Paseo JAG Students Turn Learning Into Entrepreneurship Through DIY Laundry Detergent Project
Students in Paseo Academy's Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program recently combined STEM, entrepreneurship, and career readiness through a hands-on DIY Laundry Detergent Project.
The project began with students researching the hidden chemicals found in many commercial detergents and exploring their effects on health, the environment, and household budgets. Students then partnered with the school's VILS (Verizon Innovative Learning Schools) Lab to design prototype detergent bottles using 3D modeling technology, gaining experience in engineering and design thinking.
After developing their packaging concepts, students created their own environmentally friendly detergent formula, applying workplace safety practices and quality-control standards throughout the production process. They then bottled, labeled, and packaged the finished product while developing critical employability skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
The project also introduced students to entrepreneurship concepts, including product development, branding, marketing, and pricing.
"This project exemplifies what JAG is all about," said JAG Specialist Otis Morris. "Students are applying skills from science, technology, financial literacy, and career development while creating solutions to real-world challenges."
By combining STEM innovation with entrepreneurship, the project reflects Paseo JAG's commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success.
At Paseo JAG, students aren't simply preparing for the future—they are creating it
Students in Paseo Academy's Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program recently combined STEM, entrepreneurship, and career readiness through a hands-on DIY Laundry Detergent Project.
The project began with students researching the hidden chemicals found in many commercial detergents and exploring their effects on health, the environment, and household budgets. Students then partnered with the school's VILS (Verizon Innovative Learning Schools) Lab to design prototype detergent bottles using 3D modeling technology, gaining experience in engineering and design thinking.
After developing their packaging concepts, students created their own environmentally friendly detergent formula, applying workplace safety practices and quality-control standards throughout the production process. They then bottled, labeled, and packaged the finished product while developing critical employability skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
The project also introduced students to entrepreneurship concepts, including product development, branding, marketing, and pricing.
"This project exemplifies what JAG is all about," said JAG Specialist Otis Morris. "Students are applying skills from science, technology, financial literacy, and career development while creating solutions to real-world challenges."
By combining STEM innovation with entrepreneurship, the project reflects Paseo JAG's commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success.
At Paseo JAG, students aren't simply preparing for the future—they are creating it
Parent-Teacher Conferences – October 29, 2026
Paseo families, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
✅ Open-house style conference format
✅ No appointment needed
✅ First come, first served (approximately 15-minute meetings)
✅ Visit teachers directly in their classrooms
⏰ Please note: Teachers will be unavailable from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM for a lunch/dinner break.
🌎 Need a Spanish interpreter or DHH services? These are the only conferences that require an appointment. Please contact the front office (816-418-2287) as soon as possible to schedule interpreter services.
We encourage all families to attend and partner with us in supporting student success. We look forward to seeing you on October 29!
Paseo families, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
✅ Open-house style conference format
✅ No appointment needed
✅ First come, first served (approximately 15-minute meetings)
✅ Visit teachers directly in their classrooms
⏰ Please note: Teachers will be unavailable from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM for a lunch/dinner break.
🌎 Need a Spanish interpreter or DHH services? These are the only conferences that require an appointment. Please contact the front office (816-418-2287) as soon as possible to schedule interpreter services.
We encourage all families to attend and partner with us in supporting student success. We look forward to seeing you on October 29!
It won't be long before the Class of 2027 is walking across the stage! To help make their final year unforgettable, we are hosting a Double Good Popcorn fundraiser from Friday, October 15 (5:00 PM) to Monday, October 19 (5:00 PM).
Our seniors will keep 50% of all sales to directly fund senior traditions like Senior Week, the Senior BBQ, and year-long celebrations. Thank you for helping us make this year special for our grads!
Our seniors will keep 50% of all sales to directly fund senior traditions like Senior Week, the Senior BBQ, and year-long celebrations. Thank you for helping us make this year special for our grads!
🎬🍿 PASEO MOVIE NIGHT & POTLUCK FUNDRAISER! 🍿🎬
Join the Paseo and KCPS community for an evening of fun, food, and a movie under the stars!
