Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Minutes of April 2

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, April 2, 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 – March 13, 2020 – $1,414,782.30

D.    Financial Report

E.     Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F.     Activity Fund Accounts

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference Attendance

H.    Point of Information – May Employee Recognition to be held at a later date due to COVET-19

 

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.  Administrators from each

building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong commended staff throughout the district for their hard work throughout the pandemic, reported on the Continuous Learning Plan, and shared special education information.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared information on employee pay, current business practices, and bond closure.

Board members approved the following items:

·       KASB Adoption Agreement and Legal Assistance Fund Contract and Renewal Payment

·       Price increase for adult lunch and breakfast meals for the 2020-21 school year

·       Roof payments

·       Purchase of two buses

·       Door bids

·       Sale of old high school weight racks

The board also acknowledged receipt of the 2020-21 negotiations lists.

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 approved the following employment matters:

A.    Non-renewal of Don Parsons, high school English teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Jamie Patterson, preschool paraprofessional, effective April 6, 2020

C.    Transfer of Brandon Boyd, Eugene Ware physical education teacher, to Eugene Ware Assistant Principal for the 2020-21 school year

D.    Transfer of Pauline Sweyko, high school paraprofessional, to high school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

E.     Transfer of Matt Glades, high school teacher aide (ISS), to high school technology teacher for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Transfer of Sabrina Keating, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Transfer of Brenda Hill, elementary instructional coach, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Work agreement change for Debbie West, high school secretary, from a 10-month position to a 12-month position for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Employment of Clint Heffern as a high school social science/physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Carissa Bowman as a high school FACS teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Pam Hutchison as a high school teachers’ aide for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

P.     Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

Q.    Employment of special education licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

R.    Employment of Clint Heffern as head high school boys’ basketball coach for the 2020-21 school year

S.     Employment of Melissa Miller as elementary instructional coach for the 2020-21 school year

T.     Employment of Shelly Sanborn as a middle school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Honoring the Fort Scott High School Senior Class Tonight: Be The Light Campaign Drive By

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On Monday, April 13th, Fort Scott High School will join other school districts across our state and nation by participating in the Be The Light campaign.

This is to celebrate the  Fort Scott High School Senior class of 2020 and spring sports athletes, coaches, and families.

Many schools around the country have already participated in this, and several schools in the area participated Friday evening.

We have chosen to do this on Monday the 13th.

The lights at Frary Field, Fisher Park, the FSHS Tennis Courts, and the LaRoche baseball complex will go on at 8:20 pm for 20 minutes as a symbol we are thinking of them and we will eventually return to school and competition.

Persons hoping to witness this event are encouraged to drive by these venues and provide support by honking your car horn a time or two.

Participants are to remain in their vehicles in order to adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

Submitted by Jeff DeLaTorre

Athletic/Activities Director
Fort Scott High School
620 223-0600

 

Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 Starts First Week of Off-Campus Learning

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USD 235 Superintendent Bret Howard. File photo.

USD 235 has started teaching its students off-campus, following the closure of the county’s schools due to the pandemic.

 

The District Continuous Learning Plan officially started on Monday, April 6 and will run through Tuesday, May 19.

 

“It is not online learning,” Bret Howard, superintendent, said. ” This is a Continuous Learning Plan created as a response to unprecedented times.  I think this is a very important distinction to make.  Uniontown USD 235 is providing continuous learning opportunities for all students regardless of whether they have the internet or not.”

 

“We are all in unknown territory and Uniontown USD 235 wants everyone to know that we need to work together and communicate to have a successful conclusion to this school year,” Howard said.

 

“I am thankful for our teachers who are working extremely hard to meet the needs of our students,” he said.

 

“This is an amazing opportunity for the Eagle family to grow, support one another, and have compassion for all people.”

 

“We know this pandemic has caused stress to students, families, and our communities.  Uniontown USD 235 will do everything in our power to make this a positive time for children and families.”

 

“We thank everyone for working to be true partners in education,” Howard said.

 

Howard answered the following questions via email:

 

 

What preparation did the teachers make?  How did they decide the curriculum?

 

“Professional development for the district’s Continuous Learning Plan began the week of March 30 with an introduction, evaluation, and revision of the proposed plan to be presented to the Board of Education.  Teachers engaged in a series of activities for the communication platforms they will use.  The district’s behavioral health therapist through Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center introduced and provided Social Emotional Learning resources for teachers, students, and families.  As grade level and content area teams, teachers identified untaught essential outcomes and planned meaningful and engaging ways to deliver the material to students.”

 

 

Do they teach from home or their schoolroom?

 

“The large majority of our teachers are teaching from home.  Our teachers are not required or expected to physically be present at West Bourbon Elementary or Uniontown JH/HS.  Some of our teachers have chosen to come to the school and do their Zoom Webinar meetings for their students.  Some do so out of convenience and some out of necessity due to internet service and reliability at their homes.  Right now we only have roughly 4-5 teachers in our buildings on any given day.  We also have some paraprofessionals that work for the Special Education Interlocal coming to our buildings as well.  They do so for the same reasons.”

 

In addition to teaching staff, others are working at the school.

“Several members of our food service staff are working multiple days a week to be able to provide meals for approximately 150 people ages 1 through 18.”

 

“Our custodial staff is working to clean rooms and areas used by our essential staff and employees who are coming into the buildings.”

 

“Our technology staff works from the buildings several days per week as well as our administration and administrative assistants.”

 

“We are very thankful for all of the hard work put in by so many of our employees.”

 

 

What about those who didn’t have computers, smartphones,etc?

 

“Uniontown USD 235 is a 1:1 district for laptops, Chromebooks, and IPads.  All HS (Grades 9-12) students already had a laptop computer that they could take home daily.  All students in grades 4-8 had Chromebooks they used at school and students in grades PK-3 had IPads.  If their parents requested a device through our parent survey, students in grades PK-3 were issued an IPad and students in grades 4-8 were issued a Chromebook.  We asked a parent/guardian to sign a technology usage agreement before picking up the device. ”

 

 

 

How will the students be graded? How will this last bit of teaching affect their final grade?

 

“We have asked our teachers to have patience, flexibility, and grace during these unprecedented times.  However, we do expect all of our students to participate in our Continuous Learning Plan either through the use of technology or through enrichment activities delivered to them via packets through US Mail or if they are participating in our food program they can be delivered to them through that avenue as well.  If students do not participate in the Continuous Learning Plan, it will have a detrimental impact on their final grade.”

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.