Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

Danny Larsen: New Eugene Ware Elementary School P.E.Teacher

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Danny Larsen. Submitted photo.
Danny Larsen is the new physical education teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Larsen earned his bachelor of science in education with a strength and conditioning emphasis; and a bachelor of arts in psychology.

He has two years of experience teaching as an At-Risk Teacher, this is his first physical education position, he said.
Larsen’s hometown is  Fort Scott and is married to Jamie Larsen. They have three children: Noah who will be a senior, Malachi an  8th-grader, and Madeline a 5th- grader.
What are your hobbies/interests/community involvements?
“I love spending time with my family as much as possible. I also like to coach, work in my shop (woodworking), and play basketball.”
How did you become an educator?
“I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and being a mentor, either through coaching sports or volunteering at school or church.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“There were so many teachers who played a big role in my decision to pursue teaching as a career. These include teachers I had while I was in school and those who have taught my kids.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“For me, the best part of teaching is connecting with a kid who has struggled either academically, emotionally, or in some way that makes their life and school more difficult. Once you see that tension disappear from their face and it’s replaced by a smile, there’s nothing else like it!”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Right now, the great challenge is being a new teacher where kids are looking for familiarity and normalcy. Fortunately, I do well in those situations and look forward to teaching in Fort Scott.”
COVID-19, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Graduation August 1

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A prior prom photo of the class 2020 of FSHS.
Submitted photo.

The 156 graduates of Fort Scott High School will have an unprecedented graduation on August 1 at the football stadium on Main Street at 8 p.m.

 

The changes are the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently seeing a surge in the country and in Bourbon County.

 

“We are approved for an outside graduation, with masks, a limited number of guests for each student, a maximum of 6,” said Amber Toth, Fort Scott High School, Principal. “The crowd will not be allowed on the field, we will dismiss our seating by section and have people leave immediately to help control crowd gatherings, and we will ensure social distancing.”

 

“We are not allowed to conduct graduation in the gym,” she said. ” If there is a weather issue we will reschedule time of graduation or date of graduation.”

 

“Teachers are allowed to attend graduation but there will not be a farewell line,” Toth said.  “We plan to have students do a lap on the track for audience members where they can wave, etc.”

 

The following is from the FSHS Facebook page:
“We have worked very hard to ensure we can have this ceremony and create a gathering that was approved by the health department. That means your cooperation and support will be needed moving forward. We need families to be flexible. We cannot have graduation in the gym with our current level of spread. Therefore, we may need to adjust the time etc if weather prevents us from having it at the stadium. GRADUATION WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN 6 TICKETS FOR GUESTS. Graduation will be live streamed for the public. We will have graduation practice on July 31st at 10:00 am. Students are required to attend so they can pick up their tickets for families and their mask at graduation practice. We will provide further details concerning entering the stadium before graduation.
Procedures:
1. We will expect the 6 guests from families to set together. We have provided seating for each student’s guests allowing for 6 foot distancing between families. We will expect you to follow and respect these guidelines.
2. We ask that each student’s guests enter the stadium together to help with seating.
3. You must have a ticket to enter the stadium.
4. All guests, graduates, and staff will be required to wear a mask throughout the ceremony. If you are not wearing a mask, you will not be allowed to enter the stadium but will be able to watch through the livestream from your home or car.
4. At the conclusion of graduation, no one will be allowed to enter the football field. We will do a recessional for the graduations and lead them off of the field.
5. Families will be dismissed from the bleachers one section at a time. This was an important step for getting our plan approved. We ask that you immediately leave the field when your section is dismissed so we can move to the next section.
6. You will need to meet your graduate at home or in your car after the ceremony.
7. Graduation masks will be provided for graduates and faculty.
8. If you have been mandated to quarantine while awaiting testing or have been quarantined due to a positive test or exposure, you will not be able to attend graduation. The health and safety of our community is our number one priority.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Missy Miller: New U234 K-5 Instructional Coach

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Missy Miller, submitted photo.
Missy Miller, 49, is the new USD 234 Instructional Coach for kindergarten through fifth-grade.
She received her bachelor of science degree at Emporia State University and her masters in leadership from  Baker University.
Miller has 18 years of teaching experience.
Her hometown is Tonganoxie, KS and she just moved to Louisburg, KS.
Miller and her husband,  Keith, have a daughter Courtney, 20, and son, Jake,19.
Her hobbies and interests include: being a Pampered Chef Consultant, reading historical Christian fiction, especially Francine Rivers and swimming.
How did you become an educator?
“I knew early that I was called to be an educator.  I would set all my dolls and stuffed animals up and teach them when I was little.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“Tim Brady, my 8th-grade history teacher was my inspiration.  He believed in me, pushed me to be more than I believed I could be, and encouraged me in all I did!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part about teaching is the kids, helping them succeed, providing safety, and loving each of them for who they are no matter their circumstances.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Balancing the newness of teaching in a pandemic, how do we best reach those who need us most, how do we navigate providing for the whole child while not getting to see them face to face on a consistent basis.”
COVID-19, Government, Kansas, Schools

