Category Archives: Schools

FSHS Thespians Present the Thriller “Trap” 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.

 

Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”

 

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

 

“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).

U234 Board of Education Minutes from Feb. 13

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, February 13, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

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

  • Minutes from January 9, 2023, Board of Education meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Extended Trip Applications
  • COVID Operations Guidelines
  • Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 5:30 pm

 

Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School principal, introduced 6 students from Fort Scott Middle School who were nominated by their teachers as being representative of great students.

  • Students recognized were:
    • 6th Grade: Brenny Cole and Maverick Wright
      • Brenny likes to do well in everything she does, she is very goal oriented. She is a positive young lady, always on task, very kind to others, and produces quality work.
      • Maverick is always willing to help others, he goes above and beyond mentoring other students. He is a super friendly young man, an excellent student, always positive, and works well with peers.

 

 

  • 7th Grade: Theodore Bowman and Gianna Gorman
    • Gianna and Theodore go above and beyond in the classroom. They are respectful to adults and peers. They are always kind and supportive of their classmates. Both of these students are always engaged in classwork and are willing to help others. They take their education seriously and are awesome examples of students that show exemplary character.
  • 8th Grade: Chloe Begey and Allisyn Wheeler
    • Chloe is a great student and is very sweet. She works hard every day and is kind to all peers. She is one of the sweetest and most caring kids in all of my classes. She holds the doors for all the students every single day, she has great manners, and always has a cheerful attitude.  Great girl who gives us her all and is a friend to all and willing to work with anyone.
    • Allisyn is always working, doing her best. She is a good person and is always willing to help others. When we worked on our door, she organized the people very kindly and let everyone do their thing. She is academically inclined and strives to do her best. Her sense of humor and positivity brightens every classroom.  She is very polite and always has kind words to say.

 

Mitch Quick, SEK Financial, awarded 6 recipients a $100 U-Benefit grants from OFG Financial, Security Benefit, and KNEA.  Recipients were Andrew Ables, Sarah Hendricks, Bert Lewis, Cristin Stark, Hayden Travis, Rhiannon Tuck.  The grant is meant to recognize educators for all they do for students in Kansas.

 

Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the Communications Proposal and the addition of staff awards to recognize excellence.  These awards will be held in May when retirees are honored.

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on academic committees, including Science, Reading, and Assessments and PLC conversations.  There was discussion on evaluation of curriculum and assessments.

 

Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, Josh Messer, Fort Scott High School Counselor, and Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, gave an update to the board on Individual Plans of Study (IPS).  There was discussion on where we are currently and what is planned for the future.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the KSDE final audit, bond payment, health insurance refund, and bond payment.

 

The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.  He has received a contract which was provided to our attorney, who returned it with recommended changes.  This will be one of several preschool options.  Additional options and discussion will take place at the February 27th special board meeting.  There was no action taken.

 

 

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. – tabled until next board meeting
  • Investment of Excess Funds – 90-day – $2,500,000, UMB at 4.65%
  • 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations)
  • Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal
  • District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase
  • MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc.
  • Approval of Personnel Report (following)
  • Approval of Superintendent’s Contract for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

February 13, 2023

 

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Larry Amer – Resignation, Fort Scott High School Art Teacher, effective 02-14-2023
  • Dale Brauer – Resignation, Fort Scott Middle School Math Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • CJ Feagins – Leave of Absence
  • Lizbeth Jane Hill – Retirement – Eugene Ware Elementary Kitchen Manager, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Rebecca Howard – Retirement – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Dennis Stephan – Retirement – Transportation Maintenance II, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year

 

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:

  • Andrew Ables – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
  • Jon Barnes – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Golf Coach
  • Adam Clements – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
  • Allen Davis – Transfer from Fort Scott Middle School Custodian to Eugene Ware Custodian
  • Adam Feagins – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
  • Josseline Hunsaker – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional – 7.5 hour
  • Madison Jones – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
  • Jarrett Lyon – Fort Scott High School Assistant Baseball Coach
  • Jana Walker – Transfer from Winfield Scott Paraprofessional to St. Mary’s School Paraprofessional
  • Tracy Watkins – Fort Scott Middle School Custodian
  • Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension – 3-year renewal for the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 school years

 

Agenda for the U234 Board of Education on Feb. 13

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order         

Danny Brown, 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

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

            4.6       Extended Trip Applications

4.7       COVID Operations Guidelines

4.8       Special Board Meetingwork session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital              improvements, February 27th – 6:00 pm

                       

5.0       Employee and Student Recognition

 

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)

 

            6.1       Fort Scott KNEA Report

            6.2       Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.4       Administrators’ Report

            6.5       Finance Director’s Report

                                               

7.0       Old Business

 

7.1       Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)

           

           

8.0       New Business

8.1       Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)

8.2       Investment of Interest – 90-day – $2,500,000 (Action Item)

8.3       2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations) (Action Item)

8.4       Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal (Action Item)

8.5       District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase (Action Item)

8.6       MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc. (Action Item)

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.5     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

           

11.0     Adjourn Meeting

                        President Brown

 

Kansas Education Enrichment Program to Open for Applications February 22

Governor Kelly Announces Program to Provide $1,000 per Student to Qualifying Families to Promote Learning Recovery

 

TOPEKA – As Kansas students continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly announced today the creation of the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which will provide qualifying parents and guardians with a one-time $1,000 award per child to pay for educational goods and services such as tutoring and school supplies. KEEP will open for application on February 22. Kansas businesses that provide educational materials or services are urged to join the KEEP Marketplace.

