Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Press Release Aug. 10

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, August 10, for their regular monthly meeting.

Vice-President James Wood opened the meeting and the budget hearing.  There were no comments, and the budget hearing was closed.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – July 17, 2020 – $1,244,239.62

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund Accounts

 

There were no public forum comments.

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

Superintendent Ted Hessong reported on teacher meetings on August 14, gave special education updates, and remote and onsite plans for school.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed the special ed and financial audits, SPARK funds, and employee pandemic guidelines.

Board members approved the 2020-21 budget.  The board tabled approval on the 2020-21 school calendar.  Superintendent Hessong reviewed the Return-to-School Plan.  Board members approved a roof payment and a New Generation contract.  Board members also approved no salary increases for the administrative and classified staff for the 2020-21 school year and a fundraising and mask awareness campaign.

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 Lakyn Coyan, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Tammy Wollenberg, high school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

C.    Resignation of Linda May, Winfield Scott cook, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

D.    Transfer of Dee Peters, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

E.     Change in work agreement for Kristin Bishop, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 6- hour work day to a 5-hour work day for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Change in work agreement for Moriah Dillow, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 7.5-hour work day to a 5-hour work day for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Leave of absence for Norma Floyd, Winfield Scott paraprofessional

H.    Leave of absence for Debra Endicott, middle school cook

I.      Employment of Vangie Korinke as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Vernon Hill as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Addition of a one-year middle school elective teaching position for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of high school supplemental employees as follows:

Freshman Head Boys’ Basketball Coach – Joel Harney

Head Boys’ Track Coach – Bo Graham (move from assistant)

Assistant Track Coach – Matt Glades

Vocal Presentations and Musical Music Director – Remove Abby Helt

Assistant Girls’ Tennis – Kenny Hudiburg

M.   Resignation of Alicia Hansen, middle school 8th grade social studies/6th grade keyboarding teacher and fall intramural coach, for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Special Board Meeting Aug. 6

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From the U234 Facebook page:

Thursday, August 6th, 2020 the USD 234 School Board approved, in a 4-3 vote, to open our schools on September 9th with two learning options for USD 234 students, those being Onsite and Remote Learning.

Onsite means if students want to attend in-person, daily in the school buildings they can.  They would follow a “normal” school schedule for a school day in the building when school is in session.

Remote learners would receive asynchronous learning with the on-site learners.  The remote learner will be expected to be directly involved in learning for at least 6 hours a day when school is in session.  Parents will need to log the learning time for remote learners which could be either online, engaged with a teacher in a classroom or while doing “homework” as assigned by the teacher on their own.  The remote learner will also need to have daily contact with at least one teacher.  USD 234 will provide a device for all remote learners.

 

On Monday, August 10th, 2020 USD 234 will be releasing the learning plan and school operations guidance document to the public.

This document will provide specific information for families about the learning plans and how schools will operate when students and staff are in the buildings.  This document will be a fluid document as we learn more about the coronavirus and how the school district needs to respond to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff.

USD 234 will be working with the SEK Multi-County Health Department in regard to isolation and quarantine of students and staff, contact tracing, and the school’s response to the level community spread.

USD 234 teachers return on August 14th, 2020 to being preparing for the return of our students on September 9th, 2020.

Our staff will be receiving training and professional development in areas of hygiene and symptom checking, viable remote learning, and focusing on content, standards, and assessments to measure students learning and social/emotional gaps to be prepared for the return of students.

The USD 234 School Board appreciates the feedback they received from the community in regard to reopening our school buildings.  USD 234 takes very seriously the safety of our students and staff, and community input helps in making decisions in the best interest of everyone.

Fort Scott, Schools

Torrie Singmaster: New Winfield Scott First-Grade Teacher

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Torrie Singmaster. Submitted photo.
Torrie Singmaster, 24, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She earned her  Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education from Ottawa University.
She has bee a paraprofessional educator and substitute teacher for USD 234 for three years.
Singmaster’s hometown is Fort Scott.
Her family includes her husband, Dakota,  and two sons,  William, 3, and Tyson, 1.
In her free time, Singmaster likes going on vacation to Branson, golfing, and taking their boys new places.
“I also coach girls basketball at Fort Scott Middle School,” she said.
How did you become an educator?
“I started subbing at Winfield Scott and fell in love with the school and students. I completed my degree this past May thru Ottawa University while working for the school district as a paraprofessional and coach.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“I honestly can say the students I started working with inspired me to teach. I always loved school and had many great teachers that I can look up to. I also wanted a career that I could make a difference in children’s lives and be able to be there for my little family.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I love being able to make connections with students. I have worked with many different ages over the last three years. Elementary-aged students are so full of life and joy. Seeing them so excited about learning makes me excited every day to walk into my classroom. I can’t wait to see each student get to the point where they are growing in their confidence as a student and as a person.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenge as a first-year teacher this year is definitely the unknowns. Being a first-year teacher during a pandemic is not something you learn during college. I am so blessed to have the support from my family and my school family. The staff at Winfield Scott and USD 234 are amazing and I cannot wait to start and continue my journey as an educator in Fort Scott.”
COVID-19, Fort Scott, Schools

