Boom! LINC's Lights On Afterschool 2022 events are rocketing, now with video

Our annual Lights On Afterschool celebrations got off to a world-traveling start at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy, painting and chili-eating at J.A. Rogers Elementary, rocket-fuel explosions at Warford, a fashion show at Faxon . . . and there is so much more throughout LINC’s Caring Communities. Check out our video and photo gallery.

'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.

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.

Simon says: No stopping the possibilities for LINC's big summer

“Do your favorite dance move!” was the Simon Says command, and in a moment LINC children launched into an dazzling array of gyrations, spins and leg kicks — as varied and entertaining as LINC’s menu of summer recreational and educational fun.

Sign up for Summer! Pre-enrollment open for LINC's before- and after-school programs

Here comes summer. It’s time for families that are planning to have children in summer school to pre-enroll for LINC’s before- and after-school programs. We’ll be ready with games, activities and fun learning opportunities at 15 school sites in our partner districts.

Lee A. Tolbert Academy board names Mitchell as superintendent

New Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy superintendent Dr. Donnie Mitchell has served as the school’s principal since 2020 after many years as a teacher and administrator in the Kansas City, Kan., School District and other major area districts.

Genesis' Project Sankofa shows children what they can be, eye-to-eye

This is how ideas can wiggle into children’s heads and take shape as they grow. “We’re talking about not only allowing them to dream,” says LINC’s Keith Brown, “but really imagining that these realities can happen.”

'We see you. We hear you.' Tolbert Academy students speak to community in mural challenge

It was quite a day: Teenagers working with artists and entrepreneurs, stretching their imaginations in a mural design as broad as the community they love — and as close as the fear and joy in their hearts. Lee A. Tolbert Academy students poured their heart and soul into the Startland MECA Challenge, and now they wait.

Seven years after Kaboom, Genesis School plans community fair, makeover in 'Project Prepare'

It’s been seven years since Genesis School and neighbors came together to build the playground provided by Kaboom! Now, the playground is in need of a makeover, and this time around Genesis is planning a community fair and rally Aug. 7 to get everyone primed and ready for the coming school year.

'Find your community'; In critical year ahead, schools want you back, welcomed and safe

It doesn't matter how well — or not — you and your child managed Covid’s hard time. A common message is brewing. Children, however much they struggled with online learning, will be advanced with their peers into the next grade. Everyone will recover together. Schools’ plea: Just come back.

On your marks! LINC's summer session takes off

There’s a serious side to summer after-school programs now. There’s increased attention to academic skills coming out of the pandemic. And an awareness of children’s social and emotional well-being after so much separation and so many families still hurting. But this is still summer. And LINC’s not going to let kids down now.

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.

Calling all KC hands to rescue education system 'on verge of collapse'

The “frightening” expanse of unenrolled or disengaged children across the Kansas City area can be rounded into large numbers — or bared one-by-one. An enrollment and drop-out task force is issuing a call to educators, business leaders, policy makers and anyone else who wants to join in the work.

How many $ millions does KCPS lose in tax abatements? District wants you to know

The short answer? $80 million in potential tax revenue to the Kansas City Public Schools and more than 20 public charter schools has been diverted by tax abatement incentives to developers the past three years.

Genesis' schoolyard flu shot clinic to model partnerships at most critical time

In a world laced with coronavirus symptoms, the need for widespread common flu vaccinations could hardly be more urgent. And that goes especially for school communities that have always been vulnerable to flu outbreaks.

'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.

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.

SchoolSmartKC announces $2 million relief fund to support schools in KCPS boundary

In recognition of the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 virus has had on area schools, communities, and other affiliated organizations, SchoolSmartKC has created a $2 million relief fund.

'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.