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Kearney Elementary spotlights new clubs and rising student survey scores
Summary
Kearney Elementary teachers told the school board about a new Spanish club and expanded extracurriculars that drew large participation; the school reported measurable increases on parent and student survey indicators after building renovations and a boundary change brought roughly 80–100 new students.
Kearney Elementary teachers on Tuesday told the Kearney R‑I School Board that new and expanded student clubs — including a newly formed Spanish club, chess, sewing, Girls on the Run and STEM offerings — drew strong participation and helped students connect across grade levels.
“We had 45 students sign up initially, which was overwhelming, but wonderful,” said Jennifer Marker, a kindergarten teacher who leads the Spanish club. The club was split into two semester groups to manage numbers; Marker said younger students now greet one another in Spanish in the hallways.
Clarissa Boske, another kindergarten teacher, described community contributions to the program, including a family presentation by a parent and an AP Spanish class visit that helped students learn songs, dances and cultural history.
Several elementary students spoke briefly about the club. “My favorite thing about Spanish Club was hanging out with friends and making it fun and educational,” a fifth‑grade student said.
The presenters also highlighted a broader expansion of extracurriculars this year and credited Career Ladder funding and teacher initiative for increased participation in sewing, chess, Student Council and other clubs.
School leaders told the board that the building recently underwent major renovations and a boundary change brought roughly 80–100 new students to Kearney Elementary this school year. To measure the transition’s effect, the school shared summary survey indicators showing improvements across multiple areas: students reporting a safe and secure learning environment (top two choices) was 100% among respondents; perceptions of a caring learning environment rose from 81% to 96%; ‘‘well‑maintained and up‑to‑date facilities’’ moved from 56% to 94%; ‘‘positive reputation’’ rose from 74% to 94%; student sense of being cared for in class increased from 82% to 94%; and the share saying classes are “fun and engaging” rose from 69% to 89%.
The presenter also noted three retirements at the school this year — Amy Beaver, Stacy Elam and Dave Tyner — and praised their long service to the district.
The board and presenters concluded the spotlight with a staff photo and public thanks. The presentation was billed as a school spotlight and informational update; no formal board action was taken on the items presented.
