Dr. Marjorie Williams
Superintendent
margew@hickmanmills.org
“State Of the District Address”
Given by Dr. Williams on November 18, 2008
Good Evening and welcome to this grand annual event. We are here this evening to kick off a worthy organization that supports our district’s staff and students, the Hickman Mills Educational Foundation. Once again we are able to have this affair with the support and kindness of Bob Faulkner. This year we are at his new and in district facility Faulkner’s Ranch and Pumpkin Farm. Let’s give Mr. Faulkner and the Faulkner family a round of applause.
Let’s begin with the end in mind...
Graduation: The 2008 high school graduations took place at the R.L.D.S. Auditorium in Independence, Missouri. This class was the largest graduation class in the district’s history. Twenty of these students received scholarships from the Educational Foundation, your contributions made this happen. Another 65% go on to colleges or universities. Our graduation rate is at 86%. Each year, we research initiatives that will provide an opportunity for our students to be prepared for a lifetime of success. We all know that an education is the key tool to a successful life.
Summer School: Learning in the Hickman Mills School District is a year around experience. Our summer school program provided enriching experiences for students grades prek-12. Many of our students continued their education this past summer on the campus of the University of Central Missouri, thanks to our community partners, the city of Kansas City and the Hickman Mills Educational Foundation. Once again students participated in The Aviation Youth Summer Camp. This seven day experience focused on hands on activities, aeronautical science and yes a fabulous flight experience. The Summer bridge program which provides three weeks on campus complete with a residential experience for high school sophomores to enhance their readiness skills and knowledge, while getting a first hand look at life on a college campus. This excursion includes academic, career and cultural explorations. And finally the Alvin Ailey summer camp gave students the opportunity for enhanced dance and drama experiences with a final performance performed at the historic 18th and Vine Gem Theater.
School Uniforms: One year after successfully implementing a mandatory uniform policy in the district’s eight elementary schools, the middle schools students transitioned their attire to comply with the expansion of the policy requested by the parents and approved by the Board of Education.. Research indicates that uniforms provide additional opportunities for increased safety, minimize disruptions, reduce clothing costs and promote academic excellence. Surveys are being administered to the parents of high school students to determine the support for grades 9-12.
Back to School parade and rally: The school year officially began with the districts traditional parade and rally. Long time KC broadcaster of Channel 9, Johnny Rowlands was the grand marshal for the parade/rally that was held on Aug 13th. We processioned from Dobbs Elementary proceeded to Bannister down Blue Ridge Blvd to the final destination of the HMHS gym. This year a record number of 1,200 students, parents and community attended the rally and ice cream social.
Concord Fortress of Hope Church - Back Pack giveaways: For the second year the congregation of Concord hosted a back to school blast and backpack giveaway on the church site. In addition, civic and community organizations were there to provide information on a variety of services available to the community. Food and fun was also provided for a day of fellowship. Nearly 2,000 people attended and 1,500 backpacks were given to students.
Welcome… Back to School: The Hickman Mills administrative team, principals, teachers and the entire staff lined the halls on the first day of school, August 13th. Our October enrollment indicates that we have 7,242 students enrolled in its two high schools, two middle schools and eight elementary schools. We continue to enroll young people every day. Fast Fact: Did you know 157,000 teachers leave the profession every year, not counting retirement (source: alliance for excellent education). According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Education, public school enrollment for 2008-09 reaches 50 million students, a new record high. The condition of 2008, an annual report on education in the U.S., paints a picture of modest success despite budget struggles. Our goal is to attract and retain the best staff to work with our young people.
Kindergarten Pictures: We believe that every child should experience school days that are memorable for years to come. This year we borrowed a concept utilized in our sister district and beginning in August, each kindergartener took a picture with their teacher, principal and superintendent. Each student received their first book given to them by me. There are 600 kindergarteners in the Hickman Mills School District and each picture was a precious beginning to a lifetime of success.
Shriners Book Bag Giveway: The city of Kansas City hosted one of the largest conventions when members of the national Shriners organization held their national convention in Kansas City and selected our district as the recipients of their book bags give-away. District students in the 4th and 5th grade were provided backpacks full of school supplies. Each building administrator was given a check to purchase supplies for the students.
District College Night: On October 1st more that 60 community colleges and universities along with representatives from trade schools and military recruiters gathered inside the Hickman Mills High School gym for the district’s 5th annual College Night. Parents and high school through eight grade students received information about particular schools, plus learned about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. This is an important event and opportunity for students so they can attend college or technical training to be able to compete in a global economy. Over 60 colleges , universities and trade centers welcomed our students and their families, providing them with factual information, opportunities for funding, financial aid assistance and the introduction to our new Scholars program Did you know: Over 65% of our students attend post high schools institutions of learning.
ELL Night (English Language Learners): The Hickman Mills District held it first ELL parent night of the school year on Oct 9th. More that 150 ELL students with parents attended this event. Students modeled attire from their respective countries, while sharing stories and music from their home lands. We have a variety of languages spoken on our district, including: Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Chinese and Pakistan.
MAP Night: On Oct 14th the district’s Curriculum and Instruction department participated in the MAP Olympics as we presented the district’s MAP results in a work session for the Board of Education. We will replicate this session at our PTA MAP forum on November 24, 2008 at Baptiste and yes you all are invited to attend.
LINC (Local Investment Commission): We are excited about the camaraderie and support for families that is offered through the LINC organization. Recently, district schools and the LINC before and after school organization celebrated Lights On After school. This is a nation wide program honoring the importance of after school programs for American’s children, families and communities. A variety of events were held the week of Oct 14th to mark the occasion at each school. Everything from drill team and dance performances to fashion shows, motorcycle demonstration and special guest were featured. We worked in collaboration with LINC, Concord Fortress of Hope and Homes USA to provide much needed information to homeowners on the ever emerging foreclosure epidemic. LINC is the largest provider of before and after school child care in the Kansas City area. LINC programs provide academic, enrichment, youth development and recreational opportunities to nearly 1,000 students in the district’s eight elementary schools.
Kids Voting: In the midst of an historic election, our students got the opportunity to have their say on November 4th. Kids Voting USA held across the country and in every school in the district provided the voting experience to student K-12 through classroom activities, family dialogue and the actual casting their vote electronically. Our results are available on the district website.
District’s Veterans Day Celebration: On November 10th the district’s high school students hosted our annual Veterans Day Celebration for community and staff Veterans. The celebration was organized and facilitated by students The program included, student host/hostesses, color guard and drill presentations, personal interviews with guest ,music and a delicious breakfast.
In addition to all of the above our district staff and students have received many awards and accolades so far this school year. Headliners include:
- Ms. Robbie Alexander, Vice principal who aided hurricane victims
- Mr. George Flesher, BoE member honored for service
- Yours Truly who was selected for statewide leadership role
- Johnson Elementary receives national guidance program award
- CWO Walter Schley, United States Marine Corps Ret, Educator named Teacher of the Year by Walmart
- Andrea Clayton-Jones at Burke Elementary, National Program recognizes educator
- Will Platt a senior at Hickman Mills High School, speaks to congress in DC
- Twenty teen girls at Hickman Mills High School teach healthy nutrition habits at Santa Fe
- Shannon Higgins, physical education/health teacher at Smith Hale Middle School teacher named teacher of the year by Sam’s Club
- Four male Ruskin High School Cross country runners and Two Hickman Mills volley ball students named state/all conference
- Cara Carter, senior at Hickman Mills HS, goes to DC on the national youth panel sponsored by the Academy for Educational Development
- Smith Hale Middle School students perform Alice in wonderland
- Hickman Mills High School students perform Aladdin
- Smith Hale Middle School recognizes 29 students for Jr Honor society
- Warford Elementary students perform American Dream
We are through the first quarter of the 2008-09 school year and we have had a great start. We look forward to the next phase of this school year. We have the delight of going through our school improvement process and increasing our Map Scores and student Performance.
In closing the district appreciates the businesses and community support. It takes a village to raise our children and your time and resources will make a contribution to student’s lifelong success.
Dr. Marge Williams
Superintendent, Hickman Mills C-1 Schools
The Big Picture for Excellence
click picture to enlarge
The Hickman Mills C-1 School District embraces the Big Picture for Excellence within the school district. This is articulated by the Federal Mandates, The Missouri Improvement Process and the Goals set by the Board of Education and the Superintendent. The domains that are currently being focused on are: Academic, Emotional/ Social, Physical and District Resources. Hickman Mills strives to promote a professional learning community which includes but is not limited to: cognitive coaching, mentoring, diversity and leadership development.
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