Category Archives: Schools

Terry Mayfield, 51, is the new Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, who will start duties on July 1. His office will be in the USD 234 District Central Office.

Mayfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Social Studies from Missouri Southern State College 1996, a Masters in Education – Secondary School Administration from University of Central Missouri 2004, and an Education Specialist – Superintendency from University of Central Missouri 2008.

“I spent nine years as a social studies teacher and coach and 19 years in school administration – four years as a building principal and 15 years as superintendent – the last eight years I have spent as the superintendent of the Drexel R-IV School District in Drexel, MO.,” he said.

His duties include:

Oversee all business operations in the district.
Collaborate with the superintendent to prepare, manage and oversee the district budget.
Provide financial data to the superintendent and board of education.
Prepare and analyze bid documents.
Oversee health insurance and other employee benefits.
Manage district investments of funds.
Manage bond and lease purchase payments.
Oversee grant funds and reporting.
Oversee operations departments; food service, transportation, maintenance and technology.

What is the best part of being in education for you?

The best part about being in education is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and staff and to witness their personal and professional growth. Watching students develop confidence, skills, and a passion for learning is incredibly rewarding. Similarly, supporting colleagues as they advance in their careers and achieve their goals creates a collaborative and dynamic work environment. These connections and the positive impact on others’ lives make education a uniquely fulfilling field, fostering a sense of community and continuous development for everyone involved. Seeing the long-term successes of former students and colleagues further highlights the profound and lasting influence educators have on shaping futures.

What are some challenges?

Challenges in education today include providing all students with the skills they need for future success and supporting teachers and staff in a demanding profession. The day-to-day pressures of teaching, meeting diverse student needs, and staying current with educational practices can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to recognize and address these challenges to foster a supportive environment for both students and educators.

Contact info:

District Central Office Phone: 620-223-0800, 620-223-2760

Email Address: [email protected]

Chris Garzone, 54, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott as of August 1. He was hired as the assistant principal last year.

Garzone earned a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University and next year will be his 30th year in education. For twenty of those years, he was an administrator.

Garzone’s duties: ” Besides the day-to-day responsibilities of being a principal, I am responsible for the educational experience of all the students at Winfield Scott Elementary School. I provide support and guidance for all staff and promote a positive culture within the building.”

“The best part of being in education is experiencing growth in student behavior and learning. A challenge would be not having enough time throughout the day to address the needs of all staff and students. Winfield Scott has an amazing staff that cares about their students. I look forward to continuing as an administrator at this school,” he said.

Contact info: [email protected] 620-223-0450

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Sleeping Beauty on June 10, 11

June 4, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Sleeping Beauty by Kathryn Schultz Miller on June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

Thirty three students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production.

The character of Aurora is played by 8th grader Celia Hamilton and Morgana (the Bad Fairy) is played by freshman Isis Patton. Other notable characters include King Alfred, played by freshman Beowulf Carpenter; Lilac (the Head Good Fairy), portrayed by fifth grader Audrey McNutt; and Prince Ferdinand, played by seventh grader Adam Perry.

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Recent graduate Regen Wells and senior Cooper George are the Directors.

George said, “I have been enjoying the technical aspect and working one on one with the designers. I have loved working on set dressing and learning how to use materials for what they weren’t designed for. But overall, I have loved seeing the different personalities and energies from the kids. I truly hope the kids will see what theatre is and all the different possibilities they can find in it, and the possibility of them returning for more shows or being involved with theatre during their high school and college years.”

Technical staff include: senior Mykael Lewis – Stage Manager, senior Kiara Thompson and junior Garrett Arvidson – Assistant Stage Managers, graduate Casey Gomez – Choreographer, sophomore Allie Wards – Costume Designer, graduate Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, graduate Lizzy Moore and junior Junie Fisher – Music Directors, junior Charlie Chaplin and sophomore Abby Szczepanski – Lighting Designers, junior Tobi Larrabee and senior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors and senior Milo Donnelly – Props Master. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.

During the two week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.

“We are very lucky to have an amazing group of recently graduated seniors working on this staff in the areas that they are going to be majoring in in college. They are really experiencing on the job training right now in the careers they plan to pursue in the future,” Bin said.

