December 1 - Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

Education News 

Articles from Local Newspapers About or Affecting our District 

December 1 – 15, 2008 

Table of Contents: 

Social skills valuable in preschool education (KC Star 12/1) ................................................................................................ 3 

Strategies for parents to get kids to eat more healthfully (KC Star 12/1) ............................................................................. 4 

Surprising number of students say they’re dishonest (KC Star 12/1) ................................................................................... 5 

High School Hoops 2008-2009 [basketball tab layout] (Kansan 12/3) ................................................................................ 6 

Basketball season begins this week in Wyandotte County (Kansan 12/3) ......................................................................... 16 

Texas, With Game: Hooks returns home to lead Harmon’s rebuilding efforts [basketball] (Kansan 12/3) ......................... 18 

KCK school district looks at boundary changes (Kansan 12/3) .......................................................................................... 21 

KCK League Wrestling (Kansan 12/3) ................................................................................................................................ 22 

Washington star shines for KU in Border War [football] (Kansan 12/3) .............................................................................. 23 

2008 All-KCK League Football Team (KC Star 12/3) ......................................................................................................... 24 

Here’s a no-brainer: Families in Missouri and Kansas are bearing more of the college cost burden (KC Star 12/3) ........ 25 

Schools & Youth [Students of the Month w/photo] (KC Star 12/3) ..................................................................................... 28 

School notes: F.L. Schlagle High School Quest Competition (KC Star 12/3) ..................................................................... 29 

KCKPS holds Custodian Achievement Awards (Dos Mundos 12/4) .................................................................................. 30 

KCKPS Fall 2008 Custodian Achievement Awards [w/photos] (Record – 12/4) ................................................................ 31 

Thanksgiving on Track … [photos of On Track dinner] (Wyandotte West 12/4) ................................................................ 33 

Legislature news in brief: Kansas revenues shrink (KC Star 12/5) ..................................................................................... 34 

Storybooks help reach and teach (KC Star 12/5) ............................................................................................................... 35 

KCK school board focuses on professional improvement plan (Kansan 12/6) ................................................................... 36 

KCK League selects offense team (Kansan 12/6) .............................................................................................................. 38 

Lady Sabres defeated in season opener (Kansan 12/6) .................................................................................................... 39 

Long, Jones help Wildcats make ‘statement’ [basketball w/photo] (Kansan 12/6) ............................................................. 41 

[Nick Sloan’s .pdf version of the above two articles] (Kansan 12/6) ................................................................................... 43 

West Wyandotte Library to host used book sale (Kansan 12/6) ......................................................................................... 44 

Funding payments for schools briefly delayed (KC Star 12/7) ............................................................................................ 45 

Braille: Balancing tradition, technology (KC Star 12/8) ....................................................................................................... 46 

Kansas tries a new tactic for helping children to read (KC Star 12/9) ................................................................................ 52 

Local librarian to be honored in New York [Carol Levers] (KC Star 12/9) .......................................................................... 54 

COLUMN: WyCo needs to host tournament [basketball] (Kansan 12/10) .......................................................................... 55 

Four WyCo teams compete for Paola crown [basketball photos] (Kansan 12/10) ............................................................. 57 

Hand over your … nose? [photo of nutria-pear] (Kansan 12/10) ........................................................................................ 58 

Harmon explodes for 94 points in victory [basketball w/photos] (Kansan 12/10) ............................................................... 59 

Sumner academy wins silver medal [US News & World Report] (Kansan 12/10) .............................................................. 62 

Two WyCo teams alive for Paola title [basketball] (Kansan 12/10) .................................................................................... 64

KCK district braces for possible cuts (KC Star 12/10) ........................................................................................................ 65 

Sumner, Harmon Boys; Piper Girls Top Teams in Wyandotte County [basketball] (Wyandotte West 12/11) .................... 66 

Two KCK Schools Receive Statewide Awards (Wyandotte West 12/11) ........................................................................... 67 

Wrestling Preview (Wyandotte West 12/11) ....................................................................................................................... 68 

Harmon wins Paola Invitational tournament [basketball w/photo] (Kansan 12/13) ............................................................. 71 

KCK Public Schools District announces students, employees of the month [photos] (Kansan 12/13) .............................. 73 

KUPDS Alliance used to recruit high-quality teachers to USD 500 (Kansan 12/13) .......................................................... 74 

Paola second round game capsules: Harmon earns 30-point victory [basketball] (Kansan 12/13) ................................... 75 

PE4Life to be used in 10 schools (Kansan 12/13) .............................................................................................................. 76 

Recent Wyandotte County Scores [basketball] (Kansan 12/13) ......................................................................................... 77 

Sumner advances in Blue Valley Shootout [basketball w/photos] (Kansan 12/13) ............................................................ 78 

Sumner wins Blue Valley Shootout [basketball w/photo] (Kansan 12/13) .......................................................................... 80 

Wyandotte High senior achieves on the court, in the classroom [basketball w/photo] (Kansan 12/13) ............................. 82 

Younger players key to Lady Stallions’ winning start [basketball] (Kansan 12/13) ............................................................. 84

Back to web version 

Monday, Dec 1, 2 

Posted on Sun, Nov. 30, 2008 

Social skills valuable in preschool education 

When it comes to educating preschoolers, cultivating social skills can be as valuable as hammering home the ABCs, a recent 

study shows. 

The study, conducted by Penn State University, divided children enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Head Start program into two groups: 

Half were taught under a standard curriculum and the other half were also taught a component on social skills. 

Children enrolled in the second group performed better both academically and socially, the researchers found. 

With more U.S. schools, including some in Kansas City, offering preschool classes, this study provides valuable insight. And it 

shows that it doesn’t necessarily take extra staff to accomplish good results. 

A single teacher in a preschool classroom can help kids with social, emotional and pre-academic skills, the study found. 

While most preschools teach general “good behavior,” the new curriculum offered children problem-solving tactics and interactive 

learning sessions. 

Experts consider early learning important for later school success. With U.S. schools still lagging behind their international peers, 

and “No Child Left Behind” widely criticized, this study provides valuable insight for newly elected leaders who will be tackling 

America’s educational ills. 

Critics say too many of America’s classrooms are narrowly focused on “teaching to the test,” failing to teach problem-solving or to 

instill excitement about learning. 

In recent years, some educational administrators have treated students as repositories for facts and numbers important on 

standardized tests. Broader approaches are needed. It’s possible that some ideas in this study could translate well to upper 

grades. 

Educate the whole child, and learning might just leap forward. 

© 2007 Kansas City Star and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansascity.com



Strategies for parents to get kids to eat more healthfully 

By JANET HELM 

The Chicago Tribune 

Preschoolers and parents, take note, you’re getting your own food pyramid. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently unveiled MyPyramid for Preschoolers at the American Dietetic Association’s Food 

and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Chicago. 

Brian Wansink, executive director of USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, introduced this new nutrition tool as part of 

an ongoing campaign called “Project M.O.M.” that he has spearheaded since joining USDA last year. 

“We have refocused our general advice …and are now honing in on the nutritional gatekeepers who purchase and prepare most 

of the family food,” Wansink said. He thinks educating these nutritional gatekeepers — moms, dads or other caregivers — is the 

most efficient way to transform the way Americans eat. 

The new MyPyramid for Preschoolers is intended to help parents make better food choices for children 2 to 5 years old, a critical 

time when food habits and taste preferences are established. 

Keeping tabs on calories is a bigger reality today than ever before, considering that nearly 15 percent of preschoolers in this 

country are overweight. 

“We have not just provided the ‘what,’ we’ve really taken it to the next level,” Wansink said. “We’re showing parents exactly how 

you do this.” 

Indeed, the information on the Web site is about as concrete as you can get. If you’re concerned that your child is eating too little 

or too much, or if you’re simply not sure what counts as a serving, you can customize a pyramid to get detailed information about 

what and how much to feed your child based on age, gender and activity level. 

Several real-life strategies are provided to help parents introduce new foods to preschoolers, a notoriously picky bunch who often 

stick to a beige, chicken nuggets-dominated diet. 

Perhaps most compelling is a section that focuses on how to talk to your preschooler about food. In this clever section titled 

“phrases that help and hinder,” you can learn to reframe your food discussions to be more positive. 

Access MyPyramid for Preschoolers and related links at MyPyramid.gov. 

© 2007 Kansas City Star and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansascity.com 

Monday, Dec 1, 2



Surprising number of students say they’re dishonest 

By DAVID CRARY 

The Associated Press 

NEW YORK | In the past year, 30 percent of U.S. high school students have stolen from a store and 64 percent have cheated on 

a test, according to a new, large-scale survey. 

Educators say it suggests that Americans are apathetic about ethical standards. 

Reactions to the findings questioned indications that today’s young people are less honest than previous generations, but 

observers agreed that intensified pressures are prompting many students to cut corners. 

“The competition is greater, the pressures on kids have increased dramatically,” said Mel Riddle of the National Association of 

Secondary School Principals. “They have opportunities their predecessors didn’t have (to cheat). The temptation is greater.” 

The Josephson Institute, a Los Angeles-based ethics institute, surveyed 29,760 students at 100 randomly selected high schools 

nationwide, both public and private. All students in the selected schools were given the survey in class; their anonymity was 

assured. 

Michael Josephson, the institute’s founder and president, said he was most dismayed by the findings about theft. The survey 

found that 35 percent of boys and 26 percent of girls — 30 percent overall — acknowledged stealing from a store within the past 

year. One-fifth said they stole something from a friend; 23 percent said they stole something from a parent or other relative. 

“What is the social cost of that — not to mention the implication for the next generation of mortgage brokers?” Josephson said in 

an interview. “In a society drenched with cynicism, young people can look at it and say, ‘Why shouldn’t we? Everyone else does 

it.’ ” 

Cheating in school apparently is rampant and getting worse. Sixty-four percent of students cheated on a test in the past year and 

38 percent did so two or more times, up from 60 percent and 35 percent in a 2006 survey. 

Despite the responses, 93 percent of the students said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character, and 77 

percent affirmed that “when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know.” 

Nijmie Dzurinko, executive director of the Philadelphia Student Union, said the findings were not at all reflective of the inner-city 

students she works with as an advocate for better curriculum. 

“A lot of people like to blame society’s problems on young people, without recognizing that young people aren’t making the 

decisions about what’s happening in society,” said Dzurinko, 32. “They’re very easy to scapegoat.” 

Peter Anderson, principal of Andover High School in Andover, Mass., said he and his colleagues had detected very little cheating 

on tests or plagiarism. He has, however, noticed an uptick in students sharing homework in unauthorized ways. 

“This generation is leading incredibly busy lives — involved in athletics, clubs, so many with part-time jobs, and — for seniors — 

an incredibly demanding and anxiety-producing college search,” he said. 


Monday, Dec 1, 2

2008-2009

Harmon 

New talent has Harmon boys prepared for 

breakout season; girls continue rebuilding effort 

By NICK SLOAN 

Kansan Sports Editor 

At J.C. Harmon this year, the boys 

basketball team has higher expectations 

while the girls are rebuilding 

under new leadership. 

Hawks head coach Heath Cooper 

called the 2008-2009 a potential 

breakout season for his squad 

because of his returning talent and 

key newcomers to the team. Other 

coaches in the Kansas City, Kan., 

League agree, as they chose Harmon 

second in the preseason poll. 

“It shows the progress we have 

made here,” Cooper said. “It’s nice to 

have some expectations. It means 

your team must be prepared every 

night. Now, we might be the hunted.” 

In his previous two years at 

Harmon, Cooper’s teams were selected 

last in the preseason poll. 

Guards Jauan Wilson, Jermery 

Moore, Ron Stallings and forward 

Verle Harris are four returning players 

likely to see a lot of playing time. 

Moore, a senior, averaged 21 points 

last season. Wilson started in the 

point guard position as a freshman. 

Cooper is also looking forward to 

contributions from two newcomers: 

De’Ontae Hooks and Exavier Bass- 

Brooks. Hooks is a transfer from the 

Houston area, while Bass-Brooks 

arrives to the Hawks from Sumner 

Academy. 

Hooks, in particular, has the coach 

excited. In Houston, Hooks made All- 

District honors in a city that features 

a number of talented high school 

players. 

“He might be our best player coming 

into the season,” Cooper said. 

“We’re very happy to have him and 

using him in our system.” 

Cooper said the team has no 

chemistry issues that may usually 

cloud a team with so many newcomers. 

The flyin’ Hawks are expected to 

Photos by SUSAN ENLOE, KCKPS 

FRONT: Ron Stallings, Jervon Hooks; SECOND ROW: Exavier Bass-Brooks, 

James Warren, Jermery Moore, Brent Brown, Jauan Wilson, Derrick 

Conway; THIRD ROW: Cameron Brown, DaShawn Tatum, DeOntae Hooks, 

James Davenport. 

Photo by SUSAN ENLOE, KCKPS 

FRONT ROW: Brittany Williams, Samantha Anorath, Jaden Simmons. 

BACK ROW: Stephanie Lara, Sara Dominguez, Naomi Salas, Stephanie 

Despain, Taylor Anderson. Not Pictured: Rashida Bailey. 

put up points with their offensive 

firepower. They scored 100 points in 

a game last season, a tough accomplishment 

at the high school level. 

But will they play defense well 

enough to win the KCK League? 

“Our focus so far has been on 

defense,” Cooper said. “We’re going to 

score but we have to play better 

defense. We really want to press and 

keep the game fast-paced.” 

The Harmon boys team has not 

earned a winning season in 15 years. 

Cooper hopes that changes in 2008- 

09. 

While the boys are looking at a 

breakout season, the girls are hoping 

to continue their rebuilding movement. 

New head coach Cynthia Garner 

takes over a team expected to finish 

last in the girls KCK League this season. 

Still, Garner is optimistic as the 

team practices. 

“I’m very impressed with a lot of 

the girls coming out,” she said. “They 

show eagerness to learn but I need to 

learn more about them.” 

The team will be led by sophomore 

Sara Dominguez, who received a 

position on the KCK All-League girls 

preseason second team. 

“She is one of our stand out players,” 

she said. “She’s going to help us 

at the point guard position and the 

number two (shooting guard) position. 

We look for her to lead us.” 

Like in previous years, the team is 

small in size. Garner said the team 

will have to make up for it with tough 

defense. 

“We are really getting back to the 

basics and fundamentals,” she said. 

“We’re not that tall, so we have to 

push the defense and strengthen it.” 

In her first year as head coach, 

Garner said the transition from one 

staff to another has went well for the 

players and head coach. 

“They’ve known me for a couple 

years and we worked in the summer,” 

she said. “They have to come to practice 

ready and work hard, but we 

also want to have some fun.” 

The girls begin at home against 

Don Bosco Charter on Friday, Dec. 5. 

The boys begin the season on the 

road at Metro Academy on Saturday, 

Dec. 6. 

December 3, 2008 The Kansan’s 2008 High School Basketball Special Section 5

Schlagle 


FRONT ROW: Je'Von Williams, Fred Avery, Daveon Carter, Leroy Cheffin, Jalen Ervin, Jeff Jones, 

Matt Carter, Jalen Gladney, BJ Saunders. SECOND ROW: Lance Owens, Destin Locke, Eddie London, 

Orlando Newton, David King, Darius Hill, Adeboyega Hassan, Laray Young, Ryan Allen. 

Not pictured: Rozell Nunn. 

By NICK SLOAN 


At F.L. Schlagle, the boys basketball 

team is hoping to overcome a few 

bad breaks while the Lady Stallions 

face increased expectations this season. 

Before the season started, the 

Stallions already lost two of their 

project starters to injury – Rozell 

Nunn and Taylor Wallace. Nunn tore 

his ACL, while Wallace injured his 

shoulder, both requiring season ending 

surgery. 

“It was a big blow for our team,” 

said Dave Gonzales, head coach. 

“These were two starters, but we’re 

not going to make excuses and we 

still need to compete.” 

As a result of the injuries, the 

Stallions were selected to finish the 

Kansas City, Kan., League in last 

place. The injuries have also shifted 

the focus of the preseason practice 

schedule. 

“We do not have a lot of varsity 

experience coming back,” Gonzales 

said. “We’re doing a lot more teaching 

at this point. But guys are working 

hard and it’s not even December yet.” 

To fill the void left by Nunn and 

Wallace, Gonzales believes seniors 

Jevon Williams and Oye Hassan and 

junior Jeff Jones could help the team 

calm the storm during the season. 

“We want Williams to help us with 

senior leadership,” Gonzales said. 

“We want Jones to run the show and 

Oye Hassan can play inside and outside.” 

Still, a majority of the roster is 

expected to see more playing time 

this season. 

“We’re going to need role players to 

step up and take a majority of the 

time,” Gonzales said. 

The team’s offense and defense will 

be joined at the hip this season. The 

team has been practicing pressure 

defense in hopes of forcing more 

turnovers and converting them into 

easy points. 

“We’re really stressing defense this 

season,” Gonzales said. “We have to 

have great defense every night 

because we may not know how much 

offense we’ll get night in and night 

out.” 

Coming off a 4-17 season, the 

Lady Stallions were predicted by the 

league’s coaches to finish second. 

Peyton Leslie, in his third year at 

F.L. Schlagle, said the expectations 

are warranted. 

“It’s reasonable because we have 

everyone coming back, but we still 

are inexperienced in a way,” he said. 

“With a little work, we could be first.” 

Three of the team’s expected five 

starters are underclassmen. Two of 

those starters received preseason 

honors. Ashleigh Downs and Erin 

Copeland were selected by the 

league’s coaches as members of the 

first and second all league preseason 

teams. 

“Both of those players are excellent 

and experienced leaders,” Leslie said. 


FRONT ROW: Stranja Gordon, Arianna Pacheco, RiKayla 

Barnett. SECOND ROW: Erin Copeland, Paris Johnson, 

Courtney Green, Erica Freelon. THIRD ROW: Ashleigh 

Downs, Michaela White, Kamiera Garne , Batrice Upton. 

Boys look to overcome loss of two starters, girls 

set for improvement with young team 

“They will lead by example and are 

vocal, but not too vocal. They model 

how basketball is supposed to be 

played.” 

Copeland, a sophomore, saw significant 

varsity experienced playing 

point guard last season as a freshman. 