“With KEEP, we’re enabling Kansas students to access the resources and support they need to thrive in the classroom. I look forward to families being able to access these funds soon,” said Governor Kelly. “In the meantime, I am calling on all Kansas businesses that provide education services to join the KEEP Marketplace and help our students live up to their highest potential.”

Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for KEEP funds.

KEEP funds will be able to be used on enrichment and educational activities including:

  • ​The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
  • Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Tutoring
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons

The funds will not be eligible for private school tuition.

Parents and guardians may select enrichment and educational activities from approved service providers via the online KEEP Marketplace or request that a service provider be approved and added to the statewide directory.

Businesses that offer educational opportunities and services are encouraged to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist families and students. Businesses interested in becoming a provider on the KEEP Marketplace can apply to become a Qualified Education Service Provider on the program website: www.keep.ks.gov.

More information on how families can apply for, access, and use their funds is forthcoming and will be available in February when the KEEP application launches.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery, with the goal of providing educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

###

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Communities in Schools at Middle School

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Communities In Schools
Thursday, February 2nd
8am
1105 E. 12th St.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, February 2nd at 8 a.m. hosted by Communities In Schools at the Middle School, 1105 E. 12th St.
Communities In Schools of Mid-America currently provides services in 70 schools to more than 39,000 students each year by placing Student Support Coordinators directly inside the schools to work with students. Its mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS of Mid-America does whatever it takes to ensure that all kids – regardless of the challenges they may face – have what they need to realize their potential. It is able to do this because its Student Support Coordinators are in schools all day every day, and they see the unique needs of each student. CIS of Mid-America partners with teachers and the community to address these needs and help students succeed.
The Chamber encourages everyone to come out and learn more about this great school-based organization. The Chamber ask that everyone attending to please park on the South Side of the building and enter through the South Door. The coffee will be held in the Community Room right inside the south door at the FSMS.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Uniontown Homecoming Candidates Announced

Pictured are the Uniontown High School 2023 Homecoming Candidates: front row, left to right:  Destiny Lucas, Emiley Greenway, Genesis Walker. Back row, left to right: Kane Shepard, Rylan Lee, Jett Harvey.
The Uniontown Eagles will host Chetopa High School on Friday, January 27 for the Winter Homecoming basketball games. The UHS King and Queen Coronation will take place prior to the boys’ varsity competition.
Submitted by  Rebecca Sutterby
West Bourbon Elementary Secretary
and UHS Student Council Advisor

Fort Scott High School Homecoming Candidates Announced

Pictured are front row are the Little’s: Gracie Bowman and Shaun Ball.
2nd Row: Lillian Collins, Kinsley Davis, Ella McElroy, Kerigan Reynolds  (Not pictured Emily DeGruson)
3rd row: Jeremy Bower, Kaden Conner, MArquinn Johnson, Kristian Paronto, and Caden Young.
Homecoming is next week with Pep Assembly on Friday, January  27. Coronation will be between the Girls and Boys girls game Friday evening, with the Homecoming Winter Formal Dance on Saturday night from 7 to 10 PM in the High School Commons area.
Submitted by Bert Lewis who is the Student Council Sponsor, Senior & Junior Class Sponsor, Key Club Sponsor, Ed Rising Sponsor,  and Scholars’ Bowl Coach at Fort Scott High School
 

FSHS Debate Team Represents the School Well

Huge congratulations to the Fort Scott High School Debate team on an outstanding performance at the 4A 2-speaker State Debate Tournament this weekend in Wichita!
The team of Kinsley Davis and Joy Self finished in 2nd place!
The team of Cadence Tuck and Regen Wells brought home the 3rd place trophy!
Anna Hall and Silvia Moreno also won 2 rounds.
Congratulations to the entire team and their first-year coach, Tyler Slinkard!
Submitted byJeff DeLaTorre
Athletic/Activities Director
Fort Scott High School

FSHS Thespian Troupe #7365 Receives State Honors

Historian Cooper George with the KS Gold Honor Troupe Award. Submitted photo.

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 attended the KS State Thespian Festival on Jan. 5-7 in Wichita, KS and received a number of honors.

 

The troupe received the highest honor a troupe can receive, the Gold Honor Troupe Award, for the seventh consecutive year. The honor reflects the performances, community involvement, student leadership, and high standards a troupe achieves throughout the year. Troupe Historian Cooper George, a sophomore, created the honor troupe presentation that earned the award.

Kinsley Davis and Regen Wells received Superior ratings in Monologue qualifying them for the International Thespian Festival in June. Submitted photo.

 

Senior Kinsley Davis and Junior Regen Wells both received a Superior rating on their Monologue performances. This qualifies them to compete in the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in June. Other students who competed in Individual Thespy Performance events include: sophomores Mykael Lewis and Kaiden Clary in Duet Acting, senior Karen Primeaux and junior Josiah Eisenbrandt in Duet Acting, freshman Chris Newman with Monologue, freshman Junie Fisher in Vocal Solo, juniors Lexi Hill and Casey Gomez in Vocal Solo, sophomore Emma Guns and junior Jaedyn Lewis in Duet Acting, sophomore Alyssa Popp in Playwriting, senior Luke Majors in Vocal Solo, and junior Jericho Jones with Monologue.

 

For the second year in a row, FSHS had a team advance to the Finals Round of Competitive Improvisational Acting. The team included Majors, Hill, Wells, Eisenbrandt, and Mykael Lewis.

 

The Advanced Drama class competed in the One-Act Play category with the play “There is No Play” by Arthur M. Jolly. The performance was the world premiere of the one-act and the class was able to video conference with Jolly from Los Angeles and workshop the play as they rehearsed. This original cast will be published in the printed version of the script set for publication in the near future.

Thespian Director Angie Bin also received the Director of the Year Award for Southeast KS. Submitted photo.

 

In addition to performing, the troupe experienced three days of workshops with professional actors and theatre technicians, main stage musical and play performances, meetings with colleges and performing arts conservatories, and fellowship with Thespians from schools across the state.

 

# # #

 

 

U234 Board of Education News Release

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 9, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

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

  • Minutes from December 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – December 16, 2022 – $1,571,721.90
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Second Semester Enrollment Count Report
  • Board Policy Additions/Changes
  • Resolution 22-10 – To Establish Election of School Board Officers
  • Resolution 22-11 – To Establish Regular Meeting Dates

 

Shelly  Charter, Winfield Scott Elementary principal, introduced two students from Winfield Scott. The first student recognized was Sadie Keylon who demonstrates mindfulness by being polite and helpful to friends.  The second student was Megan Hunsaker who demonstrates mindfulness by being humble and leadership through leading by example.  Megan was selected by Peerless Products to have a paint chip named after her.

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Allison Gorman as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Miss Gorman is a 7th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School. She displays on a daily basis the excellence of teaching in our classrooms.  She encourages students, teaches from the beginning of class to the end, and her students know they can be successful in her class.  Miss Gorman has been with the district for 12 years.

 

Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Shawn O’Brien and Alisha Watkins as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.

  • O’Brien is the payroll clerk for the district along with other payroll duties, helps employees upon hire, and schedules orientations. He also is active in the community with volunteering, as well as supporting our kids at school events.   Mr. O’Brien has been with the district 3 years.
  • Watkins is a custodian at both the board office and the middle school, and also fills in around the district when help is needed. She is always willing to do what can to help, fixes things without having to be asked, and responds in a positive manner.  Mrs. Watkins has been with the district for 3 years.

 

Superintendent Brown reported to the board that 98 students were enrolled in 166 courses with Fort Scott Community College for dual credit while attending high school.  Mr. Brown presented a preliminary 2023-24 calendar for the board to review based upon the feedback he received from parents and staff.

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on professional development, PLC conversations, and results of those conversations.  For example, the anticipation is that by this summer, the district will have standards published by grade level that would show parents what their students(s) should learn each school year.  Mrs. Smith also provided an update on resource adoptions, resources needed in reading, and assessments.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER III application, the state audit, and salary schedule column advancement.

 

The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to Woodland Hills Blvd.  Mr. Brown presentation included information on why preschool should be expanded in the USD 234 school district and what that expansion would look like.  There was discussion of funding, contracts, and alternative options.  There was no action taken.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Communications Investment Proposal with Trajectory Strategies, in the amount of $15,660
  • FSHS Course Additions for the 2023-24 school year
  • Revised Classified Pay Schedule to amend the Activity Driver Pay
  • Personnel Report – following

 

The board tabled a proposal for architectural and engineering design services for the preschool from h|d Architecture, LLC until more information was received.  There was also discussion on a school district attorney.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Michelle Martin – Retirement – FSHS Special Education teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Carol Bingesser – Retirement – FSMS Science teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Kelly Cox – Retirement – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Cristin Stark – Resignation – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Trent Johnson – Resignation – FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, effective December 19, 2022
  • Mark Gorman – Leave of Absence – Bus Driver
  • Connie Billionis – Leave of Absence – Deputy Clerk
  • Sarah Hendricks – Leave of Absence – Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Tonya Barnes – Special Education Director for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
  • Kyle Parks – Daily rate for the remainder of the semester as a FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor
  • Judy Welch – Regular Route Bus Driver (4-hours)
  • Chelsea Killion – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Jana Walker – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Julius Hodges – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension