Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Food Distribution Schedule

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The distribution will work the same next week as it did this past week.  We still are asking those using the program to register via our website as it helps immensely with the planning and ordering of the meals.

Submitted by Gina L Shelton, CPA, USD 234 Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

FOOD SERVICE ROUTES REGISTRATION
(UPDATED 04/09/20)

Help us Help You.

We need our families to register to pick up meals. This provides us better information to help us prepare for the numbers being served. You will need to fill out a form for each day.

Where to Register?
www.usd234.org

Deadlines
For Monday, April 13th Meals – Deadline is noon, Friday, April 10th
For Tuesday, April 14th Meals – Deadline is noon, Monday, April 13th
For Wednesday, April 15th Meals – Deadline is noon, Tuesday, April 14th

Questions we will be asking:
1. Will you be picking up meals?
2. Where will you be picking up meals?
3. How many children aged 1-18 will you be picking up meals for?
4. Adult contact name?
5. Adult contact phone number?
This form should take you no longer than 1 minute to fill out. We need you to complete the form for each day you will be picking up meals.

Distribution Schedule

USD 234 will be doing three (3) distributions the week of April 13th. Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days. We will need you to register for each day.
Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child
Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child
Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child
Questions??
Call or email Kerrie at 620-223-0800 or [email protected]

Tiger Food Service – Meals Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
April 13th through April 15th

No distributions on Thursday or Friday

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 04/09/20)

What days will meals be distributed?

o Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only for the Week of April 13th.
o There will not be any distributions Thursday, or Friday.
o The child will still receive the same amount of meals.

Do I need to register?
o Yes. Register at www.usd234.org.
o Just a few questions to help us serve you.

I’m having trouble registering using the form
o Call 620-223-0800 and we will help.

Do I need to bring my kids with me?
o Yes. According to federal and state regulations we must be able to visually see the child. At this point, we are still requiring this.

Do I have to go to the school my child attends?
o No. These are distribution points and are not in connection to the school your child attends.

I have kids attending at each of the schools, do I need to go to each school?
o No. Pick up where it is most convenient for you.

Can I pick up a meal to take home to my child?
o No. We must be able to visibly see the child.

What ages can be served?
o We can serve ages 1-18.

Does a parent have to be present?
o No. Kids can pick up the meals if you, as a parent, feel comfortable letting them.

How do I pick up my children’s meals using the food service route (bus route)?
o The meals will be distributed from the back of the bus by USD 234 staff.
o Please form a line practicing social distancing starting at the back of the bus.

Are foods going to be delivered to my door?
o No. The safety of our kids and our staff is the highest priority. We do not have the resources nor the capability to deliver to each household.

How do I pick up at the school pick-up points?
o We will be running these like a drive-thru line.
o Please pull into the line.
o Please remain in the car for all our safety.
o If you walk up to the school, there will be a table for that purpose. a

We highly recommend that you drive through the pick-up line.

Do I have to qualify for free or reduced meals with the school?
o No. Any child 1-18 can participate.

USD 234 FS Week of April 13th – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 04/09/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.

BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION.

ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing three (3) distributions the week of April 13th

Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days.

Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child
Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child
Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

Register using Google Form: USD 234 COVID-19 Food Service.
Form can be found at www.usd234.org or call 620-223-0800.

You must register for each day you want USD 234 to provide meals.
*There will be NO distributions on Thursday or Friday
*Please maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP
10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*
*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.
*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS. IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT.

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Art Teacher Ellen Kendrick Retires After 34 Years

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Ellen Kendrick. Submitted photo.

 Ellen Kendrick, visual arts teacher at Fort Scott High School for 34 years, is retiring.

When Kendrick was in college, she took a couple of education classes out of curiosity.

“Through these classes, I came to realize that much of my childhood frustration with my own education was with the manner in which it was disseminated,” she said. ” I made a promise to myself that if I ever had the chance, I would invest in my community by being the teacher that I wish I had. I believe I was personally suited to the profession of teaching because I came of age in an era when professions weren’t chosen for the amount of money they made, but for the good that they put back into communities. I believe in the power of education and in the children that I have been given the opportunity to teach throughout my career.”

Several people inspired her to teach.

“My mom taught for 25 years and was passionate about what she did,” Kendrick said. ” I also had an amazing eighth-grade teacher, his name was Paul McClain. He was a caring and compassionate person who came into my life and taught me what a good teacher looks like. I will always be grateful for that year. Not least was Fred Campbell who saw something in me, made this job possible, and hired me to do what I love, which is to teach photography and art. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that he gave me.”

 

Kendrick said the greatest part of teaching is the students.

 

The greatest challenge has always been dealing with different personalities and varying levels of support for the things that she thought her students needed, she said.

