Category Archives: Schools

Bourbon County, Schools

Uniontown School District Honors Veterans With A Parade

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USD 235 students, staff and surrounding community honored U.S. Veteran’s this afternoon with a parade in Uniontown.

Flags, horses, trailers full of FFA members and the high school band along with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, the Bourbon County Fire Department, had a mild November afternoon to celebrate Veteran’s Day.

An event honoring vets is usually held in the high school gym, but because of COVID 19 pandemic restrictions, staff decided to host a parade.

Below are some of the participants.

Students lined the schools walking path and waved to the vets, with community members intermixed.

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 News Release For BOE Meeting Nov. 9

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, November 9, 2020

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, November 9, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – October 20,  2020 – $1,414,951.80

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund Accounts

F.     Parent/Teacher Conference Attendance

G.    Fundraisers

 

One patron spoke during the public forum.  Ella Beth presented a report on the

Fort Scott High School Courtyard project.

Board members heard reports from the following:

·       Brenda Hill, KNEA President

·       Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Program

·       All building principals

·       Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics

·       Ted Hessong, Superintendent

·       Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

The board went into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations.  The board returned to open session.

Superintendent Hessong gave a Return-to-School update.  Board members approved the following changes to the Return-to-School Plan:

·       Classroom contact of an individual with lab-confirmed COVID-19 is not considered a close contact requiring quarantine if mitigation strategies are in place.

o   High-risk contacts are defined as those individuals with unmitigated exposure such as unmasked lunch exposure, social exposure, extracurricular activities including sports, home exposure, or other exposure outside of school setting, and as determined by a health officer or designated official.

o   Low-risk exposure is defined as mitigated classroom exposure (mask-in-place, appropriate hand washing/sanitation) and casual contact, as determined by the health officer or designated official, with mitigation standards in place.

·       Remote learners are eligible for extracurricular activities with mitigation strategies in place.

 

The board approved Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the district health insurance for 2021.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Heather Geiger, high school paraprofessional

B.    Resignation of Brenda Hathaway, high school cook

C.    Employment of Whitley Chesney as middle school/high school choir teacher for the 2020-21 spring semester

D.    Employment of Elizabeth Rose as a middle school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

E.     Resignation of Sarah Bahr, high school assistant debate and forensics coach

F.     Resignation of Angie Kemmerer as middle school head volleyball coach, effective at the end of the 2020 season

G.    Transfer of Joie Moore, high school 6.5-hour cook, to a high school 6.5-hour ticket clerk for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Employment of Glenda Cooper as a high school 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Resignation of Jacy Walker as high school head volleyball coach

J.      Employment of Mark Bergmann as high school assistant debate and forensics coach for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Schools

St. Mary’s Catholic School Receives SPARK Grant

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St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School has received SPARK funds to provide laptops for students and increased technological capabilities. along with a small transportation bus.
The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, distributing funds provided from the U.S. Coronavirus Relief Fund, according to its’ website https://covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/
St. Mary’s students enjoy lunch outside as an aid to social distancing at the school..Submitted photos.

 

Technology
“We will use the money to buy laptops for our students to use at school and also to be used at home if we were to be shut down again by the state,” Principal Josh Regan said.  “We will also be purchasing new laptops for our computers with software upgrades that are capable of bringing remote learners, who have been required to isolate or quarantine, into our classroom via Zoom.”
Josh Regan. Submitted photo.
Cameras and WIFI access
 ” We have purchased Swivl cameras to make that experience more seamless and interactive for remote learners with SPARK FUNDS as well,” he said. ” We are also updating our WiFi access points throughout our school to accommodate more devices on the system.”
Purchase of small bus
“We were given funds to assist in the purchase of a small bus for the school, based on transportation needs and difficulties especially due to COVID,” Regan said.
Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UNIONTOWN HS FOOTBALL RESULTS WEEKS 9 AND 10

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The playoff post-season has gone well for the UHS football team! Here’s the results of the two playoff games:

On October 30, 2020, the Uniontown Eagles played Troy and defeated them with a score of 51-14, setting a new record for points scored in a playoff game for UHS. The team had 453 total yards of offense and 7 touchdowns. Drew Perry had 31 carries for 234 yards with 4 touchdowns and completed 4/7 passes for 41 yards. Treden Buckman had 24 carries for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. Luke Perry had 2 receptions for 26 yards, and Jake Harvey had 1 reception for 19 yards.

On the defensive side, we held Troy to 174 total yards and forced 2 turnovers. Jake Harvey had 10 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 pass breakup. Drew Perry had 5 tackles and 2 pass breakups, Hunter Schaaf also had 5 tackles, and Joey Marlow had 3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. Tyler Harvey scored 6/7 extra points, and 1 field goal for 33 yards.

Coach Stark was incredibly proud of the team. “Some media outlets had predicted that Troy would upset us in the first round. Troy has a really good tradition and a really good program history. They won the state title in 2016. We were able to take control of the game pretty early on. We knew Troy had a really talented quarterback, so our plan was to run the clock, run the ball on offense, and limit big plays on defense. We were able to force a couple of turnovers, we were able to run the ball and establish the ground game early. We ran for over 400 7 we didn’t have a single turnover. Our lineman really set the tone. The 51 points we scored were the most ever by the team in a playoff game. The previous record was 50, set in 2015.”

On Friday, November 6, the Eagles defeated Northeast Arma 45-0. This game won Uniontown its first regional title since 1998, and posted the school’s first shutout in the post-season since 1982. Offensively, the team ran 326 total yards and had 5 touchdowns. Drew Perry had 10 carries for 100 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2/3 on passing for 15 yards. Treden Buckman had 15 carries for 146 yards with 1 touchdown. Jake Harvey had 4 carries for 27 yards, scored 1 touchdown, and had 1 reception for 19 yards. Hunter Schaaf had 6 carries for 46 yards, and Cade Goodridge had 2 receptions for 15 yards.

The team defensively held the Vikings to 39 total yards and forced 2 turnovers. Zach Franklin had 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Korbin Miller had 7 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sack. Ian McClure had 5 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Jake Harvey had 10 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Drew Perry had 2 tackles and 1 interception, and Hunter Schaaf had 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 interception. Tyler Harvey scored 5/5 extra points and 1 field goal for 30 yards. Byron Fry had 3 tackles and 1 blocked punt, and Riley Warner had 3 tackles and 1 blocked punt, which was recovered for a touchdown.

Coach Stark said of the game, “Not only did we win a regional title on Friday night, but we finished the season undefeated in our league. Our defense had their best game of the year, only giving up 39 yards, and we forced 2 turnovers. Because of the effort of our linemen up front, I feel like our game against Arma was the best game of the year. Our guys play with great effort, technique, and determination, and it really shows.

“While we are excited about our wins these past two weeks, we are even more excited about the opportunity to play Olpe in the sectional round of the payoffs. Olpe is ranked number one in the state, and they beat us earlier this season 48-2. That was a really close game until halftime; I believe, this time, that we’ll play them tight for a full four quarters and that it’ll be a close game.”

The Sub-State game is at Olpe on Friday, November 13, so making the drive could be difficult, but any support for our Eagles will be appreciated!

Bourbon County, Church news, Entertainment, Schools

Prom For Special Needs People Is Feb. 12

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Fort Scott Nazarene to Host Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs

Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation

FORT SCOTT, KS, Fort Scott Nazarene announced today that they will serve as one of many churches around the world already registered to host Night to Shine 2021, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This event will be hosted virtually, with partnerships through local churches across the globe simultaneously on Friday, February 12. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love for people with special needs ages 14 and older.

For 2021, due to the global circumstances of COVID-19, the Foundation has chosen to provide Night to Shine as a virtual event in 2021. We feel that the best way to honor and love our guests is to forego in-person proms in order to keep them as safe as possible. We are incredibly disappointed that we are not able to celebrate each amazing king and queen in person this year, but we are committed to throwing one spectacular, safe, virtual celebration in their honor.

While this year’s event will be virtual, Fort Scott Nazarene and partners are anticipating hosting this event for years to come. This is just the beginning for Night to Shine in our community and surrounding areas AND we are looking for sponsors to ensure a high-quality, high-impact evening for our honored guests. If you are interested in sponsoring, please visit our website or email [email protected].

We are looking to connect with Honored Guests, their families, and caretakers to make this a great celebration. Registration is NOW OPEN for Honored Guests 14 and older and is required to attend the Virtual Night to Shine experience.

