Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

November 2, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Click title above for the FSHS calendar on the district website.

Highlights:

Friday, November 3rd: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!

November 7th, 9th & 11th: FALL MUSICAL!

November 11th: HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY!

November 13th: FIRST DAY OF WINTER SPORTS PRACTICES!

November 14th: SCHOOL PHOTO DAY/RETAKES, TOO!

November 20th – 24th: THANKSGIVING WEEK! NO SCHOOL!

November 23rd: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

STANDING DESKS IN SCHOOLS

There is a growing shift in the way we think about education, with a focus on creating more engaging and dynamic learning environments. One innovative approach gaining momentum is the use of standing desks in classrooms. These desks can positively impact students’ physical health, focus and overall learning experience. Benefits will be shared throughout this newsletter.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Better Academic Performance: Studies have shown that standing desks may lead to improved academic performance. The increased focus, energy, and engagement translate into better results for students, potentially making standing desks a valuable tool in the pursuit of educational excellence.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Customizable Learning Environment: with adjustable standing desks, students can easily switch between sitting and standing. This flexibility accommodates different learning preferences and physical needs, ensuring that every student can learn in a way that best suits him or her.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Enhanced Classroom Interaction: standing desks can foster a more collaborative learning environment. When students are on their feet, they often find it easier to move around, work with classmates and engage in group discussions. This can boost peer interaction and problem-solving skills, crucial for their social development.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Improved Concentration and Alertness: standing desks promote greater alertness and help students stay engaged in lessons. By allowing students to change their posture and move around more freely, these desks reduce the physical discomfort associated with sitting for extended periods. This, in turn, enhances concentration and minimizes restlessness, ultimately leading to more effective learning.

Veterans Day – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Day

department.va.gov

Benefits of Standing Desks

More Energy: standing desks can promote increased energy levels. Students often report feeling more awake and attentive when using these desks, which can be particularly beneficial during early morning or post-lunch classes when energy levels tend to dip.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Improved Posture and Ergonomics: proper posture is essential for preventing musculoskeletal issues. Standing desks can help students maintain better posture, thereby reducing the likelihood of back and neck pain. Some standing desks are adjustable, which allows students to customize the desk height to suit their individual needs.

Benefits of Standing Desks

Better Circulation: standing desks reinforce movement and increased blood circulation. This increase in blood flow helps to circulate oxygen to the brain, allowing for neurogenesis (the creation of neurons- brain pathways) to take place, creating information super-highways that allow for increased information intake and retention.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT JOSTENSPIX (click here!)

EVENT CODE: FE253123

Benefits of Standing Desks

Increased Physical Activity: sedentary behavior has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and poor cardiovascular health. Standing desks encourage students to be more active during class. They can easily shift their weight, stretch, or even practice light leg exercises while listening to the teacher, thereby incorporating small bursts of physical activity into their day.

Buy your 2024 Crimson Yearbook for $50 by November 28th before prices increase: FSHS 2024 Yearbook Purchase

SENIORS ONLY:

– Please fill out this form for your activities to be published next to your senior portrait in the yearbook: Senior Activities in Yearbook

– Senior Portraits are due by November 26th (or email us the date you will be able to submit – we cannot guarantee portraits will be placed if not received by December).

Please have your photographer email them to [email protected] Portraits must be vertical head shot with any background but with no props/objects. Email with any questions.

– Senior Tributes in the yearbook can be purchased online at FSHS Yearbook Senior Salute Just click on “Get Started” at the bottom of page to order a Senior Ad. Deadline is December 8th or until available space is filled.

Epic Adventure and Cultural Immersion!

