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A group of retired Ray-Pec employees enjoyed lunch together on Tuesday at the Administrative Services Center.
From left: Mary Dobson, Ellen Wilfong, Carol Brandt, Shelley Presley, Dorthy Jungmeyer, Karen Helzer, and Joyce Webb.
The lunch was sponsored by the Raymore-Peculiar Public School Foundation. If you'd like to be notified of future retiree get-togethers, send an email to jodie.huston@raypec.org.
![Retiree luncheon](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4267004/large_q1IXy7i5KxTaEsOLL37r0g.jpeg)
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A group of retired Ray-Pec employees enjoyed lunch together on Tuesday at the Administrative Services Center.
From left: Mary Dobson, Ellen Wilfong, Carol Brandt, Shelley Presley, Dorthy Jungmeyer, Karen Helzer, and Joyce Webb.
The lunch was sponsored by the Raymore-Peculiar Public School Foundation. If you'd like to be notified of future retiree get-togethers, send an email to jodie.huston@raypec.org.
![Retiree luncheon](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4267006/large_-G-ZUHm0ylKfhcx1906PUQ.jpeg)
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You are invited to attend the fifth annual Senior Project DRIVE Community Night on Wednesday, April 19, at Raymore-Peculiar High School. Refreshments will be available for purchase from 4 to 8 p.m. at Chewy’s Snacks. You may view projects from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Dome Gym. Students will give presentations to assigned evaluators from 6 to 8 p.m. The DRIVE projects have four major components: working with a client, gathering relevant materials, proposing solutions, and presenting to the community.
![RPSDN](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4248254/large_grAfKdYxjqj7xV4yU36XkA.jpeg)
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Ashley Jones, left, and Ruth Johnson were sworn into office during a special School Board reorganization meeting on April 17. Board Secretary Pam Steele administered the oath after the Board certified the results of the April 4 election. Jones and Johnson were elected to 3-year terms.
Paul Coffman was also re-elected to serve a 3-year term, but was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Steele will administer the oath of office to Coffman later this week.
The Board elected Ruth Johnson to continue as President, Deanna Olson to continue as Vice President, Pam Steele as Secretary, and Cynthia Byous as Treasurer.
![Ashley Jones and Ruth Johnson taking the oath of office](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4243194/large_rolXvuDA84ZnTyQDFNzjVQ.jpeg)
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Ray-Pec High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) conducted its annual Stay Safe Spring Campaign on April 14, the day before Prom. SADD members tagged about 713 cars with letters from elementary students encouraging them to make good decisions during prom and graduation. This year's participating elementary schools were Raymore Elementary, Stonegate Elementary, Eagle Glen Elementary and Timber Creek Elementary. The project includes coordination between counselors,elementary students and SADD.
![SADD Stay Safe Campaign](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4238968/large_-PkhNRgZECmG5j_q1yQWug.jpeg)
![SADD Stay Safe Campaign](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4238971/large_eZLWrLRZzRCZhA5-OT824A.jpeg)
![SADD Stay Safe Campaign](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4238975/large_I5c_0qr_TR5mPLhKMsFHcA.jpeg)
![SADD Stay Safe Campaign](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4238977/large_z8w1ROSypi4uiurtymqk3A.jpeg)
![SADD Stay Safe Campaign](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4238979/large_414vIxCG0s02zkaELbcICA.jpeg)
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You are cordially invited to the 2023 Volunteer of the Year reception! The reception is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, in the Board Room at the Ray-Pec Innovation Academy, 21001 S. School Rd.
The PTA Council received over 70 nominations this year, resulting in 36 individuals being nominated to receive the VoTY Award! We are amazed at the support these individuals provide to our district and wish that we had time to formally honor each of them and their contributions.
We will honor the following finalists: Alicia Hiles, Amy Kaye, Ashley Crowe, Debbie Kansteiner, Hanna Samuelson, Kristi Schumacher, LaTisha Spiller, Lisa McGan, Miah Johnson, Michelle Houston, Rachel Seura, Renee Stambaugh & Terra Stotler.
![Volunteer of the Year invite.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4225252/large_OuPi9yMYCFPzkZBO8Splcg.png)
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Congratulations to the RPEMS Students of the Month for March. They were recognized for exhibiting care and concern. Front row, from left: Eighth graders Dane Hamberg, Sophia Hurley, Selena McCurter, Destiny Taylor, Scarlett Twillegar, and Phillip Watts. Second row: Seventh graders Gabrielle Beaven, Asher Froelish, Emani Spears, Elena Marvin, Annalise Merritt, and Tii’Myrius Wilson. Third row: Sixth graders Carly Hough, Makenli Jackson, Chase McGuire, Paxton Edwards, Jesstina Schnacker, Zoey Smith.
![March Students of the month.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4225072/large_btgc4KdKPVUi-ldqk_36CA.jpeg)
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As Missouri School Board Recognition Month comes to a close, join us in thanking our Board members for their dedication and hours of service! Back: Billy King, Paul Coffman, Bill Lowe, & Carol Barnes. Front: Vice President Deanna Olson, Kim York, & President Ruth Johnson.
![A picture of the seven members on the Board of Education](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4127012/large_yGoQ0XcgqIl59lMb7h7ZoQ.jpeg)
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The April 4 ballot for Ray-Pec School District voters includes Proposition RP-1 and the election of school board members.
The election will take place during Ray-Pec Spring Break. If you will be out of town on election day, you can vote in advance via absentee ballot.
Go in person to the County Clerk's office at 102 East Wall St., Harrisonville, Mo. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today (March 30); and Friday, March 31; and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 1. The office also will be open for voting from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3.
![Image of ballot box with the words "Early Voting"](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4116393/large_qmXGnt7hcvYA83DWhCCPKQ.png)
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Kim York is ending 12 years of service on the Ray-Pec School Board. She was first elected in 2011, & has served four 3-year terms. This year, she chose not to run for re-election. Kim was Board President in 2012, 2013 & 2106, and vice president in 2017. Thanks for your service!
![School Board Member Kim York](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4111669/large_90XTtoWI4OdkS12nUXG2Zw.jpeg)
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The Ray-Pec School Board on March 28 honored Teacher Carma Richey. Ms. Richey teaches English Language Arts during the morning at the high school. In the afternoon, she teaches the Teacher Academy at the LEAD Center. Students in the program spend two days per week learning about becoming an educator. The other three days each week, students are in district classrooms working with teachers and students at the middle and elementary schools.
Last week, Ms. Richey attended the Council of Chief State School Officers Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., with Missouri Commissioner of Education, Dr. Margie Vandeven. During the conference, Ms. Richey participated in a panel discussion and shared about Ray-Pec’s use of federal grant funds to start the Teacher Academy program.
The people attending the conference included Chief Officers of education for each state, members of Congress, and members of the Biden Administration. The panel’s goal was to convince those in attendance that Grow Your Own programs should be included in the national education budget. Ms. Richey was selected to attend because DESE identified Ray-Pec as having an “exceptional program.”
She is pictured with Board President Ruth Johnson
![BOE Recognition](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4110625/large_Nf6xQ4y8pIw1gLx67o-7Og.jpeg)
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The Raymore-Peculiar School Board on March 28 honored RPHS Senior Brynn Elkins, who placed 4th at the State Wrestling Meet last month. She is the first girl from Ray-Pec High School to be All-State in wrestling. This was her second time to compete at the state tournament. She is pictured with Board President Ruth Johnson.
![BOE Recognition](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4110486/large_QjGfmtqSKy3JfmP0tppm8w.jpeg)
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A prescribed burn is planned from noon to 2 p.m. today in the one-acre Outdoor Classroom area east of Ray-Pec High School. Some high school science classes will be participating as observers, and other students will be documenting the event.
Do not worry if you are near the school campus and see the smoke or fire.
The Outdoor Classroom is planted with native prairie plants. Prescribed burning, sometimes called controlled burning, involves the controlled application of fire by a team of fire experts under specific weather conditions to improve ecosystems.
There will be no disruption to the school day, and learning will continue as usual.
![The word "Announcement" and the Ray-Pec logo on a gold background](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4108155/large_uqo0XoCgQowt5rInTPJ3-w.png)
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The School Board tonight honored Aiden Daly, the 2023 Ray-Pec District Spelling Bee Champion. Aiden is an 8th grader at South Middle School.
