Category Archives: Schools
U234 Starts Summer Sesson Today
The pandemic and the loss of class time in 2020, spurred the decision of the USD 234 school administration to provide a summer session this year.
“Following the loss of classroom time in the Spring of 2020, USD 234 recognized the need for additional support to be given to our students as they prepare to return to school this fall,” Dalaina Smith, director of academics for the district said.
“Teachers and students worked incredibly hard to overcome the gaps that occurred when schools were shut down in March 2020, however, this push has left some students needing a bit more support to prepare for their next academic year,” she said.
“We want students to come into school in August feeling confident and ready to learn,” Smith said. ” For some students, ‘Summer Camp’ …. is just what they need to jump-start this upcoming year.”
“Summer school and ESY opportunities will allow students to work towards mastery in areas they may not have achieved during the previous school year,” she said.
“At the elementary level, this looks like additional opportunities for exploration and practice, while at the high school students have an opportunity to recover credits not earned during the school year,” Smith said.
Smith said more than 20 teachers and numerous paras and teacher’s aids are available to help the students invited to Summer Camp 2021.
The school district has a Focus on Learning theme for the 2021-22 school year.
“It made sense to provide an additional opportunity for students to do just that,” she said.
“We cannot wait to have our Tigers back in the buildings,” she said.
Students will be provided a FREE breakfast and lunch.
“This is an opportunity available to all area youth 1-18, with no registration or identification required, students will need to be present to pick up the meals,” Smith said.
Extended School Year and Summer School:
ESY and Summer School starts today, Tuesday, July 20, and runs through August 6.
Below is the schedule for these learning opportunities:
- Preschool – 8:00 – 11:00 @ Preschool
- Jumpstart at Winfield Scott – 8:00 to 11:00
- Primary (K-2) at Middle School – 8:00 – 10:00
- Intermediate (3-5) at Middle School – 10:00 – 12:00
- Middle School at Middle School – 8:00 – 12:00
- High School at Middle School – 8:00 – 12:00 (credit recovery)
- ESY K-5 at Middle School 8:00-10:00
- ESY 6-12 at Middle School 10:00-12:00
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U234 New Hires: Yasmina Query and Justin Robinson
Yasmina Summer Query, 36, is the new Eugene Ware Elementary School Principal, replacing Stephanie Witt, who resigned.
Query has taught five years in fourth grade at Eugene Ware Elementary and prior to that nine years at Truman Elementary School in Nevada, MO.
She earned a Bachelors’s in Elementary Education and a Masters’s in Educational Leadership.
Her hometown is Fort Scott.
She is married to Joshua Query owner of JDQ Construction, and who also with his father, Ronald Query, owns a nutritional store in Kansas City, called the Ultimate Sports Nutrition.
They have two boys, Mason,9 years old and will be in 4th grade, and Myron, 6 years old and who will be in 1st grade.
Outside of school, she loves to read and bake.
And “I volunteer with the children’s ministry at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. I help with Sunday School, and I am always a teacher for VBS.”
How did you become an educator?
“I knew in elementary school that I wanted to be a teacher. I attended Eugene Ware as a child and graduated from Fort Scott High School. My experience in school was such a positive one, that I knew I wanted to work with kids and create that positive school experience for them as well.”
Is there someone who inspired you?
“I don’t think I could bring it down to just one person. I had amazing teachers growing up. There wasn’t a building or grade level that I didn’t connect to at least one teacher. As an educator, I have worked for dedicated and supportive administers. I have also learned under such experienced and loving teachers. Each person who invested in me brought me to this moment, and my life is forever changed by them.”
What is the best part of teaching?
“The thing I love most about being a teacher is watching the successes of my students. My goal every year is that all of my students learn to believe in themselves. There isn’t a child out there who isn’t capable of greatness, and I want every student who has been in my class to know that they can do anything.”
What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?
“The greatest challenges are when you feel like you haven’t done enough for your kids. Anyone who has been a teacher has had a tough kid. You want so much to help them fix everything in the nine months you have them, but sometimes you don’t see the work you have put in until years later. Teaching is full of joys but also heartaches because you care so much about your students.”
She starts her new position on July 19.
Justin Robinson, 41, is the new Fort Scott Middle and High School Band Director.
His hometown is Auburn, KS.
He has 18 years of experience at Southern Coffey County as a K-12 Music Teacher.
