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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Contact: Ashley Razak, Director of Communications
Phone: 913.667.8170

Bonner Springs/Edwardsville USD 204 Deploys ZeroEyes AI Gun Detection and Intelligent Situational Awareness Technology

PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 2026 -- ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by the Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Kansas School District to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence.

USD 204 serves more than 2,400 Pre-K–12th grade students with 455 staff members across a network of schools in the suburban communities of Kansas City, Bonner Springs, and Edwardsville, including one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools, and two pre-K buildings. ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security plan, which also includes school resource officers (SROs), secured entrances, and close, ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies across all three communities. The district secured funding through the Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, to purchase and implement ZeroEyes.

“Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is at the core of everything we do,” said Lisa Terrell, Director of the Education Foundation & Counseling Services. “The deployment of ZeroEyes is a natural extension of our district’s proactive, layered approach to security, enhancing the strong foundation we’ve built through trusted partnerships with local law enforcement, secure facilities, and dedicated personnel.”

Read more: https://aptg.co/_JbbLZ
about 1 month ago, USD 204
A press release from Bonner Springs, announcing the deployment of ZeroEyes AI gun detection in local schools.
Document displays a white page with black text. Header reads "About ZeroEyes". Text below details ZeroEyes' AI technology for gun detection.

Returning student online enrollment is NOW OPEN!

Access the form by logging into Skyward Q and clicking on the Returning Family Registration 2026-27 “tile” as circled in red in the attached image. If you have trouble logging in, please contact our USD 204 District Office at 913.422.5600 to resolve any issues.

To submit the enrollment form, you will need proof of residency. A water, gas, or electric bill (PDF or image) is required for form submission. (The water, gas, or electric bill will need to include the legal parent/guardian’s name and address in the image or PDF.)

This year’s enrollment form can also be filled out on a phone or tablet using the Skyward Mobile Access app! Please note that students must be enrolled in Skyward Q in order to see their teacher or view their class schedule before the start of school.

While in Skyward Q, you can fill out the online application for free and reduced-price school meals, and please make sure that you sign the "Consent for Disclosure" on the last step if you wish for discounts to be considered for school fees, as well.

The first day of school this year is August 13th! Schedules/teachers will be posted on August 11th at 3:00 p.m. on Family and Student Access.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the District Office until office staff returns to the school buildings on July 27th.

about 2 months ago, USD 204
A grid with icons, highlighted in orange, on a purple background. Each icon is labeled and includes symbols.
Just because school is out doesn't mean the work stops! Our USD 204 student athletes continue to show up, put in the effort, and get stronger every day through our Summer Weights program!

From building strength and speed to improving endurance and discipline, these athletes are committed to becoming the best versions of themselves in the off season.

We are proud of the dedication and positive attitude these students bring each day and grateful for the dedication of our coaches to continue this program throughout the summer!
about 2 months ago, USD 204
Multiple people in a gym are performing exercises. One woman is bent over, lifting a barbell.
Gym with orange walls. Four people work out. One lifts a barbell, one sits on a bench, and two stand.
A group of men in various orange tops and shorts in a gym, one on a bench, others standing.
Multiple people in a gym, wearing workout clothes. Some are stretching while others are standing or walking.
A group of people in a gym, wearing athletic clothing, doing seated exercises in a circle.
Regular school attendance is key to academic growth and achievement! Help your student stay on track by planning family vacations during scheduled school breaks (we've listed several opportunities throughout the 2026-2027 school year here)!

Labor Day: 4-day weekend (Sept. 5 - Sept. 8)
Fall Break: 5-day opportunity (Oct. 14* - Oct. 18)
Thanksgiving Break: 9-day opportunity (Nov. 21 - Nov. 29)
Winter Break: 18-day opportunity (Dec. 18 - Jan. 4)
MLK Day Weekend: 3-day weekend (Jan. 16 - Jan. 18)
President's Day Weekend: 3-day weekend (Feb. 13 - Feb. 15)
Spring Break: 10-day opportunity (March 12* - March 21)
PD Break: 4-day weekend (March 26 - March 29)
April 30: 3-day weekend (April 30 - May 2)

*Denotes P/T Conference dates - we encourage you to schedule a time to meet with your child's teachers if you cannot attend on Oct. 14-15 or March 12.

By traveling during these designated days off, your child won’t miss important classroom instruction. Let’s work together to reduce absences and to prepare today's learners for tomorrow's opportunities!
2 months ago, USD 204
Vacation planner for 2026-2027 showing holidays and breaks with dates. Background is white.
The BSHS Office has many diplomas (new and old) that have not been picked up after graduations - dating all the way back to 1980!

Pick yours up this summer in the BSHS Office between Mondays - Thursdays from 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.! Call first to confirm we have yours - 913.667.8150!
3 months ago, USD 204
Black and orange poster with white text reads, "BSHs Office has many diplomas (new and old) dating back to 1980."

Join us this afternoon for the Students vs. Staff Softball Game fundraiser that will be held TODAY, May 13th at 3:30 p.m.!

