Get ready to Explore, Innovate, and Create at Family STEM Day on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Platte Purchase Middle School!

🕘 Doors Open: 9:30 a.m.
🕙 Event: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 9400 N Platte Purchase Drive, Kansas City, MO

Bring the whole family for a day filled with:
🧪 Hands-on STEM activation stations for grades K–12
🎮 Interactive challenges and digital learning experiences
🎁 Raffles and exciting prizes
🍎 Complimentary lunch & parking

Spots fill quickly — register today:
https://info.discoveryeducation.com/cep-event-registration-google-stem-day-kansas-city.html
2 days ago, Smithville School District
Graphic with a dark brown background featuring the words “Family S.T.E.M. Day” in large green and yellow letters. White science-themed icons surround the text, including an atom symbol, gears, and a light bulb.
Celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek with a spotlight on Samariah Jordan!
Samariah’s path to teaching started in a preschool classroom, where she first realized how much she loved helping kids grow and learn. Now as a 4th grade teacher at Horizon Elementary, she gets to watch her students make connections between what they’re learning in Science and Social Studies and the world around them. We’re so grateful for the care, encouragement, and heart she pours into her students. 👏👏👏
2 days ago, Smithville School District
A graphic with hearts in the background. The tops says #loveteachingweek. It features Samariah Jordan, HES 4th Grade Teacher. It quotes her saying "“My journey to teaching began when I was an assistant in a daycare/preschool. I discovered my passion for helping others. Now that I teach Science and Social Studies, my motivation has grown as I see students making unique connections and applying their knowledge in diverse ways. My favorite moments are when students connect classroom learning to the real world. Hearing them articulate those connections is incredibly validating, confirming that our hard work is indeed making a difference in their understanding.”
We see GREEN… and we love it! 💚⚾
Turf is officially being laid on the baseball field. This is another exciting milestone made possible by the support of our community through the April 2025 bond initiative. Thank you for investing in our students and supporting the future of the Smithville School District.

Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strong Future.
3 days ago, Smithville School District
A picture of the baseball field being constructed with newly laid turf on it.
Bring the family out to the Smithville Warrior Color Fun Run! Sign up by March 4 to receive a FREE event t-shirt and join us for a fun-filled evening! Register at https://forms.gle/4inezpnWiaRH1wqJ8.
📅March 25
⌚Food Trucks & Activities from 5:15-7pm; Color Run at 6pm
📍655 S. Commercial Ave.
3 days ago, Smithville School District
A family poses for a picture at the color run. The kids are covered in colored powder.
Celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek with a spotlight on Rebecca Carnes!
Rebecca’s love for science is at the heart of everything she does as a science teacher at Smithville High School. She’s passionate about sparking curiosity in students and helping them appreciate the natural world. We’re grateful for Rebecca and the curiosity, wonder, and enthusiasm she brings to her classroom every day! 👏🔬
3 days ago, Smithville School District
A graphic with hearts in the background. The tops says #loveteachingweek. It features Rebecca Carnes, SHS Science Teacher. It quotes her saying "“I became a teacher because of my love for science. I wanted to teach others so they would feel the same. I wanted young people to appreciate it as much as I do. I still feel the same, but now my goal is to get them to be curious about the natural world and explore the outdoors. I get to take students on field trips around the state to see caves and go hiking. These trips are among my favorite moments. Especially when we went to see the total solar eclipse. That was amazing!”
Way Back When-sday! This past weekend, our talented theatre students wowed audiences with their high-energy performance of Anything Goes!
But did you know… this isn’t the first time our stage has set sail with this classic musical? 🚢⚓

Let’s rewind to 1995, when Smithville High School Theatre also performed Anything Goes. Do you recognize these performers?
4 days ago, Smithville School District
Actors in a school play sing a duet into a microphone.

Celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek with a spotlight on Tim Jordan!
Tim brings his passion to everything he does at Smithville High School. Mr. Jordan knows the true joy of teaching lies in the lasting impact on students’ lives, and working alongside incredible colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends makes Smithville a special place to teach. We’re grateful for Tim and our other teachers for the many ways they inspire, challenge, and support our students every day!

