One of the best aspects of music is how it can create experiences where everyone can “Join In.” Kim Hinkle, executive director of the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation joined students in making music at Sunflower Elementary to highlight this theme.
Led by music teacher Calista Martin, students shared a drum performance, featuring a variety of percussion instruments and rhythms. Click here to see a video.
Their performance ties in with the March 2025 Read Across America featured elementary book “Jam, Too?” by Ja-Nay Brown-Wood. This book tells the story of a group of people who start jamming on the beach, adding instruments as they go. There is one child we all get to know, who does not have an instrument, but finds a way to be a part of the fun.
“This book reminds us how sometimes we all bring something different to the group, but we can all play a part in making an experience new, and different, and better,” Hinkle shared.
Following their drum performance, Hinkle shared with the students at Sunflower that their school had received a $1,200 Excellence in Education grant from the Foundation. This grant will allow for the purchase of musical instruments specifically made to help students with special needs play musical instruments.
“Thank you so much,” Martin expressed after the news was shared with the students. “We are so glad that more students at Sunflower Elementary will be able to jam too!”
Read Across SMSD is modeled after the National Read Across America program and is led in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. Access to books for Shawnee Mission students is made possible through the Foundation.
Click here for the Read Across SMSD webpage, featuring resources from previous years, archive videos, and more information about the program.
NEA Book List:
Elementary:
Jam, Too?
JaNay Brown-Wood
Click here to learn more.Middle Grade:
The Secret Library
Kekla Magoon
Click here to learn more.Young Adult:
Safe Passage
G. Neri
Click here to learn more.
Shawnee Mission School District is the third largest school district in Kansas. The district serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. It has been consistently ranked among the finest school districts nationwide for its high student performance. The district’s objective is that each student will have a personalized learning plan that will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, which is 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.smsd.org.
There are multiple ways you can stay up-to-date on all of the news highlighting students and staff members in the Shawnee Mission School District throughout this school year. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or watch for stories posted under “recent news” on www.smsd.org. Have you heard our podcast? Click here to listen or subscribe.
