Lights On Afterschool gathering steam; take a peek at the fun

In just a sampling of the shows going on in LINC’s Caring Communities (there’s more to come), we’ve seen Mad Science, pizza parties, dancing grandmas and other creative costumes, raucous fitness fun as well as some joy of reading.

Roll on up! LINC's Lights On Afterschool events bringing October fun

Pizza parties, Mad Science, bountiful home-grown meals, give-away books, cupcakes and some whip and nae-nae fitness dancing . . . LINC’s Lights On Afterschool is under way with many more community events to come during the week of Oct. 25–30.

Emotional day: LINC school families enjoy safe, joyful reunions

The promise of a new year, new friends, new games and educational adventures unfolded across some 40 LINC Caring Communities before- and after-school programs Monday in the Kansas City, Hickman Mills, Center, North Kansas City and Grandview school districts.

School bonds, levies win big; KC earnings tax triumphs; school board races tight

Bond issues, levies and the earnings tax won big, but many school board races ran tight. See how the final, unofficial totals came out in the April 6 election for our partner school districts.

What’s on your ballot? School bond and levy issues, KC earnings tax, go before voters in April

Several area school districts hope to gain voter support for ballot measures April 6 to improve facilities, increase security and enhance athletics and arts experiences. And Kansas City’s 1% earnings tax will also be on the ballot.

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.

'Hit the Woah!' LINC grooves in Covid's surreal world as more schools open

Finding new ways to enjoy and comfort each other can mean dancing to “Hit the Woah!” instead of hugs as LINC staff and children reunite in-person in re-opening schools.

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.

Covid overwhelming schools' plans for indoor fall openings

Our reckless summer with Covid-19 is proving all the warnings true. And now schools and their essential social infrastructure are toppling again under the weight of hundreds of new coronavirus cases every day just as districts were daring to launch meticulous, precarious reopening plans.

'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.

Family stability grants bolster casework in Hickman Mills, Grandview school districts

New case managers in the Hickman Mills and Grandview school districts will help distressed families persist toward long-term health and stability, keeping their children in school and thriving.

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.

'Lights On Afterschool' celebrates LINC's daily mission: Empowering children, families, communities

LINC’s annual “Lights On Afterschool” festivals are actually celebrations of LINC’s daily work with its partnering schools of strengthening the lives of children and empowering their families and neighborhoods.

KC School Suspension Summit: 'Oppression shows up when you don't know it's happening'

The 2019 School Suspension Summit in Kansas City challenged notions of power, race and identity to take on inequitable disparities in area school suspension data.

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.

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.