Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes for the Week of March 30

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USD 234 FS Week of March 30th – Monday & Wednesday only
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 03/28/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.

BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION. ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing two distributions the week of March 30th.

On Monday, March 30th, the child will be receiving a total of 4 meals per child.

On Wednesday, April 1st, the child will be receiving a total of 6 meals per child.

Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 2 days.

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am
ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP
10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS

Tiger Food Service – Meals Monday, March 30th and Wednesday, April 1st

No distributions on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03/28/20) What days will meals be distributed?
o Monday and Wednesday only for the Week of March 30th.
o There will not be any distributions Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
o The child will still receive the same amount of meals. Do I need to bring my kids with me?
o Yes. According to federal and state regulations we must be able to visually see the child. At this point, we are still requiring this. Do I have to go to the school my child attends?
o No. These are distribution points and are not in connection to the school your child attends. I have kids attending at each of the schools, do I need to go to each school?
o No. Pick up where it is most convenient for you. Can I pick up a meal to take home to my child?
o No. We must be able to visibly see the child. What ages can be served?
o We can serve ages 1-18. Do I need to call ahead?
o No. Does a parent have to be present?
o No. Kids can pick up the meals if you, as a parent, feel comfortable letting them. How do I pick up my children’s meals using the food service route (bus route)?
o The meals will be distributed from the back of the bus by USD 234 staff.
o Please form a line practicing social distancing starting at the back of the bus. Are foods going to be delivered to my door?
o No. The safety of our kids and our staff is the highest priority. We do not have the resources nor the capability to deliver to each household. How do I pick up at the school pick-up points?
o We will be running these like a drive-thru line.
o Please pull into the line.
o Please remain in the car for all our safety.
o If you walk up to the school, there will be a table for that purpose. We highly recommend that you drive through the pick-up line. Do I have to qualify for free or reduced meals with the school?
o No. Any child 1-18 can participate.

Bourbon County, Schools

Karen Mix Retires From West Bourbon Elementary School

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Karen Mix. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series highlighting educators who will retire this school year.

In spite of the world crisis, life goes on, and FortScott.Biz will continue to  feature stories of local interest.

 

Karen Mix, 61, 30-year kindergarten teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School is retiring.

“I have been blessed to work at the USD 235 district,” Mix said.

She substituted in the district for three years, taught fifth-grade for one year, then began her career in kindergarten.

“There is so much satisfaction in teaching kindergarten,” Mix said. “It is amazing what these little ones can achieve in a year. The gains they make in knowledge, self-confidence, and social skills…I have gone to work to do a job that I love to do!  I have been able to sing, dance, laugh and have snacks every day!  Plus, I have actually gotten paid to do it!  I can only hope that I have touched my students’ lives in as many ways as they have mine.”

” I felt it was important to teach kindness and respect for each other,” she said. ” We said the Golden Rule every day, I always told them that it was not just a 5-year-olds rule but a rule for all your life!
I think sometimes a kindergarten teacher’s role in a child’s life is not always understood by many people. Many times I have been the first role model they have met since leaving their parents. I have so many roles in class…drying tears, hugging fears away, fixing girls hair, zipping, tying shoes, teaching them to look, listen, learn and have fun. It has been a crazy ride and I have loved every minute of it!!!

Mix received her education from Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott Community College, then Pittsburg State University and finally Walden University where she earned her Masters Degree in Reading.

Her second-grade teacher who became her aunt, Hazel Ploeger, inspired her to teach, she said.

Her hometown is  Independence, Mo.  but she moved to Fort Scott, when 17 years old.

Mix married her husband,  Mike, at 19 years old and they bought the farm they have lived on since.

“We have two sons, Evan married to Marci,  one grandson, and twins due in April. And our youngest son, Matthew.”

Mix has been involved in her community as a member of the Fulton United Methodist Church.

One of the greatest challenges in teaching for Mix was keeping up with the many changes that the state requires of schools, she said.

Retirement?

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband and my grandchildren,” she said.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes Revised

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USD 234 Fort Scott Week of March 23, 2020 M-Th
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES – Revised 03/25/20

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.

BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION.

ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

As we maintain our continued commitment to the safety of our kids, staff, and community we will be doing Thursday and Friday’s distribution on one day – Thursday, March 26th. Kids will receive a total of four (4) meals on Thursday. Distribution spots will remain the same.

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP
10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Middle School- East side*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*
Winfield Scott- East side*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS

Tiger Food Service – Meals March 23rd to March 27th
Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03/25/20)

Do I need to bring my kids with me?
o Yes. According to federal and state regulations we must be able to visually see the child.

Do I have to go to the school my child attends?
o No. These are distribution points and are not in connection to the school your child attends.

I have kids attending at each of the schools, do I need to go to each school?
o No. Pick up where it is most convenient for you.

Can I pick up a meal to take home to my child?
o No. We must be able to visibly see the child.

What ages can be served?
o We can serve ages 1-18.

Do I need to call ahead?
o No.

Does a parent have to be present?
o No. Kids can pick up the meals if you, as a parent, feel comfortable letting them.

How do I pick up my children’s meals using the food service route (bus route)?
o The meals will be distributed from the back of the bus by USD 234 staff.
o Please form a line practicing social distancing starting at the back of the bus.

Are foods going to be delivered to my door?
o No. The safety of our kids and our staff is the highest priority. We do not have the resources nor the capability to deliver to each household.

How do I pick up at the school pick up points?
o We will be running these like a drive-thru line.
o Please pull into the line.
o Please remain in the car for all our safety.

Do I have to qualify for free or reduced meals with the school?
o No. Any child 1-18 can participate.

Will there be meals distributed on Friday, March 27th?
o No. These meals will be delivered on Thursday, March 26th. You will receive 4 meals on Thursday.

Government, Kansas, Schools

After School Reading Programs Matter Resolved at KDCF

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Statement from the Department for Children and Families and Hysell & Wagner, LLC

 

Today, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Hysell & Wagner, LLC, announced that they have entered into an agreement under which each party agrees that all issues with the 2014-15 draft audit are resolved.

In August of 2019, the Kansas Reading Roadmap grant to Hysell & Wagner, LLC was cancelled as allowed under the grant.

During announcement of the cancellation, certain preliminary findings from 2014-15 draft audit were shared.

After both parties conducted due diligence, DCF and Hysell & Wagner, LLC now agree that none of the audit issues warrant further action.

Hysell & Wagner, LLC appreciates the Agency’s efforts to resolve these matters and its decision to continue funding after-school reading programs directly with Kansas school districts.

DCF thanks Hysell & Wagner, LLC for its years of work helping Kansas children.

Neither party will have additional comment on the matter.

 

Government, Kansas, Schools

Kansas Schools Close To Implement Strategic Plan For COVID 19

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Governor Kelly Recommends the Kansas State Department of Education Temporarily Close Schools to implement comprehensive education plan amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Governor Laura Kelly today announced her recommendation to close all public schools for the upcoming week to allow administrators and teachers to develop a strategic plan moving forward. At the direction of the Governor, the Kansas State Board of Education formed a team tasked with addressing key concerns.

 

“We take this pandemic and our preparedness seriously,” Kelly said. “One of these areas of particular concern is our K-12 schools, where our children, parents and staff come together in one place. Our schools form the cornerstones of our communities. It is because of this that we need to ensure that schools are prepared to face the COVID-19 challenge.

 

“When classes resume, parents can be assured their children will continue to receive the same high-quality, world-class education Kansas is known for,” Kelly said.

 

The Kansas State Board of Education has formed a team of experts, many of whom are former Teachers of the Year, to build a comprehensive plan to address the challenges that schools are facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Among the specific topics this team will address are:

  • How schools can move education online, if necessary, so students can progress toward the end of semester.
  • How schools can assist students who do not have access to online tools to finish out the semester, especially those who are set to graduate in May.
  • How schools can provide for at-risk students and those who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • How schools will ensure a continuity of school-based mental health services.
  • How schools can assist in providing meals for students who need them.
  • What role schools can play in assisting with childcare for essential local and state healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers who live in their counties.
  • How schools will assist in efforts to keep children from congregating in community spaces and keep them quarantined in their own homes.
  • And educating parents on ways they can help the continuity of education for their children.

Governor Kelly continues to work closely with the Kansas State Department of Education and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, along with local and federal partners to develop sensible steps that can protect every Kansan.

 

“Let me remind Kansans once again: while everyone needs to be mindful of what they can do to avoid spreading the virus — namely thorough hand washing, social distancing and avoiding crowds — this is not a time to panic,” Kelly said. “It is a time to be aware of the need to be very careful. It is a time to be respectful of others who are vulnerable. And, it is a time to use common sense safety measures. This remains the best defense against COVID-19.”

 

For the most up-to-date information and resources regarding the status of COVID-19 in Kansas, please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website: kdheks.gov

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Tucker Music Studio: 25 Years

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Benjamin Banwart and Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo. Ben is in his eighth year of piano study with Tucker.

A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.

And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.

When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.

Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.

“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”

Carolyn and Zachary Ballou at a piano recital in April 2013. Submitted photo. Ballou was a student of hers for nine years.

She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.

“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”

 

Taylor Cation and Carolyn at a piano recital in 2012. Cation was a 10-year student with Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.

“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.

In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.

“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.

At a recital in  2016 – with  10-year student Kelcie Bailey.

Grateful

“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”

“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”

Encourage children to find musical gifts

Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.

“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.

To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.

Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street

Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Boys Defeated by Northeast in Sub-State

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagle Varsity boys faced off against the Northeast Arma Vikings in their second round of Sub-State last Friday. The boys were defeated 51-54, allowing Arma to advance to the final round.

Luke George and Jake Harvey lead in points, scoring 17 and 13, respectively. Harvey also had 3 assists. Hunter Schaaf had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Clay Sutterby had 6 rebounds, and Drew Perry had 4 assists and steals. “I’m extremely proud of our team,” said Coach Hays. “We came a long way this season. I’m going to miss being around these guys every day. It’s sad that it is over. I enjoyed every minute of this season.”

I couldn’t agree with Coach Hays more. I never managed the boys’ team directly, but I stayed for almost every game since they usually played after the girls. I enjoyed cheering for them from my seat in the pep band or by Rhian, our filmer. I hope our seniors had a great final season, and I hope the rest of the team will come out for basketball again next year.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Girls Fall to Colgan

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

–Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles traveled to Yates Center to face the Saint Mary’s Colgan Panthers in the second round of Sub-State. The team fought hard, but were defeated by the Panthers.

Danielle Howard scored 17 points and had 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. She was hurt late in the game so we wish her a speedy recovery. Karleigh Schoenberger had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Alie Fuhrman had 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Gwenyth Fry had 9 rebounds. Sammie Hampton scored 6 points and had 3 assists. Coach Miller said, “We fought the good fight, but we could not overcome the hole we were in. The better team won tonight. Looking back, it is exciting to see the growth of this team over the last 3 years. We were 4-17 in 2018, 11-10 in 2019, and we finished this season 16-6. It is always hard to see our seniors graduate, and it can be difficult to fill the void they leave behind. However, we will continue to develop our athletes so they can be ready to rise to the occasion. The 2020-21 basketball season starts tomorrow for our Lady Eagle basketball program.”

This was an amazing season for the Lady Eagles. Our final record is 16-6 overall and 9-2 in the league. We finished in the league sitting 2nd, just behind Saint Paul. I want to personally thank anyone who supports the Eagles by going to games or simply reading these articles. As a manager, it always makes me smile to see people supporting the team even if they have no relation to any players or coaches. Even people from other schools support our teams (an example of this would be Pleasanton in tonight’s matchup; thanks, P-Town!) I guess I have a couple more articles to write for the Varsity boys if they win against Northeast Arma tomorrow night, but this is it for the girls. I’ve loved every second of this season. Thank you.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Good Financial News From USD234

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USD234 has some great news.

The board of education recently approved a bond refinance, according to Gina Shelton,  business manager for the school district.

“This saves our community $5,792,515.15 and allows us to pay the bond off 5 years earlier,” she said. “We continue our commitment to be good stewards with our taxpayer funds and are so very excited to have this opportunity.”

In a 7-0 vote, USD 234 School Board approved Resolution 19-09 on March 2, 2020, to refinance a portion of the District’s outstanding Series 2014 General Obligation Bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates and captured savings for our community of $5,792,515.15. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned.

Series 2020 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds Highlights

  1. The current average interest rate on the Series 2014 bonds is 4.33%.

  1. The final average interest rate after refinancing is 2.57%.

  1. Total savings is $5,792,515.15 (after all refinancing expenses).

  1. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned, with a final maturity in 2035, versus 2040.

  1. The refinancing improves the District’s financial position, provides interest cost savings and future mill levy management options.

  1. Timing – Why is this important??

    1. Past

      1. School District and Community passage of bond was just in time.

      2. The initial bonds were passed on December 22, 2014.

      3. Legislation became effective July 1, 2015, that lowered the bond state aid.

      4. We are currently receiving 64% in state aid.

      5. Had we waited, our community would have been receiving 33% state aid.

      6. In 2019-20, the state aid is paying all the interest on the school district’s bonds and some of the principal of the bonds.

    2. Now

      1. Interest rates are at a historical low.

      2. The school board’s goal with refinancing was the capture the lower interest rate currently in the market.

      3. History has shown us that interest rates will go back up, so it is critical to take advantage of the lower rates now.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Conferences and Spring Break Schedule

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Parent/Teacher conferences for the USD 234 School District will be held on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10.

Conferences will be held at the following times:

 

Fort Scott Preschool Center – 4:20 to 7:50 p.m.

Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware – 4:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School – 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

 

There will be no school for USD 234 students on Friday, March 13.

 

Spring Break will be held the week of March 16-20.

 

Classes will resume for USD 234 students on Monday, March 23.

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Boys Soar Past Blu-Jays into Second Round

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

By Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles faced the Pleasanton Blu-Jays in the boys’ first round of sub-state. The boys were victorious against the Jays and will move on to the next round.

The energy in the gym on Tuesday was electric, with a huge crowd there to support the team. Luke George scored 22 points and had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. Jake Harvey had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists and steals. Clay Sutterby had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Coach Hays said, “I thought we played one of our best halves of basketball in the first half. We had guys hitting shots and playing with a lot of effort on defense. I’m extremely proud of the boys and how hard they are competing. We look forward to the opportunity to travel to Yates Center and continue playing.”