Category Archives: Schools

USD234 Press Release

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, February 8, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, February 8, 2021, 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 – January 20, 2021 – $1,406,590.06

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund accounts

F.     Point of information – 2021 School Board Election

 

Board members recognized Jessica Phillips, Fort Scott Middle School Kitchen Manager, for achieving the Kansas Certificate in Child Nutrition Management.

There were no comments in the public forum section.

Brenda Hill, Fort Scott NEA President, gave a report.  In addition, Mrs. Hill presented $100 UBenefit Grants to the following teachers:  Mercedes Judy, Alexandra VanSickle, Kelly Toll, Michelle Defebaugh, and Kristin Duffey.

Board members heard a report from Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics.

In addition, Superintendent Ted Hessong and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk presented reports.

Board members approved a Math Resource adoption and also approved disposal of school property with Midwest Equipment Online Auction.

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 Karen Gordon, Winfield Scott technology teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Resignation of Kerry Van Etten, central office HVAC maintenance, effective May 1, 2021

C.    Resignation of Brian Allen, high school teacher aide, effective February 5, 2021

D.    Resignation of Jill McDonald, Eugene Ware cook, effective January 25, 2021

E.     Retirement letter from Kyle Parks, high school vocational agriculture teacher

F.     Leave of absence for Katie McGee, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher

G.    Employment of administrators for the 2021-22 school year

Fort Scott High School Athletic/Activities Director – Jeff DeLaTorre

Fort Scott Middle School Principal – David Brown

Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Principal – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware School Principal – Stephanie Witt

Eugene Ware School Assistant Principal – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott School Principal – Joy McGhee

Winfield Scott School Assistant Principal – Martin Altieri

Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal – Andrea Scott

District Psychologist/Special Education Coordinator – Rick Scholes

H.    Employment of district directors for the 2021-22 school year

Transportation Director – Joe Allen

Food Service Director – Robin Button

Facilities Director – Daniel Koppa

Technology Director – Stephen Mitchell

Academic Director – Dalaina Smith

I.      Non-renewal of Amber Toth, Fort Scott High School Principal, for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Resignation of Robyn Kelso, high school assistant principal, effective June 4, 2021

K.    Employment of Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, for the 2021-22 school year

L.     Addition of a preschool paraprofessional position for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Jeffrey Dillow as central office HVAC maintenance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

N.    Resignation of Bronson Moylan, middle school assistant football coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Whitney Beth as middle school head volleyball coach for the 2021-22 school year

P.     Leave of absence request from Danielle Norris, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

Q.    Transfer of Bethany Higgins, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year

R.    Transfer of Amy Lybarger, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware third grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

S.     Employment of Ronda Bailey as a middle school piano accompanist for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

T.     Employment of Peyton Guiles as a Eugene Ware special education teacher for the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 13 RESULTS vs. Oswego 2/5/21

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Both Uniontown Eagles Varsity teams won their games against the Oswego Indians on Friday night.

The Lady Eagles won their game 62-31. Danielle Howard once more led the team in points, garnering 27 during the game. She also had 4 assists and 8 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger followed with 22 points and 4 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 6 rebounds, and Sammie Hampton had 3 steals.

“It was a nice win on the road tonight,” said Coach Miller. “We plan on carrying this momentum into next week, where we will play three league games. We will enjoy the win for the evening and get back to work on Monday for a road trip to Marmaton Valley.”

The boys’ Varsity team also defeated Oswego with a score of 62-34. Jake Harvey led with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. Clay Sutterby followed with 11 points, 9 boards, and 5 assists. Cade Goodridge scored 10 points, and Dawson Dreisbach had 7 rebounds.

“I thought our team played very well against Oswego Friday night,” Coach Hays said. “We were able to get good looks against their zone, and defensively, we were very active. We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well from deep and the free throw line, but we did score 42 points in the paint. We out-rebounded them 36-20. When you win the battle in the paint, more often than not you will come out on top. I’m proud of the boys and how we are progressing.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Tiger Swimmers Compete

The Fort Scott High School Swim Team, Feb. 4, 2021

Last week the Fort Scott High School  Boys Swim Team competed at Coffeyville on Tuesday.

  Oliver Witt took 1st in both the 500 Free and the 50 Free.  He swam a state consideration time in the 50.

Bobby Kemmerer took 1st in both the 100 Free and the 100 Back, swimming a state consideration time in the 100 Free.

  Sam Mix took 2nd in both the 50 Free and the 100 Breast.

The boys also were able to swim in the 400 Free Relay placing 1st as an exhibition team.

