Public hearings to begin on KCPS school closings

In phase four of the Kansas City Public Schools’ Blueprint 2030 plan for the future of the district this month, the district announced recommendations to close two high schools and eight elementary schools. Now comes the community’s chance to talk about it.

'Historic' decline in child poverty ties to LINC's Caring Communities legacy with FEC

There’s a reason, when President Bill Clinton spoke in Kansas City Sept. 10, 1996, that FEC Director Clyde McQueen sat at the President’s right and LINC President Gayle Hobbs sat at his left. “These people in Kansas City know what they are doing,” the President said. “It’s miraculous what they are doing.”

KCPS recommends closing two high schools, eight elementary schools

The Kansas City Public Schools moved into the final — and most emotional — stage of its Blueprint 2030 process Wednesday as it put names to the number of schools the administration is proposing be closed. Welcome to Phase Four.

Healthy families, healthy lives: Lights On Afterschool events to celebrate community strength

As we prepare our annual Lights On Afterschool events for our LINC Caring Communities, national surveys show what parents want — and get — from holistic after-school programs.

'This is our heart': Building schools of character

Character Counts is foundational. Speaking the program’s name invokes the six pillars of moral living that LINC’s team members learn and carry into their Caring Communities. It guides the lessons and meaningful moments they share with children in their classrooms every day.

Watch: Food, fun, football at LINC Family Night in Hickman Mills

Three hundred hot dogs. Six hundred balloons. After a couple years of Covid hiatus, LINC’s Family Night in Hickman Mills returned to Ruskin High School Sept. 30. Check out our video and our photo gallery.

'All Because You Matter'; KCPS urges everyone to stop and read

The Kansas City Public Schools community wants children, parents, caregivers, adults, community partners like LINC and others to pick up books and show universally that “KCPS Loves to Read.”

In one of Kansas City's hottest summers, thousands face brutal utility bills and shutoff threats

KCUR reports that thousands of Kansas City residents are struggling to pay rent and utility bills and at risk of being shut off. LINC reports that relief for families processed by LINC/Morning Star now exceeds $2.5 million.

LINC Commissioner Williams honored by Greater KC Chamber

The award is named for Athena, the Greek goddess who embodies strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment. Williams, a LINC Commissioner and former superintendent of the Hickman Mills School District, has given nearly 40 years in service of schools, children and teachers.

Watch the video: Back to school with LINC

Take a look at Melcher’s Million Fathers March, the first day at Hickman Mills’ new Sixth Grade Center, “Character Counts! at Belvidere, sunny greetings from Gladstone and Boone’s back-to-school picnic.

Welcome back! This is what Caring Communities look like

Yes, there will be plenty of all the creative fun that kids enjoy in LINC’s before- and after-school programs, but just as reliable are the broader supports LINC’s Caring Communities bring to the children, families and neighborhoods.

Simon says: Start your pre-enollment for LINC now!

We’re getting ready for you. LINC’s free before- and after-school programs are now starting the pre-enrollment process for the coming school year. Find out what you need to know about our Caring Communities programs and start your pre-enrollment today.

KIDS COUNT 2022: How to rescue Missouri children from mental health crisis

The alarming news: Childhood anxiety and depression has risen at unprecedented levels that dominates the KIDS COUNT 2022 report on the overall health and welfare of children. The encouraging news: There is a recipe for recovery.

Time to rise: State analysis shows how far performance fell during pandemic

It’s as severe as the education community feared. The effects of the pandemic on lost learning place a community-wide burden on everyone — including LINC’s Caring Communities — to help children recover.

Watch: Check out who came to Caring Communities Day

Were you there? Take a video look back at the fellowship and summer celebration at Caring Communities Day.

Hickman Mills seeks voter support Aug. 2 for levy boost, no-tax-increase bond issue

Election Day Aug. 2 is more than a political primary for Hickman Mills School District residents. The district is asking voters to approve a $1.35 increase in the district’s operating levy and a $20 million no-tax-increase bond issue.

Flight path to fun: LINC summer school programs hit the mark

LINC’s drone program at Smith-Hale Middle School in Hickman Mills was one of many adventures in educational play in summer school before- and after-school programs in LINC’s Caring Communities in June.

LINC shares the power of Caring Communities at MAACCE conference

At a state conference themed as “A World of Opportunities,” LINC’s team led several workshops exploring the powerful potential of Caring Communities at after-school programs across Missouri.

KCUR: After winning national praise, the KC Black History project looks to expand its reach

“It’s rewarding when a national organization that promotes good history (says) your project is important,” said Jeremy Drouin, who manages the Kansas City Public Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections.

Are you ready to close schools? KCPS invites patrons to try 'balancing act'

This is a complicated business, closing schools. The Kansas City Public Schools has created an online exercise that invites everyone to take a turn sorting out difficult choices that lie ahead in its Blueprint 2030 plan to shape the district’s future.