Tweens Bounce Between Elementary And High Schools
Over the past few weeks, Kansas City Public Schools hosted community forums on how to restructure its middle grades, once again. In 2007, middle grades were absorbed into elementary school buildings. Then in 2010, 7th and 8th graders moved into high schools. In the meantime, test scores dropped, disciplinary infractions and dropouts spiked. KCPS superintendent Stephen Green discusses the newest proposal, bringing back stand-alone middle schools.
Rugby Team Provides Supportive Space For Gay And Bisexual Players
There are several rugby teams in the metro area, but the Kansas City Carnivores has a mission that goes beyond the hustle of the game. The team includes players who are typically underrepresented in rugby, especially gay and bisexual players.
Blarney Stoned James On St. Patty's Day
St. Patrick’s Day can be a lot of fun for revelers, but for people working in bars and restaurants, it’s not much of a holiday. So six years ago, cook and guitarist Mark Vick, and several musician friends formed a group called Blarney Stoned, which, for the most part, focuses on the rowdier side of Irish music.
Missouri Legislative Session At The Half
At about halfway through its 2013 session, the Missouri Legislature has in some ways performed as expected, but has also delivered some genuine surprises. Listen to Statehouse Reporter, Marshall Griffin, on what has transpired so far in Jefferson City and what’s likely to come in the remainder of the session.
Minimalist 'Carousel' Revived At KC Rep
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel is revered for the way it deftly weaves story, song, and dance. In 1999, Time magazine named it the best musical of the 20th century. But The Living Room conceived a visceral staging of the show, which both respects the material, and shatters it to pieces. Now, they’re taking it to the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Romance For Polar Bears? Zoo Crowds Keep Watch
The popular polar bear, Nikita, now has a new playmate and maybe, as zoo officials are hoping, a lover. Six-year-old Nikita has been joined by Berlin from the Lake Superior Zoo. She is 20 years his senior. Wildlife conservation experts decided to pair the two with the hope of breeding some new cubs. Berlin’s arrival illustrates how the zoo’s mission of conservation can help Kansas City tourism.
