November 21, 2025 Dear Archie Community Partner and Alumni, Some of you may know that the only licensed daycare center in Archie will close its doors on November 26, 2025. This change places many families in an urgent situation. Our community is officially classified as a childcare desert, meaning the number of available childcare spots is far below the needs of our population. The Archie R-V School District strongly believes that supporting our families begins with ensuring all children have a safe, reliable, and local place to learn and grow. To help meet this critical need, the district is actively pursuing grant opportunities and a partnership with a local childcare provider to establish a high-quality childcare program located on the school campus. Early feedback from families—gathered through our recent survey—has shown both strong need and strong support for this effort. To make this project possible, we are seeking the partnership of community members, organizations, and businesses like yours, as our most viable childcare grant opportunity requires a matching in-kind contribution. This means that, in order to receive the grant, we as a school district must first secure funding from other sources equal to the funds provided by the grant. Your generosity in support of this project can directly impact local families who may otherwise struggle to find care for their children. As a token of our appreciation, all donors contributing to this project will be acknowledged through signage displayed at the school. This recognition will highlight the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose support helped make this childcare program possible. We are gratefully accepting monetary donations, as well as services, supplies, and in-kind items, including (but not limited to): a large storage container; electrical or plumbing work; flooring and/or installation services; camera system; fire and safety equipment; items such as a stove, refrigerator, sink, microwave, or dishwasher. Every contribution—large or small—brings us one step closer to providing dependable childcare within our community and reducing the burden on working families. This helps keep OUR kids in OUR community! If you are willing to support this project, or if you would like more information, please contact Kristi Reynolds, Early Childhood Director at 816-293-5312 x.1093 or [email protected]. We would be happy to discuss how your partnership can help shape this important initiative. On behalf of the Archie R-V School District and the families we serve, thank you for considering this opportunity to strengthen our community. Together, we can ensure that Archie remains a place where families can live, work, and thrive. With appreciation, Dr. Michelle Wityk Lee Harmon Kristi Reynolds Tamara Stroud Superintendent Fed.Programs Director Early Childhood Director Elementary Principal
