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Contact Us:Summit Christian

Academy

Administration,Preschool & Secondary:

1500 SW JeffersonLee’s Summit MO 64081

816.525.1480

Elementary:1450 SW Jefferson

Lee’s Summit MO 64081816.524.0185

Linda Harrelson, Administrator

Kim Gill, Principal-Elementary and K-12 Curriculum & Instruction

Emir Esparza, Secondary Principal

Connie Kenyon, AssistantElementary Principal & Resource

Kathy Tharp, College & Career Advisor, International Program Dir.

Sheri Wayman, Preschool Director

Like us on

summit-christian-academy.org

Inside Soaring:A Note from the 2Administrator

Spiritual 2-3

Academics 4

Athletics 5

Fine Arts 6-8

College & Career 9

This & That 10-11

Health Reminders 12

Summer Plans?Check Out Camp Eagle SummitAcademic enrichment, field excursions, students will perform Annie, Jr., and much more!

A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy

S aringThe mission of Summit Christian Academy is to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential

through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.

April 2012

Are you looking for a little excitement, fun, biblical

teaching, fine arts, and academic enrichment for your child this summer? Look no further! Camp Eagle Summit will have it all! Attend for one week, two weeks, or for the entire summer. Camp Eagle Summit runs from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., May 21 through August 10, and is for students who will be entering 1st-6th grade in the fall. In need of before- or after-care? No problem. Campers can arrive as early as 7 a.m. and stay until 6 p.m. at no additional charge.

Camp Eagle Summit campers will have the opportunity to perform in the musical Annie Jr., under the direction of SCA Elementary Music Director, Angy Bounds.

“What an exciting opportunity for students to be part of the musical Annie Jr.,” said Mrs. Bounds. “Students who attend selected weeks** of camp can take part in the musical and explore their musical, acting, and dancing talents.”

Camp Eagle Summit will also feature weekly chapel services and academic enrichment!

Campers will enjoy weekly off-campus activities at Summit Waves, the Mid-Continent Library, and Y.E.S! Kids Fitness/Golf Lessons. They will explore exciting field trip destinations to places around town like Science City/Planetarium, T-Bones baseball, the Kansas City Zoo, Kaleidoscope, Potter’s Haven, Steamboat Arabia, Puppetry Arts Institute, Moon Marbles, Legoland®, Chips Chocolate Factory, and more!

“This is my second year to direct Camp Eagle Summit,” says SCA Camp Director Sarah

Frick. “We are offering an array of activities in a fun and family-friendly environment. The theme for chapel this summer is bugs. We will focus on the wacky and wonderful way a bug’s life relates to biblical teachings such as the praying mantis, busy as a bee, and working in unity like an ant.”

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Applications can be accessed in Sycamore documents, at www.summit-christian-academy.org, or by calling 816.525.1480.

**Mandatory weeks for all Annie Jr. performers - June 11-15, July 9-13, 16-20, & 23-27. Speaking and singing roles must also attend May 29-June 1 & June 4-8.

The SCA Spiritual Walk Pastor Appreciation Luncheon held

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SCA international student Joan Nanfuka Hartzler was the keynote speaker at the annual Pastor Appreciation Luncheon which was attended by over 40 area pastors.

Hartzler shared about her life in Uganda and the incredible series of events that brought her to Lee’s Summit and Summit Christian Academy after eight years in a Ugandan orphanage.

“You cannot hear Joan’s story without recognizing that only the Lord could have orchestrated the events that brought her to America and to SCA,” said Linda Harrelson. “It has been a wonderful privilege to play a part in her journey.”

Administrator’s Message I am pleased to share with you about Kathy Tharp’s recent trip to China to promote the SCA International Program to students at nine different schools in five cities. The USA Program invited Mrs. Tharp on an expense-paid trip, along with four other Christian schools from our country. The USA Program brings students to study in the U.S. from around the world. The director of that program has been very much impressed with the services we provide international students.

Mrs. Tharp had the opportunity to introduce our school to thousands of Chinese students in large auditoriums, classrooms, and individual meetings. It was especially exciting for her to travel with the representatives of other Christian schools and be warmly welcomed by the Chinese people.

