Registration for students beginning Kindergarten in August 2023 is now open. Students must turn 5 years old on or before July 31, 2023, to begin school next August.

Step 1: To enroll, parents will need to establish a login with the PowerSchool Enrollment Portal.
​Step 2: Once logged onto PowerSchool, click on the New Student Registration 2023-2024 form to begin the registration process. 

The following items are needed for registration:

• Certified Birth Certificate (state-issued with seal)
• Immunization Records
• Proof of Residency must include parent/guardian name and address printed on the paperwork (water, electric, or gas bill no more than 30 days old)

Step 3: Register for an in-person Kindergarten appointment the week of March 20-23. Sign up for a time from the elementary school list below using SignUpGenius. Each school has a designated day.
Prairie Branch Elementary sign up - March 20
Sni-A-Bar Elementary sign up - March 21
Matthews Elementary sign up - March 22
Stony Point Elementary sign up - March 23
     To determine which elementary your student will attend, click on the Enrollment/Boundary Information under the For Families tab on the district's website to determine your child’s school based on your address. 

     The next senior luncheon hosted by the City of Grain Valley is coming up Wednesday, February 1st at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main St. Doors open at 11:30am, with lunch beginning at Noon. A $3 recommended donation is requested for lunch.
     Bingo follows the luncheon; $1/card for those who would like to participate.
     Those who did not RSVP at the January luncheon and would like to attend should RSVP to 816-847-6230 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org. 

     Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, has announced the Dean's List for the Fall 2022 semester. The 2,887 students who received Dean's List recognition earned a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher while being enrolled in six or more credit hours.

 
Gabby Marie Aber
Hannah Gail Alexander
Oakley Dale Barham
Triston Scott Barnett
James W Bassett
Alexander Martin Brooks
Isaac D Burd
Amanda Capek
Jessica Lynn Clarkson
Carter Michael Compton
Kade T. Compton
Brittani Dangelo
Morgan C Darling
Cole Matthew Doolin
Annalynn Jean Earley
Erika L Evans
Emily Alena Everhart
Makenna Michelle Ferman
Dominic M Ferrante
Clare Marie Fleischmann
JingJing Gao
Vanessa Jacqueline Gonzalez
Abie Groes
Justin Ross Groover
Ian Joseph Hawks
Shelby Elise Henry
Tanner Tanner Heuser
Jillian Claire Hight
Keely Ryann Hill
Kaylyn Huff
Ean Riley Jarvis
Madelyn Jones
Walker Kenyon
Emily Lorraine Knowles
Taylor Nicole Lackey
Gracie Lauren Malicoat
Jaden Cameron Mason
Katelyn M Mitchell
Kyra Frances Maria Mueller
Hannah Elaine Newberry
Emma C Oerly
Mary B Phipps
Carlos Portillo Barahona
Kira Marie Potter
Teran Michelle Potter
Megan Elizabeth Prier
Nikolas Shae Rowland
Rebecca Rubak
Alexandra V Salinas
Abby Mae Schinstock
Micah A Siems
Micah A Siems
Angela G. Strandburg
Justin Andrew Strickland
Alaina Valverde
Dylan Joseph Welch
​

     Mid-Continent Public Library’s (MCPL) Winter Reading Challenge returns January 15, and this year’s theme is “Humor Me,” offering participants a chance to tickle their funny bones as they read five books by March 15. The annual program encourages adults to reconnect with the practice of leisure reading, and participants who read five titles (comedy or any other genre) between January 15 and March 15 will earn a commemorative coffee mug as well as the chance to win a B&B Theatres Gold Card, good for one film a day for a year.
     “Reading for fun offers tremendous cognitive benefits, including reducing stress—something many of us need these days! And what better way to further relax than to explore titles that bring a smile to your face,” Amy Fisher, manager of MCPL’s Information and Reader Services Department, said.
     “No matter what your reading preferences are—fiction or nonfiction, humor or horror—our team can find you the perfect reads to curl up with.”
     Although participants, who must be 18 or older, don’t have to read within the theme, Library staff have compiled a long list of suggested reads with a wide variety of comedic influence for those who love to laugh—from dry and dark humor, to satire, to slapstick and comedy of errors. The full reading list, which can be found online or at MCPL branches, is divided into fiction and nonfiction.
     In keeping with the theme, the library has partnered with B&B Theatres to host the free “Humor Me Film Series.” Attendees can visit one of the following B&B Theatres locations at 6:30 p.m. on January 11, February 1, and February 15 to enjoy the free comedy screenings:

• Grain Valley Marketplace 8 theater (1131 NE McQuerry Road, Grain Valley)
• Lee’s Summit 16 theater (1451 NE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit)
• Liberty Cinema 12 theater (1903 Victory Dr., Liberty)
  ​
  

     The theatre locations will screen the movie Anchorman (PG-13) on January 11, Monty Python and the Holy Grail on February 1 (PG), and Sleepless in Seattle on February 15 (PG). Register for free at mymcpl.org/WRCFilms. (Films may be subject to change.)
     Participants can also enhance their Challenge experience by attending in-person books groups and events, as well as virtual programs through the Winter Reading Challenge Facebook page. For more information about the Winter Reading Challenge, including a full list of rules, more details about the prize, and the suggested reading list compiled by MCPL staff, visit mymcpl.org/WinterReading.

     Join Truman Heritage Habitat for their 3rd Annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest Friday, December 9 – Saturday, December 24 at Bass Pro Shops, 18001 Bass Pro Drive, Independence, MO 64055. 
     The public is invited to come out during store hours to view the Gingerbread Village and “vote” with your dollars for your favorite gingerbread home.  These homes are created with love by families, organizations, businesses, with a few created by professional chefs.  All funds raised empower families to access safe, healthy, stable housing. This year’s goal is $30,000.
     Home is key to a sense of love, safety, and belonging.  Spending the holidays at home with family is important to many of us.  Through the creation of gingerbread homes, Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity hopes to bring awareness to the need for safe homes and to raise funds for local efforts, bringing strength, stability, and independence to families in Eastern Jackson County. 
      Entries will be delivered to Bass Pro Shops: December 8 from 10AM – 7PM
     Gingerbread Home winners, Top Fundraising Team and Individual announced on January 10, 2023.

     The City of Grain Valley's Holiday Festival will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, December 1st at Armstrong Park. In addition to the lighting of the Mayor's Christmas tree, the Grain Valley 5th grade choir will entertain attendees. Free hot chocolate and other activities, including an outdoor showing of the movie Elf will also be featured, including a visit from Buddy the Elf. 

     One of the most beloved traditions in Grain Valley returns this holiday weekend, as the Santa Bus begins its weekly rounds throughout the City. An annual tradition, the Santa Bus travels throughout Grain Valley neighborhoods, assisted by the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), to visit with children and take photos. There is no cost to participate, and children of all ages are welcome to visit Santa.
     The 2022 schedule is provided below. Santa's helpers ask that you not message asking about timing of their arrival in your neighborhood, as timing greatly depends on the number of young people visiting with Santa. 
     Parents of young babies who cannot come out in the cold or other children with special needs may come to the bus and ask Santa to come inside. 

2022 Schedule:

(Yellow) Nov. 26th | 9:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (First Saturday after Thanksgiving )
Grayleigh Park, Rosewood Hills, Whispering Park, and Whitney Hills

(Green) Nov 27th 10 AM until approx. 7 PM (First Sunday after Thanksgiving) 
Woodbury Sub-Division

(Orange) Dec. 3th | 9 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Everything between 40 Hwy and I-70

(Purple) Dec. 4th | 10:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Sunday after Thanksgiving)
Everything between 40Hwy and Eagles Pkwy including Cypress St & Broadway East of Buckner-Tarsney,  and Winding Creek Subdivision

(Blue) Dec 10th | 9 AM until approx. 7 PM (Third Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Everything boarded by Buckner Tarsney on the east, Sni A Bar on the north, and Cross Creek Dr on the west.

(No Color) Dec. 11th | 10:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Third Sunday after Thanksgiving )
Everything boarded by Buckner Tarsney on the east, by Sni A Bar on the south and west, and Eagles Pkwy (AA) on the north.

Dec. 16th 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM Brass Armadillo 
(Red) Dec. 17th | 9:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Saturday before Christmas)
Everything boarded by Cross Creek Dr on the east, Sni A Bar on the northeast, and Eagles Pkwy (AA) on the north
​
Dec. 18th | 10 AM until approx. 7 PM (Last Sunday before Christmas) *if needed*
Graystone Estates, Hoot Owl, Creekside and Eagles Ridge Sub-Divisions. As well as any areas that were missed due to time constraints or weather.

     In commemoration of Veterans Day, the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. To recognize these men and women, admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13. General admission for the public is half-price.
     The weekend will kick-off with a 10 a.m. ceremony in the Museum and Memorial’s Auditorium to honor our nation’s veterans. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michelle D. Johnson will deliver the keynote address. Gen. Johnson served for 36 years of active duty. She was the first woman to lead a U.S. Department of Defense service academy as well as the Air Force Academy's first female Rhodes Scholar in her First Class Year.
     Johsnon has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Intelligence, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe; Air Force aide to the President; Wing Commander; and pilot. In addition to her distinguished military career, Johnson is also known for her role as former Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations for the National Basketball Association (NBA).
 
 
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES
 
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: 10-11 a.m.; Friday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Auditorium and Lobby
What: Join us for a moving ceremony honoring our nation’s veterans. The formal public program will include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michelle D. Johnson. Special music will be performed by the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.

WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: All Day; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Veterans Day weekend through research stations at the Museum. With access to multiple databases – including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission and the National Archives – discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. FREE to the public.

LETTER WRITING TO ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY
When: All Day; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Write a letter on special WWI-themed stationary to an active-duty service member. If you write to a specific service member you know, you are free to take the letter with you and mail it yourself; all letters not addressed to a specific person will be given to the charity A Million Thanks to be mailed. FREE to the public.

MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY CRAFT
When: 12-4 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 11
Where: Near the donor wall inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to the Museum and Memorial! If you miss the craft table before it closes, you can make your own poppy at home with this Cut-Out Poppy or the instructions for this 3D Poppy. FREE to the public.
 
     Support for Veterans Day is provided by Jackson County Executive and County Legislators, The City of Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) and Weather or Not.
​     To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.