Updates: Students returning to classrooms as Covid cases fall, with new CDC guidance

t’s been a long road. That’s for sure. But continued declines in Covid-19 cases plus more aggressive advice from the Centers for Disease Control are opening the doors for Kansas City Public Schools, Hickman Mills and Center to bring students back into in-person classrooms in the weeks ahead. And other districts hope to bring more students into already-open buildings.

LINC expands community efforts to bust pandemic's barriers for children and families

The mother’s needs came tumbling out like the insides of a dumped suitcase. This was going to take some doing — finding temporary storage, relief from utility bill debt in the thousands of dollars, and fulfilling her child’s prayer that her family would get a new home by her birthday.

Neighborhood schooling: LINC carries aid to families during pandemic

The path to this moment — when tears slipped from a grandmother’s eyes — had wound its way door by door through neighborhoods that are hurting. Like many of LINC’s Caring Communities site coordinators, Danisha Clarkson was out in the field helping her partner school reach families of children who were unaccounted for or needed help in the new school year . . .

Destination unknown: Schools go boldly (with mixed plans) into new year with Covid

Here’s hoping that every school district will be able to say in the end that they planned right for Covid. Because, with no clear path through the pandemic, schools open the year vulnerable to second-guessing, whether all online or inside buildings with their teachers.

'Acting together to save lives': Schools close, focus on aid to families

LINC and area school districts now focus on how to help families get vital services of food, child care and internet connectivity as the coronavirus turns lives inside-out.

State of the Fort Osage District speech looks to the next 70 years

With the aid of the Fort Osage School District’s student broadcast team, Superintendent Jason Snodgrass finally delivered his weather-preempted State of the District Speech this week.

LINC In Photos 2019

We are happy to share LINC in Photos 2019 – a visual representation of LINC's impact and presence in the community.

FAST graduation day celebrates new wisdom, shared anxieties, mutual joys — and friendship

Graduating families cherished moments of new wisdom, shared anxieties and mutual joys as the eight-week Families and Schools Together (FAST) program came to a close in Fort Osage.

'Families and Schools Together' in Fort Osage aims to make parenting easier for everybody

The first gathering of Families and Schools Together, Inc. refreshed Fort Osage parents and their children with a deep breath of community. Dinner, cooperative games, crafts, and peer support groups helped everyone appreciate the challenges and joys of parenthood. It’s not too late to join.

Unique library and food pantry in Independence "the start of something big"

The Farview community in Independence gathered for a joyous block party Aug. 17, celebrating the opening of a unique neighborhood library that shares a food pantry and other services.

'Real world learning' blooms in three Indy school districts with new facilities, partnerships

Independence’s three school district superintendents struck on similar themes in their joint “State of the Schools” breakfast Friday morning.

Successful bond issues, bright new facilities, a focus on improving attendance and a call for businesses to join the schools in their intense college-and-career programs — for “real world learning.”

Festivals, enrollment fairs to celebrate start of new school year

LINC’s partner school districts are gathering their families and communities to summer festivals to launch the start of the 2019-2020 school year with games, school supplies and enrollment opportunities.

Fort Osage team goes deep into schools to combat youth mental health crisis

A mental health crisis is shadowing the nation’s children and the Fort Osage School District is taking a step that many experts are saying needs to happen with urgency in communities throughout the country: Putting therapists inside their schools.

Giving Grove's mission to children, communities expanding in LINC school sites

More Giving Groves are coming to LINC sites, giving more children the chance to help grow and nurture fruit-bearing trees for their schools and their communities.

Fort Osage opens new early childhood center

LINC’s partners in the Fort Osage School District began the new year with much more capacity for early education with the ribbon cutting of Woodland Early Childhood Center on January 2.

LINC Chess Girls Tournament on February 9

Students from around the Kansas City area will participate in the tournament. The LINC Chess Girls Tournament originated to encourage female participation in chess. LINC Chess held the first Girls Tournament in 2013.

LINC in Photos 2018

We are happy to share LINC in Photos 2018 -- a visual representation of LINC's impact and presence in the community. We look back on the year with pride in the accomplishments of our community and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the work. We wish you all the best for the year ahead. Happy holidays!

Organizations gather to address youth homelessness

The first conference in the Heartland dedicated to the serious and growing issue of youth homelessness was held in Kansas City on September 12. The circumstances that result in a youth becoming homeless are unique and varied, but trends are identifiable and best practices exist. The agenda provided information about data trends, tools, and strategies that are proven to work to end homelessness among youth.

Musical Chairs: A local study of student mobility

KCUR's multi-part series "Musical Chairs" investigates a significant but under-the-radar aspect of education -- the frequency with which students change schools during the academic year, and the challenges that arise from all that moving around.

LINC Commission Meeting Monday, May 15th

The LINC Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, May 15th from 4-6 pm at the Kauffman Foundation.

The public is invited to attend.