Mrs. Tharp also had the opportunity to meet with two of our Chinese students from last year – Alexis and Joe. Alexis traveled three hours by bullet train with her mother and a close friend to meet with Mrs. Tharp. Joe traveled three hours by plane and was able to accompany the group for six days, serving as a representative of SCA and as an interpreter. Mrs. Tharp lovingly referred to Joe as her Chinese Wikipedia. The sacrifice these two students made is a clear indication of how much they were impacted by their year at SCA, an impact that will last an eternity!

Matthew 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all I have commanded you…” Our international program is giving the SCA community an opportunity to make a global impact. Right here in Lee’s Summit, we are going to the nations teaching about Jesus and making disciples.

Linda Harrelson

The SCA Spiritual Walk Soaring Page 3

For this devotion, you will need some pretend money, either from a board game or some you make yourself. Ask each of your children to name something expensive they’d like to have, such as an iPod, a special doll, an Xbox, etc. Discuss how much each of these items would cost. Tell your children to pretend that you’ve loaned them the money to buy the item they’ve mentioned. Hand them enough pretend money to pay for their item, and remind them that they’ll have to pay you back. Ask your children how they’d feel if this happened in real life. Then tell your children that you’ve decided that they don’t have to pay back the money you loaned them. Explain to them that this is called forgiving the loan; even though they did nothing to deserve it, they no longer owe you anything. Discuss the following questions:

• How would you feel if someone really loaned you money and then forgave your debt?

Elementary Chapel - Deal With It ... Forgiveness• What did the person have to

give up in order to forgive your debt? (the right to get his money back)

• Why do you think someone would willingly forgive your debt?

• How do you think that person would feel after he forgave your debt?

Explain to your children that forgiving a person who has wronged us is our choice. When someone wrongs us, we may lose our trust and confidence in them, or they may harm our reputation. Just like a person who forgives a debt and doesn’t get his money back, we have to give up something in order to forgive—the right to make them try to fix things or pay us back. By forgiving them, we’re choosing to let go of the desire for revenge. What is our reward? It is approval, acceptance, and forgiveness from God. It is also PEACE in our own spirit. Ask God to help you forgive people even when they don’t ask for forgiveness. Thank Him for not requiring you to pay Him back for everything you do wrong.

Secondary Chapel

Junior high students will be completing a series focusing on Jehovah Goelekh with personal devotion and worship day on April 5 and small groups on April 12. Dane Cockrell, Youth Pastor at Country Meadows Baptist Church, shared messages about Jehovah Goelekh - The Lord, My Redeemer - during two chapels in March. Many junior high students continue to meet during lunch on Thursdays for a brief time of prayer, and several students have felt led to share testimonies to encourage their fellow students during chapels.

We are blessed by the Lord and how UNFATHOMABLE He is! Our prayer is that our students continue to seek Him, know Him more fully, rely on Him completely, and live lives that reflect His glory.

Senior Parents & Families

Make plans to join your senior for an intimate time of worship and blessing at Lee’s Summit Community Church on May 4. More details to follow.

Focus Verse: “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13

God forgave me, so I forgive you!

Academics SCA Ranked in the Top 10 Private Schools

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SCA was ranked #7 by Ingram’s magazine in their list of “Top Area Private High Schools” in the Kansas City metropolitan area, a rise of 10 spots. Ingram’s is known throughout the business industry for honesty and integrity and has chronicled the Kansas City area for years with exceptionally high standards in reporting. The ranking is base on average ACT scores. SCA students’ composite ACT was 25.2 in 2011.

“We are so excited about what God is doing at SCA! We strive every day to create an academically enriching, godly environment,” commented SCA administrator Linda Harrelson. “Students are responding to our 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio and college preparatory environment with great standardized test scores. We are very proud of them!”

SCA is now enrolling for the 2012/2013 school year.

Sophomores Tackle English Research Project This spring, the sophomore class tackled their English research project. The ambitious students chose specialized topics relating to social issues faced by modern teens.