📅 Friday, October 23
📍 Paseo Student Parking Lot / Outside Gym Doors
⏰ 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
🎥 Movie starts at 6:00 PM
🌟 Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy: ✅ Community activities
✅ Delicious potluck dishes
✅ Family-friendly movie night
✅ Fundraising to support Paseo Latine Senior Scholarships
🍽️ Want to contribute a dish? Bring a dish that serves 10-20 people and choose a price between $3-$7 to help raise scholarship funds.
🙋 Volunteers are also needed!
🔗 Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/4yNdgfK
🔗 Sign up to bring a dish: https://bit.ly/4yNdgfK
Let's come together to support our students and make it a great night! ❤️🖤💛 #PaseoAcademy #KCPS #PaseoProud #MovieNight #CommunityStrong #ScholarshipFundraiser #FamilyEngagement
Join the Paseo and KCPS community for an evening of fun, food, and a movie under the stars!
📅 Friday, October 23
📍 Paseo Student Parking Lot / Outside Gym Doors
⏰ 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
🎥 Movie starts at 6:00 PM
🌟 Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy: ✅ Community activities
✅ Delicious potluck dishes
✅ Family-friendly movie night
✅ Fundraising to support Paseo Latine Senior Scholarships
🍽️ Want to contribute a dish? Bring a dish that serves 10-20 people and choose a price between $3-$7 to help raise scholarship funds.
🙋 Volunteers are also needed!
🔗 Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/4yNdgfK
🔗 Sign up to bring a dish: https://bit.ly/4yNdgfK
Let's come together to support our students and make it a great night! ❤️🖤💛 #PaseoAcademy #KCPS #PaseoProud #MovieNight #CommunityStrong #ScholarshipFundraiser #FamilyEngagement
It won't be long before the Class of 2027 is walking across the stage! To help make their final year unforgettable, we are hosting a Double Good Popcorn fundraiser from Friday, October 15 (5:00 PM) to Monday, October 19 (5:00 PM).
Our seniors will keep 50% of all sales to directly fund senior traditions like Senior Week, the Senior BBQ, and year-long celebrations. Thank you for helping us make this year special for our grads!
Our seniors will keep 50% of all sales to directly fund senior traditions like Senior Week, the Senior BBQ, and year-long celebrations. Thank you for helping us make this year special for our grads!
Join us on on November 13, 2026 for our 2nd Annual Basketball Showcase
Let’s give it up for the MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS Volleyball Team! They are on a roll sweeping Academe Lafayette, ACCPA, Northeast Middle and Central. Join them as they take on Lincoln Middle Wednesday October 14th at 6 PM at Central High School.
Join us in the gallery at Paseo to celebrate middle school visual arts. Artwork by Albany Isaacs Velasquez, 8th grade. Light refreshments & snack provided.
Join us at our first On The Road Board Meeting of the 2026-2027 school year! The KCPS Board of Directors will meet at East High School on Wednesday, October 14 from 6:30-8:00 PM (doors open to the public at 6 PM).
There, the Scholar Superstars, Terrific Teammates, and Outstanding Administrators nominated by the KCPS community will receive their well-earned superintendent recognitions. Winners of the "Si Se Puede" student art contest will also be recognized!
There, the Scholar Superstars, Terrific Teammates, and Outstanding Administrators nominated by the KCPS community will receive their well-earned superintendent recognitions. Winners of the "Si Se Puede" student art contest will also be recognized!
The 2027-2028 FAFSA is now open! Completing the FAFSA is an important step in your senior’s post-high-school plans and can award them up to $7,395 in grant money that does NOT need to be paid back. Create your parent and student accounts and complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Need help completing the FAFSA form? Visit Ms. Obeso at Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 29th to get assistance. Please bring student SSN (parent SSN not required).
COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK is coming! During October 19th through 23rd, seniors will participate in a new college-going event each day. See attached flyer for more details and information on how to win PRIZES!
Need help completing the FAFSA form? Visit Ms. Obeso at Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 29th to get assistance. Please bring student SSN (parent SSN not required).
COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK is coming! During October 19th through 23rd, seniors will participate in a new college-going event each day. See attached flyer for more details and information on how to win PRIZES!
The October 2026 reading guide from KCPS Loves to Read is here!
