Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott National History Day State Champions Set to Present at Christian Learning Center

Southeast Kansas will send two projects to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland, June 14-18. Three projects from Christian Learning Center attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.

The Fort Scott State Champion groups competing at Nationals in June will present their performances at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 28th, at the Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support the two student groups. Attendees can enter through the CLC Gym doors.

Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells performing Down With Child Slavery at National History Day

Sophomores Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Senior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is titled Down With Child Slavery: Revolutionizing Child Labor Standards. Their project is a performance based on Florence Kelley. In 1891, Florence Kelley spearheaded a labor rights revolution in America. Intense reactions brought both strong opposition and overwhelming support as she continued to promote equality. Ultimately, these conflicts would bring lasting reform to child labor rights by paving the way for the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

Bella Antone, Charlee Wells, and Hadley Wells performing Bridging Two Cultures at National History Day

8th-grade students Bella Antone, Charlee Wells, and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Performance category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells and Megan Felt. Their project is Bridging Two Cultures: A Crusader that Revolutionized Navajo Health Care with Lasting Reform. The performance is based on Annie Dodge Wauneka’s reaction to the devastating impact of disease on her people; she became a crusader for Navajo health care. Her efforts began in the 1950s and continued until her death in 1997, inspiring lasting reform in public health policies and the empowerment of Indigenous peoples.

History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.

The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is ‘Rights and Responsibilities in History.’

The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.

For more information, contact Megan Felt, LMC Program Director, at [email protected] or (620) 223-1312.

Free Breakfast and Lunch for Kids Under 18 Starting June 1 at West Bourbon Elementary School

West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown, KS
There are free meals offered for kids this summer in Uniontown.
The program is for anyone under the age of 18 years and will be located at West Bourbon Elementary School on Fifth Street in Uniontown.
Breakfast and lunch will be served from June 1 to June 26, Monday through Friday.
Breakfast is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch is available from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
The school is having a summer school through a 21st Century Grant for 6th through 12th-grade students.
That program is full at the moment, USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.

The Entire American Revolution In 40 Minutes or Less is May 29-30

Tiger Drama Camp Presents “The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)”

The Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp presents “The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)” by Eddie McPherson at 7 p.m. on May 29 and 30 at the FSHS Auditorium.

The camp is directed and designed by the FSHS Thespians and open to children going into 1st through 9th grades.

Pioneer Drama says, “History has never been so fun… or so fast!  Flying through the major points of America’s quest for independence, this fast-and-loose comedy plays like a highlight reel of history in hilarious fashion! Sorry, Hamilton’s busy in a different play, but your audience will both laugh and learn as they watch patriots such as George Washington, Paul Revere, Samuel and John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Benjamin Franklin battle the vain King George III and his British soldiers. From the Boston Tea Party to the Battle of Bunker Hill (Did you know it was really Breed Hill?!) to the crossing of the Delaware and onward to the British surrender at Yorktown…”

The cast includes 25 students from the surrounding area while over a dozen high school students serve as directors and technical crew. FSHS recent graduates Levi Fairchild and Chris Newman serve as Directors and Thespians is directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin.

Tickets are $5 and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Tickets are reserved seating and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp was recently featured in the Show Me the Ozarks Magazine. The in-depth story can be found on the magazine’s website.

“The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama

Service, Denver, Colorado.

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USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026

FORT SCOTT, KS — The Unified School District 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.. The meeting was presided over by President David Stewart.

Meeting Overview

The board approved both the official and consent agendas, which included financial reports, check registers, and activity fund accounts. Key approvals included extended trip applications for the FSHS Band, Art Club, Cheer Camp, and Dance Camp.

District Leadership Reports

Superintendent’s Update: Destry Brown reported on upcoming graduation ceremonies and noted that staff and students are actively preparing for the conclusion of the school year.

  • Operations & Construction: Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided updates on current and summer projects, including a revised schedule and drawings for the new Preschool building.
  • Academic Performance: Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson shared iReady Math and Reading scores. State assessment results have been received and will be sent home with students this week.

  • Special Education: Director Tonya Barnes provided updates on Cat Aid and commended the staff for their diligence regarding Medicaid billing.

Board Actions and Approvals

The Board approved several contracts and initiatives for the 2026-27 school year, including:

  • Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupations Therapy, LLC.

  • Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology services.

  • Capacity settings for nonresident student enrollment.

  • Implementation of the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 year.

  • Service bids for parking lot maintenance (crack filling, seal coating, and striping).

Note: Bids for demolition and parking lot construction were tabled for future consideration.

Personnel Report

The following personnel recommendations and changes were approved during the session:

Resignations and Retirements

  • Ginny Cotter – Retirement, Ticket Clerk (Eugene Ware)

  • Stacy Laver – Retirement, Teacher Aide (Eugene Ware)

  • Chloe Whitt – Resignation, Personal Finance Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach (High School)

  • Derrick Whitt – Resignation, Teacher (Tiger Academy) and Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach (High School)

  • Drew Carney – Supplemental Resignation, Assistant Summer Weights Coach (Middle School)

New Employment (2026-27)
  • Sabrina Keating – Gifted Teacher (K-12)

  • Joshua Karleskint – Cook (Eugene Ware)

  • Jayce Stewart – Groundskeeper (Central Office)

  • Denise Needham – Paraprofessional (KRI)
  • Margorie Campbell – Paraprofessional (Middle School)

Supplemental Recommendations

  • Paul Martin – Head Girls Basketball Coach (Middle School)

  • Aaron Nickelson – Head Girls Tennis Coach (High School)

  • Laryn Schnichels – Head Cheer Coach (High School)

  • Jennifer Tourtillott – Head Spirit Squad Sponsor (Middle School)

  • Sabrina Keating – Gifted Facilitator (K-12)

  • Jon Barnes – Guiding Coalition/Department Chair Social Studies (High School)

Unified School District 234 Board of Education Meeting Agenda for May 11, 2026

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Fort Scott USD 234 Board of Education

3.0 05-11-26 Board Agenda PUBLC.docx (1)

Regular Meeting Agenda May 11, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.

Meeting Outline

  • 1.0 Call Meeting to Order (David Stewart, President) (Page 1)

  • 2.0 Flag Salute (Page 1)

  • 3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item) (Page 1)

  • 4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item) (Page 1)

    • 4.1 Board Minutes (04-13-26 and 04-30-26)

    • 4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report

    • 4.3 Check Register

    • 4.4 Payroll ($1,814,053.42)

    • 4.5 Activity Funds Accounts

    • 4.6 USD 234 Gifts

    • 4.7 Art Club Extended Trip Application

  • 5.0 Public Forum (Page 1)

  • 6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion) (Page 1)

  • 7.0 New Business (Page 1)

    • 7.1 Occupational Therapy Contract

    • 7.2 Greenbush Contracts (Low-Incidence/Audiology)

    • 7.3 Nonresident Student Enrollment Capacity

    • 7.4 USD 234 & FSCC IT Agreement Addendum

    • 7.5 Demolition and Parking Lot Construction Bids

    • 7.6 Parking Lot Maintenance Bids

    • 7.7 Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School Implementation

  • 8.0 Personnel Matters / Executive Session (Page 1)

  • 9.0 Adjourn Meeting (Page 1)

Detailed Summary Information

Consent Agenda Details

The Board will review the minutes from the previous regular meeting on April 13, 2026, and the special meeting on April 30, 2026. Financial oversight includes the April payroll of $1,814,053.42 and the standard check register and activity fund reports. The Art Club has submitted an application for an extended trip for board approval. (Page 1)

Contractual Services & Agreements

Several specialized service contracts are up for approval for the 2026-27 school year, including Occupational Therapy services through Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC, and Low-Incidence/Audiology services through Greenbush. Additionally, the board will consider an addendum to the Professional Services Agreement between USD 234 and Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) IT department. (Page 1)

Facilities and Enrollment

The board will review bids for two major facilities projects: the demolition and construction of a parking lot, and maintenance services (crack filling, seal coating, and striping) for existing lots. There will also be a report on setting capacity limits for nonresident student enrollment as required by state guidelines. (Page 1)

Virtual School Implementation

A significant action item involves the official implementation plan for the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 academic year. (Page 1)

Personnel and Executive Session

The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the formal approval of the Personnel Report. (Page 1)

Bourbon County Teams Dominate 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge

 CLC WASPS Named Grand Champions

Three Heartland-sponsored teams from Bourbon County combine for four first-place finishes and overall championship title

 

WICHITA, Kan. — Three teams of Bourbon County high schoolers sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative brought home four first-place awards — including the Grand Champion title — at the 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 8 at Wichita State University.