Downs, a junior forward, also 

logged in significant varsity playing 

time last season. 

For Leslie, he will coach his third 

different team when it comes to experience. 

After having teams that were 

unbalanced with experience in previous 

years, Leslie likes what he sees 

with this team. 

“The first year I was here we were 

full of seniors,” he said. “The second 

year was all newcomers and our 

squad was entirely new. It should be 

a little better this year and I see a lot 

of improvement already.” 

The Lady Stallions begin the season 

at home Dec. 4 against Westport. 

The boys begin the season Dec. 8 at 

the Olathe South Tournament. 


Sumner Academy 

Expectations 

high for 


as season begins 

By NICK SLOAN 



TOP – FRONT ROW: Tre Belton, Neil Watson, Torrell Saffold, Benny Parker, T.J. Wynn. BACK ROW: 

Davonte Chaney, Eli Alexander, Spencer Bennett, Blake Franklin, Nick Gaitlan, Reese Holliday, 

Justin Strickland, Blake Eklund, Armand Brisbane. 

BOTTOM – FRONT ROW: Chanell Maddox, Olivia Bey, Jovani Falcon, Monique Lane, Sameia 

Kendall, , Ayana Tribitt. SECOND ROW: Kathleen Brisbane, Savaughn Johnson, Raguela Bonwell, 

Alexandria Blaurock, Lola Imokhome, Keona Moore. 

Expectations are high all around at Sumner 

Academy this year as the Sabres and Lady Sabres 

are expected to compete for the Kansas City, Kan., 

League title. 

Both the boys and girls at Sumner Academy were 

selected as the preseason favorites in the league’s 

preseason polls of coaches. 

Sabres head coach Dan Parra said so far, the 

team’s practices have left him more confident about 

the upcoming season. 

“We’re longer and more athletic than I thought we 

could be,” Parra said. “We are a lot deeper.” 

The Sabres lost four seniors from last year’s team 

– Brian Johnson, Bryan Moten, Stan Parker and 

Ricky Randle. Despite losing four key components 

from last year, Parra believes his team will have 

depth after the first two weeks of practice. 

“We lost some experience and I wasn’t sure how 

the young kids would respond,” he said. 

Three of the Sabres presumptive starters made 

the KCK League Elite Eight preseason team – senior 

Neil Watson and juniors Reese Holliday and 

Davonte Chaney. 

“Those three are going to set the tone for us this 

season,” Parra said. “Davonte is such a presence 

and (Watson) has started for us for two years.” 

Watson received preseason honors as the KCK 

League Player of the Year. In the school’s Blue- 

Silver game, Watson displayed an excellent outside 

shot and solid ball-handling skills. 

The Sabres, 18-4 last year, swept all eight of its 

league games. With a tougher league, Parra said the 

team will have to be ready on any night. 

One area the team needs some improvement on 

is defense. 

“We’re needing to learn how to defend the post,” 

he said. “We have to rebound because we’re missing 

some of our top rebounders from last season.” 

Continued on PAGE 9 

8 The Kansan’s 2008 High School Basketball Special Section December 3, 2008


However, the team’s offense is a 

different story. 

“We just have to continue what 

we’re doing on the offensive side,” 

Parra said. “Our offense is right 

where I want it to be.” 

Coaches around Kansas agree with 

the expectations placed on Sumner. 

The Sabres were selected as the sixth 

best Class 4A team in the preseason 

Kansas Basketball Coaches 

Association poll. 

The Lady Sabres, under first-year 

head coach Torrence Allen, are 

expected to finish in the top half of 

the league. 

Allen said the team is ready to 

take the next step. 

“The first impression I had is they 

have pretty good talent,” he said. 

The Lady Sabres have struggled 

the past two seasons. 

However, with nine players who 

saw varsity action last season, the 

team has an opportunity to turn its 

fortunes around. 

“It helps playing with that experience,” 

Allen said. “They are fighting it 

out for positioning on the team.” 

The team will return all five of its 

starters last year. Senior Chanel 

Maddox and sophomore Kathleen 

Brisbane were voted onto the league’s 

preseason first team. 

“Chanel is our floor leader,” Allen 

said. “Kathleen is more of a quiet 

player, but she gets things done and 

she’ll keep the girls under control.” 

Like other situations within the 

KCK League, the Lady Sabres are 

hoping to overcome some team flaws 

Kansan photo by NICK SLOAN 

The Sumner Academy Lady Sabres practice offensive plays during an early preseason practice. The team,returning 

nine players with varsity experience, is considered the favorite among KCK League head coaches. 

with tough defense. 

“Our biggest thing we want to do is 

be disciplined and we need to play 

good solid defense,” Allen said. “I 

want our opponents to feel like we 

are a good defensive team.” 

Along with Maddox and Brisbane, 

Allen believes junior Monique Lane 

and senior lola Imokhome will contribute 

to the team’s success. 

The team, although experienced, 

only returns three seniors this season, 

with Ayana Tribitt joining 

Maddox and Imokhome. 

The Lady Sabres begin the season 

at home Dec. 4 against Olathe 

Northwest. The boys begin on the 

road at Westport on Dec. 5. 

Keep 

reading the 

Kansan’s 

sports page 

for a weekly 

recap of 

high school 

basketball! 

Good Luck To All Teams! 

ALANDON 

TOW SERVICE 

6224 Kansas Avenue 

Kansas City, KS 66111 

Phone: (913) 596-1770 

Fax # (913) 596-2772 

7412 

BEAST WISHES TO ALL 

AREA HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS! 

For more information, 

please call 913.631.3300 


Washington 


FRONT ROW: Darius Dickerson, Kalub Long, Marcus Wills, Brett Jones, Dominque 

Simmons. BACK ROW: Travaughn White, DeAndre Clark, Brian Walker, Rakim McCoy, 

Kalen Allen, Kris Reed, Mickael Hibler, Myles Hibler. 


FRONT ROW: Jamisha Crawford, Marisha Henderson, Ashley 

Byers. BACK ROW: Alexis Avery, Maricosa Brantly, Rhona 

Fernandeer, Keela Clark,Kiana Williams, Ale Bradley. 

Boys aim high, girls defend KCK title 

By NICK SLOAN 


The Washington boys basketball 

team hopes to rise to the top of the 

Kansas City, Kan., League, while the 

Lady Wildcats set out to defend their 

league championship. 

Head coach Eric King leads a team 

featuring a variety of levels of varsity 

experience. 

“We have a lot of youth mixed in 

with veteran leadership,” King said. 

“We have a good mix and you get 

both senior leadership and a youthful 

spirit for the team.” 

Two key components of the veteran 

leadership for the Wildcats are 

Brett Jones and Kalub Long. 

Both Jones and Long, who are 

seniors, were named to the KCK 

League’s Preseason Elite Eight team. 

“Both are Division I caliber,” King 

said. “Brett is more of a leader on the 

court and Kalub brings a lot of speed 

to the table.” 

Along with Jones and Long, King 

said Kalen Allen, Kris Reed and 

Travon White – all sophomores – will 

be the future leaders of the team. 

Sumner Academy transfer Brian 

Walker, a senior, is expected to bring 

a boost to the Wildcats. 

“We received an excellent addition 

from Brian Walker,” King said. “He’s 

going to be an important player for 

us.” 

The team was predicted by coaches 

to finish third in this season’s 

KCK League. 

In order for the Wildcats to crack 

to the top of the league, King said the 

team has to exhibit a high level of 

toughness. 

“We have a pretty tough schedule,” 

King said. “We have to play tough 

minded. We will need a tough defense 

this year.” 

The offense? 

“We are going to need to show 

speed and teamwork on offense,” 

King said. 

Along with the talent on the good 

court, King pointed to the team’s 

success in the classroom in an interview 

with the Kansas City Kansan. 

“We have great student athletes on 

our team this year,” he said. “About 

80 percent of our team is on the 

honor roll.” 

The task of defending their KCK 

League title will be tough for the 

Washington Lady Wildcats. 

Coming off a league championship 

season, the team loses a significant 

amount of their seniors and will have 

to rebuild around a young team. 

“We’re definitely in a rebuilding 

season,” said Vivian Jordan, the 

team’s head coach. “Which is OK. 

Once we get an opportunity to play 

with each other, we’ll find the chemistry 

needed to be competed.” 

Jordan expects Keela Clark and 

Rhonda Fernandez to pick up the 

slack. Clark was named the league’s 

preseason first team. 

“Keela will be one of our most 

important leaders this season,” Clark 

said. “She’ll strengthen and refine 

her skills to excel to another level of 

expectations.” 

Clark saw varsity action as a 

freshman last season. 

“Rhonda Fernandez will be a 

strong player for us and she’s showing 

leadership,” Jordan said. 

Ale Bradley and Marisha 

Henderson, two juniors, will also see 

significant time on the floor. 

On defense, the team is looking to 

press and force the issue. Meanwhile, 

Jordan said the team needs consistency 

on offense. 

“We need to execute on our offense 

this season,” she said. 

The boys begin the season at home 

against Atchison on Dec. 5. The girls 

are on the road at Blue Valley North. 

SEE BACK PAGE FOR TEAM SCHEDULES 


Wyandotte 


TOP – FRONT ROW: Derrick Campbell, Derrick Rolls. SECOND ROW: Walt 

Frazier, Cortlin Banks, Fredrick Anderson. THIRD ROW: Jerry Sipple, 

Diondre Taylor, Trinity Hall, Gilbert Fernandez, Montel Anderson. 

RIGHT – FRONT ROW: Delisa Randle. SECOND ROW: Royce Shields, 

Jessica Cabe. THIRD ROW: Veronica Davis, Angelica Hall, Erika Carter. 

New coaches hope for improvement at Wyandotte 

By NICK SLOAN 


Both teams at Wyandotte High 

School are looking for significant 

improvement under new coaching 

this season. 

Tracy Dyer will coach the Bulldogs 

team this year, while Rochelle Nalls 

will coach the Lady Bulldogs. After 

both teams struggled last season, 

Dyer and Nalls are optimistic as the 

season begins. 

“We have a lot of great athletes 

here,” Dyer said. “We still have a lot 

of learning to do, but guys are working 

hard and we believe the sky is 

the limit.” 

Dyer has returning experience, as 

he kept seven seniors. The Bulldogs 

have also received multiple transfer 

players this season. Because of that, 

finding the chemistry between the 

team’s players is key, Dyer said. 

“We’re working on that and we are 

getting them to play with each other,” 

he said. “But we also want them to 

hang out together and get to know 

each other.” 

Of his returning players, Trinity 

Hall will be the leader for the 

Bulldogs. Hall, a junior, was named 

to the Kansas City, Kan., League 

Elite Eight preseason team. 

“With his size, he is a natural 

three,” Dyer said. 

Among the transfers, Derrick Rolls 

(from Turner) and Derrick Campbell 

will see some playing time this season. 

While the coaching staff may have 

an idea of who will see how much 

time, Dyer said everything is open on 

the table for now. 

“The reality is I’m not promising 

any of them anything,” he said. 

“These guys will have to turn into 

leaders and I’m expected them to 

show up every night.” 

Other seniors are Jerry Sipple, 

Diondre Taylor, Gilbert Fernandez , 

Walt Frazier and Cortlin Banks. 

Picked to finish fourth in the KCK 

League, a prediction that Dyer finds 

reasonable in a “deep and talented 

league,” the coach believes the 

Bulldogs will have to receive unexpected 

contributions to reach a higher 

level. 

“Somebody has to step up that 

we’re not counting on,” Dyer said. 

“Someone will have to step up. If we 

find that person, we’ll be a formidable 

team.” 

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs 

hope to ride the wave of Delisa 

Randle’s senior leadership to an 

improved season. 

“Randle, being a senior, will bring 

great leadership on and off the 

court,” Nalls said. “She shows great 

potential and the sky is the limit for 

her.” 

Along with being named on the 

coaches’ preseason all-league team, 

Randle is a member of 2020 

Leadership and performs well in the 

classroom. 

In her first year coaching the 

team, Nalls will lead a mostly young 

team into battle. 

“My athletes are willing to work 

hard so far,” she said. “While we have 

some senior leadership, a majority of 

our players are underclassmen. The 

seniors are being good leaders right 

now.” 

Veronica Davis is another notable 

senior that Nalls expects to contribute 

to the team. Other players 

expected to see significant time: 

Royce Shields, Jessica Cabe, Angelica 

Hall and Erika Carter. 

The Lady Bulldogs begin the season 

on the road at Olathe North on 

Dec. 8; the boys will begin play Dec. 

11 at the Leavenworth Citizens 

National Bank Invitational. 


Snapshots 

RIGHT: Sumner 

Academy player 

Spencer Bennett shoots 

a free-throw during the 

Blue-Silver Game. 

BOTTOM LEFT: F.L. 

Schlagle Lady Stallions 

assistant head coach 

David Flick coaches the 

team during defensive 

drills at practice. 

BOTTOM RIGHT: New 

Sumner Academy head 

coach Torrence Allen 

observes his team 

during practice. 


Snapshots 

UPPER LEFT: Wyandotte Bulldog star Trinity 

Hall prepares to receive a pass during practice. 

Hall, a member of the KCK Elite Eight 

team, is the Bulldog’s leading returning player. 

LEFT: Washington Wildcat star Brett Jones 

takes the ball at the top of the key during the 

team’s offensive play drills earlier this month. 

UPPER RIGHT: Members of the Wyandotte 

Lady Bulldogs watch layup drills before they 

took their shots. 


BISHOP WARD GIRLS 

Dec. 5 6 p.m. @ Perry-Lecomption 

Dec. 8-11 TBD @ Eudora Tournament 

Dec. 16 7 p.m. Santa Fe Trail 

Dec. 19 6 p.m. @ Piper 

Jan. 9 7 p.m. Tonganoxie 

Jan. 13 5:30 p.m. @ Basehor-Linwood 

Jan. 16 7 p.m. @ St. James Academy 

Jan. 23 7:30 p.m. Perry-Lecompton 

Jan. 27-31 TBD @ JCN Tournament 

Feb. 3 7 p.m. @ Bonner Springs 

Feb. 6 6 p.m. @ Santa Fe Trail 

Feb. 10 7:30 p.m. @ Lansing 

Feb. 13 7 p.m. Piper 

Feb. 17 7:30 p.m. Mill Valley 

Feb. 20 6 p.m. @ Tonganoxie 

Feb. 27 7 p.m. Turner 

BISHOP WARD BOYS 

Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. @ Perry-Lecomption 

Dec. 8-11 TBD @ Paola 

Dec. 16 8:30 p.m. Santa Fe Trail 

Dec. 19 7:30 p.m. @Piper 

Jan. 9 8:30 p.m. Tonganoxie 

Jan. 13 8:30 p.m. Basehor-Linwood 

Jan. 16 8:30 p.m. @ St. James Academy 

Jan. 20-24 TBD @ Spring Hill Tournament 

Jan. 30 7:30 p.m. Perry-Lecompton 

Feb. 3 7:30 p.m. @ Bonner Springs 

Feb. 6 7:30 p.m. @ Santa Fe Trail 

Feb. 10 7:30 p.m. @ Lansing 

Feb. 13 8:30 p.m. Piper 


Feb. 20 7:30 p.m. @ Tonganoxie 

Feb. 27 8:30 p.m. Turner 

BONNER BOYS 

Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. Lansing 

Dec. 11-13 3 p.m. Miege - Metro Prep Inv. 

Dec. 16 7:30 p.m. Piper 

Dec. 19 7:30 p.m. Turner 

Jan. 9 7:30 p.m. @ Mill Valley 

Jan. 13 7:30 p.m. @ Perry 

Jan. 16 7:30 p.m. Basehor 

Jan. 20-24 TBD @ Baldwin Tournament 

Jan. 30 7:30 p.m. @ Lansing 

Feb. 3 7:30 p.m. Bishop Ward 

Feb. 10 7:30 p.m. @ Tonganoxie 

Feb. 13 7:30 p.m. @ Turner 

Feb. 17 7:30 p.m. Louisburg 


Feb. 24 7:30 p.m. @ Santa Fe Trail 

Feb. 27 7:30 p.m. @ Basehor 

BONNER GIRLS 

Dec. 5 6 p.m. Lansing 

Dec. 11-13 TBD BSHS Metro Prep Inv. 

Dec. 16 6 p.m. Piper 

Dec. 19 6 p.m. Turner 

Jan. 9 6 p.m. @ Mill Valley 

Jan. 13 6 p.m. @ Perry 

Jan. 16 6 p.m. Basehor 

Jan. 27-31 TBD @ Wellsville Tournament 

Jan. 30 6 p.m. @ Lansing 

Feb. 3 6 p.m. Bishop Ward 

Feb. 10 6 p.m. @ Tonganoxie 

Feb. 13 6 p.m. @ Turner 

Feb. 17 6 p.m. Louisburg 

Feb. 20 6 p.m. Mill Valley 

Feb. 24 6 p.m. @ Santa Fe Trail 

Feb. 27 6 p.m. @ Basehor 

HARMON GIRLS 

Dec. 5 7 p.m. Don Bosco Charter 

Dec. 9 7 p.m. @ University Academy 

Dec. 15 7 p.m. Washington 

Dec. 18 7 p.m. Schlagle 

Jan. 5 7 p.m. Metro Accademy 

Jan. 12 7 p.m. @ Sumner Academy 

Jan. 15 7 p.m. @ Wyandotte 

Jan. 21 7 p.m. Don Bosco Charter 

Jan. 26-31 TBD @ Louisburg Tournament 

Feb. 3 7 p.m. Northeast H.S. (MO) 

Feb. 5 7 p.m. Westport 

Feb. 9 7 p.m. Sumner Academy 

Feb. 12 7 p.m. @ Schlagle 

Feb. 27 7 p.m. @ East (MO) 

Feb. 19 7 p.m. Wyandotte 

Feb. 24 7 p.m. University Academy 

Feb. 26 7 p.m. @ Washington 

HARMON BOYS 

Dec. 6 4:30 @ Metro Academy 

Dec. 8-12 TBD @ Paola Tour. 

Dec. 16 7 p.m. Don Bosco Charter 

Dec. 20 7 p.m. @ Olathe Northwest 

Jan. 9 7 p.m. St. James Academy 

Jan. 13 7 p.m. Sumner Academy 

Jan. 16 7 p.m. Wyandotte 

Jan. 20 7 p.m. East (MO) 

Jan. 22-24 TBD @ Coffeyville Tour 

Jan. 27 7 p.m. @ Olathe North 

Jan. 30 7 p.m. @ Washington 


Feb. 13 7 p.m. Schlagle 

Feb. 20 7 p.m. @ Wyandotte 

Feb. 25 7 p.m. @ Sumner Academy 

Feb. 27 7 p.m. Washington 

PIPER BOYS 

Dec 5 

Santa Fe Trail 

Dec 8 

@ Paola Tournament 

Dec 16 

@ Bonner Springs 

Dec 18 

William Chrisman 

Dec 19 

Bishop Ward 

Jan 9 

Perry-Lecompton 

Jan 13 

Mill Valley 

Jan 16 

@ Tonganoxie 

Jan 20 

Spring Hill Tournament 

Feb 2 

@ Santa Fe Trail 

Feb 3 

@ Turner 

Feb 10 

Basehor-Linwood 

Feb 13 

@ Bishop Ward 

Feb 20 

@ Perry-Lecompton 

Feb 24 

Lansing 

Feb 27 

Tonganoxie 

PIPER GIRLS 

Dec 5 

Santa Fe Trail 

Dec 8 

@ Eudora Tournament 

Dec 16 

@ Bonner Springs 

Dec 19 

Bishop Ward 

Jan 9 

Perry-Lecompton 

Jan 13 

Mill Valley 

Jan 16 

@ Tonganoxie 

Jan 27 

@ Top Gun Wellsville Tourn. 

Feb 2 

@ Santa Fe Trail 

Feb 3 

@ Turner 

Feb 5 

Hayden 

Feb 10 

Basehor-Linwood 

Feb 13 

@ Bishop Ward 

Feb 20 

@ Perry-Lecompton 

Feb 24 

Lansing 

Feb 27 

Tonganoxie 

SCHLAGLE BOYS 

Dec. 8-12 TBD @ Olathe South Tournament 

Dec. 20 1 p.m. @ Ruskin (HyVee Shootout) 

Feb. 6 7 p.m. Barstow 

Jan. 9 7 p.m. Sumner Academy 

Jan. 16 7 p.m. @ Washington 

Jan. 22-24 TBD @ Valley Center January Jam 

Jan. 27 7 p.m. @ Benton 



Feb. 6 7 p.m. J C Harmon 

Feb. 10 7 p.m. East 

Feb. 13 7 p.m. @ J C Harmon 

Feb. 17 7 p.m. Ottawa 

Feb. 20 7 p.m. Washington 

Feb. 24 7 p.m. Gardner Edgerton 


SCHLAGLE GIRLS 

Dec. 4 7 p.m. Westport 

Dec. 8 TBD @ Olathe South Tournament 

Dec. 15 7 p.m. Sumner Academy 

Dec. 18 7 p.m. @ J C Harmon 

Jan. 5 7 p.m. @ Sumner Academy 

Jan. 15 7 p.m. Washington 

Jan. 20-22 TBD @ Metro Tournament 

Jan. 27 7 p.m. Wyandotte 

Jan. 30 7 p.m. East 

Jan. 22 7:30 @Topeka West 

Feb. 3 7 p.m. University Academy 

Feb. 9 7 p.m. J C Harmon 

Feb. 12 7 p.m. @ Pembroke Hill School 


Feb. 19 7 p.m. Gardner Edgerton 

Feb. 23 7 p.m. @ Wyandotte 

SUMNER BOYS 

Dec. 5 7 p.m. @ Westport 

Dec. 11 TBD @ Blue Valley Shootout 

Dec. 16 7 p.m. @ Wyandotte 

Dec. 18 TBD Hy-Vee Shootout 

Dec. 18 7 p.m. Raytown 

Jan. 6 5p.m. @ Basehor-Linwood 

Jan. 9 7p.m. @ Schlagle 

Jan. 13 7p.m. @ Harmon 

Jan. 20 TBD @ Spring Hill Tournament 

Jan. 27 7p.m. Eudora 

Feb. 3 7p.m. Schlagle 

Feb. 6 7p.m. @ Washington 

Feb. 10 7p.m. Wyandotte 

Feb. 13 7p.m. Atchison 

Feb. 17 7p.m Washington 

Feb. 24 7p.m. @ Bishop Miege 

Feb. 25 7p.m. Harmon 

SUMNER GIRLS 

Dec 4 7p.m. Olathe Northwest 

Dec 8 7 p.m. Bishop Miege 

Dec 11 TBD @ Saints Classic 

Dec 15 7 p.m. @ Schlagle 

Jan 6 5:30 p.m. @ Basehor-Linwood 

Jan 12 7p.m. Harmon 

Jan 15 7p.m. Wyandotte 

Jan 22 TBD @ Lincoln Prep 

Jan 29 TBD @ Lawrence Free State Tour. 

Feb 2 7p.m. Eudora 

Feb 5 7p.m. Washington 

Feb 9 7p.m. @ Harmon 

Feb 13 5p.m. Atchison 

Feb 17 7p.m. @ Wyandotte 

Feb 24 7p.m. @ Washington 

TURNER GIRLS 

Dec. 8-10 TBD @ Eudora Tourn. 

Dec. 16 6 p.m. Lansing 

Dec. 19 6 p.m. @ Bonner Springs 

Jan. 9 6 p.m. Basehor-Linwood 

Jan. 13 6 p.m. @ Tonganoxie 

Jan. 16 5:30 p.m. Metro Academy 

Jan. 23 7 p.m. Mill Valley 

Jan. 26-31 TBD Louisburg Tournament 

Feb. 3 6 p.m. Piper 

Feb. 6 6 p.m. @Lansing 

Feb. 9 7:30 p.m. @ Mill Valley 

Feb. 10 6 p.m. @ Santa Fe Trail High School 

Feb. 13 6 p.m. Bonner Springs 

Feb. 17 6 p.m. Perry Lecompton 

Feb. 20 6 p.m. @Basehor-Linwood 


TURNER BOYS 

Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. @Mill Valley 

Dec. 8 TBD @ Paola 



Dec. 16 7:30 p.m. Lansing 

Dec. 19 7:30 p.m. @ Bonner Springs 

Jan. 9 7:30 p.m. Basehor-Linwood 

Jan. 13 7:30 p.m. @ Tonganoxie 

Jan. 16 7 p.m. Metro Academy 

Jan. 23 7 p.m. Mill Valley 

Jan. 26-31 TBD Louisburg Tournament 

Feb. 3 7:30 p.m. Piper 

Feb. 6 7:30 p.m. @Lansing 

Feb. 9 7:30 p.m. @ Mill Valley 

Feb. 10 7:30 p.m. @ Santa Fe Trail High School 

Feb. 13 7:30 p.m. Bonner Springs 

Feb. 17 7:30 p.m. Perry Lecompton 

Feb. 20 7:30 p.m. @Basehor-Linwood 


WASHINGTON BOYS 

Dec. 5 7 p.m. 

Dec. 9 7 p.m. 

Dec. 11-13 TBD 

Dec. 19 7 p.m. 

Jan. 6 7 p.m. 

Jan. 16 7 p.m. 

Jan. 22-24 TBD 

Jan. 27 7 p.m. 

Jan. 30 7 p.m. 

Feb. 3 7 p.m. 

Feb. 6 7 p.m. 

Feb. 13 7 p.m. 

Feb. 17 7 p.m. 

Feb. 19 7 p.m. 

Feb. 20 7 p.m. 

Feb. 24 7 p.m. 

Feb. 27 7 p.m. 

Atchison 

@ Shawnee-Mission Northwest 

@ Leavenworth Invitational 

@ Wyandotte 

@ Blue Valley North 

Schlagle 

@ Topeka Invitational 

Shawnee-Mission North 

Harmon 

Olathe East 


Wyandotte 

@ Sumner Academy 

@ Wyandotte 

@ Schlagle 

@ Blue Valley Northwest 

@ Harmon 

WASHINGTON GIRLS 

Dec. 4 7 p.m. @ Blue Valley North 

Dec. 8 7 p.m. Leavenwork 

Dec. 10 7 p.m. Blue Valley 

Dec. 11 7 p.m. Topeka West 

Dec. 15 7 p.m. @ Harmon 

Dec. 17 7 p.m. Atchison 


Jan. 7 7:30 p.m. @ DeSoto 

Jan. 13 7 p.m. Don Bosco 

Jan. 15 7 p.m. @ Schlagle 

Jan. 20-23 TBD @ KAMO Tournament 

Jan. 29 7 p.m. @ Pembroke Hill School 

Feb. 3 5:30 p.m. Olathe East 



Feb. 19 7 p.m. Schlagle 

Feb. 24 7 p.m. Sumner Academy 

Feb. 26 7 p.m. Harmon 

WYANDOTTE BOYS 

Dec. 11 TBA @ Lvnworth Nat.Bank Inv. 

Dec. 16 7 p.m. Sumner Academy 

Dec. 19 7 p.m. Washington 

Jan. 6 7:30 p.m. @ Desoto 

Jan. 10 7 p.m. @ Shawnee Mission West 

Jan. 13 7 p.m. Metro Academy 

Jan. 16 7 p.m. @ Harmon 

Jan. 20 7 p.m. @ Shawnee Mission North 

Jan. 22 7 p.m. @ Shawnee Mission West 

Jan. 23 6 p.m. @ Blue Valley 

Jan. 30 7 p.m. Schlagle 

Feb. 3 7 p.m. Southeast 


Feb. 20 7 p.m. Harmon 


WYANDOTTE GIRLS 

Dec. 8 7 p.m. 

Dec. 11-13 TBD 

Jan. 6 7 p.m. 

Jan. 6 7 p.m. 

Jan. 8 7 p.m. 

Jan. 13 7 p.m. 

Jan. 15 7 p.m. 

Jan. 19-21 TBD 

Jan. 27 7 p.m. 

Feb. 4 7 p.m. 

Feb. 12 7 p.m. 

Feb. 17 7 p.m. 

Feb. 19 7 p.m. 

Feb. 26 7 p.m. 

@ Olathe North 

@ Aquinas Lady Saints Classic 

Washington 

Washington 

Metro Academy 

@ Harmon 

@ Sumner Academy 

@ Basehor- Linwood Girls Tourney 

@ Schlagle 

Bishop Miege 

@ Washington 


Harmon 

Schlagle 

Editor’s note: The exact starting times 

for Piper differ because the boys and girls 

generally play on the same night as each 

other and the junior varsity team. 


Kansan – December 3, 2008 

Basketball season begins this week in Wyandotte County 

By NICK SLOAN, Sports Editor 

Kansas City Kansan 

Wed Dec 03, 2008, 01:34 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Basketball season is here in Wyandotte County. 

The Sumner Academy Lady Sabres, F.L. Schlagle Lady Stallions and Washington Lady Wildcats will tipoff the 

basketball season Thursday in Wyandotte County. 

The Lady Sabres play Olathe Northwest at home Thursday night, while the Lady Stallions host Westport. Both 

games start at 7 p.m. 

With both teams under .500 last season, Thursday’s games could be the first sign for fans and coaches to see if 

the teams have improved from their performance last year. 

The Lady Sabres return nine players with varsity experience, while Schlagle returns most of its team from last 

season. 

Washington starts the season on the road at Blue Valley North. Washington won the KCK League title last 

season, but lost a number of seniors from last season’s squad. 

The Lady Sabres were selected as the preseason favorite in the Kansas City, Kan., League by the league’s five 

coaches. Schlagle was predicted to finish in second place. 

Other action this week: 

• The Bonner Springs basketball teams will begin the season Friday with a pair of Kaw Valley League games 

against Lansing at home. The girls will play at 6 p.m., while the boys are expected to start at around 7:30 p.m. 

Both teams from Bonner bring in younger squads from last season. 

• Bishop Ward begins the season on the road Friday at Perry-Lecompton. The girls will play first at 6 p.m. and 

the boys will tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Lecompton is viewed as a potential favorite in both boys and girls basketball to 

do well in KVL play. The Ward boys return five seniors, while the girls rebuild around young talent. 

• The Piper Lady Pirates begin their march to a potential state title run this Friday against Santa Fe Trail. They 

are at home this week, with the game tipping off at around 6 p.m. The boys will play Santa Fe Trail after the 

girls’ game. 

• The Sumner Academy Sabres will play at Westport Friday night at 7 p.m. The Sabres, 18-4 last season, could 

make a run at the Kansas 4A state championship. Senior Neil Watson, selected as preseason KCK League 

Player of the Year, leads an experienced and talented team. 

Other games: 

• The Harmon girls open the season at home Friday against Don Bosco Charter. The game begins at 7 p.m. 

• The Turner boys are on the road at Mill Valley Friday. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

• The Washington boys open the season Friday night against Atchison at home. The game begins at 7 p.m. 

• The Harmon boys look to begin a breakout season on the road Saturday afternoon against Metro Academy. 

The game begins at 4:30 p.m. 

• The Wyandotte girls, Schlagle boys, Turner girls and Wyandotte boys begin the season next week.


TEXAS, WITH GAME: Hooks returns home to lead 

Harmon's rebuilding efforts 

By NICK SLOAN, Kansan Sports Editor 

J.C. Harmon junior DeOntae Hooks, a transfer from Houston, is expected to play a major role 

changing the tide of Harmon basketball. 



Wed Dec 03, 2008, 01:32 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - J.C. Harmon basketball head coach Heath Cooper enters the school’s gymnasium at noon as 

summer basketball begins. 

Cooper spots a handful of local kids shooting hoops, with one standing out in particular. He displays good ballhandling 

skills and a smooth shot. 

First impressions matter to Cooper, being this was the first time he saw DeOntae Hooks shoot a basketball. 

From deep in the heart of Texas, Cooper hopes he has found the key to rebuilding a successful basketball 

program at Harmon. 

Hooks, a junior transfer from Houston, played last year for The Woodlands High School in Houston. He 

previously lived in Kansas City, Kan., before living in Texas for two years with family. But now, he’s back in 

Wyandotte County and hopes to rub off some of his Texas talent in local high school basketball. 

For those particularly within Big 12 country, the reputation of Texas in terms of basketball talent is well known. 

T.J. Ford and LaMarcus Aldridge helped lead the Texas Longhorns to deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, 

while Texan Darrell Arthur played a key role in the Kansas Jayhawks’ national title run last season.

“In Texas, there was a whole bunch of talent,” Hooks said. “We all had to work hard for playing time and earn 

anything we could get. I had to work hard just to get eight points a night.” 

Hooks – a 6-3 guard – made the District 15-5A First Team in Houston as a sophomore last season. He averaged 

eight points a game last season was the only non-junior or senior to receive district-wide honors. 

Those facts are not lost on Cooper, who actually researched Hooks through Google after his first encounter with 

him at the gym that afternoon. 

“It’s almost like making all-state here in Kansas,” he said. “We immediately asked him to play for our team.” 

Hooks, who lived with his father in Houston, returned home to Wyandotte County for other family obligations. 

“I came back to try to help my mom,” he said. “I came back to help my brothers as best as I can.” 

The family affair does not end there for Hooks. 

He has three cousins on the team, most notably Jauan Wilson, a returning starter for the Hawks from last 

season. 

“When I was in Kansas years ago we played on each other’s team” Hooks said. “I have a thing with my 

cousins.” 

Hooks has been playing basketball since he was six years old. His uncle Bug was the first one to put a ball in his 

hands. Since then, basketball has been his life. 

“My life is dominated by basketball,” he said. “I’m just working hard on my game and I want to improve on my 

dribbling skills and jump shots. I go out on the weekends to shoot around.” 

As for who Hooks looks up to in the NBA, the answer was easy for him. 

“I like Kobe,” he said. “He’s got the swagger and I love how he plays. He holds it down.” 

Hooks arrives at Harmon in a time of rebuilding. During a three-year period earlier this decade, the Hawks had 

a 2-61 record, including a winless season. The Hawks also did not earn a victory in the Kansas City, Kan., 

League for a period of seven years. 

With the league’s four other schools making previous runs (and some succeeding) for a state title, Harmon has 

not had a winning season in 15 years. 

Last year without Hooks, the team made strides and won some league games. Still, more improvement is 

wanted by the team. 

Cooper believes Hooks will be instrumental in establishing a winning tradition at Harmon. 

"He's a big part, maybe the biggest, of our rebuilding project," Cooper said. "He's talented, works hard and is a 

great teammate. He really is a coach's dream." 

Hooks said he is ready for the challenge of leading Harmon to the top of the KCK League.

“I love being a part of the process,” he said. “I think we’re going to do well this season. We’re going to run the 

whole game and we will put pressure on you. It’s all about pressure.” 

Last year, the Hawks lit up the scoreboard quite often, including a 100-point game, leaving Cooper to believe 

his team has more firepower this season. 

But Hooks said good defense and contributions from role players will determine the fate of the Hawks this 

season. 

“We need all players to contribute so we can get to state,” he said. “We need role players to step up and the 

bench going all out in every game.” 

After high school ball, Hooks hopes to play college basketball. Being on the school's honor roll in the first 

quarter, qualifying academically should be the easy part. 

“I have thought about college ever since my freshmen year,” he said. “I want to impress the coaches as much as 

I can.” 

However, for now, the focus is on taking the Hawks as far as possible into the state tournament next March. 

“We’re going to bring it this year and bring victories back to Harmon,” he said.


KCK school district looks at boundary changes 

By ABBEY THULIN, Staff Writer 


Wed Dec 03, 2008, 11:59 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - More than 250 Kansas City, Kan., elementary students could be going to new schools next 

year, thanks to a boundary shift at two local schools. 

A new school boundary policy was presented to the KCK Public Schools Board of Education last week. 

Due to new construction at both Douglass and Silver City elementary schools in the 2009-2010 school year, the 

board was made aware that changes to the existing boundaries were necessary. 

The new boundary changes would move 123 students from Emerson to Silver City, three students to Noble 

Prentis from Emerson to clean up the boundary lines, and 148 students from Central Elementary School to 

Douglass to incorporate Central into Douglass. 

Dr. Kelli Mather, executive director of student and family services, said the boundary lines were decided based 

on natural boundaries. For example, for students going from Emerson to Silver City, there’s a natural boundary 

line at Ruby Avenue, so those students south of Ruby would go to Silver City. 

