SPRING 2018
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Superintendent’s Message USD 231 students and staff have reached outstanding heights in achievements this year for their work in and out of the classrooms. From state champions in golf, cross country and wrestling to staff being recognized for personal and professional contributions, I could not be more proud of the tremendous efforts and successes from our students and staff. Just over the past several months, USD 231 students and staff have been honored for outstanding accomplishments and achievements. On the fine arts front, many talented music students were honored by being selected to participate in the All-State Orchestra, All-State Choir and All-State Band performances in February. Our GEHS theater students attended the Kansas State Thespian Conference, along with more than 250 students statewide, and returned with a slate of impressive honors. Our high school dance and cheer groups recently attended national competitions and stood out from the rest due to the dedication and commitment to their programs. Many students in various clubs and organizations such as the General Federation of Women’s Club; DECA; Future Teachers; FCCLA; and Engineering Club; have all excelled with honors and awards in tough regional competitions. In addition, Wheatridge Middle school eighth grade students were selected to win $1,000 for their work on the Kansas City Healthy Kids’, “I am Here” award to promote health and wellness in their school. All these students work extremely hard and represent USD 231 with maturity, respect and pride. Throughout the school year, students at all levels rise above daily expectations by participating in service projects that help our community and our world. Being a part of community service projects provides the opportunity for students to experience and understand what ‘service’ really means as well as teach the importance of good character and good citizenship. It is our belief and hope that these opportunities will lead to continued service to others as they become adults. Gardner Edgerton School District staff are among the finest educators in the state. Recognitions and honors for the incredible work they do every day is being noticed outside district boundaries. Kelli Baker, GEHS director of choirs, was honored as KMEA Outstanding Music Educators Award; Jeff Lady, GEHS director of theatre, was named the Kansas Thespian Region 2 (Northeast Kansas Region) Teacher of the Year 2018; and just recently Walt Cochran, GEHS history teacher, was honored with the MidAmerica Nazarene University “Teacher Who Inspires” award. These staff members are among the many who do great things not only in our schools, but in the communities we serve. I am so proud of each and every one of our students and staff for their hard work and dedication these past months and look forward to many more great achievements ahead.
Pam Stranathan Superintendent of Schools
Summer Meals are Back! Gardner Edgerton School District once again is excited to offer the Summer Food Service Program to area youth. The Summer Food Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by Kansas State Department of Education, provides nutritious meals to children during the summer. During the school year, nearly half of the children in Kansas qualify for reduced-price or free meals. The goal of the Summer Food Service program is to ensure children continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when the low-cost or free school meals are no longer available. Over the past seven years, thousands of meals have been served to community children. Last summer, the participating Gardner Edgerton schools served more than 29,000 meals in nine weeks. “Unfortunately, nutritional needs for kids don’t stop when school is out. Our program helps parents and caregivers bridge the gap over summer break by providing healthy, fresh meals to our community’s children,” said Amy Droegemeier, director of Nutrition Services. “We want our school sites to continue to be a place where kids gather to see their friends and enjoy a meal together.” The program provides FREE meals for all children 1 to 18 years of age. Persons over 18 years of age may also dine at any of the sites for a minimal fee. The following locations in the District will be serving FREE meals this summer. Edgerton Elementary: Monday, June 4 - Friday, August 3 Lunch 11 am-12:15 pm / Dinner (Tuesdays only) 5-6:30 pm Trail Ridge Middle School: Monday, June 4 - Friday, August 3 Breakfast 7:30-8:30 am / Lunch 11 am-1 pm Wheatridge Middle School: Monday, June 4 - Friday, August 3 Breakfast 7:30-8:30 am / Lunch 11 am-1 pm
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 Director of Community Relations/Editor: Leann Northway District Offices USD 231 Board of Education: Tresa Boden, Shawn Carlisle, Greg Chapman, Kristen Schultz, Rob Shippy, Robin Strentz, Lana Sutton SPRING 2018
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Gardner Edgerton Teachers of the Year Announced Over the past few months, nominations have been submitted and applications completed for the USD 231 Teachers of the Year program. As with all candidates Rhonda Wedel in past years, Pioneer Ridge two excellent Middle School educators have been selected to represent Gardner Edgerton School District in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. This year, Kent Muyskens, GEHS chemistry teacher; and Rhonda Wedel, Pioneer Ridge Middle School math teacher, were chosen as the USD 231 Teachers of the Year. Rhonda Wedel has taught middle school math since 2004. Prior to Gardner Edgerton, Wedel worked in the Olathe and Blue Valley school districts. She holds a Kansas K-9 Elementary Professional License, Kansas 5-8 Mathematics Professional License, Missouri Elementary Education 1-6 Career Continuous Professional Certificate, and a Missouri Mathematics 5-9 Career Continuous Professional Certificate. She received her master’s degree from Baker University. Wedel has presented various topics for professional development and has received awards and recognitions such as, My Favorite Teacher Award for Middle School Age Group, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, April 2012; 2011-2012 Oxford Middle School Sunflower Award Recipient; Blue Valley Kansas Teacher of the Year 2012 nominee; Blue Valley Excellence in Education Award, March 2011; Blue Valley Kansas Master Teacher nominee, 2011;
and Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching nominee. Rhonda says her goal is to promote positive learning; to have a clear understanding of the math curriculum, instruction and assessment tools; and to create a strong math foundation. Most importantly, she shares that she strives to bring a lot of energy to the classroom by having fun and developing high interest, real-world lessons and activities. “Mrs. Wedel is constantly looking to improve student learning. She will go the extra mile for any student at any grade level who needs support,” said Mrs. Miesner, Pioneer Ridge Middle School principal. “On multiple occasions, I have had students in my office after school and she has passed by and offered help regardless of the grade level of the student. Her desire to make the school a great place for students has been essential for our school success.” Kent Muyskens has been teaching chemistry since 1985. He holds a Kansas Teaching License in 6-12 chemistry, mathematics and physics; and holds an Iowa Kent Muyskens Teacher License Gardner Edgerton 5-12 chemistry, High School physics and mathematics. Muyskens was named Northwest I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher of the Year in 2016 by the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. He has presented at several education summits and technology seminars, and over the past seven years, has taken
students to NASA, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for the Space Settlement Design Competition where students worked with NASA Engineers to design a futuristic space settlement. Muyskens says of all the honors and awards he has received over the years, he takes great pride in the fact that students tell him that they are successful in college chemistry, and appreciate how hard he pushed them in high school. “Teaching is about affecting students’ lives, and the greatest accomplishment that I could ever hope to have is affecting the lives of my students in a positive way,” said Muyskens. “In my short time knowing Mr. Muyskens, it is easy to say he is a master teacher,” said Andrew Kipp, fellow GEHS chemistry teacher. “His attention to detail, consistently innovative and engaging lessons, eagerness to continue to learn, and his work ethic allow him to help students grow to their maximum potential.” Each year the Kansas State Department of Education looks for one outstanding teacher to become its Teacher of the Year, and sponsors a statewide competition. Each school district in the state is given the opportunity to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher. Once selected as a District Teacher of the Year winner, an extensive application process must be completed to move onto the regional competition. A regional selection committee is responsible for selecting six semi-finalist, three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers at the regional level. Each regional finalist becomes a state finalist for the Kansas Teacher of the Year.
Super Spellers From December through January, elementary and middle school students participated in the annual USD 231 Spelling Bees. Outstanding spelling skills were witnessed in all grade levels with finalists tackling some pretty difficult words. The winners at each school advanced on to the annual Johnson County Spelling Bee held on January 27, at Indian Woods Middle School in Shawnee Mission School District. Congratulations to the following Gardner Edgerton Spelling Bee winners who participated in the County Bee: Karlyn Riel – 4th grade, Edgerton Elementary Kyla Gammill – 4th Grade, Gardner Elementary Charlie Weatherford – 3rd Grade, Grand Star Elementary Audrey Gainer – 3rd Grade, Madison Elementary Dayne Williams – 4th Grade, Moonlight Elementary 4 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Gabriella Young – 4th grade, Nike Elementary Arden Sirithasack – 4th Grade, Sunflower Elementary Angelina Pizzaro – 8th Grade, Pioneer Ridge Middle Ryan Beane – 8th Grade, Trail Ridge Middle Connor Reddish – 8th Grade, Wheatridge Middle
Flowers Earn State Title
Every summer, USD 231 offers a variety of fun and engaging classes through Summer Programming. This year, we are excited to announce we will be expanding the program by adding new enrichment classes at Bistro 425, the GEHS Culinary program, and the Advanced Technical Center at GEHS. Summer Programming is designed to support student learning during the summer with engaging, high-interest activities that promote student creativity, problem-solving and reinforcement of core learning skills.
Classes are held at Trail Ridge Middle, Wheatridge Middle, Gardner Edgerton High School and the Advanced Technical Center, and will be offered in a variety of date combinations. Students enroll for the grade they will enter in August 2018. The program is financially supported through student tuition. Transportation is not provided for Summer Programming. Information on courses and registration can be found at www.usd231.com.
