PITTSBURG — Thanks to generous donors and the Fairy Godmother Boutique, area high school students can pick out new and gently used dresses. Many don’t look forward to prom
because they can’t afford to purchase a dress and accessories.
“The Fairy Godmother Boutique was created to help these students get the prom experience we all dream of — the perfect dress, the hair, the shoes,” Patient Education & Support Manager
Julie Laverack says.
The pop-up boutique is set for Saturday, March 16, at CHC/SEK in Pittsburg, at 3011 N. Michigan (Pittsburg). To shop for a free dress, prom goers must book an appointment by calling 620-231-
9873 and ask for a Family Resource Specialist.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff and community recently gathered their lightly used and nearly new prom dresses to give to the Fairy Godmother Boutique. Additionally,
sponsor Sara Loree’s Bridal and Formal, donated many dresses as well.
“We’ve had tremendous community support,” Laverack says. “Thank you all for donating these beautiful dresses. Another huge thank you to those who signed up to be volunteer stylists during the event.”
There will be dresses sizes 0-20 in a variety of styles. Personal stylists, makeup consultants and private dressing rooms will be available.
There are still opportunities to sign up and volunteer by reaching Laverack at 620-231-9873.
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A Heartland-sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott was named Grand Champion at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge held Feb. 5 in Topeka. Eleven teams from across the state competed at the event. Pictured from left to right: Science teacher (and Heartland member) Scott Cain, Ethan Hill, Ryan Koch, James Kobernat and Sam Love.
Two high school teams sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative took home honors at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, a statewide solar energy competition founded by the Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC), Heartland REC, Ten80 Education, and Pitsco Education.
A Heartland-sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott took home the top prize, with each team member winning a $1,000 scholarship. Meanwhile, another Heartland-sponsored team consisting of students in Greenbush’s gifted education program received the “Powerful Presentation” award.
From left, Christian Learning Center students Ryan Koch, Sam Love, Ethan Hill and James Kobernat work on their strategy for optimizing solar production during the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, held Feb. 5 in Topeka. The CLC team was named Overall Champion at the event.
This brand-new competition sought to bring real-world electricity knowledge and industry practices to high school-age students across the state. As solar power becomes more prevalent in the United States, it becomes increasingly important to educate current and future electricity customers about responsible energy consumption, jobs in electricity, and even degrees obtainable in Kansas colleges.
Armed with newfound knowledge and hands-on practice obtained the prior semester, 11 student teams from across Kansas—as far west as Colby and as far east as Fort Scott—joined forces in Topeka on February 5 to perform real-time challenges, present findings, and prove their solar energy knowledge—all before industry professionals.
Event highlights included a speech by Mike Beene, Assistant Secretary of Kansas Department of Commerce and former educator, who spoke to the power of workforce development and Kansas’ desire to invest in its future; scholarships for the winning teams; and the following winners and their sponsors across all categories:
Overall Champion – Christian Learning Center (Fort Scott), Heartland REC
Creative Curb Appeal – Colby High School (Colby), Midwest Energy
Powerful Presentation – Greenbush Service Center (Girard), Heartland REC
Commendable Collaboration – Thomas More Prep-Marian (Hays), Midwest Energy; Solomon High School (Solomon), DSO; Boy Scouts of America Troop 222B/1222G (El Dorado), Butler Electric Cooperative
With teams already ramping up for next year’s competition, plus plans to expand the event to additional states, it’s looking like the Sunflower State’s inaugural competition will be the first of many. Team registration will be available in the coming months.
The SunPowered founders would like to thank all the 2024 sponsors: KEPCo, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Evergy, Today’s Power, EDF Renewables, and especially the following Kansas electric co-ops who sponsored individual student teams:
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2024 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 18th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Thursday, April 11th so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
On Friday, February 23, the USD 235 School District Administration was made aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct by a Uniontown Junior High staff member towards one of the school’s students outside of the school environment.