“This is my fourth time working on directing the children’s summer play through the FSHS Tiger Drama camp. I find that this program is one of the most valuable things the high school runs. This year alone, I have received so many kind words from parents about how much their children love and enjoy these shows. Because of Tiger Drama Camp, I discovered my passion for directing and Stage Management. I’m pursuing theatre as a career in college. I hope you’ll all come out to support these amazing kids and see the work they’ve put into making this show spectacular!” Wells said.

Tickets for the show are $5 for reserved seats and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the doors. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

# # #

Food, Fort Scott, Schools

Summer School and Free Food Start in June at USD 234

May 30, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

USD 234 School District halls are quiet right now, but in June some students will be back for more learning.

“Summer school will be held during the month of June for students from preschool through high school,” said Superintendent Destry Brown. “Part of the summer school activities is for students with Individualized Educational Programs. We call this the Extended School Year. The other part for Kindergarten through 8th grade is an enrichment summer school for any student who wants to come. The high school kids will be working on credit recovery during summer school.”

“The elementary students and all the Extended School Year students will be at Winfield Scott. Elementary School,” Brown said. “The preschool students will be at the preschool. The middle and high school students will be at the middle school.”

Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.

“Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at Winfield Scott and the Middle School and is free to all students and any other children from birth to 18. We will also be sending food home for the weekends for any student who wants or needs it.”

“Students not attending summer school may come to Winfield Scott or the Middle School at 11 a.m.”

Winfield Scott Elementary School is located at 316 W. 10th and Fort Scott Middle School is located at 1105 E. 12th.

Bourbon County, Schools

National History Day State Champions from Fort Scott Set to Present at the Empress Events Center

May 25, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Southeast Kansas will send one project to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland June 9-13. Two groups from the Bourbon County community attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.

The Fort Scott State Champion group who will compete at Nationals in June will present their performance project at 6 PM on May 28^th at the Empress Event Center, 7 N Main, Fort Scott. A second group will also present their documentary that received third place at the state competition in June. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support these students.

The following students are the State Champions and will be sharing their projects on June 1^st:

Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Junior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is entitled Tillie Anderson and Her Bicycle: the Picture of Free, Untrammeled Womanhood. Their project is a performance based on Tillie Anderson, one of the first professional female athletes. As the world champion cyclist from 1895-1902 Tillie Anderson was a turning point for women’s athletics, fashion, exercise, and freedom.

Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Documentary category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells. Their project is titled Etching Voices: A Turning Point in the Recording and Music Industry. The documentary is based on the inventions of Emile Berliner specifically the impact of the gramophone. Due to the invention of the gramophone, recordings and music were made more accessible to all people which would revolutionize the mass production of music.

History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.

The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete in order to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is “Turning Points in History.”

The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.

Bourbon County, Church news, Schools

St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team Claims 2nd KS State Championship

May 23, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Celebration time! Captain Joseph Moleski raises the trophy after an epic comeback victory in the KS State Final. Submitted photo.

The Kingfishers of Saint Martin’s Academy roar back in the 2nd half to claim their 2nd straight KS State Championship in Tier 1 Rugby, defeating the Saints of Thomas Aquinas 26-19 on May 11th at the KU Rugby Complex in Lawrence, KS.

A long narrative report of the match can be read here.

Highlights:

2 tries, including the game-winner with time expired, by Captain Joseph Moleski.
Man of the Match went to Senior Outside-Centre, Ben Skinner, who scored a late try to tie the match and had multiple long runs to put Aquinas on their heels.
The Kingfishers went down 19-7 mid-way through the 2nd half, only to score 19 unanswered to claim victory.

The Kingfishers finish the regular season ranked #6 Nationally and are headed to Nationals in Elkhart, Indiana to compete against the best teams in the country.

Quote from School Founder and Headmaster, Daniel Kerr: “No team works harder than our boys and when the chips were down at the end of the match, that hard work paid off. This was the most exciting match I’ve ever been a part of.”

Senior Ben Skinner battles through a tackler en route to the match tying-score. Skinner was named Man of the Match by the hosts, KU Rugby Club.
Submitted photo.

We’re on the road right now to Nationals. Say a prayer for the boys!

Submitted by

Daniel Kerr

Headmaster, St. Martin’s Academy

Fort Scott, Schools

Tiger Newsletter Final Edition

May 21, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CLICK TITLES MARKED BY “ ” FOR LINKED INFORMATION.

