FALL 2018
G A R D N E R
E D G E R T O N
HORIZON GEYCP Rolls into Year Two
Grand Star Hosts Theme Days Pride Motivates Blazers SUMMER 2018
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Superintendent’s Message The beginning of a new school year is always met with anticipation as we recognize our daily responsibility in helping to shape the possibilities for our students by empowering them to meet the challenges of the future. We welcomed staff to the 2018-2019 school year with the theme “We Are... USD 231.” Staff members gathered in the high school gymnasium August 9 to hear an exciting and energizing message about everything “We Are” collectively as a part of USD 231. “We Are…” family, learners, community, innovative, leaders, supportive, collaborative and committed. During our time together, we were encouraged, inspired, and entertained by the students we serve. Each of our buildings was represented by a student or students that expressed their perspective of who We Are and what being a part of USD 231 means to them: GEHS, Calvin Schoendaller and Morgan McIntire; TRMS, Mitch Mauk and Hayley Kessler; WMS, Riley Pemberton and Cooper Nichols; PRMS, Matt Reimer and Leiloni Depew; Edgerton Elementary, Elliott Terry; Gardner Elementary, Emily Kindler; Grand Star Elementary, Brianna Paramo; Madison Elementary, Jamisen Flowers; Moonlight Elementary, Ross Honas; Nike Elementary, Lawson Hodo; Sunflower Elementary, Ethan Reimer. Our nearly 1,000 staff members were impressed with the poise and confidence exhibited by these students as they stood in front of us to deliver affirming messages of the role we play in their education and development. We were reassured of our efforts by students that described teachers as “amazing,” “positive,” and “supportive.” Other students stated they were glad for the opportunities provided by USD 231. Students recognized they are supported by the staff in school, at sporting events, and shared their appreciation. One student was thankful for, “teachers who stop him in the hall to ask how he is doing.” Students shared that USD 231 is a community, “students and staff come together during hard times,” and “we don’t just go to school to learn, we also go to support each other.” The presentations were each met with enthusiastic applause from staff members. The students’ We Are... messages provided inspiration, motivation, and a remarkable student-focused way to kick off the start of what is going to be an amazing school year!
Pam Stranathan Superintendent of Schools
GEYCP Hosts 2nd Annual Middle School Kickball Tournament Gardner Edgerton Youth & Community Programs kicked off the 2018-2019 school year with our 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament. Eighteen total teams from fifth through eighth grade were represented from Pioneer Ridge, Trail Ridge, and Wheatridge Middle Schools on August 17 at Grand Star Elementary. Teams competed in two pool play games before the single elimination tournament began. Gardner Edgerton High School students, including some National Honor Society members, served as pitchers and umpires. “Our goal is to bring students together in a fun and exciting atmosphere,” said Ryan Colston, Supervisor of GEYCP. Participants were creative with uniforms and team names such as “Burnt Cheetos” and “The New Kicks on the Block.” Winners of the tournament were The Toe Jammers in the 5th/6th grade division and The Dingers in the 7th/8th grade division. GEYCP also hosted a Community Open House to provide information about upcoming activities and the vision and goals of GEYCP. “We are already looking forward to next year and how we can make the event better,” Colston said.
Gardner Edgerton School District’s Horizon is a newsmagazine published quarterly throughout the year. Editorial and photography is created by the USD 231 staff and produced by NPG Newspapers. To receive a copy of the magazine call 913-856-2002. Gardner Edgerton School District / 231 E. Madison / P.O. Box 97 /Gardner, KS 66030 / 913-856-2000 / www.usd231.com Superintendent of Schools: Pam Stranathan District Offices Contributing Writers/Editors: Ben Boothe, Ryan Colston, Amy Droegemeier, Karla Reed, Paulette Osborn, and Daphne Pippitt USD 231 Board of Education: Tresa Boden, Shawn Carlisle, Greg Chapman, Kristen Schultz, Rob Shippy, Robin Strentz, Lana Sutton SUMMER 2018
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Hottest Restaurant in Town! Summer meals got a new look this year with the addition of Edgerton’s Cyclone Café. This pop-up restaurant concept was offered on Tuesday nights at Edgerton Elementary in June and July. Students could dine for free and adult meals were only $5. This made a fun and affordable option for the entire family. The USD 231 Nutrition Services Department planned this new option as a way to reach out to the Edgerton community and provide a fast-casual option for families to eat dinner together on busy summer evenings. The build-your-own meals featured a theme each evening inspired by the most popular fast-casual restaurants including a rotation of Mexican, Asian, Chicken and BBQ cookout fare. Diners placed their orders at the main counter and meals were served from a pick-up window to complete the restaurant atmosphere. Reviews for the program were hugely positive and many guests became regular customers throughout the summer. Due to the success of the program, USD 231 Nutrition Services anticipates that this option will continue next summer. This program was made possible by the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and the Kansas State Department of Education.