Public Meeting for U234 Reopening Is Aug. 6

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School Opening Format
Your Feedback is Requested
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has
received feedback from employers/members related to the effect that reopening school only partially in-person will have on their employees’ ability to work while balancing remote learning and lack of childcare. Many are concerned how employees and the businesses where they work will be able to operate under those circumstances.
Therefore, we are encouraging you to provide feedback to the school board in preparation of the public meeting being hosted by USD-234 as noted below.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Thursday, August 6th, 2020
5:30pm
Fort Scott High School Gymnasium
Enter through east doors, wear a mask, and practice social distancing when sitting down.
 There will be two items on the agenda for this special board meeting. The first item will be a public forum. USD 234 stakeholders will have the opportunity to give comments to the USD 234 School Board. Each individual will have three (3) minutes to address the school board. The second agenda item will be a follow-up discussion from the USD 234 Special Board meeting held July 27, 2020, regarding USD 234’s Return to School Plan.
Anyone wishing to speak should arrive a little early to complete a “Request to Appear before the Board” form. The form is also online here if anyone would like to complete one prior to the meeting. The form may be returned to Connie Billionis prior to the meeting ([email protected]), or brought with you.
   At the special board meeting held on July 27, the USD 234 School Board heard initial information on possible learning formats for students when they return to school. Based on the information presented at this special board meeting, the USD 234 School Board unanimously voted to delay the first day of school for students to September 9, 2020. No action was taken on what learning formats would be available for students. At the meeting on August 6, the school board will be provided more specific information about learning format options for students.
Click here for formats being considered.
CONTACT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
The Chamber encourages you to send your feedback on the format of school fully re-opening or a hybrid model of students attending in person at 50% of the week, and remote learning 50% of the week, or any other feedback you may have.
Please email your feedback to the following
school board members
(click their names below to email or see this link for their email addresses):
David Stewart, School Board President
James Wood, Vice-President
USD-234 Superintendent Ted Hessong
School Bus

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Kaitlyn Arnold: New Winfield Scott First Grade Teacher

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Kaitlyn Arnold. Submitted photo.

Kaitlyn Arnold, 26, is a new Winfield Scott Elementary School first-grade teacher.

She earned her bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University, and has taught in first and second grades.
” I was born and raised in the best town in the country! Fort Scott, Kansas!,” Arnold said.
In her spare time, Arnold likes to garden, raise cattle and chickens, sew, crochet, “go junking” and redo antiques, attend concerts, work out (especially yoga), travel, hike,  and spend time with family and friends, she said.
Kaitlyn Arnold. Submitted photo.
How did you become an educator?
“I decided at age eight that I wanted to become a teacher. Even at the age of three, I was saying I wanted to be a teacher. “
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“I became an elementary teacher for many reasons. The one who inspired the most would be my mom who has taught for over 30 years. Her care and love she shows her students inspires me daily to become a better teacher. I also have had many aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandma who have been in education and inspired me as well.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The students. I dearly treasure each day with my students. I love getting to know them and building good teacher-students relationships. Watching them grow positively in social, emotional and educational skills gives me so much joy. I love hearing about the new dog they got over the weekend, the tooth that got yanked out by a string and a door or the flat tire they had while going to see their grandparents.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Saying goodbye to the students at the end of the year is hardest for me. I’m so excited and celebrate their success of accomplishing a year of growth but the goodbyes are hard.”
“I treasure each moment I get to have with my students and do my very best to help them grow positively in every way,” Arnold said.” I am so ready to get this school year started and meet my awesome future students!”
Bourbon County, Schools

Beacon Clients: Shoe Voucher Available Starting Monday

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The Shoe Voucher Sign-up will begin On Monday, August 3 to August 28, 2020 for students in Grades K-12.

 

The voucher must be used at Fort Scott Wal-Mart.

This Voucher will expire on September 8th,2020. Voucher may be used for any pair of shoes (not flip flops) and can be used for underwear and sock, up to $20.

You must present voucher to the service desk with items.

This is for all Beacon Clients.

Thank you to Community Christian Church for the vouchers and to The Fort Scott Elks for each mask that will be included with the vouchers.

PLEASE CALL INTO THE BEACON TO RESERVE YOUR VOUCHER, 620-223-6869.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 BOE Minutes of July 27

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met in the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, July 27, for a special meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager, presented budget workshop information.  Board members approved the 2020-21 Negotiated Agreement and the Coronavirus Relief Fund Memorandum of Understanding.

The board 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 Jessica Reichard, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Employment of Hannah Dunn as a central office accounts payable/secretary for the 2020-21 school year

 

Superintendent Ted Hessong discussed the 2020-21 school year.  Administrators from individual buildings presented learning options.  The board approved September 9, 2020, as a start day for school with teachers reporting on August 14, 2020.

The board adjourned.

 

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.”