Advertising and body image, social media communication, adoption, and alcoholism were all under discussion. Despite the sensitive nature of these topics, students handled the

process with a great deal of thought and care, offering caution and advice for peers in these situations. Students were encouraged to consider the scenarios from a biblical perspective.

This 6-8 page essay is one of the more difficult assignments given to sophomore students. They completed the task with excellence!

Spelling Bee Champion Heads to Washington Eighth grader Carolyn Herrera, seventh grader Samuel Chinnery, sixth grader Juliana Ames, and fifth grader Matthew Mitchell recently traveled to Texas to participate in the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Regional Spelling Bee after capturing the top four spots in the District Spelling Bee. Over sixty students from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas took part in this year’s competition in Dallas, Texas. Samuel Chinnery was named the 2012 ACSI Regional Spelling Bee Champion and will compete in Washington, D.C., on May 12. Carolyn Herrera placed fifth and was named an alternate for the upcoming national competition.

Spelling Bee Winner Samuel Chinnery pictured with parents Ronald and Cynthia

and younger brother Zachary.

Athletics Soaring Page 5

Inaugural Baseball Home Opener

SCA celebrated the completion of the new Eagle baseball field on March 27 with a home opener against Cameron High School.

The baseball field was completed last fall on the school’s 36-acre campus.

“There was much excitement surrounding the school’s first-ever home opener on campus. The completion of our field is a dream-come-true for many,” SCA Administrator Linda Harrelson commented.

SCA is ranked #1 in Class 2 schools according to the Missouri Baseball Coaches Association after taking 2nd place in the Class 2 State Championship in 2011.

SCA rented field space for the past few years because there was no baseball field on campus. The new baseball facility includes two dugouts, bleacher seating for fans, and an irrigation system.

“It is a dream come true for me to see this field come together. I have dreamed of having our own facility on campus

Sophomore Named to First TeamAll-District in Basketball

SCA sophomore Taurin Hughes, son of Danan and Tifanni Hughes of Lee’s Summit, was named to the First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District in basketball. Hughes started every game for SCA this year, playing the point guard position and averaging 17 points per game with 4.3 assists and 4 rebounds. These are incredible honors to earn as a sophomore.

since the day we started our baseball program. I really believe this will be one of the nicest playing surfaces in the area,” said SCA Athletic Director Jake Kates.

The event included food, music, a ribbon cutting and dedication, the National Anthem sung by the SCA Concert Chorale, and first pitch.

“It is wonderful to be able to walk right outside the doors of our school to practice and play baseball,” says SCA baseball player and senior Patrick Love.

L to R: Jeff Terrell and Brandon Doctor, who were instrumental in starting SCA’s baseball program nine years ago; Secondary Principal Emir A. Ruiz Esparza; Administrator Linda Harrelson; Board President John Hansen; and Head Coach John Gage at the ribbon cutting.

Fine Arts SCA Theatre presents God’s Favorite

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On April 12, SCA Theatre will take us back to the age

of bell-bottoms, shag carpeting, bamboo furniture, and rotary dial phones - the glorious 1970s. The play is Neil Simon’s God’s Favorite, which is loosely based on the biblical story of Job. The play will be performed at 7 p.m. on April 12, 13, and 14 in the elementary commons. Tickets are $6 in advance and can be purchased at the secondary office. The cast of the play recently shared some insight into their characters. What’s it like, doing a play that takes place in the 70s? Sarah Jones: Fun! The crazy colors, tight clothes, and amazing décor sells you on this era. It’s a new era for me—but I love it! Jessie Lambert: Coming to practice is like hopping into a time machine. I’ve learned more phrases and fads than I could’ve ever expected. Maya Lipps: The language, the clothes, the furniture, everything is

so different. It’s fun to go back in time. Easton Parks: It feels new to me, but then I realize it was forty years ago. The play is loosely based on the story of Job, but it’s a comedy. How does that work? Sarah: The situation that this family finds themselves in is barely humorous, but their reaction is hysterical. These characters make you laugh because you suddenly realize that these are our reactions on extreme levels. Luke Hammer: It really makes the story more presentable to an audience in modern terms and it spins a new light on an Old Testament story. Jessie: Yeah, it’s really interesting to see the story of Job in a tangible and up-close way. Mason Frasher: Characters and interactions (not really circumstance) are what will make the audience laugh. Luke: It’s a whole lot of fun to perform in, with it being a