 

“I would say, however, the biggest challenge has been the last month, (school closure because of the pandemic),” she said. “It is a strange way to end a career, and I mourn the loss of the last month.”

 

Kendrick has been involved with her husband, John, in the Echoes of the Trail, a cowboy poetry gathering and also encouraged her students  and sons to be involved in the community, she said.

 

Retiring was a hard decision to make, she said.  “Because it is a career where you get to start over fresh every year. For the first time in thirty years, I really like the direction of where things are going, but I could end up being 85 and still teaching. I made the decision, and I’m going to do it.”

 

Kendrick earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Ceramics from Colorado State University, graduate hours from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, Master of Arts in Photography from Pittsburg State University.

 

Her hometown is Kansas City, MO, where she graduated from Winnetonka High School.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes For Week of April 6

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USD 234 FS Week of April 6th – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 04/02/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS. BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION.

ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing three (3) distributions the week of April 6th
Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days.

Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child

Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

Register using Google Form: USD 234 COVID-19 Food Service.

Form can be found at www.usd234.org or call 620-223-0800. You must register for each day you want USD 234 to provide meals.

*There will be NO distributions on Thursday or Friday

*Please maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP

10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS.

IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Craw-Kan Provides Internet Service in Designated Areas For Students Going Online

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Zach Adams, Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Marketing Manager.
Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, is giving several area high school students and staff who may not have internet connectivity at home, a place where they can connect for free.
This is an effort to help with aiding students and staff in online school work as physical access to schools has been shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zach Adams, Craw-Kan Marketing Manager said.
As of March 30, Craw-Kan has hotspots located at LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott’s  Industrial Park, south of the city and the new Fort Scott Central office building, located south of Family Video on National Avenue and in Uniontownon on the north side of the town square.
The Craw-Kan Central Office Building on South National Avenue. Photo courtesy of Craw-Kan.
“We have plans to add additional wifi hotspots to other rural Bourbon county communities this week as wifi equipment becomes available,” he said.  “The  SSID (name) of the wifi connection that you will see on your device will be  ‘Craw-Kan Free WIFI’ .”
To view a map of the free hot spots click below:
The LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park, located just off HWY. 69 south of the city. Photo courtesy of Craw-Kan.
“This map is the go-to,” Adams said. More hot spots will be added.
“Craw-Kan deployed a large number of our staff last week to bring as many wifi hotspots online across our very large service area,” Adams said.  “As of March 30, 2020, we had 24 different hotspots available in about 10 or so school districts across Southeast Kansas and a couple in Southwest Missouri.”
The Craw-Kan building on the north side of Uniontown’s square. Photo courtesy of Craw-Kan.
“They are fully open public wifi hotspots and no password is required,” he said.
One has to be near the hot spot to use it.
“While we are using high power outdoor wifi transmitters, you must still be within range to use the internet at one of these hotspots,” Adams said. “The range of these radios differs by locations, however, most reach a 150 – 300 ft radius around the hotspot.  Basically they are designed to be drive-up/walk-up access and we do ask that anyone using the hot spot exercises proper caution and maintains social distancing guidelines recommended by the State of Kansas. “
“While we implemented this program to assist in online education, the general public would be allowed to access these wifi hotspots for other uses,” he said. “However, we do reserve the right to block traffic that would be considered abuse at our discretion.  This is not designed for people to sit in their cars and watch Tiger King on Netflix or stream all the Star Wars movies on Disney +.  We will be monitoring traffic/bandwidth usage and can block usage by service (or individual device) if needed to maintain the integrity of the connection for student educational usage.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes for the Week of March 30

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USD 234 FS Week of March 30th – Monday & Wednesday only
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 03/28/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.

BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION. ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing two distributions the week of March 30th.

On Monday, March 30th, the child will be receiving a total of 4 meals per child.

On Wednesday, April 1st, the child will be receiving a total of 6 meals per child.

Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 2 days.

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am
ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP
10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS

Tiger Food Service – Meals Monday, March 30th and Wednesday, April 1st

No distributions on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03/28/20) What days will meals be distributed?
o Monday and Wednesday only for the Week of March 30th.
o There will not be any distributions Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
o The child will still receive the same amount of meals. Do I need to bring my kids with me?
o Yes. According to federal and state regulations we must be able to visually see the child. At this point, we are still requiring this. Do I have to go to the school my child attends?
o No. These are distribution points and are not in connection to the school your child attends. I have kids attending at each of the schools, do I need to go to each school?
o No. Pick up where it is most convenient for you. Can I pick up a meal to take home to my child?
o No. We must be able to visibly see the child. What ages can be served?
o We can serve ages 1-18. Do I need to call ahead?
o No. Does a parent have to be present?
o No. Kids can pick up the meals if you, as a parent, feel comfortable letting them. How do I pick up my children’s meals using the food service route (bus route)?
o The meals will be distributed from the back of the bus by USD 234 staff.
o Please form a line practicing social distancing starting at the back of the bus. Are foods going to be delivered to my door?
o No. The safety of our kids and our staff is the highest priority. We do not have the resources nor the capability to deliver to each household. How do I pick up at the school pick-up points?
o We will be running these like a drive-thru line.
o Please pull into the line.
o Please remain in the car for all our safety.
o If you walk up to the school, there will be a table for that purpose. We highly recommend that you drive through the pick-up line. Do I have to qualify for free or reduced meals with the school?
o No. Any child 1-18 can participate.

Bourbon County, Schools

Karen Mix Retires From West Bourbon Elementary School

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Karen Mix. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series highlighting educators who will retire this school year.

In spite of the world crisis, life goes on, and FortScott.Biz will continue to  feature stories of local interest.

 

Karen Mix, 61, 30-year kindergarten teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School is retiring.

“I have been blessed to work at the USD 235 district,” Mix said.

She substituted in the district for three years, taught fifth-grade for one year, then began her career in kindergarten.

“There is so much satisfaction in teaching kindergarten,” Mix said. “It is amazing what these little ones can achieve in a year. The gains they make in knowledge, self-confidence, and social skills…I have gone to work to do a job that I love to do!  I have been able to sing, dance, laugh and have snacks every day!  Plus, I have actually gotten paid to do it!  I can only hope that I have touched my students’ lives in as many ways as they have mine.”

” I felt it was important to teach kindness and respect for each other,” she said. ” We said the Golden Rule every day, I always told them that it was not just a 5-year-olds rule but a rule for all your life!
I think sometimes a kindergarten teacher’s role in a child’s life is not always understood by many people. Many times I have been the first role model they have met since leaving their parents. I have so many roles in class…drying tears, hugging fears away, fixing girls hair, zipping, tying shoes, teaching them to look, listen, learn and have fun. It has been a crazy ride and I have loved every minute of it!!!

Mix received her education from Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott Community College, then Pittsburg State University and finally Walden University where she earned her Masters Degree in Reading.

Her second-grade teacher who became her aunt, Hazel Ploeger, inspired her to teach, she said.

Her hometown is  Independence, Mo.  but she moved to Fort Scott, when 17 years old.

Mix married her husband,  Mike, at 19 years old and they bought the farm they have lived on since.

“We have two sons, Evan married to Marci,  one grandson, and twins due in April. And our youngest son, Matthew.”

Mix has been involved in her community as a member of the Fulton United Methodist Church.

One of the greatest challenges in teaching for Mix was keeping up with the many changes that the state requires of schools, she said.

Retirement?

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband and my grandchildren,” she said.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes Revised

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USD 234 Fort Scott Week of March 23, 2020 M-Th
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES – Revised 03/25/20

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.

BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION.

ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

As we maintain our continued commitment to the safety of our kids, staff, and community we will be doing Thursday and Friday’s distribution on one day – Thursday, March 26th. Kids will receive a total of four (4) meals on Thursday. Distribution spots will remain the same.

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP
10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Middle School- East side*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*
Winfield Scott- East side*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS

Tiger Food Service – Meals March 23rd to March 27th
Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03/25/20)

Do I need to bring my kids with me?
o Yes. According to federal and state regulations we must be able to visually see the child.

Do I have to go to the school my child attends?
o No. These are distribution points and are not in connection to the school your child attends.

I have kids attending at each of the schools, do I need to go to each school?
o No. Pick up where it is most convenient for you.

Can I pick up a meal to take home to my child?
o No. We must be able to visibly see the child.

What ages can be served?
o We can serve ages 1-18.

Do I need to call ahead?
o No.

Does a parent have to be present?
o No. Kids can pick up the meals if you, as a parent, feel comfortable letting them.

How do I pick up my children’s meals using the food service route (bus route)?
o The meals will be distributed from the back of the bus by USD 234 staff.
o Please form a line practicing social distancing starting at the back of the bus.

Are foods going to be delivered to my door?
o No. The safety of our kids and our staff is the highest priority. We do not have the resources nor the capability to deliver to each household.

How do I pick up at the school pick up points?
o We will be running these like a drive-thru line.
o Please pull into the line.
o Please remain in the car for all our safety.

Do I have to qualify for free or reduced meals with the school?
o No. Any child 1-18 can participate.

Will there be meals distributed on Friday, March 27th?
o No. These meals will be delivered on Thursday, March 26th. You will receive 4 meals on Thursday.

