Category Archives: Youth

K-State Extension, Youth

Celebrate National Reading Month

Leave a comment
Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Many people recognize this quote from Dr. Seuss’s book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”. March is designated as National Reading Month to celebrate the birthday of this famous author and his impact on creative storytelling. This national celebration was established as a way to promote reading to individuals of all ages.

Reading is a crucial part of every individual’s life, regardless of age. For children, it is a large component of education while for adults, it is part of professional development. Reading is also a leisure time activity that has many immediate and long-lasting health benefits. Studies have found increased cognitive function, memory, vocabulary, empathy, and decreased levels of stress in individuals that read regularly. When done before bedtime, it has the potential to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Reading even has the power to strengthen relationships through shared learning.

There are several ways you can celebrate this national holiday all month long. One of the simplest would be to visit a library or read the books you already have on hand. Libraries provide great environments for young children where they can access books for free while being immersed in a learning atmosphere. Another easy way to celebrate is to read with a family member or friend. Studies indicate that when parents read to their children, it helps with bonding and attachment. Read aloud even if it’s for a short period. Reading aloud develops fundamental skills, promotes social interaction, and improves vocabulary, word recognition, listening comprehension, and cognitive development.

Submitted photo.

The importance of reading extends far beyond educational development. Pick up a book and enjoy all the benefits of reading during National Reading Month. You might even create a positive habit that lasts throughout your whole life! For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott H.S. Thespian Troupe #7365 Celebrates Theatre in Our Schools Month

Leave a comment


Conventional wisdom accepts that Star Wars and the Super Bowl attract an audience of millions.
What’s less well known is that a recent survey indicates almost 50 million people attend one of more than 37,000 school theatre performances annually in the United States.


The Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS) Month in March, is an opportunity to inform them, and millions more, that the pleasure they get from seeing a show on stage is just one of many benefits that school theatre brings to all involved—from overcoming fears of public speaking to the development of collaboration and teamwork.
TIOS is timely in that its March celebration occurs the same month as Music in Our Schools and Youth Art Month.


TIOS provides an opportunity for all of us here in Fort Scott—students, parents, school boards and elected officials—the entire community—to become familiar with the benefits of school theatre
participation.
Thespian troupe #7365 is planning a number of events to celebrate this month. On March 2, they travel to Topeka to meet with legislators about the importance of supporting theatre education.
March 6, troupe president Kinsley Davis presents to the USD 234 Board of Education about the way theatre education is impacting our own school district. On Thursdays in March, Thespians will wear
theatre–related t–shirts to school. March 24 is the annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door. Thespians travel to the Music Hall in Kansas City to see the Broadway Touring production of Hamilton on March 28.


You can follow FSHS Thespians through the following social media links: Facebook – Fort Scott High School Thespians, Instagram – FSHSThespians, Snapchat – FSHSThespians, Tiktok – fshsthespian,
Twitter – FSHS_Thespians. Share your school theatre thoughts with us using #TheatreInOurSchools.

Area News, Health Care, Youth

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Distributes 988 Stickers to Area Students

Leave a comment
From L to R, Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC PR and Promotion and Prevention Specialist Lead; Sharla Miller, 13 Reasons to Fly SEK; and Megan Hageman, SEKMHC Promotion and Prevention Specialist. Submitted photo.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is working to reach out to area students with nearly 3,200 reminders that help is available when they are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.

Partnering with Sharla Miller, with 13 Reasons to Fly SEK, SEKMHC created stickers themed to share information about 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline. They will be distributing nearly 3,200 of them to students in 13 high schools in their six-county catchment area.

“Even if we help just one student – that’s one life that might be saved,” commented Miller. “We need to get better at letting kids know it’s ok to not be ok. We need to encourage those conversations.”

Miller, a strong mental health advocate in the community, started the SEK chapter of 13 Reasons to Fly after her son died by suicide nearly four years ago.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in Kansas. Kids are reporting feelings of depression and anxiety at higher rates than ever before. Teachers are observing alarming mental health challenges experienced by their students daily. It’s undeniable that children need help.

“We hope to see lots of stickers on laptops, water bottles, and other student belongings soon!” explained Megan Hageman, SEKMHC prevention and promotion specialist. “Getting this information to the youth in the area can make a huge difference. Showing kids that they have support, no matter what, is essential!”

988 (similar to 911) is the national hotline designated to provide support for individuals who are experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis. Callers may call confidentially and speak with mental health professionals who can help them through their crises and provide referrals for additional mental health resources.

13 Reasons to Fly, a non-profit organization, works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness while still spreading hope to those who are struggling. The foundation advocates for continual mental health care reform so that recovery can be equitable and accessible to all people. The SEK chapter, serving Allen County and surrounding communities, incorporates education, shared stories, and perspectives of teens to dismantle the stigma of mental health.

The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services, and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.

 

###

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Museum of Creativity Spring Newsletter

Leave a comment
There are some fun activities coming up at the Museum of Creativity that you won’t want to miss!
Next week we celebrate Barbie’s birthday!
Thursday, March 2nd we will be having a special birthday bash dinner from 6pm – 8pm. Each child will get a new Barbie, a commemorative tote bag and the opportunity to make some cool crafts. Dinner and dessert will be served.
$20/child
$10/adult
Pre-registration required – limited space available
Friday, March 3rd we will have a family dance! Theme is 50’s Sock Hop. Prize if you come in costume. Crafts and activities will be available as well as an ice cream bar (with Braum’s ice cream!). Come and go anytime between 5pm and 10pm.
$10/person – pre registered
$12/person at door
discount available for more than 5 people (inquire with museum)
$4/ Pre order hotdog combo (hotdog, bun, chips and soda)
On Saturday, March 25th we will be having a unique fundraiser.
The day will start out as a Cute Cake Contest with 3 categories; cake, cupcakes and cookies. Entries will be delivered before 9:00am. Judging begins at 9:15am. with prizes (Sponsored by SeKan’s Occasion Shops) awarded at 10:00am.
$15/entry – fill out attached form and send it to us
To learn more about the contest: Cake Contest Contract
At 11:00am we start more fun with a Cakewalk Adventure (because walking in a circle is too boring for us). We will do a new adventure group each half hour until 3:30pm. We will limit each group to 20 people. We recommend you reserve ahead to get your preferred time. Those in each group that don’t win a cake will get to choose a cupcake or cookie so everyone will be a winner! We will have other spring activities and crafts available also.
$5/ticket (May send a proxy person if you can’t be there)
There will be a lot of fun activities to do downtown that day (Easter egg hunt, shopping promotions in lots of stores, etc). You can have a whole day of fun!
For more information, I have attached a FB link to all events and attached flyers and the form to register for the contest.
Email us back or text 209-204-9743 and let us know what you want to register for. We can send you a payment link or you can make an appointment to come and pay in person.
Save the date: May 5th and 6th will be our annual indoor yard sale. As you are doing spring cleaning, consider donating items you no longer need to the museum before that weekend. And then make sure to come shop for new treasures!
Just a reminder:
Lego Club – every Thursday 4-6pm – ALL AGES -build what you want or complete a challenge.
$2/person
Craft Night – every Thursday 6-8pm – ALL AGES – you can always bring your own project or use our supplies. Also check Facebook for special workshops we host on Thursday nights.
$2/person – material fees may apply
Game Night – every Friday 5pm -10pm – ALL AGES – bring the family or a date or meet up with friends and choose from our selection of board games.
$2/person
Open play hours:
Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
$2/child
$1/adult
ANNOUNCEMENT:
We have built a new party room that is a bit bigger than the old one. Book your party soon. Packages starting at $100.
Our old party room will become a dedicated Maker Space. Our supplies will be easily accessible so anyone can craft anytime.
Thank you for ALL your support! We appreciate all donations of time or money. All funds help with necessary improvements to the Museum.
Submitted by
Lorina Bowman

—


501c3 Museum of Creativity Institute
Family Fun Center – Where Hobbies Thrive
209-204-9743

102 S. National Ave

Fort Scott, KS  66701
Bourbon County, Youth

Letter to the Editor: Crista Horn

Leave a comment

Bourbon County CASA
PO Box 146
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620–215–2769
February 22, 2023


 CASA worth volunteering for
I follow where my heart leads me and my heart lead me to CASA 25 years ago.

I began this journey as aCASA volunteer in 1998. I heard a friend talk about this organization she was volunteering for that
involved working through the court system with abused and neglected children. I had never heard of CASA, but when I heard the words “children”, “abused”, “advocate” and “court” I knew this organization was meant for me.

And all these years later, I continue to become more and more excited about the impact of CASA volunteers in our community. I would say becoming a CASA is one of the best choices
I’ve made. I’ve been the Program Director of Bourbon County CASA for 19 years now and have been blessed to work with some of the most amazing volunteers to be found.


As a CASA volunteer I would spend anywhere from two to 10 hours a month on a wide variety of self– directed tasks, including visiting my assigned foster child, attending court hearings, interviewing families and service providers, connecting parties to each other, and writing reports to the Court. I am the advocate – the voice – for the child; this means getting to know the child, but also getting to know their family’s case deeply so that I can speak with confidence about what I believe best for the child’s long– term health and happiness.

Because my position as a volunteer is appointed by the court, I am a direct conduit to the judge on the case and my informed opinion carries significant weight when decisions are made. Because I am a volunteer and do not have a large case load (yes, I am the Program Director but outside of my job I still serve as a CASA volunteer), I can become the expert on the needs and situation of each family.

And because I have access to nearly unlimited training and support, I can help connect dots and solve issues that could cripple the case (and the child’s wellbeing) otherwise. My very favorite
part of this work is when my actions directly dissolve barriers to the progress of the case, helping the child and easing the stress and difficulty of everyone involved. I love seeing anxiety leave faces and
peace come in its place.


Consider becoming a CASA if you love children. Or, even, if you’re not particularly drawn to children, you love furthering justice and peace. Or if you simply want to challenge yourself and broaden your
understanding of your community. You don’t have to be retired (many CASAs have full–time jobs) or have any background in legal matters. All you have to have is willingness to step in, to learn, and to act.


Spring training begins in April. Call Bourbon County CASA at 620–215–2769 or email bbcocas[email protected]
to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.


Christa Horn
Bourbon County CASA

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Freshmen Get to Practice Financial “Adulting”: Local Volunteers Are Needed

Leave a comment

Fort Scott High School Freshmen students will get to practice financial “adulting” on March 8 at the high school and local volunteers are needed to help with the event, FuntureNow: Finance, to that end.

Lewis Dunkeson.

“It is a fun and tangible way to aid students in preparing for their financial futures,” according to Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in School’s Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.

FutureNow:Finance,  is an event that helps students understand some of the realities involved in preparing for future adulthood.

At the event, students will receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event, according to information provided by Dunkeson.

The scenario includes: marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income,  which is based on choice of career field and current grade point average.

At the FutureNow: Finance event, students will visit a variety of booths to purchase food, housing, transportation,
communication services, child care, utilities, insurance, etc.

They can also save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life such as accidents, unexpected visitors or flat tires.

The event is Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from
8 – 11 a.m. in Fort Scott High School’s Auxiliary Gym.

The Fort Scott High School gym. Submitted photo.



Volunteers should plan to report at 8 a.m. and must check-in to the school at the front office. Breakfast and lunch will be provided

Volunteers help the students make wise financial choices regarding the necessities and luxuries they imagine as part of their adult lifestyle, according to information provided by Dunkeson.

Volunteers are provided with detailed information and price sheets for their specific booth allowing them to help the students decide how best to spend their money.

Volunteer need only bring their personal experiences.

To volunteer for the event, contact:
Lewis Dunkeson
Student Support Coordinator, Fort Scott HS
[email protected]
402-212-9826

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

Uniontown Homecoming Candidates Announced

Leave a comment

Pictured are the Uniontown High School 2023 Homecoming Candidates: front row, left to right:  Destiny Lucas, Emiley Greenway, Genesis Walker. Back row, left to right: Kane Shepard, Rylan Lee, Jett Harvey.
The Uniontown Eagles will host Chetopa High School on Friday, January 27 for the Winter Homecoming basketball games. The UHS King and Queen Coronation will take place prior to the boys’ varsity competition.
Submitted by  Rebecca Sutterby
West Bourbon Elementary Secretary
and UHS Student Council Advisor
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Homecoming Candidates Announced

Leave a comment

Pictured are front row are the Little’s: Gracie Bowman and Shaun Ball.
2nd Row: Lillian Collins, Kinsley Davis, Ella McElroy, Kerigan Reynolds  (Not pictured Emily DeGruson)
3rd row: Jeremy Bower, Kaden Conner, MArquinn Johnson, Kristian Paronto, and Caden Young.
Homecoming is next week with Pep Assembly on Friday, January  27. Coronation will be between the Girls and Boys girls game Friday evening, with the Homecoming Winter Formal Dance on Saturday night from 7 to 10 PM in the High School Commons area.
Submitted by Bert Lewis who is the Student Council Sponsor, Senior & Junior Class Sponsor, Key Club Sponsor, Ed Rising Sponsor,  and Scholars’ Bowl Coach at Fort Scott High School
 
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespian Troupe #7365 Receives State Honors

Leave a comment

Historian Cooper George with the KS Gold Honor Troupe Award. Submitted photo.

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 attended the KS State Thespian Festival on Jan. 5-7 in Wichita, KS and received a number of honors.

 

The troupe received the highest honor a troupe can receive, the Gold Honor Troupe Award, for the seventh consecutive year. The honor reflects the performances, community involvement, student leadership, and high standards a troupe achieves throughout the year. Troupe Historian Cooper George, a sophomore, created the honor troupe presentation that earned the award.

Kinsley Davis and Regen Wells received Superior ratings in Monologue qualifying them for the International Thespian Festival in June. Submitted photo.

 

Senior Kinsley Davis and Junior Regen Wells both received a Superior rating on their Monologue performances. This qualifies them to compete in the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in June. Other students who competed in Individual Thespy Performance events include: sophomores Mykael Lewis and Kaiden Clary in Duet Acting, senior Karen Primeaux and junior Josiah Eisenbrandt in Duet Acting, freshman Chris Newman with Monologue, freshman Junie Fisher in Vocal Solo, juniors Lexi Hill and Casey Gomez in Vocal Solo, sophomore Emma Guns and junior Jaedyn Lewis in Duet Acting, sophomore Alyssa Popp in Playwriting, senior Luke Majors in Vocal Solo, and junior Jericho Jones with Monologue.

 

For the second year in a row, FSHS had a team advance to the Finals Round of Competitive Improvisational Acting. The team included Majors, Hill, Wells, Eisenbrandt, and Mykael Lewis.

 

The Advanced Drama class competed in the One-Act Play category with the play “There is No Play” by Arthur M. Jolly. The performance was the world premiere of the one-act and the class was able to video conference with Jolly from Los Angeles and workshop the play as they rehearsed. This original cast will be published in the printed version of the script set for publication in the near future.

Thespian Director Angie Bin also received the Director of the Year Award for Southeast KS. Submitted photo.

 

In addition to performing, the troupe experienced three days of workshops with professional actors and theatre technicians, main stage musical and play performances, meetings with colleges and performing arts conservatories, and fellowship with Thespians from schools across the state.

 

# # #

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

Bourbon County Schools Face Illnesses as The Semester Winds Down

Leave a comment

Bourbon County schools are experiencing school and staff illness in the last few weeks before school is out for Christmas break.

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Fort Scott

“We have had a large number of students and staff out the last several weeks with the flu, RSV and COVID 19; mostly the Influenza A,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

On Monday, the district had 204 students out sick, which is down from last week by around 100, he said. There were seven teachers out Monday  with illness themselves or they have sick children.

The district has 1,856 students enrolled.

The district has had to postpone a music concert because of illness.

“The choir concert… has been rescheduled to January 11th at the Ellis Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.,” Brown said.

“On Friday, the choir spent the day singing at different schools and other venues around town,” he said.  “I suspect that they shared the bug with each other that day. Whatever the case, their concert is postponed because of illness.”

U234 will dismiss school on Dec. 15 with a teacher workday on Dec. 16 and  school will resume on January 3.

Staff Positions

The district currently has openings that will be posted from retirements in the following areas:
Elementary Physical Education
Occupational Therapist
One teaching position
“I anticipate additional openings after the first of the year due to retirements,” Brown said.

 

Uniontown

Uniontown High School.

Uniontown School District had 63 students gone on Monday,  with a “handful of staff,” Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent said. There  are no postponements of school events at this time.

Vance Eden and family. Submitted photo.

“We have been able to cover all classes needing substitutes,” Eden said.

There are 479 students in this district.

The last day of school for this district is Friday, Dec. 16 for Christmas break. Staff will return on January 3 for professional development and students will return on January 4.

U235 Openings For Next Year

There are several openings being posted for U235 for the 2023-24 school year.

So far a junior/senior high school principal position, a jr./sr. English teacher and a high school science teacher.