Jackson Flowers, GEHS senior, left the mat on Saturday night, February 24, ending his high school wrestling career the way every child who steps on a mat dream of, as a state champion. He made the path to a state title look like an easy one, winning 38 of 43 matches on the year, pinning most opponents and physically dominating all. However, the road wasn’t as easy as it appears. Flowers struggled in his first two seasons at GEHS and after failing to qualify for state as a sophomore, Jackson promised his dad he would not only make it to state, but win it. He began to dedicate himself to the weight room, and attended every practice and camp available, soaking up all the knowledge that he could. The hard work along with his unique physique began to pay off quickly into his junior year as he quickly became a star. By the end of his junior year Jackson had won thirty matches (more than double the amount he won his freshmen and sophomore seasons combined) and not only qualified for state, but placed fourth. Always a competitor, Jackson didn’t settle and worked even harder, wrestling all spring and summer, traveling all over the metro to work out with the best partners he could find. Flowers proved that hard work, and dedication can make anything happen as he became the 7th individual wrestler in GEHS history to become crowned a state champion. Next year, Flowers plans to attend University of Central Missouri on a football scholarship, where he will transfer the skills and work ethic learned on the mat, to the football field. SPRING 2018
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brings literature to life Librarian and computer teacher Crysta Baier shares how hands-on STEAM activities can help bring literature to life for young students. By Crysta Baier, Edgerton Elementary Librarian STEM education is one of the most talked about subjects in our country today — and for good reason. From our K-12 system and post-secondary institutions to business, industry and government, most everyone is focused on — or at least has something to say about — STEM education as a key solution to improve educational performance and solve the persistent workforce development issues that plague our nation. But STEM isn’t simply the subjects in the acronym. It’s an engaging and exciting way of teaching and learning. And more recently, the STEM has been modified to STEAM, STREAM or STEMM — incorporating art, reading or music into the acronym. Stop by any teacher lounge in any district at any grade level, and you may hear the teachers discussing what STEAM activities they are implementing. Though I am not a homeroom teacher, I have been able to build time into my curriculum for STEAM activities — and not any just STEAM activities, but ones tied to children’s literature. Below are a few activities done in the elementary library.
Engaging Younger Students with STEAM In my kindergarten library class, we read the picture book, Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. We discussed what “interrupting” means and why it is troublesome in the classroom. The following week, each student made their own interrupting chicken to remind them to be patient listeners. We used toilet paper rolls, feathers, googly eyes, craft sticks and hot glue to make the chickens. With the help of a library volunteer, we were able to create these in one class period — and the kids loved it. The kids enjoyed getting to do something both creative and being 6 •
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connected to the book. My overall intent was to take their creations home and tell their parents about what we read in library. This was fun, simple, educational and easy to implement, even with time restraints.
STEAM Activities in the Elementary School Library In my third grade class, I have a yearly tradition: I read The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco at the beginning of school. It is a touching book about Mrs. Peterson, a teacher of misfit kids who teaches her students to believe in themselves. They are called “Junkyard Wonders,” and they go to a junkyard to find discarded items to create something new. After reading this book, I divide up the class into “tribes,” as Mrs. Peterson does in the book. Each tribe is given a baggie full of random items: paper clips, toilet paper rolls, scraps of paper, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, etc. Using only these items (plus scissors and glue), students are asked to create something new. After they’ve collaborated and created, they must then describe what they’ve made. This is a fun activity that promotes teamwork, engineering, creativity and unconventional thinking. Plus, the final product offers a great opportunity for a writing assignment — e.g. write about what you created; write about how you created it; or write about how your ‘tribe’ worked together to make this happen. Finally, my fourth graders have been reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with their classroom teacher. In honor of the book’s 20th anniversary, the specialists decided to have a Harry Potter week where
we did an activity relating to the book series. I decided to try out a STEAM activity for the occasion. I pulled from the second book in the series, where we meet Aragog the spider. I divided each class into groups of two or three and gave each group a pack of dental floss, two paper clips, scotch tape and a sheet of directions. Their assignment was to create Aragog’s spider web using just the materials provided. Afterwards, they had to fill out a lab sheet discussing how their group solved the problem. My fourth graders seemed to really enjoy this activity. They were engaged, their activity related to the book series they are reading, and they were able to use their collaboration and engineering skills.
Teaching Students to Think Creatively You may ask, “Why STEAM?” STEAM activities can help students think creatively. Students learn to work in a team and create something new — without the help of a teacher. Students build confidence in themselves when they find they can complete a challenge and learn to look at a problem in a different way. And, of course, students get to dig into areas of study that sometimes get overshadowed by the dayto-day business of learning to read and write. These fun and engaging learning opportunities are a great way for me to make connections between my students and the books we read in class.