The District Bee was held virtually on Jan. 11. After 11 rounds of competition, Aiden was declared the winner after successfully spelling the word “subsequent.” He then represented Ray-Pec in the Cass County Spelling Bee earlier this month.
He is pictured with Board President Ruth Johnson.
![Aiden Daly with Board President Ruth Johnson](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4103823/large_1680050830000.jpeg)
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Ray-Pec High School announces that Aubree Bell will lead the Panther Volleyball Team, beginning with the 2023-2024 season.
Coach Bell joined the Ray-Pec School District last August as a physical education teacher at Ray-Pec High School. She also served as the volleyball assistant coach last fall.
Coach Bell previously played competitive volleyball for 11 years. Her playing experience began with six years for PVA at the Elite Club Level and ended with five years at the University of Central Missouri. During Coach Bell's time at UCM, she earned three All-Conference awards. The UCM Jennies were the Regular Season Champions as well as the Post Season Conference Champions.
Currently, Coach Bell is coaching club volleyball in the Kansas City area. She said she has big plans for the Ray-Pec Volleyball Program. She said that her high school, club, and college volleyball experiences have taught her the importance of leadership, teamwork, and valuable life lessons.
![Aubree Bell](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4094801/large_uvAexkRGzBkUvzjReYDSEQ.png)
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This Ray-Pec grad is a national champion!
2021 Ray-Pec graduate Conner Gittings, a 4-yr member of the Ray-Pec Trap Shooting Team, competed at the Division II National Championships earlier this month in Las Vegas. Conner broke 100/100 targets, and pulled off the 5-man shoot-off, which took an additional 30 targets.
Conner is currently a sophomore, shooting for Upper Iowa University, in Fayette, Iowa. As a team they also placed 3rd in the HOA (High Over All), Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays.
![Connor](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4070614/large_AbXBUI0DkFjarnwpVpZKGw.jpeg)
![Connor competeing](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4070616/large_j6DakzebHJMZB7F85jqCDA.jpeg)
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Teacher Carma Richey represented the Raymore-Peculiar School District and the teaching profession on March 21 as part of a national panel talking about the importance of "Grow Your Own" teaching programs.
Ms. Richey attended the Council of Chief State School Officers Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., with Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven. Ms. Richey and Teacher Kayley Pak from Park Hill Schools were invited to attend after being identified as having "exceptional" programs for students interested in careers in education.
Ms. Richey teaches English Language Arts at Ray-Pec High School and the Teacher Academy at the LEAD Center.
During the CCSSO conference, Ms. Richey shared about Ray-Pec's Teacher Academy program. The people attending the conference included Chief Officers of education for each state, members of Congress, and members of the Biden Administration. The panel’s goal was to convince those in attendance that Grow Your Own programs should be included in the national education budget.
![Carma Richey](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4063276/large_PeaSQ9kY-uayxq4N4JLEFA.jpeg)
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Congratulations to Ray-Pec High School Business Teacher Travis Conley on being selected to receive the Warren C. and Dorothy B. Lovinger Graduate Student Scholarship for continuing his Master's degree program at the University of Central Missouri!
![Travis Conley](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4047577/large_wW4Ug-L9VyyrfwI43KloZQ.jpeg)
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Congratulations to the South Middle School Students of the Month for February! They were honored for being organized. Back row, from left: Audrey Newton, Nathaniel Boze, Keaton Lindell, Alexis Brown, and Nathan Ayers. Second row: Brianna Biondo, Addison Gaster, Kennedy Moner, Brielle Ryberg, and Skyar Waller. Third row: Paxton Lehman, Reggi Cox, Myla Branick, and Ella Weaver. Front row: Andrew Smither, Elizabeth Howe, Grant Thomas, and Katie Mayes. Not pictured: Charles Kille and Jazmyn McClendon.
![February Students of the Month](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4035498/large_nNgF-XdIMh_DbEj0r4z3qg.jpeg)
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Ray-Pec Winter Guard invites you to enjoy a free showcase featuring the Winter Guard's Show "Rainbow" and a number of solo and small group acts. The showcase starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, March 16, at the Raymore-Peculiar High School Dome Gym.
![Winter Showcase Flyer](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4017482/large_MTIdbFJ9DG5XD6mTwaw7Tw.jpeg)