed their first dine-in night and pop-up event at Cinder, the district's student-led restaurant. From the planning, cooking, presenting, and serving of meals, students did a fantastic job. Congratulations, to the nation’s finest, young and upcoming culinary chefs!
RHS Blue Jays soccer team holds best competition record in years
Congratulations to the Raytown High School Blue Jays soccer team for an amazing start to the season. With a 14-2-1 record and the best start for the program in over a decade.
RHS receives special visit from KC Symphony
Bravissimo! Thank you to the Kansas City Symphony and conductor Jason Seber for gracing RHS with their talents on Wednesday, September 27, during a school music concert. The concert was a success, with many students, staff, and community members in attendance. All proceeds for the concert will go towards the district's high school music programs.
Happening Throughout the District
September Substitute of the Month, Ms. Briana Coplin
Congratulations to Ms. Briana Coplin for being the RQS September Substitute of the Month! She has been a tremendous asset to the district, subbing almost every day since the start of the school year. One of her teachers describes her as “An amazing substitute and one of my favorite ones I've ever had. She is wonderful at continuing my classroom running with minimal disruptions and great and maintaining consistency and high expectations.”
RQS named recipient of Missouri's School Safety Grant Program
Raytown Quality Schools was recently named as a recipient of the second round of funding for the School Safety Grant Program from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Governor Mike Parson approved an additional $50 million to expand the School Safety Reimbursement Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
The district received $300,000 in grant funding, the maximum grant amount awarded, to support school safety improvements that range from physical security upgrades to technology and more. Click here for more information on the grant, to view a full list of recipients, or more.
District nurses host successful 'One Sight Vision Clinic'
Thank you to the district's nurse team for organizing the successful One Sight Vision Clinic with more than 70 elementary students on Thursday, October 12. Every student attendee received an eye exam and a pair of new eyeglasses, if needed. The event was completely free to attendees.
The district’s nurses do an incredible job in supporting students, providing resources, and assisting students with health needs. To the right is a photo of the very happy Norfleet students with Norfleet’s nurse, Nurse Rowlette.
Several RQS staff members participate in a Trauma Smart Academy
Several RQS team members participated in a week-long Trauma Smart Academy to become Trauma Smart Coaches for the district. Congratulations to those who participated, and successfully completed, the academy!
October Recognitions
- October as Schools Principal Month
- October as National Bullying Prevention Month
- October as Disability History and Awareness Month
- Oct. 2: Custodian Appreciation Day
- Oct. 4: Walk or Bike to School Day
- Oct. 6: National Coaches Day
- Oct. 13: Breast Cancer Awareness Day
- Oct. 16 – 20: Bus Safety Week
- Oct. 18: Unity Day (Bullying Prevention)
Upcoming Events:
- No School - Teacher PL Day: Fri., Oct. 20
- REF Run for Excellence: Sat., Oct. 21
- Parent Teacher Conferences: Mon., Oct. 23 - Fri., Oct. 27
- RSHS Marching Band Exhibition Night: Tues., Oct. 23
- No School - Election Day: Tues., Nov. 7
- Board of Education Meeting: Mon., Nov. 13