December 2024

December brings with it the excitement of the holiday season and the promise of a new year. It's a time of traditions, celebrations, and reflection. Our classrooms and hallways are filled with student projects and activities that emphasize creativity, academic successes, and community service. From our Angel Trees and food drives to winter performances and competitions, these events showcase the incredible talents of our students while reinforcing the values of study, hard work, community pride and connection. We hope every family is finding joy in this time of winter celebration.

I wanted to touch on one district task for the new year.  The Lone Jack C6 School District is facing an operational challenge as we move into 2025.  Following the recent passing of Missouri Senate Bill 727, legislation will now require schools in charter counties (JACO, MO) to meet the state’s minimum of 1,044 instructional hours to span across a minimum of 169 days, an increase from our district’s current 157-day student calendar. For many years, LJC6 has met our state required 1,044 minutes by scheduling a 7 hour academic day, to a typical 6.5 in many districts.  We did this to support working families, provide for full day adult learning days for our teachers and to create a positive teacher and staff recruitment strategy in our competitive metropolitan area. Making this adjustment could place some financial burden on the district, impacting teacher salaries, food service contracts, and transportation expenses as examples.  It forces us to revise our calendar template which was established in 2013. SB 727 does allow for a public vote if a district would like to keep their current calendar.  The new statute allows for LJC6 to put a question on the ballot asking voters if they would approve the district utilizing a calendar that is less than 169 days.  LJC6 Board of Education has decided to put this on the ballot this April, 2025.

Our calendar has traditionally been popular with both staff members and families.  The district will visit community groups throughout the next few months to explain the new law and provide reasons for wanting to continue the calendar we have developed over the past decade.

To our Lone Jack families, we wish you the most joyous of holidays.  Please cherish this time with your loved ones and friends.  If you are headed out of town, travel safely.  May the new year bring you hope, love and happiness for your families.