The Kansas City Public School District held its Convocation for the 2016-2017 school year on Aug. 10, ushering in the new academic year. Over 2,500 teachers and staff members from every school in the district were in attendance. The theme for this year’s convocation: “Game On!”

Teachers and principal representatives from each of the district schools took the stage and announced their victories from the previous school year, while also looking ahead to outline their school’s goals for the upcoming year.

Dr. Mark Bedell, the new superintendent of KCPS, took the stage and addressed the district employees.

“I want us to work from a ‘Can Do’ lens, not a deficit lens,” Bedell told the teachers and staff. “Fight tirelessly for our kids and come out on the other side.”

Dr. Bedell emphasized the importance of teachers in students’ lives, a message that the Schoolyard Gardens staff can agree with. Our Schoolyard Gardens program is made possible by the dedication of teachers and the support of school administrators. We help support gardens at 25 of the 34 schools in the district thanks to the commitment of these school leaders, and we hope to continue growing within the district.

Our goal for this school year: continuing and growing our support of thriving vegetable gardens throughout the Kansas City public school district! Keep it up KCPS! We’re looking forward to growing together.