We know summer has only just begun, but it’s never too early to help our families start planning for another great year in Kearney School District!
We have prepared our key 2026 Back-to-School dates, including schedule pick-ups, transition events, open houses and the first day of classes. We will continue posting more information and updates at www.ksdr1.net/back-to-school.
The first day of school for the 2026-2027 academic year will be Tuesday, Aug. 25. Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:
Puppy Pound
- Back-to-School Open House: 12 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
ECSE & 5-Day Pre-K
- Back-to-School Open House: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
Elementary Schools
- Back-to-School Open House: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
Kearney Middle School
- 6th-Grade Transition: 8 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12
- 7th-Grade Schedule Pick-Up: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- Schedule Pick-Up As Needed: Friday, Aug. 14
- Back-to-School Open House: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
Kearney Junior High
- 8th-Grade Transition (Last Name A-L): 8 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- 8th-Grade Transition (Last Name M-Z): 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- 9th-Grade Schedule Pick-Up: 12:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- Back-to-School Open House: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
Kearney High School
- 11th-Grade Schedule Pick-Up: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12
- 12th-Grade Schedule Pick-Up: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12
- 10th-Grade Orientation/Schedule Pick-Up: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- Back-to-School Open House: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
We are excited to welcome our students and families back for another year of learning, growth and Bulldog pride. Enjoy your summer, and we’ll see you soon!
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It’s hard to believe, but Friday, May 22, is the last day of classes for the 2025-2026 academic year in Kearney School District!
We will be on a Half-Day schedule, which means students will be released at the following times:
- 10:30 a.m. - Kearney Middle School, Kearney Junior High & Kearney High School
- 11:35 a.m. - All elementary schools
Thank you for helping us finish the year strong. We are grateful for the support, partnership and pride that our families bring to Team KSD every single day.
And remember: our 2026 Summer School starts Monday, June 1! It’s not too late to sign up. Visit www.ksdr1.net/summerfun for more information and enrollment details.
Have a safe, happy and well-earned summer break, Bulldogs!
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The evening began with a celebration of Kearney High School Band and Choir students. KHS Band Director Chris Heil and KHS Choir Director Dustin McKinney helped recognize students who have represented KSD with excellence through their talent, commitment and leadership in the performing arts. Congratulations to all of these Bulldogs for their hard work and achievements!
The Board also received several important reports and updates, including a 2022 bond project update. Several bond-funded projects are scheduled to begin immediately after the end of the school year and be completed this summer, including roofing projects at Southview Elementary and Kearney High School, exterior wall work at Kearney Middle School, flooring work at Hawthorne Elementary and Kearney Elementary, and additional repairs and improvements at Hawthorne and KMS.
The Board reviewed April financial reports and received program evaluation information related to Professional Development and School Health and Wellness. These reports help district leaders monitor progress and make thoughtful decisions as KSD prepares for the 2026-2027 school year.
During action items, the Board approved the preliminary 2026-2027 budget, which is required by state statute before the start of the new fiscal year. A complete budget message will be presented at the June meeting.
The Board also approved an insurance program through MUSIC that gives KSD the opportunity to recover unused insurance funds at the end of the year while continuing to manage risk responsibly. In addition, the Board approved 2026-2027 health insurance rates, including an increase in the district’s contribution from $650 to $750 per employee per month. This adjustment is intended to help manage rising health care costs while keeping employee coverage as affordable as possible.
Additional action included approval of the 2026-2027 Career Ladder Plan, new job descriptions for a Grant Coordinator, Technology Support Technician and Technology Support Specialist, and the district’s 2026-2027 Professional Development Plan.
The Board also approved agreements with Pathful and Amplify. Pathful will support KSD’s Real World Learning efforts by helping staff and students manage Market Value Assets, work-based learning experiences and career pathways. Amplify will support state-required K-3 reading assessments while allowing the district to reduce use of another assessment tool and save approximately $8,000.
Finally, the Board ratified a Chromebook purchase for Kearney Junior High. The Technology Department moved quickly to secure 620 replacement devices before costs increased further and supplies disappeared, saving the district more than $50,000.
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The Job Olympics gives students the opportunity to demonstrate important career-readiness and independent-living skills in a fun, competitive setting. Our Bulldogs represented KHS extremely well, earning awards across a wide range of events.
Please help us congratulate these outstanding students:
Lydia Bobadilla-Torres
- 1st place: Office Sorting
Haydon Parton
- 1st place: Car Detailing
- 2nd place: Restaurant Host
- 3rd place: Personal Dress
Ayden McClary
- 2nd place: Window Washing
- 3rd place: Job Application
Amber Leath
- 2nd place: Child Care
- 2nd place: Animal Care
Raymond Cochran
- 2nd place: Office Sorting
Brody Shipers
Gavin Null
- 3rd place: Retail Stocking
We are proud of these students for their hard work, confidence and skill. Thank you as well to all of our KHS Special Education teachers and support staff for helping facilitate this meaningful opportunity for our students. Way to go, Bulldogs!
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Kearney High School Girls Soccer saw an outstanding season come to a close Monday night in a hard-fought overtime loss to Platte County.
The Bulldogs trailed 1-0 late in the match before Josie Sparks found Isla Downing behind the defense. Downing finished into the far corner to tie the game with about seven minutes remaining, giving Kearney a chance to extend the season. The Bulldogs continued to create scoring opportunities, including a near-miss on a corner kick late in regulation, before Platte County scored in overtime to advance.
While the final result was heartbreaking, there is so much for this team to celebrate.
Kearney finished the season 21-4, led the state in goals scored, won the Branson and North Kansas City tournaments, earned two wins in the tough Platte County Tournament for the first time and captured the conference championship outright for the first time since 2019. The Bulldogs scored an incredible 169 goals this season while allowing just 28.
This was a team filled with both outstanding senior leadership and exciting young talent. KHS will miss its six seniors: Charlie Dollar, Tatum Gregory, Addison Fischer, Kennedi Casey, Lily Rinehart and Josie Sparks. Four of those seniors will continue playing soccer at the college level, and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish next.
Congratulations to Coach Matt Reynolds, assistant coaches Mike Tichenor and Elvia Digirolamo, and the entire KHS Girls Soccer team on a tremendous season. Thank you as well to Bill Foreman and Zach Smith for announcing and running the clock, and to all of the fans who showed up throughout the season to support these student-athletes.
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Kearney High School Girls Track & Field had an outstanding day at the Class 4 District Meet on Saturday, May 16, at Liberty North High School!
The Bulldogs finished third overall and qualified in 11 events for the Sectional Meet, which will be held this Saturday, May 23, at Lee’s Summit North High School.
KHS brought home several District Championship performances, including Drew Gustafson in the 300-meter hurdles, Daisy Burnam in the 3,200-meter run, and the 4x800-meter relay team of Izzy Fowler, Jordin Vaughn, Kendyl Schafer and Daisy Burnam.
The Bulldogs also had Sectional-qualifying performances from Tinzley Suppes in the 100-meter hurdles; Anna Kamm in shot put; Maya Sosoatu and Blake Templeton in discus; Avery Wyrick and Camille Hermon in javelin; Sophia Payne, Addison Henley, Izzy Fowler and Avery Sallee in the 4x200-meter relay; Izzy Fowler and Jordin Vaughn in the 800-meter run; Daisy Burnam in the 1,600-meter run; Abbi McQuillen in the 3,200-meter run; and Josie Master, Jordin Vaughn, Drew Gustafson and Izzy Fowler in the 4x400-meter relay.
The top four finishers in each event at Sectionals will advance to the State Championship.
Congratulations to Head Coach Geoff Hutton and our KHS Girls Track & Field student-athletes on a fantastic District performance!
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Kearney High School Boys Track & Field just keeps raising the bar!
The Bulldogs traveled to Liberty North on Saturday, May 16, for the Class 4 District 8 Championship Meet and came home with their sixth straight District Championship. Along the way, KHS qualified for Sectionals in 15 of 19 events and broke three school records.
That included a blazing performance by the 4x200-meter relay team of Trey White, Luke Denston, Reid Perkins and Sam Way, who shattered the previous school record by 1.5 seconds with a time of 1:26.75. Sam Way also set a new school record in the 200-meter dash at 21.83 seconds, while the 4x100-meter relay team of Trey White, Kale Tucking, Aidan Arellano and Braxton Byrom set a new school record with a time of 42.90 seconds.
Several Bulldogs also earned District Champion honors, including Sam Way in the 200-meter dash and 300-meter hurdles, Reid Perkins in the 400-meter dash and triple jump, Henry Hoover in discus, Aidan Arellano in long jump, and the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams.
The Bulldogs will compete this Saturday, May 23, at Lee’s Summit North in the Sectional Meet. The top four finishers in each event will advance to the State Championship.
Congratulations to Head Coach Scott Crall and our KHS Boys Track & Field student-athletes on another outstanding championship performance!
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Please join us in congratulating five Kearney High School students who have been selected to attend Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State this summer!
Noah Ramseyer will represent KHS at Missouri Boys State. Four KHS students will attend Missouri Girls State: Trystan Barnes, Leyla Emre, Emma Schaetz and Jessi Kutch.
These outstanding Bulldogs will join students from across Missouri for immersive civic leadership programs focused on government, citizenship, public service and leadership. This is a tremendous opportunity for them to grow as leaders, build new connections and bring that experience back to their school and community.
We’re also grateful to the Smithville American Legion and Smithville American Legion Auxiliary for sponsoring our students and supporting the next generation of civic leaders.
Congratulations, Bulldogs! We’re proud of you!
