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As class after class at Cordill-Mason Elementary filed into the school’s cafeteria, staff and students alike had fingers pressed to their faces, reminding them to “shhh.” The entire school was involved in trying to pull off a big surprise for their principal Cassie Gengelbach – staff knew she was being honored for an award, students just knew their job was to quietly gather and cheer as loudly as they could when she walked through the doors.
Mission accomplished.
As Gengelbach walked into the cafeteria, students greeted her with a loud welcome, and she had no idea she was about to be named the Kansas City Distinguished Principal for 2023-2024 by the Kansas City Elementary Principal’s Association. Gengelbach will now represent BSSD and the Kansas City, Missouri Metro as she competes for the state award.
Not only did CME students and staff honor Gengelbach, but special guests included her family and members of BSSD administration. CME Assistant Principal Jaclyn Brunk shared staff’s thoughts of Gengelbach which included, "Her commitment to inspire others never ceases; her love for her students is unconditional; and, our love and appreciation for her is difficult to put into words. Everyone in this room has been changed for the better having worked alongside Mrs. Gengelbach.”