Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott

Benefit for The Beacon April 25

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The Sleep Inn Hotel staff are hosting a pancake feed next Saturday, April 25 from 7 to 10 a.m. to raise funds for the Beacon, a local helping agency, according to the event organizer, Bill Michaud.

“We have sought and received approval from Dave Martin, Will Wallis and Becky Johnson and will do our very best to adhere to the distancing and other recommendations,” Michaud said in an email.

To get your breakfast of pancakes with syrup and butter, and sausage links, access Skutbitz Plaza (in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site) from Main Street or National Avenue and head east.

Stay in the car, there will be curbside delivery.

A free-will offering will be collected at that time.

To view the info flyer, click below:

Drive-Thru_PancakeFeed

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Story Time April 21 Online

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Next week’s Fort Scott Public Library Story Time schedule will run as follows:
April 21
10 am Silly Storytime on Zoom (the meeting will be recorded and made available after it ends, when possible).
 11 am  Silly Storytime on Facebook Live ( may post the video on the library’s YouTube channel as well).
Details: 
Join Miss Val online for virtual storytime! This week’s story: “The Book with No Pictures” by comedian B. J. Novak!
For the 10 am storytime,the Zoom platform will once again be used. If you participated last week, you already have the correct link.
If you did not, you may receive the link that will be used by one of two methods:
Message Fort Scott Public Library through Facebook or email Miss Val at [email protected] before the start (10 am Tuesday) of storytime, and they will send you the link.
Zoom can be fully accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access. The full application will allow families to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of storytime. This storytime will be recorded and posted afterwards for anyone who misses part or all of the meeting to view later, whenever possible. You will have the option of turning your video and audio on and off anytime during the meeting.This week’s craft: Silly Letters

Materials Needed:

Papers, regular or stick glue, pencil or crayon, and assorted items to glue to the paper (anything fun you have on hand – especially colorful items, such as pom-poms, colored dry pasta, rice, dry beans, drinking straw pieces, yarn, tissue paper, feathers, etc.). Have the materials ready if you would like to join us in making the craft, or just watch Miss Val make the craft and do yours after storytime.

This week’s snack: Silly Edible Letters

Bring a small plate and dry snack foods such as raisins, cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruit, pretzel sticks, or small crackers. We will spell a letter or two with our food before eating it, so be ready to wipe hands as well.For activity suggestions and more see the Storytime Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/fortscottpublic/story-time/.

Read digital books related to the theme at http://sunflowerelibrary.overdrive.com or https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (seknfind.org account required) or https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids (for residents of Kansas only).

#fsplstorytime

Fort Scott, Schools

Terry Chance Retires From Christian Heights School

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Terry Chance, Christian Heights Principal, is retiring. Submitted photo.

After 32 years as principal of Fort Scott Christian Heights and 14 years as a teacher before that, Terry Chance is retiring as of June 1.

Chance, 70, says his becoming an educator was a process of time.

“I felt like God wanted me to be involved full-time in a Christian ministry,” he said. “I got into music education and have been in education ever since.”

“John Page was our pastor and principal of Christian Heights and was my mentor,” Chance said. “He is my hero.”

Chance said he loves the interaction with students.

“It has been a thrill when they understand what you teach,” he said.

For him, seeing students go on from Christian Heights to serve their family, their community and their church, “That’s success,” he said.

The biggest challenge in his career has been the current pandemic that has closed down all schools in the nation.

“We are trying to figure out how to help our students right now,” Chance said.

Chance said he made up his mind to retire last summer and told the FSCH Board of Education in September.

The board has hired Larry Davolt as the new principal.

Davolt has been a science teacher at the school for 28 years.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Implements Continuous Learning Plans

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Ted Hessong

Continuous Learning plans at USD234 were started the week of March 30, Superintendent Ted Hessong said.

“Each building rolled their plans out gradually throughout the week,” Hessong said.

“Since school buildings are closed for the remainder of the school year (following stay-at-home orders during the pandemic), school districts needed to come up with a way to provide continuous learning for our students to help them not only academically but also socially,” he said.

” Our principals worked with their Building Leadership Teams using the Continuous Learning Plans guidance from the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE),” he said. ” KSDE collaborated with teachers from all across the state of Kansas to help create these guidance documents to assist school districts. After meeting with their leadership teams, they then worked with the rest of their staff to create the Continuous Learning Plans.”

 

“Most of the teachers are teaching from home,” Hessong said. “We do have a few staff members who are working from their classrooms to provide Continuous Learning to our students.”

 

Each school building’s personnel contacted every student to see what they needed to be able to participate in Continuous Learning, he said and based on the feedback each received from the students, the staff worked to provide the necessary materials to be able to participate.

 

Grading for the new plan will be different.

” With the implementation of our Continuous Learning plans each building is handling grades a little different,” Hessong said. “Each building is keeping in mind what is in the best interest of our students during these uncharted waters of what school looks like today. Our teachers and administrators are demonstrating grace and understanding for all students to do what is best for our students.”

Hessong is thankful, he said.

“I want to thank all of our staff for their help to implement our Continuous Learning plans and our foodservice and support staff in providing meals for the students in our communities. With the assistance of our communities, the county, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Southeast Kansas  Health Department it has allowed our school district to navigate these uncharted waters to make the most of this health crisis.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Minutes of April 2

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, April 2, 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 – March 13, 2020 – $1,414,782.30

D.    Financial Report

E.     Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F.     Activity Fund Accounts

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference Attendance

H.    Point of Information – May Employee Recognition to be held at a later date due to COVET-19

 

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.  Administrators from each

building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong commended staff throughout the district for their hard work throughout the pandemic, reported on the Continuous Learning Plan, and shared special education information.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared information on employee pay, current business practices, and bond closure.

Board members approved the following items:

·       KASB Adoption Agreement and Legal Assistance Fund Contract and Renewal Payment

·       Price increase for adult lunch and breakfast meals for the 2020-21 school year

·       Roof payments

·       Purchase of two buses

·       Door bids

·       Sale of old high school weight racks

The board also acknowledged receipt of the 2020-21 negotiations lists.

Board members shared comments and then 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 matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

A.    Non-renewal of Don Parsons, high school English teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Jamie Patterson, preschool paraprofessional, effective April 6, 2020

C.    Transfer of Brandon Boyd, Eugene Ware physical education teacher, to Eugene Ware Assistant Principal for the 2020-21 school year

D.    Transfer of Pauline Sweyko, high school paraprofessional, to high school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

E.     Transfer of Matt Glades, high school teacher aide (ISS), to high school technology teacher for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Transfer of Sabrina Keating, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Transfer of Brenda Hill, elementary instructional coach, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Work agreement change for Debbie West, high school secretary, from a 10-month position to a 12-month position for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Employment of Clint Heffern as a high school social science/physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Carissa Bowman as a high school FACS teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Pam Hutchison as a high school teachers’ aide for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

P.     Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

Q.    Employment of special education licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

R.    Employment of Clint Heffern as head high school boys’ basketball coach for the 2020-21 school year

S.     Employment of Melissa Miller as elementary instructional coach for the 2020-21 school year

T.     Employment of Shelly Sanborn as a middle school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Honoring the Fort Scott High School Senior Class Tonight: Be The Light Campaign Drive By

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On Monday, April 13th, Fort Scott High School will join other school districts across our state and nation by participating in the Be The Light campaign.

This is to celebrate the  Fort Scott High School Senior class of 2020 and spring sports athletes, coaches, and families.

Many schools around the country have already participated in this, and several schools in the area participated Friday evening.

We have chosen to do this on Monday the 13th.

The lights at Frary Field, Fisher Park, the FSHS Tennis Courts, and the LaRoche baseball complex will go on at 8:20 pm for 20 minutes as a symbol we are thinking of them and we will eventually return to school and competition.

Persons hoping to witness this event are encouraged to drive by these venues and provide support by honking your car horn a time or two.

Participants are to remain in their vehicles in order to adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

Submitted by Jeff DeLaTorre

Athletic/Activities Director
Fort Scott High School
620 223-0600

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

No Good Ol’ Days This Year, Next Year We Celebrate!

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Downtown Fort Scott in a prior Good Ol’ Days Celebration.

The annual Fort Scott event of Good Ol’ Days, the first weekend in June,  will not happen this year.

The event is provided by donations from local businesses and individuals, Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the Good Ol’ Days committee, said.

“With everything that has happened (the effects of the pandemic stay-at-home orders), with people losing their jobs and businesses going under, we didn’t feel we could ask for donations,” O’Brien said.

The group met last week, and made the decision then.

Members of the committee are O’Brien; Melissa Wise, treasurer; Cheryl Van Hoecke, treasurer; Tim Van Hoecke, in charge of vendors; Kayla Hall, secretary; Charlotte Thompson, in charge of logistics; Kelsey DeMott and ShayLynn Clements, in charge of kids activities and Janet Braun, “the guiding light,” O’Brien said.

The group meets monthly following the annual event, except July, to plan all the components that make up Good Ol’ Days.

Vendor registration, donations drive, putting entertainment in place, securing a carnival contract, planning kids activities are the tasks that require months of planning.

Next year the organizing committee will facilitate the event on June 4-5, 2021.

The theme, Family, Friends and Fun, will be held for next years Good Ol’ Days celebration.

“It would’ve been 40 years this year, we’ll celebrate the 40 years next year,” O’Brien said.

 

Church news, Fort Scott

First Southern Baptist Has Drive-In Church

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Pastor James Collins preaches outdoors on Psalm Sunday at his church.

First Southern Baptist Church turned parking lots into pews last Sunday with “Drive-In” Church.

People were able to maintain social distancing by staying in their cars and listening to the service on 88.7 FM.

“Drive-In” Church will be held again this Sunday at First Southern starting at 11 am.

The church is located at 1818 South Main. Pastor James Collins will be preaching a Resurrection message from the Sixteenth Chapter of Mark.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Storytime April 14

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Next week’s Fort Scott Public Library storytime schedule will run as follows:
April 14: 10 am Dogs & Donuts Storytime on Zoom (the meeting will be recorded and made available after it ends).
               11 am  Dogs & Donuts Storytime on Facebook Live (we may post the video on the library’s YouTube channel as well).
Details: 
Join Miss Val online for virtual storytime! The library will once again use the Zoom platform for the 10 am storytime and Facebook Live for the 11 am event. This should remain the schedule until the library reopens, but stay tuned to Fort Scott Public Library’s Facebook page for all event updates. Due to security concerns surrounding the Zoom app, you will need to message the library for the meeting link. You may receive the link by one of two methods:
 

Message Fort Scott Public Library through Facebook or email Miss Val at [email protected] before the start (10 am Tuesday) of storytime, and they will send you the link. The same link will be used for all future Zoom storytimes.


Zoom can be fully accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access. The full application will allow families to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of storytime. Storytimes will be recorded and posted afterwards for anyone who misses part or all of the meetings to view later. You will have the option of turning your video and audio on and off anytime during the meeting.

If you would like to do something special for this week’s theme, bring your real or stuffed dog to storytime, and/or a donut or donut-shaped snack (think Cheerios, bagels, mini bagels, etc.).

This week’s craft: Cereal Necklace OR Bird Feeder
Materials Needed: Round cereal with hole in the center such as fruit loops, toasted oats, etc. and a string or pipe cleaner. If you want to make the necklace, you may use any food with a hole in it instead of the cereal, if you don’t have any. Pretzels, cookies with holes in the middle, cored apple slices, gummy donut-shaped candy, etc. will all work. If you are using a pipe cleaner, you may use soft foods as well, such as raisins or mini marshmallows. For the bird feeder, cereal is recommended. Have the materials ready if you would like to join us in making the craft, or just watch Miss Val make the craft and do yours after storytime.

For activity suggestions and more see the library’s Storytime Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/fortscottpublic/story-time/.

Read digital books related to the theme at http://sunflowerelibrary.overdrive.com or https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (seknfind.org account required) or https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids (for residents of Kansas only).

#fsplstorytime

 
Note: I found the attached photo online through a search for free desktop wallpapers. Have a great day, and thanks for all your hard work keeping us all updated during this global crisis,
 
Submitted by Valetta Cannon

Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Food Distribution Schedule

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The distribution will work the same next week as it did this past week.  We still are asking those using the program to register via our website as it helps immensely with the planning and ordering of the meals.

Submitted by Gina L Shelton, CPA, USD 234 Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

FOOD SERVICE ROUTES REGISTRATION
(UPDATED 04/09/20)

Help us Help You.

We need our families to register to pick up meals. This provides us better information to help us prepare for the numbers being served. You will need to fill out a form for each day.

Where to Register?
www.usd234.org

Deadlines
For Monday, April 13th Meals – Deadline is noon, Friday, April 10th
For Tuesday, April 14th Meals – Deadline is noon, Monday, April 13th
For Wednesday, April 15th Meals – Deadline is noon, Tuesday, April 14th

Questions we will be asking:
1. Will you be picking up meals?
2. Where will you be picking up meals?
3. How many children aged 1-18 will you be picking up meals for?
4. Adult contact name?
5. Adult contact phone number?
This form should take you no longer than 1 minute to fill out. We need you to complete the form for each day you will be picking up meals.

Distribution Schedule

USD 234 will be doing three (3) distributions the week of April 13th. Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days. We will need you to register for each day.
Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child
Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child
Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child
Questions??
Call or email Kerrie at 620-223-0800 or [email protected]

Tiger Food Service – Meals Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
April 13th through April 15th

No distributions on Thursday or Friday

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 04/09/20)

What days will meals be distributed?

o Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only for the Week of April 13th.
o There will not be any distributions Thursday, or Friday.
o The child will still receive the same amount of meals.

Do I need to register?
o Yes. Register at www.usd234.org.
o Just a few questions to help us serve you.

I’m having trouble registering using the form
o Call 620-223-0800 and we will help.

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.

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. a

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.

USD 234 FS Week of April 13th – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 04/09/20)

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 three (3) distributions the week of April 13th

Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days.

Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child
Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child
Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

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

Register using Google Form: USD 234 COVID-19 Food Service.
Form can be found at www.usd234.org or call 620-223-0800.

You must register for each day you want USD 234 to provide meals.
*There will be NO distributions on Thursday or Friday
*Please maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

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. CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS. IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT.