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Blue Springs board honors staff, students and highlights fifth‑grade leaders program
Summary
The board recognized May employee Chris Small and student of the month Ava Delgado, honored five Blue Springs FFA members who earned state degrees, and heard about the James Walker fifth‑grade leaders program and student testimonials.
At its May meeting the Blue Springs R‑IV board recognized employees and students and spotlighted a student leadership program at James Walker Elementary.
Chris Small, a physical education teacher at James Walker Elementary with 15 years in the district, was introduced as May Employee of the Month. Multiple colleagues praised his classroom relationships, extracurricular sponsorships and community engagement. "I'm a product of the Blue Springs School District," Small said, reflecting on his roots in the community and thanking family and colleagues.
The board also named fifth grader Ava Delgado of William Bryant Elementary as Student of the Month. Teachers described Ava as "kind, compassionate, joyful, patient, and driven," and said she helps younger students, supports the robotics team and models responsibility.
Dr. Ford and FFA adviser Morgan Payton recognized five students who earned the Missouri State FFA degree and outlined the requirements for the honor, including sustained membership, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) documentation and leadership beyond the chapter. Payton said, "This degree represents the highest level of achievement awarded by the Missouri FFA Association." The students named were Tron Martin, Christian Madrono, Roselina Meyer, Haven Watson and Samantha Lopez.
The board then viewed a program highlight on James Walker’s fifth grade leaders initiative, a five‑plus‑year building program that treats student responsibilities like a job. Literacy coach Laida McMurray and teacher Selena Lopez described an application process, job expectations (attendance, communication) and observed gains in confidence and soft skills. Two student leaders spoke: "Hi, my name is Melanie Ari and I'm a fifth grade leader," Melanie said, explaining that she reads with second graders; Byron Cortez said he helps in PE and learns organizational skills working with Coach Small.
Board members praised the program as aligned with district goals for real‑world learning and asked for basic metrics (the presenter said there are about 25 job openings for leaders each year). The board approved its consent and regular agendas, celebrated staff and students, and adjourned.
The meeting included no votes on policy or budget items beyond routine agenda approvals.
