WINTER 2019
G A R D N E R
E D G E R T O N
HORIZON The Student Led Blazer Stop
Zero Reasons Why: Suicide Prevention Initiative Middle School Students Help Community WINTER 2019
• 1
P.O. Box 97 Gardner, Kansas 66030
ECRWSS Residential Customer
St. Joseph MO Permit No 2247
PAID
Presort Standard US Postage
HEALTHY SMILES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY ARE NOW EASIER WHEN YOU CHOOSE US!
Greg Markway, DDS • Jason Haworth, DDS We provide all of the services you and your loved ones need for healthy smiles utilizing state-of-the-art technology, in a setting that’s comfortable and relaxed. Compassionate dental care, trusted experience. We treat you like family.
• • • • • •
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Convenient hours starting at 7am Same Day Emergency Services Wisdom Teeth Whitening Crowns & Implants
• • • • •
Open Monday-Friday & Saturday Implants Braces and Invisalign Sedation Dentistry Preventive Cleanings, Sealants, and Fluoride
New Patients Welcome Most Insurances Accepted
www.facebook.com/GardnerDentists
2 •
75111445
971 East Lincoln Lane • Gardner, KS 66030 • www.gardnerdentists.com • 913-856-7123 GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Superintendent’s Message “There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves,” writes author and storyteller, Joe L. Wheeler. We have truly been able to appreciate fall this year. The crisp air, the changing leaves, the vibrant sunsets and plump orange pumpkins on porches. As 2018 comes to a close, and we look toward the new year, it is a great time to reflect on the bounty in our lives and be grateful. As a District, we are grateful to serve wonderfully diverse and creative students. We are also grateful to have supportive families and community leaders. I extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of our staff, students, families, and community members. Thank you for all that you do to make USD 231 a great place to work, learn, and belong! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and time well spent with family and friends. As fall transitioned into winter, I encourage you to take some time to celebrate and appreciate the bounty in your life while we look forward to spring. Let’s venture into the new year with clear eyes and full hearts to make 2019 our best year yet.
Pam Stranathan Superintendent of Schools
KU Honors Top 10 The Kansas Honors Program recognizes and awards the top 10 percent of high school seniors in the state of Kansas for their academic achievements. To meet the criteria for this honor, students must complete the required classes and maintain a high GPA throughout their high school career. These students are recognized at graduation for their academic achievements. The Kansas Honors Program has been a KU tradition since 1971, and is designed to promote academic excellence in secondary education, to reward high school seniors for their hard work and dedication, and to support our Kansas communities. Congratulations to the following seniors:
Kimberly Alatorre
Kathryn Harlow
Alyssa Alena
Cooper Hart
Samantha Allenbrand Sariah Hull Natalia Balog
Amy Kamtio Massafan
Patrick Beane
Zachary Kelvington
Makensie Blum
Spencer Klaassen
Ty Bradford
Samantha Marcotte
Asher Brown
Brody Marshall
Alexis Bryan
Drake Mills
Riley Buck
Brooke Nemechek
Trenton Cochran
Thomas O’Connor
Kennedy Comstock
Sophia Pogue
Aaron Crim
Kayden Rogers
Charles Crouch
John Scheck
Alyssa Farrens
Kyla Shappell
Kaylee Gaut
Zane Stutzman
Kaylyn Gordon
Fiona Turner
Logan Green
Katlyn Whittley
Kara Groshong
Joanne Wyss
Jael Hansen
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 913-856-2000. 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: Ryan Colston and Daphne Pippitt USD 231 Board of Education: Tresa Boden, Shawn Carlisle, Greg Chapman, Kristen Schultz, Rob Shippy, Robin Strentz, Lana Sutton WINTER 2019
• 3
Zero Reasons Why: Suicide Prevention Initiative The Gardner Edgerton School District, along with Blue Valley, Olathe, De Soto, Shawnee Mission, and Spring Hill have teamed up to launch the Zero Reasons Why community mobilization campaign to prevent teen suicide. This campaign is focused on empowering community members to take action toward change. It will organize, facilitate and support students, parents, educators, health providers, and other stakeholders in implementing action plans, programs, events, and outreach efforts. “There are zero reasons why we cannot come together to make a difference in this community issue” says Zero Reasons Why leaders. Gardner Edgerton Superintendent
Pam Stranathan said, “We feel strongly that by mobilizing necessary resources, disseminating information, generating support, and fostering
cooperation across public and private sectors in the community, we can influence the conversation and destigmatize the issue.” In June, the superintendents of Johnson County initiated a deeper dialogue and identified collaboration opportunities; the leaders have
continued the conversation ever since. Key efforts of this campaign will involve a story campaign and community mobilization team. The entire campaign will take place during the 2018-2019 school year with the support of the six school districts, mental health providers, parents, and local business to multiply and amplify the impact of their work. A teen council has been established and parent ambassadors have started to form to be the main advocates in the community. Zero Reasons Why has been in the schools talking with students and listening to their stories. Please feel free to visit the Zero Reasons Why website at www.zeroreasonswhy.org for more details.
GEHS Café Now Online The USD 231 Nutrition Services Department is proud of the mobile ordering opportunity now available at Gardner Edgerton High School. The Blazer Deli is a way that students can order through the free Nutrislice App available on mobile devices. Box lunches are served with options of either a salad or deli sandwich. Sandwich styles include bread types of hoagie, flatbread, or wrap and a choice of meats, cheese, and toppings. Boxed salads are build your own, including vegetarian options. Orders placed by 9 a.m. through the mobile app are prepared by GEHS lunch staff. Another bright spot of this option—there is no waiting in line! Online orders can be picked up at the Blazer Den window during lunch. Director of Nutrition Services, Amy Droegemeier, is very pleased with how the mobile app lunch option is taking off. “More and more students are taking advantage of it each week,” Droegemeier said. “Gardner Edgerton is one of the only school districts that offer online lunch ordering and we are very proud of that.” 4 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Middle School Students Help Community Pioneer Ridge Middle School, Trail Ridge Middle School, and Wheatridge Middle School participated in an Annual Community Food Drive this past month. Pioneer Ridge and Trail Ridge have both completed the food drive and Wheatridge just finished up. All non-perishable food items were donated to the Gardner Multi-Service Center for community members in need during the holiday season. Pioneer Ridge collected a total of 3,550 items in a span of two weeks. Mrs. Meddings’ sixth grade class came through with a total of 517 items. Trail Ridge rounded up a total of 2,380 items. Ms. Swearengin’s class had the most with a total of 636 non-perishable food items.
“The generosity of the students and parents at Trial Ridge never disappoints when it comes to supporting our Gardner Edgerton community,” says Lori Bobki, TRMS FACS Teacher and Student Ambassador Leader. “When you have kids bringing in wagons filled with food to donate to those less fortunate, you cannot help but be proud,” Bobki said. Wheatridge was still collecting items and numbers were looking great at the time this article was submitted! By the end of the 2018 calendar year, over 8,000 non-perishable food items were collected for community members in need. Jaguars, Huskies, and Mustangs should be very proud of a job well done. WINTER 2019
• 5
Senior Citizens Luncheon
s s e c c u S
Nearly 200 community members attended the 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon on October 24 at Gardner Edgerton High School. GEHS Student Council planned this luncheon over the course of the month leading up to the event. The four course meal included salad, chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and dessert all provided by the GEHS Nutrition Services staff. GEHS Student Council members served each guest and made the experience enjoyable for those in attendance. GEHS Fine Arts Department provided entertainment along with presentations from GEHS Principal Mark Meyer and USD 231 Superintendent Pam Stranathan.
6 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
“This was an amazing opportunity to serve the senior citizens in our community” said one STUCO student. Students were able to enhance many skills that day, such as communication, professionalism, customer service, and manners. “It was a delightful and beautifully presented lunch and program! The staff and students hard work made the event especially enjoyable!” said a STUCO Senior. The community looks forward to this luncheon every year; it has become a Gardner Edgerton School District tradition.
WINTER 2019
• 7
Student Led Blazer The Blazer Stop is a student store at Gardner Edgerton High School. This store is student led and part of the Career and Technical Education curriculum that gives students an idea of what they want to pursue after high school. This year, there are eighteen students in the Marketing Applications class who are the workforce behind The Blazer Stop. Jaylene Freeman, GEHS Marketing Applications Teacher, leads the class but allows the students to drive the direction of their store. The Blazer Stop collaborates heavily with DECA (the marketing club) advisors
8 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
and the groups share curriculum and ideas with each other. Each one of the eighteen students have a specific role to carry out the day-to-day operations. The roles are divided into five teams: Promotions, Finance, Apparel, Food and Beverage, and Human Resources. Promotions handles displays for the store, creates and posts social media content and plans promotional events. Finance is working on updating and tracking inventory, analyzing data, making deposits and communicating with USD 231 Finance Director, Jeremy McFadden, to bring debit card transactions to the store.
The Apparel team is creating new products to be sold and are branching out to pre-order sales for special events at Gardner Edgerton High School. The Food and Beverage team has brought a lot of change this year. They have contacted Coca-Cola about the addition of a large cooler to sell bottled drinks. The team has also met with Director of Nutrition Services, Amy Droegemeier, and GEHS Kitchen Manager, Brenda Cloud to discuss compliance with nutritional guidelines. Cloud allows The Blazer Stop to order product through her which greatly benefits the program from both a cost
Stop and convenience perspective. Human Resources is responsible for scheduling students to work, providing training as well as collaboration with other programs at GEHS. “I take pride in each student having a role and it really holds them accountable,” said Freeman. The Blazer Stop is open Wednesday through Friday from 7:25 a.m. – 7:55 a.m. and Blue Days during lunch. The Blazer Stop workers are focused on boosting traffic to increase sales. Items for sale at the store include coffee, iced coffee, Dippin’ Dots, Blazer Apparel, muffins, gum, school supplies, and
more. Currently the store averages about thirty customers per morning. Another aspect of the program is learning to collaborate. Presently they are collaborating with the Booster Club to sell booster products. The Blazer Stop is always seeking others to work with; other collaborations have included Forging Forward Design+Apparel, GEYCP, TOPS Program, and construction classes at the Advanced Technical Center. All of these programs are GEHS programs and provide a great opportunity for the students to keep items in house. Students have really taken pride and ownership in this program. “They are not all friends when they start this class but they are family by the end,” Freeman said when asked about what she is proud of. “They are part of a legacy that will continue long after they graduate and they get to pass it down to next year’s students.” TaeVheon Alcorn, GEHS Senior said, “I have learned that with teamwork, communication, a call to action and motivation, anything can be achieved regardless of how difficult the situation is.” There are some amazing things in the works to make The Blazer Stop bigger and better. Selling food items created by the Baking & Pastry and Culinary Arts students is at the top of that list. The collaboration with the TOPS programs could eventually lead to coffee deliveries to teachers in the building. The Food and Beverage team will be making holiday drinks throughout the season and the Promotions team will be making commercials to be shown on announcements. The students in the Marketing Applications class want
to pursue business and or marketing in college and after, running The Blazer Stop gives them an opportunity to explore their passion. Patrick Beane, Senior at Gardner Edgerton High School, said,” This class is different from others because you are actually able to learn about marketing and entrepreneurship by doing real world things.” TaeVheon Alcorn will be majoring
I have learned that with teamwork, communication, a call to action and motivation, anything can be achieved regardless of how difficult the situation is.
– TaeVheon Alcorn, GEHS Senior
at the University of Kansas in finance and creating a business. “Because of this class, I have learned significantly about finance, marketing, project management, and how to operate a business,” said Alcorn. At the beginning of the year, Mrs. Freeman asked her students to create a mission statement. The Blazer Stop students chose, For Blazers, By Blazers, because at the end of the day we want as many people involved and benefiting from The Blazer Stop as possible.
