College and Careers Highlights Newsletter

Diploma+ Internships Off to a Strong Start

Students from F. L. Schlagle High School excelled in Transition+, a distinguished internship program established through a collaborative partnership among the Special Education Department, Diploma+, and the University of Kansas Health System. This program is specifically designed for students with unique learning needs who are currently enrolled in transitional classrooms serving individuals aged 18–21.

The goal of Transition+ is to provide students with meaningful, hands-on experience across a variety of fields, including food service, hospitality, transportation, administrative support, and both clinical and non-clinical roles. Through guided, real-world learning experiences at KU Health System, students gain valuable employability skills and professional confidence.

Upon successful completion of the program and fulfillment of all requirements, participating students earn an Endorsement for an Approved Post-Secondary Transition Plan, recognizing their readiness for continued education, employment, and independent living.

Hats off to Alex Anderson, De’Shawn Bradley, Kayla Horton, Eileen Casarez Velazquez, Aiden Nelson, Jose Frayre Delgado, Daniel Alex Meneses, Treyvion Verge, Yaretzi Perez Bustillos and their teachers and paras for supporting them

Deputy Superintendent Hansford Visits Baxter Automotive Internship Sites

Deputy Superintendent of Leadership and Learning, Mr. Kevin Hansford, recently visited students participating in the Diploma+ Special Program Automotive Internship at Baxter Toyota and Honda of the Legends.

Students Mathew Zarate (F. L. Schlagle High School), Eli Del Real (Washington High School), Jose Alfredo Anaya-Martinez (F. L. Schlagle High School), and Alexa Alarcon Becerra (J. C. Harmon High School) are gaining valuable on-the-job training alongside Baxter technicians, performing hands-on work on Toyota and Honda vehicles.

Through this year-long internship, students are applying real-world learning while earning $15 per hour. Upon successful completion, they will earn Honda PDI Certification, Express Certification, and Toyota Maintenance Certification—credentials that open doors to future career opportunities in the automotive industry.

Developing Future Leaders at Carl Bruce Middle School

Carl Bruce Middle School JAG-K Specialist LaQuisha Harvey is actively engaging her 7th-grade students in lessons focused on leadership and self-development. Through interactive activities, students are learning to collaborate in teams, take on leadership roles, and build confidence in public speaking.

The JAG-K (Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas) program empowers students to strengthen essential life skills such as goal setting, decision-making, self-awareness, and personal responsibility—laying a strong foundation for success in school, career, and life. Great work, Ms. Harvey.

Kauffman Student Voices

We’re excited to announce the launch of Kauffman Student Voices for the 2025 school year! 💬✨

Students representing Alternative Learning & Special Programs, J.C. Harmon, F.L. Schlagle, Sumner Academy, Washington, and Wyandotte High School are stepping up as leaders in this year-long client-connected project. 🌟

Their mission:

• Identify Real-World Learning opportunities available within their schools
• Serve as student ambassadors to raise awareness about RWL experiences
• Discover what their peers already know—and what more they’d like to see

These outstanding students will not only represent their schools but also help shape the future of Real-World Learning across KCKPS. 🚀

Let’s cheer them on as they amplify student voices and open more doors of opportunity for their classmates! 🙌

 

Alfred Fairfax Academy Student Project on Chronic Absenteeism

Awesome job to David Azanza Reyes, Emma Cacique, Rubi Cereceres, Milena Newton, Dalton Orr, M’Nijah Roark, Destiny Robinson, and Luis Romano DeLa Fuente, who attend Alfred Fairfax Academy. These students recently completed a Client-Connected Project focused on addressing chronic absenteeism, in collaboration with Naomi Tolentino, Coordinator for Attend to Achieve.

The students’ goal was to identify barriers that impact school attendance and propose actionable solutions. Through surveys and data collection, they analyzed key factors contributing to absenteeism and presented their findings in a comprehensive slide deck. As part of their project, students also developed printable materials offering practical tips and strategies to help improve attendance across schools. Awesome work supported by their principal, Mr. Cody McCoy!

Wyandotte High School Students Lead College Fair Shirt Design Challenge

Wyandotte High School students Katie Briseno Ortiz, Elizabeth Hernandez Solano, and J’Marie Williams created the winning design for the 2025–2026 College Fair shirts as part of a Design Challenge in their Graphic Design I class, taught by Thomasena Hass.

Ms. Hass presented this challenge to all three of her Graphic Design classes, encouraging students to apply their creativity and design skills to a real-world project. The top five designs were then reviewed by District Leadership and a Board Member, who selected the final design.

Congratulations to these talented students for demonstrating their skills through this real-world learning experience and achieving their goals! 🎨👏