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Category Archives: Fort Scott
USD 234 Demonstrates Academic Growth Across Core Subjects
USD 234 is proud to share academic progress reflected in the recent Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) results. These results demonstrate meaningful gains in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science.
Over the past several years, USD 234 students have steadily improved proficiency rates on the state assessments required by KSDE. Proficiency status represents students mastering grade level standards that are included on the state assessment each spring. USD 234 now ranks near the top of other Southeast Kansas League schools in multiple subject areas. In Math and ELA, Fort Scott’s proficiency levels have climbed consistently, placing the district among one of the strongest performers among other Southeast Kansas League schools for the 2024–25 school year. Science results also reflect sustained and consistent growth over the last few years.
These results reflect the dedication and hard work of all USD 234 staff. This is also a reflection of each students’ commitment to continuous learning. We are thankful for these individuals’ efforts each and every day.
More detailed assessment information is available through the Kansas State Department of Education Report Card at datacentral.ksde.gov.”
School Board Recognition Month
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
TERRY MAYFIELD Assistant Superintendent
Join us in thanking our Board of Education
January is School Board Recognition Month, and our school district would like to thank each of our board of education members for their incredible service to our community and our public schools.
School board members in USD 234 develop policies and make important decisions that help shape the future of our education system.
This January, please join us as we thank our school board members for volunteering their time, their passion for serving our district and for advocating on behalf of every child in our community.
The board members serving USD 234 and their years of service are:
David Stewart – President Stewart Gulager – Vice President
Doug Hurd Nick Barrows
Mike Miles Phil Jackson
Rory Chaplin
Sincerely,
Destry Brown
USD 234 – Fort Scott
On January 22, Brickstreet BBQ Hosts the Weekly Chamber Coffee
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Faithful Together: Written By Local Author Tanya Glessner
Local author, Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott, continues mentoring people who are incarcerated and those in recovery from addiction.
“It remains the work I’m most passionate about,” she said. “I truly believe God is taking every part of my past—along with all the healing He’s brought into my life—and using it to help pull others out of the darkness they’re facing. That said, everyone has to do their own part; real change requires our active effort.”
In addition to mentoring, she is an author of several books.
Her latest book is “Faithful Together.”
“My motivation for writing this book comes straight from my own life—the real, messy, beautiful experiences I’ve walked through,” she said. ” It started with everything I learned from my past marriage: the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the hard lessons that shaped me. Then I watched and listened to so many other people’s marriages—the joys they shared, the struggles they faced, and the wisdom they gained along the way.”
“But the heart of this book is really about what I’ve seen and lived in my marriage now. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from our past relationships and poured it into building something stronger together. Our children, our stepchildren, our grandchildren, this whole blended family we’ve been blessed with—they’ve all been part of the journey. We’ve grown through the challenges, the blending, the laughter, and even the tears.”
“Most importantly, though, what has made the biggest difference is having Jesus Christ right in the center of our lives,” she said. “Instead of focusing on ourselves or even on each other first, we’ve learned to put Him first. When we do that, everything else starts to fall into place—our love, our communication, our forgiveness, our hope. That’s the truth I want to share through this book: real transformation is possible when Christ is the foundation, and when we stop making ‘me’ or ‘us’ the priority and make Him the priority instead.”
Faithful Together” is in print form, with an ebook version coming soon, and can be purchased on Amazon.com.
About the Author
She and her husband “love spending time with our grandbabies, and our home is always open to our kids and grandkids. We enjoy sharing our whole story with others—the victories, the struggles, and yes, even the hiccups along the way. We’re convinced there’s no shame in talking openly about past mistakes once God has made us overcomers. Speaking those things out loud can help someone else avoid the same pitfalls.”
“We’re still a work in progress, still learning and growing every day. Above all, we hold fast to the truth that a family that prays together stays together.”
New Preschool Facility Is Expected by December 2026
USD234 Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided an update on the district’s new preschool facility at 904 Horton, which has been an ongoing project for several years.
This former medical clinic is being transformed into a modern preschool.
Background on the Project
“The district purchased the building during the 2023–24 school year with the long-term goal of creating a dedicated early childhood and preschool facility,” Mayfield said in a press release. “Following the purchase, the project timeline extended longer than originally anticipated for several reasons: the previous owner/tenant remained in the building through Fall 2024, which delayed demolition and construction activities. Once the building was fully vacated, the district completed demolition of the first floor to open the space for preschool use.”
Additionally, as the project moved forward, the scope was revised due to budget constraints, updating designs with engineers and architects, addressing structural needs (excavation, foundation waterproofing, and drainage improvements), he said
“While these steps added time, they are important to ensure the building is safe, functional, and durable for long-term use as a school facility,” he said.
About the Program
“The Fort Scott USD 234 preschool program provides early childhood education for young learners, with a strong focus on school readiness, social-emotional development, and foundational academic skills,” said Mayfield. “The program also serves as the district’s early childhood special education site, supporting students with identified disabilities as well as children considered at risk.”
The current preschool center is located at 409 S. Judson. Services for the district’s preschool program are located at this site and also Winfield Scott Elementary School.
“Bringing these services together in one purpose-built facility will improve coordination, accessibility, and overall support for students and families,” he said.
Current Status and Timeline
“Excavation and waterproofing work is currently underway, with interior shoring in the final stages of approval. Once approved, shoring installation is expected to begin in mid-January and be completed within a couple of weeks. Architectural plan development is ongoing, with a revised timeline targeting final plan approval and submission to the construction manager, Crossland Construction, by June. Bidding and Board approval of pricing are anticipated in July, followed by a late July construction start. Project completion and turnover to the district are projected for late November to early December 2026.”
“In addition, playground equipment for the site has already been manufactured and is ready for delivery. Installation is planned for late January or early February, with an on-site coordination meeting scheduled to finalize logistics and align the work with ongoing site activities.”
Current Enrollment and Capacity
“The preschool program currently serves approximately 120 students. Enrollment typically grows throughout the school year as children age into the program. At present, the district operates two preschool classrooms in the existing preschool building and utilizes two additional classrooms at Winfield Scott Elementary to accommodate enrollment.”
“The new facility will initially include four dedicated preschool classrooms, allowing the district to fully serve current enrollment in one centralized location. The building has also been designed with future expansion in mind, including the potential to add an additional classroom as enrollment needs grow.”
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Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent
Fort Scott USD 234 can be reached at
620-223-0800 or
Self-Care Fair: Tomorrow, Jan. 17 at the Cloverleaf Event Center
A Self-Care Fair is being held tomorrow, Saturday, January 17th from 10 am to 3 pm in the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.
Eclectic Soul out of Pittsburg, KS will be having Qi Gong classes at 11 am and 1 pm for $5.
The Muscle Whisperer will be offering 10-minute chair massages for $10, and Locust Hill Lamanchas will be hosting a Free Soap-Making Demonstration. The Carrell Collective will have KETO Cookies available for purchase.
Vendors will be selling health and wellness products that range from skin care, herbal teas, and essential oils.
Emma Carpenter will also be available to answer Medicare questions.
Vendors include:
Eclectic Soul, Pittsburg, KS
Sisters 3 Essential Oils for Wellness, Nevada, MO
Locust Hill Lamanchas, Fort Scott, KS
Mary Kay, Karen Wagoner, Fort Scott, KS
The Muscle Whisperer, Fort Scott, KS
The Carrell Collective, Fort Scott, KS
Emma Carpenter, Carpenter Homestead, Fort Scott, KS
Mmm Flavor Shop, Fort Scott, KS
Love and Laughter Comedy Show To Benefit Care to Share Organization
Saw A Need: Trying to Meet That Need
The congregation of Fort Scott’s First Baptist Church noticed a need for a coat drive following the recent holidays.
“We have high hopes of making sure everyone in Fort Scott who needs a coat has a coat,” said Christy Graves, church secretary.
“When we began, it was for sharing in the church, then by word of mouth, other people heard, ” said church assistant Glenda Lalman.
The coats are all sizes, mostly adult size, currently.
Coats can be tried on during the times between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Lalman said.
People are asked to come in on the west side of the church at 123 Scott Avenue.
The church’s phone number is 620.223.3080.
Other outreaches of the congregation:
* a food pantry and hygiene pantry in front of the church which are filled six days a week.
*a care home service on the 4th Sunday of each month
* a collection center for Operation Christmas Child
Sunday services are 10 a.m. Sunday School, 11 a.m. Morning Service, with youth group, young adult group and adult Bible Study at 5 p.m.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. is a men’s Bible study and women’s prayer group.
Saturdays, there is a women’s Bible study at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall, at 9:30 a.m.
Naomi Arnold Receives Grant to Pursue Degree in Nursing
Naomi Arnold, a student at Pittsburg State University, was awarded a P.E.O. Continuing Education Grant. She is sponsored by P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott, KS.
The P.EO. Program for Continuing Education was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or families.
Naomi is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree. She took prerequisite classes at Fort Scott Community College. She was awarded a $3,800 international award to assist her in pursuing her degree.
P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization, has been celebrating women by helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the U.S. and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.
What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 5,500 chapters. There are two chapters here in Fort Scott. To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org. You can also join us at facebook.com/peointernational, and @PEOInternational on Instagram
The Rural Community Partners Website is officially live
I have great news! The Rural Community Partners Website is officially live!
Thanks to our Pittsburg State University Micro-Intern (funded through the Parker Dewey and the Kansas Department of Commerce), we have a BEAUTIFUL, user friendly website that clearly showcases our work and makes it easy for people to sign up for services, get involved, and connect with us. It’s all part of our effort to find, connect, and engage across our rural communities!!
Explore the site:
The home page is here: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/
Community Local Health Equity Action Team Page: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/local-action-teams
Small Business and Entrepreneur Council Here: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/entrepreneur-council
RCP Executive Board Members: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/board-members
And to sign up for all kinds of support or services: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/get-support
A few of the services offer to our rural communities:
- General community support,
- Small Business Mentorship Program (funded through HBCAT’s Social Entrepreneurship BCBS Pathways Grant),
- Coalition and community technical assistance and community investment in partnership with KUMC COPE,
- Small business micro grant program (a project we spearheaded with the support of our KFAN grant, funded by KHF)
- Feasibility Studies and Cost Benefit Analysis
We’re incredibly proud of this milestone and grateful to the partners who helped make it happen. Please take a look, share the site, and encourage individuals, businesses, and community partners to explore how they can connect with Rural Community Partners.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen!!
Jody Love
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
Rural Community Partners
President and CEO
Office: 620-224-2563 Ext. 4
Cell: 620-215-2892
104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
New Additions at the Fort Scott Public Library
Late last year, the Fort Scott Public Library received notification it would receive a $10,000 gift in celebration of our country marking the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence was signed.
“The Carnegie grant is for the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary,” said the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler. “Out of the 1,280 Carnegie Libraries left operating, we are part of those 750 that are still in our original buildings. Which we are very proud of. We have not yet received the grant, but it is to arrive within the next couple of months. As of now, we are considering several areas for the grant funds, but haven’t settled on anything yet.”
The press release from the Carnegie Foundation is here- https://www.carnegie.
Sensory Area
Currently, new additions from an American Library Association $20,000 grant last year are in the works for children of all ages.
“We have the new Shushbooth in and I have received the correct furniture, but am still waiting on just one piece for it to be complete,” she said. “The Shushbooth is a sound-deadening room where children can decompress with less stress. It is also where they can do therapy. When not in use for that purpose, the booth can be used by community members for study, job interviews, and telehealth. It is upstairs, next to the east window, so they can see the reading mural across the way and it is in the new study area. I have one more piece of furniture for the booth, and that will be done.It is available for patrons for limited use at this time.”
The staff is creating a new children’s area, teen area and maker space for the library.
Fort Scott Public Library Awarded $20,000 For Children’s Section
“The Shushbooth is part of the ALA grant,” she said. ” It was $20,000 for the library to support a project serving children in the community with sensory issues. The Shushbooth and the sensory toys the library is ordering are tied to that grant. The toys are also slowly arriving.”
“Most of the furniture for the rest of the makeover spaces is in the building, just not in the locations where it will be once everything is finalized. I try to buy American-made as much as possible, so things trickle in as they get finished.
“The goal was to make the library a more welcoming space for children with sensory issues and to provide privacy when needed in a small building. This grant does that for children and their families, with the added benefit that others in the community benefit as well.”
“Once the makeover is complete, I will be on the lookout for more grants like that one so the library can contribute more to the community. My goal is to make the library a proactive part of Fort Scott and a place the community comes to hang out, learn, and grow.”
Jennifer Gum-Fowler is the Library Director and also does Adult Services.
