Annual Report-2023-24 - Flipbook - Page 16
URBAN HIKES ENRICHES EDUCATION AT CENTRAL AND
CARL B. BRUCE MIDDLE SCHOOLS
The partnership between Central and Carl B. Bruce Middle Schools and Urban Hikes KC has evolved into
a dynamic learning opportunity that enriches educa琀椀on in KCKPS. This collabora琀椀on provides more than
just an outdoor experience—it immerses students in their community’s history and culture while aligning
with their Guaranteed Viable Curriculum (GVC). From exploring local history to uncovering career
opportuni琀椀es, Urban Hikes KC has brought hands-on learning directly to the students in impac琀昀ul ways.
Urban Hikes KC, led by Founder Lisa Peña, a Sumner Academy alumna, o昀昀ers students a chance to
explore signi昀椀cant local sites such as the Quindaro Ruins, Strawberry Hill, and the Crossroads.
These excursions allow students to make
real-world connec琀椀ons to classroom
learning. Eli Jones, Diploma+ Coordinator at
Central Middle School, shared an impac琀昀ul
experience when he led a hike through the
Quindaro Ruins with eighth graders as part
of their social studies unit on the Civil War
and slavery. “Quindaro was a stop on the
Underground Railroad, and the students could
witness the remnants of the town. Our guide
explained how people crossed the Missouri
River, 昀氀eeing slavery into free-state Kansas by
boat or swimming. It was eye-opening for the
students to learn how close they were to such
a historic event,” Jones recalled.
Carl Bruce Middle School students hike Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts
District with Urban Hike KC’s Lisa Peña.
At Carl B. Bruce Middle School, the
partnership with Urban Hikes KC has
similarly thrived. Kelly Meyer, Diploma+ Coordinator at the school, emphasized how these hikes connect
students with their heritage and the local community. “These hikes allow students to explore the roots
of their community, learning how their families or ancestors came to Kansas City, Kansas, and how that
history has contributed to local business growth, including Urban Hikes itself,” Meyer explained.
The educa琀椀onal bene昀椀ts extend beyond history. During a visit to the Crossroads district, students
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