The WASPS from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott topped the overall standings with 1,323 points, outpacing eight other teams from Kansas and Oklahoma to claim Grand Champion honors. Two teams from Uniontown High School — the Solar Queens and Solar Eagles — also finished in the top three overall, giving Heartland-sponsored teams a sweep of the event’s top spots.

“As rural electric cooperatives, it’s part of our mission to help educate our communities, and that includes the next generation as well,” said Mark Scheibe, CEO of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative. “If we can spark curiosity in students, and if we can help them see the future in energy or engineering, or take some of the problem-solving skills that they learn during this competition to apply in their future lives, then that’s a win for them and the communities that we serve.”

The SunPowered Student Challenge is a statewide competition that begins in the classroom — student teams work through a hands-on solar energy curriculum over several months before competing at Wichita State University. Challenges include designing and installing photovoltaic arrays on scaled model buildings, analyzing real-world site conditions, delivering professional presentations and collaborating with teams they’ve never worked with before.

The competition was founded in partnership with Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Pitsco Education and Ten80 Education, and is now housed under the nonprofit Future STEAM.

Heartland REC helped create the program in 2024 and continues as both a program and team sponsor. The cooperative has sponsored teams from communities across its southeast Kansas service territory.

Results by Team:

Submitted photos.

WASPS — Christian Learning Center

Team members: Holly Cain, Ryan Cain, Abby Jacobs, Henry Morris

Coach: Scott Cain

  • 1st Place — Team Presentation
  • 1st Place — Solar Site Design Challenge
  • Grand Champions (Overall)
  • 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with Uniontown Solar Eagles and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Submitted photos.


Solar Queens — Uniontown High School

Team members: Aryonnah Beaton, Camilla Cagle, Paityn Hueston, Jiyah Middleton

Coaches: Carrie Sutcliffe and Christal Martin

  • 1st Place — Creative Curb Appeal
Submitted photos.


Solar Eagles — Uniontown High School

Team members: Ziggy Barbour, Adam Page, Ty Shelton, Ash Sporleder

Coach: Brad Johnson

  • 1st Place — Skills Challenges
  • 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with CLC WASPS and Lincoln Solar Leopards)

 

Overall Scores:

School/Team Name Score
CLC WASPS 1323
Uniontown Solar Eagles 1218
Uniontown Solar Queens 1107
Beloit Solar Swords 1030
Lincoln Solar Leopards 1011
Woodward Solar Boomers 1 900
Woodward Solar Boomers 2 823
Oxford Ra 811
Woodward Solar Boomers 3 + Rock Creek 796

 

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

###

 

Unified School District 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting, April 13, 2026

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Unified School District 234 Board of Education

Regular Meeting Agenda Date: April 13, 2026 Time: 5:30 P.M. Location: 424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701


1.0 Call Meeting to Order

  • Presiding Officer: 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: 03-09-2026

4.2

Financials – Cash Flow Report

4.3

Check Register

4.4

Payroll – March 12, 2026 ($1,840,933.48)

4.5

Activity Funds Accounts

4.6

USD 234 Gifts

4.7

Resolution 25-17 – Bank Signers


5.0 Honor’s Flight Presentation

  • Amy Harper & Guests

6.0 Leadership Reports

  • Information/Discussion Item

7.0 New Business

  • 7.1 Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services (Action)

  • 7.2 Declaration of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang (Action)

  • 7.3 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Program Renewal – 2026-2027 (Action)

  • 7.4 School-Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (2026-27) (Action)

  • 7.5 Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group (Action)

  • 7.6 FSHS Electrical Modernization Project – Bid Award (Action)


8.0 Public Forum

9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

  • 9.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Information)

  • 9.2 Exit Executive Session

  • 9.3 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

  • 9.4 Exit Executive Session

  • 9.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.0 Adjourn Meeting

  • Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President

District Contact Information:

  • Superintendent: Destry Brown

  • Website: www.usd234.org

  • Phone: 620-223-0800 | Fax: 620-223-2760

USD 234 Board of Education Press Release for April 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, April 13, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

03-09-2026

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – March 12, 2026 – $1,840,933.48

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 25-17 – Bank Signers

LEA Assurances

 

There was one present for the public forum. The Board went into executive session.