Fourteen students from FSHS are currently set to embark on a transformative journey through the heart of Europe spring break of 2025. More than just a vacation, the trip will deepen students’ understanding of history, culture, and the world. The trip will kick off with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial where students will delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark. Berlin highlights include the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Kurfurstendamm, and the Topography of Terror Museum. Next, the enchanting cobblestone streets of Prague will lead travelers to the magnificent St.Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square where students may admire the astronomical clock and indulge in Czech pastries. In Krakow the group will be transported back in time as they explore the haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a grim reminder emphasizing the importance of understanding history to create a better future. Conversely, students will also partake in the city’s vibrant life as they explore the stunning Wawel Castle, eat traditional Polish pierogies, and marvel at the magnificent architecture of Glowny Square. Budapest is known as the “Paris of the East.” Students will take in the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, relax in the famous thermal baths, and indulge in delectable goulash. This is the 12th educational adventure abroad that has been offered for students at FSHS, a testimony to the district’s desire to invest in students’ personal growth, experiential learning, cultural appreciation, and global perspective. Trip leaders Amy Harper and Polly Mayberry are currently organizing pre-travel meetings wherein travelers will learn basic greetings in German, practice formal dining etiquette, and watch historical movies associated with points of interest. All international travel is through the travel company Education First, whose top priority is student safety. If you would like more information or to enroll your student on this unforgettable journey of a lifetime go to EF tours.

POLLY MAYBERRY

English Teacher/ESOL Coordinator

Fort Scott High School

620-223-0600

[email protected]

Benefits of Standing Desks

Encouraging Healthy Habits; introducing standing desks in the classroom instills healthy habits from a young age. Students learn the importance of breaking up prolonged periods of sitting and are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood.

These students attended the HOSA Fall Conference in Manhattan on October 4th. HOSA, Health Occupation Students of America, is a career and technical student organization for students planning to pursue health professions. At the conference, students participated in mock clinical trials, attended seminars and talked to representatives of colleges, universities and workplaces about various opportunities available in the bioscience and healthcare fields.

submitted by HOSA sponsor Julie Heatherly

Fort Scott High School Science teacher

620-223-0600

[email protected]

Fort Scott High School’s thespians host annual royal tea party

FORT SCOTT, Ks- Calling all princes, princesses, and lovers of all things regal! Get ready to step into a world of enchantment as the Fort Scott High School Thespians present

koamnewsnow.com

Tiger Scholars Bring Home Hardware!

On Monday, these four members of the FSHS Scholars’ Bowl team traveled to host high school Girard to compete in the season’s first Varsity tournament. Only one of these four students, Stewart Davenport, had competed previously. Congratulations to, from left, Grace Walker, sophomore; Mahayla Kilpatrick, freshman; Izabella Lisica, freshman and team captain, Stewart Davenport, sophomore for finishing in third place. Go Tigers!

Aiden Sigafoos and Mena Hicks step out of a Harry Potter novel to celebrate Halloween!

FSHS Angel Tree

The Fort Scott High School Angel Tree is a giving tree established by FSHS staff to assist our students, their siblings and any district school students that may have needs this holiday season. Please stop by the high school during school hours for more information.

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Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Performs Guys and Dolls on Nov. 7,9, 11

November 1, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the musical Guys and Dolls at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 9 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the FSHS Auditorium.

Guys and Dolls is a musical fable of Broadway based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.

The musical follows the tale of gambler Nathan Detroit as he attempts to find a spot for his underground craps game and his girlfriend Adelaide as she laments about their very long engagement. We also watch as the smooth high roller Sky Masterson courts Missionary Sarah Brown as the result of a bet. According to Music Theatre International, “Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.”

Detroit is played by senior Jericho Jones, Adelaide is portrayed by junior Emma Guns, sophomore Levi Fairchild plays Masterson, and sophomore Junie Fisher stars as Brown. Over twenty other FSHS students serve as craps shooters, Hot Box dancers, and missionaries.

Audiences will also enjoy a live orchestra made up of 16 professional musicians from the surrounding communities for this year’s show.

