Frequently Asked Questions:
If your question is not answered below, feel free to submit it directly at jwalker@kelly.k12.mo.us. Please put “KYAO question” in the subject line.
What is the goal amount of money to be raised?
How much taxpayer money is being used to fund the new sports?
How can the community get involved with KYAO?
What is the estimated date for having the football and soccer projects completed?
On what level will the football team compete?
How much money is needed to start a football team?
How much money has been raised?
Is raising money the only objective for this organization?
Will grades be considered when students try out for the new sports?
Are there plans to do projects for the elementary school and middle school?
Are they considering a boys’ soccer team in the future?
Does the school district plan to resurface the track?
The purpose of KYAO is to provide the funds and support necessary to establish and maintain extra-curricular activities for the students of Kelly Schools. Our goal is to ensure that each of our students is given the chance to grow outside of the classroom environment.
What is the goal amount of money to be raised?
Actually, we don’t have a set goal amount to be raised. Our main focus right now is to raise enough money to get our football and girls’ soccer programs up and running, but then we hope to do other things. Many other student programs need help financially, so we are going to keep working to help out as much as we can in all extra-curricular areas.
How much taxpayer money is being used to fund the new sports?
No taxpayer dollars will be used to begin the football and soccer programs. All money needed to build the field and purchase initial equipment will be raised by KYAO.
How can the community get involved with KYAO?
1—Make sure that you are on the KYAO Contact List. As things develop, emails will be sent out to let individuals and businesses know about our activities. Send your name and email address to jwalker@kelly.k12.mo.us.
2—Attend KYAO meetings. Meeting times and dates will be sent out to the KYAO contact list and posted on the school website and sign.
3—Ask questions and share ideas! We will not have continual success as an organization without the combined input and energy of everyone involved. If there is something you want to know, or if you have an idea to share, send it as an email to jwalker@kelly.k12.mo.us.
4—Talk about us! Many of our fundraising efforts will require publicity. Spreading our message by word of mouth can be very powerful. However, if you have any newspaper, radio, or TV contacts, feel free to share! We could always use free advertising!
5—Ask for donations. If you know of a business or individual that may benefit from a tax deduction, ask if they would like to donate to our organization.
6—Be prepared to help. This summer, we will mainly be generating ideas and planning for future events. Once the school year begins, however, we will get to work raising money. Projects like concession stands, t-shirt sales, and others will require lots of able bodies!
What is the estimated date for having the football and soccer projects completed?
We hope to have a football field built during the 2011-2012 school year (soccer will also be played on that field), which would allow the formation of football and girls’ soccer teams in the following school year (2012-2013). If, by chance, the field is not fully prepared at that time, the teams can practice on campus and participate in away games for that season. However, a definite completion date can not be determined at this time. Every penny for this project is being raised by KYAO—NO SCHOOL FUNDS ARE BEING USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OR SUPPLIES. Therefore, the ability to move ahead relies solely on the success of KYAO’s fundraising efforts.
On what level will the football team compete?
The plan right now is to start with a junior varsity team in the fall of 2012. As those students progress through the system, we hope to be ready for varsity competition in the next couple of years.
How much money is needed to start a football team?
A definite amount is not known. Beginning a football program is a substantial financial investment. However, once the program is established, football may not only pay for itself, but also support other programs. One advantage we have is that we have the space inside the track that will be ideal for the field itself. We also have the parking available that will accommodate large crowds. The largest initial expense will come from bleachers, lights, the pressbox, and player equipment. Prices for these range widely, and we are exploring many ways to save money. Through donations, volunteer work, and savvy shopping, we plan to get our program started for far less than many programs while not sacrificing quality.
How much money has been raised?
Our account balance is always changing. Updated financial reports will be given at each KYAO meeting.
Is raising money the only objective for this organization?
While fundraising is the primary objective of this group, we also hope to be a support system for student activities. For example, if the band needs help transporting instruments to an event or if the elementary needs help with play day, we hope that those teachers will inform us so that we can reach out through our contact list and ask for volunteers.
While it is true that many of our existing programs do need improvements, the needs are not so drastic that they totally prevent students from participating in those activities. Providing new sports gives our student body a variety of opportunities, which will allow more students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Will grades be considered when students try out for the new sports?
All of our sports are governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Their requirements for participation in high school sports can be found at their website, http://www.mshsaa.org/. In addition to these requirements, however, the school district has the policy that all student athletes must maintain a C- average. (This grade requirement may be waived for I.E.P. students.) More information can be found in the Student Activities Manual which is sent home with students on the first day of school. Other copies are available from the high school office.
Are there plans to do projects for the elementary school and middle school?
Although we do not have anything planned at this time, we hope to expand our projects in the future. After the football and soccer projects are complete, we plan to reach out to the entire district to see what areas need our help. Areas that have been mentioned so far include new band uniforms, a handicapped accessible van for special services and H.I.T., and baseball and softball field lights, just to name a few.
Are they considering a boys’ soccer team in the future?
At this time, there are no plans to form a boys’ soccer team.
Does the school district plan to resurface the track?
As the football field is being built, heavy equipment will have to cross over the track. Therefore, the resurfacing will take place after the football field is finished. The goal is to have the track fixed and ready to host track meets at Kelly High School in the spring of 2013.