WINTER 2019
• 9
In a continued effort to increase communication and offer opportunities to students, USD 231 has started a weekly podcast entitled “The 231 Way”. This podcast is being offered as part of an ongoing effort by Central Office administration to work more directly with students and increase awareness of district activities, initiatives, and accomplishments. Four students have been chosen to start the program and act as
10 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
“co-hosts”: Jade Haney, Landon Cain, and Calvin Schoendaller, Seniors at GEHS, and Morgan McIntire and Taylor Warner, Juniors at GEHS. Episodes will be released on a weekly basis and focus on timely and relevant information related to the school district and community at-large. Barring technical difficulties, episodes will be released weekly on Thursday afternoons.
Events at a Glance January 7 – School Resumes (3rd Quarter Begins) 10 – Nike, Blood Drive, 3 pm 11 – Sunflower, Spelling Bee, 1:30 pm 12 – Gardner, PTO Blood Drive, 9 am 12-13 – TRMS, String Fling in Junction City, All Day 14 – Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm 17 – Nike, Chili Cook Off and Bingo Night, 6 pm 18 – Grand Star, PTA Movie Night, 6:30 pm 18 – Sunflower, PTO Movie Night, 6 pm 18-19 – Middle School Honor Band at KU, All Day 19-20 – WMS, Orchestra String Fling at KSU, All Day
15 – No School, All Offices Closed 18 – No School, Presidents’ Day 20 – GEHS, Winter Band Concert, 7 pm 21 – Grand Star, 2nd Grade Musical, 7 pm 21 – Sunflower, 2nd Grade Musical, 7 pm 22 – Sunflower, PTO Parent Night Out, 6 pm 22 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm 25 – Middle School, Jazz Festival @ GEHS, 7 pm 26 – All Elementary Schools, Kindergarten Roundup, 4 pm 26 – WMS, Frontier League Middle School Band Festival, 7 pm
21 – Martin Luther King Day, No School
26 – TRMS, Frontier League Middle School Band Festival @ Paola, 7 pm
24 – Gardner, Donuts with Dad, 7:45 am
27 – PRMS, 5th – 8th Vocal Concerts, 6 pm
24 – Edgerton, STEAM Night, 5 pm
27 – TRMS, 5th – 8th Vocal Concerts, 6:30 pm
24 – Nike, Parents as Teachers, 5:30 pm
27 – WMS, 5th – 8th Vocal Concerts, 6:30 pm
25 – Nike, Donuts with Divas, 7:45 am
28 – Gardner, Math and Reading Night, 5:30 pm
25 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm
28 – GEHS, Winter Orchestra Concert, 7 pm
25 – Sunflower, 2nd Grade Family Fitness Night, 5:30 pm 29 – Grand Star, Family Reading and Math Night, 6 pm 30 – PRMS, 8th Grade Family Night @ GEHS, 6 pm 31 – Gardner, PTO Bingo/Chili Night, 6 pm 31 – GEHS, Winter Play, 7 pm
February 1 – GEHS, Winter Play, 7 pm
March 1 – Grand Star, Staff Talent Show/Silent Auction, 6 pm 2 – Madison, Carnival, 1 pm 4 – Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm 4 – GEHS, Vocal Concert, 7 pm 5 – Music in Our Schools Concerts, All Schools 7 – Madison, 1st Grade Musical, 7 pm
2 – GEHS, Winter Play, 7 pm
8 – No School, Professional Development, End of 3rd Quarter
7 – Grand Star, Preschool Art Show, 5:30 pm
11-15 – No School, Spring Break
7 – Moonlight, 1st Grade Musical, 6:30 pm
19 – Moonlight, Family Fun Night, 6 pm
7 – Nike, 2nd Grade Music Program, 7 pm
21 – Gardner, PTO Movie Night, 6 pm
8 – TRMS, School Play, 6 pm
21 – Grand Star, Family Art Night, 6:30 pm
8 – Edgerton, Career Day, 8:30 am
22 – Nike, Donuts with Dudes, 7:45 am
8 – Moonlight, PTA Family Fun Night, 6 pm
22 – Sunflower, PTO Family Movie Night, 6 pm
8 – Sunflower, 1st Grade Family Fitness Night, 5:30 pm 9 – Trail Ridge, Cheer Competition at Baldwin, All Day
27 – PRMS/TRMS/WMS/GEHS, District Orchestra Concert @ GEHS, 7 pm
9 – GEHS, Winter Royalty Dance, 9 pm
28 – Gardner, Mornings with Mom, 7:45 am
11 – Board of Education Meeting, 6 pm
28 – Gardner, 2nd Grade Musical, 7 pm
12 – Early Release, K-4, 1 pm; 5-12 12:30 pm (Parent Teacher Conferences)
29 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm
13-14 – No School, Parent Teacher Conferences
29 - Sunflower, Kindergarten Family Fitness Night, 5:30 pm WINTER 2019
• 11
WE DELIVER
Solid relationships. Uncompromising performance. Unwavering integrity.
