Category Archives: Schools

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234 on November 16

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 16th at 8 a.m. hosted by USD-234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.  Attendees are asked to enter through the main entrance facing Main Street.

Fort Scott city school district was originally organized in 1865 as District No. 55 and the first school opened in the fall of 1865. By 1892 there were eleven school buildings in Bourbon County.  In Kansas, the unified school districts developed after legislation passed in 1962 that was intended to reduce the number of rural school districts.

Today the USD-234 school district serves approximately 1,871 students from Pre-K to 12th grade. The mission statement for the district is that USD-234 will lead in the success of each student in becoming independent, responsible, and productive global citizens. The vision statement for the district is that USD-234 will provide an exemplary education for all.

Join us this Thursday to hear about the current and upcoming programs that are happening at the High School this year. Contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

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USD 234 Board of Ed. Highlights from November 13 Meeting

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, November 13, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

  • 10/9/2023 Regular Meeting
  • 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

FSHS Art Club Fundraising

FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

FSHS Swimming Fundraising

FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

FSHS Baseball Fundraising

 

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

  • Rachelle Thomas is in her 21st year of teaching but this is her first year with Special Education. Tonya thanked Rachelle for her willingness to step up and become a leader for the Eugene Ware Special Education department.
  • Stephanie Flanner has been the Behavior Consultant at Fort Scott School District for two- and one-half years. She has been recognized for her ability to help the students even if that is riding the bus to school with them in the mornings. Tonya stated that Stephanie is bringing innovative ideas to her that will help staff and students.
  • Tonya Barnes recognized Rick Scholes. He is in his 12th year with USD 234 as the School Psychologist. Rick is always supportive of teachers and immensely helpful with paperwork and meetings. He is hard working and very ready to help the students

 

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month was Bryce Daly. Superintendent Brown recognized Bryce for his behind-the-scenes work as District Technology Coordinator. He is willing to work nights and weekends to make sure that the school network is on track. Bryce was thanked for his hard work and being willing to step in wherever needed

 

Eugene Ware recognized four outstanding students:

Elsie Fields and Jace Marbery represented the Leadership Club Team from Eugene Ware. Elsie reported on the annual food drive going on this week and will be donated to our local Beacon. The winning class will receive ice cream bars. Jace explained about Wreaths Across America. The students decorate paper wreaths with a Veteran’s name and displayed in the school. Each wreath is $1, and all money is donated to Diane Tucker who then buys wreaths for the National Cemetery.

Leah Pommier and Audrey McNutt explained about enrichment projects that are being done at Eugene Ware. They reported about their shop where they are selling several school supplies. These students are learning to use Canva to help create parent newsletters.

Superintendent Destry Brown did not present at this time.

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on first- and second-year teacher meetings. She reported that we are seeing great participation and leadership from these teachers. December will start winter testing and teachers are using the data from previous reports. Seeing the students using the latest programs has been encouraging.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with a printed report.

Superintendent Brown explained about early payroll as well as ESSER reports that are due for the State.

Superintendent Brown discussed the new requirements for the nonresident student policy. A public hearing was set for December.

 

Superintendent Brown and the Board looked at the district map and discussed a possible change in “at large” voting. This will be discussed further and would be brought to a public vote at a later date

 

The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Personnel Report following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

The board went into an executive session for Superintendent Evaluation.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

November 13, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Whitney Heckman – Middle School Secretary 

 

Rosemary Harris – Middle School Science/Social Studies Teacher

 

Langdon Giddons – Helpdesk Technician

 

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Sierra Alford – High School English Teacher – 2024 Spring Semester 

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Lynette Emmerson – Middle School Secretary

 

Rhonda Perkinson – Middle School Paraprofessional 

 

Brenda Holt – High School Paraprofessional 

 

Gavin Davis – Eugene Ware Paraprofessional

U234 Board of Education Agenda for November 13

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

November 13, 2023 – 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

  1. 10/09/2023 Regular Board Meeting
  2. 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll –October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 FSHS Art Club Fundraising

4.8 FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

4.9 FSHS Swimming Fundraising

4.10 FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

4.11 FSHS Baseball Fundraising

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

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       Enrollment of Nonresident Students Policy

7.2       Changing Method of Board of Education Method of Elections and Voting Plan (Discussion  

Only)

8.0 New Business

 

8.1       Possible purchase of Property (Discussion Item)

                         Enter Executive Session – Preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

 9.0 Public Forum

10.0  Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2 Exit Executive Session

10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4. Enter Executive Session – Superintendent Evaluation

10.5 Exit Executive Session

11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

2023 Fall Extravaganza is November 20: Shopping To Support the Swim Team

Fort Scott Middle School.

The annual 2023 Fall Extravaganza is Monday,  November 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School. The event began in 2009.

“Fort Scott High School Swimming is sponsoring the event,” said Madeline Martin, the swim coach for both boys and girls teams.
“The purpose of the event is to help our swimmers raise money to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Swim Trials as well as bring an opportunity to town to support local businesses.”

“We have 56 booth spaces this year, a few more than last year in addition to several new vendors,” Martin said.

On  Facebook: https://fb.me/e/NkwvKmyf

Below is a list of vendors for the event:

About FSHS Swim Teams

“We have 11 boys coming out this year through our cooperative agreement with Frontenac and Pittsburg (school districts),” Martin said. “This girl’s season I am planning on 15+ girls from our COOP with Pittsburg, Frontenac, Arma, Colgan, and Humboldt ( school districts).”

The swim team practices from Monday-Friday in Pittsburg at the YMCA.

“Boys swimming has been active in Fort Scott since the winter of 2019 and then girl’s season began the spring of ’20 but was cut short due to COVID,” she said. “Angie Kemmerer began coaching the team and this will be my third year as swim coach.”

The money raised from booths at the Fall Extravaganza will allow the student-athletes to go to the Summer Olympics in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.

“We are going to be spectators at the Summer Olympics,” she said. “The kids are excited to go watch some of their favorite athletes in person and watch a high-level competition in person.”

 

 

Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback

Uniontown High School.
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote,  “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said.  “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
  • “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students.  This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
  • Student Support Offices-  We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.  
  • WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life.  This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
  • Music Room-  We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically.  This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
  • Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered.  Our current system does not do this.
  • HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
  • New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop-  This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming.  We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.

6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH.  This was the most efficient use of space and programming.  It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”

‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”

Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail

Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.

“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same.  There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed.  The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said.  Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%.  That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said.  “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

Unsubscribe from emails by Pam Hutchison.

Fort Scott High School Performs Guys and Dolls on Nov. 7,9, 11

 

The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the musical Guys and Dolls at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 9 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Guys and Dolls is a musical fable of Broadway based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.

 

The musical follows the tale of gambler Nathan Detroit as he attempts to find a spot for his underground craps game and his girlfriend Adelaide as she laments about their very long engagement. We also watch as the smooth high roller Sky Masterson courts Missionary Sarah Brown as the result of a bet. According to Music Theatre International, “Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.”

 

Detroit is played by senior Jericho Jones, Adelaide is portrayed by junior Emma Guns, sophomore Levi Fairchild plays Masterson, and sophomore Junie Fisher stars as Brown. Over twenty other FSHS students serve as craps shooters, Hot Box dancers, and missionaries.

 

Audiences will also enjoy a live orchestra made up of 16 professional musicians from the surrounding communities for this year’s show.

 

The musical is led by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Whitley Chesney, Technical Director Christina King, and Choreographer Mesa Jones.

 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and children. All tickets are reserved seating at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Advance purchase is encouraged as seating is limited. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.

 

# # #

Highlights from the USD 234 Board of Education Meeting Last Evening

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 SPECIAL MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, October 30, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, for a special meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

October 30, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Caitlin Shrewsbury – Resignation – Eugene Ware – End of school year

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Certified:

Abigail Duffy – Eugene Ware – Leave of Absence

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Justin Eichenberger – Part Time Paraprofessional – Fort Scott High School

Rhonda Hoener – Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Brad Matkin – Business Manager

 

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education for Oct. 30

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 SPECIAL MEETING

October 30, 2023 – 5:30 PM

AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3..0      Other Business – Personnel Matters

3.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item).

 

3.2       Exit Executive Session

 

3.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

           

4.0       Adjourn Meeting

                        President Brown

Hydrophonics is Coming to a Local School System

A photo of hydroponics taken from a USDA website.

Hydroponics is coming to Uniontown’s school district.

Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil,  according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics

“USD 235 is excited to be the recipient of a hydroponic shipping container farm through a grant awarded to the Kansas Division of Children and Families,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “It was announced on September 11th, 2023 that Community Green Farms of Pittsburg Kansas would receive just over $1,000,000 to bring seven southeast Kansas counties vertical hydroponic container farms.”

Vance Eden, superintendent of USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.

“Uniontown Schools has been selected to be the recipient for Bourbon Couty,” Eden said. “These shipping containers use state-of-the-art technology to efficiently produce hyper-organic products in significant quantities within a minimal footprint.”

The greens grown will be consumed at the two school building’s cafeterias in the district.

“Not only will this space serve as a hands-on learning environment that will be used across the spectrum of ages and courses, but it will also provide produce that can be consumed in our cafeterias,” he said.  “We believe this opportunity will serve students and their futures in dynamic and tangible ways.”

The container has been ordered and will be placed on the school campus during the last week of November.

“Then, the setup of the farm and training for key staff will take place in December,” he said. “This means that it will be in production and available for student and teacher use during the second semester.”

“Mrs. Delta Pollock will be a leader, helping staff and students step into this new experience with confidence while Mrs. Shayla Knight will manage the food-service portion of vegetable production for our cafeterias,” he said.

Learning and adjusting will be part of the process of integrating hydroponics into learning experiences for the students in USD 235, he said.

“We eagerly jump into this opportunity with dreams and excitement for the impact that can be realized,” Eden said.

Once the container farm is established, community members will be invited to an open house “to see and taste what this new opportunity looks like in person,” Eden said.

“We want to publicly acknowledge Community Green Farms in their selection of USD 235 as the recipient and commend them on their commitment to bringing these opportunities to southeast Kansas schools at no cost,” he said.

 

The USD 235 Board of Education Office is located in Uniontown High School.

 

U234 Board Met On October 9

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, October 9, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Board Minutes
    • 9/11/2023 Regular Meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – September 20, 2023 – $1,638,198.05
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • USD 234 Gifts
  • FSHS Extended Trip Applications
  • FSHS Fundraising Applications
  • Ratification of Investments
  • USD 234 Substitute Pay Schedule Adjustment

 

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Emily Stephens, Winfield Scott Special Education Teacher. She was recognized by Tonya Barnes for being willing to help provide services to a student that attends a local private school. This would be in addition to her students at Winfield Scott.

 

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

Kelley Tucker, Winfield Scott Occupational Therapist Paraprofessional, was recognized by Tonya Barnes. Kelley is assisting with Hannelie Smit, Occupational Therapist. She was thanked for being extremely organized and assisting above expectations with Mrs. Smit.

 

 

 

Caroline Elton, Flo Tanner, Terra Kegler, Lucretia Ruggero, Jessica Cox, Fort Scott High School Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes for their outstanding work with the Sensory Bulletin Board. They have provided a sensory space for the students that has proved to be highly effective and helpful.  Mrs. Barnes commended each on building connections to help bring more productivity to the students.

Cynthia Hemphill-Witham and Shanna Staton, Preschool Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes. As the Preschool needs are growing, they have been willing to take on more responsibilities to help the students. Mr. Johnson, Principal, recommended Cynthia and Shannon for their willingness to go above and beyond every day for the students.

 

Winfield Scott recognized three outstanding students:

Cash Durossette, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. He was recognized for being respectful and always having a smile. Cash is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.

Bodhi Farley, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone.

He was recognized for being respectful everywhere he goes. Bodhi is in Mrs. Cross’s second grade class.

Rowyn Ratcliff, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. She was recognized for following directions and helping her friends. Rowyn was also chosen by Peerless to name her own paint chip color. She named it “Rowyn Rose.”  Rowyn is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the enrollment being down about sixty students this year. He also updated on the Finance Department and how day to day is proceeding productively. Mr. Brown updated on the board vacancy moving to “at large” but will be put to an election. Preschool has a waiting list of around thirty students. District and Greenbush are looking into a mobile unit that could help accommodate this need

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on Fall data testing. All is done except kindergarten, but good growth is shown. RTI groups have been put in place and Title teachers have worked hard to address skill groups. Mrs. Smith updated on IReady and 504 plans and the continued training and growth of both.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported about Indicator 12 and progress reporting. Mrs. Barnes updated about IDEA verification and CATAID revenue. The district’s first payment will come on October 15. SPED Training that will happen this month will be with TASN and then Mrs. Barnes will do training with the teachers. She also updated on the trainings that she will be attending later this month.

 

Superintendent Brown discussed the proposed JBCC Open Enrollment Policy. There was no action currently.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Acceptance of appreciated stock in the amount of approximately $130,000.00.
  • Final roof payment upon completion in the amount of $173,414.60.
  • Approval of District Health Insurance
  • Personnel Report following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

October 9, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Chipman, Katie – Middle School – Paraprofessional

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Lynch, Tabitha – Preschool – Paraprofessional

 

Lynn, Shelby – Instructional Assistant in Automotive Technology – High School

 

Superintendent Destry Brown Evaluation – Due by Nov 1

Board Evaluation