“We take these allegations very seriously as student safety and care are always our first priority,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We began an investigation immediately and have worked with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office to gain clarity. The teacher in question, Mrs. Breanne Taylor, was arrested on Sunday, February 25 and has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.”
“Please rest assured that when students return to school from the weekend, we will continue to support them and prioritize their safety,” Eden said. “We recognize that this situation will create a complex set of emotions for students and staff. We have organized additional mental health support to ensure care is accessible for those who may need it.”
“Personnel and student information is protected by law,” Eden said. “That said, we want you to feel informed and we will pass along the information that can be shared as the situation evolves.”
“Nothing matters more to our district than creating a safe and caring learning experience for every student, every day,” he said. “If you ever suspect inappropriate behavior, we ask that you bring it to our attention.”
Tiger Team Members of the Month was the Fort Scott SPED Department Speech Team.
Speech Team – Danette Popp, Christie Smith, Afton Hyer, Liz Underwood, Jodi Brown Michelle Lisica, Mikiah Anderson, Shelly Yocham
Liz Underwood, Winfield Scott, Michelle Lisica, Eugene Ware, and Shelly Yocham, Eugene Ware, are in their first year as Speech Paras for the district. Mikiah Anderson is in her third year with Preschool.
Afton Hyer, Winfield Scott, has been Speech Therapist for the district the last six years and a total of twelve years.
Christie Smith, Eugene Ware, is in her second year with USD 234 and twenty-five years altogether.
Danette Popp, Preschool, has been with the district for twenty-six years and a Speech Therapist for thirty years.
Jodi Brown just started part time with Fort Scott this year and a Speech Therapist for the last twenty years.
Attending through Zoom was Tessa Alumbaugh, she is in her first year with Fort Scott as a Tele-therapist and has been a Speech Therapist for almost eleven years.
Mrs. Barnes recognized each of the team by congratulating them for being flexible and always willing to do whatever it takes to help and support the students.
Mrs. Barnes also recognized three Winfield Scott Paraprofessionals, Rachel Pommier, Francis Torres, and Laurie Bollinger. Mr. Garzone and teachers at Winfield Scott spoke very highly of these three Paras. They are positive and willing to work hard and be available for the students.
Chris Garzone – Assistant Principal Laurie Bollinger, Francis Torres, Rachel Pommier – Winfield Scott Paras
Superintendent Destry Brown reported about the Preschool grant that the district did not receive, but that we will apply for the next round soon. Several students at the High School have requested to start Zero Reasons Why program which is to help “remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.” These students are extremely excited to get this started in our District. Mr. Brown also spoke out the KSDE Audit that was finished this last week.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a summary of the Speech team and their caseloads. She reported on upcoming training that she will be involved with during the end of this month. Also, Mrs. Barnes gave information on Medicaid reimbursements and deadlines for those reports.
Travis Laver, School Finance Consultant through Greenbush, came to update the Board on the District Finances. He explained about Senate Bill 386 that could potentially effect Fort Scott School District. Also, he was able to give guidance on Preschool enrollment and other options for the district. Travis thanked the district for being helpful and easy to work with during this time. He also is waiting for results from the KSDE audit to know final numbers.
Robin Button, Food Service Director, presented to the Board information about the Free Lunch Program that is District Wide this year. We have seen an increase in student participation in most buildings. She was able to explain the process for school reimbursement from various programs.
Superintendent Brown went over the contract from Hight Jackson for the remodel of the Preschool Building. Going forward the district will be able to do dirt and drainage work. An estimate of this summer was given before the final drawings from the architect would be completed.
As a discussion item, Superintendent Brown brought to the Board the rough draft of a new cell phone policy to be implemented. They were provided with a list of what that policy could potentially look like in the future, including times, devices, as well as disciplinary actions. There will be further discussion on this policy.
