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.

Watch: Renters rights and responsibilities; tips from Legal Aid, Hickman Mills' Justice in Schools

Legal Aid of Western Missouri attorneys offer important tips about eviction moratoriums, rent payment plans, safety inspection programs and tenant rights in this LINC video.

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.

Dancing with dinosaurs for 'Books and Treats!'

LINC Caring Communities in Hickman Mills threw a joint party, handing out books, snacks, candy and helpful resources for some 260 children and adults, dancing drive-thru style.

Hickman Mills' campaign against chronic absence sets up pandemic success

The jarring pandemic sent the Hickman Mills School District’s campaign against chronic absence down a whole new — and unfamiliar — track. But the project with Attendance Works is proving a success, both in improving attendance and keeping students engaged during these months of distance learning.

Lights On Afterschool events celebrate Caring Communities' strength

All across LINC’s sites in six different school districts, Lights On Afterschool celebrations will be marking the shared experiences of communities that have been through so much, bringing “joy and hope to everyone.”

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.

Watch: Hickman Mills, LINC, distribute laptops, tablets, backpacks, supplies

LINC's Caring Communities team helped Hickman Mills families get ready for the new school year, with drive-thru distributions of computers and supplies Aug. 21 and 24.

Hickman Mills overwhelmingly passes $30 million bond issue; now the work begins

Hickman Mills voters stamped their approval on a $30 million bond issue in a big way Tuesday. More than 80% voted yes, easily exceeding the 57% super majority that was needed to pass the no-tax-increase measure.

Watch: Volunteers deliver 22,000 lbs. of food, voter info in Hickman Mills

LINC staff join school staff and others in aiding Harvesters' food drive at Ruskin High School. Some 22,000 pounds of food — meat, fruit and vegetables — were distributed, and voting information.

Hickman Mills seeks $30 million in no-tax-increase bond issue election Aug. 4

While voters statewide will decide the future of Medicaid expansion in Missouri Aug. 4, Hickman Mills voters will be making a $30 million decision on the future of their public schools.

Creativity rises against the COVID storm as schools scramble to re-open

Ideas on reopening schools during COVID are churning at warp speed. Here’s one example, in the name of safe-spacing: How about overflow class space and after-school programs in church basements?

Unanimous: Hickman Mills school board picks Obeng to be superintendent

The Hickman Mills school board has selected Yaw Obeng to be the south Kansas City school district’s next superintendent in a unanimous decision. Obeng currently serves as superintendent in the Burlington School District in Burlington, VT

Hickman Mills names three finalists for superintendent

The Hickman Mills school board announced its three finalists for superintendent, naming two out-of-state superintendents and an assistant superintendent in Kansas City.

Hickman Mills' superintendent search narrows to six semi-finalists

The Hickman Mills school board is interviewing — via Zoom — six semi-finalists this week who are vying to be the district’s next superintendent. The board expects to present the finalists early next week to the public, posting resumes and video interviews by the board.

Hickman Mills names Carl Skinner as interim superintendent

Hickman Mills’ new interim superintendent Carl Skinner, currently serves as deputy superintendent of student services. He will succeed Yolanda Cargile, who is leaving to become superintendent of the Center School District.

'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.

Hickman Mills' parent-designed Family Summit better than ever

In all, more than 200 families attended the summit, the district reported. They circulated among 75 vendors, enjoyed free lunch, let their children work on craft projects, watched student performances — and many families went home with raffle prizes provided by LINC.

Celebration cheers 25,000 inclusive books placed in the hands of Kansas City children

Turn the Page KC and LINC celebrated with Kansas City civic leaders who predicted that young lives touched by the books will soar higher on the same literary fuel that propelled them to where they are today.