Guest Registration: https://forms.gle/EPreA5pCm9A23b987

An event of this magnitude requires an army of volunteers to make it successful. The Night to Shine Steering Team is actively seeking people to help make this celebration a reality. Register to be a volunteer by using the provided link (you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer).

Volunteer Registration: https://forms.gle/7HFfz8KwqxcZ5RMt8

For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Fort Scott Nazarene, please visit our site or find us on Facebook. These will be the best sources of information as we approach Night to Shine.

https://fsnighttoshine.wixsite.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FSNightToShine

For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit: http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/index.php/night-to-shine/

ABOUT TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is being fulfilled every day through outreach in the fields of Orphan Care + Prevention, Special Needs and Children with Profound Medical Needs. To learn more about how the Tim Tebow Foundation is serving children and sharing God’s love by fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.  

Art, Bourbon County, Schools

Art In The Park At Uniontown

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UHS Music students perform, under the direction of Neva Rowland, music teacher. Submitted photos.

Uniontown High School Music, Drama and Art students entertained the community from 4-6 p.m. this evening in the city’s park.

Neva Rowland is the UHS Music teacher and Rhonda Allen is the West Bourbon Elementary School Music teacher.

Allen’s 4th grade music students perform the Star Spangled Banner and 5th grade music students performed a persussion special.

Brent Shore submitted these photos he took.

Other photos of the event are invited.

Send to [email protected]

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Present Fall Play

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Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the full-length comedy The Monologue Show (from Hell) by Don Zolidis.

 

Performances are Nov. 18, 19, and 21 at 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Playscripts describes the play this way, “It took this drama class three long months to prepare for their monologue show . . . but barely a minute to throw all their plans out the window. From the couple staging their real-life break-up to the garden-gnome thief confessing his crimes, everything that can go wrong will in this collection of hilarious tall tales.”

 

Fifteen students from freshman to seniors play a variety of zany characters. Another ten FSHS students are involved in all technical aspects of the play ranging from lighting design to stage management.

 

Show Director Angie Bin chose this year’s play for a number of reasons, “We decided to switch the traditional fall musical to the spring and move the play to the fall with all of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. This play has allowed me to rehearse one on one with students for less group interaction and has given us the opportunity to rehearse virtually as needed. We also have the ability to record and project students who may have to be quarantined, although we have had to push the original show dates back a week due to quarantine restrictions.”

 

This year’s performance allows the FSHS Drama Department to utilize online ticketing for the first time ever with built-in social distancing as reserved seats are assigned. Adult tickets are $7 and students and children are $5. Tickets can be purchased at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com or at the door. Any audience member who purchased tickets for the original show dates will be contacted via e-mail for exchanges or refunds.

 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for performances. Masks and social distancing are required in USD 234 schools.

There is also an online streamed performance of the show available for $7.

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Entertainment, Schools

UHS Plans Veteran’s Parade Nov. 11

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Instead of the annual Veteran’s Day assembly at Uniontown High School, a parade has been planned in the town on Wednesday,  November 11 at 2:30 p.m.

The idea came from a conversation between UHS Principal Mike. Reith and UHS History Teacher Hannah Hays.

“Traditionally we host an assembly, but knew that wasn’t an option this year due to COVID,” said Hays.Teacher. “A parade allows us to still recognize our local vets but in an outdoor venue with plenty of space to spread out.”

 

“We don’t have a specific theme, just simply gratitude for their service,” Hays said.

In the parade will be decorated trailers and trucks, the UHS band, local law enforcement and horses as well, she said.

It will take place Wednesday, November 11th at 2:30 in the afternoon.

A photo of the parade route is in the flyer that Hays sent and accompanies this feature.

The route will be around the perimeter of the grade school which sits south of the high school on the towns east side.

“We have invited anybody and everybody to participate in the parade,” Hays said.  “Just as long as they demonstrate an appreciation for our veteran community.”

Patriotically decorated vehicles, flat bed trailers, bikes or horses are invited. Meet at the football stadium at 2 p.m.

Extra parking is located south of the grade school on First Street and community members may line the walking trail, with social distancing in famiy groups.