The musical is led by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Whitley Chesney, Technical Director Christina King, and Choreographer Mesa Jones.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and children. All tickets are reserved seating at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Advance purchase is encouraged as seating is limited. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Highlights from the USD 234 Board of Education Meeting Last Evening

October 31, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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 SPECIAL MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, October 30, 2023

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, for a special meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

October 30, 2023

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Caitlin Shrewsbury – Resignation – Eugene Ware – End of school year

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Certified:

Abigail Duffy – Eugene Ware – Leave of Absence

EMPLOYMENT:

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Justin Eichenberger – Part Time Paraprofessional – Fort Scott High School

Rhonda Hoener – Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Brad Matkin – Business Manager

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education for Oct. 30

October 27, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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 SPECIAL MEETING

October 30, 2023 – 5:30 PM

AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0 Call Meeting to Order Danny Brown, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3..0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

3.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item).

3.2 Exit Executive Session

3.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

4.0 Adjourn Meeting

President Brown

Bourbon County, Food, Government, Schools

Hydrophonics is Coming to a Local School System

October 11, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

A photo of hydroponics taken from a USDA website.

Hydroponics is coming to Uniontown’s school district.

Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics

“USD 235 is excited to be the recipient of a hydroponic shipping container farm through a grant awarded to the Kansas Division of Children and Families,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “It was announced on September 11th, 2023 that Community Green Farms of Pittsburg Kansas would receive just over $1,000,000 to bring seven southeast Kansas counties vertical hydroponic container farms.”

Vance Eden, superintendent of USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.

“Uniontown Schools has been selected to be the recipient for Bourbon Couty,” Eden said. “These shipping containers use state-of-the-art technology to efficiently produce hyper-organic products in significant quantities within a minimal footprint.”

The greens grown will be consumed at the two school building’s cafeterias in the district.

“Not only will this space serve as a hands-on learning environment that will be used across the spectrum of ages and courses, but it will also provide produce that can be consumed in our cafeterias,” he said. “We believe this opportunity will serve students and their futures in dynamic and tangible ways.”

The container has been ordered and will be placed on the school campus during the last week of November.

“Then, the setup of the farm and training for key staff will take place in December,” he said. “This means that it will be in production and available for student and teacher use during the second semester.”

“Mrs. Delta Pollock will be a leader, helping staff and students step into this new experience with confidence while Mrs. Shayla Knight will manage the food-service portion of vegetable production for our cafeterias,” he said.

Learning and adjusting will be part of the process of integrating hydroponics into learning experiences for the students in USD 235, he said.

“We eagerly jump into this opportunity with dreams and excitement for the impact that can be realized,” Eden said.

Once the container farm is established, community members will be invited to an open house “to see and taste what this new opportunity looks like in person,” Eden said.

“We want to publicly acknowledge Community Green Farms in their selection of USD 235 as the recipient and commend them on their commitment to bringing these opportunities to southeast Kansas schools at no cost,” he said.

The USD 235 Board of Education Office is located in Uniontown High School.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Met On October 9

October 10, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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, October 9, 2023

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, 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
- 9/11/2023 Regular Meeting
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – September 20, 2023 – $1,638,198.05
Activity Fund accounts
USD 234 Gifts
FSHS Extended Trip Applications
FSHS Fundraising Applications
Ratification of Investments
USD 234 Substitute Pay Schedule Adjustment

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Emily Stephens, Winfield Scott Special Education Teacher. She was recognized by Tonya Barnes for being willing to help provide services to a student that attends a local private school. This would be in addition to her students at Winfield Scott.

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

Kelley Tucker, Winfield Scott Occupational Therapist Paraprofessional, was recognized by Tonya Barnes. Kelley is assisting with Hannelie Smit, Occupational Therapist. She was thanked for being extremely organized and assisting above expectations with Mrs. Smit.

Caroline Elton, Flo Tanner, Terra Kegler, Lucretia Ruggero, Jessica Cox, Fort Scott High School Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes for their outstanding work with the Sensory Bulletin Board. They have provided a sensory space for the students that has proved to be highly effective and helpful. Mrs. Barnes commended each on building connections to help bring more productivity to the students.

Cynthia Hemphill-Witham and Shanna Staton, Preschool Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes. As the Preschool needs are growing, they have been willing to take on more responsibilities to help the students. Mr. Johnson, Principal, recommended Cynthia and Shannon for their willingness to go above and beyond every day for the students.

