Category Archives: Schools

U234 Board of Education Agenda For Special Meeting on Feb. 27

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 27, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order         

Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Long-Term & Capital Improvement Needs (Information/Discussion)

 

4.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

 

4.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

4.2       Exit Executive Session

4.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

5.0       Adjourn Meeting                                          Danny Brown, President

 

Spring Fling March 24 at Preschool: Family Resource Providers Needed

Preview Changes (opens in a new tab)USD 234 School District is seeking family resource providers and community partners for its’ 2023 Early Childhood Spring Fling, according to info provided by Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal Nick Johnson.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 6th 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. A grant through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is helping support this year’s Early Childhood Spring Fling.

 

“For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families,” he said. “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.”

 ” We had 255 children and their families attend our Trunk-or-Treat event, and we are expecting 250-300 children at this event,” he said. “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.”

To attend the event, please complete the short form below by Friday, March 24 to have a table reserved for your organization.

 

Spring Fling Registration

 

For more info:

[email protected]

(620) 223-8965

Learning Recovery Grants For Public School Students

Governor Kelly Announces Qualifying Families
Can Now Apply for $1000 per Student
for Learning Recovery

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) is open to applications from qualifying parents and guardians of Kansas students. KEEP provides a $1,000 award per student to pay for various educational goods and services that promote learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities.

“This program will provide Kansas students with new opportunities and resources to help them thrive in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all families that qualify to apply for KEEP.”

KEEP funds may be used on various enrichment and educational activities, including:​

  • Day and overnight camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Curriculum and educational materials, including certain technological devices
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons
  • Tutoring

The funds are not eligible for private school tuition.

Eligibility for KEEP funds is determined by financial need, and funds will be distributed to actively enrolled K-12 Kansas students between the ages of 5-18. Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible.

Subject to funding availability, future waves of funding may be provided with expanded household income eligibility parameters.

Families can learn if they qualify, apply for the program, read the full handbook of rules and instructions, and browse the marketplace of qualified service providers at www.keep.ks.gov. Program participants will have access to a web and mobile app for using their awarded funds.

Earlier this year, businesses that offer educational opportunities and services were invited to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist students and families. Parents and guardians can now search for those opportunities across Kansas on the KEEP Marketplace. Parents and guardians may also submit requests for additional businesses to be added to the Marketplace if they know of a business that would qualify.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery to provide educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars approved through the SPARK process.

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FSHS Freshmen Get to Practice Financial “Adulting”: Local Volunteers Are Needed

Fort Scott High School Freshmen students will get to practice financial “adulting” on March 8 at the high school and local volunteers are needed to help with the event, FuntureNow: Finance, to that end.

Lewis Dunkeson.

It is a fun and tangible way to aid students in preparing for their financial futures,” according to Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in School’s Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.

FutureNow:Finance,  is an event that helps students understand some of the realities involved in preparing for future adulthood.

At the event, students will receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event, according to information provided by Dunkeson.

The scenario includes: marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income,  which is based on choice of career field and current grade point average.

At the FutureNow: Finance event, students will visit a variety of booths to purchase food, housing, transportation,
communication services, child care, utilities, insurance, etc.

They can also save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life such as accidents, unexpected visitors or flat tires.

The event is Wednesday, March 8, 2023
from
8 – 11 a.m. in Fort Scott High School’s Auxiliary Gym.

The Fort Scott High School gym. Submitted photo.



Volunteers should plan to report at 8 a.m. and must check-in to the school at the front office.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided

Volunteers help the students make wise financial choices regarding the necessities and luxuries they imagine as part of their adult lifestyle, according to information provided by Dunkeson.

Volunteers are provided with detailed information and price sheets for their specific booth allowing them to help the students decide how best to spend their money.

Volunteer need only bring their personal experiences.

To volunteer for the event, contact:
Lewis Dunkeson

Student Support Coordinator, Fort Scott HS

[email protected]

402-212-9826

 

 

 

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.

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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