Kelly Responds to BOE Rejection of Executive Order

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Governor Laura Kelly Statement

 

The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the State Board of Education’s vote to reject her executive order delaying the start of school:

 

“The cases of COVID-19 in Kansas are at an all-time high and continue to rise. Our decisions must be informed by public health experts not politics. This vote puts our students, faculty, their families and our economy at risk.

 

“I will continue to work with our school districts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children and ask every school district to delay the start of school.”

Fort Scott, Schools

New Winfield Scott First-Grade Teacher: Alexandra VanSickle

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Alexandra VanSickle. Submitted photo.
Alexandra VanSickle, 29, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She received her education from Murray State University and Kansas State University and has previously taught fourth-grade.
VanSickle’s hometown is Murray, Kentucky.
“My husband, Carson Hunter, is the head football coach at Fort Scott Community College, that is what brought us to the area. We have four children: Liam, Izzy, Naomi, and Macy. We have just moved to the area in June. Previously, I was very involved in my church and local outreaches, I hope to establish the same relationships and opportunities to serve here in Fort Scott as I become more familiar with the area.”
Alexandra VanSickle and her husband Carson Hunter. Submitted photo.
How did you become an educator?
“I worked as a paralegal originally, and decided that wasn’t for me. After doing some volunteer work with young children, I realized my passion for helping students learn and succeed. I began working for the school district and went back to school as a non-traditional student.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“No one particular person, I have met a lot of incredible and inspiring teachers in my lifetime. I think my husband really encouraged and supported my dream to become a teacher though.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching for me is the relationships you build with the students, their families, and the amazing educators you get to work with.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenges would also be building those relationships, since I’m not from this area I think it will be a little more difficult to build relationships with students and get to know their families and background so I can better serve them. While the most challenging, I believe it to be one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.”
Fort Scott, Schools

Breann Eden: New Winfield Scott Elementary Art Teacher

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Jon, Breann and Kenlee Eden. Submitted photo.
Breann Eden, 33, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School art teacher.

 

Eden has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Art Education, and four years teaching experience.

 

“This will be my fifth-year teaching,” she said.  “I started my teaching career with Nevada R-5 School District in Nevada, Missouri.  I was the art teacher at the elementary level(K-2) for two years and secondary level(6-8) for two years.”

 

She is a Fort Scott native, the oldest daughter of David and Jara Martin, and is married to a Jon Eden, who has a daughter, Kenlee Eden.
“Jon and I are awaiting the arrival of our first child together, due July 27th,” she said.

 

Eden has been involved with several organizations in Fort Scott.
“I am involved in the Bourbon County Arts Council and 2nd Story Arts Festival and I attend Community Christian Church,” Eden said.
“In my free time, you will find me spending time with my family, working on my house with my husband or creating art.”
How did you become an educator?
“After graduating from college, I worked for a non-profit that offered support to families with teenagers.  From there I began my master of arts in teaching and worked as a social worker. With these experiences, I fell in love with working with children, so I became an art teacher.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“The children I worked with in my past employment experiences have inspired me to become a teacher.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching art is providing opportunities for children to explore their creativity and think critically. I have enjoyed watching students develop their own ideas and then execute them through problem-solving and planning.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“My greatest challenge is finding time to be creative and to do all the things with my students and for my students that I want to do!”
Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Director of Academics: Dalaina Smith

