Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Wednesday, September 9, for a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
Superintendent Hessong gave an update on the Return-to-School Plan.
Board members approved handbooks for the 2020-21 school year.
Board members went into executive session to discuss personnel matters and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Employment of Tiffnie Spears as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
B. Employment of Charles Townsend as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
C. Employment of Judy Warren as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
D. Employment of Natasha Lindo as a preschool paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
E. Employment of Dillon Duffy as a regular route van driver for the 2020-21 school year
F. Employment of Michelle Brittain as middle school 8th grade Team Leader for the 2020-21 school year
G. Employment of Jaci Cosens as the middle school 7th grade Team Leader for the 2020-21 school year
H. Employment of Adam Feagins as a mentor teacher for the 2020-21 school year
I. Employment of Jannah Farrington as middle school mentor teacher for the 2020-21 school year
J. Resignation of Stephanie Cummings as a middle school teacher aide, effective August 31, 2020
A group of concerned citizens has formed a committee to provide awareness to the community about the importance of wearing a mask in public during the COVID-19 Pandemic, according to Kayla Stewart, a spokesman. And they are starting a campaign to purchase masks for students and staff at the Bourbon County school districts.
The name of the group is Bourbon County Strong. It is comprised of Stewart, Gina Shelton, Stephanie Witt, Kelley Barrows, Jody Hoener, Lindsey Madison, Jackie Hall, and several others from USD 234 and USD 235, she said.
“Many people do not believe in the virus or do not think that it will affect anyone in their area, so they have decided not to wear masks,” Stewart, Ascension Via Christ’s Emergency Department RN Coordinator, said. “If the community members do not wear masks, then children will follow in their footsteps. The campaign will provide awareness to all community members about the importance of wearing their masks in public, social distance, and have good hand hygiene.”
Ascension Via Christ Registered Nurse Kayla Steward. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County Strong is beginning to raise funds to provide masks to the school systems in Bourbon County.
The group’s goal is to raise enough money to provide all students and staff members of the Fort Scott and Uniontown School Districts with enough masks that will last them until the end of the school year, she said.
“We live in a community where we have a high poverty level, and many families can’t afford to provide their children with masks,” Stewart said.
“We want to give students masks that fit appropriately and provide the best protection possible,” Stewart said.
Experts are still learning about the virus.
“Many people are not worried about their children getting COVID, but they need to be concerned about who they bring the virus home to,” Stewart said. “The statistics currently show that the virus is not as severe on younger children, but children are carriers of viruses and bring it home to your loved ones. These older loved ones have comorbidities or have weakened immune systems due to cancer or an autoimmune disease, and they are more likely to get the virus.”
“Being an emergency room nurse, I have taken care of the critically ill, and this virus is nothing to mess with,” Stewart said. ” We are still learning about what the virus is, what damage it is causing to our bodies, and what the long term effects will be.”
Stewart shared two personal stories of the virus.
“I have a close friend that had the virus a couple of months ago and is still recovering. They have long-term shortness of breath, where any activity that they do causes them to become short of air. This issue did not occur before they obtained the virus,” she said.
“Also, my uncle has the coronavirus,” Stewart said. “He has been on the vent for over four weeks. Last week, they put a trach in because of the endotracheal tube’s long-term use. They have tried to wean him off the vent, but every time they try to wean him, his blood pressure tanks, and he becomes unstable. It is hard seeing someone you love suffer from the virus, and people in the community don’t think it is real.”
The group has a desire to positively impact the community and help prevent the spreading of COVID through education and providing reliable sources about the coronavirus, she said.
When was the group started?
The beginning of August.
“We discussed the idea with (USD 234 Superintendent)Ted Hessong and (USD 235 Superintendent)Bret Howard,” she said.
Once approved, the idea went to the school boards, and got final approval.
“Once the campaign was approved, we started designing our plans.,” Steward said. “It has taken a lot of hard work from all committee members, plus USD 234 and USD 235 staff. We will be kicking the campaign off on Sept. 8, 2020 with our t-shirt sale, that will run through September 30th. Throughout September and October, businesses around town will have our posters, flyers, and table toppers posted about the campaign. These flyers will not only provide information about the campaign, but will also have information about mask-wearing.”
To support the campaign, there are several fundraising events planned:
The last update that was provided by SEK Multi-County Health Department: 11 active COVID cases, 14 presumptive cases, and 97 current recovered cases in Bourbon County.
Crawford County Health Department’s last update: last week there are a total of 599 positive COVID cases. Two hundred sixty-five individuals that are in isolation, and 970 individuals that are quarantined, Stewart said.
Have you seen many cases at the ER?