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Please join us in congratulating two members of Kearney School District’s leadership team who recently received significant professional recognitions:
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Hannah Iversen, KSD Director of Special Services, received the Outstanding Administrator Award from Kansas City LASE, the metropolitan organization for local administrators of special education.
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Doug Schwinn, KSD Business Office Supervisor, received the Distinguished Service Award from KASBO, the Kansas Association of School Business Officials. This is the organization’s highest honor and recognizes outstanding service to KASBO and to public education.
Both of these honors reflect what we already know here in KSD: Ms. Iversen and Mr. Schwinn are outstanding leaders who care deeply about students, staff and the long-term success of our district.
Congratulations, Hannah and Doug! We are grateful for your leadership and proud to have you on Team KSD!
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Kearney School District is excited to open fall enrollment for Kids Club, our before- and after-school care program for elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Enrollment for families who are not currently enrolled in Kids Club opened on Monday, May 11.
Kids Club provides a safe, caring and convenient option for KSD families who need before- or after-school care during the school year. The program is available at each of our elementary schools and is designed to support students while giving parents/guardians peace of mind.
Please note that enrollment is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage interested families to review the information and complete the enrollment process as soon as possible.
Thank you for trusting KSD to support your child before and after the school day. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our students and families through Kids Club!
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Each year, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative consumer-members have the opportunity to vote in the co-op’s annual membership election. Online voting for the 2026 election will be available from May 1-26. All members who vote will automatically be entered into a drawing for free energy bill credits. Ten winners will receive $200 credits and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 credit!
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Summer is a great time for Bulldogs to stay active, build skills, try something new and stay connected with classmates, coaches and activity sponsors.
Kearney School District has created a new Summer Camps and Activities webpage to help families find opportunities in one convenient place. The page includes youth camps, high school camps and clinics, tryouts, team activities, summer conditioning, open gyms and summer leagues.
Families can view dates, times, grade levels, locations, flyers, registration links and coach or sponsor contact information at: www.ksdr1.net/camps
Please review the details for each activity before registering. Some opportunities are open to all students in the listed grade levels, while others are designed for specific teams, returning participants or invite-only groups.
We are excited to offer so many ways for students to learn, grow, compete, create and have fun this summer.
Go Bulldogs!
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Kearney School District’s kindergarten enrollment is open for the 2026-2027 academic year! If you have a child who will be age five on or before July 31, 2026, this is the time to enroll them in kindergarten! Start the kindergarten enrollment process by clicking the link provided below.
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If you already have a username and password: Enter that information into the windows on the left side of the page to access the Registration Gateway, then click “Add a Student” from the options on the left
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If you are new to this system: Click the “Registration Gateway” link and then click “Start” on the next screen to create a username and password
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For assistance with this process: Email reghelp@ksdr1.net
Parents/guardians will be required to provide a birth certificate, a record of required immunizations, and proof of residence for their child during kindergarten enrollment. Use our online district boundary map to locate the elementary school your child will attend.
After completing the enrollment process, one of our Parents As Teachers program Parent Educators will contact you to schedule a kindergarten screening. Parent Educators screen to help KSD plan for classes and the needs of each incoming kindergarten class. Parent Educators will also provide at-home activities and information about summer programs, as well as answer any questions parents/guardians may have.
All families are encouraged to fill out the Online Meal Application Form. Completing this form allows families to qualify for free and reduced meal prices and also allows KSD to potentially become eligible for additional academic resources and funding.
Kindergarten Orientation events will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at each of KSD’s elementary schools. Stay tuned for details. This is an opportunity for families to receive helpful information about KSD, tour their school and meet their child’s teachers and building principal. We’re excited to welcome the Bulldogs Class of 2039!
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This annual event helps KSD students and families get ready for the start of a new school year by connecting them with school supplies, clothing and other helpful resources. Last year’s Resource Fair served 285 students, one of the highest turnouts since COVID. We are excited to continue working together to make sure every Bulldog has a strong start to the school year.
The 2026 Resource Fair will be held at Kearney Junior High:
- 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
- 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14
Thank you to our KSD social workers, counselors, staff members and community volunteers who help make this event possible each year. Their work reflects the very best of what it means to be part of Team KSD: showing up for kids, supporting families and helping our students feel ready for the first day of school.
Please pre-register today and help us spread the word to any KSD family who may benefit from this opportunity. |
Congratulations to the Kearney High School Class of 2026! On Sunday, May 17, we celebrated 268 graduates as they walked across the stage and began the next chapter of their lives. We are so proud of these Bulldogs for everything they have accomplished. We can’t wait to see where their talents, dreams and determination take them next. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!
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May 22 - Last Day of School (Half-day)
May 25 - Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
June 1 - First Day of Summer School
June 25 - Last Day of Summer School
Aug. 20 - Back-to-School Open Houses
Aug. 25 - First Day of School
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