Stilwell Elementary recently held an American Heart Association Jump Rope For Heart event. Students raised more than $20,000 for the American Heart Association and donated nearly $2,500 in new PE equipment to Joplin schools. The event engaged students with jumping rope while empowering them to improve their own health and help other children with heart health issues. Several Blue Valley schools have American Heart Association fundraisers throughout the school year.

A group of 7th grade gifted education students from Leawood Middle School won the Future City Competition for the Kansas Great Plains Region recently held at the University of Kansas. The students have been working on the project since August, which includes a computer model of a future city, a narrative of the city, an essay which addresses an alternative energy source, a physical model of the city, a presentation board and an oral presentation. The project will now be up for consideration to win at the national level competition in Washington, D.C. to be held later this month. The students will receive a $1,000 scholarship if they choose to attend the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University, among other prizes.

Blue Valley voters have endorsed the latest bond election 62 to 38 percent. The $271 million bond will provide for technology replacements and upgrades, provide for re-investment in the district's facilities and provide for school safety improvements at all 34 school campuses across the district.

According to the Johnson County Election Office, 74,079 ballots were mailed to registered voters in the school district. A total of 28,538 ballots were cast, with 17,821 votes in favor of the proposal.

January is National Mentoring Month. The Blue Valley School District would like to thank all the volunteers and YouthFriends who mentor students for their efforts and dedication to Blue Valley schools. Mentors work alongside Blue Valley's dedicated staff to make Education Beyond Expectations a reality for Blue Valley students. Pictured is Indian Valley Elementary mentor, MaryAnn Connelly, who volunteers one morning a week.

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer in Blue Valley schools, please contact Gwen Farmer, coordinator of community partnerships, at (913) 239-4232.

January is School Board Recognition Month across the state of Kansas. At the January 9, 2012 Board of Education meeting, the Blue Valley School District honored members (L - R) Tony Thill, Mike Seitz, Sue Matson, Cindy Bowling, Pam Robinson, and Tom Mitchell for the outstanding work they do on behalf of the district. Not pictured: Steve Kilka. Board members were presented with pottery pieces created by Oak Hill Elementary 4th grade students.

The Morse Elementary 4th and 5th grade choir recently went on a holiday tour and performed eight holiday/winter-themed choral selections at various locations in the community. The 72-student choir practices twice a week before school on a volunteer basis. Morse music vocal teacher Christa Webster directs the students. Morse Spanish teacher Caroline Chrisco also joined the choir as they performed four selections in Spanish.

Liberty View Elementary third grade students recently participated in Regions Day. Students were able to learn more about the United States in a "hands on" way by experiencing activity stations portraying various U.S. regions including Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, West, Midwest, and Northeast. Activities included making clay pots, reading poetry, building NASA rockets, commercial auditions, line dancing, and a chocolate factory. Local news Meteorologist Brett Anthony also shared with the students about the weather patterns throughout the different regions.

At the November 14 Board of Education meeting, the Blue Valley School District honored its 2011 Friends of Education award recipients.

These awards are presented annually to organizations or individuals who have played a critical role in and made significant contributions toward leadership or quality in education.

Through their efforts, recipients have impacted the lives of the children in our schools in many ways. These Friends of Education understand that student success can only happen with a combined effort from all. The 2011 Friends of Education award recipients include:

• Deb Grimes & Ken Selzer, School District Volunteer
• Greg Musil, Community Volunteer
• AMC Entertainment Inc., Public or Private Institution
• Palazzo 16 Theater, Public or Private Institution
• Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners, Community or Civic Organization