North Kansas City Schools

North Kansas City Schools is widely heralded for its accomplishments in student achievement, computer technology, and cutting-edge instruction. The district serves nearly 18,000 students in suburban Kansas City-North, a community rich with diversity and a proud history of educational excellence. North Kansas City Schools is where learners come to achieve excellence, embrace change, and forge new traditions.

Participants will experience an environment of automated information systems for staff, students, and parents. North Kansas City Schools has a culture known for its support of technology where staff is trained to successfully streamline work in all service areas – from online paychecks to Portal access for all employees. Parents have access to student information and are able to remotely process things such as fee payments. Teachers are provided laptops and students work with mobile wireless carts or handhelds. Online learning provides students and staff access to information when, where, and how they choose to receive it.

Session participants will explore the district’s Portal and online learning environments. The Portal provides staff off-site access to electronic software applications, user files, e-mail, directories, and a host of resources that previously were only available in their school environment. More than 500 students enroll in online eCampus classes each semester. Students, teachers, and administrators use the district online learning system for blended classes, collaboration, Web postings, and documentation.

While on site visits, participants will experience technology in a range of facilities, interwoven with support programs. State-of-the-art technology will be viewed in a technology retrofitted, 80-year-old, classic high school as well as in a brand new LEED certified “green” high school. In Title I elementary schools with more than 70 percent F/RL, participants will explore the use of wrap-around health services coupled with technology immersion to ensure success for all students.

Session participants will learn about North Kansas City Schools’ plan to move to a 1-to-1 computing ratio for students. Participants also will learn about unique community partnerships and school board support that enhance effective implementation of technology throughout the district.