Sports physicals are this week! There will be two providers available who can each do fifty physicals per day. The consent-to-treat, physicals and concussion forms are available from the high school office or click on the red title above to print your own. The consent-to-treat must be completed by a parent and parent signatures must be on the appropriate lines on the physical and concussion forms before the physical can be administered.

Missy Reynolds RN

FSHS Nurse

(620)223-0600 Ext 7011

[email protected]

Walk-in Physicals in June

No appointment necessary on Tuesday, June 18th, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Dr. Katrina Burke’s office in downtown Fort Scott at 109 S. Main. The telephone number is (620) 223-7008.

CLASS 4A REGIONAL CHAMPS!

Congratulations to FSHS Softball!

On May 14th, the Lady Tigers won both games in five innings:

Game One: Fort Scott 13, Augusta 2.

Game Two: Fort Scott 10, El Dorado 0!

GO TIGERS!!!

May 23rd & 24th: Girls 4A State Softball Championship!

The bracket for the 4A State Softball Tournament in Salina has been released.

In the first round, Fort Scott is the #5 seed and will play the #4 seed Towanda-Circle at 1 o’clock Thursday afternoon, May 23rd.

If Fort Scott wins in the first round, the Lady Tigers will play the winner of Scott City/Andale-Garden Plain on Friday, May 24th, at 11 a.m.

The contest for third place will be at 3 o’clock Friday afternoon and the championship is at 5 p.m.

All games in the tournament will be played at Salina South High School, Field A.

Here is the link to the entire bracket: https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Softball/4AState.cfm?WeekID=5644&Level=11&Class=4A&Activity=4

TAKE STATE!!!

Please click on the above link to ensure your student is up-to-date on required immunizations.

Tiger Golfers, from left; Teegan Stiles; Colson Gulager; Caleb Hall; Reece Roberts; Sutton Horn; Coach Tom Robertson and senior Reegan McDaniel. Standing behind Teegan is assistant coach Jon Barnes.

On May 14th, the FSHS Boys Golf team finished in 3rd place at Regional in Chanute. Congratulations to Tiger golfers Caleb Hall who finished second and Reece Roberts for his 12th place finish in the individual standings at Regional. The third place finish qualifies all six golfers to compete at State Golf this week!

The boys compete today, May 20th, and tomorrow, May 21st, at the 4A State Tournament at Turkey Creek Golf Course in McPherson.

You can follow live scoring updates all tournament long at kansasgolfscores.com.

GO TIGERS!!!

These awards, sponsored by the Pittsburg State University Graphics Department, began many years ago and were originally open to only college students. in the last few years, high school students were invited to participate and this year Pitt State extended the invitation to FSHS.

Congratulations to freshman Lillian Jackson! She not only won gold in her category, but her entry also won Best In Show! This recognition came with a $1000 scholarship, should she choose to attend PSU.

State Track & Field is this Friday, May 24th, and Saturday, May 25th, at Wichita State University.

State Qualifiers:

800-meter run: Keegan Yarick

High Jump: Kylee Comstock

4 x 800 Relay: Jocelyn Fess/Jill Belcher/Mesa Casper/Keegan Yarick

*alternate Camrie Hunziker

4 x 400 Relay: Jocelyn Fess/Kylee Comstock/Sydney Pruitt/Keegan Yarick

*alternates Jill Belcher/Camrie Hunziker

The Summer Food Service Program will be offered the month of June at Winfield Scott Elementary and Fort Scott Middle schools Monday through Friday. Breakfast will be available from 7:45 until 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be available from 11 a.m. until noon. Food must be eaten onsite.

Use this link to find a location near you:

https://ksde.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c59a8dfe7b5046aa893d32296c946f53

(click above for link and scroll forward to 6:05 for KOAM’s coverage)

SkillsUSA State Competition Results

Preparing for a tough competition like this takes a lot of work and receiving a medal is just icing on the cake. The students would like to thank their teachers for all the support: Mr. Casner, Mr. Glades, Mr. Spore and Dr. Laubenstein.

Representing FSHS @ State:

Aura Brillhart – Welding

Aiden Sigafoos – Welding

Blake Hixon, Ty Nutter & Brylie Schaub – Welding Fabrication Team

Rylan Miller – Information Technology Services

Daetyn Fowler – Information Technology Services

Tiger students brought home a total of five medals: one bronze, two silver and two gold.

Eden Haught – 3rd place BRONZE – Nurse Assist

Madison Smith & Eden Haught – 2nd place SILVER – Additive Manufacturing Team

Annabelle Gorman – 2nd place SILVER – T-shirt Design

Adelynn Nolan – 1st place GOLD – Advertising Design

Lily Brown & Ana Olivas – 1st place GOLD – Digital Cinema Production Team

…and Coach Martin is Swim Coach of the Year!

Front row left to right: Maya Torres, Rose Maiseroulle, Coach Madeline Martin, Emma B’Hymer, Ana Olivas

Middle row left right: Avery Stewart, Jazzy Rose, and Kaila Karhoff

Back row left to right: Kameryn Storey, Addie Zamora, Ava Steier, Joy Self, Jersee Wood, Danny Kemmerer, Kate Williams, Annelise Hall

On Wednesday, May 1st, FSHS computer science teacher Matt Glades took some students to JCCC in Overland Park to take the CompTIA Core 1 A+ certification test. A+ is a two-part certification process for IT professionals and is a world-recognized standard. The exam is 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in a 90-minute time frame. Students must score 675 or higher to pass the exam. You can learn more about it at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a#overview.

Mr. Glades shares this about the experience:

As for the results, five students came up just short of the 675 mark. To put it this way, we had some students who were within a few correct answers of passing. I want to applaud their efforts and courage in taking the test. Those students who participated were Aidan Stoughton, Adam Wright, Landon Hill, Dawson Korinke, and Daymeion Anderson.

The good news is that they are eager to get back in the fight and take it again.

Additionally, I’m proud to announce that we did have one student who passed the test. Congratulations to sophomore Rylan Miller who passed with a score of 700.

He will be attempting Core 2 next year.

Please join me in encouraging and applauding these Tigers for all of their efforts and successes!

(click above link for photos)

Adelynn Nolan – Pittsburg State University – Violin

Jericho Jones – Fort Scott Community College – Music

Madalyn Ballou – Fort Scott Community College – Band

Dave Smith – Fort Scott Community College – Band

Jinx Wilkinson – Fort Scott Community College – Band

Pam Hutchison

Pam is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Board Meeting Press Release for May 13

May 14, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, May 13, 2024

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda with the change to District Cell Phone policy to be discussion only, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

04/08/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – April 19, 2024 – $2,108,758.88

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 23-17 KMIP Signers

Resolution 23-18 – Account Signers

Tiger Club Fundraising

EW Book Fair Fundraising

Leadership Club Fundraising

EW Box Top Fundraising

FSHS Dance Team Fundraising

Zach Johnson & Matt Harris recognized Jannah Farrington and Danielle Cavin, both Special Education Teachers at Fort Scott Middle School. They were both thanked for countless hours that they put into their positions not only with paperwork and legal information but how much they care for the students. Both Administrators spoke very highly of each teacher and how each meets the needs of their students and collaborates seamlessly with staff and Admin.

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on an increase in enrollment for the end of the year. Also, explained about a Federal EPA Grant that the district will be applying for with various community partners. The Board will meet with Administration for a work evening.

The Board welcomed Terry Mayfield who will be Assistant Superintendent/Business Manager starting July 1, 2024.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported the final revenue payment coming in June. She updated the board on ESY with sixty-six students attending this summer. Testing tools are being reviewed and hopefully will be updated soon.

The Board moved the district cell phone policy to discussion only and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Speech and Debate Forensics Teacher, was present to discuss this policy.

The board approved the following items:

Five Year Professional Development Plan
Approval for Crossland as CMAR for Preschool building
FSHS Lunch Price Recommendation for 2024-25
10 Passenger Van Purchase
New student devices for incoming 6^th & 9^th graders
Content Filter & Classroom Management Bid
Middle School Science Text & Resources
Instrument Lockers & Storage Bids – Melhart

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT

May 13, 2024

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Anderson, Anna – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware

Bergmann, Mark – Supplemental Resignation -Assistant Debate & Forensics Coach – High School

Casey, Hunter – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Durnell, Suzan – Resignation – Instructional Coach – Winfield Scott

Forkner, Julie – Resignation – Preschool Intervention Teacher

Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Summer Weights & Conditioning

Hall, Laeci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School

Hutchison, Brian – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School

Kegler, Terra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Volleyball Coach – High School

Killion, Chelsea – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Kim, Anna – Resignation – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Ludeman, Sara – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Martin, Jared – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach

Metcalf, Alvin – Resignation – Full Time Substitute

McGehee, Sarah – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Michaud, Jennifer – Resignation – Spanish Teacher – High School

Motley, Aubrionna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Owenby, Bo – Retirement – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Regan, Nikki – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – High School

Specht, Alex – Resignation – Assistant Principal – High School

Weddle, Codee – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2024-25 school year:

Certified:

Deatsch, Erin – Kindergarten to 2nd Grade – Winfield Scott – 2024-25

Classified:

Allen, Joe – Substitute Bus Driver to Full Time Bus Driver – 2024-25

Brown, Stacy – Food Service to Paraprofessional – Middle School – 2024-25

Supplemental:

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Hay, Marilyn – 9th Grade English Teacher – High School

Hardesty, Tabitha – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware – 2024-25

Howell, Carolien – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Johnson, Jeff – Assistant Principal – High School – 2024-25

Knopp, Mackenzie – FACS Teacher – High School

Prine, Amanda – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Wilcoxen, Travis – Special Education Teacher – Middle School

Williams, Courtney – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Baublitz, Christina – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Coffman, Quita – Food Service – Middle School

Elton, Martin – Kitchen Manager – Winfield Scott

Guss, Stewart – Substitute Bus Driver

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Martin, Dave – Assistant Girl’s Swim Coach

Schnichels, Laryn – Assistant Cheer Coach – High School

Summer School Recommendations

High School

Clark, Erica – Teacher

Felt, Carson – Teacher

Harper, Amy – Teacher

Mayberry, Polly – Teacher

Robinson, Justin – Teacher

Rogers, Jaimie – Teacher

Tally, Jenna – Teacher

Middle School

Ables, Andrew – Teacher

Claypool, Tammy – Teacher

Hall, Dakota

Homan, Tracy (1st two weeks)

Messer, Kari – Teacher

Short, Samantha (last two weeks)

Middle/Elementary Shared

Bin, Angela – Teacher

Chaplin, Lisa – Teacher

Nelsen, Lori – Teacher

ESY Summer School Recommendations

SPED Teachers

Kassie Cate, Sierra Sprague, Danielle Cavin, Billi Jo Shoemaker, Jannah Farrington, Aubri Motley, Ashley Taylor

Paraprofessionals

Nissa Dinneen, Matt Crank, Michael Freeze, Tabitha Hardesty, Joan Page, Jordan Guss, Becky Lee, Erin Campbell, Jenny Pryor, MeKenna Lord, Kayla Purdy, Susanne Cosens, Lena Phelan, Sara Schnichels, Rhonda Perkinson, Heather Metcalf, Julius Hodges, Kathryn Ogle, Mckayla Vincent, Laryn Schnichels, Dennis Denigan, Alicia Craig, Corinna Johnson

Classified Renewals: Preschool, Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, Middle School, High School, Tech Team, Kitchen Staff, District Office, Transportation Staff, Transportation Subs

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda For The USD 234 Board Meeting on May 13

May 10, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

May 13, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1 Board Minutes

04/08/24 Board Minutes

4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll – April 19, 2024 – $2,108,758.88

4.5 Activity Funds Accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 Resolution 23-17 – KMIP Signers

4.8 Resolution 23-18 – Account Signers

4.9 Tiger Club Fundraising

4.10 EW Book Fair Fundraising

4.11 Leadership Club Fundraising

4.12 EW Box Top Fundraising

4.13 FSHS Dance Team Fundraising

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Superintendent’s Report

6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

6.4 Finance Director’s Report

7.0 Old Business

7.1 Five Year Professional Development Plan (Action)

7.2 Approval for Crossland as CMAR for Preschool Building (Action)

7.3 District Cell Phone Policy (Discussion/Action)

8.0 New Business

8.1 FSHS Lunch Price Recommendation (Action)

8.2 10 Passenger Van Purchase (Action)

8.3 New Student Devices for Incoming 6th & 9th graders (Action)

8.4 Content Filter & Classroom Management Bid (Action)

8.5 Middle School Science Text and Resources (Action)

9.0 Public Forum

10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.0 Adjourn Meeting (Time) David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025

May 8, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

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.

“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.”

Criteria to attend Fort Scott Preschool Center is based on age,” he said. ” The student must be three or four years old on September 1^st.”

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.”

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Perform Comedy Improv Show This Sunday

May 8, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Honor Members At Annual Awards Banquet

May 7, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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