4 days ago, Smithville School District
Graphic celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek featuring Tim Jordan, a Smithville High School math teacher. The design includes a portrait of Tim Jordan with text "“Sharing my passion for mathematics and sports inspired me to get into teaching. The lasting impact you have on students’ lives and seeing them down the road lead successful lives always brings me a lot of joy. I know it's cliche but the “aha” moment in math class when it clicks for a student who may not be great at math is a ton of fun to witness as well. I enjoy coaching and sharing the passion I have for sports with others.   We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by great colleagues in Smithville and I have made some lifelong friends here.”
Get ready to Explore, Innovate, and Create! 🔬✨

Join us for Family STEM Day on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Platte Purchase Middle School. Thanks to Google and Discovery Education, students in grades K–12 can dive into hands-on STEM stations, exciting challenges, raffles, and prizes - all with FREE admission!

Doors open at 9:30 AM, and lunch and parking are complimentary. Don’t miss this engaging day of curiosity, creativity, and real-world learning!

Register now and bring the whole family - https://info.discoveryeducation.com/cep-event-registration-google-stem-day-kansas-city.html
5 days ago, Smithville School District
Flyer for Family STEM Day presented by Google and Discovery Education. The event invites K–12 students to explore interactive STEM challenges, digital learning experiences, raffles, and prizes. It highlights free admission, complimentary lunch and parking, and includes event details: Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (doors open at 9:30 AM) at Platte Purchase Middle School, 9400 N Platte Purchase Drive, Kansas City, MO. A “Register Now” button appears on the flyer. Logos for Google, Discovery Education, and Smithville School District are displayed, along with photos of students conducting science experiments.
You're not gonna want to miss the Smithville Warrior Color Fun Run! Sign up by March 4 to receive a FREE event t-shirt and join us for a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Register at https://forms.gle/4inezpnWiaRH1wqJ8.
📅March 25
⌚Food Trucks & Activities from 5:15-7pm; Color Run at 6pm
📍655 S. Commercial Ave.
5 days ago, Smithville School District
Six middle school aged girls wrap their arms around each other to pose for a picture. they are wearing Color Run shirts.
Warrior Closet is open this Saturday! The Warrior Closet, located behind Smithville Middle School, is a FREE program created to support our families. Students can access essential school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items - all at no cost.
5 days ago, Smithville School District
Flyer announcing “New Year Winter” at the Smithville Warrior Closet. Free winter clothing available, including coats, shoes and boots, pants, sweaters, socks, dresses, scarves, gloves, and mittens. Event dates and times listed: January 6 (4–6 pm), January 15 (4–6 pm), January 24 (10 am–12 pm), February 3 (4–6 pm), February 12 (4–6 pm), and February 21 (10 am–12 pm). Location noted as the trailers behind Smithville Middle School. Winter-themed design with snowflakes and illustrated penguins.
Celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek with a spotlight on Ashley Ellifrits!
Ashley is a proud Smithville School District alum who now gives back by inspiring the next generation as a 2nd grade teacher at Horizon Elementary. Having been shaped by her own Smithville teachers, Ashley hopes to spark that same love for learning in her students—one they’ll carry with them into the future. We’re grateful for Ashley and the heart, pride, and enthusiasm she brings to her classroom every day! 👏💫
5 days ago, Smithville School District
A graphic with hearts in the background. The tops says #loveteachingweek. It features Ashley Ellifritz, HES 2nd Grade Teacher. It quotes her saying "“I had many inspirational teachers while attending the Smithville School District. Now, my hope is that some of my students may be inspired to pass their love for learning on to their own students in the future!   My favorite memories from teaching are always spirit days! From homecoming week to the 100th day of school, and even dressing up as Andy Reid for a Super Bowl victory - those are my favorite days. I love opportunities to have a little unstructured fun with students.”
Celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek with a spotlight on Drew Newhart!
As a Physical Education teacher at Smithville Middle School, Mr. Newhart's impact goes far beyond the gym, helping students build confidence, character, and lifelong skills. His genuine care shows just how powerful teaching can be. We’re grateful for Drew and all the educators who make our schools places where students feel supported and valued. 🎉👏
6 days ago, Smithville School District
A graphic with hearts in the background. The tops says #loveteachingweek. It features Drew Newhart, SMS PE Teacher. It quotes him saying "“I was inspired to become a teacher because I had coaches and teachers who believed in me, pushed me to be better, and showed me that school could be a place where you felt supported and valued. Early on, I wanted to be that positive influence for kids. Over time, my motivation has evolved from simply loving the content and coaching to understanding the deeper impact—helping students build confidence, character, and life skills that go far beyond the classroom or gym.  If you lead with empathy, high expectations, and genuine care, teaching can be one of the most rewarding careers there is.”
Today we recognize and thank our School Protection Officers and School Resource Officers! You do more than protect our buildings—you build relationships, support students, and help ensure our schools remain places where learning can thrive.

