orizon H
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A Publication of the Gardner Edgerton School District
FALL 2019
TRMS SPACE DAY GEYCP KICKBALL TOURNAMENT CPR/AED TRAINING FOR STAFF
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
A Message From
SUPERINTENDENT PAM STRANATHAN Routines are established, students are back in learning mode, and teachers are refreshed. These are all indicators that the 2019-2020 school year is off to a successful start. Excitement is at an all-time high and there are new initiatives that we are proud to share with you. In partnership with Johnson County Mental Health,our Co-Responder position has been established and is the first of its kind in the United States. Tanise Smith joined our district in August and has already made connections with students, staff, and families. As a result of this partnership with Johnson County Mental Health, we are better equipped to meet the social and emotional needs of our students, staff, families, and community. The Emergency and Fire Safety career pathway is off to a great start. Students have been learning the basics of the firefighting profession and gaining real-world experience as they receive training from instructors at Fire District #1 of Johnson County. In only its third year, the Gardner Edgerton Youth & Community Programs is offering even more new opportunities for students and the community. A new theater production, the 3rd annual Kickball Tournament, and the expansion of the Junior Blazerettes Dance Team are just a few exciting programs that are kicking off the 2019-2020 school year. The kickball tournament drew 190 participants and over 300 fans! This has become an outstanding tradition and has been well-received by the community. Fall activities are in full swing at the high school and middle school levels. When hosted at the GEHS District Activity Center, Friday night football games are electric with ample amounts of “Blazer Pride” on display. From the classroom to the court to the field, we are proud of our student’s accomplishments and thankful for the continued support of the community. We look forward to another successful school year and the opportunity to blaze new trails in the Gardner Edgerton School District and beyond.
Pam Stranathan Superintendent of Schools GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
EMPOWERING ALL STUDENTS TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE Gardner Edgerton School District’s Horizon is a newsmagazine published quarterly during the school year. Editorial and photography is created by the USD 231 staff and published by NPG Printing. To receive a copy of the magazine call 913-856-2009. 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 Contributing Writer: Ryan Colston USD 231 Board of Education: Tresa Boden, Shawn Carlisle, Greg Chapman, Kristen Schultz, Rob Shippy, Robin Strentz, Lana Sutton
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COACHING RECOGNITION FOR BLAZER TRACK & FIELD COACHES The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the state-by-state winners of its High School Coaches of the Year award for the 2019 season. One boys coach and one girls from each of the 50 states are honored for their successes during the season. The winner of the Boys Kansas Coach of the Year was Gardner Edgerton Head Coach, Brian McGee. “The honor is a direct result of our program’s culture that the kids, coaches, and parents have created,’’ said McGee about his accomplishment. The awards keep coming in for the Blazers Track & Field coaches. Coach McGee was named the 6A Boys Kansas Cross Country Track & Field Coaches Association Coach of the Year and Girls Head Coach, Larry Ward, was named the 6A Girls Kansas Cross Country Track & Field Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Over the past 20 years, having two coaches win this award, from the same school, has never happened. The award is an honor to both coaches because it reflects the quality of the 2019 Blazer team and the entire
coaching staff. “This means that I have the good fortune to be a part of a very good Track & Field program with many hard working and dedicated athletes and coaches,” said Coach Ward. Both coaches are looking forward to another successful upcoming season.
GEHS AND GEYCP FALL MUSICALS
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Gardner Edgerton High School Theater Department presents Into the Woods as the fall musical. Performances will be on November 13, 14, and 16 at 7:00 pm and November 17 at 3:00 pm.
GEYCP is excited for their middle school production of Once Upon A Mattress. Performances will be on Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the Wheatridge Middle School auditorium.
The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
If you thought you knew the story of the princess and the pea, you are in for a walloping surprise with Once Upon A Mattress! A talented minstrel tells this story of brave knights, beautiful ladies-in-waiting, an overbearing Queen, a silent King, and a lonely prince. Add in a wizard and a princess who, well, doesn’t conform to typical princess standards and you have a story full of comedy and action! Bring the family and get carried away on a wave of hilarious songs and sidesplitting shenanigans. Chances are, you may never look at fairy tales the same way again!
