Category Archives: Schools

Government, Kansas, Schools

Kansas Schools Close To Implement Strategic Plan For COVID 19

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Among the specific topics this team will address are:

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

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

 

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

 

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

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Tucker Music Studio: 25 Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Grateful

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

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

Encourage children to find musical gifts

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

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

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

Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street

Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Boys Defeated by Northeast in Sub-State

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

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

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

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

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Girls Fall to Colgan

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

–Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles traveled to Yates Center to face the Saint Mary’s Colgan Panthers in the second round of Sub-State. The team fought hard, but were defeated by the Panthers.

Danielle Howard scored 17 points and had 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. She was hurt late in the game so we wish her a speedy recovery. Karleigh Schoenberger had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Alie Fuhrman had 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Gwenyth Fry had 9 rebounds. Sammie Hampton scored 6 points and had 3 assists. Coach Miller said, “We fought the good fight, but we could not overcome the hole we were in. The better team won tonight. Looking back, it is exciting to see the growth of this team over the last 3 years. We were 4-17 in 2018, 11-10 in 2019, and we finished this season 16-6. It is always hard to see our seniors graduate, and it can be difficult to fill the void they leave behind. However, we will continue to develop our athletes so they can be ready to rise to the occasion. The 2020-21 basketball season starts tomorrow for our Lady Eagle basketball program.”

This was an amazing season for the Lady Eagles. Our final record is 16-6 overall and 9-2 in the league. We finished in the league sitting 2nd, just behind Saint Paul. I want to personally thank anyone who supports the Eagles by going to games or simply reading these articles. As a manager, it always makes me smile to see people supporting the team even if they have no relation to any players or coaches. Even people from other schools support our teams (an example of this would be Pleasanton in tonight’s matchup; thanks, P-Town!) I guess I have a couple more articles to write for the Varsity boys if they win against Northeast Arma tomorrow night, but this is it for the girls. I’ve loved every second of this season. Thank you.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Good Financial News From USD234

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USD234 has some great news.

The board of education recently approved a bond refinance, according to Gina Shelton,  business manager for the school district.

“This saves our community $5,792,515.15 and allows us to pay the bond off 5 years earlier,” she said. “We continue our commitment to be good stewards with our taxpayer funds and are so very excited to have this opportunity.”

In a 7-0 vote, USD 234 School Board approved Resolution 19-09 on March 2, 2020, to refinance a portion of the District’s outstanding Series 2014 General Obligation Bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates and captured savings for our community of $5,792,515.15. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned.

Series 2020 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds Highlights

  1. The current average interest rate on the Series 2014 bonds is 4.33%.

  1. The final average interest rate after refinancing is 2.57%.

  1. Total savings is $5,792,515.15 (after all refinancing expenses).

  1. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned, with a final maturity in 2035, versus 2040.

  1. The refinancing improves the District’s financial position, provides interest cost savings and future mill levy management options.

  1. Timing – Why is this important??

    1. Past

      1. School District and Community passage of bond was just in time.

      2. The initial bonds were passed on December 22, 2014.

      3. Legislation became effective July 1, 2015, that lowered the bond state aid.

      4. We are currently receiving 64% in state aid.

      5. Had we waited, our community would have been receiving 33% state aid.

      6. In 2019-20, the state aid is paying all the interest on the school district’s bonds and some of the principal of the bonds.

    2. Now

      1. Interest rates are at a historical low.

      2. The school board’s goal with refinancing was the capture the lower interest rate currently in the market.

      3. History has shown us that interest rates will go back up, so it is critical to take advantage of the lower rates now.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Conferences and Spring Break Schedule

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Parent/Teacher conferences for the USD 234 School District will be held on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10.

Conferences will be held at the following times:

 

Fort Scott Preschool Center – 4:20 to 7:50 p.m.

Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware – 4:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School – 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

 

There will be no school for USD 234 students on Friday, March 13.

 

Spring Break will be held the week of March 16-20.

 

Classes will resume for USD 234 students on Monday, March 23.

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Boys Soar Past Blu-Jays into Second Round

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

By Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles faced the Pleasanton Blu-Jays in the boys’ first round of sub-state. The boys were victorious against the Jays and will move on to the next round.

The energy in the gym on Tuesday was electric, with a huge crowd there to support the team. Luke George scored 22 points and had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. Jake Harvey had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists and steals. Clay Sutterby had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Coach Hays said, “I thought we played one of our best halves of basketball in the first half. We had guys hitting shots and playing with a lot of effort on defense. I’m extremely proud of the boys and how hard they are competing. We look forward to the opportunity to travel to Yates Center and continue playing.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes of March 2

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday, March 2, at the Board of Education office 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:

  1. Minutes
  2. Bills and Claims
  3. Payroll – February 20, 2020 – $1,394,668.42
  4. Financial Report
  5. Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
  6. Activity Fund Accounts

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report. Administrators from each building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong discussed legislative updates, a Stop School Violence grant, daily attendance rates, and Public School Week.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, gave a report on the Business Department.

Board members approved the following items:

  • Resolution 19-09 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020
  • Fort Scott High School course additions/changes for 2020-21

The board tabled action on handbook changes for the Fort Scott High School Parent/Student Handbook.

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:

  1. Retirement of Ellen Kendrick, high school art teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
  2. Resignation of Emily Clayton, high school teacher aide, effective March 6, 2020
  3. Extension of contract for Ted Hessong, Superintendent, through the 2021-22 school year
  4. Employment of administrators for the 2020-21 school year

Amber Toth – Principal – Fort Scott High School

Robyn Kelso – Assistant Principal – Fort Scott High School

David Brown – Principal – Fort Scott Middle School

Matt Harris – Assistant Principal – Fort Scott Middle School

Stephanie Witt – Principal – Eugene Ware School

Joy McGhee – Principal – Winfield Scott School

Martin Altieri – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott School

Andrea Scott – Principal – Fort Scott Preschool Center

Rick Scholes – Special Education Coordinator

  1. Employment of district directors for the 2020-21 school year

Joe Allen – Transportation Director

Robin Button – Food Service Director

Jeff DeLaTorre – Fort Scott High School Athletic/Activities Director

Daniel Koppa – Facilities Director

Stephen Mitchell – Technology Director

  1. Employment of Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, for the 2020-21 school year
  2. Employment of Breann Eden as Winfield Scott art teacher for the 2020-21 school year
  3. Employment of Torrie Singmaster as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
  4. Resignation of Jeff DeLaTorre as high school head boys’ basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2019-20 season
  5. Resignation of Drew Graham, high school assistant baseball coach, for the 2019-20 school year
  6. Employment of Josh Messer as a high school assistant baseball coach for the 2019-20 school year
  7. Termination of James Feezell, Eugene Ware 12-month custodian, effective February 28, 2020
  8. Transfer of Terry Barrager, Eugene Ware/Winfield Scott 10-month custodian, to Eugene Ware 12-month custodian for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year
  9. Addition of a high school CTE computer teaching position for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS Basketball Teams Defeated by Girard

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

By Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles played against the Girard Trojans in our last regular-season game. All four of our teams lost to Girard, but Uniontown is still proud of all our athletes. JV players were dismissed from practice, so we hope they had an amazing season!

The Varsity girls were defeated by Girard with a score of 27 to 50. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 12 points and had an assist. Danielle Howard had 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Sammie Hampton had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry scored 4 points and had 3 rebounds. Breleigh Harris had 3 rebounds and Sivanah McAnulty had 4. McAnulty and Kaydra Woods both had 2 steals. Coach Miller stated, “We knew coming into this game that it would be a tough one. The matchups were not favorable for us and their ability to go deep into the bench with their rotation would challenge us as the game progressed. However, it was good to play a team of that caliber as we prepare to play Jayhawk for our first round of sub-state.”

The Varsity boys lost to the Trojans 34 to 56. Luke Perry lead the team in points, scoring 9 points. Luke George had 7 points and 6 rebounds and Jake Harvey had 6 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Hunter Schaaf and Clay Sutterby also scored 6 points each, and Schaaf had 6 rebounds while Sutterby garnered 5. Drew Perry had 3 assists. “It was a tough night for our team,” said Coach Hays. “We couldn’t get many shots to fall and their ball pressure gave us trouble. Girard is a good team and they are well coached. We will learn from this one and get ready for sub-state next week.”

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Lady Eagles Defeat Jayhawks in 1st Round of Sub-State

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

By Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Lady Eagles faced the Jayhawk-Linn Jayhawks in the first round of sub-state on Monday. We managed to beat the Jayhawks and will move on to the second round, in which we will face St. Mary’s Colgan on this Thursday.

The girls played incredibly well during this game and beat Jayhawk 58 to 47. Danielle Howard scored 34 points and was 14 for 16 on her free throws. She also had 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals. Karleigh Schoenberger had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Sammie Hampton also had 6 rebounds, as well as 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 5 rebounds, Sivanah McAnulty had 4 rebounds, and Alie Fuhrman had 3 rebounds. Coach Miller said of the game, “The girls’ hard work is paying off. They played hard, overcame adversity, and got the job done tonight. We will get back in the gym tomorrow and prepare to take on Saint Mary’s Colgan on Thursday night.”

The boys’ basketball will face the Pleasanton Blu-Jays at home in their first round of sub-state on Tuesday, March 3. We wish them the best of luck and hope to have a large turnout to the game!

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS Basketball Teams Achieve Sweep Over Northeast

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles played the Northeast Vikings on Friday. All Varsity and JV teams won their games.

The girls’ Varsity won in their game against Arma with a score of 55 to 27. Karleigh Schoenberger led the team in points, scoring 23 in total. She also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Danielle Howard scored 13 points and had 4 assists and 5 steals. Sivanah McAnulty contributed with 6 rebounds. Breleigh Harris scored 7 points and had 3 assists. “Wrapped up our league competition with a dominant win over Arma. We’re playing some tough teams next week to help us get prepared for the sub-state tournament,” said Coach Miller.

The Varsity boys also beat the Vikings with a score of 68 to 64. There was balanced scoring across the board, but Jake Harvey and Luke George led the team, earning 25 and 17 points, respectively. Harvey also had 4 rebounds, while George had 11. Drew Perry had 6 assists and Clay Sutterby had 5 assists and 8 rebounds, as well as 2 steals and 3 blocks. Cade Goodridge had 3 steals. “The boys played hard and handled adversity well. Northeast is a really strong team. Our kids battled their tails off. I’m proud of how we played,” said Coach Hays.