Government, Kansas, Schools

After School Reading Programs Matter Resolved at KDCF

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Statement from the Department for Children and Families and Hysell & Wagner, LLC

 

Today, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Hysell & Wagner, LLC, announced that they have entered into an agreement under which each party agrees that all issues with the 2014-15 draft audit are resolved.

In August of 2019, the Kansas Reading Roadmap grant to Hysell & Wagner, LLC was cancelled as allowed under the grant.

During announcement of the cancellation, certain preliminary findings from 2014-15 draft audit were shared.

After both parties conducted due diligence, DCF and Hysell & Wagner, LLC now agree that none of the audit issues warrant further action.

Hysell & Wagner, LLC appreciates the Agency’s efforts to resolve these matters and its decision to continue funding after-school reading programs directly with Kansas school districts.

DCF thanks Hysell & Wagner, LLC for its years of work helping Kansas children.

Neither party will have additional comment on the matter.

 

Government, Kansas, Schools

Kansas Schools Close To Implement Strategic Plan For COVID 19

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Governor Kelly Recommends the Kansas State Department of Education Temporarily Close Schools to implement comprehensive education plan amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Governor Laura Kelly today announced her recommendation to close all public schools for the upcoming week to allow administrators and teachers to develop a strategic plan moving forward. At the direction of the Governor, the Kansas State Board of Education formed a team tasked with addressing key concerns.

 

“We take this pandemic and our preparedness seriously,” Kelly said. “One of these areas of particular concern is our K-12 schools, where our children, parents and staff come together in one place. Our schools form the cornerstones of our communities. It is because of this that we need to ensure that schools are prepared to face the COVID-19 challenge.

 

“When classes resume, parents can be assured their children will continue to receive the same high-quality, world-class education Kansas is known for,” Kelly said.

 

The Kansas State Board of Education has formed a team of experts, many of whom are former Teachers of the Year, to build a comprehensive plan to address the challenges that schools are facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Among the specific topics this team will address are:

  • How schools can move education online, if necessary, so students can progress toward the end of semester.
  • How schools can assist students who do not have access to online tools to finish out the semester, especially those who are set to graduate in May.
  • How schools can provide for at-risk students and those who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • How schools will ensure a continuity of school-based mental health services.
  • How schools can assist in providing meals for students who need them.
  • What role schools can play in assisting with childcare for essential local and state healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers who live in their counties.
  • How schools will assist in efforts to keep children from congregating in community spaces and keep them quarantined in their own homes.
  • And educating parents on ways they can help the continuity of education for their children.

Governor Kelly continues to work closely with the Kansas State Department of Education and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, along with local and federal partners to develop sensible steps that can protect every Kansan.

 

“Let me remind Kansans once again: while everyone needs to be mindful of what they can do to avoid spreading the virus — namely thorough hand washing, social distancing and avoiding crowds — this is not a time to panic,” Kelly said. “It is a time to be aware of the need to be very careful. It is a time to be respectful of others who are vulnerable. And, it is a time to use common sense safety measures. This remains the best defense against COVID-19.”

 

For the most up-to-date information and resources regarding the status of COVID-19 in Kansas, please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website: kdheks.gov

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Tucker Music Studio: 25 Years

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Benjamin Banwart and Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo. Ben is in his eighth year of piano study with Tucker.

A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.

And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.

When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.

Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.

“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”

Carolyn and Zachary Ballou at a piano recital in April 2013. Submitted photo. Ballou was a student of hers for nine years.

She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.

“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”

 

Taylor Cation and Carolyn at a piano recital in 2012. Cation was a 10-year student with Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.

“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.

In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.

“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.

At a recital in  2016 – with  10-year student Kelcie Bailey.

Grateful

“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”

“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”

Encourage children to find musical gifts

Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.

“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.

To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.

Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street

Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Boys Defeated by Northeast in Sub-State

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagle Varsity boys faced off against the Northeast Arma Vikings in their second round of Sub-State last Friday. The boys were defeated 51-54, allowing Arma to advance to the final round.

Luke George and Jake Harvey lead in points, scoring 17 and 13, respectively. Harvey also had 3 assists. Hunter Schaaf had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Clay Sutterby had 6 rebounds, and Drew Perry had 4 assists and steals. “I’m extremely proud of our team,” said Coach Hays. “We came a long way this season. I’m going to miss being around these guys every day. It’s sad that it is over. I enjoyed every minute of this season.”

I couldn’t agree with Coach Hays more. I never managed the boys’ team directly, but I stayed for almost every game since they usually played after the girls. I enjoyed cheering for them from my seat in the pep band or by Rhian, our filmer. I hope our seniors had a great final season, and I hope the rest of the team will come out for basketball again next year.