~ Volunteers make a difference in R-7 schools ~

Community involvement is essential for the success of Lee’s Summit R-7 Schools. Fortunately, our schools benefit from many dedicated volunteers who donate tens of thousands of hours each year.

Parents are encouraged to become involved in their children’s schools through active PTA organizations at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. In addition to PTAs, high school parents have the opportunity to join booster organizations focusing on areas such as academics, athletics and music. These groups make a tremendous difference within our schools. For more information about joining PTA or other parent groups, contact your child’s school.

Local businesses, organizations and individuals are also needed to provide curricular connections at all ages and grade levels throughout the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. Currently, more than 80 local businesses and organizations contribute their time and human resources to our schools through the successful Partners In Education program, but additional partners are needed. Partners In Education focuses on providing meaningful connections between students, curriculum and the business community by partnering with an individual school or a district program. For more information about Partners In Education, visit the R-7 Partners In Education website or contact Laura Maxwell, R-7 Partners In Education coordinator, (816) 986-1109.

The Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation offers numerous opportunities for interested individuals and businesses to become involved with and provide assistance to the school district. Established in 1993, this non-profit organization generates and guides philanthropic resources to promote excellence in education in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. The Foundation provides funding for scholarships and innovative learning activities as well as for targeted school district fund-raising efforts. Both tax-deductible financial donations and contributions of volunteer time are needed by the Educational Foundation. For more information on how you can help make a difference, visit the Educational Foundation website or contact Sheryl Franke, Educational Foundation director, at (816) 986-1015.

In addition to these ongoing volunteer activities, the Lee’s Summit School District is committed to involving its parents and citizens in the decision-making process. These district-wide teams traditionally meet for a specific period of time to study and make recommendations on issues ranging from school boundary changes to strategic planning. One way to learn about these shorter-term opportunities is to subscribe to the R-7 School District electronic newsletter which includes information about these community teams as they are forming.