Category Archives: Schools

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Host 7th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 7th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 12 in the FSHS Commons and Courtyard.

Children can join their favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings and other members of the royal court. They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats, and play games. Over thirty Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event.  New this year: the inclusion of superheroes, villains, and other cartoon characters. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.

 

Tickets for the Royal-Tea & Friends Party are $5 per child and all must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.

 

Featured characters are the stars of the FSHS Fall Musical – Frozen Jr. They include Junie Fisher as Elsa, Chris Newman as Anna, Theodore Bowman as Olaf, and Mykael Lewis as Kristoff. FSHS performs Frozen Jr. on Nov. 12 and 14 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

Bourbon County, Food, Schools, Youth

Hydroponics At Uniontown Junior High: Learning and Growing Produce For The School

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Students in the STEM class plant Swiss chard. L t R: Scarlett McCullough, Catherine Cox, Scout Eden
Students at the rural school in western Bourbon County now have the opportunity to gain knowledge in an up-and-coming farm business, hydroponics.
Alison Weston teaches botany/horticulture at Uniontown Junior High School this year, and as part of this class, hydroponics is being taught.
Alison Weston taken from the U235 Staff Directory.

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

“As a teacher, I love this unit because it is an awesome way to get kids involved and to grow a love for gardening and planting their own food,” she said. “I love gardening and this is a neat way to integrate that into the curriculum. I’d love to get a greenhouse going at some point.”

The hydroponics farm container on the campus of Uniontown High School. Submitted photo.

USD 235 was 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 in a prior interview.

Hydrophonics is Coming to a Local School System

The Community Green Farms of Pittsburg, KS announced on September 11, 2023, that they would receive over $1,000,000 to bring seven southeast Kansas counties a vertical hydroponic container farm.

“The project is called a Leafy Greens Unit,” Weston said.
“The purpose is to help kids appreciate the food they eat and to help kids want to eat healthier by having the chance to grow their own food- there is a correlation between kids growing their own food and then wanting to try it,” Weston said.
Six botany students are involved in the production of greens, and eight students help in the Science Technology Engineering, and Math education class.
From left to right students Bradley Brown, Gus Welch, and Lily Robinson plant Swiss chard in STEM class. Submitted photos.
“The botany students are basically in charge. We are still coming up with a job schedule for them. Every day we take 10 gallons of Culligan Water into the reserve tank. Our city water has a pH that is inadequate, so this was the option chosen to get better quality water to the plants.”
Botany students work on the seedlings. (left to right) Jesse Jones, Colby Herring, Tater (Timothy) Ames, Kassen Woods. Not pictured in the horticulture class is Heston Stewart and Joseph Robinson. Submitted photo.
“We have seedlings that are watered twice a week by bottom-watering, upfront in the unit. They are planted in compressed coconut husks in trays- all soilless. No soil is used. After they have matured,  about 3 weeks, they are transplanted into the towers, which are the vertical hanging towers. There is wicking material that as the watering system from above drips down on the towers, the wicking material soaks it up and drains out of the bottom of the tower. There is a drainage system below the tower so as the whole unit is at a bit of a tilt, the water drains into the reservoir.”
Twice a month someone comes from Leafy Greens in Pittsburg to check on the fertilizers and pH solutions.
” They are diluted into the water and given to the plants throughout the day. The whole system is on an automated timer so it waters every couple of hours and the grow lights are turned on every couple of hours,” Weston said.
The plants are grown vertically. Submitted photo.
The students harvest twice a week and the two cafeterias serve them to the students at lunch.
They have been growing Monte Carlo Romaine and Swiss Chard for a few months.
“Mr. Eden, Officer Trim, and the custodians were taking care of the unit over the summer before I took it over with the botany/horticulture class. We also grow large-leaf basil, and oakleaf lettuce.”
“We are just now starting some experimental plants: eggplant, kale, marigolds, violas, onions, spinach, radishes, beets, and various lettuces.”
They are supplying to the school kitchen currently, but plan to branch out to other businesses soon.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Special Meeting of USD 234 Board of Education Is September 9

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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

SEPTEMBER 09, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing –

            3.1       Open Hearing (Action Item)

            3.2       Hear from Patrons

3.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)

4.0       Budget Hearing (5:45 pm) – Review Code 99

4.1       Open Hearing (Action Item)           

4.2       Hear from Patrons

4.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)

5.0       Adjourn Meeting

           

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Agenda for September 9

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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

September 09, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

3.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            3.1       Board Minutes

  1.   08/12/24 Minutes

            3.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            3.3       Check Register

            3.4       Payroll – August 20 2024 – $1,872,640.99

3.5       Activity Funds Accounts

3.6       USD 234 Gifts

3.7       KASB August Update

3.8       KASB Voting Delegate 2024-25 – David Stewart

4.0       Employee Recognitions

  • Jannah Farrington
  • Billi Jo Shoemaker

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            5.3       Special Education Director’s Report                                 

