GV Schools Community News - 07/02/2026

Posted Date: 07/02/26 (11:00 AM)

Grain Valley Schools

Community Newsletter

July 2, 2026

Students in art class created American Flags using construction paper. The students are holding up their artwork.

Photo of the Week 🇺🇸 🦅

Honoring the red, white, and blue! Students kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebration during Summer SOAR: The Great American Adventure by crafting their very own American flags in art class.

A piece of notebook paper that reads: Enrollment & Registration

Enrollment & Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year

The 2026-2027 School year is right around the corner! In preparation for the new school year ahead, all students, new and returning, will need to complete the necessary steps to enroll or register.

Returning Grain Valley Students

Families returning to Grain Valley Schools should verify registration through their PowerSchool parent portal beginning July 13th.

Families must provide proof of residency at the start of each new school year. Registering your returning student is also a chance to confirm that all emergency contact information is correct. Each child will need to be registered. There will be no in-person registration event.

If you need assistance registering your student, please contact your child's school beginning July 27th. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the leadership center at 816-847-5006.

Registering a returning student

New Grain Valley Students

Students who are new to Grain Valley Schools, including Kindergarteners who did not participate in Kindergarten Enrollment, will need to complete the new student enrollment process. The new student enrollment process is currently open. To begin the process, families will need to start a new enrollment by creating a PowerSchool account. More information about this process, including steps to enroll and information needed to enroll, can be found on the district's Enrolling a New Student website.

Kindergarten families who have already completed enrollment earlier this spring do not need to complete this process again. However, families will receive an email asking them to verify that all information is still accurate from the spring. Please take time to review and update for accuracy.

Josh Elefson Named Director of Operations

Josh Elefson has been named the new Director of Operations for the district, effective July 1, 2026. Josh brings a wealth of experience and strong ties to the district, having served Grain Valley Schools in the Operations department for 19 years. In this role, Josh will oversee district facilities and daily maintenance operations.

Mr. Elefson has obtained his CORE certification through the Missouri State Plant Managers Association, which is designed to help school facilities professionals master buildings and grounds management.

Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Dr. Nicholas Gooch stated, "Josh’s understanding of facilities and operations and his commitment to the district make him a great fit for this role. His knowledge of operational management will continue to guide the department's growth.”

Josh replaces Gary Goetz, who previously served as the Director of Operations.

Ryan Brennan Named Director of Finance

Ryan Brennan has been named the new Director of Finance for the district, effective July 15, 2026. Mr. Brennan is a highly experienced financial professional, most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Midtown Community School, formerly known as Citizens of the World Charter School.

Mr. Brennan has earned the School Finance & Operations certification from the Association of School Business Officials National Organization.

Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Dr. Nicholas Gooch commented, “Ryan’s experience and knowledge of school finance will greatly contribute to the ongoing success of our district. We look forward to the impact he will have as he serves our district and community.”

Ryan replaces Aaron Hooper, who previously served as the district’s Director of Finance.

Support GV Families: Donate to the 4th Annual Bright Futures Back to School Fair!

Our 4th Annual Bright Futures Back to School Fair is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it another amazing event for students and families in our community! his

Each year, the generosity of our community helps provide school supplies and support so students can start the year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. We would love for you to partner with us this year!

If you would like to donate items, please sign up using the Bright Futures Back to School Donations Link.

Donation Drop-Off Information:

District Leadership Center

101 NW Sni-A-Bar Parkway

Grain Valley, MO 64029

Donations are requested by Friday, July 31st at 4:00 p.m.

Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Can’t shop but still want to help? Monetary donations are also welcome and help us fill gaps for families in need. You can drop donations off at the Leadership Center in cash or check payable to Truman Heartland Community Foundation with Bright Futures Grain Valley in the memo line. You can also donate by following this link.

Every backpack, notebook, pack of crayons, and donation makes a difference for a Grain Valley student. Thank you for helping us make sure ALL students have a strong start to the school year!

We are so grateful for this incredible community and your continued support of Bright Futures Grain Valley!

School Supply Lists Now Available ✏️

We are excited to kick off another great school year on August 25, 2026.

With the start of the new school year right around the corner, school supply lists are now available for our Early Childhood Center, Elementary Schools, and Middle Schools.

High School students will receive their supply lists from their teachers on the first two days of school.

We can't wait to welcome our students back.

2026-2027 School Supply Lists

Independence Day

Grain Valley Schools will be closed on July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day.

Important Dates

July 3

District Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day

August 25

First Day of School

Grain Valley Schools Calendar

Contact Us:

816-847-5006

news@gvr5.net

GrainValleySchools.org