Robinson earned a BME from Pittsburg State in 2003, and a master’s degree from Emporia State in 2007,
He has been married to Angela for 18 years and has a daughter, Zoi, who will be attending her first year at Neosho County Community College this fall.
In his spare time, he likes to fish and play music.
” My family plays in a country/rock band based out of Iola,” he said. “We also like to travel!”
How did you become an educator?
“I got a call that Pitt (Pittsburg State University) needed a bassoon player and away I went! ” he said. ” I fell in love with music through marching and concert band in high school and it continued to grow during my education at Pitt.”
Is there someone who inspired you?
“My middle and high school band directors for sure, to get into education!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“When the light bulb clicks with a child and the instrument in their hands! Then getting to watch them develop into their potential and become the best musician they can.”
What are the greatest challenges in teaching?
“Keeping the kids motivated to strive for their best with all the distractions in the world.”
USD234 Press Release
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, July 12, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, July 12, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The old board adjourned Sine Die with the reorganization of the new board. The board elected James Wood as board president and Kellye Barrows as board vice-president.
The board went into an executive session to discuss personnel items for non-elected personnel. The board returned to the open meeting.
The board approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – June 18, 2021 – $2,044,997.49
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Designation of banks for deposit of school funds
G. Designation of newspaper for official school publications – The Fort Scott Tribune
H. Officers for the 2021-22 school year
I. Recreation Commission Board Member Terms
J. Resolution for Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
K. Resolution for Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
L. Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings
M. Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
N. Resolution for Destruction of Records
O. Organizational Chart
P. Set fees for copying of records
Q. Current state mileage reimbursement rate – $.56
R. High school fundraisers and extended trips
S. 2021-22 high school Site Council members; dates and times of meetings
Ted Hessong, the Superintendent, reported on the School Board Retreat, ESY, and Summer School, the football field turf evaluation, athletic trainer update, Kansas Can Success tour, and the theme for the 2021-22 school year, FOCUS ON LEARNING. Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented a report.
The board approved the following:
· Mitigation protocols for students in buildings for summer school
· 2021-22 Negotiated Agreement
· Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
· EduCLIMBER renewal
· Handbook changes
Superintendent Hessong gave a school board self-evaluation report. In addition, he reviewed Board Policy KGD – Possession of Firearms. The board tabled any action on this policy.
The board set July 30 at noon for a budget presentation. In addition, the board set August 25 at 5:30 p.m. for RNR and a budget hearing at 6:00 p.m.
The board selected the following:
· Hearing officer for suspensions and expulsions – Gary Billionis
· BEDCO Representative – David Stewart
· Chamber of Commerce Ex-Officio Board Member – Ted Hessong
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Stephanie Witt, Eugene Ware Principal, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
B. Resignation of Codee Weddle, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
C. Resignation of Tammy McDaniel, middle school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
D. Resignation of Judy Welch, bus driver, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
E. Employment of Justin Robinson as Fort Scott Middle School/Fort Scott High School band instructor and for band presentations at middle school and high school for the 2021-22 school year
F. Employment of Matthew Wells as a 4-hour bus driver for the 2021-22 school year
G. Employment of Wanita Tate as a 5.5-hour preschool bus driver for the 2021-22 school year
H. Employment of Winfield Scott supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
I. Employment of high school supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
J. Employment of Whitley Chesney for middle school music presentations for the 2021-22 school year
K. Recommendation for Andrea Scott, FSPC Principal, to be district Special Education Coordinator for the 2021-22 school year
L. Employment of Carlee McCullough as a preschool teacher for the 2021-22 school year
M. Employment of Josh Hudiburg as a high school assistant football coach and Jacob DeLaTorre as high school assistant freshman boys’ basketball coach for the 2021-22 school year
N. Transfer of Yasmina Query, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware Principal for the 2021-22 school year
O. Resignation of Curt Toll, high school assistant track coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
P. Combining three custodian positions (5.5 hours for 12 mo.; 3.5 hours for 10 mo.; 8 hours for 10 mo.) into two custodian positions (8 hours for 10 mo.; 8 hours for 12 mo.)
The board approved a Resolution for Bank Account Signers In addition, the board approved a 1.5% increase in salary for administrators and classified employees for the 2021-22 school year.
The board adjourned.
Alex Specht: New FSHS Assistant Principal
Alexander M. Specht, 53, is the new Fort Scott High School Assistant Principal.
He has taught biology, advanced biology, environmental science, applied physics, anatomy, and physiology for 20 years at the high school level at Hoisington, Osawatomie, and Great Bend and 7th-grade science at McPherson Middle School.
He has also been a head high school girls basketball coach, middle school boys basketball coach, high school and middle school track coach, and boys and girls high school golf coach.
Specht has been a two-time Teacher of the Year, a Walmart Teacher of the Year, and a Kansas Master Teacher of the Year.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Emporia State University in 1991, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, from ESU, in 2006.
The best part of teaching science for him is engaging students in inquiry-based learning, he said.
“I would set the students up for the biological concept of the day, give them a general procedure to follow, and then watch as they discovered the science lesson for the day,” he said. “To see the expression on their faces and interacting with them as they discovered something new, cool, smelly or amazing is always an awesome way for a student to get hooked on science and the learning process!”
“The greatest challenges I see in education today is at the daily instruction level,” he said. “Classroom teachers are dealing with the personal problems of the students. These personal issues include family, home, school, friends, and athletic concerns that cause a great deal of stress on the student. I believe we need to build relationships with our students and to work with their families to let them all know how committed this district is to partnering with them to help their students be successful. When students struggle with ‘outside’ problems, it is definitely a challenge for them to focus ‘inside’ the classroom.
Family and Interests
Born in Faribault, MN, Specht moved to Smith Center, KS then moved to Sharon, KS where he graduated from high school.
“A fun fact: I went to high school with country music singer Martina McBride. I asked her out on a date once but she said no,” he said. “Dang!”
Amy, his wife of three years, is a manager in the Farmers Alliance Insurance Company. His oldest son, Tyler, graduated from Kansas State University and moved to Dallas to begin work in the financial investments industry. His son, Jacob, is a sophomore at Fort Hays State University, majoring in biology. He also has a stepson, named Tyler.
Specht loves being outdoors, he said.
“I have a fishing boat and a kayak and love to fish!” he said. “I mountain bike, work out a little and like to target shoot and do some hunting with…Amy.”
“As a biologist, I also love flowers and landscaping,” he said. ‘It’s a fun and creative way for me to spend time.”
A college chemistry teacher encouraged him to teach.
“I always enjoyed science classes and in college, I had a chemistry teacher who was impressed by the way I led our chemistry class through a review session for an upcoming test,” he said. ” He told me that I presented ideas and helped the other students so well that I should become a teacher. That was never a thought for me until that moment.”
His father inspired him.
“He was a good dad and raised me with high expectations, understanding of accountability, and a strong work ethic,” he said.
He was consistently teaching him or encouraging him, he said.
“My dad was my elementary principal as I grew up and my first basketball coach,” he said. “He was a special education teacher and a superintendent…being in a school was a part of my life.”
Also following his father’s example, Specht served in the U.S. Navy.
Jim Lambert Returns As Principal of Uniontown Junior/Senior High
Jim Lambert, 75, is the new U.S.D. 235 Prinicipal for the junior high and senior high. He starts August 1.
He replaces Mike Reith, who resigned.
Lambert has been in public education for 54 years, 12 years as a teacher, 36 as an administrator, and six as a substitute teacher.
He worked 16 years in Bourbon County as an administrator, six in USD 234 from 1979-85 and 10 in USD 235 from1985-95; as the high school principal/superintendent.
Lambert earned a bachelor of science in history from McPherson College and MEd in Education Administration from Wichita State University.
His hometown is Inman, KS.
He is married to Phyllis and has four children and eight grandchildren.
Outside of his career, he likes to read on a variety of topics, travel trailer camp, yard work, church activities, and is a “military history nut,” he said.
He became an educator because of a lifelong need to learn “stuff” and a love of history, he said.
Several people inspired him in his career.
“Two college professors focused me on what an understanding of history does for society; two colleagues in my early years in teaching
taught me how to work effectively with teenagers,” he said. “Fred Campbell, Dale Hammons, and Dick Hedges, in their leadership roles in USD 234, taught me how to balance all the demands on an administrator and strive for fairness in all decisions.”
The best part of being an educator?
“That’s easy!” he said. “Working with students and teachers on a daily basis. There is an energy in grades 7-12 that causes me to enjoy every day regardless of what has happened. Students want to know their administrators care for them as people and I try to bring that to every interaction.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Helping students understand how focusing on school activities and work will make them successful as adults,” he said. “Young people don’t always understand that learning to show respect, working hard, following rules for the good of everyone, and being a contributing part of a team will take them a long way as students and adults.”
