Category Archives: Schools
USD234 is asking for YOUR help to fill out a short survey about Child Care needs in Fort Scott!
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Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234 on November 16
Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 16th at 8 a.m. hosted by USD-234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to enter through the main entrance facing Main Street.
Fort Scott city school district was originally organized in 1865 as District No. 55 and the first school opened in the fall of 1865. By 1892 there were eleven school buildings in Bourbon County. In Kansas, the unified school districts developed after legislation passed in 1962 that was intended to reduce the number of rural school districts.
Today the USD-234 school district serves approximately 1,871 students from Pre-K to 12th grade. The mission statement for the district is that USD-234 will lead in the success of each student in becoming independent, responsible, and productive global citizens. The vision statement for the district is that USD-234 will provide an exemplary education for all.
Join us this Thursday to hear about the current and upcoming programs that are happening at the High School this year. Contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
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USD 234 Board of Ed. Highlights from November 13 Meeting
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, November 13, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 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
- 10/9/2023 Regular Meeting
- 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26
Activity Fund accounts
USD 234 Gifts
FSHS Art Club Fundraising
FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025
FSHS Swimming Fundraising
FSHS Wrestling Fundraising
FSHS Baseball Fundraising
USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:
- Rachelle Thomas is in her 21st year of teaching but this is her first year with Special Education. Tonya thanked Rachelle for her willingness to step up and become a leader for the Eugene Ware Special Education department.
- Stephanie Flanner has been the Behavior Consultant at Fort Scott School District for two- and one-half years. She has been recognized for her ability to help the students even if that is riding the bus to school with them in the mornings. Tonya stated that Stephanie is bringing innovative ideas to her that will help staff and students.
- Tonya Barnes recognized Rick Scholes. He is in his 12th year with USD 234 as the School Psychologist. Rick is always supportive of teachers and immensely helpful with paperwork and meetings. He is hard working and very ready to help the students
Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month was Bryce Daly. Superintendent Brown recognized Bryce for his behind-the-scenes work as District Technology Coordinator. He is willing to work nights and weekends to make sure that the school network is on track. Bryce was thanked for his hard work and being willing to step in wherever needed
Eugene Ware recognized four outstanding students:
Elsie Fields and Jace Marbery represented the Leadership Club Team from Eugene Ware. Elsie reported on the annual food drive going on this week and will be donated to our local Beacon. The winning class will receive ice cream bars. Jace explained about Wreaths Across America. The students decorate paper wreaths with a Veteran’s name and displayed in the school. Each wreath is $1, and all money is donated to Diane Tucker who then buys wreaths for the National Cemetery.
Leah Pommier and Audrey McNutt explained about enrichment projects that are being done at Eugene Ware. They reported about their shop where they are selling several school supplies. These students are learning to use Canva to help create parent newsletters.
Superintendent Destry Brown did not present at this time.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on first- and second-year teacher meetings. She reported that we are seeing great participation and leadership from these teachers. December will start winter testing and teachers are using the data from previous reports. Seeing the students using the latest programs has been encouraging.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with a printed report.
Superintendent Brown explained about early payroll as well as ESSER reports that are due for the State.
Superintendent Brown discussed the new requirements for the nonresident student policy. A public hearing was set for December.
Superintendent Brown and the Board looked at the district map and discussed a possible change in “at large” voting. This will be discussed further and would be brought to a public vote at a later date
The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property.
The board approved the following items:
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
The board went into an executive session for Superintendent Evaluation.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
November 13, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Whitney Heckman – Middle School Secretary
Rosemary Harris – Middle School Science/Social Studies Teacher
Langdon Giddons – Helpdesk Technician
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Sierra Alford – High School English Teacher – 2024 Spring Semester
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Lynette Emmerson – Middle School Secretary
Rhonda Perkinson – Middle School Paraprofessional
Brenda Holt – High School Paraprofessional
U234 Board of Education Agenda for November 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
November 13, 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
- 10/09/2023 Regular Board Meeting
- 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll –October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 FSHS Art Club Fundraising
4.8 FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025
4.9 FSHS Swimming Fundraising
4.10 FSHS Wrestling Fundraising
4.11 FSHS Baseball Fundraising
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
6.4 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Enrollment of Nonresident Students Policy
7.2 Changing Method of Board of Education Method of Elections and Voting Plan (Discussion
Only)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Possible purchase of Property (Discussion Item)
Enter Executive Session – Preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.
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. Enter Executive Session – Superintendent Evaluation
10.5 Exit Executive Session
11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President
2023 Fall Extravaganza is November 20: Shopping To Support the Swim Team
The annual 2023 Fall Extravaganza is Monday, November 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School. The event began in 2009.
“Fort Scott High School Swimming is sponsoring the event,” said Madeline Martin, the swim coach for both boys and girls teams.
“The purpose of the event is to help our swimmers raise money to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Swim Trials as well as bring an opportunity to town to support local businesses.”
“We have 56 booth spaces this year, a few more than last year in addition to several new vendors,” Martin said.
On Facebook: https://fb.me/e/
Below is a list of vendors for the event:
About FSHS Swim Teams
“We have 11 boys coming out this year through our cooperative agreement with Frontenac and Pittsburg (school districts),” Martin said. “This girl’s season I am planning on 15+ girls from our COOP with Pittsburg, Frontenac, Arma, Colgan, and Humboldt ( school districts).”
The swim team practices from Monday-Friday in Pittsburg at the YMCA.
“Boys swimming has been active in Fort Scott since the winter of 2019 and then girl’s season began the spring of ’20 but was cut short due to COVID,” she said. “Angie Kemmerer began coaching the team and this will be my third year as swim coach.”
The money raised from booths at the Fall Extravaganza will allow the student-athletes to go to the Summer Olympics in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.
“We are going to be spectators at the Summer Olympics,” she said. “The kids are excited to go watch some of their favorite athletes in person and watch a high-level competition in person.”
Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote, “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said. “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
- “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students. This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
- Student Support Offices- We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.
- WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life. This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
- Music Room- We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically. This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
- Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered. Our current system does not do this.
- HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
- New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop- This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming. We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.
6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH. This was the most efficient use of space and programming. It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”
‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”
Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail
Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.
“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same. There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed. The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said. Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%. That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said. “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”
FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show
The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.
Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.
Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.
FSHS Newsletter November 2023
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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! |
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STANDING DESKS IN SCHOOLSThere 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. |
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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EVENT CODE: FE253123 |
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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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. |
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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 |
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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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 |
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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! |
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Aiden Sigafoos and Mena Hicks step out of a Harry Potter novel to celebrate Halloween! |
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FSHS Angel TreeThe 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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Fort Scott High School Performs Guys and Dolls on Nov. 7,9, 11
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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Highlights from the USD 234 Board of Education Meeting Last Evening
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
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
Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education for Oct. 30
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
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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