Winfield Scott recognized three outstanding students:

Cash Durossette, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. He was recognized for being respectful and always having a smile. Cash is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.

Bodhi Farley, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone.

He was recognized for being respectful everywhere he goes. Bodhi is in Mrs. Cross’s second grade class.

Rowyn Ratcliff, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. She was recognized for following directions and helping her friends. Rowyn was also chosen by Peerless to name her own paint chip color. She named it “Rowyn Rose.” Rowyn is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the enrollment being down about sixty students this year. He also updated on the Finance Department and how day to day is proceeding productively. Mr. Brown updated on the board vacancy moving to “at large” but will be put to an election. Preschool has a waiting list of around thirty students. District and Greenbush are looking into a mobile unit that could help accommodate this need

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on Fall data testing. All is done except kindergarten, but good growth is shown. RTI groups have been put in place and Title teachers have worked hard to address skill groups. Mrs. Smith updated on IReady and 504 plans and the continued training and growth of both.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported about Indicator 12 and progress reporting. Mrs. Barnes updated about IDEA verification and CATAID revenue. The district’s first payment will come on October 15. SPED Training that will happen this month will be with TASN and then Mrs. Barnes will do training with the teachers. She also updated on the trainings that she will be attending later this month.

Superintendent Brown discussed the proposed JBCC Open Enrollment Policy. There was no action currently.

The board approved the following items:

Acceptance of appreciated stock in the amount of approximately $130,000.00.
Final roof payment upon completion in the amount of $173,414.60.
Approval of District Health Insurance
Personnel Report following

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

October 9, 2023

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Chipman, Katie – Middle School – Paraprofessional

EMPLOYMENT:

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Lynch, Tabitha – Preschool – Paraprofessional

Lynn, Shelby – Instructional Assistant in Automotive Technology – High School

Superintendent Destry Brown Evaluation – Due by Nov 1

Board Evaluation

Food, Fort Scott, Schools

Trunk-or-Treat For Young Children on Oct. 26

October 7, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Meets Oct. 9

October 6, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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

October 9, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, 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

09/11/2023 Regular Meeting

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll – September 20, 2023 – $1,638,198.05

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 FSHS Extended Trip Applications

4.8 FSHS Fundraising Applications

4.9 Ratification of Investments

4.10 USD 234 Substitute Pay Schedule Adjustment

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Superintendent’s Report

6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

7.0 Old Business

1 Roof Payment (Action Item)
2 Open Enrollment Policy (Information/Discussion)

8.0 New Business

8.1 Acceptance of Appreciated Stock (Action Item)

8.2 District Health Insurance Recommendation (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)

11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Community Bonfire Oct. 5 at Former Mercy Building

October 5, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Legacy Health….

FSHS Community Bonfire!

Attention ALL Fort Scott Tiger Fans!

Legacy Health would like to invite you to a community bonfire to be held in the rear parking lot of the old Mercy Hospital building.

Come out and support your Fort Scott Tigers and their coaches!

This is a free event and begins at 7:00pm on October 5th!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott Christian Heights Receives Funds from Tom R. Davis Memorial Endowment Fund

October 4, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Christian Heights School would like to thank the family of the late Tom W. Davis for choosing the school’s New Building Fund as the recipient of this year’s Tom W. Davis Memorial Endowed Fund disbursement.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis’s grandchildren, Zoey and Zeke Hartman, children of Dr. Grant Hartman and Dr. Heather Davis, are students at Fort Scott Christian Heights.

“We are honored to have a part in continuing his legacy through the mentoring of the youth of our community,” according to a press release from the school.

The Tom W. Davis Memorial Endowed Fund was established in 2015 as part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

Tom was a long-time teacher, athletic coach, administrator, and mentor to young people, having started and ended his 40+ year career in Fort Scott.

Tom’s family wants to continue to honor his name with annual awards to organizations and entities that involve children of all ages.

It is the intent of this memorial fund to help further efforts in education, recreation, athletics, and other activities for the benefit of young people.

Tom was always involved in a positive way with kids!