On Thursday, the Tiger Swimmers traveled to Hutchinson to compete in the Buhler High School meet.

Oliver took 1st in the 200 Free and 4th in the 100 Butterfly.

Sam took 3rd in the 50 Free and Bobby took 2nd in the 100 Free and 4th in the Breast.

Next week the boys will be preparing for their last regular-season competition, the League Meet in Osawatomie.  This will be the last opportunity for earning State Qualifying times.  The 5A-1A State Swim Meet will be on Saturday, February 21st in Shawnee Mission.

Submitted by Coach Angie Kemmerer

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 12 vs. CENTRAL HEIGHTS 2/2/2021

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Tuesday was a successful night for the Eagles. Both Lady Eagles teams won their games, as did the Varsity boys. The JV boys were defeated by the Vikings.

The Varsity girls defeated the Central Heights Vikings 43-27. Danielle Howard scored 19 points and had 5 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger had 7 points and 6 rebounds. Gwenyth Fry and Sammie Hampton had 4 rebounds, and Fry also had 2 assists.

“We earned a couple of good wins on the road tonight,” says Coach Miller. “The Varsity girls faced a little adversity in the second quarter, but overcame it with a solid second half performance. Our JV girls played well in their 2-quarter competition. There are a few in the group that are ready to compete for some Varsity minutes. We will be on the road again this Friday where we will take on the Oswego Indians.”

The boys’ Varsity team also beat the Vikings 51-45. Jake Harvey scored 17 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Clay Sutterby had 9 rebounds and 2 steals as well. Dawson Dreisbach had 5 rebounds, and Cade Goodridge had 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

“We didn’t play with great energy in the first half,” comments Coach Hays. We got in some foul trouble early and we never really got in a rhythm that first half. I thought, in the second half, we played with much better energy. We applied some full court pressure and that helped change the momentum. Central Heights is a good team and we were fortunate to come out on top.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 11 RESULTS vs. Chetopa 1/29/2021

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.


The Uniontown Eagles played the Chetopa Hornets last Friday. Both Varsity teams were able to defeat the Hornets.

The Lady Eagles won against Chetopa 62-21. Danielle Howard scored 19 points and had 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger had 16 points and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 7 boards and Sammie Hampton had 5. Hampton also had 12 points and 3 assists.

“Great win tonight!” said Coach Miller. “The girls came out and played hard for 4 quarters. That’s the effort we will challenge ourselves to match every time we compete. We will enjoy the win for the evening. Tomorrow we will begin looking forward to a road trip to Central Heights next Tuesday.”

The boys won their game 81-52 on Friday. Jake Harvey had 27 points and 9 rebounds. Luke Perry had 16 points, followed Clay Sutterby with 13. Sutterby also had 12 rebounds and 3 steals. Drew Perry had 6 assists and 3 steals.

From Coach Hays: “I’m extremely proud of our basketball team. We went back to work Wednesday and Thursday to improve on things from our last game against Jayhawk. Our ball screen defense was much better and ball movement on the offensive end was improved as well. We aren’t where we need to be yet, but we are getting there. I loved seeing everyone get involved against Chetopa.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Spring Enrollment Open

Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale, directed by MJ Harper.

The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire.

Performers will prepare music for community events and music festivals. COVID guidelines will be observed.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-7PM at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS and begin February 23rd.

There is a fee of $25 per semester (Sept-Dec/Feb-May) to cover the cost of music.

Scholarships are available. To enroll, contact MJ Harper at 620-719-6633 or email [email protected], deadline
February 23rd.

FSHS Swim Team Finshed Third in State Championship

Submitted photo.

Swimming is all about “good times”.

Last night Fort Scott High School Boys Swim Team took on the reigning 6A State Championship team at Blue Valley West High School.

With only three swimmers they finished the night in third place as a team beating out DeSoto by one point.

Out of the six events swam, the Tigers earned six personal best times for the season.

Oliver Witt broke the 2:00.00 mark with a 1:59.09 in the 200 Freestyle and a 4th place finish.  Oliver almost broke the 1:00.00 mark in the 100 Butterfly swimming a 1:00.14 and a 4th place finish.

Sam Mix took .58 seconds off his 50 Free for a personal best time of 24.67 and finished 8th out of 36 swimmers.  Sam also PR’d in the 100 Breast taking  almost 4 seconds off for a time of 1:20.60 finishing in 6th place overall.

Bobby Kemmerer swam his first State Qualifying time in the 50 Free with a time of 23.25 and a 4th place finish overall.  Bobby also PR’d in the 100 Free with a time of 53.09 and a 3rd place finish.

