KCPS, LINC team up to help families feed children during bitter cold days out of school

Even though windchills in the blowing snow were as harsh as 20 degrees below zero, more than 70 adults and children came out to the emergency food service put together by the Kansas City Public Schools and LINC at Central High School, many families sitting and warming in the cafeteria as they ate, and then taking food packages with them to have at home.

New sports league inspired by generational wisdom in basketball's game of life

Of course they see themselves in those kids. The same intense eyes. Youthful legs pitched on toes, wanting to spring into the action their coach demands. Wanting to be part of a team. To learn. To excel. LINC and other partners with the Kansas City Public Schools believe in the boys and girls in a new basketball league, and share a grand vision for the district and the city.

KC Black History Project 2024: Profiles of dedication and excellence

The Kansas City Black History Project has returned with an eight-page booklet and poster set featuring profiles of six area men and women who enriched, entertained, strengthened and even saved lives. See who is featured this year and learn how to get your copy.

Summer EBT card food program for children returning in 2024 and beyond

The summer EBT food program for qualifying families with children is returning for Missourians in 2024, and will be a permanent program going forward, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today. The benefit will provide an extra $120 per child over three summer months.

'Think of the memories we'll make': Fort Family celebrates new field house

The last time Fort Osage opened a new gymnasium, David Shrout was a scrappy junior on the Indians basketball team, handling the basketball. 56 years later, Shrout was the school board member handling the oversized scissors, surrounded by the “Fort Family,” as the community celebrated the opening of its new Field House Jan. 2.

A look back: Images from a wonderful, challenging year

From celebrating the Chiefs, to singing of Black History, meeting local farmers, putting on another Caring Communities Day, planting gardens, partnering in classrooms and joining in holiday festivities and much more — it’s been a fabulous year. Here’s our annual look back.

LINC, LFPA local farm initiative, going big on protein

LINC’s eight-month old local food distribution program got a lot weightier for the holidays. The Local Food Purchase Assistance program added 540 hams and 25 turkeys to the 1,500 boxes of produce that went out to area families.

Why we play chess: LINC tournament players show out big in NKC

LINC Chess’ first tournament of the 2023-2024 season drew 142 students from throughout the area, representing 43 different schools. Here are some of the sights and sounds from the tournament held Dec. 9 at North Kansas City High School.

Remembering Gayden Carruth, area education champion

Gayden Carruth, former executive director of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City and pioneering superintendent in the Park Hill School District, died Wednesday at 79.

Hickman Mills Real World Learning program breaks ground on new home

Superintendent Yaw Obeng unveiled the wide range of offerings imagined for the building, with spaces for health sciences, skilled trades, a student-run coffee shop, alternative programming areas and more — seeing “gateways to a world of possibilities.”

'Overwhelming pride': Grandview bond issue success 'shows what's possible'

Here is what has come of a community process that with “an overwhelming sense of pride” asked, “What was possible?” Grandview Superintendent Kenny Rodrequez said. “This is just the beginning of a journey of what’s possible for our students.”

State school board names Dr. Karla Eslinger to be next Missouri education commissioner

“I’m honored,” Sen. Eslinger said to the board and the audience in the board room in Jefferson City. “This is an opportunity to work with you, parents and legislators on what I think is the most important work of our state: Education.”

KCPS board resolves to pursue bond issue election in 2025

The time has come, the Kansas City Public School board has resolved. It has been more than half a century since the school district has passed a tax issue. But now the district will be planning to put a bond issue election before the voters in April, 2025.

Seeing a bigger world; aquarium visit inspires KCPS, LINC students

The shark’s eyes and all its teeth swept past 11-year-old Isaac, trailing its fins in the shimmering blue-green water, close enough to touch if not for the aquarium glass between them. Here was an indelible image he could now fix onto the work he and his classmates had done days earlier in his fifth-grade classroom.

'We are family!' Lights On Afterschool celebrates with LINC's communities

For all the statistical and historical reasons that measure the value of quality after-school programs, the music at Meadowmere Elementary School’s celebration in Grandview captured the heart of it all: “We are family . . .!”

'How we would've liked to learn': KCYA helps LINC integrate the arts

Today, the classroom site was dancing space at Kansas City Young Audiences. But in the days ahead, the LINC staff aim to create scenes like this with the children in LINC’s Caring Communities after-school programs across the Kansas City area.

Volunteers needed for local tax preparation assistance program

Can you help? The Kansas City Metro Tax Coalition and MU Extension are seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season (January – April 2024). See the many ways you can volunteer.

Want to celebrate your Caring Communities? Here's where to find events near you

The fun, food and celebrations will be happening at various Caring Communities sites from Oct. 19 to Nov. 2. Check it all out at kclinc.org/lightson.

A constant quest: LINC helps more families get rental and utility bill relief

After a several month hiatus, LINC was able to get more of the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds beginning in the summer. October, like the months that preceded it, has been busy.

Beautiful vision: Free eye exams and glasses set children up for success

The yellow school bus came rumbling up along the curb and the field trip was on. Out the elementary school students came, their faces lit with anticipation as if they were loading up for a trip to the zoo, an ice cream shop or a bounce house. But this trip was different. Eye tests and — for many of them — glasses would be the adventure of this day.