At Johnson County Community College, innovation is in our DNA. That’s why we’re constructing two new buildings and tackling campuswide renovation projects, including:
That’s what makes our buildings. That’s what makes us McCownGordon.
• Converting space into active learning classrooms
mccowngordon.com
• Consolidating our academic resource centers into one location • Refacing the Student Center for improved access
75111359
Every update is informed by industry needs, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for our students. What are you waiting for? Discover what
75112081
makes JCCC a destination for success.
To advertise in the Gardner Edgerton Horizon, call Sandy Nelson
816-616-4301 12 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
jccc.edu 75107978
75107935
WINTER 2019
• 13
KC-AREA STUDENTS LOVE
WICHITA STATE.
75107908
FOR OVER 40 YEARS, HELPING FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS OPTICAL SHOWROOM
SEE BETTER... LIVE BETTER... PLAY BETTER... LEARN BETTER
From a traditional college atmosphere to the
opportunities and experiences only found in its location, it’s no surprise why KC-area students choose Wichita State as their college destination.
EYE DISORDERS
EDUCATION gardner
913-856-6360 913-341-4508
overland park
Quality degrees + real-world experience In-state tuition for qualified Missouri residents Kansas’ most-diverse college campus Opportunities not found in the typical college town
WWW. HBR EYECARE .COM 75111527
We are honored to be a part of the Gardner community.
Alexandria Lamb Bishop Ward HS
Isabelle Macy St. James Academy
Gardner Justice Center
Colton Russell Turner HS
Kyle Kopecky Blue Valley North HS
Kiah Nesbit Olathe East
Come see all of the reasons why you, too, will love being a Shocker:
wichita.edu/visit
1220 Washington, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 816.283.0555 75111446
14 •
75111638
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
SPORTING Blue Valley Spring Recreational Soccer Sign-Up
Registration Now Open PreK - 12th Grade Teams formed by School and Grade Play with Friends $95 for the Season 6 to 8 Game Season Season Starts March 23
Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex - Home of SBV www.SportingBVSoccer.org SUMMER CAMPS
SKILLS CLUB
SBV FUTURES
SBV JUNIORS
Pre Tryout Half Day Mini Kicker Goalkeeper
Fridays PreK - 6th 7 Weeks Learn the skills of the game
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Excellent Coaching Fall / Winter & Spring
2nd & 3rd Grade Excellent Coaching Fall / Winter & Spring
75111363
WINTER 2019
• 15
“Mom, I hab a stuffy dose.” Convenient care. For families on the go. When wintertime illness strikes someone in your family, count on Olathe Health’s network of primary care clinics. Every one of our teams is backed by the resources of Olathe Health, so you always have the expertise you need, right where you need it.
Call for an appointment or walk in today. Olathe Health Family Medicine-Gardner 18320 S. Center St. 75111337
16 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Olathe Health Care Express-Gardner 830 E. Main St. (Inside Price Chopper)
913-856-5577 olathehealth.org/gardner