GEHS Theater Department Presents: Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Shaw Moore. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of Ariel (the Reverend’s daughter) and Willard (a country hick who becomes his best friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all. The performances are scheduled for November 7, 8 and 10 @ 7pm and November 11 @ 3pm. 4 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
e s o o l t o o F
Pride Motivates Blazers GEHS students gathered for an all-school assembly August 31, 2018 where they were motivated and encouraged by guest speaker David Pride. Pride shared from his own experiences, having battled Hodgkin’s disease, about pushing through tough times. His engaging presentation challenged students to channel negative energy from setbacks into the propellant to explore their passions. “David helped provide some insight as to how perseverance can positively impact our lives, even when faced with terrible situations,” stated Principal Mark Meyer. Pride suggested setting personal goals, writing them down and then making a plan to attain the goal will help students to take control of their futures. He told students to recognize that the path to success will come with setbacks, but having a plan and the right perspective will help them to push forward to attain their goals. Pride also addressed social media. He encouraged students to recognize that choices made in a single second can change your life and the lives of others in positive and/or negative ways. He addressed social media particularly with relation to a single picture or post defining you to others who view that post.
SUMMER 2018
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Follow the Gardner Edgerton School District on Social Media for current events and news.
Follow GEYCP for current programming and upcoming events.
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Grand Star Fourth Graders Participate in Watermelon Day Grand Star Elementary fourth graders participate in theme days throughout the year. Students earn theme days by reaching achievement goals, displaying good behavior, and being positive role models for all Timberwolves at Grand Star. The first theme day of the year, August 31, was centered on “Watermelon.” Fourth grade teachers Ms. Grannell, Mrs. Crouch, Mrs. DeNoon, and Mrs. King had a normal day of Math, ELA, Science and Art, each with watermelon themed activities. Some themed additions included watermelon place value, and perspective art. The day was capped off with an all fourth grade Watermelon Seed-Spitting Contest. The top three contenders from each classroom were represented in the finals while their classmates cheered them on. The Grand Star fourth graders look forward to “Apple Day” on September 28.
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GEYCP Rolls into Year Two USD 231 is committed to exploring innovative programming that can enhance and enrich the learning opportunities for all students. In the past few years, USD 231 has expanded programming opportunities for GEHS students, including the creation of the Advanced Technical Center and Culinary programs. In the spring of 2017, Gardner Edgerton Youth and Community Programs (GEYCP) was approved by the Board of Education. The vision of GEYCP is to empower all students to meet the challenges of the future by providing students and community members with expanded enrichment opportunities. John Duncanson (GEYCP Coordinator) and Ryan Colston (GEYCP Supervisor) were tasked with establishing goals to achieve this vision. In year one, GEYCP developed a foundational plan to expose students to dynamic programming from elementary school through graduation called Building Blazers. Though Building Blazers is in its infancy, the program already encompasses three youth clubs and has either developed or assisted with the organization and registration needs of seven different Building Blazers Programs with enrollments over 500 students and 8 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
growing. Â More Building Blazers Programs are scheduled for this school year in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The Building Blazers Programing is broad based to encompass athletics, fine arts, and everything in between. GEYCP is in the process of developing STEM (science,
technology, engineering, and math) based activities, after school art workshops, youth theater and more to engage, challenge and motivate students. GEYCP has also worked with local companies to provide adults and students with enrichment activities such as Lego STEM workshops, woodworking, a mother/
daughter craft project, painting, as well as, youth cooking and baking classes. Additionally, GEYCP worked to implement a new Event Publisher District Calendar. The new calendar system is used on all elementary, middle school, District and GEYCP websites. The calendar system is more user friendly allowing for subscribers to receive notifications and alerts for individual activities or follow multiple events including sports schedules. During the implementation of the new calendar system, GEYCP surveyed parents and school administrative assistants to build the best system possible and provide professional development for staff in order to increase efficiency with scheduling and communication. The Students Teaching Students initiative is one of the most exciting endeavors being developed by GEYCP. Students who are engaged in any learning process and are able to physically demonstrate what they have learned are more prepared for the next level of education and ultimately more successful in their post high school endeavors. Not only does GEYCP use GEHS students as
paid employees, but also encourages volunteerism by working with GEHS clubs and service groups to provide opportunities for students to complete volunteer hours. GEYCP is currently working with GEHS career and technical education students to create STEM activities for elementary students and hope to implement this opportunity in the near future. When students teach students, both the instructor and learner gain a new perspective of the learning process and often do not realize they are learning important infor-
mation and s k i l l s . Elementary students interacting with older students who enjoy the subject matter, provides beneficial role models and a positive approach to the education process. In return, high school students gain valuable experience and develop transferable skills teaching and working with younger students. By participating in fun and engaging activities, young students are provided with an opportunity to explore new information and are more likely to participate or even enroll in STEM based activities and classes in the future. “Working with students outside the classroom is highly fulfilling for Ryan and me. During my twenty years in education, providing students with real world and applicable experiences has been the most rewarding aspect. Every experience is a teachable moment. It is all about how you look at it. Ryan and I are
working purposefully to develop educationally beneficial experiences that are fun and engaging for our students and their families,” said Coordinator of GEYCP, John Duncanson. With any new programming, USD 231 is cost conscious of taxpayer resources needed to sustain quality programming. It is important that patrons see value in the time, energy, and dollars needed to bring innovative opportunities to our students and families. The Board of Education has made transparency a priority with GEYCP to ensure that these efforts do not restrict the budget from serving the core classroom needs of staff and students. “USD 231 is invested in providing programming which extends and supplements learning for students outside of the educational day. GEYCP is working hard to develop new and innovative activities and programs geared to empower all students to meet the challenges of the future,” said Pam Stranathan Superintendent.
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Teachers of the Year Recognized by KSDE Gardner Edgerton School District 2019 Teachers of the Year were recognized at the annual Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of the Year Banquet on September 9, at the Overland Park Marriott. The banquet brings together the Region III Teachers of the Year honorees to celebrate their accomplishment and to announce the finalists to compete at the state level. The two outstanding USD 231 educators recognized were Rhonda Wedel, 6th grade teacher at Pioneer Ridge, and Kent Muyskens, Chemistry teacher at GEHS.
Students Restore Truck Students at the Gardner Edgerton High School Advanced Technical Center (ATC) are working to restore a Ford F-150 that has been in the school’s possession since 1984. This truck was donated by the Ford Motor Company when it was “totaled out” due to flood damage in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The truck has less than 200 original miles on the odometer. Long Motor Corporation (LMC Truck) will feature this truck on the cover of their “Ford Parts Catalog” that is distributed worldwide! Thanks to the hard work of students and staff and with parts donated from Long Motor Corporation (LMC Truck), the team is close to returning this truck back to its former glory. 10 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
New Online Calendar Spotlight USD 231 started the 2018-2019 school year with a new calendar feature on the District webpage. The new calendar now has the ability to be shared on social media, allow users to receive notification alerts and the ability to place events on their own personal calendars with the click of a button. One of the key benefits of this calendar is that each user can subscribe to specific building calendars in order to personalize it for their own unique needs. As an example, a family can subscribe to Nike’s PTO calendar and the Trail Ridge Girls’ Basketball calendar. USD 231 has made it easier to follow and stay up-to-date with school events for busy families.
Events at a Glance October
4 – Madison, 3rd Grade Musical, 7 pm 4 – Moonlight, 4th Grade Musical, 6:30 pm 5 – Madison, 3rd Grade Bike Rodeo, 9:45 am 6 – GEHS Homecoming Dance, 9 pm 8 – GEHS Orchestra Concert, 7 pm 10 – Orchestra Concert, Middle Schools and GEHS at GEHS, 7 pm 11 – Gardner, Fall Family Festival, 5:30 pm 12 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm 13 – GEHS Talent Show, 7 pm 15 – GEHS Fall Vocal Concert, 7 pm 16 – Early Dismissal 1 pm, K-4; 12:30 pm, 5-12 17-18 – Parent Teacher Conferences 19 – No School 20 – Gardner, PTO Breakfast Fundraiser @ Tumbleweed, 8 am 22 – Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm 23 – Sunflower, PTO Math Night, 5:30 pm 24 – Senior Citizen Luncheon 25 – Madison, Pancake/Bingo Night, 5:00 pm 25 – Edgerton, Pastries with Parents, 7:30 am 25 – Grand Star, 4th Grade Musical, 7 pm 25 – Gardner, 3rd Grade Musical, 7 pm 25 – Nike, 4th Grade Music Program, 7 pm 25 – Grand Star, 4th Grade Musical, 7 pm 25 – Sunflower, 4th Grade Musical, 7 pm 26 – Moonlight, PTA Harvest Festival, 6 pm 26 – Grand Star, PTA Trunk or Treat, 6 pm
November
2 – Sunflower, PTO Movie Night, 6 pm 4 – Daylight Saving Time Ends 6 – GEHS, Blood Drive, All Day 7 – GEHS, Footloose Musical, 7 pm 8 – Moonlight, 3rd Grade Musical, 6:30 pm 8 – GEHS, Footloose Musical, 7 pm 9 – Gardner, Family Bowling Night @ Mission Bowl, 6 pm 9 – Grand Star, Staff Talent Show & Auction, 6 pm 10 – GEHS, Footloose Musical, 7 pm 11 – Veteran’s Day 11 – GEHS, Footloose Musical, 3 pm 12 – Moonlight, PTA Bingo Night, 6 pm 12 – Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm 15 – Madison, 2nd Grade Musical, 7 pm 15 – Nike, 3rd Grade Music Program, 7 pm
15 – Gardner, 4rd Grade Musical, 7 pm 15 – Grand Star, 3rd Grade Musical, 7 pm 15 – Moonlight, 2nd Grade Musical, 6:30 pm 16 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm 16 – Sunflower, Grandparents Day 16 – Grand Star, PTA Movie Night, 6 pm 17 – Edgerton, Holiday Mart, 8 am 17 – Sunflower, PTO Pancake Breakfast/Basket Auction, 7 am 21-23 – No School, Thanksgiving Break 26 – No School, Professional Development 26 – All Elementary, Christmas in the Park, 7 pm 27 – GEHS, Dickens Feast, 6:30 pm 29 – Edgerton, Family Fun Bingo Night, 5:15 pm 30 – GEHS Blazerettes Winter Show, 7 pm
December 1 – Nike, PTO Holiday Mart 3 – GEHS Orchestra Concert, 7 pm 4 – Sunflower, 3rd Grade Musical at WMS, 7 pm 4 – Trail Ridge, Band Concert, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th & 8th Grade 7:45 pm 5 – GEHS Holiday Vocal Concert, 7 pm 6 – Edgerton, 3rd & 4th Grade Music Program, 7 pm 6 – Trail Ridge, Orchestra Concert, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th & 8th Grade 7:45 pm 6 – Gardner, PTO Movie Night, 6 pm 7 – Wheatridge, Orchestra Concert, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th & 8th Grade 7:45 pm 8 – Sunflower – PTO Holiday Mart, 10 am 10 – Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm 11 – Wheatridge, Vocal Concert, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th & 8th Grade 7:45 pm 11– Trail Ridge, Vocal Music Concert, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th & 8th Grade 7:45 pm 11 – Pioneer Ridge, Orchestra Concert, 6 pm 12 – GEHS Holiday Band Concert, 7 pm 13 – Moonlight, PTA Winter Fun Fest, 5:30 pm 14 – Wheatridge, Band Concert, 5th & 6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th & 8th Grade 7:45 pm 14 – Sunflower, PTO Parents Night Out, 6 pm 14 – Pioneer Ridge, Vocal Concert, 6 pm 14 – Grand Star, PTA Movie Night, 6:30 pm 14 – GEHS, Rep Theater Show, 7 pm 18 – Grand Star, Spelling Bee 18 – Pioneer Ridge, Band Concert, 6:30 pm 21 – Winter Break - January 4 SUMMER 2018
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GEYCP has the following activities and programs under construction for 2018 - 2019: • Special Olympics Young Athletes’ Night (partnership with Gardner Parks and Rec.) • Youth Experience ages 4-6 (soccer / basketball / t-ball / tennis) • Indoor Building Blazers Futsal League (coached by GEHS Soccer Student Athletes) • After School STEM (Kids Teaching Kids with GEHS Career and Technical Education Students)
Alexandria Lamb Bishop Ward HS
• Bricks 4 Kidz (STEM Lego program)
Isabelle Macy St. James Academy
• After School Fine Arts Classes
Colton Russell Turner HS
Kyle Kopecky Blue Valley North HS
Kiah Nesbit Olathe East
• Building Blazers Basketball Academy • Youth Competitive Basketball League • Adult Programming at the Advanced Technical Center • School’s Out Kids Day at GEHS (Kids Teaching Kids) • Fall High School Basketball League
Come see all of the reasons why you, too, will love being a Shocker:
• Digital Photography Classes
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• Self Defense Classes (partnership with the Gardner Police Dept. and Parks and Rec.) • Special Olympics United Basketball State Tournament (partnership with Gardner Parks and Rec. and the GEHS Boys’ Basketball Team) Stay up to date with programing and registration information by following GEYCP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online at www.usd231.com/geycp 75107990
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
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SUMMER 2018
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Kansas Rush Soccer Club Providing opportunities for Johnson County youth to play soccer for over 38 years
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION. AFFORDABLE EDUCATION.
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Saint Mary has helped students find their purpose for over 90 years. At USM, GEHS grads will benefit from:
Winter Leagues recreational and premier divisions
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SUMMER 2018
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
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