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Dalaina Smith is the new academic director at USD234. Submitted photo with her husband.
Dalaina Smith, 34, is the new USD 234 Director of Academics.
Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Mathematics Major in  2008, a Master of Science in Reading, Reading Specialist Emphasis in 2012, Specialist in Education in Advance Studies in Leadership, General School Administration Emphasis in 2015 all from Pittsburg  State University. She then earned a  Master of Arts in Ministry Studies in 2018 from Lee University and in 2019 earned a Master of Science in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University.
” Following graduation, I taught high school math for the spring semester at Parsons High School,” Smith said. “I then accepted a position at Riverton Middle School teaching English Language Arts.  Later math and computer application courses were added to my schedule.  At RMS I was given the opportunity to begin working with teachers to document and align the district curriculum, this is when I realized that curriculum and instruction was my passion within education.  After seven years at Riverton, I accepted a position with Frontenac Schools to serve as the librarian, as well as the curriculum coordinator.  The past four years I had the opportunity to work with students in all grade levels, as well as work with teachers to lay foundational curriculum work.  I am excited to now begin my journey with Fort Scott! “
Her family includes husband, Jasyn,  and  “a modern-day Brady Bunch”, she said. ” Together, we have six kids, Huntyr, 20, Cartyr, 18, Lexy, 15, Lyndsy, 14, Bryar, 11, and Gunnyr, 9.”
Dalaina Smith and family. Submitted photo.
” As a family, we enjoy fishing, hunting, and church activities,” Smith said. “We’ve recently begun raising English Mastiffs and have three gentle giants: Mabel, Rooster, and Ellie.  These huge dogs don’t realize they’re not lap dogs!  With all our kids there is rarely any downtime, however, I enjoy making T-shirts in my quiet time.”
How did you become an educator? Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“My high school math teacher, Mrs. Davis, took even those who struggled and provided learning opportunities that allowed anyone to be successful,” she said.  “She provided encouragement and opportunities even for those that did not feel that it was deserved.  That was the kind of difference I wanted to make, the kind of hope I wanted to extend.  Then, working under the guidance of Dr. Becky Murray (who was previously my high school PE teacher), I began to understand that teachers needed that same encouragement and support.  She sought growth opportunities for herself and those on her team.  She lead and made you want to follow.  Every meeting began and ended with what’s best for students.  Her encouragement, personally and professionally, pushed me to pursue my education and career opportunities further.  I continue to aspire to be the kind of leader I had the opportunity to work with.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“For me, the best part of teaching and leading is seeing students and staff get passionate about the topic at hand.  It’s a privilege to get to work with educational experts and work to develop the best learning opportunities for all students.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“This year, no doubt will present some of the most unprecedented times in education,” Smith said.  “However, I am confident that the staff, students, and community will rally together to create the best learning opportunities for our students.”
Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Prepares For School Year

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.

Preparations are being made for the next school year at USD 234, Fort Scott.

Among items on the USD 234 Board of Education on July 13 was a decision to keep the academic calendar the same as last year.

“The academic calendar is the same as it was last school year,” Ted Hessong, the superintendent, said in an email. ” At this time, we have not made any alterations to the academic calendar due to the pandemic.”

An additional nurse was added for duties at Fort Scott High School.

“The need for a fourth nurse has been a concern for the district to cover the high school,” Hessong said. “With the pandemic, the district made the commitment, working with Community Health Center, to add a fourth nurse for the high school.”

There have not been official decisions concerning the opening of school in the district, Hessong said.

“At this time we have not made any official decisions related to the opening of school buildings in August,” he said. “The district is working on alternate plans to possibly implement to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

Here is the list of new teachers for the 2020-2021 school year in the district.

Larry Amer will teach high school art, Kaitlin Arnold will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Carissa Bowman will teach high school family and consumer science,  Breann Eden will teach art at Winfield Scott Elementary School,  Clint Heffern will teach high school social studies, Paulette Howard will teach gifted education, Danny Larsen will teach physical education at Eugene Ware Elementary School,  Melissa Miller will be the elementary instructional coach,  Shelly Sanborn will teach middle school special education, Torrie Singmaster will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Courtenay Slinkard will teach high school  English, Dalaina Smith is the director of academics,  Kate Sweyko is the high school special education teacher,  Reyna Valenzuela will teach high school English, Alexandra VanSickle will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
The board accepted the resignation of Kirstie Cox as Winfield Scott second grade teacher, Abigail Helt as the high school/middle school chorus teacher,  Jeanise Malone as central office accounts payable secretary,  Michelle Johnson as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional, Angela Christy as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional, Stacey Gingrich as a gifted paraprofessional and Bud Hall as a bus driver.

Linda Minor, Winfield Scott transferred from first-grade teacher to second-grade.

Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach’s contract was adjusted from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year.

Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher, was granted a leave of absence.

Harleigh Lowry was hired as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year.

Reemployment for the school year: Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher,  Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist, and Daniel Long, as a high school paraprofessional.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes of July 13

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, July 13, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board adjourned Sine Die with reorganization of the new board.  David Stewart was elected President of the board, and James Wood was elected Vice-President of the board for the 2020-21 school year.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – June 19, 2020 – $1,703,740.89

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund Accounts

F.     Designation of banks for deposit of school funds

G.    Designation of newspaper for official school publications – The Fort Scott Tribune

H.    Officers for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Recreation Commission board member terms

J.      Resolution for waiver of generally accepted accounting principles

K.    Resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes

L.     Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings

M.   Resolution to establish home rule by Board of Education

N.    Resolution for destruction of records

O.    Resolution for bank account signers

P.     Organizational chart

Q.    Set fees for copying of records

R.    Current state mileage reimbursement rate

 

Board members heard a report from Brenda Hill, KNEA President.