“There was overcrowding in both Emerson and Central, where the schools had to use outside trailers for 

classrooms,” Mather said. “And with the area continuing to grow, it was determined to expand Silver City and 

Douglass elementary schools to support these students. 

“So we’re proposing to the board to move 148 or all of the students from Central Elementary to Douglass 

Elementary.” 

Mather said she felt the proposed new boundaries were received well. 

“We are going to obtain the information they requested, such as how will these changes impact the ethnic 

makeup of each respective school, transportation costs for transporting students to Douglass and the freereduced 

lunch breakdown of the students,” she said. “This additional information will allow the board to make 

the most well informed decision they can regarding necessary changes, but still support our students and 

families.” 

Mather added that while change is always a difficult thing, she wants the community and families to know that 

they need their support. 

“We will do everything we can do to insure that their children continue to receive the best education possible in 

the best schools,” Mather said. “We are always concerned about the safety and well-being of our students, and 

we keep this in the forefront of our minds as we propose issues to the board for consideration

B2 MIDWEEK EDITION December 3, 2008 

THE KANSAS CITY KANSAN 

KCK LEAGUE WRESTLING 

J.C. Harmon 


FRONT ROW: Alan Negrete (171), 

Xochi Saldivar (135), Betsy Lubian 

(112), Elvia Chames (130), Justin 

Vogel (160). SECOND ROW: Ben 

Raya (215), Gilberto Ochoa (171), 

Kyle Baker (125), Marshawn 

Hargrove (145), Cesar 

Santisesteban (160), Jose Aguilar 

(189). BACK ROW: Ana Robles 

(manager), Jose Rosales (130), 

Christopher Lopez (215), Willie 

Johnson (275), Josh Messick 

(135), Jeoffrey Carter (215), Greg 

Hill (145), Simeon Doe (135). 

F.L. Schlagle 


FRONT ROW: John Wallace (119), Tevin Carrell 

(145), Evell Brown (125), Demetrius Clay (135), 

Jermaine Rhone (125). BACK ROW: Fredrick 

Avery (171), Brandon Nickerson (215), Rahmon 

Dotson (275), Quron Myrick (160), TyFayn 

Steward (160), Demiko McClenten (160). Not 

pictured: Elihah Ming (189), Chad Kincaid (215), 

Jose Gongora (215), Micheal Warren (215), 

Kong Her (125), Devonte Clay (160), Samuel 

Kincaid (171), Sue Her (112), Jason Clarke 

(160), Herman Ming (171), Isaiah Ming (160), 

Elijah Owens (152) 

Washington 


FRONT ROW: Kristen Jackson (manager), 

Maurice Jackson (103), Casey Hammer (112), 

Deandre Irvin (152), Ronnie Enloe (103), 

Marquis Stevens (130), Denise Huggins (manager). 

SECOND ROW: Margo Demery (manager), 

Chancellor Willis (152), Jaleen Miller (135), 

German Lira (160), Tim Goode (171), James 

Wauer (119), Travis Mohler (125). THIRD ROW: 

Javon Williams (125), Byron Roath (152), 

Dreshawn Rogers (152), Keith Slowter (189), 

Anthony Cunningham (145), Sylvester Smith 

(171). 



FRONT ROW: Kong Pheng Vue (119), Stephon 

Grant (119), Frankie Ramirez (119), Alfredo 

Parra (140), Dalton Alas (112), Christian 

Gonzales (148), Heber Alarcon (171), Malcolm 

Lee (160), Misael Reyes (112), Darien Willis 

(189). SECOND ROW: Sylvester Carter (140), 

Dylan Cell (135), Brian Dorsey (145), 

Fernando Saravia (189), Irvin Parga (160), 

Michael Munoz (130), Zach Smithey (140), 

Matson Klotz (135), Dakota Bolin (160), John 

Osuna (152). THIRD ROW: Andros Garcia 

(160), Dylan Clark (125), Josh Leal (152), 

Emmanuel Cruz (140), David Selleck (189), 

Clayton Abner (275), Alfred Mills (152), 

Jysson Tansoy (152), Sharrone Berry-Davis 

(275). 

Wyandotte 


FRONT ROW: Eddie Thompson (125), 

Desmond Lewis (112), Xavier Barksdale 

(119). SECOND ROW: Jimeal Glover 

(135), Devin Porter (152), LaDarius 

Kirkendoll (145), Artreyu Jakes (145) 

THIRD ROW: Erick Torres (140), Isaac 

Drake (152), Frank Oakley (171), 

Deontrez Bowens (160), Jerome 

Newman (215). Not pictured: London 

Dillard (125), Javon Shackleford (275).


Washington star shines for KU in Border War 



Wed Dec 03, 2008, 01:39 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - A Kansas City, Kan., high school football star saved his best performance for the Kansas 

Jayhawks in this year’s Border War game with the Missouri Tigers. 

Darrell Stuckey, a star at Washington High School, was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after 

he intercepted Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel twice and caused and recovered a fumble, stripping Daniel of 

the ball after a long run. 

Stuckey leads the Jayhawks with five interceptions and has made 94 tackles for the team. 

Along with receiving the league’s weekly honors, Stuckey was named this week to the 2008 All-Big 12 

Football First Team Defense. 

At his time with the Wildcats, he earned a number of awards. He was named offensive player of the year and 

team MVP for the Wildcats in his junior and senior seasons. 

He earned All-Metro honors during the 2004 season and earned a position in the 2005 Kansas Shrine Bowl. 

He earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track and led the Wildcat football team to three 

straight Kansas City, Kan., League football titles.

Star – December 3, 2008 

Here’s a no-brainer: Families in Missouri and 

Kansas are bearing more of the college cost burden 

By MARÁ ROSE WILLIAMS - The Kansas City Star 

An independent report out today evaluating American higher education points out what parents like Scott 

Cristal of Columbia know all too well: 

College is getting harder and harder to pay for — and it’s likely to get worse. 

The biennial study by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, which evaluates how well 

higher education is serving the public, handed out Fs in the affordability category to 49 states, up from 43 two 

years ago. Only California received a passing grade, a C, thanks to its relatively inexpensive community 

colleges.

Both Missouri and Kansas received Fs on affordability for the second straight time. The grade is based on how 

much of the average family’s income it costs to go to college. 

Cristal, who has sent two daughters to college and has another two yet to pay for, said he is trying to expand his 

business to help pay the tuition bills, but it’s been hard because of the slowing economy. 

“We’re going to play it by ear, be optimistic, hope for the best and just ride it out as best we can,” Cristal said. 

“I think that’s what everybody in America’s doing right now.” 

The report, “Measuring Up 2008, The National Report Card on Higher Education,” uses a range of 

measurements to give states grades, from A to F, on the performance of their public and private colleges. 

States fared moderately better in other categories listed in the report, such as how they’re preparing students for 

college. 

But only two states — New York and Tennessee — have made even minimal improvements on the affordability 

grade since 2000, but they’re still considered to be failing. Everywhere else, families must fork over a greater 

percentage of income to pay for college. 

In the Midwest, like nearly everywhere else in the country, tuition costs have increased every year for at least a 

decade while the percentage of university and college budgets that come from states has dwindled. 

Missouri and Kansas families are spending a larger portion of their household income putting their children 

through college, according to the report. 

Eight years ago it took an average of 18 percent of the family income to pay for a four-year public school in 

Missouri. In 2007-2008, that education took an average 28 percent of the family income. In Kansas, it went 

from taking an average 18 percent of the family income to an average 29 percent. 

Two-year colleges in both states also took a greater chunk of the family income. 

Missouri higher education officials said the state has taken steps to improve affordability within the last year — 

it increased the amount of financial aid it gives to students and the number of students receiving it, and it has 

limited the amount public colleges and universities can increase tuitions. 

“We have been aware and are committed to ensuring that Missouri citizens get access to higher education; it is a 

requirement for survival in the future,” said Robert Stein, Missouri commissioner of higher education. 

He said Missouri was improving on its public college affordability but not as fast as some other states. 

Low-income families have been hardest hit, the report points out. Nationally, enrollment at a local public 

college costs families in the top fifth of income just 9 percent of their earnings, while families from the bottom 

fifth pay 55 percent — up from 39 percent in 1999-2000. And that’s after accounting for financial aid, which is 

increasingly being used to lure high-achieving students who improve a school’s reputation, but who don’t need 

help to go to college.

The problem seems likely to worsen as the economy does, said Patrick Callan, the center’s president. 

Historically during downturns, “states make disproportionate cuts in higher education and, in return for the 

colleges taking them gracefully, allow them to raise tuition,” Callan said. “If we handle this recession like 

we’ve handled others, we will see that this gets worse.” 

Missouri and Kansas college leaders already are anticipating cuts to their budgets, given the recession. They 

have ordered campuses to begin instituting cutbacks in staff, programs and capital improvements and last month 

the University of Missouri launched a hiring freeze on all four campuses. 

In June, the Kansas Board of Regents approved tuition increases for its six universities that range from 4.9 

percent to 6 percent. The University of Missouri Board of Curators raised tuition 4.1 percent for the fourcampus 

system. 

“Our primary concern is to keep the cost of an education as low as we can,” said Marlesa Roney, vice provost 

for student success at the University of Kansas. In 2007 KU established a program that allowed incoming 

freshmen to lock in their tuition cost and pay the same amount for four years. 

Roney said colleges and universities must raise tuition every year, “because the cost of delivering an education 

goes up every year for us.” 

“I don’t know what the economic downturn will do to the cost of a higher education, but in both Missouri and 

Kansas it will depend on what states are able to do in terms of financial support.”


School notes 

F.L. Schlagle High School 

Quest competition: A team of students will participate in the 2008-09 Quest competition on Saturday at 

Washburn University in Topeka. 

They are seniors Katy Goetz, Adegboyega Hassan, Trenton Hodge and Kayla Simpson and juniors Stephon 

Hardridge and Kristina Reynolds. 

In the contest, teams of high school students from across the state compete in answering questions about art, 

literature, history, math and science. Teams earning the top 16 scores advance to the finals.

Page 6A • DOS MUNDOS • Volume 28 • Issue 49 • December 04 - December 10, 2008 

EducationEducación 

KCKPS holds Custodian Achievement Awards 

KCKPS organiza premios de logros de custodios 

Los premios fueron presentados al personal de 

custodios de los edificios del Distrito Escolar 

500 de las escuelas públicas de Kansas City, Kan., 

durante un almuerzo organizado recientemente por Ira 

Lourie—Director de Propiedades Físicas—y Joe Herbin, 

Coordinador de Edificios y Terrenos. Los custodios fueron 

nominados por el personal de los edificios en cada una de las 

cuatro categorías – primarias, secundarias, preparatorias y 

edificios administrativos – por su arduo trabajo, dedicación 

e ir más allá del llamado a su labor. 

Cada custodio recibió un certificado de reconocimiento 

y cada miembro del personal recibió una placa para ser 

exhibida en su edificio. 

Awards were presented to the Kansas City, Kan., 

Public School – USD 500 building custodial 

staffs during a recent luncheon hosted by Ira Lourie, 

director of physical properties; and Joe Herbin, coordinator 

of buildings and grounds. Custodians were 

nominated by building staff in each of four categories 

– elementary school, middle school, high school and 

administration building – for their hard work, dedication 

and going beyond the call of duty. 

Each custodian received a certificate of 

recognition. Each staff member received a plaque to 

be displayed in his or her building. 

Immigration and higher education forum held 

Sostienen foro de inmigración y educación superior 

Preparatoria Washington: 

En la foto están (fila de enfrente, de izq. a der.) 

custodios Carla Alexander, Wanda Shannon, Dennis 

O’Neal (Jefe de Custodios), Kelly Adam y Alvin 

Cox. También aparecen (fila de atrás, de izq. a der.) 

custodios Steve Perisol y Michael Todd; Ira Lourie; 

Barbara Johnson, Jefa de la Cafetería de Washington; 

Nicole Skinner, Secretaria del Coordinador de Edificios 

y Terrenos; custodio Terry Hunter; Joe Herbin; Dra. 

Maritza Paul, Subdirectora de Washington; y el custodio 

Jack Bond. 

Washington High School: 

Pictured are (front row, from left to right) custodians 

Carla Alexander, Wanda Shannon, Dennis O’Neal 

(head custodian), Kelly Adam and Alvin Cox. Also 

pictured are (back row, from left to right) custodians 

Steve Perisol and Michael Todd; Ira Lourie; Barbara 

Johnson, Washington cafeteria manager; Nicole 

Skinner, secretary to the coordinator of buildings 

and grounds; custodian Terry Hunter; Joe Herbin; 

Washington Assistant Principal Dr. Maritza Paul; and 

custodian Jack Bond. 

El 12 de Nov., MCC-Penn Valley en Kansas City, 

Mo., organizó un foro de inmigración y educación 

superior. Los participantes incluyeron a Carlos Gómez, 

Presidente de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del área 

metropolitana de Kansas City; Ana Valdez, voluntaria 

comunitaria, y Dominique Hernández, representante 

estudiantil de la Organización de Conciencia Latina para 

Estudiantes. 

El foro duró 45 minutos y abordó temas como los 

retos que enfrentan los latinos para lograr una educación 

superior, cómo el status migratorio afecta las oportunidades 

estudiantiles y los programas y oportunidades para los 

latinos que desean asistir a la universidad. Se estima que 

entre 60 y 70 personas asistieron al evento. 

“Muchos de los estudiantos inmigrantes con los que 

trabajamos no saben que la universidad es una opción y 

nuestra labor es mostrarles que existen opciones para un 

mejor futuro”, señaló Gómez. 

Un foro de seguimiento está planeado para la primavera 

del 2009. 

On Nov. 12, MCC-Penn Valley in Kansas City, 

Mo., hosted an immigration and higher education 

forum. Participants included Carlos Gomez, president 

of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater 

Kansas City; Ana Valdez, community volunteer; and 

Dominique Hernandez, student representative, Organization 

of Latin Awareness for Students. 

The forum lasted for 45 minutes and addressed 

such issues as the challenges Latinos face in attaining 

higher education, how immigration status affects 

students’ opportunities and programs or opportunities 

for Latinos wanting to attend college. An estimated 

60-70 people attended the event. 

“A lot of the immigrant students that we work with 

do not know that college is an option and it is our 

job to show them that there are options for a better 

future,” Gomez said. 

A follow-up forum is planned for the spring of 

2009. 

Students of the Month honored 

Estudiantes del mes 

Secundaria Arrowhead: 


custodios Ernest Bowie, John McMillian (Jefe de 

Custodios), Connie Dunaway y David Ramos. También 

aparecen (fila de atrás, de izq. a der.) Julissa Flanders, 

Maestra en Arrowhead; Ira Lourie; Nicole Skinner y 

Joe Herbin. No aparece en la foto el custodio Warren 

Thompson. 

Arrowhead Middle School: 


Ernest Bowie, John McMillian (head custodian), 

Connie Dunaway and David Ramos. Also 

pictured are (back row, from left to right) Julissa 

Flanders, Arrowhead teacher; Ira Lourie; Nicole 

Skinner and Joe Herbin. Not pictured is custodian 

Warren Thompson. 

Primaria Quindaro: 


custodios Arnold Jordan (Jefe de Custodios), Richard 

Brantley, Deron Green y George Bailey. También 

aparecen (fila de atrás, de izq. a der.) Ira Lourie; Nicole 

Skinner; Joe Herbiny y Linnie McCluney, Directora 

de Quindaro. 

Quindaro Elementary School: 


Arnold Jordan (head custodian), Richard 

Brantley, Deron Green and George Bailey. Also pictured 

are (back row, from left to right) Ira Lourie; 

Nicole Skinner; Joe Herbin; and Quindaro Principal 

Linnie McCluney. 

Miembros de la Junta Escolar de Kansas City, 

Kan., reconocieron a los Estudiantes del 

Mes del Distrito Escolar 500 de Escuelas Públicas 

de Kansas City, Kan., durante su reunión del 25 

de Nov. Los honrados fueron Olivia Garvin, de 

tercer grado en la primaria John F. Kennedy; Walter 

Frazier, senior de la preparatoria Wyandotte y Dwayne 

Frazier, estudiante de octavo grado de la secuendaria 

Northwest. 

Members of the Kansas City, Kan., Board 

of Education recognized the Kansas City, 

Kan., Public Schools - USD 500 Students of the 

Month during its Nov. 25 meeting. Honored 

were Olivia Garvin, third-grader, John F. Kennedy 

Elementary School; Walter Frazier, senior, 

Wyandotte High School; and Dwayne Frazier, 

eighth-grader, Northwest Middle School. 

3176 Parkwood, Kansas City, KS. 66104 

Se habla español 

(913) 233-2800 

Cuota de solicitud gratuita. 

Depósito de tan sólo $150. 00 

1 recámara, 1 baño 625 pies cuadrados $475 

2 recámaras, 1 baño 950 pies cuadrados $560 

2 recámaras, 2 baños 950 pies cuadrados $590 

3 recámaras, 2 baños 1,250 pies cuadrados $675 

Centro Educativo: 


custodios Héctor Cabrera, Bobbie Carmack y David 

Tatum (Jefe de Custodios). También aparecen (fila de 

atrás, de izq. a der.) Dr. Kelli Mather, Director Ejecutivo 

de Servicios a Estudiantes, Padres y Comunidad; Ira 

Lourie; Nicole Skinner y Joe Herbin. No aparecen en la 

foto los custodios Dan Skahan y Eugene Spillman. 

Education Center: 


Hector Cabrera, Bobbie Carmack and David 

Tatum (head custodian). Also pictured are (back 

row, from left to right) Dr. Kelli Mather, executive 

director of student, parent and community services; 

Ira Lourie; Nicole Skinner; and Joe Herbin. Not 

pictured are custodians Dan Skahan and Eugene 

Spillman. 

Aplican restricciones de ingresos. 

¡Totalmente renovados! 

ANUNCIATE! PARA MAS INFORMACION LLAMANOS (816) 221-4747


Legislature news in brief: Kansas revenues shrink 

Kansas revenues shrink 

TOPEKA | The state’s financial hole is getting deeper. 

The latest bad news is smaller-than-expected revenue collections in November. General revenues for the month were 3.3 percent — or 

nearly $14 million — less than anticipated. 

The state had expected to collect nearly $410 million in revenues during November, including almost $181 million in individual income 

taxes, the largest source of general revenues. 

But state officials said Friday that they had collected only about $396 million in revenues. And individual income tax collections were 

less than $175 million — $6.2 million, or 3.5 percent, short of the mark. 

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius already has asked agencies to draft recommendations for trimming 3 percent from their current budgets and 

told them to anticipate deeper reductions in fiscal 2010.


Posted on Fri, Dec. 05, 2008 

Storybooks help reach and teach 

By STEVE ROSEN 

The Kansas City Star 

If you’re keen on making money relevant to your young children, you’ll find help in a large batch of finance-themed storybooks — 

some new, some old. 

The best stories offer children a little bit of fun, but these tales also need to be engaging and light on the sermonizing. 

Consider three picture books in TheMillionaire Kids Club series introduced in 2008 by financial educator Susan Beacham of 

Money Savvy Generation and financial journalist Lynnette Khalfani-Cox. (The books, published by Advantage World Press, are 

available at msgen.com.) In each book — aimed at youngsters ages 5 to 12 — the story revolves around children making a 

specific money choice. 

In the first book, Garage Sale Riches, the setting is a family’s garage, where a group of children are assigned to clean out the 

garage and hold a garage sale. The four pals dream about their hoped-for riches, and call themselves The Millionaire Kids Club. 

In the process, they learn to make choices between spending and saving their garage-sale proceeds. 

Another book to consider would be Alvin Hall’s Show Me the Money. Aimed mainly at middle-school readers, this book (DK 

Publishing, www.dk.com) helps readers understand the relationship between the economy, finance and the business world. 

Hall covers a lot of ground in his story, which is divided into four chapters. The first section explains how the ancient practice of 

bartering led to today’s system of banking and investing. Another section deals with international trade and running your own 

business. 

Rick Roman puts the emphasis on investing in I’m a Shareholder: The Basics About Stocks — for Kids. This book (Leading Edge 

Gifts) serves as a primer on the stock market, and comes with a coupon for $10 off a share of stock from GiveAshare.com. 

There also are a couple of old, tried-and-true books. 

For parents starting to sock away money for college in 529 savings plans, Joseph Hurley’s The Best Way to Save for College is 

the definitive source. Now in its eighth edition, this book (Bankrate Inc., www.savingforcollege.com) is billed as the “complete 

guide to 529 plans.” It is that and more. 

Hurley provides a thorough analysis of every state’s 529 plan — and covers alternatives such as custodial accounts and Coverdell 

education savings accounts. 

In a more lighthearted mode is Sheila Bair’s Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock (Albert Whitman & Co.). Name sound familiar? It 

should be. Bair is chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. But before landing in the financial limelight, Bair wrote 

several children’s storybooks about money, including this story about twins Rock and Brock. 

Rock loved to buy, while Brock loved to save. By the end of the story, thanks to some grandfatherly intervention, both boys 

become “lifetime” savers. I’ll read that type of happy ending anytime. 

Send comments to srosen@kcstar.com. 


Monday, Dec 8, 2


KCK school board focuses on professional improvement plan 



Mon Dec 08, 2008, 11:25 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - At the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education meeting last week, the district discussed its 

professional improvement plan that was created last spring through the work of the superintendent’s cabinet. 

Susan Engelmann, executive director of teaching and learning, said every year the cabinet writes a district 

improvement plan for how they will meet the goals they set. 

Next year’s plan identifies three strategies that will assure the board meets its 2010 goals, which are to be 85 

percent proficient in reading, 75 percent proficient in math and to enter first grade school ready and to exit 12th 

grade college ready. 

These strategies include professional learning communities, differentiated instruction and a guaranteed and 

viable curriculum. 

Engelmann said her team did an extensive study to identify the best ideas. 

“We did an intense study with the NEA last year and identified the best practices,” Engelmann said. “Out of 

that work came the identification of these three broad interventions, which we believe will help us meet our 

goals.” 

Engelmann described the three strategies: 

• A professional learning community is a collaboration of teachers, administrators, parents and/or students 

who work together to seek out the best practices, test them in the classroom, continuously improve processes 

and focus on results. 

• Differentiated instruction means consistently using a variety of instructional approaches to modify content, 

process and/or products in response to learning readiness and interest of academically diverse students. 

• Guaranteed and viable curriculum is the identification of what students must know and be able to do at each 

level, of the resources needed to deliver the content, of evidence that will be required to demonstrate learning 

and of the supplemental instructional supports for students that don’t know or already know the content. 

Engelmann said the plan is also divided into three tiers and these tiers focus on how the cabinet works with its 

students and in this case, how they provide opportunities to learn for adults. 

“Tier one is the staff development that all teachers need like strong instructional strategies,” she said. “Tier two 

is the training that only some teachers need like special reading professional development. And tier three is 

training that is specific to one of our teachers and can be provided individually like the kind of professional 

development provided by an instructional coach.” 

Engelmann said she and her team want to keep improving.

“We have continued to make steady gains in the area of math and reading over the past several years,” she said. 

“Our goal is to continue to increase scores in both areas and for the achievement gap between student groups to 

disappear. 

“We believe solid implementation of the three strategies will help us do that.”


KCK League selects offense team 



Sat Dec 06, 2008, 01:15 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Fourteen of Wyandotte County's best football players were honored this week. 

The Kansas City, Kan., Football League announced its All-First Team. Five members of the F.L. Schlagle 

Stallions made the team, while four Sumner Academy players appear on the team. 

The team, in full, listed by name, position and school: 

Spenser Bennett QB Sumner 

Josh White QB Washington 

Jeremy Scott RB Sumner 

Duone Maxwell RB Washington 

Taylor Wallace OL Schlagle 

Aaron Ponds OL Schlagle 

Maryah Hardridge OL Wyandotte 

Chris Cunningham OL Sumner 

Willie Johnson OL Harmon 

Elijah Ming TE Schlagle 

Orlando Newton WR Schlagle 

Armond Brisbane WR Sumner 

Darius Dickerson WR Washington 

Jevon Wiliams KR Schlagle


Lady Sabres defeated in season opener 

By NICK SLOAN 

Lola Imokhome, right, prepares to battle Alexis Boeh for a rebound during Thursday night's Sumner Academy-Olathe 

Northwest girls basketball game. 



Thu Dec 04, 2008, 10:21 PM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - The Sumner Academy Lady Sabres outscored the Olathe Northwest Lady Ravens when 

combining the scores of the first and fourth quarters. Unfortunately, a three-point third quarter put the game out 

of reach for the team. 

The Lady Ravens prevailed 67-48 Thursday evening in the Lady Sabres’ opening game at Sumner Academy. 

Junior Rebecca DeGroot and Amber Ramsey each scored eight points for Olathe Northwest in the first half to 

carry the team to a 36-25 lead. 

Sumner could not penetrate the lane enough and had to rely on outside shooting to keep the game close, which 

it was early on. 

The Lady Sabres saw a flash of the future as freshman Sameia Kendall led the team with 22 points in her first 

varsity performance. 

Kendall, a 5-7 guard, drilled three three-pointers in the first half to keep the game in reach. She tied the score at 

15 following a three-pointer made as the first quarter concluded. 

From there, however, things did not go as scripted for Torrence Allen’s team. 

The Lady Sabres were outscored 16-3 in the third quarter and trailed 51-28 entering the fourth quarter. Poor 

shooting plagued the team during the quarter, as they only made one field goal.

Sumner narrowed the gap to 51-34 midway through the final quarter, but Olathe Northwest earned their largest 

lead, 61-36, with just over two minutes left. 

Allen said the team will learn and regroup after the loss. 

“As a team we learned a lot about ourselves and what it’s going to take to beat southern Kansas City teams,” 

Allen said. “It starts with good solid defense. We need focus for 32 minutes and offensive execution.” 

The Lady Ravens started three three-year starters against the Lady Sabres and could make the state tournament 

for the first time in school history. The team, coached by Joel Branstrom, lost in last year’s sub-state finals. 

Along with Kendall, Savaughn Johnson contributed eight points; Chanel Maddox scored six points; Kathleen 

Brisbane scored four points and Monique Lane and Jovani Falcon each scored three points. 

Both teams received extra free-throw practice during the game, as 70 combined free throws were attempted


Long, Jones help Wildcats make ‘statement’ 

By NICK SLOAN 

Washington star Brett Jones eyes a rebound during Friday's victory against Atchison. Jones scored 13 points for the Wildcats, 

while Kalub Long led the team with 18 points. 



Sat Dec 06, 2008, 01:05 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - A 24-4 run opening the second half helped the Washington Wildcats make a statement on 

opening night. 

The Wildcats, led by Kalub Long and Brett Jones, defeated the Atchison Redmen 78-41 at Washington High 

School Friday night. Long led the team in scoring with 18 points and Jones contributed 13 points in limited 

action because of foul problems. 

After the team struggled last year, getting the big victory felt good for coaches and players. 

“It was a team effort from our guys,” said Eric King, head coach. “We’re learning how to play with intensity 

and we ran the break to take advantage of our speed.” 

The team’s speed was especially noticeable early in the first half and out of the gate in the second half. 

The Wildcats raced off to a 9-0 lead before the Redmen could sink a basket. At the end of the first quarter, the 

team led 26-6. However, a less than stellar second quarter led to a narrowing of the lead. 

Redmen Kasey Downing and Cezanne Burnes scored eight and six points respectively to help Atchison close 

the gap to 39-28 at halftime.

But that’s as close as it got. 

Before Atchison could score its first second half point, the Wildcats began the half on a 10-0 run, extending the 

lead back to 21. A breakaway dunk by Jones gave the Wildcats its largest lead at the time midway through the 

quarter. 

The team successfully ran a fast-paced offense and played pressure defense, causing a number of turnovers that 

resulted in layups and easy points for the Wildcats. 

“We wanted to make a statement tonight that we are a team to be reckoned with,” Jones said “We wanted to 

start it off with a win.” 

Jones credited his coaching staff’s adjustments on Washington gaining back its comfortable lead. 

“At the end of the first half, they made a run and we talked with our coaches at halftime,” he said. “They made 

adjustments and we got a great win for Washington.” 

King, who credited the school’s students and community support after the victory, said the win could be the first 

of many if the team continues to play aggressively. 

“We wanted to make a statement to ourselves and live up to the expectations in the classroom and on the court,” 

he said. “If they play hard basketball and team basketball, we could do well.” 

Along with the senior leadership from Jones and Long, the team received eight points from Kalen Allen, 

Marcus Wills and Tra’von White. 

The Wildcats’ next game is at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 on the road against Shawnee-Mission Northwest.

Saturday, December 6, 2008 

www.kansascitykansan.com/sports 

SECTION B 

By NICK SLOAN 


A 24-4 run opening the second 

half helped the Washington Wildcats 

make a statement on opening night. 

The Wildcats, led by Kalub Long 

and Brett Jones, defeated the 

Atchison Redmen 78-41 at 

Washington High School Friday 

night. 

Long led the team in scoring with 

18 points and Jones contributed 13 

points in limited action because of 

foul problems. 

After the team struggled last year, 

getting the big victory felt good for 

coaches and players. 

“It was a team effort from our 

guys,” said Eric King, head coach. 

“We’re learning how to play with 

intensity and we ran the break to 

take advantage of our speed.” 

The team’s speed was especially 

noticeable early in the first half and 

out of the gate in the second half. 

Long, Jones help Wildcats 

make statement in opening game 

MORE 

SCORES 

BOYS 

• Sumner 82, 

Westport 37 

• Bishop Ward 48, 

Perry-Lecompton 43 

GIRLS 

• Bishop Ward 50, 

Lecompton 31 

• Blue Valley North 

70, Washington 14 

• Schlagle 58, 

Westport 31 

• Mill Valley 68, 

Turner 29 

• Lansing 66, 

Bonner Springs 34 

Scores from other 

games were sent after 

the Kansan went to 

press. 

The Wildcats raced to a 9-0 lead 

before the Redmen could sink a basket. 

At the end of the first quarter, the 

team led 26-6. However, a less than 

stellar second quarter led to a narrowing 

of the lead. 

Redmen Kasey Downing and 

Cezanne Burnes scored eight and six 

points respectively to help Atchison 

close the gap to 39-28 at halftime. 

But that’s as close as it got. 

Before Atchison could score its 

first second half point, the Wildcats 

began the half on a 10-0 run, extending 

the lead back to 19. 

A breakaway dunk by Jones gave 

the Wildcats its largest lead at the 

time midway through the quarter. 

The team successfully ran a fastpaced 

offense and played pressure 

defense, causing a number of 

turnovers that resulted in layups and 

easy points for the Wildcats. 

“We wanted to make a statement 

tonight that we are team to be reckoned 

with,” Jones said. “We wanted 

to start it off with a win.” 

Jones credited his coaching staff’s 

adjustments on Washington gaining 

back its comfortable lead. 

“At the end of the first half, they 

made a run and we talked with our 

coaches at halftime,” he said. “They 

made adjustments and we got a great 

win for Washington.” 

King, who credited the school’s 

students and community support 

after the victory, said the win could 

be the first of many if the team continues 

to play aggressively. 

“We wanted to make a statement 

to ourselves and live up to the expectations 

in the classroom and on the 

court,” he said. “If they play hard 

basketball and team basketball, we 

could do well.” 

Along with the senior leadership 

from Jones and Long, the team 

received eight points from Kalen 

Allen, Marcus Wills and Tra’von 

White. 

The Wildcats’ next game is at 7 

p.m. on Dec. 9 on the road against 

Shawnee-Mission Northwest. 


Freshman Sameia Kendall, pictured with the ball, scored 22 points in her varsity 

debut for the Sumner Academy Lady Sabres. Sameia hit a number of threepointers 

during the Lady Sabres’ opening game against the Olathe Northwest 

Lady Ravens, who defeated Sumner 67-48. 


Washington senior Brett Jones eyes a rebound 

during Friday’s game against Atchison. Jones, 

who played a limited amount of time due to 

foul problems, scored 13 points. Kalub Long 

led Washington with 18 points. 

Freshman 

shines for Lady 

Sabres in defeat 

By NICK SLOAN 


The Sumner Academy Lady Sabres 

outscored the Olathe Northwest Lady 

Ravens when combining the scores of the 

first and fourth quarters. Unfortunately, a 

three-point third quarter put the game out of 

reach for the team. 

The Lady Ravens prevailed 67-48 

Thursday evening in the Lady Sabres’ opening 

game at Sumner Academy. 

Junior Rebecca DeGroot and Amber 

Ramsey each scored eight points for Olathe 

Northwest in the first half to carry the team 

to a 36-25 lead. 

Sumner could not penetrate the lane 

enough and had to rely on outside shooting 

to keep the game close, which it was early 

on. 

The Lady Sabres saw a flash of the future 

as freshman Sameia Kendall led the team 

with 22 points in her first varsity performance. 

Kendall, a 5-7 guard, drilled three threepointers 

in the first half to keep the game in 

reach. She tied the score at 15 following a 

three-pointer made as the first quarter concluded. 

Please see SUMNER/Page B3


West Wyandotte Library to host used book sale 



Mon Dec 08, 2008, 11:23 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - The West Wyandotte branch of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library will hold a mini book 

sale, Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec.21, from 1 to 5 p.m. 

Sonia Smith, library public relations coordinator, said her customers are looking forward to the sale. 

“People like to stock up on books when the weather starts to get colder, and in this economy, they are looking 

for bargains,” Smith said. 

At the sale, which is open to the public, shoppers can expect to see a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, 

with most being used library books and some having been donated. 

Smith said pocketsize paperback books will be priced at 50 cents each, and most other books will be $1 each. 

Additionally, she said there would be a selection of newer fiction books priced at $5 each and sets of reference 

books will be sold for $10 or less. 

Smith said these books are great gifts for Christmas time, especially for those who appreciate recycling. 

"The library gets to recycle books, and readers also benefit,” Smith said. “When they can buy books at a low 

cost, they may try new authors or read about subjects they might not if they were paying new prices. 

“And, the money they spend here on books goes back into library programs and services, so the community 

benefits as well." 

Also available at the sale are library-logo canvas tote bags. The tote bags are 

$4.50 each and are available at the circulation desks at all KCK Public Library locations year-round. 

Smith said Friends of the KCK Public Library used to manage a large annual used book sale, and over time, the 

organization has lessened its mission to better serve the library, and last year transitioned to become a 

foundation through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. The large sale was discontinued and since 

then, library patrons have told staff that they miss shopping for used books. 

Smith said the library hopes to offer library customers more opportunities to buy used books in the future as the 

funds generated by the sales support the library services. 

The Friends of the Library Foundation continues to support the KCK Library through support for marketing 

projects, the summer reading programs and special library-sponsored projects. 

The mission of the KCK Public Library is to provide the library with information resources and services to meet 

the needs of a diverse and multicultural population. 

For more information about the Library’s programs and services, log on to www.kckpl.lib.ks.us or visit a library 

located near you.


Posted on Sat, Dec. 06, 2008 

Funding payments for schools briefly delayed 

The Associated Press 

TOPEKA | When Kansas delayed a monthly payment to 297 school districts for a few days last week, it was seen by some as 

another indication that the economy is souring. 

The monthly payment of $220 million split among the public school districts was delayed four days this week, with schools getting 

75 percent of the funds on Friday. The rest will be paid this week. 

“It certainly is the first signal that hard times are here,” said Ned Nusbaum, a Topeka Unified School District 501 board member. 

It is not unusual for the monthly payments to be delayed, but it is infrequent and usually occurs when state revenues fall. 

The Kansas Legislative Research Department has projected that the state would end the current fiscal year on June 30 with a 

$141 million budget deficit. It also has said that if the gap between anticipated revenues and current spending commitments isn’t 

addressed, it could exceed $1 billion by June 30, 2010. 

“The bottom line is schools have been very good to try to cooperate, and the state has busted their tails to get that money out on 

time,” said Dale Dennis, Kansas deputy education commissioner. 

The delay hasn’t had much effect on school districts — yet. 

“We’re sitting OK for this month,” said Shirley Martin, assistant to the superintendent for business in Shawnee Heights USD 450, 

which received a $1.1 million payment on Friday. 

“The question is how often is this going to happen? Is it going to become a monthly thing? We don’t know that. I don’t think 

anyone knows that.” 

Public schools are faring better than state agencies, which have been asked to cut funding by 3 percent this year. 

And some school officials are beginning to worry that they could be asked to cut budgets midway through the year, which is what 

happened during the 2003 school year. Schools faced a midyear cut of $8.6 million. 


Monday, Dec 8, 2


Braille: Balancing tradition, technology 

By ERIC ADLER 


JILL TOYOSHIBA | The Kansas City Star 

Sophomore Christian Puett reads a Braille in English class. Braille is in decline because of new 

technologies but it is still taught at the Kansas State School of the Blind. 

Hannah Nistler, a junior, prepared to use a PAC Mate, a note-taking device for the visually impaired, 

during English class, but the unit wasn’t charged. Braille is in decline because of new technologies, but it 

is still taught at the school.

Helen Hahn’s English class worked on a speech unit to reinforce persuasive writing. Hahn hand-read in Braille, 

leading (clockwise, from left) Jonathan Schmidt, Briana Brewer, Kyle J. Owens, Hannah Nistler, Stacey Biller 

and Chad Rohr. 

The defiant one settles herself with teenage confidence at the end of the classroom table. 

She is, by her own account, a “stubborn” and “ornery” student here at the Kansas State School for the Blind. 

“A handful,” teachers agree. 

They’ve given her a cane. She refuses to use it. 

They try to teach her Braille. 

“I hate that I have to learn it,” said Hannah Nistler, to whom, at age 16, the tools of blindness are uneasy 

reminders that, one day, in an instant, her already murky vision could go completely black. 

“It’s scary,” she said. “That’s not something I’ve wanted to accept.” 

What’s equally scary, say advocates for the blind, is just how few visually impaired children outside of places 

like this school are being instructed in Braille. 

Whereas about half of them were taught the reading and writing method in the 1960s (usually at state 

institutions, a cheerless affair for families often forced to send their children hundreds of miles away), the 

number now instructed in it, with “mainstreaming” in public schools, has fallen to 12 percent.

The decline in this foundation of literacy in the blind community since the early 1800s parallels an explosion in 

technologies designed to help the blind access everything from novels to the Internet: “talking” computers, 

magnifiers, audiobooks. 

Perhaps at a price. 

“There is technology that can read print to you, but that is not the same as being literate,” said Chris Danielsen, 

spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind. “If you listen to books, you don’t learn how to spell from 

that. You don’t learn how to write from that. You don’t learn how to do punctuation from that.” 

His organization hopes the bicentennial anniversary of Braille creator Louis Braille’s birth on Jan. 4 will raise 

awareness of what it’s calling a crisis in Braille literacy. 

“Society would never accept a 10 percent literacy rate among sighted children,” he said. “It would be 

outrageous.” 

Some of the outrage may need to be tempered. 

Although only 12 percent of visually impaired children are learning Braille, it’s also true that only about 10 

percent are completely blind. 

Most of the remaining 90 percent are like Hannah and have some limited vision, or enough to use devices that 

make Braille less vital. 

“In a lot of ways, it is better to be blind now, especially in the United States, than it has been in history,” said 

Reinhard Mabry, president of Alphapointe, an association that supports the blind and visually impaired in the 

Kansas City region. “Technology is better than it has ever been.” 

Others note that one downside to great technology, however, is that it can allow mainstream educators to get off 

too easily. 

Instead of investing in Braille teachers, who are in short supply, or committing themselves to the expense and 

effort of teaching Braille, too many school districts convince parents that their visually impaired children can 

get by primarily using talking computers and the like. 

A talking computer, Braille proponents say, won’t read your shopping list in the aisle of a grocery store. It 

won’t select your floor in an elevator. And what happens when the power lines go down? 

“I don’t know anyone who thinks the trend away from Braille is a good one,” said Gary Mudd at the Kentuckybased 

American Printing House for the Blind. 

They also offer this clincher: Of the paltry 30 percent of blind or visually impaired people who are fully 

employed, 90 percent know Braille. 

Hannah and her classmates know all of this, of course.

“They like to pound it into your head,” she said of her instructors. 

Founded in 1867, the Kansas State School for the Blind is a series of nondescript brick buildings set on 10 acres 

in downtown Kansas City, Kan. About 50 children between ages 3 and 21 attend the school daily, with half 

living relatively close by. The other half come from towns far enough away to require them to sleep in the 

school’s dormitory during the week. 

Hannah, with short auburn hair and gray-blue eyes made fiery green with contacts, comes from tiny Herington, 

Kan., about 160 miles away. 

She recently spoke about how awful it was to grow up tall, at 6 feet 1, having once worn thick glasses in a town 

where kids taunted her as “stick” and “twig” and “beanpole.” 

“I was fitted with glasses before I was in preschool,” she said. “I was told when I was little, I used to run into 

walls all the time.” 

Hannah had been unhappy for years. Her parents, Kyra and Mark Nistler, knew she was angry. She fought in 

and out of school and once ran away from home. Add to that attention-deficit disorder and depression. 

She got eye exams, but only four years ago at the University of Kansas Medical Center did the family get the 

proper, and dire, diagnosis: retinitis pigmentosa — a degenerative disorder. 

For much of Hannah’s life, she’s looked at the world through a black circle, as if peering through the end of a 

thin straw. A night, she is totally blind. 

Whether the straw will stay open, no one knows. 

In 2005, she began to lose her colors. 

“First, my reds and greens went,” Hannah said. “Then the blues. Then the rest.” 

She now sees in shades of black-and-white and grays, some of it gorgeous. 

“Roses. They’re beautiful in black and white,” she said. 

But her plan had been to be an artist, or perhaps a photographer or interior designer. 

“It pretty much crushed my dream,” she said. 

That dream, anyway. Now she thinks of going to college to study child development. Since entering the school 

for the blind, her grades, like her life, she said, have only improved. 

“Some of the best grades I ever got,” she said. 

At the other end of the English class table sits Chad Rohr, 18, of Lee’s Summit — 6 feet 5 and 245 pounds — 

with his guide dog at his feet. Hannah and four others sit nearby.

He unfurls his textbook on the table — broad white sheets, the size of placemats, each embossed with hundreds 

of Braille dots. 

His hands sweep across the pages, his large fingers gliding left to right, row after row. 

A tumble off an all-terrain vehicle cracked Chad’s skull and nearly killed him at age 13. 

“I had traumatic brain injury, and the swelling in my brain pinched my optic nerve,” he explained. 

Braille is easy for him now, but he understands Hannah’s reluctance. 

“There were days when I just wanted to burn the books I was reading,” he said. “I hated it that much.” 

It’s instinctual, he said, to use the sight one has while it’s still there. Thinking about the day it’ll be gone is hard. 

Plus, Braille is hard. The system of raised dots was adapted in 1821 from “escriture nocturne,” or “night 

writing,” a way for soldiers to communicate in the dark on the battlefield. 

The code is based around “cells” of six dots. 

“Like you’re looking at a muffin pan, horizontally,” said Christian Puett, 16, who, like Hannah, has retinitis 

pigmentosa. He can see a fog of light and images, but his vision since the eighth grade has been all but gone. 

Christian, accomplished in Braille in English and, increasingly, in Spanish, views it as a godsend, giving him 

the independence to dive into the books he loves. 

“I’m not an audio learner,” he said. “I’m a visual learner. It was actually hard for me to do well in school by 

listening. I could listen to a book like three times and have no idea what I was listening to.” 

But he also recognizes how frustrating Braille can be with 189 different cells representing either a letter or a 

contraction that stands for a whole word or part of a word. The contraction “FR” means “friend.” “GD” means 

“good.” 

“There are so many nitpicky rules,” he said. 

To start with, he said, all the dots feel the same. It can take months and, for some, years to master reading them. 

But after a while, it’s like visual reading: fluid, unconscious. The independence it offers is freeing. 

“Right now,” Christian said, “I’m reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” 

The Braille version came out the same night as the print version. Even as Braille instruction has dwindled, the 

amount of material available — often free and downloadable onto digital Braille readers — has erupted.

One magazine program at the Library of Congress alone offers more than 50 periodical titles, as varied as 

Martha Stewart Living,Seventeen,Playboy (just the articles) and Muse: The Magazine of Life, the Universe and 

Pie Throwing. 

Hannah is working on a book of her own. 

It’s slow-going. Sometimes she still peers down at the cells, she says, to see if she’s got them right. But in 

Omaha soon, there’s going be to a Braille reading and writing competition. 

“I don’t know,” she said. “I thought I’d try.” 

For a photo gallery from the Kansas State School for the Blind, go to KansasCity.com. 

To reach Eric Adler, call 816-234-4431 or send e-mail to eadler@kcstar.com.


Posted on Mon, Dec. 08, 2008 

Kansas tries a new tactic for helping children to read 

Tuesday, Dec 9, 2 

By JIM SULLINGER 


Kansas parents now have a powerful new tool to improve their children’s reading ability. 

It’s called Kansas Book Connect, a Web site that lists books that fit the reading level and interests of each Kansas student. 

Kansas is the first state to deploy it, according to officials at Renaissance Learning, a Wisconsin company working with the state’s 

Department of Education to offer the service. 

Reading specialists agree that most parents don’t know their children’s reading levels, which makes it difficult to know what books 

to obtain to make them better independent readers. 

Using annual state reading assessments given each spring and other student data, Renaissance Learning is determining the 

reading level of each student in Kansas. That information will be communicated to schools within the next couple of months and 

will be available to parents. 

Meanwhile, the site is working for those parents who can learn their child’s reading level from the teacher. 

A third-grade student might be given a level of 3.5, a designation for the fifth month of third grade. A level of 2.7 would mean that 

this third grader is reading below grade level and might need help from mom and dad. 

“Parent involvement is huge,” said Tracy Stokes, a reading specialist at Comanche Elementary School in Overland Park. 

“Students with support at home have a much better chance of success even when they’re a struggling reader.” 

How will parents know what books to obtain? 

They will be able to go to the Web site, www.kansas.bookconnect.com, enter their children’s reading level, designate an interest 

area and a book list will be generated. 

A third-grade student might be intrigued by dinosaurs. Plugging in a reading level of 3.5 would generate a list of books that include 

Raptors! by author Lisa McCourt and Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones by Judy Schachner. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling’s first book, carries a reading level of 5.5 in Book Connect. 

The site offers more than 120,000 titles for readers of all abilities, and the lists are provided in English and Spanish. 

Kansas gives state reading assessments each year starting in the third grade. Renaissance Learning won’t assign a reading level 

to younger children. 

However, Jeannette Nobo, assistant director of standards and assessment for the Kansas Department of Education, said those 

parents can still use Book Connect. She said most elementary teachers know the reading ability of their students and can advise 

parents what grade level to use. 

Reading teachers said it’s important to find books that a child is interested in reading. 

“When students get to pick their own materials, they have a purpose for reading,” Stokes said. 

Amy Farthing, a reading specialist with the Blue Valley School District, said Book Connect is a good resource but shouldn’t be a 

substitute for consulting a teacher about a child’s reading skills. 

“We’re in an age where teachers have that information at their fingertips,” she said. 

But she predicted that parents won’t be the only ones using the Web site. 

“I think a lot of teachers will find it a useful resource as well,” she said. 

Raising readers 

Teachers say that the more children read, the better their reading skills will be. So, what do they recommend parents do if a child 

is not reading at grade level? 

•Consult the teacher and find out the student’s reading level. 

•Find books that a child is interested in and have that student read, read, read. 

•Read with the student, who may need help to understand some word or phrases. 

•After finishing a page or chapter, ask questions to measure your child’s understanding.

•If your student stumbles over more than five words per page, the book is too hard and might take the fun out of reading. 

To reach Jim Sullinger, call 816-234-7701 or send e-mail to jsullinger@kcstar.com. 

© 2007 Kansas City Star and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansascity.com


Local librarian to be honored in New York 

Levers 

Librarian Carol Levers is well loved — and she’s getting a national award to prove it. 

Levers is one of 10 librarians who will receive the 2008 “I Love My Librarian” award tonight from the 

Carnegie Corp. of New York and The New York Times. 

Levers — who is in New York to receive the award — is the community services librarian at the Kansas City, 

Kansas Public Library and the weekend supervisor of the Kansas City Public Library’s Plaza Branch. 

The award, which comes with $5,000, recognizes librarians’ service to their communities. 

“Carol works so hard in the community, both in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri,” said Jane 

Hatch, adult services supervisor at the Kansas City Kansas, Public Library. “She has just given back and given 

back.”


COLUMN: WyCo needs to host tournament 



Wed Dec 10, 2008, 11:32 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - This week, a number of basketball teams within Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County 

are participating in preseason tournaments. 

My schedule Monday in Paola was nothing but basketball. Four Wyandotte County teams – Turner, Piper, 

Bishop Ward and J.C. Harmon – played in the boys tournament, competing with other schools in Kansas for the 

preseason title. 

Wyandotte and Washington high schools will play in the Leavenworth tournament, while Sumner Academy 

will perform in the Blue Valley Shootout. A number of girls teams are participating in a tournament in Eudora. 

I think it would be great to have a large countywide tournament within Wyandotte County. 

Kansas City Kansas Community College could host the tournament. With a new court and a large amount of 

parking available, it would be the perfect venue to host a tournament for the county’s teams. 

How great would it be to have a “Wyandotte County Shootout?” 

Even if you just limit it to teams in the county, the possibility of a great tournament is likely. 

Rivalries within the Kansas City, Kan., League could be renewed earlier than usual. How great would it be to 

have Sumner Academy face Harmon or Washington early in the season? 

Both Washington and Harmon hope to yank the KCK League’s torch away from Sumner Academy. What better 

way to find out than in the Wyandotte County Shootout? 

The rivalries between Washington, Wyandotte and Schlagle have been strong and competitive over the years. 

Who wouldn’t like to see those teams go at it three times each season? 

The Bishop Ward-Piper rivalry, always hot, would be fought on the court for a third time during the regular 

season, as they play twice already in Kaw Valley League play. 

Better yet, the KCK League could compete with the KVL, which has four teams in the county. An eight-team 

tournament (excluding one KCK team) would be held to see who the best in Wyandotte County really is. 

A KCK-KVL Challenge could be similar to the Big 12-Pac 10 basketball challenge or the ACC-Big 10 

challenge. 

Sometimes, KCK and KVL teams do not have the opportunities to compete against each other.

The style of play from each league would prepare Wyandotte County’s teams for postseason play. On the boys 

side, KCK League teams generally press and go up and down the court. The KVL teams, at least in Wyandotte 

County, have the identity of those that grind it out and play tough defense. 

After covering some of the tournaments so far, it’s pretty fun to see a number of basketball games in one gym. 

Other than a 15-min. break between games, there was non-stop basketball at all tournament locations. 

A Wyandotte County Shootout would be a great event that brings spotlight to the county’s schools. 

Unfortunately, some of them are on the backburner when they travel to sites such as Paola or Eudora. 

Plus, with the economy down, having an in-county tournament will make it easier for parents, students and 

others associated with Wyandotte County to see their teams in action.

Four WyCo teams 

compete for Paola crown 

Kansan photos by NICK SLOAN 

UPPER LEFT: Turner center Austin Lewis led the team with 14 points in a losing effort against Paola. UPPER 

RIGHT: Bishop Ward senior Robert Grindstaff drives in the lane against two players from Eudora. BOTTOM 

LEFT: Harmon star DeOntae Hooks led the Hawks in scoring with 35 points in the team’s victory over 

Tonganoxie. BOTTOM RIGHT: Piper senior BJ Torez receives a pass during the Pirates’ victory against 

Wellsville. Tuesday’s schedule was altered because of weather. The title game is Friday night in Paola.


Harmon explodes for 94 points in victory 

Harmon star DeOntae Hooks scored 35 points in round one of the Paola Invitational. 



Wed Dec 10, 2008, 11:27 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Listening to Harmon head coach Heath Cooper, you might think his team lost by 15 points 

in the first round of the Paola Invitational. 

“We didn’t defend well at times and our rebounding was disappointing,” he said. 

Still, his team did defeat the Tonganoxie Chieftains in a 94-79 track meet in the first round of the Paola 

Invitational in Paola, Kan., Monday. The game, featuring the most offense of any first round game in the 

tournament, had three players who scored 20 points or more. 

The Hawks were led in scoring by DeOntae Hooks, who scored 35 points, while Jauan Wilson contributed 25 

points for Harmon. 

Austin Smith scored 23 points for the Chieftains in a losing effort. 

“DeOntae is a guy who scores quiet points,” Cooper said. “He’s a talented player.” 

It wasn’t easy for the Hawks (and Hooks), especially in the first half.

The Chieftains were ahead early in the first quarter and the Hawks could not extend their lead past four points 

for most of the half. For Hooks and Harmon big man James Davenport, both players were sidelined with three 

fouls in the first half. 

That’s when Wilson and Exavier Bass-Brooks stepped up for Harmon. 

Both hit key shots late in the second quarter to keep Harmon on top over a game Tonganoxie team. Wilson may 

have hit the biggest shot of the game, hitting a three-point shot as the buzzer sounded to end the first-half. The 

shot extended Harmon’s lead to six points, its biggest at the time. 

“They made some big shots for us and they are high energy guys,” Cooper said. “That’s what helps us out.” 

Harmon effectively put the game away early in the second half, as they stormed out of the locker-room with a 

12-2 run to begin the third quarter. Harmon won the third quarter 24-11 and led by 19 points after three quarters 

of play. 

“The first two minutes of the third quarter are the most important,” Cooper said. “I was really proud of the way 

our guys responded.” 

During the third quarter, Harmon was able to turn Tonganoxie turnovers into easy points with its fast break 

transition game. Hooks, the Texas transfer, scored a majority of his points in the second half. 

Along with Hooks and Wilson, Harmon received baskets from a core of players 

Jervon Hooks scored nine points, Bass-Brooks scored seven, Davenport scored eight and Verle Harris scored 

five points before being injured early in the second quarter.


Jervon Hooks, with ball, leads the Harmon offense during the first quarter of Monday night’s game 

against Tonganoxie. Verle Harris, left, and Ron Stallings were Hooks’ running mates on the set play.


Sumner academy wins silver medal 



Wed Dec 10, 2008, 01:26 PM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences was recognized as a Silver Medal School by U.S. 

News and World Report this week. 

Sumner Principal Gene Fite praised his students and staff of this accomplishment. 

“It feels good to know that the students and staff at Sumner are recognized nationally for their hard work and 

many accomplishments,” Fite said. “We offer a very rigorous curriculum, have very high expectations and our 

students regularly live up to these standards.” 

Only one other school in the State of Kansas received a silver medal: Blue Valley North High in Overland Park. 

Thirty-four schools across the state received the bronze medal. 

Fite said being only one of two schools in the state to receive the honor suggests that the Kansas City, Kan., 

Public Schools District prepares students for success, and specifically for success in an International 

Baccalaureate World School, which he says can academically compete with any other school in the nation. 

“Their success doesn’t start at Sumner; it begins in their elementary years, continues through their middle 

school years and is expanded upon at Sumner Academy,” Fite said. “This is a success story for both this school 

and the Kansas City, Kansas School District as a whole.” 

Sumner, which won a bronze medal last year and is a regular on the list of top schools for Newsweek Magazine, 

was selected by U.S. News and World Report in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 

education and data research and analysis business that provides parents with education data. 

Sumner’s academic and enrollment data was analyzed from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the 

best across the country. Those schools were then placed into gold, silver, bronze or honorable mention 

categories. 

Fite said he and his staff work hard to prepare their students for college success and that will continue to be 

their goal, medal or no medal. 

“The awards confirm that we are on the right track, but we will not let them be the primary reason for our 

efforts,” he said. “We strive to provide our students the academic skills necessary to be successful in any 

college or university they choose to attend.” 

But Fite stressed how much of Sumner’s success was due to the school system. 

“Our students enter Sumner Academy well prepared for a very rigorous college preparatory curriculum,” he 

said. “The success of these students is highly dependent on their preparation prior to arrival. 

“We are very proud to be the recipients of this prestigious award, but we want to emphasize the excellent 

teaching for learning that occurs in the Kansas City, Kansas School District before the students ever walk

through our doors. We couldn’t accomplish what we do if we didn’t begin with an articulate, hard working, 

well-prepared student. This is a credit to the hard work and sacrifice that occurs in our elementary and middle 

feeder schools throughout the district.”


Two WyCo teams alive for Paola title 



Tue Dec 09, 2008, 10:46 AM CST 

Paola, Kan. - Two Wyandotte County teams survived day one of the Paola Invitational. 

The Piper Pirates and the Harmon Hawks advanced to the championship bracket of the tournament, while 

Bishop Ward and Turner were defeated. 

Piper carried strong defense to a 46-25 victory over the Wellsville Eagles in game one of the tournament. 

Offensively, the Pirates were led by Robbie Mason with 10 points, while the Eagles were led with eight points 

by Trenton Meyer. 

The Pirates will play the Eudora Cardinals, who defeated Piper’s county rival Bishop Ward 48-42 in the closest 

game in round one. The Cardinals were up on the scoreboard by seven points at halftime, only to see the 

Cyclones take the league with an 8-0 run coming out of the locker-room. 

But Eudora would later regain the lead as the third quarter closed. Michael Brocker and Cody Carlson led the 

Cardinals with 11 points each. Freshman CJ Vallejo, in his second varsity game, lit up the scoreboard for 15 

points for Ward. 

In game three, Harmon defeated Tonganoxie in a 94-79 barnburner. 

DeOntae Hooks, who scored 35 points according to official scoring, was the leading scorer for Harmon. Jauan 

Wilson added 25 points, while Jervon Hooks scored 9 points. Wilson nailed a key three-pointer at the buzzer to 

end the first half of play. The shot extended Harmon’s lead from three points to six. 

Austin Smith led Tonganoxie in scoring with 25 points. 

In the final game, host-school Paola jumped out to a 15-4 lead over Turner and never relinquished that lead in a 

59-46 victory over the Golden Bears. 

Sophomore Isaac Cotton led the Panthers with 21 points, while Austin Lewis led the Golden Bears with 14 

points. 

Piper will play Eudora tonight at 7 p.m., while Harmon looks to defeat Paola in what now can be considered as 

a road game. The game tips at 8:30 p.m., or 15 minutes after the first game. 

The winners of tonight's games will play Friday night for the title.


Posted on Tue, Dec. 09, 2008 

KCK district braces for possible cuts 

By DAWN BORMANN 


Kansas City, Kan., school officials are bracing for the possibility of a $5.5 million budget cut in the next several months. 

Faced with a massive deficit in the state budget, school officials across the state are preparing for budget trouble ahead. 

The reduction remains only a possibility at this point, but board members met last week in special session to discuss the looming 

crisis. 

“We don’t know what to expect,” Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Lane told board members. “We don’t know what the governor 

and legislators are going to do.” 

As it stands, the state is facing a $141 million shortfall. In order to make up that deficit, many state departments are being told to 

prepare for budget cuts. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has urged lawmakers to hold off on slashing the K-12 budget this year. At the 

same time, school officials also have been told to prepare for a 2 to 3 percent budget cut nonetheless. 

One thing appears clear: Reductions midway through the academic year could have crippling effects on school systems 

throughout the state. It’s too late to cut many personnel, who have negotiated contracts, officials said. 

In Kansas City, Kan., a 2 percent cut could equal a $2.8 million reduction, school officials said. 

The figure includes a loss to the local-option budget because any cuts to the general fund also would affect the local-option 

budget. The local-option budget is determined each year based on a percentage of the general fund by state law. If the general 

fund is lowered, then the local-option budget also must be lowered. But the local-option budget has already been collected from 

taxpayers. 

“Then we would have $849,201 that we have collected but can’t spend,” Lane told board members. 

A 3 percent cut would equal $5.5 million, including the local-option budget. 

“That’s huge when we have very little wiggle room,” Lane said. “We can’t cut personnel at this stage in the game.” 

There are many other contractual obligations that couldn’t easily be altered. 

As difficult as the situation could be this year, Lane told board members that it could be far worse next year when school officials 

are told to prepare for a possible 10 percent cut for the 2009-2010 academic year. 

“We have a potential for losing $13.4 million in state aid that we would have expected to receive next year,” Lane told board 

members. 

It would amount to a $728 cut per child. The district could feel the pinch harder than some other schools based on recent changes 

in state law. For now, Kansas City, Kan., receives additional funding for programming such as at-risk, English as a second 

language and more. District officials are concerned that if the budget is trimmed, the state would eliminate the additional money 

given for at-risk students and others. It means Kansas City, Kan., would lose more than a school in Blue Valley, which has fewer 

at-risk children. 

“Schools who have more students that live in poverty end up with less money,” Lane said. 

It isn’t the first time the district has faced massive budget cuts. Several years ago the district cut staff, delayed purchasing new 

textbooks and buses and much more. 

“We don’t like being here,” said Board President Gloria Willis. 

The district didn’t offer immediate cuts but said it would come up with a tiered reduction plan to put into action when and if the 

state finalizes the cuts. For now, district officials said, they’ll wait to see what action state lawmakers take. 

To reach Dawn Bormann, call 816-234-5992 or send e-mail to dbormann@kcstar.com. 


Wednesday, Dec 10, 2

Wyandotte West – December 11, 2008 

SUMNER, HARMON BOYS; PIPER GIRLS TOP 

TEAMS IN WYANDOTTE COUNTY 

BY DONOVAN CORRIGAN 

A YEAR AGO, DAN PARRA TOOK OVER FOR A TRUE LIVING WYANDOTTE COUNTY 

COACHING LEGEND WHEN HE BECAME THE BOYS BASKETBALL COACH AT SUMNER 

ACADEMY. PARRA RESPECTFULLY WENT TO WORK TO ESTABLISH THE SABRES’ 

STORIED PROGRAM AS HIS OWN AND EMERGE FROM THE SHADOW OF RANDY SPRINGS, 

WHO LED SUMNER TO TWO CLASS 4A STATE TITLES AND COUNTLESS TRIPS TO THE 

STATE TOURNAMENT. 

FAST FORWARD ONE YEAR, AND PARRA IS ENTRENCHED AS ONE OF THE TOP COACHES 

IN THE AREA AND HAS SUMNER STATE-RANKED AS THE SEASON IS SET TO START. PARRA 

LED SUMNER TO AN UNDEFEATED 8-0 RECORD IN WINNING THE KANSAS CITY KANSAS 

LEAGUE TITLE A YEAR AGO EN ROUTE TO REACHING THE STATE TOURNAMENT WITH 

AN 18-5 RECORD. 

SUMNER IS THE FAVORITE TO CAPTURE THE KCKL CROWN, BUT THE SABRES WILL 

GET CHALLENGED BY AN UPSTART HARMON PROGRAM. SUMNER RETURNS ARGUABLY 

THE TOP TANDEM IN THE STATE IN NEIL WATSON AND REESE HOLLIDAY. WATSON, A 

SENIOR POINT GUARD, AVERAGED 17.2 POINTS AND 6.5 ASSISTS. WATSON IS BALL- 

HAWKING DEFENDER WITH THREE-POINT RANGE AND LEADERSHIP ABILITY. HOLLIDAY, 

A STOUT AND SWIFT SMALL FORWARD, STUFFED THE STATE SHEETS WITH 15.8 POINTS, 

11.1 REBOUNDS, 1.1 BLOCKS AND 3.5 ASSISTS A GAME. DEVONTE CHANEY, A DEFENSIVE- 

MINDED GUARD, WHO AVERAGED 8.1 POINTS AND 3.4 STEALS A GAME, ALSO RETURNS 

FOR THE SABRES, WHO ARE RANKED NO. 6 IN THE KANSAS BASKETBALL COACHES 

ACCUSATION’S PRE-SEASON 4A RANKINGS. 

HARMON ALSO RETURNS A TOP-FLIGHT BACKCOURT IN JERMERY MOORE AND JAUAN 

WILSON. MOORE, A 5-FOOT-10-INCH SHOOTING GUARD, WAS NAMED HONORABLE 

MENTION CLASS 5A ALL-STATE AFTER AVERAGING 20.6 POINTS A GAME. WILSON, A 

HEADY 5-10 SOPHOMORE POINT GUARD, AVERAGED 12 POINTS, 4.3 ASSISTS AND 2.8 

STEALS LAST SEASON. BOTH PLAYERS PLAYED KEY ROLES IN HARMON WIN NINE GAMES 

A YEAR AGO. 

HEAD COACH HEATH COOPER HAS DONE A GOOD JOB OF BUILDING THE PROGRAM AT 

HARMON, AND WITH THE ADDITIONS OF EXAVIER BASS-BROOKS, A TRANSFER FROM 

SUMNER AND JUNIOR DE’ONTAE HOOKS, A 6-4 ATHLETIC FORWARD, AN ALL-DISTRICT 

PLAYER WHO TRANSFERRED IN FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS, HAVE THE HAWKS POISED FOR 

A BREAKOUT SEASON ON THE HARDWOOD. 

THE PIPER GIRLS HAVE ONE OF THE TOP DUOS IN THE AREA IN MICHELLE SELBE AND 

J.C. CARROLL, WHO BOTH COULD LIGHT UP THE SCOREBOARD AND STUFF THE STATE 

SHEET ON A NIGHTLY BASIS. SELBE, A POST PLAYER, AVERAGED A DOUBLE-DOUBLE 

LAST SEASON, WHILE CARROLL, A SMART SCOERER AROUND THE BUCKET WITH A 

GOOD JUMP SHOOT, AVERAGED NEARLY 20 POINTS A GAME. PIPER, WHO IS RANKED NO. 

4 IN THE KBCA’S PRE-SEASON 4A RANKINGS, ADDED A PROVEN POINT GUARD IN 

DANYELLE COLE, A TRANSFER FROM BISHOP WARD. 

ALL THREE PROGRAMS HAVE THE TALENT, DEPTH AND COACHING TO REACH THEIR 

RESPECTIVE STATE TOURNAMENTS. 

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH WYANDOTTE COUNTY COVERAGE, READ THE WYANDOTTE WEST 

AND PIPER PRESS NEWSPAPERS


TWO KCK SCHOOLS RECEIVE STATEWIDE AWARDS 

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force recognized schools making a notable difference in 

student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population on Tuesday evening, Nov. 

11, at Junction City Middle School, Junction City, Kan. In all, 111 Challenge awards were given to Kansas 

schools. 

The award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on Kansas 

Assessment results, the sample size, and the socio-economic status of those taking the test. 

Two schools in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools were recognized. Eugene Ware Elementary School 

received certificates for their exemplary achievement on the Kansas Assessments on 3rd grade math and 4th 

grade reading tests. Douglass Elementary school received a certificate for performance on the 5th grade math 

test. 

Neadia Riley, executive director of instruction and former principal of Douglass Elementary, accepted the 

award for Douglass Elementary. She is receiving the award from Kansas State Commissioner of Education, 

Alexa Posny. 

Jim Antos, executive director of instruction, accepted the awards for Eugene Ware Elementary. He is 

receiving the awards from Kansas State Deputy Commissioner of Education, Dale Dennis.


WRESTLING PREVIEW 

by Donovan Corrigan 

With two returning state qualifiers, including one who earned a Class 4A medal, big things are expected on 

the mat this season at Piper. Derrick Weller, who finished fourth at in 4A a year ago, is back, along with Joe 

Bauswell, who went to state at 215 pounds, will anchor a deep and versatile squad. 

“Our team is very excited to finally start the year and get things going,” Piper coach Zach Davies said. “We 

have a great chance to big things this year, and, I couldn’t be more excited about seeing how the season plays 

out.” 

Here’s a quick glance at this season’s Pirates: 

Head coach: Zach Davies 

Assistant coach: Cory Cole 

Tournament team titles a year ago: 0 (Highest finish was 2nd @ WYCO Tournament) 

Overall dual record: Last year was 6-7 

Top returning wrestlers with stats (record and pins): 

Joe Bauswell (33-9) He just went through knee surgery so we don’t know if he’ll be back this year. Derrick 

Weller (40-3) Nick Coffman (24-14). We have our whole team back as well. We only lost one senior from last 

year so it’s good to have all the guys back. 

Top newcomers: 

We have a lot of newcomers and freshman that should make an immediate impact on our success. It’s exciting 

to have a bunch of young guys eager to learn and ready to work hard. 

Projected lineup from 103-heavyweight: 

No spots are set in stone right now which is why I believe we will be very successful this year. Just because a 

guy weighs 135 pounds doesn’t mean he’ll be our 135-pound wrestler. If a guy wants that spot he’s going to 

have to compete for it. It makes everyone work harder when you have to earn your spot. 

Team goals: 

Be champions on and off the mat. 

To end up with a winning dual-record this season. 

Win a Tournament (which has never been done in Piper wrestling history). 

Stay healthy, and have fun. 

Chief rivals: 

As always Piper and Ward have been rivals but I like to instill the fact that everyone you face should be 

considered a rival. Everyone you wrestle should be your rival but I think most of the League teams are our 

rivals. 

Top wrestlers in Wyandotte County: 

Off the top of my head, guys’ names I think of are Alex Orel (Ward), James Wauer (Washington) and Caleb 

Seaton (Bonner)

Thoughts on league: 

The Kaw Valley League is always tough. I like the fact that we have the league dual tournament early in the 

year because you get to see who has what and how tough teams are. It’s a good early season indicator as to 

where your team is at and where they need to go. 

TEAM CAPSULES 

BONNER SPRINGS 

Mascot: Braves 

League: Kaw Valley 

Head coach: Dan Burns 

Top returning wrestlers: Caleb Seaton, So, 38-4, went to state, finished fourth in 5A; Adam Shirley, Sr, 10- 

18, went to state; Brooks Ballou, Jr, 17-19, went to state. 

TURNER 

Mascot: Golden Bears 


Head coach: Peter Sierant 

Top returning wrestlers: Jason Langford, Sr, 24-16, went to state, finished fifth in 5A; Robert Arzola, Sr, 13- 

15, went to state, finished sixth in 5A; Austin Penca, Sr, 16-16, went to state. 

BISHOP WARD 

Mascot: Cyclones 

League: Kaw Valley League 

Head coach: Marty Brock 

Top returning wrestlers: Alex Orel, Jr, 29-9, went to state; Cisco Pineda, Sr, 22-13; Aaron Bialek, Jr, 27-16. 

PIPER 

Mascot: Pirates 


Head coach: Zach Davies 

Top returning wrestlers: Joe Bauswell, Jr, 33-9, went to state; Derrick Weller, Jr, 40-3, went to state, finished 

fourth in 4A; Nick Coffman, Sr, 24-14. 

SCHLAGLE 

Mascot: Stallions 

League: Kansas City Kansas 

Head coach: Martez Wesley 

Top returning wrestlers: Jermaine Rhone, Jr, 17-13, went to state; Herman Ming, So, 9-10, went to state; 

Elijah Ming, Sr, 13-7. 

WASHINGTON

Mascot: Wildcats 


Head coach: Darwyn Thomlinson 

Top returning wrestlers: James Wauer, Sr, 26-4, went to state; Byron Roath, Sr, 25-12, went to state; 

DeAndre Brown, Jr, 6-11, went to state. 

HARMON 

Mascot: Hawks 


Head coach: Josh Guitierrez 

Top returning wrestlers: Kyle Barker, Jr, 12-9, went to state; Dameon Slue, Jr, 3-5; James Saunders, So, 4-16. 

WYANDOTTE 

Mascot: Bulldogs 


Head coach: Steve DiObilda 

Top returning wrestlers: Jerome Newman, Sr, 12-11, went to state; Chris Newbill, Sr, 4-4; Erick Torres, So, 

3-14. 

SUMNER ACADEMY 

Mascot: Sabres 


Head coach: Steve Smith 

Top returning wrestlers: David Selleck, Sr, 26-16, went to state; Sherrone Berry, Jr, 3-3, went to state; Terrill 

Wilson, So, 26-15, went to state.

Kansan – December 13, 2008 – Online story only 

Harmon wins Paola Invitational tournament 

By NICK SLOAN 

The Harmon Hawks celebrated after winning the 2008 Paola Invitational. The Hawks defeated Eudora to win the tournament 

Friday night. 



Sat Dec 13, 2008, 01:10 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - A dominating fourth quarter of play carried the Harmon Hawks to the school’s most 

important basketball victory in over 15 years. 

Harmon defeated the Eudora Cardinals 76-59 to win the 2008 Paola Invitational. 

The Hawks, led by a three-headed attack from Jermery Moore (18 points), Exavier Bass-Brooks (15 points) and 

DeOntae Hooks (21 points), improved to 4-0 on the young season. Most importantly, it’s a key step for the 

school’s rebuilding process. 

“This might be Harmon’s first tournament title,” said Heath Cooper, head coach of the Hawks. “It feels good to 

get in a tournament and then to win it is something else.” 

The Hawks led much of the game. But Eudora didn’t back down, especially in the second and third quarters. 

Jumping off to a 30-16, Harmon saw its lead dwindle down to five points by halftime, as Eudora went on a 10-1 

run to end the half. 

The Cardinals, led by Justin Ballock’s 22 points, kept the pressure on. 

A Cardinal three-pointer by Kyle Swanson edged the Cardinals closer to Harmon, 33-31. 

However, Moore had a response to Eudora’s run – three of them, to be exact.

Moore hit three critical three-point shots during the third quarter, which saw both teams score 21 points. 

Moore’s first three of the quarter extended Harmon’s lead back to seven at 39-32. After Eudora narrowed the 

lead to six, Moore hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 44-35. 

But Moore’s final three-pointer of the quarter may have been the most important shot for Harmon, as it ended 

another Eudora scoring run. 

After Ballock tied the game at 47, Moore drilled a three-pointer at the top of the key to regain the lead for 

Harmon. The Hawks would never relinquish it from there. 

“He can put points on the board for us,” Cooper said. “He scored over 20 points a game for us last season but 

I’m also impressed with his defense.” 

Bass-Brooks hit a buzzer beater off a rebound to give Harmon a five-point lead entering the final eight minutes 

of play. 

Harmon, with the help of good defense and its transition game, began the final quarter on an 18-5 run, 

extending the lead to 18. 

“The first two minutes of every quarter are the most important for our team,” Cooper said. “I’m really proud of 

our guys. We came out swinging and Eudora swung back. We finally got the final swing early in the fourth.” 

Harmon would outscore Eudora 24-12 in the final eight minutes. 

For the Hawks, winning the tournament is especially sweet. Over a three-year period earlier in the decade, the 

team went 2-61. Harmon has not had a winning season in 15 years. 

Along with Moore, Bass-Brooks and Hooks, Harmon received seven points from Cameron Brown off the 

bench, six points from Jauan Wilson and four points from James Davenport. 

After the game, it was announced that Hooks, Wilson and Bass-Brooks made the Paola Invitational All- 

Tournament team. 

Harmon won all of its tournament games by at least 15 points. In round one, the Hawks defeated Tonganoxie 

94-79 and defeated Paola 74-37 in the second round.


KUPDS Alliance used to recruit high-quality teachers to USD 500 

By ABBEY THULIN, Staff Writer, Kansas City Kansan 

Mon Dec 15, 2008, 02:37 PM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Kansas City, Kan., Public School’s J.C. Harmon High School, Argentine Middle School 

and New Stanley Elementary School are three out of seven schools making up the Kansas University 

Professional Development School Alliance program. 

Founded in 1991, the KUPDS is a partnership between the University of Kansas School of Education and the 

seven public schools in three near-by districts to provide collaborative research, training and professional 

development opportunities for public school teachers, university faculty and teacher education students with the 

ultimate goal of improving public school education for children. 

As a member of this alliance, these schools are allowed to take advantage of professional development grants 

and student interns as well as the getting the opportunity to recruit highly qualified teachers who have already 

had experience working in the district with its students. 

Sharyn Connor, New Stanley Elementary School principal, said by participating in this program, the district 

could recruit quality teachers. 

“This is a really great, high quality program,” Connor said at Tuesday’s board of education meeting. “This is so 

important for our district because when these interns are done, they can come in as teachers already familiar 

with the curriculum, our standards, our procedures and our policies.” 

Federal Programs Director Jim Clevenger agreed and said the district benefits in many ways. 

“It puts more trained individuals in the classroom working with students,” Clevenger said. “During the 

internship at the school, students are required to do action research on a topic that will benefit the school, and 

they are then required to present their findings to the school’s staff, so everyone benefits.” 

Connor said having the interns in the classroom is a breathe of fresh air because the students constantly bring in 

new ideas and new perspectives. 

“They energize everyone,” Connor said. “They ask questions, they challenge us and it’s really wonderful to 

have that motivation take place. The perspective our KU interns are sharing with us is exciting our teachers. 

“The exchange and flow of ideas with the KU students and the other schools that participate is very beneficial.” 

Additionally, Connor said that with the KU students, the schools have additional resources. 

“The KU resources are out there and that exchange that takes place is wonderful,” she said. 

Connor said that is wasn’t just the teachers that benefited from this program. 

“The interns offer additional help not only to our teachers, but to our students as well,” she said. “They’re a role 

model for the students. They have another adult to look up to. 

“This program isn’t about just teaching. It’s also about addressing the need of the students and the school, and I 

can’t stress how important that is.”


Paola second round game capsules 



Sat Dec 13, 2008, 01:47 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. – 

Harmon earns 30-point victory 

The Harmon Hawks moved on to the final game of the Paola Invitational with another impressive victory. 

The Hawks defeated Paola 74-37 in the championship bracket of the tournament. The Hawks were 3-0 entering 

Friday’s championship game.


PE4Life to be used in 10 schools 



Mon Dec 15, 2008, 02:39 PM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - The Kansas City, Kan., Public School Board of Education accepted an informational item at 

Tuesday night’s meeting about the PE4Life program that will be initiated in 10 schools in the district next year. 

The grant program’s mission is to improve school and community engagement in the effort to combat childhood 

obesity and improve physical activity of KCKPS students. 

Jean Nay, coordinator of fine arts and physical education, presented the program and said her team is excited 

about the possibilities. 

“PE4Life is a way for us to help our kids and district get healthier,” Nay said. “Each of the ten schools will 

receive a $20,000 service over the next couple years, so this is really a win-win situation all around.” 

The PE4Life received its grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City to be able to provide 

these services not only to Kansas City, Kan., but also to Kansas City, Mo., Hickman Mills, Independence and 

Center. 

Ten schools will be brought in next year with two other schools brought in on subsequent years. 

PE4Life has funding for programming in 36 KCKPS schools over the next three years and each school will 

receive two years of support to help improve physical education.


RECENT WYANDOTTE COUNTY SCORES 

By Staff reports 


Sat Dec 13, 2008, 01:51 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - 

Boys 

Washington 77, North Kansas City 69 

Shawnee Mission Northwest 59, Washington 49 

Raytown South 72, Wyandotte 53 

Topeka West 61, Schlagle 44 

Sumner Academy 61, Lee’s Summit North 51 

Bishop Ward 53, Wellsville 44 

Eudora 59, Piper 56 

Harmon 74, Paola 44 

Turner 54, Tonganoxie 46 

Girls 

Bishop Ward 56, Wellsville 53 

Highland Park 52, Bishop Ward 49 

Schlagle 47, Olathe-Christian 36 

Olathe South 75, Schlagle 44 

Highland Park 54, Turner 23 

Wellsville 44, Turner 41 

Lawrence 73, Wyandotte 19 

St. Thomas Aquinas 49, Sumner Academy 17 

Tonganoxie 45, Piper 38 

Eudora 59, Piper 56


Sumner advances in Blue Valley Shootout 



Sat Dec 13, 2008, 01:30 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - After a tough first quarter, the Sumner Academy Sabres recovered for a 10-point victory in 

the team’s opening game at the Blue Valley Shootout. 

The Sabres defeated the Lee’s Summit North Broncos 61-51 at Blue Valley High School Thursday evening. 

A tough zone defense implemented by the Broncos early in the game limited the Sabres to just six first quarter 

points. 

But when the Sabres started knocking down some shots and broke the zone, the floodgates opened for the 

team’s high-powered offense. 

“They came out in man once we knocked down some shots,” said Dan Parra, head coach. “That really got us 

going. We created more opportunities for our offense and converted some baskets.” 

Junior Reese Holliday and senior Neil Watson led the team in scoring with 16 points and 13 points respectively. 

Holliday particularly made some big three-point shots for the team to extend its lead to double figures. Watson, 

who did not make a shot in the first quarter, heated up in the second half. 

“We want our guards to provide a spark for us,” Parra said. 

It wasn’t easy for the Sabres, who moved to 2-0 with the victory. 

In the first quarter, Sumner had many of its outside shots rim-out of the hoop. During the tough first half, Blake 

Eklund made two key three-point shots to keep the Sabres in the game. 

The Sabres were down by as many as nine points in the game after the Broncos started the game on a 17-8 run. 

However, after Parra called a timeout midway through the second quasrter, the Sabres responded with a 17-8 of 

their own to tie the game at halftime. 

Senior Spenser Bennett tied the game at 25-25 as the second quarter’s final second ticked off the scoreboard. 

From there, the Sabres outscored Lee’s Summit North 16-7 in the third quarter and 20-19 in the final quarter. 

The team received strong efforts from its underclassmen. Freshman Benny Parker scored six points and 

sophomore Eli Alexander scored six points. 

“Parker’s a pretty good player,” Parra said. “He can change a game and people have to be accountable for him. 

Alexander gave us a good spark.” 

Sumner played Friday evening against Ralston High School. Other schools in the Blue Valley Shootout: Blue 

Valley, Center, Lawrence, Pembroke Hill, and Ponca City.

Kansan photos by NICK SLOAN 

TOP: Sumner Academy senior 

Neil Watson converted on a 

layup in the third quarter of 

Thursday’s game against Lee’s 

Summit North. Watson scored 

13 points for the Sabres in a 

61-51 victory in round one of 

the Blue Valley Shootout. 

RIGHT: Sumner Academy head 

coach Dan Parra calls in a play 

to his team.


Sumner wins Blue Valley Shootout 

By NICK SLOAN 

Sumner Academy senior Neil Watson (right) takes the winner's trophy to his teammates after Sumner prevailed 75-66 against 

Blue Valley to win the Blue Valley Shootout. Sumner will begin league play against Wyandotte Tuesday evening. 



Sat Dec 13, 2008, 09:03 PM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Sumner Academy’s current star and future star led the Sabres to victory in Saturday night’s 

Blue Valley Shootout championship game. 

Senior Neil Watson followed up Friday night’s 27 points with another 27-point performance to lead the Sabres 

to a 75-66 victory against the Blue Valley Tigers. Freshman Benny Parker scored 13 points for the Sabres. 

Head coach Dan Parra said the tournament will help prepare the Sabres for Kansas City, Kan., League play and 

a possible run for the state championship in March. 

“I don’t know if winning the tournament is more important or the three teams we played,” Parra said. “It gets us 

ready for league play and Lee’s Summit North, Ralston and Blue Valley gave us some tests. But it does feel 

good to win the tournament.” 

Unlike its other two games earlier in the tournament, Sumner began the game with a good start. 

Sumner – who never trailed in the game – started off on a 9-2 run on its way to a 19-14 lead after the first 

quarter. The second quarter began in similar fashion, as a three-pointer by Watson extended Sumner’s lead to 

22-14. A Justin Strickland bucket on the next possession gave Sumner its largest lead at 24-14. 

However, Blue Valley would strike back more than once. 

Ryan Magdziarz, who scored 33 points in a losing effort for Blue Valley, led the Tigers on an 8-0 run to narrow 

the lead to two points. Sumner would respond with a 13-4 run to regain a comfortable lead.

But the Tigers again responded with a 7-2 run to end the first half trailing by only 39-33. 

In the third quarter, both teams missed key opportunities. For Sumner, they had opportunities to extend their 

lead, while Blue Valley could not take advantage of Sabre turnovers and missed baskets of their own. 

Entering the fourth quarter with the Sabres leading 51-46, it became the Neil Watson show. Watson scored nine 

of his points in the fourth quarter and made some key shots from the field to keep the Sabres ahead. 

“I don’t know if there’s a better guard in the city,” Parra said of Watson. “He’s our leader on the floor and our 

team looks to him.” 

Juniors Davonte Chaney and Reese Holliday scored big buckets in the fourth to extend Sumner’s lead into 

double figures. 

With about six minutes left in the game, Chaney penetrated the lane and scored two points, giving Sumner it’s 

largest lead of the game at 57-46. With about three minutes left, Holiday scored a shot inside to give Sumner a 

65-55. 

Holliday scored 13 points in the game and Chaney contributed eight points to the effort. 

Parker scored his final two points late in the game to give Sumner a 69-58 advantage with under two minutes 

left. 

Sumner used strong performances in the second half of each game during the tournament. In round one, the 

Sabres outscored Lee’s Summit North by 10 points. Against Ralston on Friday night, Sumner won the second 

half by nine points. 

While they only outscored Blue Valley by three points Saturday, the fourth quarter featured great execution on 

the offensive end for the Sabres, as they scored 24 points. 

Parra said the team relies on its guard play during the fourth quarter. 

“We got really good guards,” Parra said. “They are good about understanding what it takes to win.” 

Sumner, improving to 5-0, begins league play Tuesday night at Wyandotte County.


Wyandotte High senior achieves on the court, in the classroom 

Walter Frazier 



Mon Dec 15, 2008, 02:14 PM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - For one Wyandotte High School senior, it’s all business. 

Seventeen-year-old Walter Frazier is in a class of his own. The basketball standout was selected as Student of 

the Month by the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education last month, but it wasn’t for his athleticism. It was for 

his ability to lead and help others around him. 

“When they first told me I was picked as student of the month, I didn’t really think much of it,” Frazier said. 

“But then I was like, wow, of all the schools and all the students in the district, I was selected. I felt pretty good 

about that.” 

Wyandotte High School Principal Mary Stewart said Frazier was very deserving of the honor. 

“Walter is a gentleman, a scholar, a student athlete and a leader,” Stewart said. “He has high academic standards 

for himself and is always a positive young man to be around.” 

For the past two years, not only has Frazier, been a crucial part of the school’s athletic program, but he has also 

served as a tutor to fellow classmates.

“I want to be a math teacher when I graduate college, so I want to get as much experience as I need,” Frazier 

said. “When they asked me to do it, I figured I’d give it a try.” 

Frazier, who maintains an ‘A’ average and ranks No. 4 in his senior class, said at first, tutoring was tough. 

“I was horrible at it because I started as a sophomore and the juniors and seniors didn’t want this sophomore 

trying to help them, so at first it didn’t go over so well,” he said. “But then I got the respect of the older students 

when they realized I knew what I was talking about, so it’s been good ever since.” 

What Frazier said he likes most about his job is the interaction. 

“Not only is it a good experience for me and what I want to do with my life, but I get to meet new people,” he 

said. “You really get to know someone by talking and helping them, so that’s been the most rewarding part 

about it.” 

Stewart said Frazier also serves as an ambassador for the high school. This means he formally welcomes new 

students to the building, introducing them to teachers and helping them navigate through their schedule. 

Aside from school, tutoring, being an ambassador and basketball, Frazier said he doesn’t have much free time. 

“I like to spend time with my family, friends and girlfriend, but everything else is basketball, school and work,” 

he said. “I don’t have time for much else, but that’s all right because I’m doing things I enjoy doing that’ll help 

me in the future.” 

Speaking of Frazier’s future, he’s been accepted into the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is finishing up 

his fourth college course and plans to enroll in a full college schedule in the spring. He’s also trying to get 

accepted into the Institute of Urban Education program at UMKC. 

“I’m looking forward to graduating and moving on,” he said. “I could’ve graduated last year, but I got talked 

into staying and graduating with my friends, so now I’m really ready. 

“I’m trying for the program at UMKC because if you go there for four years, they’ll pay for everything like a 

full ride if you agree to come back to your district and teach for four years.” 

Frazier said that’s his goal – to come back to his district and continue teaching. 

“I’d like to start as a math teacher because I love numbers, and I love teaching and interacting with other 

people,” he said. “I’d love to be a principal one day and just move up as much as I can. That’s the ultimate goal 

- to just keep getting better.” 

Stewart said Frazier is a student that absorbs learning like a sponge and a joy to be around to learn from and to 

learn with. 

“When asked about Walter Frazier, there is not a teacher at Wyandotte that would hesitate to smile and 

contribute their vote of confidence and support for him as a strong young man of character and knowledge, as 

the towers of Wyandotte High School represent,” Stewart said. “Walter has developed a strong foundation to 

excel to great things in the future.”


Younger players key to Lady Stallions’ winning start 



Sat Dec 13, 2008, 01:38 AM CST 

Kansas City, Kan. - Young talent for the F.L. Schlagle Lady Stallions has helped the team begin the season with 

a winning record. 

The Lady Stallions, after defeating Olathe Christian earlier this week, have a 2-1 entering today’s game against 

Olathe East. 

Schlagle has received significant contributions from sophomore Erin Copeland and junior Ashleigh Downs. 

Against Olathe East, Copeland scored 12 points, dished out seven assists and grabbed four rebounds. Downs 

was the team’s leading scorer in the game with 15 points and nine rebounds. 

Downs and Copeland received preseason honors by the Kansas City, Kan., League’s coaches. 

Sophomore Paris Johnson scored 11 points and earned five rebounds in the game. 

With two wins, the team has already reached half of the amount of victories it had from the 2007-08 season. 

Last year, Schlagle was just 4-17. 

Schlagle head coach Peyton Leslie says the improvement is noticeable. 

“I think we are improving but there is so much work to be done,” he said. “If we continue playing as a team and 

improve on defense, we will be very competitive.” 

In Schlagle’s first game of the season – a 58-31 victory over Westport – Copeland and junior Michaela White 

were the major factors leading the team to victory. 

White scored 18 points and gathered eight rebounds; Copeland scored nine points and dished out nine assists. 

The Lady Stallions’ lone loss of the season came against South High School of Olathe, Kan. After completing 

its play in the Olathe South Tournament this weekend, the Lady Stallions will begin KCK League play at home 

against Sumner Academy. 

Sumner, who has started the season 1-3, was selected along with the Lady Stallions as the favorites in the 

league in the KCK League coaches preseason poll.

December 1 - Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

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