Fort Scott Preschool Center, 409 S. Judson, has a waitlist of approximately 25 three-year-old students this year.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
“We began this school year with 93 students,” said Nick Johnson, the preschool’s principal. “Between students moving into the district and students transitioning from Infant-Toddler services, we are finishing the year with 120 students.”
To solve that problem the USD234 School District has begun the process of renovating a building at 9th and Horton Streets for a preschool center. The building was originally owned by Mercy Hospital.
902 S. Horton, from a 2022 photo.
“The new building will allow our program to expand to five classrooms and all those classrooms will be under one roof,” he said. “Having five classrooms will allow us to increase our enrollment and decrease class sizes. The new building will also provide more space for related services. In our current situation speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health services, and English Speakers of Other Languages services all share very limited space. Having staff in the same location will allow for increased collaboration and more consistency between classrooms.”
“Currently, everything being done is behind-the-scenes planning by the architects and engineers.,” Johnson said.
“Architects and engineers are currently working on plans for the new building,” he said. “The school board held a hearing at the April board meeting to begin the process of hiring a construction manager at-risk. The next step will be to hire a construction manager at risk. We are planning for construction to begin this summer.”
“Construction should be completed during the 2024-25 school year,” he said. “We are planning to be in the new building for the 2025-26 school year.”
Nick Johnson. Submitted photo.
Criteria to attend Fort Scott Preschool Center is based on age,” he said. ” The student must be three or four years old on September 1st.”
Students fall into one of three categories: 1) students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 2) students who are at risk of entering kindergarten socially, emotionally, or academically unprepared for success, and 3) peer models.
“All four of our classrooms are blended preschool classrooms, meaning they contain a combination of students from each of these three categories,” he said.
Preschool is offered free of charge to all families.
“Our preschool program receives special education and preschool-aged at-risk funding administered by Kansas Department of Education,” he said. “We also receive funding from the Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant and the Early Childhood Block Grant. These four funding sources cover most of our preschool expenditures and keep the program free for families.”
The mission of Fort Scott Preschool Center is to create a school environment that partners families, the school, and the community to build a foundation for lifelong learning.
There are five preschool teachers – four classroom teachers each licensed to teach early childhood special education and one part-time intervention teacher.
“We have eight classroom paraeducators,” he said. ” Our classrooms are adequately staffed as we finish the school year, but we will need to hire one or two additional paras next fall as some of our current paras transition into other roles.”
The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform their annual Spring Improv Comedy Show at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 12 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The show features improvised comedic scenes acted out on the spot using suggestions from the audience. Admission for the show is a free will donation at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The Improv Troupe, named Scripted, is directed by FSHS teacher Mark Bergmann and sponsored by Thespian Director Angie Bin. Junior Cooper George serves as this year’s Improv Troupe Captain.
Left to right: Jericho Jones, Casey Gomez, Regen Wells, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Lexi Hill, Alyssa Popp, Lizzy Moore, Milo Donnelly, Angie Bin. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 honored members at the annual Golden Thespie Awards Banquet on Apr. 29. The banquet followed original one-act play performances written by the three Drama classes at FSHS.
Honors opened with the President’s Speech & Introduction of New Officers by senior Lexi Hill. New officers include: President – junior Cooper George, Vice President – junior Kaiden Clary, Secretary – junior Emi King, Historian – junior Milo Donnelly, Publicity Chair – sophomore Junie Fisher, State Thespian Representatives – sophomores Chris Newman and Emma Bin, and State State Thespian Representatives in Training – freshmen Ava Johnson and Allie Wards.
The troupe inducted official International Thespian Society Members: seniors Jericho Jones, Lexi Hill, and Casey Gomez; and juniors Emi King, Mykael Lewis, Kaiden Clary, and Cooper George.
The following were recognized for competing in the KS State Thespian Festival Thespy Events: Vocal solos – seniors Casey Gomez and Jericho Jones, junior Emma Guns, and sophomores Junie Fisher and Levi Fairchild; Monologues – seniors Regen Wells and Jaedyn Lewis, juniors Emi King and Alyssa Popp, sophomores Chris Newman and Grace Walker; Group acting – seniors Jesse Dinneen and Natalie Woods along with sophomore Peighton Head; Duet acting – juniors Mykael Lewis and Kaiden Clary; Stage Management – junior Cooper George; and Lighting – senior Lexi Hill. Special Recognition went to Wells (qualifying for the third year in a row) and Fisher who qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University June 23-28.
The troupe was presented the Gold Honor Troupe Award from the KS Thespians and the following State Improv Troupe Finalists were recognized: seniors Regen Wells, Lexi Hill, and Jaedyn Lewis; junior Mykael Lewis, and sophomore Chris Newman.
Senior members of International Thespian Society were presented with a medal to wear at graduation. Lexi Hill was honored for receiving the Kansas Thespian Society Technical Theatre Scholarship and Independence Community College Technical Theatre Scholarship. Kassandra Farr, Natalie Woods, Lizzy Moore were recognized for Fort Scott Community College Theatre Scholarships.
Senior 4-Year Drama Class Students were presented with lifetime alumni tickets to theatre productions at FSHS. They include: Jesse Dinneen, Lexi Hill, Natalie Woods, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Casey Gomez, Jericho Jones, and Jaedyn Lewis.