$5 entry for BSHS baseball and softball teams! Concessions will be available!

4 months ago, USD 204
An event poster for a softball game between students and staff. It features silhouettes of players, date, time, and entry fee.
4 months ago, USD 204
Document with "BOARD BEAT" and "USD 204" logo. It has a meeting date of May 4, 2026, and notes the approval of meeting minutes and reports.
Class of 2026,

Share the joy of graduation! The graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 12th will be livestreamed for those that cannot attend in-person. The livestream can be found at bravesbroadcast.live In addition, Wagner Photography will be there to capture graduate portraits. You can view and purchase photos at wagnerportraitgroup.com/graduations

We can't wait to celebrate will you. See you there!
4 months ago, BSHS Counselors
To view and order graduation photos, visit wagnerportraitgroup.com/graduations
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Chasitee Sambol - Valedictorian:

Chasitee Sambol plans to attend college, where she will continue her athletic career in basketball, though she is still undecided on her specific path. Throughout high school, she has been actively involved in volleyball, basketball, track and field, National Honor Society, Orange Crush, Diversity, KAY Club, Prom Committee, and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Reflecting on her journey, Chasitee shares, “I want to thank my family, of course, Madilock, and myself for keeping my expectations high.”
4 months ago, USD 204
Woman in a white tank top and blue jeans poses on a field. Text reads "Chasitee Sambol" and her high school activities.
Attention Senior Families!

Can you believe Graduation is almost here? As we near the end of the year, we wanted to share lots of important information with you! Attached you will find the following...
- Important dates/events with information about Senior finals, Senior events, Graduation Rehearsal, Graduation, etc.
- "Know Before You Go" document from Sporting KC park, including venue rules and parking information

In addition, Wagner Photography will be at graduation to take Senior portraits. Following the event, you can purchase photos by going to wagnerportraitgroup.com Also, graduation will be livestreamed at bravesbroadcast.live that evening for anyone that cannot attend in-person.

Please review this information and reach out with any questions. We are so excited to celebrate this moment with our Seniors and their families!
4 months ago, BSHS Counselors
Sporting KC Park Know Before You Go, Page 1
Sporting KC Park Know Before You Go, Page 2
Sporting KC Park Know Before You Go, Page 3
Senior dates and events, Page 1
Senior dates and events, Page 1
Attention Senior Parents!

If you haven’t yet purchased a yearbook from your student’s freshman, sophomore, or junior year, good news—limited copies are still available! This is a great opportunity to complete your collection and hold onto those special high school memories.

Please see the graphic for details on availability and how to purchase.
4 months ago, Crystal Mulich
yearbook
Senior Awards Night was Wednesday evening! BSHS held a ceremony featuring many academic, athletic, and other achievements of the BSHS Class of 2026!

During the evening:
67 seniors were recognized for having a GPA of 3.5+
8 were recognized as valedictorians, 1 as salutatorian
40 local scholarships were given out to 102 students
3 students committed to the US Military
16 students were named for the Braves Activity Award
5 special scholarships were awarded
3 students who scored 30+ on the ACT were recognized
Addison Vogel and Kelan Gruver were recognized as our Athletes of the Year
Braelyn Morris was recognized as the KSHSAA Citizenship Award winner, and
Cora Dow was awarded an official appointment to the US Air Force Academy (for which she received a standing ovation from the audience!)

Congratulations to our entire Class of 2026! We are so proud of you all!
4 months ago, USD 204
A man and a woman stand on stage, holding a paper and flowers. Behind them, people sit and stand, observing.
A person stands on a stage holding an award while others sit in chairs, some wearing glasses.
Two women stand on stage at an event, one holding a purple folder, the other holding papers. Behind them, seated audience members watch.
A person on stage holding a paper and another person handing it to them. Behind them is a podium with a microphone and flowers.
A man stands at a podium receiving an award from a woman. People are seated in the audience.
A man and a woman on stage shake hands while holding papers; people sit in the audience.
Two individuals stand on a stage holding awards. Behind them, an audience sits in rows of chairs, watching.
On a stage, two individuals shake hands. One holds a paper, and a microphone is nearby. Behind them, people sit on chairs, and a black curtain is in the background.
People on a stage, one in a dress, one in a suit, shaking hands. Behind them, a microphone on a stand and flowers.
Kansas Association of School Boards Business Operations Leadership Development (BOLD) class met at the USD 204 District Office this morning, and they had an All-Star welcome thanks to our BSHS Unified Cheer Hype Squad!
4 months ago, USD 204
Several people in yellow shirts clapping for a man in a hallway.
A group of people in yellow shirts are standing in a tiled room. A woman in black stands in the middle, clapping.
A group of people in yellow shirts stand in a hallway. A woman stands in the middle.
Group of people in yellow shirts stand in a hallway; one person walks near a counter.
People in yellow shirts and sneakers stand in a hallway. A man in black is giving high fives.
A group of people in yellow shirts stand in a lobby, clapping and facing a man speaking. Bright lighting, tiled floor, and a television are visible.
A group of adults and children wearing yellow shirts stand in a hallway with orange walls and white tile floor.
A room with a projector screen displaying "2020 welcomes KASB BOLD". People are seated at tables.
The Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorian were announced at last night's Bonner Springs High School Senior Awards Night!

Congratulations to Valedictorians:
Sophia Schwartzkopf
Margaret Haigh
Karbe Barber
Addyson Thompson
Addison Vogel
Cora Dow
Chasitee Sambol and
Victoria Timmons

And congrats to the Class of 2026 Salutatorian:
Braelyn Morris
4 months ago, USD 204
A group of women holding awards, lined up on a stage, with a flag and black backdrop.
Three Bonner Springs High School students scored a 30+ on the ACT in the Class of 2026! They were announced last night at the Senior Awards Night and their names have been placed on the school plaque!

Congratulations to:
Cherish Gonzaga
Sophia Schwartzkopf
Eric Peterson
4 months ago, USD 204
Three individuals pose next to a large plaque with text. A woman holds it between two people. A field of lavender flowers is visible in the background.

Congratulations to our BSHS student athletes doing activities and playing sports at the next level! This afternoon, they signed letters of intent committing themselves to next year:

Reyna Dunn - vocal music at KCKCC
Natalie Stoway - vocal music at KCKCC
Amaya Burris - basketball at KCKCC
Nya Anderson - basketball at Iowa Central Community College
Chasitee Sambol - basketball at Johnson County Community College
Isabella Gonzalez - volleyball at Framingham State University
Lane Vogel - wrestling at University of Saint Mary
Devan Fleischer - football at Garden City CC
Allison Campbell - powerlifting at MidAmerica Nazarene University
Braedyn Wells - cross country at McPherson College
Keira and Kelcey Bayles - cross country at Baker University
Addyson Thompson - track & field at University of Wisconsin - Parkside
Emily Morton - track & field at Fort Scott Community College
Addison Vogel - track & field at St. Cloud State University

Way to go!

#204BravesPride

4 months ago, USD 204
A group of young athletes poses behind a table with sports equipment and a banner that reads "Bonner Springs Braves."

The April 20 Board Beat is now available on our website!

4 months ago, USD 204
A flyer features a group of students standing in a room with a director and singers.

Need help buying food for your children when school is out for summer?

Learn how the Kansas SUN Bucks program can help you!​

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving SUN Bucks will not affect children or families’ immigration status.

Applications are now being accepted for SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2026. Benefits will not be issued until summer 2026. Some households may be automatically eligible and will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility. Other households can create a DCF Self-Service Portal​ account or use your existing login to apply before 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026.

4 months ago, USD 204
sun bucks logo
The USD 204 Preschool Information Night will take place tomorrow night, Thursday, April 16th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Delaware Ridge Elementary, Head Start, and McDanield Learning Center! If you have a child who is 4 years of age on or before August 31, 2026, you may want him/her to attend one of our three preschool programs!

If you don't know which preschool your child will attend, check out our Preschool Information page on our website: https://www.usd204.net/page/204pre-k or call one of our schools at:

USD 204 PRESCHOOL - 913-441-2126
Tuition-based preschool hosted at DRE

PRESCHOOL AT MCDANIELD - 913-422-7970
No-fee preschool

PRESCHOOL AT HEAD START - 913-441-2828
No-fee preschool

Join us on Thursday, April 16th to learn about the preschool program at the building your child will attend! Bring your student to visit the classrooms and meet the staff!

We hope to see you there!
4 months ago, USD 204
Flyer with heading "USD 204 Preschool Information Night" and date "April 16th, 2026". It lists locations and times.

USD 204 Board of Education Appoints Nicole Perica Gerken to fill BOE Vacancy

The Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Board of Education appointed Nicole Perica Gerken as a school board member to replace the vacancy opened when former member Ashley Razak resigned to accept a position within the district. Gerken will serve in this position through December 2027.

A 1997 graduate of Bonner Springs High School, Gerken brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across nonprofit management, strategic communications, fundraising, marketing, public relations, brand development, and operational oversight to the position. She has worked at The HALO Foundation for the past 16 years, including serving as their Chief Operating Officer since 2016.

Gerken applied for the Board position because she believes strong schools are the foundation of a strong and thriving community.

“Through my professional work at HALO supporting homeless and at-risk children and families, I have seen firsthand how education, stability, and supportive environments shape a child’s long-term trajectory,” Gerken said. “I believe school boards play a critical role in setting vision, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and supporting educators so they can focus on student success.”

USD 204 Board President Angie Thomas said, “The Board unanimously agreed Gerken’s expertise and leadership make her well suited to fill this role. Her skills and perspective will strengthen our board, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on USD 204 and the community we serve.”

5 months ago, USD 204
A woman in a green jacket smiles at the camera with autumn trees and a building pillar behind her.