“To say I am proud of the boys is an understatement,” said Angie Kemmerer. “They have consistently dropped time and show the heart of a Tiger with their competitive spirits.  To have personal best times in every race demonstrates their drive and commitment to the only sport where a coach is always telling them not to breathe.   The Swimming Tigers are building a strong tradition, one stroke at a time.”
The FSHS Boys Swim team continues their season next week on Tuesday in Coffeyville and Thursday at Buhler.
Submitted by Angie Kemmerer

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 10 RESULTS vs. Jayhawk-Linn

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Eagles played the Jayhawk-Linn Jayhawks on Tuesday, January 26. Both of the Lady Eagle teams were victorious, and so were the boys’ teams.

The Lady Eagles Varsity team beat the Jayhawks 55-36. Danielle Howard led with 22 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 19 points and had 5 boards. Sammie Hampton scored 10 points and also had 5 rebounds, as well as 4 steals. Freshman Rylee Coulter had 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.

“We played well in the first half of our Varsity matchup, outscoring Jayhawk-Linn 29-12,” said Coach Miller. “We came out flat in the second half, but finished the game strong scoring 20 points in the final quarter to seal the win. We will enjoy the win for the evening, but we will get back to work tomorrow to prepare for a home matchup against Chetopa on Friday night.”

Of the JV game, Coach said, “Our Junior Varsity girls came out hungry tonight. Their dominating performance earned them a win, increasing their record to 2-0 in the league.” Some notable statistics of the game include Rylee Coulter’s and Brooklynn Dreisbach’s 6 rebounds and 5 steals each, Addysin Hall’s 4 steals, and Camryn Davis’ 5 rebounds.

The Varsity boys defeated the Jayhawks 58-44. Clay Sutterby and Cade Goodridge led the team in points, scoring 13 and 12 respectively. Sutterby also had 11 rebounds and 2 steals, and Goodridge was 2/3 from the free throw line. Jake Harvey scored 10 points and had 11 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach had 8 points and 3 blocks.

Coach Hays said, “We didn’t play our best game tonight. We turned the ball over and weren’t able to convert easy shots into points. I was really encouraged by our bench play. I thought Cade Goodridge and Drew Holt came in during the first half and gave us some really good minutes. Without those guys stepping up, it’s a totally different ballgame. We have plenty to work on in practice before Friday, but I know we will get some things fixed and be ready for Friday against Chetopa.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 9 RESULTS vs PRAIRIE VIEW 1/22/2021

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The end of the First Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament saw success for both of the Uniontown teams. The Lady Eagles won their tournament, and the boys ended up second overall.

The girls’ Varsity team beat the Prairie View Buffalo 65-25. Danielle Howard scored 26 points and had 7 assists and 13 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 19 points and had 3 steals. Sammie Hampton and Gwenyth Fry each had 5 boards.

“It was a good night for Lady Eagles Basketball,” Coach Miller said. “After a long week of competition, the girls played their best game of the tournament. Winning the Inaugural Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament will be a memory that these girls will cherish for years to come.

“A nice addition to the win was getting to celebrate Karleigh Schoenberger’s induction to the 1000-point club. She is only the 3rd Lady Eagle player to achieve such a milestone. Karleigh has joined the ranks of Trisha Eldridge Newton (1250 pts) and Shalina Harper (1325 pts). She has worked hard to reach this goal and it has been our pleasure to watch her do it. With several games to be played to finish up her senior season, we hope to see her continue to climb the leaderboard. Thank you KB for your hard work!”

The boys’ team also beat the Buffalo, with a score of 53-48. Jake Harvey once again led with 24 points, and also had 2 assists and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach had 8 boards, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Drew Perry had 5 assists and 3 steals, and Clay Sutterby had 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 11 points.

“I thought our defensive energy against Prairie View was really good. Prairie View was a big, strong, and athletic team, and I challenged our guys to out-scrap them. I thought for the most part, we did that. We are looking forward to jumping back into league play next week,” said Coach Hays.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 8 RESULTS vs. ALTOONA-MIDWAY

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

In the second game of the First Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament, the Uniontown Eagles once again faced the Altoona-Midway Jets. Both teams fought hard and won against the Jets.

The Lady Eagles beat Altoona 59-27 on Thursday night. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 18 points, had 8 boards and 2 steals, and shot 5/5 from the free throw line. Danielle Howard followed closely with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Sammie Hampton had 5 rebounds and 5 steals, and Aiden Holt had 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Kaydra Woods also had 2 assists, as well as 3 steals.