New U234 Educators: Ashley Wilcox and Margaret Marino
This is part of a series of new educators in the Fort Scott School District.
Ashley Wilcox, 26, is the new Technology Teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She has taught for four years in a 4th-grade classroom.
Education:
Bachelors in Elementary Education and Masters in Educational Technology
Hometown:
Leavenworth, KS
Family:
“Two cats that I treat like my kids.”
Hobbies/community involvement:
“Reading, Drawing, soccer. I hope to join the local soccer scene to join in more community involvement!”
Why did you become an educator?
“The light in their eyes when they realize they can do anything they set their minds to is my why.”
Did someone inspire you?
“My fourth grade teacher, in Lansing, Mrs. Munsterman.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“My favorite thing about working with kids is when they say they can’t do something and then they wind up doing that exact task.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Being in a new school and district will be challenging but the results will be incredible. There will always be challenges but overcoming starts by getting at the kid’s level and listening. From there both the kids and I can do GREAT things!”
Margaret Marino, 38, is a new 2nd-grade special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She has five years of experience as a paraprofessional and two years teaching in the Leavenworth School District.
She received her education, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, from Fort Hays State University. Her hometown is Pittsburg.
Family:
“I have been married to my husband for 14 years. My parents recently moved back to Fort Scott and I am excited to move close to them. I am one of seven children. I have siblings in Branson, Overland Park, Shawnee, and Topeka. I have 15 nieces and nephews that keep me on my toes and make holidays memorable.”
Hobbies/community involvement:
“I love to read! There is nothing better than reading a good book with a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day. I like to quilt and crochet. Creating something beautiful is a wonderful feeling. I am excited to start gardening. My new home has beautiful plants and I am excited to learn something new.”
New USD234 Educators: Sydney Cullison and Madeline Martin
This is part of a series of new educators in the Fort Scott School District.
Sydney Cullison, 24, is the new Fort Scott High School Agriculture Teacher.
She taught previously at Neodesha for two years.
Education: Bachelor in Agriculture Education and minor in Agronomy from Kansas State University, pursuing a Masters in Educational Administration.
Hometown: Fort Scott. She is the daughter of Richard and Deanna Cullison and Landon and Nancy Simons.
Her interests outside of her career are checking cattle and raising Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Why did you become an educator?
“To combine my passion for agriculture and education.”
Did someone inspire you?
“Yes, a few people did! My auntie, who is an 8th-grade teacher in Missouri. I used to go to school with her when I was young and knew I wanted to be like her one day, since I was three! Mr. Parks led me to go to Kansas State for ag. education. In my senior year, I knew that ag. ed. is where I belonged!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part is being able to travel and take kids places they have never been and show them what agriculture is really like.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Being a younger teacher.”
Madeline Martin, 23, is the new gifted teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary and Fort Scott High School.
“I am a first-year teacher and extremely excited to get started! ” she said.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pittsburg State University. “I am currently pursuing a degree in School Counseling from Pittsburg State University>”
Hometown: Fort Scott, KS
Family:
“I have been married for a year and a half to my husband, Drew. We have a sweet kitty cat named Pebbles. Drew and I are high school sweethearts and both attended Fort Scott High School. Both my parents (Mark and Mo McCoy) and Drew’s parents (Paul and Kara Martin) are active members of the community and a wonderful part of our family!”
Hobbies/community involvement
“I enjoy cooking, baking, going on walks, crafting, being at the lake, snuggling with Pebbles, and coaching the swim team. I am a coach for the Fort Scott Hurricanes and I am excited to get back and be involved in the Fort Scott community! My husband and I also have our own small wedding business, I love helping couples make their dream day special!”
Why did you become an educator?
“I became an educator because I want to help ensure that all students have a safe space filled with love, compassion, and guidance. I want to help my students find their voice, to make a difference in this world, and having the opportunity to watch them learn is a joy for me. Each and every student has something to bring to the table and I want them to be able to know what they can bring to help better themselves, their community, and everyone they interact with.”
Did someone inspire you?
“Patty Smilie was the lady who started it all for me in high school. I had never thought about wanting to work in education and kept trying to suppress it in college, but quickly figured out that I have a love for serving others and wanting to help students as much as I possibly can. Mrs. Smilie always let me hang out in her office, helped me with a bunch of fun projects, and always had an encouraging word for me. She sparked my love for counseling and the thought to be an educator. I am so excited to see where this current path in education takes me, and hopefully one day it’s a counseling office. A few other teachers that inspired me to think about education are Mrs. Karen Curran, Mrs. Michelle Brittain, and Dr. Jason Lloyd.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“Seeing all of the ‘ah-ha moments’ that students encounter is one of the coolest parts for me. Whether that moment is in discovering something about themselves, within a subject we’re discovering, or anything in between. Seeing students make the connections or finding their joy/purpose is one of the coolest experiences to be a part of.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Having to watch them go home at the end of the day and especially at the end of the school year. Some days it never seems like enough time to love on them or help each student, but it is rewarding seeing them move on and see what they have accomplished throughout the year.”
New U234 Educators: Laura Howard and Peyton Guiles
This is part of a series of new educators in the Fort Scott School District.
Laura Howard, 26, is a new Fort Scott Middle School 7th/8th English Language Arts Teacher. She has two years of teaching experience.
She graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in English Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree that will allow her to teach public speaking for college credit.
“I moved around a bit as a kid so I don’t really have a ‘hometown’ but I spent most of my time in Pittsburg and in La Cygne, KS.,” she said.
She is married, with two sons, Eric (6) and Soren (1), and has a miniature Australian Shepherd named Lula. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and doing yoga.
“I became a teacher because I took a class on graphic novels and realized how much they would benefit struggling readers. I realized how important books are and that we become better people by reading and learning about people who are different from us and I wanted to use that to help make the world a better place. Then I spent time in the classroom and I realized how desperately kids are waiting for someone to see them as a person that has thoughts and feelings worth listening to.”
“I got interested in the field because I wanted to help kids enjoy reading, but now I’m in it because I want kids to learn about the world and understand that they don’t have to be a grown-up to have value and worth.”
She was inspired by a former teacher.
“Christy Nickelson taught the advanced English courses and the French courses at my school and I always loved the way she made us feel,” she said. “She never raised her voice, she made time for fun, and she spent countless hours grading work and teaching us how to fix it. You can’t not like her. She will support you and help you no matter how badly you mess up. I consider myself beyond blessed to have started my career by teaching in the room next door to her. I have modeled a lot of my own teaching and interacting with kids from the way she taught and interacted with me.”
“The absolute best part of teaching is getting to know each of the kids,” she said. “I love to learn about who they are and who they want to be. I have had so many great moments of kids just wanting to share their time and thoughts with me which leads to really fun experiences in the classroom! The more I know about the kids, the more I can personalize their lessons and really help them get the most out of our time together.”
“The greatest challenge of teaching is the surprises. Knowing what to teach? Sure, college gives you that. Knowing how to grade? Another easy one. It’s the things you can’t plan for that get you. Sometimes it’s having a lesson that requires using Wi-Fi and then, bam! No internet! Sometimes it’s a kid behaving in the exact opposite way that you expect, like being angry or in tears. Sometimes it’s a perfectly planned activity going completely sideways. Surprises like these happen all the time. You can’t prepare for them so you just have to be ready to throw out what you had, roll with the punches, and reflect on it later so you can be more prepared next time.”
Peyton Guiles, 22, is the new Special Education Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
“I will be a first-year teacher, however, I have had various field experiences through Pitt State and I did my student teaching at Eugene Ware,” Guiles said.
Education: BSE 2021 from Pittsburg State University, majored in Elementary Education Unified K-6
Hometown: Girard, KS
Family:
“My parents are Carlita and Keith Guiles, and I have an older brother, Alex.”
Hobbies/community involvement:
“Some of my hobbies include watching the Kansas City Chief and the Royals, spending time with my friends and family, and taking care of my fur babies.”
Why did you become an educator?
Why did you become an educator?
“During my K-12 years, I struggled as a student because I was a nontraditional learner and my learning needs were not being met. Having that perspective, I became an educator because I want to make a difference by meeting my students where they are at and support their unique learning needs.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part about teaching for me is seeing the students’ growth and watching their confidence build up as they learn new concepts and skills.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“One of the greatest challenges I have faced in teaching so far is balancing students’ diverse learning needs. Every student is different and unique, so I have learned to get creative in my teaching strategies to meet their learning needs.”
New Educators at USD 234: Missy Miller and Sydney Griffetts
This is a series featuring new educators to the Fort Scott School District.
Melissa (Missy) Miller, 50, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.
This is her 20th year in education.
Education: BS from Emporia State University, MS from Baker University.
Hometown:
Tonganoxie, KS now Fort Scott
Family:
Husband Keith, Courtney & Jake and 2 dogs Bella & Spike
Hobbies/community involvement reading, spending time with family, live going to the beach and swimming
Why did you become an educator?
I love kids, helping them succeed and being a positive influence in their lives
Did someone inspire you?
Tim Brady, 8th American History Teacher
What is the best part of teaching for you?
Building relationships
What are the greatest challenges?
Watching students struggle.
Sydney Griffetts, 26, is a new 3rd-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School. This is her fifth year teaching.
She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education and a Master’s of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas
Family:
My husband, who is the Eugene Ware Art teacher, and our cats, Mia and Lupin.
Hobbies/community involvement:
Making educational resources, reading, cooking, spending time with my family, taking our boat on the lake, and traveling.
Why did you become an educator?
I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was in the second grade, I loved playing “school” at home with my stuffed animals and teaching my neighbors the dances I learned at the dance studio I attended. I also moved around a lot growing up because of my military family and the kindness I experienced from all of my teachers made the transitions so much easier. I wanted to be that for kids who were like myself when I grew up.
Did someone inspire you?
Yes! My biggest inspiration to become a teacher was my 5th/6th-grade teacher, Mr. Wayman. His passion for education and for student relationships was what drove me to set teaching as my goal. I have also gained inspiration from both of my parents and my stepmom, all of which have spent their lives working for the community. Their dedication is admirable and I have strived to be like them in my career.
What is the best part of teaching for you?
There are so many but I’d have to say making meaningful connections with students. It’s so important to me to have fun and teach my students to love school so building those relationships and making our class a family is the best part of being a teacher.
What is the greatest challenge?
Letting go of the family you built over 180+ days and watching them move on to bigger and better things. It’s so rewarding but so difficult to understand as a teacher too. Each student I teach has a piece of my heart and truly becomes my family so watching them move on is hard at times. But I cherish my time with them and love seeing them accomplish big dreams and goals throughout the years.
USD234 Press Release
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, June 14, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, June 14, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – May 20, 2021 – $1,495,472.51
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Fundraising Applications
G. Site Council Reports
H. 2021-22 Site Council Members; dates and times of meetings
I. 2020-21 Gifts
J. Communities in School Progress Reports
Fort Scott High School Swim Teams gave a presentation to the board. There were no comments in the public forum section. Board members heard reports from the Director of Academics, Dalaina Smith; Superintendent Ted Hessong; and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk
Board members approved the following:
· Fort Scott Virtual School
· 1,116 hour calendar for the 2021-22 school year
· KASB Board Policy updates
· Handbook changes for the 2021-22 school year
· NWEA MAP Renewal
· FastBridge Implementation
· McGraw Hill final quote
· Eureka final quote
· Purchase of science textbooks
· KERMP Insurance renewal for 2021-22
· iBoss Renewal
· Pursuit of a grant application for a second SRO officer
· Donation of unused Winfield Scott books to Altoona-Midway
Board members reviewed the last day Enrollment Count Report and shared comments.
Board members went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss an upcoming negotiations meeting and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Retirement of Clifford Lyman, middle school five-hour custodian, effective May 24, 2021
B. Resignation of Aaron Shockley, high school/middle school band teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
C. Resignation of Angela Mix, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
D. Resignation of Mary Cole, high school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
E. Transfer of Moriah Dillow, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Winfield Scott Focus room teacher for the 2021-22 school year
F. Work agreement adjustment for Randi Witt, special education secretary/MIS Clerk, from 12 months to 11 months
G. Addition of a preschool teaching position for the 2021-22 school year
H. Employment of Alex Specht as high school assistant principal for the 2021-22 school year
I. Employment of Amy Keeton as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year
J. Employment of Frances Sharp as a high school cook for the 2021-22 school year
K. Employment of teacher mentors for 2020-21
L. Employment of Terra Kegler as a high school paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year
M. Employment of central office classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
N. Employment of a technology classified employee for the 2021-22 school year
O. Employment of food service classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
P. Employment of transportation classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
Q. Employment of maintenance classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
R. Employment of high school classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
S. Employment of middle school classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
T. Employment of Eugene Ware classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
U. Employment of Winfield Scott classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
V. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center classified employees for the 2021-22 school year
W. Employment of district supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
X. Employment of middle school supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
Y. Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
Z. Employment of Winfield Scott supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
The board approved a modification of Resolution 20-06 Bank Account Signers. In addition, the board approved a COVID stipend of $500 for each employee. The board adjourned.
