State-Wide Open Enrollment

Two years ago, Kansas legislators passed an open enrollment law for all school districts in the state. The law allows students to join any school district, regardless of whether or not they live within the boundaries, starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Senior Rae Hamed took advantage of this new opportunity and transferred to BV from Shawnee Mission East.

“We moved closer,” Hamed said. “It seemed like the community [was] better.”

She believes the open enrollment policy benefits everyone, allowing people to take their education into their own hands.

“[The policy’s] good,” she said. “If somebody doesn’t like their school, they can go to a new one — it’s better for them.”

NEHS hosts Book Drive

The National English Honor Society book drive is an annual event to help the community.

NEHS Sponsor Jamie van Loben Sels said all of the books go to communities in Kansas City, Kansas that don’t have access to new books. “I like that [the book drive] brings a lot of the community together, it’s not exclusive to NEHS and so its always for a good cause.” van Loben sels said.

Students can find buckets in Room 408 or around the main entrance to drop off books. “I think [donations are] really impactful when it comes from the student themselves.”

For donations,  “Any gently used children’s books, or new books [work]” van Loben Sels said.

New Faces Join Office Staff

With the new 2024-2025 school year, there are a few new staff members in the office.

Ashton Reno is filling the Student Services position. Students can find her in the office before the counselors’ room. Her job consists of setting up meetings with counselors and answering questions, “I like interacing with the kids and studnets, there all great.” Reno said.

Ashley Jenkins is also new in the office as the administrative assistant. She runs calendars, takes care of in-school maintenance, student IDs, pictures, graduation and logistics.

“Im excited to see what the rest of the year has.” Jenkins said.