Northeast News

April 12, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Three, two, one, blast off.

Kansas City Public Schools engineering students launched rockets outside of Whittier Elementary on Tuesday, April 12, in conjunction with the district’s unveiling of its 2016 Summer Acceleration program.

The rockets, which were designed by students, showcase the type of fun, educational opportunities that will be available free of charge for any child in the Kansas City region this summer. Students will have access to a variety of programs, featuring dedicated focuses such as reading, credit recovery, special education, English language learning, STEAM-based education, dance, and more.

“There are so many advantages to having a real, comprehensive program,” said KCPS interim superintendent Al Tunis. “We want our parents, we want our families, we want our students to want to be actively involved in all of the things that we do.”

KCPS has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club, LINC, the YMCA, Upper Room, 7 Strategic, and AileyCamp to make the 2016 Summer Acceleration program possible. Each organization will run partner programs that will provide additional opportunities for students to stay active and engaged over the summer months.

“We’ve been able to expand our program and continue to offer support and services to the Greater Kansas City metro area,” said Principal Christy Harrison of Trailwoods Elementary School. “We’re very excited for that.”

All 2016 Summer Accelerations programs will begin on June 6, though some will run longer than others. Families interested in enrolling their child into the program can collect an application from any KCPS school, or get referred by any of the district’s partner organizations. For more information or to find an application online, go to www.kcpublicschools.org/summer.