Category Amy Fleming

Nov 10 2025

Feeling proud to be a Huskie!

Hi everyone,

On the front page of Springfield News-Leader’s Sunday edition, the lead article began, “SPS improves performance on Missouri report card for third straight year.” SPS stands for Springfield Public Schools, the largest district in Missouri. The report card referred to Annual Performance Report (APR), which measures success toward expectations set by the Missouri School Improvement Plan. The full article, by CLAUDETTE REILLY, explains about the standards and presents the results, category by category and school by school throughout the district. About 24,500 students attend SPS in 50 schools — 35 elementary, 1 intermediate, 9 middle, and 5 high schools. One school earned 100% of possible APR points — DAVID HARRISON ELEMENTARY!!!!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Since Harrison opened in 2009, it has been a strong, nurturing school. I’ve always been proud to have my name on the building. But this is huge new evidence of the quality of the school! I had nothing to do with that 100% grade so I can just sit here, popping buttons for Principal AMY FLEMING, librarian DR. ANGELA KNIGHT, all the fantastic teachers and staff, and the wonderful kids who make Harrison what it is. And you can be sure that where there is a good school, there are good parents supporting their kids and those who teach them. Congratulations everyone! I am proud to be a Huskie!

Aug 19 2025

First day of school

Hi everyone,

I’m off to David Harrison Elementary School to greet the kids as they come for their first day of classes this fall. I’ve been doing this for quite a while now at the invitation of librarian ANGELA KNIGHT and principal AMY FLEMING.

No matter what else happens today, it can’t be better than this!

Aug 20 2024

On Harrison Elementary and The Writers Place

Hi everyone,

I had a fine time yesterday morning, sitting outside the front door of David Harrison Elementary and welcoming the kids back to school. I received enough waves and hugs and posed for enough pictures to last until the next time I go to Harrison.

I never show recognizable pictures of kids without permission but they live in my files and in my heart. I’m grateful to new Harrison principal, AMY FLEMING, and Harrison librarian, ANGELA KNIGHT, for hosting me and making me feel so welcome.

I’m also including a link to the coverage by FOX4 when they came to interview me at The Writers Place last Friday night in Kansas City. My thanks to News Director and old friend, POLLY VAN DOREN-ORR, for making that happen. https://fox4kc.com/video/poet-laureates-speak-at-special-kansas-city-event/9966678/

Aug 19 2024

Off to David Harrison Elementary to welcome kids on their first day of school

Hi everyone,

Back home from a good trip to Kansas City. We saw old friends, made some new ones, visited the Nelson Art Gallery, did a little shopping, and loved appearing with Kansas Poet Laureate TRACI BRIMHALL at Central Library and sharing a reading night at The Writers Place with WILLIAM TROWBRIDGE and CATHERINE BROWDER. Staying three nights with our dear friend ELAINE FRY was a highlight.

The turnout for “The State of Poetry” at the library was great and the audience was enthusiastic. Our narrator was MELISSA FERRER-CIVIL, Kansas City’s first Poet Laureate. Melissa asked Traci and me a series of questions and we took turns responding. Here’s the link to the entire program.

Here’s the link that goes straight to the video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/OMhwCAjkD74 .

This morning is the first day of school so I’m on my way to David Harrison Elementary to sit in a chair outside the front doors and welcome students as they enter the building to begin the fall semester. I love doing that! I’m grateful to principal AMY FLEMING and librarian ANGELA KNIGHT for welcoming me back.