
Happy National Public Schools Week! 🏫🎉
This week we celebrate the incredible educators and students who make our public schools shine. ✨ Share your favorite school memories and spread the love for accessible education! #PublicSchoolsWeek #psw24


🎥 Staff Spotlight 🎥
In this episode of Staff Spotlight, Raymore-Peculiar School District Superintendent, Dr. Mike Slagle, chats with Tracy Elliott. Tracy is a special education teacher at Shull Early Learning Center.
raypec.org/page/staff-spotlight-2023-2024


Look at this classroom fun! L.E.A.P students used Makey Makeys and their knowledge of circuitry to design and play a cardboard guitar. What a fun idea!!!

Today is National School Resource Officer Day! We would like to take a moment and recognize all of our SRO's who help keep our students and community safe! 👮♀️👮♂️
Cass County Deputies: Cole Briscoe, Summer Jacobs, and Mary Wilson
Raymore PD: Stephanie Hornbeck
Peculiar PD: Ryan New


Congratulations to the finalists for Raymore-Peculiar 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year!
Here are your finalists:
Renee Anthuis, Raymore Elementary
Matt Caston, Technology Department
Amy Harrell, High School
Amy Kaye, Stonegate Elementary
Amber Sutton, Stonegate Elementary
Melissa Tabor, Bridle Ridge Elementary
Natalie Thomas, South Middle School and Ninth Grade Center
Colleen Warchola, Timber Creek Elementary
Penny Wilson, Creekmoor Elementary
The finalists will be honored and the winner announced at a program and dessert reception scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the high school patio commons. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to Pam Steele at pam.steele@raypec.org.


Congratulations to the finalists for Ray-Pec 2024 Teacher of the Year!
Here are your finalists:
Jenni Beck, Raymore Elementary
Jenny Bowman, South Middle School
Monica Crabtree, Peculiar Elementary
Kevin Crean, High School
Rebecca Dobson, Raymore Elementary
Gina Garrison, Bridle Ridge Elementary
Peggy Miller, Timber Creek Elementary
Jennifer Ramirez, Ray-Pec Academy
Jennifer Talley, High School
Kelli Yahnig, Eagle Glen Elementary
The finalists will be honored and the winner announced at a program and dessert reception scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the high school patio commons. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to Pam Steele at pam.steele@raypec.org.


🎥 Staff Spotlight 🎥
In this episode of Staff Spotlight, Raymore-Peculiar School District Superintendent, Dr. Mike Slagle, chats with Stephanie Pugh. Stephanie is an art teacher at the Ninth Grade Center.


As we prepare to cheer for the Chiefs this weekend, we also are looking ahead to next week. As a reminder, schools are not in session on Monday, Feb. 12, for staff collaboration. If the Chiefs win on Sunday, Ray-Pec schools will not be in session on Wednesday, Feb. 14. After much discussion, it was decided that it would be difficult to maintain a normal school day due to the high number of families and staff planning to attend the Super Bowl Champion celebration activities.
Classes would be canceled. No virtual learning will occur. The Ray-Pec Administrative Services Center would be open. All school buildings would be closed. BOOST (Best Out Of School Time) would open at 8 a.m. for families who are already enrolled.
The make-up day for Feb. 14 would be on Tuesday, Feb. 20, which is currently on the calendar as a non-attendance day for students.
Should the Chiefs receive an unfavorable result, schools will be in session as usual on Wednesday, Feb. 14.


🌟 Our 4th-grade superstars have just wrapped up an inspiring unit on reaching new levels of understanding through exploring diversity, and we can't wait to share their incredible journey with you!
In the final stretch of their exploration, these bright minds delved into the concept of inclusivity by researching what makes an inclusive playground truly special. 🤔💙 Armed with newfound knowledge, they took their creativity to the next level by sketching out their dream inclusive playgrounds.
But that's not all – our young innovators brought their visions to life by rolling up their sleeves in the SG Makerspace! 🛠️🎨 Groups of students worked together to meticulously craft a model of their ideal inclusive playground, showcasing their unique perspectives on fostering unity and embracing diversity.
From accessible swings to sensory play zones, their models are a testament to the power of understanding, empathy, and collaboration. 🌍🤝 Let's applaud these future leaders for not only learning about diversity but actively contributing to creating a more inclusive world.


Hey, Stingrays! 🌟 Last week, our little Kindergarten writers had a special treat with a virtual visit from the amazing author and beloved Ray-Pec alum, Cheryl Klein!
Ms. Klein took us on a journey from our own halls to her success as a children's book author, captivating our kindergartners with every word! 🎤💖 She shared the magic of turning observations into captivating stories and had our students hanging on to her every word.
The session's highlight? Ms. Klein unveiled the fascinating tales behind her popular books like "Hamster Make Bad Roommates" and "Thunder Trucks." 🐹🌩️ Wide-eyed and filled with wonder, our students got a peek into the creative process behind these charming stories.
It's heartwarming to see our little ones inspired to express themselves through words and imagination. Who knows, we might have future bestselling authors among us! 📚✨ A massive thank you to Ms. Klein for nurturing the love of storytelling in our youngest learners. 🙏 #FutureWriters #Inspiration #ChildrensBooks #RayPecAlumni #StorytellingMagic


Did you know Stonegate has the privilege of housing the district L.E.A.P program? Recently the L.E.A.P students have been learning all about coding and cybersecurity thanks to the generous support of our wonderful PTA.
A huge shoutout to our dedicated PTA for their unwavering support and commitment to enriching our students' educational experiences. 🙌 Your contribution is making a significant impact on our learners, empowering them with valuable skills for the future. 🌐🔐
The passion and curiosity displayed by our L.E.A.P students throughout this unit were truly inspiring. From mastering coding languages to understanding the importance of cybersecurity, they've shown exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. 🚀🔒

February is National CTE Month. What a perfect time to highlight the future CTE programs in the district. In 2024-25 we're excited to offer a Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling program! Just one more way Ray-Pec is a #DistrictOfChoice
https://youtu.be/Pm3d7wHVZFE


February is Career and Technical Education Month! 👷
While we're celebrating our existing CTE programs, we're also excited about the future. In 2024-25 we're looking forward to adding HVAC and Heavy Equipment Operation programs to our ever-growing list of offerings in efforts to be a #DistrictOfChoice!


The Ray-Pec RUSH Show Choir & Band will present a preview show on Thurs., February 8th at 6 pm in the RPHS Academy Theatre. Come out and support your RPHS Show Choir as they present "Sweet Dreams", songs & choreography for their upcoming competitive season! The show is free for all attendees.


Today marks the beginning of National School Counselor Week! Sending a huge thank you to our counselors for their awesome guidance and making school a bit more fun! 🤩


Ray-Pec Connect is back with a new episode! 🎙️
In this episode Dr. Mike Slagle sits down with the Director of Elementary Education, Michelle Hofmann and Creekmoor Elementary Principal, Ashley Tegenkamp, to talk about the choices that are available for students at the elementary level and what their goals are for offerings in the future.
Listen now: raypec.org/page/ray-pec-connect-podcast


🎥 Staff Spotlight 🎥
In this episode of Staff Spotlight, Raymore-Peculiar School District Superintendent, Dr. Mike Slagle, chats with Helena Nunn. Helena is a 4th grade teacher at Stonegate Elementary.
https://youtu.be/MVPx7UMvL14

The Raymore-Peculiar High School Fine Arts Department is pleased to announce its production of the musical comedy Shrek the Musical. Performances of the show will be in the Ray-Pec High School Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, Feb. 2, and Feb. 3; and at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 4.
To read more about this production, visit our website here: https://www.raypec.org/article/1427233
Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office line, 892-3999 extension 2400, or by utilizing the QR code below. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students.
Here is the link to reserve tickets: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeBhpP50Kcayb.../viewform


🎥 Learning Lens 🎥
Artificial Intelligence is here. Karmin Ricker, Coordinator of Instructional Design and Technology, explains the District's approach to A.I. so far, and how she believes it will be utilized in classrooms in the next few years.
https://youtu.be/YWxv5NQtXsI
This series details some of the lesser known topics around the district and highlights some of the wonderful things that go on behind the scenes.


Congratulations to Helen Van Arkel on winning the Raymore-Peculiar School District Spelling Bee on Jan. 17. Twenty-seven spellers from the elementary and middle schools competed in the evening event at Eagle Glen Elementary School.
After 12 rounds of competition, Helen claimed the championship by spelling the word "attrition."
Ashleigh Parker was the runner-up. Both students are 8th graders at Ray-Pec East Middle School.
As the winner, Helen received a trophy and a Visa gift card from UMB. She also qualifies to represent the District in the Cass County Spelling Bee, scheduled for March 13. If Helen wins at the county level, she will be eligible to compete at the Scripps National Bee in Washington, D.C.
As runner-up, Ashleigh received a trophy and a Visa gift card from UMB. All other competitors received medallions in recognition of qualifying for the District bee.
To read more about this year's Spelling Bee, visit our website here: https://www.raypec.org/article/1423054
