Cedar Hills Elementary fifth grader, Josette Pinto, poses with Dr. Tom Trigg, Blue Valley superintendent, after the President's Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony. The annual ceremony honors Blue Valley Schools of Service, President's Volunteer Service Award recipients and Nick & Jake's Volunteer Scholarship recipients. More than 1,200 Blue Valley students contributed 176,000 hours of community service this school year. The top four students with the most community service hours from each school were recognized at the event.

The Blue Valley School District recognized May 6-10 as Teacher Appreciation Week. Blue Valley is fortunate to have a staff of teachers who are committed to helping every child find success. The quality, dedication and commitment to personalized learning that teachers provide for students is unmatched. Thank you, Blue Valley teachers, for providing an Education Beyond Expectations.

Lakewood Elementary fourth graders went on a field trip to Main Street USA, a learning experience that immerses students in daylong activities aligned with the Kansas Curricular Standards for History and Government, Economics and Geography Standards. Several third through fifth grade Blue Valley students visit Main Street USA and have fun while learning about the United States using hands-on activities. Main Street USA programs include Westward Expansion, American Sampler (regions of the United States), Colonial Times and the American Revolution.

Each year, professional development days are built into the school year calendar to give staff members time to collaborate. This valuable time gives staff the opportunity to analyze student assessment data, review student progress and collaborate with peers about best practices and strategies. Unit and lesson planning are also an important part of professional development time. Throughout the school year, early release and late arrival days also give staff members valuable time for this work that in turn helps improve teaching and learning.