“We have seen several COVID positive patients and PUI (Person Under Investigation),” Stewart said. “Currently, our COVID numbers are lower, but we are taking all precautions to prevent the spread of COVID. Also, USD 234 and USD 235 are working closely with the SEK Muli-county health department to make the start of the school year 2020-2021 a smooth process and take all precautions to provide a safe environment for the staff students.”
Fort Scott Middle School opened its volleyball season last night with a home match against Prairie View.
It was a successful night for the Lady Tigers who went 3-1 for the night.
Seventh grade A team won in two with scores of 25-10, 25-22, 7B won in three with scores of 28-26, 19-25, and 15-6.
The following 7th graders stood out last night in serving: Jacee Rogers had a 100% serving percentage, Dana Tucker went 11/14 and Aubrey Yarick was 6/7 in serving.
The 8th grade B Team lost in two sets with the scores of 24-26 and 12-25. Greycyn Brown had a 100% serving 13/13 serves with 4 aces for the night.Kylee Comstock led the team in attacks with 4 Kills.
The 8th grade A Team won in 3 sets with the scores of 27-25, 16-25 and 15-8. Kinsley Brown led the A team in serving with 15/18 serves with 9 aces. Addie Feagins led the A team in passing.
Ella and her brother, Carter Beth stain the tables for the Fort Scott High School courtyard project. Submitted photos.
Fort Scott High School Senior Ella Beth began a school project in her sophomore year that will benefit the school for years to come: a redesign of the high school’s courtyard.
The long-term project provided real-life business experience as well.
Fort Scott High School Courtyard Is Transformed
“I walked by the courtyard every day of my freshman year and was upset to learn that the space… was now used for nothing,” Beth said. “I decided that I wanted to bring the courtyard back to its former glory because I saw it as bursting with potential to be a place that promoted Tiger Pride and an opportunity for students to learn or relax outdoors.”
The courtyard is an open space enclosed by the high school academic classrooms.
It has been used for pep rallies, activity meetings and outdoor classes.
Project Because of Her Design Interest
Elle Beth, FSHS Senior. Photo by Kenny Felt Photography.
The project idea came because Beth is interested in interior design.
She and a classmate, Dawna Hudiberg, wanted to design some project and then implement their ideas.
” We brainstormed and came up with the idea of renovating the courtyard,” Beth said. “Dawna eventually decided to take on another project, but I really wanted to have an area that allowed for some outdoor time and a possible way to promote Tiger Pride and unity in our school. Mrs. Kemmerer then helped me to get started on the project my sophomore year.”
“She presented her project proposal to the FSHS Principal and Superintendent for approval early last Fall 2019,” Angie Kemmerer, FSHS Independent Study Class teacher, said.
The goal was to have the project completed in time for the FSHS All-School Reunion in June 2020, but the COVID-19 Pandemic halted work.
Beth began in the spring of 2018 to design the project, her new deadline is May 2021, before she graduates.
Real-World Experience
” I encouraged Ella to develop a project plan with her ideas as a way for her to gain real-world experience in an area that she was interested in,” Kemmerer said. “She wanted to do something that would benefit others. When she first asked me about the possibility of remodeling the courtyard, my response was ‘why not’? She did her research, developed a plan, created a budget, identified community resources, wrote grants, networked, created community buy-in, discovered the importance of sweat equity and stepped outside of her comfort zone. She learned that things don’t always go the way you plan, but where there is a will there is away.”
“She started raising money, mostly through writing grants, and contacting local alumni-owned businesses to help with different parts of the project last year,” Kemmerer said. “She has networked with different FSHS programs to help with specific areas of her redesign plan and is currently trying to raise funds to finish the project.”
A Collaborative Effort
The project has been a collaborative effort.
“The turf and labor to install it was donated by FSHS alum Joe Kerr,” Kemmerer said.
“FSHS Physical Education and construction trades students helped move and spread the turf fill for the installation.”
This was the area before the turf was put in place. Submitted photos.
FS Physical Education students helped with the turf segment of the Beth project. Submitted photos.The turf in place in the FSHS courtyard. Submitted photos.
“The funding for the concrete material came from the TIMKEN Community Grant and the labor was donated by RII Concrete Construction owned by FSHS alum Mike Rogers.”
“The eight tables and soon to be 45 benchtops are built by Mr. Lawerence’s construction trades students.”
“Legs for the 45 benches will be made by Mr. Parks ag program. The funding for the benches and tables came from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant and money set aside by USD234 for this project.”
The wall murals were designed by art students working under FSHS Art Teacher Ellen Kendrick.
“The aluminum panels for the murals were purchased with a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.”
Mr. Feagin’s, FSMS Technology Teacher Mr. Feagins will help Ella complete the design and application of the murals to the panels, Kemmerer said.
“Ella received funds from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy pathways grant to purchase outdoor activities like giant Jenga, chess, checkers, ping pong and more for students to enjoy during free time,” Kemmerer said.