Thank you for protecting our schools and caring for our students and staff every day. 💚
7 days ago, Smithville School District
Graphic with a light green background and the words “Thank you for protecting our schools” in green script and block lettering. The Smithville School District logo appears at the bottom.
While our students enjoyed a day off, our teachers were hard at work investing in their craft during Professional Development Day!

This year, our growth is centered around four key pillars:
🧠 Critical Thinking
💻 Technology
🤝 Professional Learning Communities
🎯 Competency-Based Learning

Today looked a little different than traditional PD. Our staff participated in an exciting EdCamp experience — a high-energy, teacher-led model where educators shared their own expertise with one another. Nearly 25 teachers led 19 unique sessions, proving that some of the best ideas come from right here in our own hallways.

When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our students.
9 days ago, Smithville School District
A teacher looks at a chart about AI. While another teacher speaks at the front of the classroom.
A teacher looks at a laptop. While another teacher speaks at the front of the classroom.
Teachers discuss and write on a white board.
A teacher flips through a book.
a teacher draws a heart on a piece of paper while in a professional development about art therapy.
Teachers sit at a table on write while being timed.
We’re hiring a School Nurse for the 2026–2027 school year at Eagle Heights Elementary! 💚Join a team that puts students first and values the important role school nurses play every day.

👉 Apply today and help us keep our Warriors healthy and ready to learn!
https://smithville.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5526984
9 days ago, Smithville School District
Graphic with green and gold school branding that reads: “We’re Hiring! 2026–2027 Elementary School Nurse. Apply Now!” A smiling elementary-aged girl stands outside in front of a school building. Faint medical icons such as crosses and stethoscopes appear in the background.
On this Way Back When-sday we're throwing it back to a 2000 girls basketball game. Two athletes are going up strong for the ball and giving it everything they’ve got! Do you recognize these players or remember the 2000 season?🏀
11 days ago, Smithville School District
A referee and basketball players watch as two girls jump for the basketball.
No School Reminder! Enjoy the long weekend Warriors! 💚
There will be no school for students on:
• Friday, Feb. 13 – Staff PD/Work Day
• Monday, Feb. 16 – Presidents’ Day
12 days ago, Smithville School District
Empty classroom with desks and chairs. A green diamond graphic in the center reads “No School” with dates listed: Friday, Feb. 13 – Staff PD/Work Day and Monday, Feb. 16 – Presidents’ Day.

Registration is now open for the Smithville Warrior Color Fun Run. Sign up by March 4 to receive a FREE event t-shirt and join us for a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Register at https://forms.gle/4inezpnWiaRH1wqJ8.
📅March 25
⌚Food Trucks & Activities from 5:15-7pm; Color Run at 6pm
📍655 S. Commercial Ave.

13 days ago, Smithville School District
Smithville color fun run. 4 round frames with pictures of kids and families covered in color from last year's run.
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"This teacher is constantly giving time and effort into her staff, teammates, and her students. She is an educator that shines, and her love shows in her teaching and her students."
13 days ago, Smithville School District
Warrior Shout Out - Alissa Holder, EHES 2nd Grade Teacher
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Julie Corless has quickly elevated our district through her people-first leadership and steady, thoughtful approach to Human Resources. She has built strong trust with staff by being approachable, responsive, and genuinely caring. She is creating an environment where employees feel supported and heard. Julie’s exceptional organization and clear communication have brought structure and consistency to our HR processes. Julie leads with integrity, heart, and Warrior Pride, and our district is stronger because of her presence on our team."
13 days ago, Smithville School District
Warrior Shout Out - Julie Corless, SSD Human Resources Director