The COVID-19 challenges to education nationwide provided momentum in LSR7 to invest in online education and engage elementary students across Missouri.

One year after 82.2% of voters approved LSR7’s $224 million no tax rate increase bond issue, the investments are taking shape.

Ms. Christa Battaglia, Purchasing & Distribution Services Coordinator, has worked in LSR7 for eight years.

Jaelyn Roberson, who just finished eighth grade at Summit Lakes Middle School, was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including theater, Summit Lakes Singers and the cheer squad. She received recognition as a SLMS Student of the Month.

In My Words: Quinton Nofziger is a junior at Lee’s Summit High School and Summit Technology Academy. Quinton won the Missouri Music Educators Association’s Electronic Music Composition Contest with his song “Is this ok??” (listen to the song at lsr7.org/quinton).

In My Words: La’Ray McKinley, a sophomore at Lee’s Summit North High School, read a Maya Angelou poem during the Feb. 17 LSR7 African American Read-in (watch the full program at lsr7.org/readin). La’Ray also plays basketball, performs with the step team, the Northside Steppers, and competes in track and field.

In My Words: Sylvia Jeffress, a senior at Lee’s Summit West High School, is a student on the team developing LSR7’s new strategic plan, the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Sylvia also performs in the LSW theater program.

In My Words: Will Chuba, an eighth grader at Pleasant Lea Middle School, participates in the school’s theater program. His roles include Willy Wonka in “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr.” and Jack Scott in “Disney’s High School Musical, Jr.”

In My Words: Kimber Dhyne, a fifth grader at Trailridge Elementary, is a member of Trailridge’s Broadcasting Team.

In My Words: Dominic Mezerhane Maldonado is a first grader at Lee’s Summit Elementary.