“Raised gardens will be installed for use by Mr. Hudiburg’s life science classes. The ground will be regraded to prep it for new sod and proper drainage. The old concrete will be cleaned, sealed and stained to match the new stamped concrete.”
“FSHS alum Gina Shelton has helped connect her to grant opportunities and support with connecting with additional alumni.”
“FSHS alum Matt Casner helped Ella create a Facebook page that links to a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds to complete the project. Unfortunately, shortly after its launch, a global pandemic hit and she has not been able to reach her ultimate goal.”
Sun Shades Still Need Funding
The last big expense, which she is seeking additional funding for, is the sun shades.
“The biggest expense left for the redesign project is the installation of sun shades at a cost of $22,000,” Kemmerer said. “This will be the last phase of the project, if funding allows. A donor wall will be created when the project is finished to recognize everyone who contributed along the way.”
Checks can be made to USD234 with “courtyard project” in the memo, or send to Ella Beth at the high school, or her gofundme link: https://gf.me/u/yvikqm
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, August 24, for a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. Board members approved the following items:
· Revised 2020-21 school calendar
· Memorandum of Understanding between USD 234 Board of Education and Fort Scott Kansas National Education Association
· Employee COVID-19 Policy
· Addition of high school and middle school Choral Clubs to the supplemental schedule for the 2020-21 school year
Superintendent Hessong shared updated information regarding the Return-to-School
Plan. Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared Mask Campaign information.
Board members went into executive session to discuss personnel matters and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Audra Young, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective August 10, 2020
B. Resignation of Jacy Walker, high school paraprofessional, effective immediately
C. Resignation of Russ Hughes, central office custodian, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
D. Resignation of Libby Stumfoll, van driver, effective September 3, 2020
E. Transfer of Brent Cavin, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to middle school 8th grade social studies teacher for the 2020-21 school year
F. Transfer of Jennifer Stafford, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to high school teacher aide for the 2020-21 school year
G. Transfer of Dee Peters, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, to Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
H. Leave of absence for Sabrina Keating, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher
I. Work agreement adjustment for Angela Mix, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from 7.5 hours to 4 hours per day for the 2020-21 school year
J. Employment of Brendon Blackburn as a one-year middle school elective teacher for the 2020-21 school year
K. Employment of Cindy O’Rear as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
L. Employment of Kourtney Harper as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
M. Employment of Mary Cole as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
N. Employment of Julie Carpenter as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
O. Employment of Jannah Farrington as the middle school Choral Club sponsor for the 2020-21 school year
P. Employment of Brenda Hill as Eugene Ware 5th Grade Team Leader for the 2020-21 school year
Q. Employment of Randy Phillips as a regular route bus driver for the 2020-21 school year
R. Resignation of Taylor McDermed, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective August 24, 2020
S. Leave of absence for Brenda Hathaway, high school ticket clerk
T. Employment of Maggie Johnston as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, August 10, for their regular monthly meeting.
Vice-President James Wood opened the meeting and the budget hearing. There were no comments, and the budget hearing was closed. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – July 17, 2020 – $1,244,239.62
D. Financial Report
E. Activity Fund Accounts
There were no public forum comments.
Board members heard a report from Brenda Hill, KNEA President.
Superintendent Ted Hessong reported on teacher meetings on August 14, gave special education updates, and remote and onsite plans for school.
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed the special ed and financial audits, SPARK funds, and employee pandemic guidelines.
Board members approved the 2020-21 budget. The board tabled approval on the 2020-21 school calendar. Superintendent Hessong reviewed the Return-to-School Plan. Board members approved a roof payment and a New Generation contract. Board members also approved no salary increases for the administrative and classified staff for the 2020-21 school year and a fundraising and mask awareness campaign.
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 Lakyn Coyan, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
B. Resignation of Tammy Wollenberg, high school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
C. Resignation of Linda May, Winfield Scott cook, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
D. Transfer of Dee Peters, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
E. Change in work agreement for Kristin Bishop, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 6- hour work day to a 5-hour work day for the 2020-21 school year
F. Change in work agreement for Moriah Dillow, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 7.5-hour work day to a 5-hour work day for the 2020-21 school year
G. Leave of absence for Norma Floyd, Winfield Scott paraprofessional
H. Leave of absence for Debra Endicott, middle school cook
I. Employment of Vangie Korinke as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
J. Employment of Vernon Hill as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year
K. Addition of a one-year middle school elective teaching position for the 2020-21 school year
L. Employment of high school supplemental employees as follows:
Freshman Head Boys’ Basketball Coach – Joel Harney
Head Boys’ Track Coach – Bo Graham (move from assistant)
Assistant Track Coach – Matt Glades
Vocal Presentations and Musical Music Director – Remove Abby Helt
Assistant Girls’ Tennis – Kenny Hudiburg
M. Resignation of Alicia Hansen, middle school 8th grade social studies/6th grade keyboarding teacher and fall intramural coach, for the 2020-21 school year
Thursday, August 6th, 2020 the USD 234 School Board approved, in a 4-3 vote, to open our schools on September 9th with two learning options for USD 234 students, those being Onsite and Remote Learning.
Onsite means if students want to attend in-person, daily in the school buildings they can. They would follow a “normal” school schedule for a school day in the building when school is in session.
Remote learners would receive asynchronous learning with the on-site learners. The remote learner will be expected to be directly involved in learning for at least 6 hours a day when school is in session. Parents will need to log the learning time for remote learners which could be either online, engaged with a teacher in a classroom or while doing “homework” as assigned by the teacher on their own. The remote learner will also need to have daily contact with at least one teacher. USD 234 will provide a device for all remote learners.
On Monday, August 10th, 2020 USD 234 will be releasing the learning plan and school operations guidance document to the public.
This document will provide specific information for families about the learning plans and how schools will operate when students and staff are in the buildings. This document will be a fluid document as we learn more about the coronavirus and how the school district needs to respond to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff.
USD 234 will be working with the SEK Multi-County Health Department in regard to isolation and quarantine of students and staff, contact tracing, and the school’s response to the level community spread.
USD 234 teachers return on August 14th, 2020 to being preparing for the return of our students on September 9th, 2020.
Our staff will be receiving training and professional development in areas of hygiene and symptom checking, viable remote learning, and focusing on content, standards, and assessments to measure students learning and social/emotional gaps to be prepared for the return of students.
The USD 234 School Board appreciates the feedback they received from the community in regard to reopening our school buildings. USD 234 takes very seriously the safety of our students and staff, and community input helps in making decisions in the best interest of everyone.
Torrie Singmaster, 24, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She earned her Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education from Ottawa University.
She has bee a paraprofessional educator and substitute teacher for USD 234 for three years.
Singmaster’s hometown is Fort Scott.
Her family includes her husband, Dakota, and two sons, William, 3, and Tyson, 1.
In her free time, Singmaster likes going on vacation to Branson, golfing, and taking their boys new places.
“I also coach girls basketball at Fort Scott Middle School,” she said.
How did you become an educator?
“I started subbing at Winfield Scott and fell in love with the school and students. I completed my degree this past May thru Ottawa University while working for the school district as a paraprofessional and coach.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“I honestly can say the students I started working with inspired me to teach. I always loved school and had many great teachers that I can look up to. I also wanted a career that I could make a difference in children’s lives and be able to be there for my little family.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I love being able to make connections with students. I have worked with many different ages over the last three years. Elementary-aged students are so full of life and joy. Seeing them so excited about learning makes me excited every day to walk into my classroom. I can’t wait to see each student get to the point where they are growing in their confidence as a student and as a person.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenge as a first-year teacher this year is definitely the unknowns. Being a first-year teacher during a pandemic is not something you learn during college. I am so blessed to have the support from my family and my school family. The staff at Winfield Scott and USD 234 are amazing and I cannot wait to start and continue my journey as an educator in Fort Scott.”
received feedback from employers/members related to the effect that reopening school only partially in-person will have on their employees’ ability to work while balancing remote learning and lack of childcare. Many are concerned how employees and the businesses where they work will be able to operate under those circumstances.
Therefore, we are encouraging you to provide feedback to the school board in preparation of the public meeting being hosted by USD-234 as noted below.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Thursday, August 6th, 2020
5:30pm
Fort Scott High School Gymnasium
Enter through east doors, wear a mask, and practice social distancing when sitting down.
There will be two items on the agenda for this special board meeting. The first item will be a public forum. USD 234 stakeholders will have the opportunity to give comments to the USD 234 School Board. Each individual will have three (3) minutes to address the school board. The second agenda item will be a follow-up discussion from the USD 234 Special Board meeting held July 27, 2020, regarding USD 234’s Return to School Plan.
Anyone wishing to speak should arrive a little early to complete a “Request to Appear before the Board” form. The form is also online here if anyone would like to complete one prior to the meeting. The form may be returned to Connie Billionis prior to the meeting ([email protected]), or brought with you.
At the special board meeting held on July 27, the USD 234 School Board heard initial information on possible learning formats for students when they return to school. Based on the information presented at this special board meeting, the USD 234 School Board unanimously voted to delay the first day of school for students to September 9, 2020. No action was taken on what learning formats would be available for students. At the meeting on August 6, the school board will be provided more specific information about learning format options for students.
The Chamber encourages you to send your feedback on the format of school fully re-opening or a hybrid model of students attending in person at 50% of the week, and remote learning 50% of the week, or any other feedback you may have.
Please email your feedback to the following
school board members
(click their names below to email or see this link for their email addresses):