 

Amy Harper and Lisa Chaplin presented information about that Honor’s Flight that will be taking place this summer.  They have raised over $60,000 thanks to various benefits, fundraisers, and community members.  The flight will include twenty-four veterans and twenty-four high school students.  They will be flying to Washington D.C. and visiting several locations to honor the Veterans.   It is a privilege that our community and school district will be involved with this event and hopefully in years to come.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on current district enrollment.  Tiger Academy has four full time students and there have been great gains for those involved.  Kansas Renewal Institute has fifty-six students and are seeing successes in the students.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield updated on various that grants that the district is applying for.  Some have met with those involved in the Preschool building and the progress being made.

 

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing that has been taking place all throughout the district. iReady scores will be presented at the May board meeting.  Kindergarten Round up was a success with many children and parents attending.

 

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update and invited everyone to Special Olympics on April 29th at Pittsburg State University.

 

The Board approved the following:

  • Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services
  • Declarations of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang
  • Jobs for America’s Graduates Program Renewal 2026-27
  • School Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – CHC 2026-27
  • Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group
  • FSHS Electrical Modernization Project

 

The Board went into executive session for negotiations.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

April 13, 2026

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Blythe, Lauren – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School – End of year

Cosens, Jayci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girl’s Basketball Coach – Middle School

Gorman, Alison – Supplemental Resignation – Summer Conditioning – Middle School

Gorman, Allison – Supplemental Resignation – Girls’ Summer Conditioning – High School

Hall, Candice – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Harper, Amy – Supplemental Resignation – National Honor’s Society – High School

Hatfield, Amber – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Building Leadership Team – High School

Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Social Studies Department Chair – High School

Sewell, Vickie – Retirement – Science Teacher – Middle School

Sprague, Sierra – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott

Sprague, Sierra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Cheer Coach – High School

Steury, Jessica – Resignation – Math Teacher – Middle School

Steury, Jessica – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – Middle School

Weber, Betty – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

TRANSFER:

Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional to Student Support Center Supervisor – Middle School

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

Brown, Jodi – Speech Language Therapist Full Time

Certified Staff Renewal – Eugene Ware

Certified Staff Renewal – High School

Certified Staff Renewal – Middle School

Certified Staff Renewal – Preschool

Certified Staff Renewal – Special Services

Certified Staff Renewal – Winfield Scott

Ellis, Jennifer – Science Teacher – Middle School

Pickert, MaKayla – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Smith, Alyssa – Special Education Teacher – Preschool

VanBuskirk, Don – Business Essentials, Electives, History Instructor – Middle School

Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:

Pitts, William – Cook – Middle School

SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Carney, Drew – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School

Collins, Clayton – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School

Elementary Summer School Staff

Kiel, Samas – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School

KRI ESY Larsen, Danny – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School

Uniontown Students Standout In Sunpowered Student Challenge

Submitted photo.

Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables, is continuing its commitment to local communities with a series of recent donations supporting education, youth programs, and community organizations across Bourbon County.

As part of this effort, Tennyson Creek Solar has contributed to:

  • Uniontown Schools in support of student participation in the SunPowered Student Challenge
  • Fort Scott Community College Rodeo
  • Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Uniontown students participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, which is an annual event that brings together students from across Kansas to explore solar energy through hands-on projects and team-based competition. The third annual competition took place on April 8 at Wichita State University.

 

Students participated in wiring, system setup, mounting, collaboration, and presentation challenges throughout the competition. Uniontown teams had a standout performance, bringing home three awards:

  • Uniontown Eagles – First Place, Solar Skills Presentation
  • Uniontown Eagles – Collaborative Award
  • Uniontown Queens – First Place, Curb Appeal

 

“This type of support gives our students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Vance Eden, Superintendent of Uniontown Schools. “Participating in the SunPowered Student Challenge allows them to explore real-world applications of science and energy while building teamwork and problem-solving skills.”