“Our team has been looking forward to this tournament since the season began,” said Coach Miller. “Tonight we earned the right to compete in the championship game. We’ve got what it takes, but it will take all we’ve got.”

The boys’ Varsity team also defeated the Jets 59-42. Jake Harvey scored 20 points and had 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Clay Sutterby had 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals. Drew Perry had 5 assists and 6 steals, and Luke Perry had 3 assists.

“I thought we had stretches where we played pretty well tonight against Altoona. They are a good, young team that is improving every week,” Coach Hays said. “We were able to get out in transition early and that kind of got us going. Prairie View has some really good athletes, so we are excited about the chance to play those guys.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

UHS BASKETBALL GAME 7 RESULTS vs. KCC

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Tonight was our First Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament. Coach Holt led the Lady Eagles for 12 years (2000-01 to 2011-12) where he set the tone for Lady Eagles Basketball. He returned to coaching in the 2018-19 season where he served as an assistant coach. Kenny went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. It is an honor to pay tribute to a man that challenged his players to be champions in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. He was truly preparing them for life beyond both.

The first game of tournament saw the Eagles face the Kansas City Christian Panthers. The Varsity girls won, but the boys were defeated by the Panthers.

The Lady Eagles beat the Panthers 54-28. Karleigh Schoenberger led the team with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Danielle Howard followed with 17 points, 3 assists, and 7 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 10 rebounds and Sammie Hampton had 2 assists.

“The girls played well tonight and earned a good win. We are looking forward to getting back to competing on Thursday when we take on the Altoona-Midway Jets,” said Coach Miller.

The Varsity boys lost to the Panthers 61-62 after a tough and exciting game. Jake Harvey scored 27 points and had 6 boards. Luke Perry had 18 points and Clay Sutterby had 13 rebounds. Dawson Dreisbach had 2 steals. As a whole, the team made 10 of 14 shots from the free throw line.

Coach Hays said, “We knew coming into our game against KCC that they were a very good team. We dug ourselves a hole, but I was extremely proud of the fight we showed to climb back into the game. We were down 15 heading into the 4th quarter and had a chance to send it into overtime. Games like tonight make us better and help prepare us for big games down the road.”

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

UHS BASKETBALL RESULTS 1/15/21 vs. ALTOONA

Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Eagles traveled to Altoona-Midway for the Varsity games on Friday, January 15. Both teams were victorious against the Jets.

The Lady Eagles defeated the Jets 63-29. Danielle Howard led the team in points, garnering 23 and shooting 100% from the free throw line. She also had 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Kaydra Woods also shot 100% from the line and had 8 boards. Brooklynn Dreisbach had 7 rebounds, while Sammie Hampton and Karleigh Schoenberger each had 4. Schoenberger also scored 14 points and had 3 assists. Aiden Holt had 3 assists and 2 steals.

“It was good to have a few Junior Varsity girls get some valuable court time tonight,” said Coach Miller. “Looking forward to competing in our 1st Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament on Tuesday.”

The Varsity boys also beat Altoona with a final score of 58-30. Jake Harvey scored 18 points, Clay Sutterby following with 14. Sutterby also had 8 rebounds and 5 blocks. Drew Perry had 6 assists and 4 rebounds, while Cade Goodridge and Jake Harvey had 5. Harvey also had 6 steals as well.

“I thought we played really hard against Altoona,” Coach Hays commented. “We were able to get some stops on defense that led to some fast break opportunities. clay Sutterby controlled the paint on both ends and Jake Harvey was very active on the defensive end with 6 steals. We shared the ball well on the offensive end. We play a good team in KC Christian on Tuesday, so we need to fine tune some things and prepare for a 4-quarter battle.”

The JV girls were also able to play in a JV tournament on Saturday. They defeated Fort Scott 37-30 and lost to Erie 46-49.

Gwenyth Fry led the Fort Scott game with 10 points, Brooklynn Dreisbach following with 9. Fry and Rylee Coulter had 7 and 8 rebounds, respectively. Coulter also had 4 steals, and Camryn Davis had 3 assists.

In the Erie game, Laney Covey scored 16 points and Rylee Coulter scored 12. Coulter also had 6 assists and 3 boards. Gwenyth Fry had 8 rebounds and 2 steals.

Coach Miller commented, “Our Junior Varsity girls competed well today. Up to this point in the season, we have only been able to play one JV game. The girls came out ready and beat Ft. Scott to start the morning off. Unfortunately, we ended our day with a competitive loss to Erie. Coach Walker and I are extremely proud of our Junior Varsity team.”

The Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament will take place in Uniontown on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday the week of the 18th.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter