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The School Board on June 22 recognized Hayden Kurtz, an incoming senior at Ray-Pec High School. She is pictured with Board Member Bill Lowe. Hayden participated in the javelin throw at the state track and field meet on May 27. Her throw of 38.83 meters earned her 6th place for Class 5.
![Board Meeting Hayden Kurtz](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4744290/large_8aNbfBapvMby3P-yQ7ptgA.jpeg)
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Ruth Johnson, President of the Raymore-Peculiar Board of Education, has been sworn in as the new President of the Missouri School Board’s’ Association for the 2023-24 year. Congratulations!
![Ruth Johnson](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4720143/large_1687043328000.jpeg)
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A few pictures from the Ray-Pec High School tennis camp on June 13! The camp was offered for middle school students to learn some fundamental skills and have exposure to the sport. Thanks to 2023 Senior Shannon Finn, Senior Grant Hornbeck, Senior Alden Brokaw, and Ray-Pec grads Kobe Bennett and Shane McDonald for helping with instruction and skill demonstration.
![Tennis Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4708143/large_jq7E69OinQJiI5P5-9g4DQ.jpeg)
![Tennis Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4708144/large_7sXodZBss6vMpdG0s5w4Yg.jpeg)
![Tennis Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4708145/large_LvGUVOpNbb53m3CyDcsR8w.jpeg)
![Tennis Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4708146/large_TvNOl0od2WwZXYzLFiM7fA.jpeg)
![Tennis Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4708147/large_40uvi2IRoqdsrVoK5Yrmsw.jpeg)
![Tennis Camp](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4708148/large_mFknIk4oli02_opYeIUdHw.jpeg)
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The work never stops for our administrative team. Last Friday, district administrators and principals met at the LEAD Center to review the 22-23 school year and begin preparing for the 23-24 school year. Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle talked about opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. We thank our school and department leaders for their passion and commitment!
![Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle speaks to a room full of administrators.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4703567/large_gL3Ii-MnyxxKV5ZBP3iDZw.jpeg)
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We are experiencing difficulties with phone service today, Thursday, June 8! Many calls to and from district phones are not going through. The phone service provider is working to resolve the issue. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
![Gold background with exclamation point inside a triangle and the word "Announcement"](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4680863/large_wFJtHU9JmeUzwE4gW-O7bg.png)
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Many thanks to the Roderick L. Young Foundation for Youth Music Education for donating nearly $3,400 toward the cost of two cellos for the Ray-Pec orchestra program.
The Foundation was created in 2014 to honor Rod Young, a resident of Peculiar, after he retired from a 37-year career as a music educator. Ray-Pec graduate Cher (Littleton) Megasko was the chairperson of the Foundation.
Over a period of seven years, the Foundation awarded scholarships to enhance the music education of many students. In 2021, the Foundation’s Board made the difficult decision to end the organization, in part due to difficulty in maintaining an active board of volunteers. At that time, the Board decided to donate the remaining funds toward the Ray-Pec orchestra program.
Throughout the years, Young has been a passionate supporter of music education and the creation of an orchestra program in the Ray-Pec School District. He is pictured with his wife, Mary.
![Mary and Rod Young](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4642842/large_N4dh0fKtMzwGo0Tg6AdPdQ.jpeg)
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All-state! Congratulations to Hayden Kurtz on placing 6th in the javelin throw for Class 5 at the state track and field meet on May 27. Her top throw was 38.38.
![Hayden Kurtz placed 6th at the state track and field meet](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4632273/large_a0p8zXCGD3xZv_q2rytT-w.jpeg)
![Head Track and Field Coach Jamin Swift and Hayden Kurtz](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4632274/large_Od_3LHKwhMXLiSxpbIwGGw.jpeg)
![Hayden Kurtz (6th place) at state track and field meet](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4632276/large_YEtGuXtM6y-Z6_Wyadn4uw.jpeg)
![Hayden Kurtz at state track and field awards podium](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4632277/large_Ep_aeiDEmHJp8pfGNLmrug.jpeg)
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Thank you, Buff City Soap of Raymore, for donating some fun bath bombs and laundry detergent to elementary teachers participating in Curriculum Camp!
From left: Christal Heier, Amanda Carver, and Crystal Hawley
![Three teachers holding Buff City products](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4630928/large_vXTjcdMijonvznRMHr2ysw.jpeg)
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Ray-Pec is committed to a guaranteed (consistent) and viable (doable) curriculum.
A guaranteed and viable curriculum ensures that all students have an equal opportunity to learn. By setting clear and specific learning objectives, each student is given the opportunity to learn a core curriculum in a realistic and achievable time frame. By committing to a guaranteed and viable curriculum, students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
That’s our #RayPecCommitment.
![Photos of two classrooms](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4605923/large_qlLzeRTh3MsD1gjsJmNWlw.png)
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Congratulations to the families of the Treble Chamber and Chamber Singers from Ray-Pec High School and to the families of the singers from Voci from South Middle School! These three groups recently participated in the Worlds of Fun Music Festival, and every judge gave every group the highest possible rating. In addition, Voci received an overall rating of 2nd Place for the Middle School Division for the entire weekend of performances!
![Chamber Choir from Ray-Pec High School](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4600956/large_EupYw1RdEkSKZLTfZo8Kog.jpeg)
![Treble Chamber Choir from Ray-Pec High School](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4600958/large_YdJH5sHU3NORF6xm2ze4AA.jpeg)
![Group photo of Voci choir from South Middle School](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4600960/large_-xh8BjlLQBxlsz4vyMeEDA.jpeg)
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The Panther Closet is open for families to shop from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 24!
The Panther Closet is located on the lower level of Raymore Elementary School, 500 S. Madison St. Please enter through the south side doors and look for the Panther Closet sign. This will be the last time to shop until August due to construction and renovation work taking place this summer at the school.
![Black background with gold decorative border and the words: Panther Closet. Open May 24.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4594371/large_lwGKxv2bgP2pXCPNvxAIQQ.png)
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Congratulations to the Ray-Pec South Middle School Students of the Month for March. They were recognized for being well-rounded.
![March students of the Month](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4578054/large_yTFf26sqFoWqCjhdecj1FA.png)
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Congratulations to the Ray-Pec South Middle School Students of the Month for April. They were recognized for exhibiting the traits of a "Learner." Not pictured is: Micah Potts.
![April Students of the Month](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4577030/large_WePzWL4CnE76gB5Bhct6Zw.png)
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Congratulations to the May Students of the Month at Ray-Pec East Middle School. They were recognized for exhibiting focused attention. Front row: Eighth graders Michael Brown, Alexis Jett, Mackenzie Snyder, Charlotte Fobes, Noah LaSala, and NeVaeh Tnes White. Second row: Seventh graders Brynn Bickelhaupt, Aaron Newman, Alexis Richardson, Aerie Babcock, Sha’Niya Hinkle, and Joanna Mayberry. Third row: Sixth graders Brody Minniear, Haleigh Neal, Carlie Ransom, Citlali Ramirez, Colton Smith, and Carter Stotler.
![May SOM](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4559851/large_DtnsxUjNPqDvLNVxp3NZow.jpeg)
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Congratulations to the April Students of the Month at Ray-Pec East Middle School. They were recognized for being understanding or making amends. Front row, from left: Eighth graders Isabella Gordon, Grace Talbert, Quentin Williams, Kortney Johnson, Faith Kruse, and Julian Pena-Giron. Second row: Seventh graders Maxx Breuer, Jeremiah Curry-Carroll, Kiersten Lukenbill, Olivia Ditgen, Kendrick Reed-Tellez, and Chloe Rew. Third row: Sixth graders Isaiah Hoemann, Blake Raymond, Trinity Shepard, Hendrix Fern, Peyton Lickteig, and Elijah Smith.
![April SOM](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4559815/large_ItRVnBo0dxQ61V9Iq5x4fQ.jpeg)
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English Language Learner Teacher Associate Yajaira Reed-Tellez & ELL Teacher Sarah Hanf were the featured speakers at today's meeting of the Belton-Raymore Rotary Club. They talked about the English Language Learners program for elementary students in the Ray-Pec School District.
![Sarah Hanf and Yajaira Reed -Tellez](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4529868/large_TBF6pk3AJsT74rC-OXl0NQ.jpeg)
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The Ray-Pec Public School Foundation received $3,000 from Royals Charities and Whataburger to support teacher grants.
Sarah Pettengill, math interventionist at Peculiar Elementary, fourth from left, represented the Ray-Pec Foundation on the field at the May 7 Royals game.
Foundation Executive Director Jodie Huston said the additional funds will be incorporated into the Prize Patrol for classroom grants this fall.
![Sarah Pettengill receiving check for foundation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4529708/large_fugWpcy3ANcx4Oat7O2A9w.jpeg)
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Starting Tuesday, May 16, overruns of this year's Ray-Pec High School yearbook will be on sale. There are a limited number available. Books can be purchased in room 811 for $75. Books will be sold from 7 to 10 a.m. daily until they are sold out. Pay with cash or checks made to RPHS. These will be sold on a first come, first sold basis. Seniors will receive their yearbooks at graduation practice on Wednesday. The underclassmen will receive their books on Thursday.
![Yearbook on sale](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4505719/large_vrMhiyoTyUHhXFB-YEBXbg.png)
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Elementary students in the LEAP program for gifted students had fun dissecting laptops during a hands-on unit about computer hardware.
The Technology Department supplied surplus Chromebooks and the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation awarded a grant to purchase tools.
The laptop dissection was designed to educate LEAP students on the hardware component of computer science. It was also an effort to nurture STEM interest and decompartmentalize computer science. This gave the LEAP students the opportunity to explore, build and discover.
Rebecca Huber is the teacher for Elementary LEAP students.
![LEAP students taking apart computers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4504992/large_iAt4ZNOaiUG-6W3PTp39Rg.jpeg)
![LEAP students taking apart computers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4504993/large_84eYbxTnbglACTyxDc91Ww.jpeg)
![LEAP students taking apart computers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4504994/large_22O3aF3C77RpOdE2J2ZbMg.jpeg)
![LEAP students taking apart computers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4504995/large_i9YUDQvPhxdKft5b14Do0g.jpeg)
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Congratulations to the Ray-Pec Bowling Team on their trip to the State Bowling Championships. The team competed against the best in the state and came home with an award for the highest score for a single game outside of finals with a 258. Senior Tallie Scott was previously selected to sing the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies, and then impressed the audience with her bowling skills and was given the All-Star Award, which includes a $100 deposit in her bowling account. Overall, the team took 11th place, which was only a difference of 198 pins across 23 games shy to advance to finals.
![Ray-Pec Bowling Team](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4442867/large_p1xLZYskl0qGuBJ6XFLQpQ.jpeg)
![Ray-Pec Bowling Team in huddle](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4442868/large_yRis8NP7R18Ggg9n3sUY5A.jpeg)
![Senior Tallie Scott singing national anthem](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4442869/large_cKbfrsuKXblj9DjFPRrHpw.jpeg)