Doral Renewables says these contributions reflect its broader mission of investing in the Bourbon County community.

“We’re committed to supporting local organizations through Tennyson Creek Solar,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “Initiatives like the SunPowered Student Challenge help inspire the next generation of Bourbon County.”

The Tennyson Creek Solar Project, currently under development in Bourbon County, represents Doral Renewables’ ongoing dedication to responsible renewable energy development and meaningful community investment across Kansas.

Submitted photo.

 

Brazilian Student Experiences High School Life in Uniontown

Gabriella Basso, 17, is an international student attending Uniontown High School this school year.

She is from Garibaldi, a municipality in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil,  with an area of approximately 35,000 people. Uniontown has around 300 people.

 

“I learned about the exchange program through my sister, who also participated in one during the 2022–2023 school year. She originally found out about it on YouTube, and after hearing about her experience, I became really interested in doing the same,” Gabi said.

 

Her first experience in America was visiting Walt Disney World when she was young.

Gabi at Disney World when she was a child. Submitted photo.

“At that time, everything felt very big and exciting,” she said. “Later on, through movies and social media, I imagined American high schools as having a lot of school spirit and opportunities. When I finally came as an exchange student, I realized many of those impressions were true, especially the size of the schools and how involved students are in activities.”

 

“While living here, I’ve learned that sports are a big part of student life, and many people are very involved in school activities. I also noticed how important cars are for daily life, since most people rely on them to get around. Another thing that stood out to me is the strong sense of pride people have in their schools and colleges, as well as the sense of community in many towns.”

 

Learning all the differences in everyday English and adapting to a new culture have been the biggest challenges for her, she said.

 

“Even though I studied English before coming, it was still difficult at first to understand everything and express myself the way I wanted. Being away from my family and adjusting to a different routine was also challenging, but it helped me grow a lot as a person.”

 

“Here in the U.S., I’ve had the opportunity to take classes that are not usually offered in the same way in Brazil, especially as separate, specialized subjects. For example, I’ve taken Human Anatomy & Physiology, FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences), and Agriculture classes. These types of courses are more hands-on and focused on specific skills or career areas, which makes them very different from what I would typically experience in Brazil.”

“American high schools are quite different from schools in Brazil. Here, students have more flexibility to choose their classes and schedules, while in Brazil the curriculum is more fixed.”

“There is also a much bigger focus on extracurricular activities, like sports and clubs, which are a central part of student life. In addition, American schools often have a strong sense of school spirit, which is something I found really interesting.”

The hosting family

She is being hosted by the Chris and Lael Woods family.

“We have enjoyed hosting Gabriella,” said Lael Woods. “Not only is she a sweet, kind-hearted, and fun person, but it has been fun learning about her culture and seeing her experience life as an American teenager. She has been busy learning all the sports and participating in AG and art classes, along with earning a 4.0 GPA.”
“We have a sophomore daughter, Makiah, who is also involved in many activities, so it has packed this year to the brim with fun.”
“Gabi is a Junior. She arrived a week before school started this year, on August 12th. She will leave at the end of May,  two weeks after school is out.”
“While she is here, our obligation as her host family is to provide  three meals a day and transportation.”
“We have encouraged her to participate in as many activities as she wanted to explore and she has taken that advice to heart! We’ve supported all those endeavors, however, her family pays for any of the expenses that come from her extracurricular activities, like equipment and clothing.”

 

About the organization that brought Gabi to Uniontown

“Gabi has tried a lot of new activities – sports, art, clubs….everything,” said Janice Rake,  with the sponsoring organization, the Pan American Foundation, that matched Gabi with her host family. “Right now, we are working to place many wonderful students for the upcoming school year. They are eager to experience American culture and share their culture—but without a host family, that opportunity is not possible.  Families who do host often describe it as a life-changing experience, forming lasting relationships and gaining a global perspective right from their home.”

Rake can be reached at
[email protected]

or
iwanttohost.org .