hilarious Neil Simon play and all. Where does the comedy come from in the play? Jessie: The majority of the laughs come from the sheer insanity of the family’s personalities and relationships with one another. Sarah: Reactions, like I said before. Also the quick-paced misunderstanding of people’s intentions is pretty hilarious. What message does the play give us regarding suffering? Jessie: As suffering enters the lives of this upper-class family in a very real and quick way, you see that the family tries to understand and stay by each other’s side to the best of their ability. “Things come and go, but family is here to stay.” Sarah: (Suffering) is hard, but our reaction is important. Joe (the main character) shows us that we can have hope and faith in the midst of suffering. Maya: Basically, don’t give up on God. Easton: The play really focuses on how much suffering we can take and how we deal with things when everything’s gone. It also hints that bad things can happen to good people, but we can triumph over it. Why should people come to see God’s Favorite? Jessie: Because it thrusts you into the hectic and hilarious reality of our own families. Maya: To hear everyone have an accent—not just me! Easton: We’re all excited for our roles, which completes a great play. Mason: Great actors and actresses presenting genius literature, pulled together by a phenomenal directing staff, will amaze and astound as they take you through this crazy story.

Cast pictured L to R (back row): Nicki Murff, Jessie Lambert, Justus Wagner, Easton Parks, Mia Lipps; (front row) Mason Frasher, Sarah Jones, Luke Hammer.

Fine Arts Bell Choir to Visit SCA

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Vocal Music Students Attend Master Class A number of secondary vocal music students attended a Master Class with renowned opera performer, Joyce DiDonato, at Helzberg Hall in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on March 21. Students observed Ms. DiDonato as she critiqued and instructed three graduate students on their opera performances. There was a question-and-answer session following the performances. “I was overwhelmed by the gorgeous facility and the enchanting night of music. We are so fortunate to live in a city where the performing arts are valued. What an amazing opportunity for our students to hear top-notch performances of such high quality music,” commented Secondary Vocal Music instructor, Mrs. Trissa Lucht. “Ms. DiDonato’s teaching was mesmerizing. We all learned so much, and I think the students would have stayed to listen all night!”

MSHSAA Contest Success Congratulations to the High School Choir and Concert Chorale for receiving the highest ratings from adjudicators at the MSHSAA State Large Group Choir Festival in Pleasant Hill on March 24!

A big congratulations to the music department on a great day at District contest on March 31 in Pleasant Hill!!

The following vocal music students received the highest ratings on their solos and ensembles and will be moving on to the State contest at Mizzou on April 27! We are so proud of you!!

Soloists: Katie Baker, Alyssa Ramey, Taylor Carr, Taylor Shippy, Zach Crabtree, and Hannah Ferguson.

Ensemble members: Katie Baker, Alyssa Ramey, Taylor Carr, Jessie Lambert, Lainey Berry, Nicki Murff, Leah Schmidt, Hannah Ferguson, Katelyn Sullivan, Jonathan Finch, Trent Ross, Garrett Gibson, John Lambert, Patrick Love, Zach Crabtree, Hannah Zizza, Sarah Caruthers, Lauren Carr, Amanda Rouse, Josh Willoughby, Easton Parks, Jackson Redford, Taylor Shippy, Paige Medlin, Ashley Thompson, Grace Gronberg, Hannah Gibson, Alyssa Koeller, Corin Hoke, Rachel Anderson, and Jordan Paul.

Band members also performed well at the District contest. The following students received the highest possible rating and will be competing at State contest: Hannah Zizza, David Martin, Ashley Thompson, Susi Song, Matthew Stanfield, Mariah Cofield, and Kylee Schuh.

Upcoming Fine arts events Spring Band Concert featuring beginning intermediate, junior high band, and senior high band on April 26 in the secondary gym.