 

6.0       Old Business

            6.1       Resolution 24-08: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget

for 2024-25 (Action Item)

 

6.2       Resolution 24-09: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 33 percent for the

2024-25 school year (Action Item)

            6.3       Approval of the 2024-25 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment (Action Item)          

            6.4       District Values & Goals (Action Item)

            6.5       MOU with SEK Mental Health for Mental Health Intervention Program (Action)

            6.6       MOU with Community Health Center of SEK for random drug screening of students

(Action)

7.0       New Business

            7.1       Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Discussion)

 

8.0       Public Forum

 

9.0       Other Business –

 

9.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

9.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

9.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)        

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Fort Scott High School Announces Auditions for Disney’s Frozen Jr.

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Fort Scott High School is holding auditions for students in ninth through twelfth grade for Disney’s Frozen Jr. musical.

 

Auditions are from 6:30-9 p.m. on either September 3 or 5 in the FSHS Auditorium. Students only need to attend one night of auditions. Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. Performances are Nov. 12, 14, and 16 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.

 

A separate audition for female students at Eugene Ware Elementary for the roles of Young Anna and Elsa is 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the FSHS Auditorium.

 

The music and lyrics for Frozen Jr. are by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez with a book by Jennifer Lee. It is based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.

 

Frozen Jr. is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Taylor Jones, Choreographer Abby Stepps, and Assistant Director Mesa Jones.

 

Students who want to audition for a solo role need to prepare a song ahead of time. Sheet music and accompaniment are available from Bin at the high school.

 

Technical crew members are needed in the areas of sound, lighting, set design, costuming, make-up, stage management, and stagecrew. Applications are available from Bin at the high school.

 

For additional information, please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

# # #

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teacher: Hay

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This is part of a series of new teachers in the Fort Scott School District.

Marilyn Hay, 41, is a new English Teacher at Fort Scott High School.
She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 2001, received an Associate’s Degree from Crowder College in 2017,  and a Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri State University in December 2019.

She taught four years in Rich Hill teaching middle school English.

She is involved in the community as a  member of Nevada Griffons board of directors.

She and husband Eric have five children-Ethan, Connor, Baelynn, Elizabeth-Ann, and Isabella.

What is the best thing about being an educator?

“Watching students learn new things.”What is a challenge?

“Keeping students engaged without the use of technology.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board Minutes from August 12

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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, August 12, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, 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

  1. 07/08/24 Minutes
  2.  07/29/24 Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers

Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the week’s schedule including Teachers returning and Welcome Back Assembly for all staff on Tuesday. Open house for all buildings will be this week and posted on the district website. He explained that the district was able to help twenty-eight staff members with tuition. Fifteen of those completed degrees.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on each district department. He has been working with each to receive updates on projects that have been completed during the summer. Transportation had inspections on all vehicles for safety, Food Service has completed menus and ordering, Tech has devices ready for the first day of school, and maintenance has all the buildings cleaned and ready for the students.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on hiring Paras for the buildings as well as Para training that will be taking place this week. SPED teachers were in training last week and will also have some time this week for training. She reported that the SPED Audit for the last year has been completed with a final report to come later.

Assistant Superintendent Mayfield reviewed the Needs Assessment for the district to align with the district values. He mentioned the importance of investing in the Teachers and the impact on the community. In the overview a few future projects were discussed. More details will be provided at the Budget Hearing in September.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Classified Handbook for 2024-25
  • Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25
  • Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25
  • No Limits Rehab Inc. contract for physical therapy

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters & premium pay.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

August 12, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Alvarado, Selena – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball Coach

Ballou, Jessica – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Black, Carla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Clark, Erica – Resignation – Bus Duty

Hutchison – Supplemental Resignation – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach

Lord, McKenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Lynn, Shelby – Resignation – Teacher’s Aide – High School

Palmer, Lana – Resignation – Bus Driver

Purdy, Kayla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Judson, Mary

Knopp, Mackenzie

Tate, Wanita

 

TRANSFER:

Endicott, Jencyn & Harper, Angel – 7.5 hour Para to 8 hour Para – Preschool

Beyer, Amy – From Eugene Ware Para to Middle School Cook

Glover, Carol – From Winfield Scott Cook to Middle School Cook

Hutchison, Patty – From Middle School Cook to Winfield Scott Cook

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Freeze, Micheal – Special Education Teacher – KRI

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Corbitt, Cheyenne – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Castillo, Kristal – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Hanson, Emily – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Hayden, Caleb – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Heckman, Whitney – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Houston, Cassandra – Van Driver

Houston, Cassandra – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Houston, Steven – Bus Diver

Lopp, Kylie – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

McDonald, Maggie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Mishler, Kelsie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Rodriguez, Joseph – Substitute Preschool Van Driver

Shaw, Michael – Custodian – Eugene Ware – August 5, 2024

Shaw, Michael – Substitute Preschool Van Driver

Mills, Lacy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Brown, Chase – Ed Rising

Brown, Chase – Senior Class Sponsor

Brown, Chase – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach

Gorman, Krista – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)

Hodges, Julius – Debate & Forensics Assistant

Knopp, McKenzie – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)

Martin, Madeline – Key Club

Mayberry, Polly – Scholars Bowl Head Coach

Motley, Aubri – Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach

Rogers, Jamie – Student Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 New Admin, Educator: Miller, Bolton

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Dustin Miller. Submiited photo.

Dustin Miller, 50, is the new Dean of Students at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

Miller is a 1992 graduate of Uniontown High School, earned an associate of science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1994 and a bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University in 2006 in K-6th grade and also 5-8 grade mathematics.

He is currently working on a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University (projected: Fall, 2024)in educational administration.

“The 2024-25 school year will be my 19th year in education,” he said.  “My first year I taught 5th grade at Truman Elementary in Nevada, Mo.  The rest of my career has been at USD 235. Upon completing my Master of Science Degree in the Fall of 2024, I will become the Principal of West Bourbon Elementary.”

Positions  he has held

  • 5th Grade (6 years: 1st year was at Truman Elementary in Nevada, MO)
  • 7th & 8th Grade Math (2 years)
  • Title I (10 years serving West Bourbon Elementary)
  • Junior High Football

“As an educator, one of the best things is the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of students, watching them grow and learn new things. It is incredibly rewarding to see students succeed and know that you played a part in their development.”

“One of the biggest challenges for educators is meeting the diverse needs of students in increasingly complex learning environments. Each student has a unique learning style, background, and capabilities, making it challenging to create personalized learning experiences for everyone. Additionally, managing large class sizes, keeping students engaged, and addressing individual needs can be a constant challenge for educators.”

In addition to teaching, he has taken on coaching students.

He served two years as an assistant coach for junior high track, two years as co-head coach in high school baseball, one year as assistant coach of high school track, nine years as assistant coach in high school football, and 13 years as assistant coach of high school basketball (women). 18 years with the program, 13 years as head coach.

“I am an active member of the Marmaton Community Christian Church in Redfield.  I serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Wednesday night youth group leader.”

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carrie for 31 years and they have four sons.

Trenton (30), is married to Aubri and has two children: Josie & Ruthie.

Gavin (26), is married to Shelby and has two children: Bennett & Isla.

Hayden (23) and Korbin, (20) who is engaged to Haley Steeley.

 

Nancy Bolton is a new English Language Art teacher for 7-8th grade at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-9) from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in Education in Library Media (K-12) from Fort Hays State University.
She has been teaching since 1992, as a teacher for 5-8 English Language Arts, 4th grade, 7-8 Social Studies, and as a K-6 and K-12 Librarian.
She and her husband, Steve, have recently moved to Girard for his new position representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,  for Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee Counties. They were both involved in Ellsworth, KS as middle school youth leaders and FCA huddle leaders.
She is also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, PEO, Kansas Association of School Librarians, and a board member of Westminster Woods Church Camp at Fall River.
They are  “empty nesters” with twin adult children, Micah and Josiah. who graduated from Friend’s University in 2023. Micah is a band instructor at Goddard High School, Jr. High and 5-6th grade. He plays in the Wichita Wind Symphony as well as gives private music lessons. He is married to Maddison. Josiah is the middle school youth director at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Wichita. He was a member of the cross country and track team while attending Friends and continues to mentor students from around the Wichita area on running while sharing his faith.
“The best thing about being an educator is seeing the students I’ve helped educate go on to successful lives and careers, some as doctors, lawyers, dental hygienists, brick layers, construction workers, HAVC operators, farmers and ranchers, nurses and so on. I also love sharing my love of literature and the written word.”
“The challenge in education is keeping up with technology and social media that students are exposed to,” she said.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Agenda for August 12

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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

August 12, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                         Stewart Gulager, Vice 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

  1.    07/08/24 Minutes
  2.    07/29/24 Minutes

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers

4.8       Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            5.3       Special Education Director’s Report                     

 

6.0       New Business Overview of budget

6.1       Handbook for 2024-25 school year

6.2       Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25

6.3       Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25

6.4       Overview of Budget (Discussion)

            Needs Assessment 2024-25

6.5       No Limits Rehabilitation Inc. Contract for Physical Therapy (Action Item)

 

7.0       Public Forum

8.0       Other Business –

 

8.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters & Premium Pay (Action Item)

8.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

8.3       Approval of Premium Pay –

8.4       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

9.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)                                                     Stewart Gulager, Vice President

Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teachers: Page, Coen, Williams

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.

Marcus Page and family. Submitted photo.

Marcus Page, 31, is a new biology teacher at Fort Scott High School.
He earned a  Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pittsburg  State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from P.S.U.

He has been a middle school science teacher in Kansas City, KS for two years, a school science teacher in Olathe for one year, and the Director of Admissions at Fort Scott Community College since Spring of 2022.

“While at FSCC, I had the privilege of being a part of LEAD Bourbon County, allowing me the opportunity to meet many people within our community.”

His family attends Fort Scott Nazarene Church.

His wife is the communication instructor at FSCC and they have two children, Carter, age 6, who attends Fort Scott Christian Heights, and Ellie, age 1, who attends Happy Kids Daycare.

“By far the best part of teaching is getting to know the students and building a relationship with them to encourage them throughout their education.

“A challenge in education is having a healthy work/life balance. Now that I have two children at home it will be important to utilize my time at work to its fullest.”

Jessica Coen. Submitted photo.
Jessica Coen, 35, is the district- Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Fort Scott Preschool Center.
She earned a Masters In Art of Teaching, K-6th grade and undergrad in Unified Early Childhood from Kansas State University, has a bachelor’s in accounting through the University of Phoenix, and completed Applied Behavior Analysis training in 2023.
This is her second year teaching ECSE.
She has one year of experience in ECSE teaching at Paola Cottonwood Elementary and  6 1/2 years of experience working with Headstart and Early Headstart in Linn County.
“I have a busy house with five children Serenity,17, Kyle, 15, Bella,12, Jensen, 9, and Marek, 6 years old. ” My husband, Michael, and I  just celebrated our 18th anniversary. We also have 6 dogs and 6 cats.”
The best thing about being an educator for her is “being a part of a team (family, teachers, paras, etc.) to be part of their growth and success of reaching goals and development. It’s an awesome perk to get some great smiles, hugs, and ‘I love you’ from the students. I love the laughs and the dancing while we learn and grow.
A challenge as an educator, I think is… to make sure all needs are met. But we can always do our best each day.”
Courtney Williams. Submitted photo.

Courtney Williams, 24, is a new 5th Grade Math/Science Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

She earned a Bachelor of Science, in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.

This is her second year of teaching,  last year she taught first-grade rat R.V. Haderlein in Girard.

“I would love to find some ways to involve myself in the community since I have returned to Fort Scott!,” she said.

“I love meeting my students for the first time. To watch them come into the room and explore the space and introduce myself to them. I want to make a fun, exciting first impression so they know they will always be welcome into my classroom and I will be available when they need help.”

A challenge for her will be learning how to handle older students. “But I have confidence in myself and my new team to help me continue to grow my knowledge in the pursuit of education.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 New Teachers: Hardesty, Vincent, Ragan

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.

 

Tabitha Hardesty. Submitted photo.
Tabitha Hardesty, 41, is a new Special Education Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
She has 10 years of experience as a paraprofessional at Eugene Ware and is currently working towards obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education through Wichita State University.
“I’m in a Teacher Apprentice Program designed for paraprofessionals to go to school and work towards becoming a teacher.”
In her spare time she enjoys “supporting local fundraisers, especially if they support the students within our community.”
“Our faith and family are very important to us,” she said.
She is married to Kent Hardesty, owner of KtK Electric, LLC. “Together we have one daughter Kenzi, who will graduate from Pittsburg State University in December.”
She said the best thing about being an educator is building relationships with children. “Then assisting them in reaching goals that can be hard for them to achieve.”
“The biggest challenge is working with students that don’t come from the best situations. At the end of the day, I have to leave them and hope they will be okay.”
McKayla Vincent. Submitted photo.
McKayla Vincent, 25, is a new 1st Grade Teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.
She worked as a para-educator for a year and a half.
“Before that, I spent four years working with children at the Mental Health Center.”
In the community she participates in a church group, she said.
Her family is comprised of her mom and stepdad in Kansas City and her dad and stepmom in Sterling. She is originally from Sterling.
She has three older brothers and one younger brother, and a nephew and two nieces due in August.
“My dog Paisley is also a very important part of my family.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“Seeing students learn and grow!”
What is a challenge?
“Missing the students when they move on to the next grade.”
Mackenzie Ragan. Submitted photo.

Mackenzie Ragan, 23, is a new third-grade Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

She attended Fort Scott Community College and received an Associate of Science, then transferred to Pittsburg State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

“There are many amazing things that come with being an educator! I think that the best part is watching students have lightbulb moments and celebrating those moments with them,” she said.

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Tiger Newsletter August 2024

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A message from Pam Hutchison:
 We are so excited about the new school year!