The board approved the following items:
Hight Jackson Fort Scott Preschool Contract
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 12, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Bergmann, Mark – Resignation – English Teacher – High School
Crapson, Sydney – Resignation – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Hall, Dakota – Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach
Yarick, Gail – Resignation – Business Manager
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Lee, Becky – From Food Service to Full – Time Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Cosens, Jayci – 7th Grade Social Studies – Middle School 2024-25
Hampton, Breanna – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School 2024-25
Hastings, Nicolette – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25
Oxholm, Chris – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25
Payne, Melissa – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School -2024-25
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Black, Carla – Part Time Paraprofessional – High School
Claypool, Kaitlyn – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Endicott, Jencyn – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Graham, Jenna – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Uhler, Laurie – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Jones, Madi – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Myers, Brent – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Robertson, Tom – Head Boys Golf Coach FSHS
The Board moved to extend Administrator Contracts as presented.
The Uniontown Hiking Trail looking north on 75th Street.
The Uniontown Walking Trail is utilized daily by walkers in the small, western Bourbon County town and is slated for renovation this spring.
“Students use the trail at times and we have a significant number of patrons who use it very consistently,” said USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden. “In its current condition, some use is limited by the cracks and condition of the asphalt. We anticipate greater use by all parties after reconstruction. ”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
“The district was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks- Recreational Trails Program to pay for the majority of the project,” Eden said. “The remaining cost will be completed by the district and community members or paid from our Capital Outlay Fund.”
“The Department of Wildlife and Parks contribution will be $218,800 with the total project estimated at $321,300,” he said. “The district can self-perform or solicit donations to cover its portion and will do so to the greatest extent possible.”
“The contractor, Tristate Building, will start work later this spring,” he said. “We are anticipating mid-April to be warm and hopefully dry enough to make progress on the work. It is estimated to take around six weeks to complete.”
“The vast majority of the old trail will be completely removed and replaced with an American Disability Act compliance with a concrete trail that is 5 feet in width,” he said. “The trail is approximately 1.3 miles in length.”
The original walking trail was funded also through a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant.
He said the original trail was during the early years of former Superintendent Randy Rockhold’s time with the district.
The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8, 9, and 10 at the FSHS Auditorium.
Dramatists Play Service describes the play this way, “Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.”
The Brewster sisters are played by senior Jaedyn Lewis and junior Emma Guns with the role of Mortimer being played by senior Jericho Jones. Major supporting roles are played by senior Regen Wells and juniors Cooper George, Kaiden Clary, and Mykael Lewis.
Tickets for performances are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. All tickets are reserved seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
The show is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alum Mesa Jones is Assistant Director.
Adelynn Nolan; Stewart Davenport; Caitlynn Tate; John Ravenscraft; Kellen Pool; Sypher Cannon
CLICK
HERE:
TROUPE
#
7365
SHINES
AT
FESTIVAL!
CHAMBER
COFFEE
AT
FSHS
ON
FEBRUARY
8TH!
(facilitated by Lead Student Support Coordinator Lewis Dunkeson with SparkWheel)
A Message from Sparkwheel’s Lewis Dunkeson
Hey Friends,
We hope this message finds you well as we gear up for the new semester! With fresh challenges and exciting support initiatives on the horizon, we continue to work together in identifying students who might benefit from an extra boost in the right direction.
As we navigate the sometimes unpredictable winter weather, let’s remain optimistic that the worst of it is behind us, and we can look forward to a month filled with focused and productive schoolwork.
In the spirit of student engagement, we’re thrilled to announce that Future Now Finance (FNF) for all the Freshman class is scheduled for February 28th. If you’re interested in having any of your non-Freshman classes participate, please reach out to us for further details.
Additionally, we’re excited to share that mentoring opportunities are underway through collaboration with the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. The focus is on College and Career, providing valuable insights and guidance to our students as they explore their future paths.
Let’s make this semester one filled with achievement, growth, and memorable experiences for our students!
Be the Spark!!
Lewis Dunkeson
SparkWheel
Lead Student Support Coordinator
Fort Scott High School
402-212-9826
CLICK
HERE:
COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIP
INFORMATION!
The above link connects applicants to needed college scholarship information and is updated daily. Please note when applications are due as many deadlines are quickly approaching!
CLICK
HERE:
FSHS
PARENT-STUDENT
HANDBOOK!
From the 2023-24 FSHS Parent-Student Handbook…
Parents/guardians are asked to call the office whenever a student is absent (speak only with an adult). If parents make no contact with the office, the absence is considered unexcused (after 48 hours). Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed into class without an admission slip from the office. In addition, students with unexcused absences are subject to disciplinary action, as well as notification to the county attorney. Students who miss school may be asked to present documentation, i.e., doctor’s note, etc.
The Winter Homecoming Basketball game is Friday, February 16th, with the Tigers hosting the Pittsburg Purple Dragons. Games begin at 4:30 p.m. Winter Formal/Homecoming Dance is Saturday night, February 17th. It from 7 p.m. until 10 pm. at FSHS, admission is $5 per student and there will be professional photographer offering photo packages.
CLICK
HERE:
SENIOR
WRESTLERS
VISIT
WINFIELD
SCOTT!
Click photo below to play news video.
Fort Scott wins Cannonball Clash 42-36 over Frontenac
The Tigers win a hard-fought dual at Frontenac.
launch koamnewsnow.com
STRIKE
UP
THE
BAND!
A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE BY THE FSHS JAZZ BAND
under the direction of Justin Robinson
During the Tiger basketball games on Friday, February 23rd, Tiger Seniors in Basketball,
Band, Cheer, Dance, Powerlifting and their parents will be honored.
We look forward to seeing you at Fort Scott High School for
Senior Night!
FSHS
FFA
CHAPTER
HOSTS
ANNUAL
BLOOD
DRIVE!
Information about Caps and Gowns…
Here are the links (in blue) to order caps and gowns:
Cap and gown unit with custom 2024 stole and tassel.
There are 6 choices of tassel ranging from $8 to $15.
COME
ONE,
COME
ALL!
FSHS
TO
ADMINISTER
THE
ACT
ON
FEBRUARY
27TH
All Juniors will have the opportunity to take the ACT for FREE the morning of Tuesday, February 27th. The test will be held in the FSHS Aux Gym and should last until lunchtime.
Students that complete the test will be excused the rest of the day.
UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
Uniontown, Kansas 66779
Regular Meeting 8 JANUARY 2024
The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room in Uniontown, Kansas.
Board members present: Mike Mason,Tyler Martin, Brian Stewart, Troy Couchman, Seth Martin, Rhonda Hoener and Matt Kelly
Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Robert Onelio, Tammy Townsend, Scott Sutton, and Tim Endicott
President Mason called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mason then led the group in the flag salute and welcomed the new members.
Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the agenda with change of STRIKE Information Item B: Sparkwheel update.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2023 Regular meeting and the December 18, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hoener, made a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion passed 7-0.
A. Pay bills in the amount of $337,912.65.
B. Approve Treasurer’s Report for December 2023.
No patron addressed the Board.
Principal Onelio gave an oral report to the board.
Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the Board on the Walking Trail, KASB Policy review, Strategic plan update, Graduation on May 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m, and a Capital Project Grant update.
Hoener, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the KASB Policy updates.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by S Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual employee’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open
meeting will resume at 9:15 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.
T Martin, seconded by Kelly, made a motion to accept the resignation of Luke Davis as UJHS Math Teacher effective 12/31/2023.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Couchman, made a motion to approve Schotze Griffiths as a cook.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve Heather Tarwater as a vehicle driver.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Couchman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Bugs George effective March 15, 2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Kelly, made a motion to approve Jacy Walker as Elementary teacher. Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Date minutes approved ______________________
______________________________
President, Board of Education
__________________________________
Attested: Clerk, Board of Education
The next Regular board meeting is Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
