Knob Noster Public Schools has been awarded the 2019 Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award by the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) during its 21st National Training Seminar in Washington, DC.
The annual award encourages and applauds the outstanding partnerships formed between military installations and school districts that serve military children. Award winners are selected from schools and military installations around the world by MCEC, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military and veteran-connected children affected by mobility, transition, and family separation.
“The Military Child Education Coalition proudly salutes the remarkable difference that these schools, military installations, communities, and states are making in the lives of military and veteran-connected children,” said Dr. Mary Keller, MCEC President and CEO. “By collaborating authentically in unique and innovative ways, these military, education, corporate and policy leaders exemplify the power and promise of partnerships.”
Knob Noster Public Schools’ Partnership of Excellence Award recognizes the “GEAR UP 2 LEAD STEM” initiative which brought expanded STEM related Advanced Placement (AP) courses, FIRST LEGO League Robotics, Steven Covey’s The Leader in Me, and an all-new Knob Noster Virtual Academy to the district during the past year. “GEAR UP 2 LEAD STEM” was delivered through a collaborative partnership between Knob Noster Public Schools and Whiteman Air Force Base, Department of Defense Education Activity, Edmentum, National Math + Science Initiative, FIRST Robotics, Northrop Grumman, Whiteman Area Leadership Council, Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council, and Strategic Deterrent Coalition.
Dr. Jerrod Wheeler, Knob Noster Superintendent of Schools shared, “Two out of every three Knob Noster students are military-connected to Whiteman Air Force Base. On average, these students see six transitions during their K-12 matriculation. ‘GEAR UP 2 LEAD STEM’ not only provides enhanced rigor and career/college preparation for our students, but the program provides agility and flexibility that is congruent to these students’ lives. Along with our robust Advanced Placement program, the all-new Knob Noster Virtual Academy (powered by Edmentum) provides nearly unlimited course options and ubiquitous enrollment flexibility to better serve our military students. When students graduate or transition from Whiteman Air Force Base due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS), these programs seamlessly serve their needs. We applaud our partners who united with us to deliver the ‘GEAR UP 2 LEAD STEM’ program! Our students are absolutely thrilled with the new opportunities it provides. Looking forward, many new programs are currently being implemented to better-serve our students, and we welcome all corporate and community leaders to engage with Knob Noster Public Schools in giving back to the families of those who serve and protect the United States of America.”