Kansas City Kansas Unified Schl Dist 500
Student Recognition
The Student Recognition Program is designed to recognize students for their exemplary academic efforts, community service, citizenship, athletics, volunteer service, etc. If students are nominated for a reason besides academics, they should have demonstrated at least average academic effort, good school attendance and good discipline.
When are students recognized?
Each month during the school year students will be recognized at the meeting of the Board of Education.
Who can nominate a student?
Nominations may be made by students, teachers, and school-based administrators.
Important Notes:
If a student is chosen for recognition, the nominator will be asked to attend a Board of Education meeting to be part of the presentation.
KCKPS Celebrates the December Students of the Month
Vincent Galvan-Castel - Early Childhood Student of the Month
Vincent Galvan-Castel is an Early Childhood scholar at Kansas City Kansas Early Childhood Center. Vincent was nominated by Dorothy Betts, a teacher at KCKECC. He has been nominated under the pillar of Service and Citizenship for USD 500. Ms. Betts remarks “It is very true to say that education begins at home and from the first home visit we saw something in Vincent, (a strong character) taking pride in what he does. He is an organized and caring person. Vincent takes his assigned jobs seriously and gives it all he has. He is sensitive to the needs of others and is willing to help them if they ask him because he does not impose. He has learned the daily classroom routines and can adjust when sudden changes occur within those routines.
As with any child he can be sensitive because he works hard at proving he can do the job. With this character, I am sure Vincent will go far in his education because he has a strong support system in place (his family) who values education and educators. Vincent has missed only 3 days of school since it began in August. WE ARE HIS SECOND OFFICIAL FAN CLUB.
Vincent is an exemplar of an Early Childhood USD 500 student embodying our KS Social, Emotional, Character Development standards practicing good citizenship as respectful, responsible, empathetic and ethical individuals, through making healthy decisions, practicing personal safety, understanding risk prevention, promoting a positive school culture, problem solving effectively, and valuing excellence.
Olivia Maynipar - Elementary Student of the Month
Olivia is a 3rd grade student at John F. Kennedy Elementary School and was nominated by Cherl Owens, the school nurse, and Yesenia Parada, 3rd grade teacher. Olivia is known to be excellent in her studies, citizenship, and in her efforts always to do her best. Olivia is a 3rd-grade student in Mrs. Parada's class. Mrs. Parada writes, “Olivia is an outstanding student. She is always very excited to come to class. She is very respectful to everyone around her. She comes in, greeting every adult and classmate. She is always engaged in the lessons and is an active participant. She goes above and beyond her work and does everything to overcome obstacles. She encourages her classmates when things get difficult and has a growth mindset.”
Olivia enjoys every minute of her time spent at school. She is highly regarded by not only her classroom teacher, but also in music, library, and in art. Her music teacher commented Olivia is a very talented and focused young lady who works hard in my class. She's a very responsible and trustworthy person. She's also extremely respectful, helpful, and kind to others. I enjoy teaching her because I know she's going to do her best every time.”
Olivia is an exemplar of an elementary USD 500 student embodying our KS Social, Emotional, Character Development standards practicing good citizenship as respectful, responsible, empathetic, and ethical individuals, through making healthy decisions, practicing personal safety, understanding risk prevention, promoting a positive school culture, problem solving effectively, and valuing excellence.
Kamea Richardson - Middle School Student of the Month
Kamea is a 7th grade student at Arrowhead Middle School and he was nominated by Dr. Melissa Halstead, the 7th Grade Team Lead. She remarks, "on behalf of the entire 7th grade team, we nominate Kamea Richardson. She goes above and beyond with all the work that is assigned to her. Rather than just "meet grade level standards", she works hard to "exceed grade level standards". When she doesn't understand a task, she does a wonderful job of advocating for her academic needs. This is a skillset that will always be needed as she goes through life.”
Kamea is an example of a student who has learned how to balance her activities. Her teachers note that she continues to excel in academics AND make time for after-school activities. More importantly, she is recognized as an inspiration to those around her.
Additionally, she is one of the most helpful and understanding people the team has ever met because when others need academic help, she stops what she's doing and does what she can to help those around her. “Kamea has a deep understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats.” Dr. Halstead also commented that it is such an honor, on behalf of the 7th grade team, to nominate Kamea Richardson as December Student of the Month
Kamea is an exemplar of an elementary USD 500 student embodying our KS Social, Emotional, Character Development standards practicing good citizenship as respectful, responsible, empathetic, and ethical individuals, through making healthy decisions, practicing personal safety, understanding risk prevention, promoting a positive school culture, problem solving effectively, and valuing excellence.
Shawn Vang - High School Student of the Month
Shawn is a senior at Washington High School and is being nominated under the pillar of service and citizenship. Shawn is being nominated by Tanja Heinen, CTE/Business Instructor at Washington. Ms. Heinen mentioned that Shawn was first introduced during the fall of 2020. He took my entrepreneurship class and always came prepared and on time to our Zoom meetings. He showed respect, asked insightful questions, displayed a sense of humor, and contributed to a positive learning environment. He created relationships with the speakers whom I invited to our Zoom meetings to share their entrepreneurial experiences.
Shawn was nominated for Student Council this year and he oversaw the dance and the homecoming court nomination, voting, and crowning ceremony details. This is where Shawn's amazing and selfless dedication really shined. Shawn personally took it upon himself to man each of the seven days of ticket sales in the cafeteria. He gathered the necessary materials from my classroom, set up, handled the transactions, and the MASTER log of all ticket sales. Together, we enjoyed record ticket sales raising more than $4,000 to create an outstanding Homecoming Dance event the students called "Hollywood Red Carpet."
He served in the planning, organization, staffing, leading, and controlling functions of business management to create fabulous experiences for his fellow students for a fun post-pandemic Homecoming event. He and the STUCO team sold so many tickets we had to move the dance to a larger venue. Ms. Heinen not only recommends him but also represents the Student Council of Washington High School by nominating Shawn Vang for Student of the Month for his service and citizenship. As one council member stated, "Shawn was the glue that kept us all working together."
Shawn is an example of a USD 500 student embodying our KS Social, Emotional, Character Development standards practicing good citizenship as respectful, responsible, empathetic, and ethical individuals, through making healthy decisions, practicing personal safety, understanding risk prevention, promoting a positive school culture, problem-solving effectively, and valuing excellence.