Johnson County dispatch: Are area schools using too much tech? What parents say
Editor’s note: This is from the Johnson County Newsletter, a free newsletter that delivers to your inbox once a week. Sign up here and take a look at all our full lineup.
Hi Johnson County Readers!
Amanda Davidson and her family moved to Overland Park a few years ago due to the area’s strong public school system. But now, she’ll be sending her soon-to-be kindergartner to private school instead because she says the Shawnee Mission School District “overrelies” on technology in classrooms.
“We chose a school that encourages students to read books, paper books, and write by hand. This was the deciding factor for our family,” she told the Shawnee Mission school board at a recent meeting.
Davidson is one of several parents who are a part of a local movement to advocate for more regulation and restrictions on using technology in classrooms. See what parents had to say and the district’s response by our intern Julianna Mejia.
What do you think about school districts using technology in classrooms? Do you think it’s helpful, or should schools pump the brakes? Send your thoughts in an email to toconnor@kcstar.com.
In other news: From hosting watch parties to booming to-go orders, hear from some local business owners who say they’ve felt a boost from World Cup fans during our summer of soccer.
Let’s dive into what else is going on in Johnson County and the metro.
What’s up in JoCo?
Here’s our quick scoop of the weekly news for you. Find more JoCo news on a special page at kansascity.com.
☕ From blackberry matcha to Yemeni lattes, check out a new Arabic coffee shop that serves coffee after the sun goes down.
🥩 What started as a small barbecue competition with 12 teams has become a 44-year tradition with more than 100 teams showing up and showing out at the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
💵 Are you interested in learning more about your property tax bill? Johnson County will host one more open house to talk about the 2027 county budget in August.
🫖 See where Billie’s Grocery will be bringing its gluten-free goodies, specialty drinks and organic bites with a second Johnson County location opening soon.
📱 As a new Kansas law restricts phones in classrooms, one Johnson County school district is in the early stages of adopting two new policies to align with the regulations.
💔 “This was not an easy decision.” After six years of operating in Overland Park, a barbecue restaurant announced it would be closing so the owners could put their family first.
🦮 Meet Benny: A new furry friend works paw in hand with staff at Children’s Mercy in Overland Park to help make kids’ hospital experience less scary..
Around KC
🎆 The Fourth of July is Saturday. See where you can light fireworks and what cities have banned their use without permits.
🤮 From gnats in the kitchen to moldy produce, check out the latest restaurant inspections across the metro.
🏛️ Despite speculation, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall told NBC he has no interest in accepting a cabinet post for President Donald Trump. “I’m right where I need to be.”
