Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board Minutes from August 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, August 12, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

  1. 07/08/24 Minutes
  2.  07/29/24 Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers

Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the week’s schedule including Teachers returning and Welcome Back Assembly for all staff on Tuesday. Open house for all buildings will be this week and posted on the district website. He explained that the district was able to help twenty-eight staff members with tuition. Fifteen of those completed degrees.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on each district department. He has been working with each to receive updates on projects that have been completed during the summer. Transportation had inspections on all vehicles for safety, Food Service has completed menus and ordering, Tech has devices ready for the first day of school, and maintenance has all the buildings cleaned and ready for the students.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on hiring Paras for the buildings as well as Para training that will be taking place this week. SPED teachers were in training last week and will also have some time this week for training. She reported that the SPED Audit for the last year has been completed with a final report to come later.

Assistant Superintendent Mayfield reviewed the Needs Assessment for the district to align with the district values. He mentioned the importance of investing in the Teachers and the impact on the community. In the overview a few future projects were discussed. More details will be provided at the Budget Hearing in September.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Classified Handbook for 2024-25
  • Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25
  • Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25
  • No Limits Rehab Inc. contract for physical therapy

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters & premium pay.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

August 12, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Alvarado, Selena – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball Coach

Ballou, Jessica – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Black, Carla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Clark, Erica – Resignation – Bus Duty

Hutchison – Supplemental Resignation – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach

Lord, McKenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Lynn, Shelby – Resignation – Teacher’s Aide – High School

Palmer, Lana – Resignation – Bus Driver

Purdy, Kayla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Judson, Mary

Knopp, Mackenzie

Tate, Wanita

 

TRANSFER:

Endicott, Jencyn & Harper, Angel – 7.5 hour Para to 8 hour Para – Preschool

Beyer, Amy – From Eugene Ware Para to Middle School Cook

Glover, Carol – From Winfield Scott Cook to Middle School Cook

Hutchison, Patty – From Middle School Cook to Winfield Scott Cook

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Freeze, Micheal – Special Education Teacher – KRI

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Corbitt, Cheyenne – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Castillo, Kristal – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Hanson, Emily – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Hayden, Caleb – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Heckman, Whitney – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Houston, Cassandra – Van Driver

Houston, Cassandra – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Houston, Steven – Bus Diver

Lopp, Kylie – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

McDonald, Maggie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Mishler, Kelsie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Rodriguez, Joseph – Substitute Preschool Van Driver

Shaw, Michael – Custodian – Eugene Ware – August 5, 2024

Shaw, Michael – Substitute Preschool Van Driver

Mills, Lacy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Brown, Chase – Ed Rising

Brown, Chase – Senior Class Sponsor

Brown, Chase – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach

Gorman, Krista – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)

Hodges, Julius – Debate & Forensics Assistant

Knopp, McKenzie – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)

Martin, Madeline – Key Club

Mayberry, Polly – Scholars Bowl Head Coach

Motley, Aubri – Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach

Rogers, Jamie – Student Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 New Admin, Educator: Miller, Bolton

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Dustin Miller. Submiited photo.

Dustin Miller, 50, is the new Dean of Students at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

Miller is a 1992 graduate of Uniontown High School, earned an associate of science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1994 and a bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University in 2006 in K-6th grade and also 5-8 grade mathematics.

He is currently working on a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University (projected: Fall, 2024)in educational administration.

“The 2024-25 school year will be my 19th year in education,” he said.  “My first year I taught 5th grade at Truman Elementary in Nevada, Mo.  The rest of my career has been at USD 235. Upon completing my Master of Science Degree in the Fall of 2024, I will become the Principal of West Bourbon Elementary.”

Positions  he has held

  • 5th Grade (6 years: 1st year was at Truman Elementary in Nevada, MO)
  • 7th & 8th Grade Math (2 years)
  • Title I (10 years serving West Bourbon Elementary)
  • Junior High Football

“As an educator, one of the best things is the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of students, watching them grow and learn new things. It is incredibly rewarding to see students succeed and know that you played a part in their development.”

“One of the biggest challenges for educators is meeting the diverse needs of students in increasingly complex learning environments. Each student has a unique learning style, background, and capabilities, making it challenging to create personalized learning experiences for everyone. Additionally, managing large class sizes, keeping students engaged, and addressing individual needs can be a constant challenge for educators.”

In addition to teaching, he has taken on coaching students.

He served two years as an assistant coach for junior high track, two years as co-head coach in high school baseball, one year as assistant coach of high school track, nine years as assistant coach in high school football, and 13 years as assistant coach of high school basketball (women). 18 years with the program, 13 years as head coach.

“I am an active member of the Marmaton Community Christian Church in Redfield.  I serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Wednesday night youth group leader.”

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carrie for 31 years and they have four sons.