Spring Virtuosity! Recital will be on Sunday afternoon, May 6, featuring 62 Virtuosity! students on piano, guitar, violin, clarinet, voice, and drums.

The fabulous bell choir from First United Methodist Church, Independence, will be coming to SCA on April 19 at 2:30 in the elementary commons. The concert is for 3rd and 6th grade students since handbells are part of their music curriculum. The choir will display numerous techniques that are new to students and will also bring their set of chimes! The director, Patt Braley, retired music teacher, also shared that something “interactive” is planned!

Senior Scholarship Opportunity

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one SCA student who plans to attend Metropolitan Community College - Longview or any MCC campus as a part-time or full-time student. The deadline to apply is April 13, 2012. Download the application at www.lsrotary.org.

Fine Arts Students Selected for Art Exhibition

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Congratulations to the SCA students selected for inclusion in the University of Central Missouri High School Competitive Art Exhibition for 2012.

Morgan Anderson (Fibers, Silk Painting)

Lucy Belcher (Photography)

Candy Cheng (Weaving)

Micha Frasher (Drawing, Ink on Canvas)

Melissa Gordon (Drawing, Pastel)

Gillian Smith (Design, Etching)

College & Career Senior Accepted to Theatre & Dance Program

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Congratulations to senior Hannah Ferguson for being accepted into the

Theatre & Dance program at Missouri State University in Springfield! The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting is a dynamic and rigorous course of study designed to offer graduates an exceptional foundation for a successful career in acting.

Ferguson was one of 16 incoming freshman studio students chosen from hundreds who auditioned and proved academic promise. You may remember Hannah as Dolly Levi in the SCA fall musical Hello Dolly. She has been instrumental in six SCA plays, six Christian Youth Theater plays, and various One Acts, Improv Nights, and Theatre Performance Productions.

Hannah has a 3.98 GPA and receives a $10,000 scholarship at MSU.

Summit Christian Academy recently caught up with SCA graduate Ryan Porter who is playing first base and outfielder for Rockhurst University’s baseball team. Porter plans to play professional baseball someday and says he has had some serious looks from professional teams. “I was called on draft day last year,” says Porter. “If I have a good year this year, then I will get to live out my dream of becoming a professional baseball player.” If Porter doesn’t join the major leagues,he would like to work in sales and pursue his MBA. Porter was part of the Eagle baseball team that won the

State Championship when he was a junior and a senior. During his senior year, the team went 20 and 0. “Coach Kates was my basketball coach, and conditioning for basketball truly helped me physically for baseball season. The coaches were great at helping us learn to play better, hit better, and play defense, and that has carried me through my entire college baseball career.” Not only was Porter prepared for athletics, but he felt that his education from SCA helped prepare him academically for college as well. “The work we did in high school really prepared me for college. I had to learn at SCA how to balance athletics and academics, and this taught me how to be better at time management,” says Porter. “As I get older, there are many things that carry through about SCA,” says Porter. “One of those is that playing baseball is not for personal success. I was given this talent to honor Christ in the way that I play. It is about playing for His glory.” “The teachers are so amazing at SCA and you receive a top notch education, bar none of any other school around,” added Porter. “I learned the value of honoring Christ in all that I do and the athletic program is going to truly grow as Coach Kates has done a great job building the athletic program into a powerhouse program.”

Alumni Spotlight – Ryan PorterSCA graduate working to take baseball talent to the major leagues

“As I get older, there are many things

that carry through about SCA,” says Porter. “One of

those is that playing baseball is not for personal success. I was given this talent to honor

Christ in the way that I play. It is about playing for

His glory.”

This & That Support Your Home Team Day

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Board Report The Board of Education met on Thursday, March 22. Pastor Fel Bagunu gave the devotion from Isaiah 49 regarding Old Testament prophecy of Jesus coming to be our Redeemer. Fel opened the meeting in prayer. Emir Esparza presented a summary of the Annual Educational Policy Conference he attended in St. Louis. The conference centered on a biblical world-view and how biblical principles played a part in the founding of our nation. Student Josiah Esparza was among those attending from SCA and told the board it was particularly helpful in his debate and history studies. Kathy Tharp gave a brief report on her trip to China where she represented SCA in presentations to nine different schools in five cities. SCA was among only four Christian schools from the USA invited on this tour. Kathy also met up with Alexis and Joe, two former SCA foreign exchange students. Sarah Coats presented the Development Report pointing out that SCA remains well covered in the local press. She is working with her committee on the final details of the upcoming Eagle Egg 5K where income is projected to be above that of last year’s race. Linda Harrelson presented the Administrator’s Report. Enrollment for next year is up with not only new students but we are trending toward a very high rate of student retention. The financial report reveals SCA is quite strong and projected to end the year solidly in the black. Giving to the Annual Fund is approaching 90% of the goal for this year. Wireless technology throughout the SCA campus was installed over spring break. A motion was passed to make further technology advancements this year to facilitate future use of iPads in the high school. Jim Pirie presented the first reading of a policy covering gifts to SCA and led a discussion on the matter. An additional policy on the subject is being drafted and will be presented at a future date.

To honor our hometown team, the Kansas City Royals, elementary students may wear their Royals apparel to school on Friday, April

13. Royals t-shirts, ball caps, and jeans (full length, shorts, or skirts) can be worn. Students may also bring a ball glove to play catch

during recess (weather permitting). Our wonderful lunch staff is also serving up traditional baseball food - hot dogs!

A Red Carpet Affair

Prom 2012

Saturday, April 28 7-11 p.m.

Arrowhead Yacht Club 396 Winnebago Drive Lake Winnebago MO 64034

Tickets$40 (in advance)$45 (at the door)

Board ElectionThe term of one board member expires

this spring. Applications are being accepted from SCA parents who have

had a student at the school for at least three full semesters and have a

commitment to Christian education and SCA in particular. Ideal candidates are visionaries who believe God has given

them gifts and talents that can be used to help the SCA board navigate the future.

We are praying that God will prompt those whom He desires to fill this position

and that they will be obedient to His calling. Applications are due by April 5 and can be obtained by contacting Carol Lewis at 525-1480 or clewis@sca-kc.org.

This & That

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Eagle Egg 5K Was A Great Event for SCA

Congratulations to all the runners/walkers who took part in the 3rd Annual Eagle 5K on Saturday, March 31. God blessed us with 685 registrants and a beautiful, sunny morning. A big thank you to all

the race sponsors and volunteers! Top male and female runners were Russell Snyder with a time of 17:15 and Angie Knight with a time of 20:53.

PresentingSponsor

CrainVeterinary

Centercrainveterinary.com

The Healy Law FirmOffices in Kansas City

& Lee’s SummitBrent Lilly

AgencyBALANCED

BODYCHIROPRACTIC

CENTER

5K Awards Students who collected $100 or got 15 sponsors can wear jeans the week of April 30-May 4.

We had over 300 runners at the 5K who were not from the school, so ALL students can wear jeans the week of May 7-11!!!

Mrs. Gill will KISS A FROG at the assembly on May 4 at 2:45 p.m. in the elementary gym!

A big THANK YOU to every one who worked hard to make the 5K a success!

Blood Drive Success Thank you to all who gave blood on March 22 at the SCA Blood Drive! We had 29 people try and we collected 21 pints of blood with 10 first time donors! Thank you to the NHS students who volunteered.

Spring Safety The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining! Time to get outside for some Vitamin D absorption and physical activity! Please remember a few safety items. Helmets and tennis shoes are a must for safe bicycle riding. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied prior to leaving the house, and keep your children hydrated with extra water!

Spring Allergies Along with the beautiful weather and blossoming flowers comes dreaded allergy symptoms! Parents, if your child is an allergy sufferer, please remember to give medication before school. Many students are complaining of headaches, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throats, etc. It is hard for them to concentrate during school with these complaints. The health office does not keep allergy medication in stock. If your child may need allergy medications during the day, please fill out the appropriate medication permission forms (found on the Sycamore documents section) and bring the form and medication to the health office.

1500 SW JeffersonLee’s Summit MO 64081

Health Office Reminders