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
USD 231 COVERS CPR/AED CERTIFICATION FOR STAFF In April 2019, the Kansas High School Athletic Association adopted a rule that required any person serving in the role of a head or assistant sport coach or a head or assistant activity sponsor must be certified or trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) administration.
We are honored to do this each year and are excited about the growing interest level of people who are wanting to save lives. – JUDY MCDOWELL, GEHS NURSE The Gardner Edgerton School District has been requiring all of their coaches and activity sponsors to do so for the past few years, so this is nothing new. Certified instructors and Gardner Edgerton High School nurses, Teresa
Palmatier and Judy McDowell, spent time this summer to make sure that USD 231 was meeting KSHSAA requirements. Palmatier and McDowell certified 110 employees in July and August over five sessions, at no cost. Out of the 110 employees, not all were coaches or sponsors. Every employee in the district has the opportunity to take part in this certification. The Gardner Edgerton School District covers the fees of the instructors and certifications because of the importance of having as many staff members CPR/AED certified as possible. “We are honored to do this each year and are excited about the growing interest level of people who are wanting to save lives,” said McDowell. Numbers have almost doubled from the summer of 2018. The goal is to have each USD 231 staff member certified and Palmatier and McDowell are striving to make that happen. “As a healthcare provider, I take pride in sharing knowledge and skills that could potentially save the life of a student or co-worker,” said Palmatier. Staff CPR/AED certifications will continue to be offered throughout the year.
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
2019 BACK TO SCHOOL KICKBALL TOURNAMENT GEYCP hosted its third annual middle school kickball tournament this past Friday night. Nineteen 5-8 grade teams, twelve high school workers, and an estimated 300 family and friends walked through the USD 231 District Athletic Complex gates for a fun night under the lights at no cost. 36 games were played and concluded with The Bombers taking home the 5-6
grade championship and The Ballers winning the 7-8 grade crown. Also among the nights festivities, The New Kicks on the Block won the spirit award for best team name and uniforms. The spirit award was voted on by team fans through a Facebook poll generating over 200 likes during the one hour voting period. Tournament champions walked
away with custom GEYCP backpacks, GEYCP medals, gift certificates and coupons from local businesses, along with other goodies. “The night was a total success. We are happy to provide such a fun event for our middle school students and their families,� said John Duncanson, GEYCP Coordinator.
KSDE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR HONORED 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 15, at the Overland Park Sheraton. 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 Mandi Hodo, Reading Specialist at Nike Elementary, and Sarah VanDeberghe, Special Education instructor at Pioneer Ridge Middle School. Mandi Hodo GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
Sarah VanDeberghe
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HUSKIES TRAVEL July 20, 1969 was a significant day in the United States of America and the world. This was the day of the first moon landing and history was made. The space race played a major role in US history and the youth in our schools have only had a chance to read or learn about it in the classroom. Most of the students’ parents were not around to witness it live either. Trail Ridge Middle School staff members wanted the kids to be able to experience the excitement of this momentous event by having a day dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. In February, Maryann Hebda, Middle School Enrichment Teacher, went to a conference and was inspired to host a “Space Day” at Trail Ridge and tie it together with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Hebda needed two things to accomplish this, administration to support her and a staff willing to give up a normal day of instruction
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and turn it into a day of enrichment. Trail Ridge Principal, John Martin, was ecstatic about the idea of having
We’re so fortunate that our colleagues and administrators are sharing the excitement of this school-wide event. – MARYANN HEBDA, MIDDLE SCHOOL ENRICHMENT TEACHER this event. “We’re so fortunate that our colleagues and administrators are sharing the excitement of this school-wide event,’’ said Hebda. Once administration approved the event, in
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
March of the 2018-2019 school year, the “Space Squad” began planning their full day of hands-on activities. The Space Squad is made of Husky staff members Hebda, Cyrena Kellogg, Erin Nelson, Heidi Gunderson, Carson Ferren, and Rachel Sites. These dedicated teachers planned throughout the summer and even some evenings to make sure this day was well thought out and would be a day that students would never forget. Husky administration and the Space Squad organized a back to school meeting to explain the day to staff, go over logistics, and get them prepared for the all day event taking place on August 23. With it being held during the second week of school, the days events allowed staff to go over expectations for assemblies, auditorium, and build connections with their students. “It isn’t a normal day of instruction, but it is a day full of S.T.E.A.M. activities and it is going to bring us closer as a building,” said
TO SPACE Principal Martin. Fifth and sixth graders began their day with ice breakers in the classroom, while seventh and eighth graders started in the auditorium with a small documentary about the landing and the preparation that went into making it a successful trip. Each student participated in each station throughout the day, just at different times. The ice breaker activity was a hit in every classroom. The moon landing took everybody working together and the activity was exactly that. Students had one object and that was to work together to get astronauts to the moon to collect moon rocks, and back to earth. Materials in hand included a hula hoop, wiffle ball, a wooden block, and a PVC pipe with string threaded through. The object was to work together as a class, without using their hands, and the class giving them directions on where to land. This took each student in the class to make it work.
Each student in the building went through this activity and all were successful. This was a great activity in getting students working together and showing teachers what they can accomplish when working toward a common goal. The other activities set up by the Space Squad, were something that Neil Armstrong would enjoy being part of. Students worked as teams to work through a breakout activity, stomp rocket construction with a classroom launch, and measuring the diameter of moon craters using different instruments. A seventh and eighth grade favorite was the stomp rockets. Students built rockets, as a team, out of paper and launched using a two liter bottle attached to a tube. Winning rockets from each class were traveling up to 50 feet in what were some friendly competitions. Overall, the day was one of the most successful days in the short history of Trail Ridge Middle School. Students
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
were working together, smiling, learning, and being creative. Teachers began the school year having fun and working collaboratively to make sure all students had knowledge about one of the most important moments in history. Hopefully, Husky students will remember August 23, 2019 as a significant day in their education.
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SUMMER MEALS AND WHAT’S TO COME The Gardner Edgerton Summer Meals program had another successful year. Each weekday, there were school cafeterias full of families taking advantage of the free meals for children under 18. There were a total of 29,218 meals served for breakfast and lunch throughout the summer at Wheatridge Middle School, Moonlight Elementary, and Edgerton Elementary. Along with breakfast and lunch, the USD 231 Food Nutrition Services held the “Cyclone Cafe” for a second year. The Cyclone Cafe consisted of family dinners five times during the summer program. There were about 500 meals served to residents of Edgerton ranging from on the grill to pasta. Everybody left happy and stuffed. Director of Nutrition Services, Amy Droegemeier, took the time to answer a few questions about the summer meals program and what is to come in the 2019-2020 school year. USD 231: Why do you love the summer food program? Droegemeier: I love the summer meals program because it gives the kids in our community a safe place to enjoy a nutritious meal with their friends. We love that our cafeterias are always
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buzzing with kids in the summer! I also love that it gives the families with younger kids a chance to become familiar with our buildings in a fun, casual environment centered around food. Watching parents and kids have the opportunity to meet up with their friends each day in our cafeterias brings the community feel to life. USD 231: What is your main focus for the 2019-2020 school year? Droegemeier: This year we are focusing on purchasing and serving more local produce. We have developed a partnership with two local farmers and one local food hub. We will be intentionally providing more of these products to our students in their meals, especially during our Harvest of the Month featured items on Thursdays. USD 231: What are some new recipes for development for this school year? Droegemeier: We’re excited to bring back homemade macaroni and cheese! We tested it this summer with our kids who dined at Wheatridge and they LOVED it! We’re also working on some additional protein-packed and plantforward entrees for meals at GEHS.
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON FALL 2019
The 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start in the kitchen. The Harvest of the Month in August was “Summer Melon.” This brought fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew to buildings, and they were a hit.
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