This month's social-emotional skill is FRIENDSHIP! Get tips for supporting your student's literacy skills, pick at-home activities to try, and more through the reading guide >> CLICK HERE
At Paseo, we cherish opportunity to spotlight the incredible individuals who make our school community thrive. This week, we proudly highlight two dedicated team members whose passion, expertise, and commitment inspire students every day.
High School Basketball Try-Outs, November 4th @ 2:30pm
🎉 Get ready, Paseo Academy! Spirit Week is coming October 19-23! 🎉
Show your school spirit and join the fun all week long:
🛌 Monday: Pajama Day
👯 Tuesday: Twin Day
🦸 Wednesday: Character Day
🍎 Thursday: Student-Teacher Swap Day
👖 Friday: Denim Day
Let's make this the most spirited week of the year! Be creative, have fun, and remember all outfits must be school appropriate. ❤️🖤💛 #PaseoProud #SpiritWeek #PaseoAcademy
Show your school spirit and join the fun all week long:
🛌 Monday: Pajama Day
👯 Tuesday: Twin Day
🦸 Wednesday: Character Day
🍎 Thursday: Student-Teacher Swap Day
👖 Friday: Denim Day
Let's make this the most spirited week of the year! Be creative, have fun, and remember all outfits must be school appropriate. ❤️🖤💛 #PaseoProud #SpiritWeek #PaseoAcademy
Happy Teachers Day!
Today, we celebrate the incredible educators of Paseo Academy and teachers everywhere who inspire, encourage, and empower students every single day. Thank you for the lessons you teach, the lives you touch, and the difference you make beyond the classroom.
"A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart."
Your dedication helps shape the future, one student at a time. ❤️💛🖤
#TeachersDay #ThankATeacher #PaseoAcademy #PaseoProud #EducationMatters
Today, we celebrate the incredible educators of Paseo Academy and teachers everywhere who inspire, encourage, and empower students every single day. Thank you for the lessons you teach, the lives you touch, and the difference you make beyond the classroom.
"A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart."
Your dedication helps shape the future, one student at a time. ❤️💛🖤
#TeachersDay #ThankATeacher #PaseoAcademy #PaseoProud #EducationMatters
On Tuesday Paseo sent students on their Annual 7th Grade Paseo Dual Language UrbanHike with Michelle Olivia Espinosa and Lisa Peña! Students analyzed the Latine influence on the Westside, a historically Latine barrio near KC’s Crossroads. They learned from community leader Rep. Crispin Rea, local elder Señora Irma of Cafe Ollama, and from community organizer Señor Jorge who stewards the community orchard called WestCAN. Students ended the journey by creating their own art to honor their muertos that will be displayed at the Nelson Atkin’s Dia de Muertos exhibit this November!
Are you interested in becoming a doctor or engineer? The Perry Institute is hosting a hands-on experience where you can speak with professionals and learn more about STEM careers. Scan the QR code to apply for this workshop.
📢 No School – Friday, October 2 📢
Reminder: There will be no school on Friday, October 2 due to Professional Development Day. Staff will be engaged in learning and training activities. We look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday, October 5! 🍎📚
Reminder: There will be no school on Friday, October 2 due to Professional Development Day. Staff will be engaged in learning and training activities. We look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday, October 5! 🍎📚
At Paseo, we cherish the opportunity to spotlight the incredible individuals who make our school community thrive. This week, we proudly highlight two dedicated team members whose passion, expertise, and commitment inspire students every day.
You're invited to the Paseo Academy Band & Choir Fall Showcase on October 15, 2026! Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required. Reserve your ticket in advance for quick and easy entry.
🎟️ Tickets: https://our.show/kt3yqkk8lt
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
🎵 Choir: 6:30 PM
🎺 Band: 7:00 PM
Come celebrate the amazing talents of our student performers! #PaseoAcademy #BandAndChoir #FallShowcase #FineArts 🎶✨
🎟️ Tickets: https://our.show/kt3yqkk8lt
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
🎵 Choir: 6:30 PM
🎺 Band: 7:00 PM
Come celebrate the amazing talents of our student performers! #PaseoAcademy #BandAndChoir #FallShowcase #FineArts 🎶✨