Every year the troupe votes on the Golden Thespies. These are special trophies presented for outstanding achievement during the year. The Best Newcomer trophy went to junior Milo Donnelly with freshmen Ava Johnson and Allie Wards also as nominees. Most Involved was junior Alyssa Popp with junior Mykael Lewis and sophomore Chris Newman also nominated. Drama Mama went to senior Lizzy Moore with senior Lexi Hill and junior Emi King as nominees. Drama Papa was awarded to junior Cooper George with seniors Jesse Dinneen and Josiah Eisenbrandt nominated. The Designer of the Year trophy went to senior Lexi Hill, also nominated: senior Natalie Woods and sophomore Chris Newman. Technician of the Year went to junior Cooper George, juniors Emi King and Alyssa Popp also nominated. Actor of the Year was awarded to senior Casey Gomez with juniors Kaiden Clary and Mykael Lewis nominated. The Actress of the Year trophy was won by senior Regen Wells with senior Jaedyn Lewis and Junior Emma Guns nominated. The Singer of the Year trophy went to sophomore Junie Fisher with nominations also to senior Jericho Jones and sophomore Levi Fairchild. The top award of the evening went to theTriple Threat senior Jericho Jones. Seniors Casey Gomez and Regen Wells were nominated as well. Jones also has his name engraved on the perpetual Triple Threat plaque.
The evening closed with a tribute slideshow to the Thespian Seniors. Upcoming events include the Improv Comedy Show on May 12 at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium and Tiger Drama Camp – Sleeping Beauty – held May 28-June 10 weekdays 12:30-4:30 p.m., with performances June 10 & 11 at 7 p.m.
FSHS is also proud to announce the production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. as the fall all-school musical for 2024. Thespians is led by Troupe Director Angie Bin
The Uniontown FFA Livestock Judging Team was named the Reserve State Champion team at the Kansas FFA State Livestock Judging contest on Tuesday, April 30th in Manhattan, Kansas. With the win the team has qualified to represent Kansas at the American Royal Livestock Judging contest in Kansas City, Missouri in the fall. Team members include sophomores Klara Stock and Jaci Marlow and freshman Kole Harris and Jace Harvey. The team is coached by Uniontown FFA Advisor Scott Sutton.
Individually the team was led by freshman Kole Harris. Harris finished 8th overall individually and 3rd overall in reasons. Klara Stock was 11th overall and 14th in reasons. Jace Harvey was the 30th ranked individual. There were 88 total teams and 360 individuals in total.
Advisor Scott Sutton commented, “This young team exceeded expectations by earning the title of Reserve State Champion. For a young team to handle a competitive contest with such a high level of maturity is really impressive. Obviously with this finish they have set the bar very high for the next few years of their high school judging career. I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish!”
The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform their annual Spring Improv Comedy Show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 27 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The show features improvised comedic scenes acted out on the spot using suggestions from the audience. Admission for the show is a free-will donation at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The Improv Troupe, named Scripted, is directed by FSHS teacher Mark Bergmann and sponsored by Thespian Director Angie Bin. Junior Cooper George serves as this year’s Improv Troupe Captain.
Precious Lambs Preschool is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year.
A mission of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the preschool has provided early childhood education at 2824 S. Horton in Fort Scott, KS since the fall of 1988.
Utilizing a faith-based curriculum, Precious Lambs creates a challenging atmosphere for students to succeed on an individual basis.
The Monday-Tuesday class is for students who are 3 years old by August 31 and completely potty trained.
The Wednesday-Friday class is for Pre-Kindergarten students who are 4 years old by August 31.
Classes begin the first Tuesday after Labor Day and are 8 am to 11 am for both classes.
Enrollment information forms are available by emailing [email protected] or calling (620) 223-3596.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 08, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
Public was given the chance to comment on the utilization of the Construction Management At-Risk as the project delivery method on the renovations at the Preschool building. No patrons were present.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03/04/24 Board Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 8, 2024 – $1,656,831.58
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Appoint Dalaina Smith – Deputy Board Clerk
LEA Assurances
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, recognized four Special Education Teachers for their dedication and hard work with our youngest learners. Candy Turner is in her first year. Andrea Heckman has been with the district for five years. Completing her sixth-year teaching is Theresa Hurd. And Emily Peterson is also in her first year.
Candy Turner, Theresa Hurd, Andrea Heckman, Brennen Feeback, submitted photo.
Scott Kimble, High School Principal, recognized Brennen Feeback. Brennen is just completing his first year with the district as a Special Education Teacher. Mr. Kimble thanked Brennen for being willing to jump in and help and truly has compassion and heart for each student.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the school audit. He also informed the board of an upcoming school wide clean-up day. Each building will be helping to clean up city wide on April 24.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on State Assessments and end of year IReady. Summer school has open registration until the end of April. She also recognized the first-year teachers and how hard they have been working with their development.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on CATAID payments and partnering with Kansas Renewal Institute for Special Education Services. She also gave a wonderful report on our district Special Olympics and is excited for the next event on April 23 in Pittsburg.
Amanda Lancaster was present to review the district audit and answer any questions.
The PDC presented their five-year professional development plan to the board and was present for any questions.
The board approved the following items:
KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract
Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach OT, LLC for 2024-25
IReady ELA Grade 2-5 Quote
School Pictures 2024-25 – Kenny Felt
Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence & Audiology for 2024-25
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters and Superintendent Evaluation.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
April 08, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Alford, Sierra – Resignation – ELA Teacher – High School
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Safe Routes to School Program for its second round of Planning and Programming (P&P) grants.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 3. KDOT will award up to five grants for the 2024-2025 school year.
The P&P grants fund the development of SRTS plans that will include an overview of existing conditions and public outreach. The plans should also identify potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to help more children safely walk, bike and roll to school.
All communities, school districts and organizations are encouraged to apply. More information on the P&P grant program, including the application, recordings of prior informational webinars and a question/answer sheet can be found at https://saferoutes.ksdot.gov/grants-and-funding.
About KDOT Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive approach to getting more kids walking, biking and rolling safely to school. It provides kids and parents with a variety of activities, events and lessons, while also addressing local pedestrian, bicycle and personal safety concerns. Visit KDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at SafeRoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.