Trenton (30), is married to Aubri and has two children: Josie & Ruthie.

Gavin (26), is married to Shelby and has two children: Bennett & Isla.

Hayden (23) and Korbin, (20) who is engaged to Haley Steeley.

 

Nancy Bolton is a new English Language Art teacher for 7-8th grade at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-9) from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in Education in Library Media (K-12) from Fort Hays State University.
She has been teaching since 1992, as a teacher for 5-8 English Language Arts, 4th grade, 7-8 Social Studies, and as a K-6 and K-12 Librarian.
She and her husband, Steve, have recently moved to Girard for his new position representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,  for Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee Counties. They were both involved in Ellsworth, KS as middle school youth leaders and FCA huddle leaders.
She is also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, PEO, Kansas Association of School Librarians, and a board member of Westminster Woods Church Camp at Fall River.
They are  “empty nesters” with twin adult children, Micah and Josiah. who graduated from Friend’s University in 2023. Micah is a band instructor at Goddard High School, Jr. High and 5-6th grade. He plays in the Wichita Wind Symphony as well as gives private music lessons. He is married to Maddison. Josiah is the middle school youth director at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Wichita. He was a member of the cross country and track team while attending Friends and continues to mentor students from around the Wichita area on running while sharing his faith.
“The best thing about being an educator is seeing the students I’ve helped educate go on to successful lives and careers, some as doctors, lawyers, dental hygienists, brick layers, construction workers, HAVC operators, farmers and ranchers, nurses and so on. I also love sharing my love of literature and the written word.”
“The challenge in education is keeping up with technology and social media that students are exposed to,” she said.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Agenda for August 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

August 12, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                         Stewart Gulager, Vice President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1.    07/08/24 Minutes
  2.    07/29/24 Minutes

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers

4.8       Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            5.3       Special Education Director’s Report                     

 

6.0       New Business Overview of budget

6.1       Handbook for 2024-25 school year

6.2       Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25

6.3       Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25

6.4       Overview of Budget (Discussion)

            Needs Assessment 2024-25

6.5       No Limits Rehabilitation Inc. Contract for Physical Therapy (Action Item)

 

7.0       Public Forum

8.0       Other Business –

 

8.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters & Premium Pay (Action Item)

8.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

8.3       Approval of Premium Pay –

8.4       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

9.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)                                                     Stewart Gulager, Vice President

Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teachers: Page, Coen, Williams

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.

Marcus Page and family. Submitted photo.

Marcus Page, 31, is a new biology teacher at Fort Scott High School.
He earned a  Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pittsburg  State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from P.S.U.

He has been a middle school science teacher in Kansas City, KS for two years, a school science teacher in Olathe for one year, and the Director of Admissions at Fort Scott Community College since Spring of 2022.

“While at FSCC, I had the privilege of being a part of LEAD Bourbon County, allowing me the opportunity to meet many people within our community.”

His family attends Fort Scott Nazarene Church.

His wife is the communication instructor at FSCC and they have two children, Carter, age 6, who attends Fort Scott Christian Heights, and Ellie, age 1, who attends Happy Kids Daycare.

“By far the best part of teaching is getting to know the students and building a relationship with them to encourage them throughout their education.

“A challenge in education is having a healthy work/life balance. Now that I have two children at home it will be important to utilize my time at work to its fullest.”

Jessica Coen. Submitted photo.
Jessica Coen, 35, is the district- Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Fort Scott Preschool Center.
She earned a Masters In Art of Teaching, K-6th grade and undergrad in Unified Early Childhood from Kansas State University, has a bachelor’s in accounting through the University of Phoenix, and completed Applied Behavior Analysis training in 2023.
This is her second year teaching ECSE.
She has one year of experience in ECSE teaching at Paola Cottonwood Elementary and  6 1/2 years of experience working with Headstart and Early Headstart in Linn County.
“I have a busy house with five children Serenity,17, Kyle, 15, Bella,12, Jensen, 9, and Marek, 6 years old. ” My husband, Michael, and I  just celebrated our 18th anniversary. We also have 6 dogs and 6 cats.”
The best thing about being an educator for her is “being a part of a team (family, teachers, paras, etc.) to be part of their growth and success of reaching goals and development. It’s an awesome perk to get some great smiles, hugs, and ‘I love you’ from the students. I love the laughs and the dancing while we learn and grow.
A challenge as an educator, I think is… to make sure all needs are met. But we can always do our best each day.”
Courtney Williams. Submitted photo.

Courtney Williams, 24, is a new 5th Grade Math/Science Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

She earned a Bachelor of Science, in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.

This is her second year of teaching,  last year she taught first-grade rat R.V. Haderlein in Girard.

“I would love to find some ways to involve myself in the community since I have returned to Fort Scott!,” she said.

“I love meeting my students for the first time. To watch them come into the room and explore the space and introduce myself to them. I want to make a fun, exciting first impression so they know they will always be welcome into my classroom and I will be available when they need help.”

A challenge for her will be learning how to handle older students. “But I have confidence in myself and my new team to help me continue to grow my knowledge in the pursuit of education.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 New Teachers: Hardesty, Vincent, Ragan

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.

 

Tabitha Hardesty. Submitted photo.
Tabitha Hardesty, 41, is a new Special Education Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
She has 10 years of experience as a paraprofessional at Eugene Ware and is currently working towards obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education through Wichita State University.
“I’m in a Teacher Apprentice Program designed for paraprofessionals to go to school and work towards becoming a teacher.”
In her spare time she enjoys “supporting local fundraisers, especially if they support the students within our community.”
“Our faith and family are very important to us,” she said.
She is married to Kent Hardesty, owner of KtK Electric, LLC. “Together we have one daughter Kenzi, who will graduate from Pittsburg State University in December.”
She said the best thing about being an educator is building relationships with children. “Then assisting them in reaching goals that can be hard for them to achieve.”
“The biggest challenge is working with students that don’t come from the best situations. At the end of the day, I have to leave them and hope they will be okay.”
McKayla Vincent. Submitted photo.
McKayla Vincent, 25, is a new 1st Grade Teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.
She worked as a para-educator for a year and a half.
“Before that, I spent four years working with children at the Mental Health Center.”
In the community she participates in a church group, she said.
Her family is comprised of her mom and stepdad in Kansas City and her dad and stepmom in Sterling. She is originally from Sterling.
She has three older brothers and one younger brother, and a nephew and two nieces due in August.
“My dog Paisley is also a very important part of my family.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“Seeing students learn and grow!”
What is a challenge?
“Missing the students when they move on to the next grade.”
Mackenzie Ragan. Submitted photo.

Mackenzie Ragan, 23, is a new third-grade Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

She attended Fort Scott Community College and received an Associate of Science, then transferred to Pittsburg State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

“There are many amazing things that come with being an educator! I think that the best part is watching students have lightbulb moments and celebrating those moments with them,” she said.

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Tiger Newsletter August 2024

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A message from Pam Hutchison:
 We are so excited about the new school year!
Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teachers: Oxholm, Prine, Jones

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.

 

Submitted photo. Chris Oxholdm.

Chris Oxholm , 34, is a new Fort Scott High School Special Education teachers.

He earned degrees from the Mass. College of Liberal Arts (BA), and Colorado Christian University (MEd) and has four years of teaching experience.

In his spare time, “You can catch me with Ashley and the kids down at the Pool! We are new to Kansas but we love this cool town so far!”

They have been married since September 3, 2016, and have three children; Charles (6), Frannie (4), and little Emma (2).

“We also live with our Nanny, Miss Dana, and our two Standard Poodles, Fenway and Wrigley. “

“The best part about being an educator, for me, is seeing progress in students that have worked on something that they struggle with.”

“My biggest challenge as an educator has been maintaining the same energy all day.”

Amanda Prine. Submitted photo.

Amanda Prine, 37, is a new 2nd-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

She is entering her 14th year in education.

“During that time, I have worked as an elementary teacher and as the director of an early childhood center.”

She is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nevada, MO, where her family resides, and has recently finished a term serving on her local Parks and Recreation Board.

She and her husband, Lee, have two daughters, Aubrey and Lynleigh “as well as three dogs and two cats.”

” Aubrey will be entering her senior year in Nevada this school year and Lynleigh will be joining me in Fort Scott as she enters first grade!”

She said the best thing about being an educator is making a positive impact on our students and getting to witness the moment that learning concepts click for them as they learn something new.

For her the most challenging thing about being a teacher is “managing our time so that we can best meet the needs of each student while accounting for different levels of learners and learning styles.”

Taylor Jones. Submitted photo.
Taylor Jones, 23, is a new Spanish teacher at Fort Scott High School.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages; emphasis in Spanish language and culture  from Pittsburg State University class of 2023 and is a 2019 FSHS graduate.
“I am in the Transition to Teaching program through Fort Hayes State University, which will take me from a restricted teaching license to a professional teaching license while also getting my Masters of Science in Education,” she said.
Her community involvement includes volunteering with Core Communities in Fort Scott since November of 2023.
“I enjoy watching a variety of sports, music, and theatre events at the high school and college level. I also have been going to the Pittsburg Presbyterian Church since college, singing in the choir, playing instruments, and helping with the tech team.”
She is the eldest child of Joshua and Karen Jones and has a twin sister, Madison, and a younger brother, David.
“The best thing about being a new educator is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives while continuously learning and growing in the profession,” she said.
“One challenge of being a new teacher is balancing the various student needs while learning the ins and outs of the job.”
Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Meeting Minutes from July 29

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN    

   Superintendent                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              


BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, July 29, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, for a special meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board approved Resolution #24-06 for Supplemental General Budget Percentage.  It will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

July 8, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Graham, Jenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Lewis, Bert – Resignation – Social Science Teacher – High School

Palmer, William – Resignation – Preschool Van Driver

Pryor, Kyra – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

Bowles, Kendall – 8/30/24-10/11/24

 

TRANSFER:

 

Feeback, Brennen – Special Education Teacher to Social Science Teacher – High School

Herring, Jennifer – Maintenance II to Cook – High School

Rackley, Karen – Ticket Clerk (Winfield Scott) to Ticket Clerk (Middle School)

Sharp, Frances – Food Service (Middle School) to Ticket Clerk (Winfield Scott)

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Regan, Nikki – Special Education Teacher – High School

Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher – High School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Bowers, Chelsie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Barrows, Nick – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Robertson, Tom – Assistant Girls Golf Coach – High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education on July 29

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

July 29, 2024 – 7:30 A.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Resolution #24-06 for Supplemental General Budget Percentage

 

4.0       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

4.1       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

4.2       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)        

 

5.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 New Teachers: Howell, Motley, Weddle

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.

Carolien Howell. Submitted photo.

Carolien Howell, 49, is a new second-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

She has a varied teaching experience.

  • First-grade teacher for 3 years at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
  • PE/Art teacher for grades 1-5 for one year at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
  • Third-grade teacher for 4 years at Grace Classical Academy, Springfield, MO
  • Fourth-grade teacher for 1 year at Polk County Christian School, Bolivar, MO
  • Substitute teacher in Wyoming elementary schools for 2 years.
  • Substitute teacher at Meadowlark and George Nettels Elementary Schools for 3 years.

She is involved in her church, Family Life Assembly of God in Pittsburg as a pre-kindergarten teacher,  works with youth Sunday School, life group leader and host, and on the refreshments team.

Her husband, Bill Howell,  works as the director of Family and Children’s Services at Crawford County Mental Health and they have been married for 27 years.

They have two sons. Liam, 14 years old, attending Pittsburg High School as a freshman, and Karsten,12, a 7th grader at Pittsburg Community Middle School.

“The rest of my family lives in the Netherlands, which is where I am from,” she said.

“I think that the best part of being an educator is seeing the growth in the students,” she said.

There are many challenges to being an educator, she said.

“One of the biggest challenges is managing and helping all the students when there are so many needs within the classroom.”

Aubri Motley. Submitted photo.

Aubri Motley, 28, will be a new special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

” I graduated from Ottawa University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and three years of experience as a para-educator in a school setting.”

She and her husband Levi have three children together and live on a small ranch with three dogs and a cat.

“From my experience as a para I think the best thing about being an educator is when you see the “aha moment” from a student because whatever they are learning is starting to click,” she said. “I am sure I will come across many challenges as a first-year educator but I am ready to tackle all of the challenges head-on.”

 

Codee Weddle and family. Submitted photo.
Codee Weddle, 25, is a new fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
At Fort Scott Community College she earned an Associate in Science, from  Ottawa University and a Bachelor’s in Arts in Education.
She was a paraprofessional for five years at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She is a member of Fort Scott Nazarene Church, and she and her husband, Dalton, have two sons Porter (3)  and Kallum (9 months).
“I love interacting with the kids and watching them feel excited about learning!” she said.
“A challenge I have had in the past is not being able to help more outside of school. Knowing what they go through and then expecting them to come to school as if everything is okay is heartbreaking.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers in USD 234: Wilcoxen, Hastings

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-graderade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

 

The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.

Travis Wilcoxen. Submitted photo.
Travis Wilcoxen, 31, is a new  7th Grade Special Education Teacher,  at Fort Scott Middle School.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Ozark Christian College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education.
This is his first year teaching.
“My family and I are active members of Community Christian Church, where I currently serve on the Mission’s Committee. I also serve on the board for the Bourbon County Coalition.”
His wife, Jenni, and he have been married for nine years and have two children. Jude, 6,  and Nora, almost 4 years old. They also have a Golden Retriever dog, Charles (Charlie) Barkley.
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“I don’t know yet. I can tell you that I am most excited to work with the students, their parents, and the other 7th-grade teachers. My goal is that my students come to school excited and ready to work hard.”
What is a challenge?
“I have no teaching experience to pull from. I know that this year will be full of learning for me as well. Balancing teaching, studying for my master’s, and still being a present husband and father will not be easy. Even so, bring it on!”
Nicky Hastings is the new Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University and also a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Pittsburg State University.
She has 23 years experience in education.
“I have been married to Don for 34 years and have two daughters and a son and have eight grandchildren.
“The best thing about being an educator is watching the success of my students in life,” she said.
“My challenge is always trying to find the most useful way to connect to my students so I can help them in the best way so they will succeed.”