Perfect Partnerships

The new Annette Seago Career Innovation Center provided the perfect spot for the annual BSSD Partners for Student Success Breakfast. As part of BSSD’s annual Community Unity Week, the Partner Breakfast features stories of students and staff teaming up with local businesses to provide hands-on lessons that go beyond the classroom and into the heart of various studies, professions and trades. This year, the event fell on Patriot Day and featured a patriotic theme.

One partnership highlighted was the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District. James Lewis Elementary first grade teacher, Michelle Sisco, spoke about CJCFPD’s informational fire safety program for first and fourth grade students and the impact it has made.

CJCFPD Fire Inspector Ryan Brinkman heads the program, and he spoke about how students show great interest in equipment and stories of rescues, and ask informative questions about fire safety and how to make their homes safe.

Hollis + Miller Architects were recognized for their design of the CIC. Business Marketing Teacher Stephanie Lower spoke about how student voices were a key informative facet of the entire design process, while CIC alum Vini Varanasi also described having her opinions heard and then seeing them come to fruition. 

Hollis + Miller Senior Project Architect Chris Koch described the design process in detail, showing how it was tailor made for the educational atmosphere students most wanted. The morning also included emcee Isaac Heinzman of Blue 

Springs South High School, the presentation of the colors by the BSSHS Air Force Junior ROTC, the National Anthem by senior members of the BSSHS Chamber Choir, and a performance of “God Bless the USA” by Jaguars senior Darryl Wesley.