Blue Springs South students and staff describe new career, kindness and Thrive programs

Blue Springs R-IV trustees on Tuesday heard students and staff from Blue Springs South High School present a program highlight detailing a new career and real-world learning class, the Kindness Club and a Thrive social-emotional series that leaders say is improving school climate.

Principal Dr. Ryan Geddings introduced teacher Carla Neff and student speakers and said the programs are early implementations of the district’s strategic plan at the high school level. “What you're gonna see tonight is, your leadership and support of our buildings through our strategic planning process, start to be implemented at the high school level specifically,” Geddings said.

Carla Neff told the board she helped develop the curriculum and will teach the career and real-world learning course. Neff described companion efforts — the Kindness Club and a local I Am Noticed partnership — as initiatives to “make South a kind” community and to create student leadership opportunities.

Students who spoke described practical benefits. “The career in real world learning class has been a transformative experience for me and has provided me with invaluable skills, unique opportunities, and a deeper appreciation for the power of kindness and community,” sophomore Erica Stevens told the board. Senior Jimmy White, who participates in ROTC, said the program boosted his confidence and public-speaking experience. Junior Aidan Bridal said Thrive gives students a structured place to have “tough conversations” and to set shared class goals.

Haley Jackson, a student leader in Kindness Club, described specific activities the group has run: surprise thank-you gifts for custodians and bus drivers, a spirit day for World Kindness Day, sticky-note affirmations in hallways and other random acts of kindness. “Kindness Club is more than just a group and it's a movement,” Jackson said.

Board members praised the program. Miss Emerson said the effort was part of the district’s strategic plan and emphasized the program’s role in easing ninth-grade transition and teaching practical workforce skills. Miss Zagat and other trustees echoed support, saying student‑led mentorship and leadership work are “meaningful” and help school culture.

The presentations closed with students asking the board to continue supporting the programs as they expand. No board action was required at the meeting; the board invited the student group to remain for the business portion of the agenda.