Please bring your child’s Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Immunization Records and a Physical.
The 4A Girls Sub-State Basketball Championship game between Topeka-Hayden and Fort Scott will be Saturday, March 4th at 5:00 at Fort Scott High School.
Submitted by
Monday, February 27, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, for a special board meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board held a work session led by Superintendent Destry Brown to update the board regarding long-range facility and maintenance needs facing the district. Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk provided financial information in regard to the various funds that can be used for capital projects. There was discussion.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
The board approved the following items:
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 27, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Sabrina Cady – Resignation, Van Driver/Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional, effective March 8, 2023
Colin Downey – Resignation, Fort Scott High School Social Studies Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Lienna Upchurch – Resignation, Eugene Ware Special Education Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Robert West – Termination, Preschool/Eugene Ware Custodian, effective March 7, 2023
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
Megan Blythe – Fort Scott High School Art Teacher – remainder of 2022-23 school year
Alicia Craig – Change position to a 4-hour Van Driver and 6.50-hour Winfield Scott Paraprofessional, effective 03/06/23
Jamie Dawson – Transfer from Eugene Ware Paraprofessional to Winfield Scott Paraprofessional on 02/21/23
Alexandrea Herring – Preschool/Eugene Ware Custodian, effective February 23, 2023
Mesa Jones – FSHS Play Assistant
David Martin – FSHS Assistant Swim Coach
Conventional wisdom accepts that Star Wars and the Super Bowl attract an audience of millions.
What’s less well known is that a recent survey indicates almost 50 million people attend one of more than 37,000 school theatre performances annually in the United States.
The Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS) Month in March, is an opportunity to inform them, and millions more, that the pleasure they get from seeing a show on stage is just one of many benefits that school theatre brings to all involved—from overcoming fears of public speaking to the development of collaboration and teamwork.
TIOS is timely in that its March celebration occurs the same month as Music in Our Schools and Youth Art Month.
TIOS provides an opportunity for all of us here in Fort Scott—students, parents, school boards and elected officials—the entire community—to become familiar with the benefits of school theatre
participation.
Thespian troupe #7365 is planning a number of events to celebrate this month. On March 2, they travel to Topeka to meet with legislators about the importance of supporting theatre education.
March 6, troupe president Kinsley Davis presents to the USD 234 Board of Education about the way theatre education is impacting our own school district. On Thursdays in March, Thespians will wear
theatre–related t–shirts to school. March 24 is the annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door. Thespians travel to the Music Hall in Kansas City to see the Broadway Touring production of Hamilton on March 28.
You can follow FSHS Thespians through the following social media links: Facebook – Fort Scott High School Thespians, Instagram – FSHSThespians, Snapchat – FSHSThespians, Tiktok – fshsthespian,
Twitter – FSHS_Thespians. Share your school theatre thoughts with us using #TheatreInOurSchools.
BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Long-Term & Capital Improvement Needs (Information/Discussion)
4.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.2 Exit Executive Session
4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting Danny Brown, President
Preview Changes (opens in a new tab)USD 234 School District is seeking family resource providers and community partners for its’ 2023 Early Childhood Spring Fling, according to info provided by Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal Nick Johnson.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 6th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend. A grant through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is helping support this year’s Early Childhood Spring Fling.
“For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families,” he said. “We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc.”
” We had 255 children and their families attend our Trunk-or-Treat event, and we are expecting 250-300 children at this event,” he said. “Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.”
To attend the event, please complete the short form below by Friday, March 24 to have a table reserved for your organization.
For more info:
(620) 223-8965
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) is open to applications from qualifying parents and guardians of Kansas students. KEEP provides a $1,000 award per student to pay for various educational goods and services that promote learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities.
“This program will provide Kansas students with new opportunities and resources to help them thrive in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all families that qualify to apply for KEEP.”
KEEP funds may be used on various enrichment and educational activities, including:
The funds are not eligible for private school tuition.
Eligibility for KEEP funds is determined by financial need, and funds will be distributed to actively enrolled K-12 Kansas students between the ages of 5-18. Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible.
Subject to funding availability, future waves of funding may be provided with expanded household income eligibility parameters.
Families can learn if they qualify, apply for the program, read the full handbook of rules and instructions, and browse the marketplace of qualified service providers at www.keep.ks.gov. Program participants will have access to a web and mobile app for using their awarded funds.
Earlier this year, businesses that offer educational opportunities and services were invited to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist students and families. Parents and guardians can now search for those opportunities across Kansas on the KEEP Marketplace. Parents and guardians may also submit requests for additional businesses to be added to the Marketplace if they know of a business that would qualify.
KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery to provide educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars approved through the SPARK process.
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Fort Scott High School Freshmen students will get to practice financial “adulting” on March 8 at the high school and local volunteers are needed to help with the event, FuntureNow: Finance, to that end.
“It is a fun and tangible way to aid students in preparing for their financial futures,” according to Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in School’s Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.
FutureNow:Finance, is an event that helps students understand some of the realities involved in preparing for future adulthood.
At the event, students will receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event, according to information provided by Dunkeson.
The scenario includes: marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income, which is based on choice of career field and current grade point average.
At the FutureNow: Finance event, students will visit a variety of booths to purchase food, housing, transportation,
communication services, child care, utilities, insurance, etc.
They can also save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life such as accidents, unexpected visitors or flat tires.
The event is Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from
8 – 11 a.m. in Fort Scott High School’s Auxiliary Gym.
Volunteers should plan to report at 8 a.m. and must check-in to the school at the front office. Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Volunteers help the students make wise financial choices regarding the necessities and luxuries they imagine as part of their adult lifestyle, according to information provided by Dunkeson.
Volunteers are provided with detailed information and price sheets for their specific booth allowing them to help the students decide how best to spend their money.
Volunteer need only bring their personal experiences.
To volunteer for the event, contact:
Lewis Dunkeson
Student Support Coordinator, Fort Scott HS
[email protected]
402-212-9826
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.
Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, February 13, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School principal, introduced 6 students from Fort Scott Middle School who were nominated by their teachers as being representative of great students.
Mitch Quick, SEK Financial, awarded 6 recipients a $100 U-Benefit grants from OFG Financial, Security Benefit, and KNEA. Recipients were Andrew Ables, Sarah Hendricks, Bert Lewis, Cristin Stark, Hayden Travis, Rhiannon Tuck. The grant is meant to recognize educators for all they do for students in Kansas.
Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the Communications Proposal and the addition of staff awards to recognize excellence. These awards will be held in May when retirees are honored.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on academic committees, including Science, Reading, and Assessments and PLC conversations. There was discussion on evaluation of curriculum and assessments.
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, Josh Messer, Fort Scott High School Counselor, and Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, gave an update to the board on Individual Plans of Study (IPS). There was discussion on where we are currently and what is planned for the future.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the KSDE final audit, bond payment, health insurance refund, and bond payment.
The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. He has received a contract which was provided to our attorney, who returned it with recommended changes. This will be one of several preschool options. Additional options and discussion will take place at the February 27th special board meeting. There was no action taken.
The board approved the following items:
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 13, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 Extended Trip Applications
4.7 COVID Operations Guidelines
4.8 Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 6:00 pm
5.0 Employee and Student Recognition
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)
6.1 Fort Scott KNEA Report
6.2 Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.4 Administrators’ Report
6.5 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)
8.2 Investment of Interest – 90-day – $2,500,000 (Action Item)
8.3 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations) (Action Item)
8.4 Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal (Action Item)
8.5 District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase (Action Item)
8.6 MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc. (Action Item)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.4 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting
President Brown
