A proper welcome to the district

It seems wherever I go everyone is asking, “What are you doing for the Extreme Makeover for the seven Independence Schools on July 26 and 27?”  These are the seven schools that the Independence School District reclaimed from the Kansas City School District by a vote of the people last November, 2007.  The schools are Van Horn High School, Nowlin Middle School, Fairmount Elementary, North Rock Creek/Korte Elementary, Sugar Creek Elementary and Three Trails. These schools serve residents of Independence, Sugar Creek and Blue Summit Mt. Washington Elementary school will not be open.

Other than all the legal issues that still haven’t been resolved, there’s a bigger issue; how to get these schools ready for 2,500 students by Aug. 18. I recently heard Jim Hinson, superintendent of the Independence School District, describe the physical conditions of these schools, and I was appalled. He said one school was in such deplorable condition that they weren’t even going to open it. There also appears to be some major health and fire issues including security, fire alarms, elevators, and HVAC systems. All schools need major cleaning, painting in all classrooms and hallways, and landscaping including new sidewalks. That’s a lot of work in a short period of time.

I am asking the business community, service organizations, and faith communities to roll up their sleeves and pitch in and help. This is a community event to improve the quality of life for our kids. I don’t know much about painting or repairs, but I signed up. I can do coffee, lunch or registration. I am a good pair of extra hands and a good “go-for.” Regardless of your talent level, you can do something also. If you can’t, cash donations are welcome.

Event Sponsors

There isn’t enough space in this column to list all the names of the companies/organizations that have volunteered. But I am going to name a few of the big hearts. Unilever donated all of the safety supplies like ear plugs, safety glasses, heavy work gloves, trash bags, paint scrapers and utility knives. Centerpoint Medical Center donated cash and supplies including leaf and garden rakes, landscaping gloves, shovels, tarps, paint brushes, rollers/handles, paint thinner, paint scrapers and tow chains. Union Pacific Railroad and Northern Railway donated safety supplies and 200 cases of water. Local unions will be donating labor and concrete for sidewalks at each school. To feed all those volunteers newly opened Chick-fli-A will donate 1,800 sandwiches and Hy-Vee will donate soda. Some other donors are Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co., Blue Springs Harley Davison, Withers/KC Sanitary Supply Co., Walton Construction, ATK/Lake City.  

Small businesses are welcome to donate and get involved. For example, Desk Top Office Products on Independence Square will donate gift certificates to Conor Davis’ project. Davis is working on his Eagle Scout project and is collecting school supplies to fill 50 bags for the teachers at Van Horn High School. These are items that teachers often end up supplying out of their own pockets for the school and for unprepared students. To participate in Conor Davis’ school supply project contact him at 816-795-6316 or e-mail to shdavis53@comcast.net .

Contact information

Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to sign up. Registration forms, donation forms, and a supply list can be found at www.ournewschools.com or e-mail extremeinfo@ indep.k12. mo.us.

Let’s give a big welcome to these kids and schools and make them feel part of the Independence School District family.