Partnership Power

Post date: Sep 30, 2014 8:39:26 PM

With much attention being directed toward standards, rigor and relevance, we understand collectively the importance of preparing students for their futures. As residents of Lee's Summit, I hope our teachers, students, parents and patrons recognize the unique opportunities afforded our district via the Partners In Education program which give our graduates the 'edge' in being prepared for life after high school. Across R-7, business partners regularly complement the curricular concepts being taught by explaining their relevance and application in the business world. Our students are fortunate!

This year, we celebrate 25 years of these curricular connections. What started as a shared vision among community leaders has grown into one of the nation's strongest partnership initiatives. Several times each school year, I am contacted by individuals or districts around the state and nation, inquiring about the strategies that have helped contribute to the longevity and success of Partners In Education. Simply put, it is a collective commitment to ensuring each student's success. From the Chamber of Commerce to the Economic Development Council, City of Lee's Summit and literally hundreds of local businesses, we put students first, giving them the opportunity to interact with business professionals and put curricular concepts to work in project-based learning.

I am grateful to have had the chance to facilitate the program the past several years, as it has provided me the opportunity to witness firsthand the truly collaborative nature of our community. Teamwork is focused on the singular goal of keeping Lee's Summit the BEST place to live, work and play, and I am regularly impressed by the number of volunteers who rise to the occasion when help is needed. Each of our 28 school sites has, on average, three business partners that work specifically with that school site, contributing approximately 40 hours per school year to working with students and staff. Additionally, more than 100 local businesses work as district partners, engaging a minimum of four times annually with various classrooms or school events. Program partners work with specific programs (primarily secondary), such as Robotics or Project Lead the Way. Last but certainly not least are our internship partners who offer employment opportunities to our high school students. When you add the number of local businesses involved in the various types of partnerships, the total exceeds 250. The man hours donated are immeasurable.

As we celebrate 25 years of collaborative partnership, I'm excited to see how the next legs of our journey will unfold. One thing is certain - our students are fortunate indeed to live in a community so committed to their success! Thank you, Partners In Education. You make a daily difference in our classrooms!