The former director of curriculum and instruction has taken on new duties in the Fort Scott School District.

Nicki Traul is now the assistant superintendent at USD 234.

“Mrs. Traul will continue to lead in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment,” Superintendent Ted Hessong said.  “She will also continue to oversee the preschool with the assistance of a lead teacher at the preschool. She will now be the lead for our special education department as well as the go-to person for the elementary principals, because of her elementary background.”

When Hessong came to the superintendency this year, he saw that Traul was doing the duties of an assistant superintendent.

“In my review of the district to prepare myself for my transition to USD 234,” he said.  “I decided Mrs. Traul was doing the duties of an assistant superintendent and we needed to designate her with this title to put in her a true role as an administrator for the district.”

“I am excited about the new opportunity and am looking forward to working with Mr. Hessong,” Traul said.

USD 234 enrollment finalization is this week, Hessong said.

Fort Scott High School is proud to announce auditions for the regional premiere of the new musical “Bright Star.”

Auditions are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. either Monday, Aug. 27 or Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the high school auditorium. Students only need to attend one night, but need to plan to stay for the entire time period.

“Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful,” according to publisher Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

The show is open to current FSHS students and rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. The performances are Nov. 6, 8, and 10.

Students who wish to audition for a lead solo role should prepare as follows: females will sing a portion of “If You Knew My Story” and males will sing “Bright Star” from the show. Links to karaoke tracks and piano accompaniment for the songs can be found at the “Fort Scott High School Thespians” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FSHSThespians/?ref=bookmarks and the “Fort Scott Choirs” website at www.fortscottchoirs.com.

The show is directed by FSHS Drama Director Angie Bin and FSHS Choral Director Meredith Reid and choreographed by Delynn Abati, assistant to the FSHS Dance Team.

For more information, please contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

This is part of a series featuring the new teachers in our community.

Whitney Beth is the new Fort Scott Middle School Art Teacher.

Name: Whitney Beth

Title of position: Middle School Art Teacher

Education: Bachelor of Science of Art Education

Experience: This will be my 15th year of teaching. I have worked the last 14 years as an art teacher in the Nevada school district.

Age: 1995 grad of FSHS

Family: Husband Clifton and daughter, Ella, a sophomore at FSHS and son, Carter, a 7th grader at FSMS.

Affiliations: KNEA, NAEA

Why did you choose education as a career?

My parents were both teachers. I also love people and love sharing my passion of art with young people.

What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?

My first priority is to get my students excited about art!

This is part of a series telling about the new teachers in our community.

Theresa Hurd is a new preschool teacher for USD 234.

Name: Theresa Hurd.

Title: Preschool teacher for USD 234

Experience: Taught preschool with Head Start for 13 years.

Education: In 2003, I graduated from Pittsburg State University with my Bachelors in Family and Consumer Science with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Development. This past summer I was accepted into the Teacher Apprentice Program at Wichita State University. I am currently taking online courses to earn my teachers license and certification for Special Education.

Family:  “My family has been a huge support to me.” Husband, Doug,  and ten-year-old daughter, Elsie who will be starting 5th grade.

Affiliations: Attends the Fort Scott Nazarene Church.

“I feel that I was called to teach. I want to have a positive impact on children and their families. For me, teaching can be challenging, rewarding and so much fun!”

Jayton Johnson, 2 years old, and his sister, Joci Johnson, 6, play on the new musical instrument equipment at the Winfield Scott Elementary School east playground on Monday.

New playground equipment was installed at the school last week with a $10,000 grant from a Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.

Two handicapped accessible swings, musical instruments, soccer goals and a comet spinner were added to the school’s playgrounds.

Most of the additions were to the east playground.

In addition, a smaller grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield was awarded for stencils, paint and some playground games, according to information provided by the school.

This evening, August 21, is the school’s open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

This is a series featuring new teachers in our community.

Dane Cummings is the new Fort Scott High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Sponsor.

Name: Dane Cummings