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Following the recommendation of the CDC, this meeting will be held virtually for the public. Click here to navigate to the meeting on April 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Special instructions for virtual board meeting on 4/15/2020 – For those wishing to comment publicly to the board, please email those comments (limit of 400 words) to Board Secretary, Becky Burkemper burkemperb@ksdr1.net by noon on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.  These comments will be distributed to the Board.  Anyone wishing to comment further will be allowed to do so at the next face-to-face board meeting.

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The Kearney School District Board of Education approved Adam James for the 2020-2021 boys head soccer coach position. James has an extensive background in competing in and coaching soccer. He is currently the Men’s and Women’s Assistant Coach at William Jewell College, Alliance Futbol Club Coach, and plays for the Kansas City Comets. He has a passion for joining the Bulldog team because he is a Bulldog as well. James graduated with the Class of 2014.

“I’m excited that Coach James has decided to return to our community in the coaching role,” stated Athletic Director for Kearney School District, Dave Schwarzenbach. “I enjoyed watching him as an athlete, and I’m looking forward to watching him as a head coach. Coach Forman did an excellent job of developing a successful program, and I believe Coach James has the skills and knowledge to continue the program’s success.”  

During his soccer career with the Bulldogs he set several athletic records including the record of 126 career goals. After graduating from Kearney he attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas where he was a member of the soccer team. During his playing time there he was an All-American, 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region, and National Player of the Month. After his last season with Benedictine he signed his first professional contract with the Kansas City Comets in December of 2017, where he continues to be a member of the team. His first year with the Kansas City Comets he received the honor of being named to the All-Rookie team. James also earned positions in outdoor organizations such as FC Wichita and Tulsa Athletics. He started his coaching career in July of 2018 at William Jewell College assisting both the men’s and women’s programs. While there he started a business “James Training” doing individual and small group training. He also started coaching club soccer with Alliance Futbol Club in September of 2019. Most recently, in 2020,  James acquired his United States Soccer Federation National D Coaching License.

“What excites me most about coaching at Kearney is not only being able to give back to soccer but my hometown as well,” said James. “This is a great opportunity to help these boys develop into young men that will go out and impact their communities in a positive way. I also believe that this program has great potential to consistently compete for championships on the field.”

James is a graduate of Kearney High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and is currently working towards a Master of Science in Marketing at Southern New Hampshire University. 

James will start his new role at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. He will replace Bill Forman who started the soccer program. Forman announced his retirement earlier this year.

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For distance learning materials, click here.

Most recent communication April 13.

April 9 Message

April 5 Message

March 29 Message

March 23 Message

March 21 Message

March 19 Message

March 16 Message

March 12 Message

March 5 Message

Resources and Additional Communications are Below:

NOTE: KSDEF’s Rise and Shine for Kids event scheduled for April 17 has been canceled.

KSD Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19

KSD Special Services – Support Logistics & Contacts

Health Services – School Nurses Support & Availability

Student Meal Services – Requests & Logistics

Community Meal Services

Kearney Food Pantry – http://kearneyfoodpantry.com/
Call ahead to set up an appointment.
DONATIONS NEEDED: Kearney Food Pantry has a need for canned meals such as spaghetti, ravioli, chicken noodle soup. Monetary donations are also being accepted.

Holt Ministerial Alliance
Call ahead to set up an appointment. (816) 615-9671
DONATIONS NEEDED: HMA has a need for canned meals and canned meats as well as jello and pudding cups. Monetary donations are also being accepted.

Coronavirus Resources

• CDC Coronavirus
• Tips to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
• Understanding the Coronavirus (Video)
• Seasonal Flu vs Pandemic Flu (Infographic)
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
• Differentiating Coronavirus, Flu & Common Cold Symptoms
• How to Support Student Learning at Home

Coronavirus: Helping Kids Understand

• NPR: Coronavirus Comic
• Talking to Kids About Coronavirus
• BrainPOP: Coronavirus Explained for Kids
• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus

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Laura Gonzalez has accepted the role of principal for Dogwood Elementary. Gonzalez is currently an assistant principal in the Leavenworth School District. Gonzalez has 12 years of experience as an educator and has been in leadership positions throughout her career. 

Gonzalez began her educational role as a teacher in the Hickman Mills School District in 2008. In 2012, she accepted a position with the Platte County School District serving in positions such as grade level chair, new teacher mentor and summer school principal for five years. Gonzalez also held positions on the building leadership team and the curriculum and instruction team. In 2018, she began her role as an administrator in her current position with Leavenworth School District where she has been a collaborative part of helping the building achieve the recognition of National School of Character. 

“I am excited to join the team at Dogwood and become a Bulldog! What attracted me to the opportunity with Kearney was the established tradition, pride and values that are deep rooted in student success,” Gonzalez stated. “When looking for an opportunity to help lead a school, I was in search of strong community partnerships and the feeling of family. I believe I have found that in Kearney and am happy to call Dogwood home.”

Gonzalez attended William Jewell College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She also holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from Baker University, and she earned her Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University.

Gonzalez will start her new role at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. She joins the Dogwood team after Janelle Nelson announced her retirement after serving as principal for 17 years.

Lauren Malone has accepted the role of principal for Hawthorne Elementary. Malone is currently a middle school assistant principal in the Independence School District. She has dedicated the past 15 years to her educational career. 

Malone accepted her first role as an educator as a music teacher for the Raytown School District in 2005, and transitioned to a second grade teacher in 2010. She continued her music and classroom teaching careers in the Blue Springs and Raymore-Peculiar School Districts until 2015 when she received her first opportunity in an administrative position for Independence School District. As an administrative intern she took on many leadership roles for the school including leading the building’s problem solving and technology teams and assisting in emergency planning. In 2018, Malone accepted the role of assistant principal for Randall Elementary and transitioned to her current position where she has a pivotal leadership role. 

“I am so excited to be joining the Kearney community! Kearney has a long-standing tradition of excellence in supporting students and striving for academic success,” said Malone. “I look forward to continuing this effort at Hawthorne Elementary. I am passionate about supporting student growth and look forward to working with the Hawthorne staff and community in being a part of this effort.” 

Malone attended the University of Missouri where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, and she earned her Education Specialist degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Central Missouri.

Malone will start her new role at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. She joins the Hawthorne Elementary team after current principal Annette Shelton resigned to continue her educational career in another location. 

Mitchell Masker has accepted the role of principal for Kearney Elementary. Masker is currently an elementary assistant principal in the Savannah School District. Masker has spent the past 6 years dedicated to improving youth education. 

Masker quickly established his leadership abilities as he began his role in education as an interim principal for the Horace Mann Lab School in Maryville in March 2014. He transitioned to classroom teaching in June 2014 as a third grade teacher and then as a fifth grade teacher from 2015-2018. During his time as a classroom teacher he held leadership positions such as team leader of collaboration, team leader of personalization and innovation and was a member of the building leadership team. He also dedicated his time to extracurricular activities as a coach for the high school football and baseball teams. Masker accepted his current position as assistant principal in 2018. Within this role he has worked to lead redevelopment of the district’s crisis plan. He also directed academic improvement programs such as the student intervention CARE team and MTSS (Multi Tiered System of Support) interventions.

“I am very excited to get started at Kearney Elementary and become part of the Kearney community,” said Masker.

Masker earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Masker will start his new role at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. He joins the Kearney Elementary team after current principal Brian Sloan resigned to continue his educational career in another location. 

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