“We have also invited both UHS and West Bourbon Elementary School students and staff, as well as community members to attend and watch the parade,” she said.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Schools

U235 Receives SPARK Funds To Clean Schools, Technology, Extra Staff and Help Bring Health Clinic to Town

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Uniontown High School.
USD 235, Uniontown’s school district, is the recipient of two SPARK grants.
The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, with funds distributed from the U.S. Federal Government.

The first USD235  grant is a collaborative project to bring a medical clinic to Uniontown.
“The collaborative project in the amount of $88,000 was for the rural health clinic in our old board of education building,” USD235 Superintendent Brett Howard said.  “The collaboration is between Girard Hospital, the Uniontown Ruritan Club, and USD 235.  The $88,000 will be used for remodeling the building into a rural health clinic.  The Uniontown Ruritan Club and Girard Hospital are working together and USD 235 is leasing the building to Girard Hospital for the Health Clinic.”
The building for the medical clinic is south of the Uniontown High School Football Field.
USD 235 also received $102,000 in SPARK funds, for a heating/air conditioning purification system, technology, and an extra custodian.
 “Those funds are being used to install an IWave purification system in our HVAC system,” Howard said. “IWave kills mold, bacteria, viruses, reduces odors, and even reduces allergens and static electricity. It requires no maintenance and has no harmful byproducts, safely cleaning the air in schools.”
“We are also purchasing technology for our teachers to help them work with our students who have chosen the remote learning option or who are quarantining and working from home during their quarantine,” he said.
Rose Gauthier’s kindergarten class could view each other on Zoom during lesson time in spring 2020 when the district was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submitted photo.
“The money will also be used to purchase cleaning supplies and help pay for an extra custodian to clean buses and transportation vehicles,” Howard said.
Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UNIONTOWN HS VB and FB WEEK 8 Results

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Student Sports Reporter

The Lady Eagle Volleyball season came to an end Saturday at the 2A Sub-State Tournament hosted at Uniontown.

In the first round, Uniontown defeated Pleasanton 25-19 and 25-15. Bri Stokes had 10 points and 10 assists. Danielle Howard was 14/18 on attacks with 7 kills and 5 solo blocks. Paige Mason was 11/11 on attacks with 2 kills.

The second round saw Erie defeat Uniontown 26-24 and 25-10. Bri Stokes had 5 points and 4 assists. Karleigh Schoenberger was 12/14 on attacks with one kill and Danielle Howard was 9/10 on attacks with 3 kills. Gwen Fry had 3 solo blocks.

“The team played hard,” Coach Hall says. “We just couldn’t shut down Erie’s middle hitter when she got to the front row, and she was on fire. I’m so proud of this team. The six seniors have shown great leadership throughout their career and this challenging season. I wish them the best in their future plans and look forward to the 2021 season.”

The Varsity squad finished the season with an overall record of 12-4 and were Co-Champions of the Three Rivers League, tied with St.Paul and Chetopa.

On Friday, the Varsity football team faced Lyndon and lost 41-0. Treden Buckman had 14 rushes for 61 yards, and Drew Perry had 20 rushes for 103 yards. Perry also completed 4/5 passes for 12 yards. and had 3 unassisted tackles. Jake Harvey had 5 assists and received two passes, and Luke Perry had 1 interception.

The first round of playoffs is Friday, October 30th at Uniontown, so let’s run down some cumulative stats…

Hunter Schaaf, SR – 111 carries, 532 yards, 4.79 ypc, 8 TDs (6 games)

Drew Perry, SR – 143 carries, 696 yards, 4.87 ypc, 5 TDs (8 games)

Treden Buckman, SO – 93 carries, 490 yards, 5.27 ypc, 4 TDs (8 games)

Hunter Schaaf, LB, SR – 68 tackles (6 games)

Jake Harvey, LB, SR – 57 tackles, 1 INT (8 games)

Drew Perry, DB, SR – 42 tackles (8 games)

Zach Franklin, DE, SR – 40 tackles (8 games)

Luke Perry, DB, JR – 30 tackles, 2 INTs (8 games)

Korbin Miller, DT, JR – 29 tackles, 2 sacks (8 games)

Bring a warm coat, some blankets, and hot cocoa, and come support your Uniontown Eagles in the playoffs on Friday, October 30!