Superintendent Ted Hessong reported on SPARK funding, Extended School Year and Jumpstart, the newly-installed high school gym bleachers, bus inspections, administrator book study, count day, graduation, and return to school information.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed closing down the fiscal year, staff/student vehicle travel, roof work, CARES money, budget software, food service, and new employee signup.

The board selected James Wood as a hearing officer for suspensions and expulsions for the 2020-21 school year.

Board members approved the following items:

·       1,116-hour calendar for the 2020-21 school year

·       Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for an additional nurse

·       Device replacement purchase

·       RTS Microsystems purchase using E-Rate funds

·       Roof change order

·       Purchase of intervention materials using Title IVA funds

 

The board will hold a budget workshop on July 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to security measures and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Kirstie Cox, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Abigail Helt, high school/middle school chorus teacher, effective immediately

C.    Resignation of Jeanise Malone, central office accounts payable secretary, effective July 3, 2020

D.    Resignation of Michelle Johnson, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

E.     Resignation of Angela Christy, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

F.     Resignation of Stacey Gingrich, gifted paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

G.    Resignation of Bud Hall, bus driver, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

H.    Transfer of Linda Minor, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Winfield Scott second grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Contract adjustment for Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach, from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Leave of absence request from Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher

K.    Employment of Alexandra VanSickle as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of Harleigh Lowry as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year

M.   Reemployment of Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Reemployment of Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Reemployment of Daniel Long, high school paraprofessional, for the 2020-21 school year.

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Schools

Uniontown 2020 Graduation Is Tomorrow, But Not Open to The Public

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Uniontown High School.
COVID 19 Pandemic restrictions have affected many aspects of our culture.
More so for graduating 2020 graduates at all levels of education.
The Uniontown High School Class of 2020 is having their graduation ceremony this weekend, a full two months later than normal.
The event is not something that is open to the general public due to  COVID 19 Pandemic crowd number restrictions that Kansas has in place, said Bret Howard, superintendent of USD 235.
“Each graduate will be allowed to invite up to nine people and those people will be allowed into the home bleachers,” Howard said.
“Phase 3 of the governors’ plan still limits the amount of crowd we can allow,” he said.  ” In consultation with the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, we have created this plan and it was approved.  We apologize for not being able to accommodate everyone who would want to attend but due to the current circumstances, we are doing the best we can.”

On July 11, seniors and their families will be having an outdoors ceremony on the football field. The event is usually held in the West Bourbon Elementary School gymnasium.

 

“The tough spot we are in is that to get it approved we had to agree to only have people sit in our home bleachers,” Howard said.  “The (running) track (that surrounds the football field) is being worked on as well so we can’t have people all over the football field or even on the track.”

 

“We will be having our graduates give us a list of up to nine people to sit in the bleachers together,” he said.  “If some graduates don’t have nine people then we will give others the option of bringing more.”

 

“We are going to have people sit on every other row in the bleachers, Howard said. “We have set up seating in the bleachers.  There will not be anyone allowed inside the fence or on the field other than graduates and board members.”

“We are planning on live streaming the graduation on our school Facebook page,” he said. ” We have our information technology personnel setting this up right now.  Once we know that it will work we will post a link on our website and social media accounts.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

FSHS Has New Gym Seating

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The Fort Scott High School gym bleachers, 2020. Submitted photo.

The old Fort Scott High School bleachers were installed over 50 years ago in 1964, and have served the school activities since that time.

Recently USD 234 purchased and installed new ones. The new bleachers are located in the main gymnasium at FSHS.

“They have served their purpose, and in the past several years have needed numerous repairs,” Jeff DeLaTorre, U234 Athletic/Activities Director, said.

They were identified as an area to address for many years by the school leadership.

“The cost and skill to maintain the bleachers to function safely versus replacing them were prohibitive, which is why it was decided to replace them,” Gina Shelton, U234 Business Manager and Board Clerk, said.

The new Fort Scott High School gym bleachers, 2020. Submitted photo.

 

“The new bleachers also provide a more modern look to the gym, as well as provide more comfort to our fans and spectators,” DeLaTorre said.

“They were installed over the past two weeks. The backs to the bleachers will be installed later this summer,” he said.

The total cost was $314,020 and was paid out of the school district’s contingency part of the bond funds, according to Shelton.

“We feel the new look in the gym will benefit our students daily, providing a brighter look that will enhance pride in their school,” DeLaTorre said. “They will also benefit our parents, spectators, and fans that attend events in our gym by providing more comfortable seating. The addition of these bleachers is a positive addition to our gym that has been the site of some wonderful memories in the past, and we know will be home to more wonderful moments in the future.”