Click title above for the FSHS calendar on the district website.

Highlights:

Friday, November 3rd: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!

November 7th, 9th & 11th: FALL MUSICAL!

November 11th: HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY!

November 13th: FIRST DAY OF WINTER SPORTS PRACTICES!

November 14th: SCHOOL PHOTO DAY/RETAKES, TOO!

November 20th – 24th: THANKSGIVING WEEK! NO SCHOOL!

November 23rd: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

There is a growing shift in the way we think about education, with a focus on creating more engaging and dynamic learning environments. One innovative approach gaining momentum is the use of standing desks in classrooms. These desks can positively impact students’ physical health, focus and overall learning experience. Benefits will be shared throughout this newsletter.

• Better Academic Performance: Studies have shown that standing desks may lead to improved academic performance. The increased focus, energy, and engagement translate into better results for students, potentially making standing desks a valuable tool in the pursuit of educational excellence.

• Customizable Learning Environment: with adjustable standing desks, students can easily switch between sitting and standing. This flexibility accommodates different learning preferences and physical needs, ensuring that every student can learn in a way that best suits him or her.

• Enhanced Classroom Interaction: standing desks can foster a more collaborative learning environment. When students are on their feet, they often find it easier to move around, work with classmates and engage in group discussions. This can boost peer interaction and problem-solving skills, crucial for their social development.

• Improved Concentration and Alertness: standing desks promote greater alertness and help students stay engaged in lessons. By allowing students to change their posture and move around more freely, these desks reduce the physical discomfort associated with sitting for extended periods. This, in turn, enhances concentration and minimizes restlessness, ultimately leading to more effective learning.

• More Energy: standing desks can promote increased energy levels. Students often report feeling more awake and attentive when using these desks, which can be particularly beneficial during early morning or post-lunch classes when energy levels tend to dip.

• Improved Posture and Ergonomics: proper posture is essential for preventing musculoskeletal issues. Standing desks can help students maintain better posture, thereby reducing the likelihood of back and neck pain. Some standing desks are adjustable, which allows students to customize the desk height to suit their individual needs.

• Better Circulation: standing desks reinforce movement and increased blood circulation. This increase in blood flow helps to circulate oxygen to the brain, allowing for neurogenesis (the creation of neurons- brain pathways) to take place, creating information super-highways that allow for increased information intake and retention.

• Increased Physical Activity: sedentary behavior has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and poor cardiovascular health. Standing desks encourage students to be more active during class. They can easily shift their weight, stretch, or even practice light leg exercises while listening to the teacher, thereby incorporating small bursts of physical activity into their day.

Buy your 2024 Crimson Yearbook for $50 by November 28th before prices increase: FSHS 2024 Yearbook Purchase

SENIORS ONLY:

– Please fill out this form for your activities to be published next to your senior portrait in the yearbook: Senior Activities in Yearbook

– Senior Portraits are due by November 26th (or email us the date you will be able to submit – we cannot guarantee portraits will be placed if not received by December).

Please have your photographer email them to fshsyearbook@usd234.org Portraits must be vertical head shot with any background but with no props/objects. Email with any questions.

– Senior Tributes in the yearbook can be purchased online at FSHS Yearbook Senior Salute Just click on “Get Started” at the bottom of page to order a Senior Ad. Deadline is December 8th or until available space is filled.

Epic Adventure and Cultural Immersion!

Fourteen students from FSHS are currently set to embark on a transformative journey through the heart of Europe spring break of 2025. More than just a vacation, the trip will deepen students’ understanding of history, culture, and the world. The trip will kick off with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial where students will delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark. Berlin highlights include the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Kurfurstendamm, and the Topography of Terror Museum. Next, the enchanting cobblestone streets of Prague will lead travelers to the magnificent St.Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square where students may admire the astronomical clock and indulge in Czech pastries. In Krakow the group will be transported back in time as they explore the haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a grim reminder emphasizing the importance of understanding history to create a better future. Conversely, students will also partake in the city’s vibrant life as they explore the stunning Wawel Castle, eat traditional Polish pierogies, and marvel at the magnificent architecture of Glowny Square. Budapest is known as the “Paris of the East.” Students will take in the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, relax in the famous thermal baths, and indulge in delectable goulash. This is the 12th educational adventure abroad that has been offered for students at FSHS, a testimony to the district’s desire to invest in students’ personal growth, experiential learning, cultural appreciation, and global perspective. Trip leaders Amy Harper and Polly Mayberry are currently organizing pre-travel meetings wherein travelers will learn basic greetings in German, practice formal dining etiquette, and watch historical movies associated with points of interest. All international travel is through the travel company Education First, whose top priority is student safety. If you would like more information or to enroll your student on this unforgettable journey of a lifetime go to EF tours.

POLLY MAYBERRY

English Teacher/ESOL Coordinator

Fort Scott High School

620-223-0600

polly.mayberry@usd234.org

• Encouraging Healthy Habits; introducing standing desks in the classroom instills healthy habits from a young age. Students learn the importance of breaking up prolonged periods of sitting and are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood.

These students attended the HOSA Fall Conference in Manhattan on October 4th. HOSA, Health Occupation Students of America, is a career and technical student organization for students planning to pursue health professions. At the conference, students participated in mock clinical trials, attended seminars and talked to representatives of colleges, universities and workplaces about various opportunities available in the bioscience and healthcare fields.

submitted by HOSA sponsor Julie Heatherly

Fort Scott High School Science teacher

620-223-0600

julie.heatherly@usd234.org

On Monday, these four members of the FSHS Scholars’ Bowl team traveled to host high school Girard to compete in the season’s first Varsity tournament. Only one of these four students, Stewart Davenport, had competed previously. Congratulations to, from left, Grace Walker, sophomore; Mahayla Kilpatrick, freshman; Izabella Lisica, freshman and team captain, Stewart Davenport, sophomore for finishing in third place. Go Tigers!

Aiden Sigafoos and Mena Hicks step out of a Harry Potter novel to celebrate Halloween!

The Fort Scott High School Angel Tree is a giving tree established by FSHS staff to assist our students, their siblings and any district school students that may have needs this holiday season. Please stop by the high school during school hours for more information.