Arts Council of Johnson County Names GEHS Seniors as 2018 Shooting Stars Program Finalists The Arts Council of Johnson County (ACJC) announced six finalists from Gardner Edgerton High School have been nominated for the 2018 Shooting Stars Awards. The Shooting Stars Program honors Johnson County high school students for achievement in the literary, performing and visual arts through recognition and college scholarships. Shooting Stars award recipients will be announced at the 21st annual Shooting Stars Gala, March 25.
Finalists include:
Kara McCormick, Production & Design Hannah Collette, Theatre Performance Chloe Akin, Three Dimensional Art Kinsey McCormick, Two Dimensional Art Olivia Schultz, Voice Classical Tom Fabing, Winds & Percussion At the Shooting Stars Gala, nine first-place scholarships of $1,400 each and nine secondplace scholarships of $700 each will be awarded to the top two finalists in each artistic category. Nine teacher honorariums of $350 will be given to teachers who nominated the top student in each category. The program is supported by Johnson County and area foundations, corporations and individual donors. Since starting 21 years ago, the Shooting Stars program has
awarded more than $200,000 in college scholarships and almost $65,000 in teacher honorariums. Each year, Shooting Stars recognizes more than 100 students who demonstrate excellence in nine categories of literary, performing and visual arts. Art teachers from Johnson County schools nominate the students for Shooting Stars. Teachers at schools outside of Johnson County also may nominate students who live in Johnson County. “Shooting Stars celebrate the Arts by acknowledging the critical role the Arts play in our current and future workforce,” said Brian Williams, President, ACJC Board of Directors. “It’s critically important that we recognize that students with skills in the Arts bring creativity, ingenuity, and perspective to science, technology, engineering and math careers and their Arts skills will prepare them well for many jobs that are continuing to develop in the 21st century.” The Shooting Stars Gala is on Sunday, March 25, 2018, from 3 to 6 pm at Johnson County Community College. From 3 to 4 pm, Shooting Stars finalists and guests will attend a reception and exhibition opening at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. During the reception, guests may see the finalists’ projects in the Photography, ThreeDimensional and Two-Dimensional Art on display. The Awards Ceremony will be held in Yardley Hall from 4:15 to 5:30 pm.
Cochran Honored
Walt Cochran, history teacher at Gardner Edgerton High School was honored by MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) as a “Teacher Who Inspires.” Gardner Edgerton High School student teacher and MNU student, Matt Mayeske, nominated Cochran for the award. The Teacher Who Inspires award is given by the MNU Teacher Education Department annually, and is just one small way the university can give back to the exemplary educators who serve as MNU mentors. “Mr. Cochran’s teaching style, motivating charisma, and love for history are the reasons why I wanted to become a teacher,” said Mayeske. “I had him my junior year of high school, and he inspired me to turn my love of social studies into a passion for serving others. In my short time as a student teacher in his class, he has continued to motivate me in helping me become a much more insightful, reflective, and student-oriented educator. If I could gain even an ounce of his work ethic and love for the students he teaches, then my teaching career will be very successful!” Cochran will be honored at the annual celebration of learning-The Education Jubilation and accept his award on April 26, at MidAmerica Nazarene University. “Walt has done, and continues to do so much for MNU teacher education,” said Dr. Jo Lamar, professor, MNU. “This award is most certainly merited and long overdue, congratulations!” SPRING 2018
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Building a Career in Construction Trades
Whether it’s building a career in construction trades or learning a few skills to help dad around the house, the advanced construction trades program at Gardner Edgerton High School can offer both to students. With the opening of the Advanced Technical Center at Gardner Edgerton High School this fall, students can now get hands-on training in the field of carpentry and construction. It begins with learning the basics of the trade to possibly a lifelong career. The first, and basic start of the program is Carpentry 1. This course is a comprehensive study designed to instruct students in basic carpentry. Students begin the first few weeks of school learning safety standards. Cherokee Boyd, lead construction instructor, says the number of students in the class plus the tools that are used, makes safety one of the most important components of the course. “Students must pass a rigorous safety test at 100 percent before they can even go out into the shop,” said Boyd. “If any student does not follow safety protocol based on OSHA requirements, students come back into the class to review those 8 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
standards and how to prevent it from happening again.” Once all students pass the safety test, Boyd then learns about the individual student and what he/she knows about the industry. “I have the students complete a writing assignment on what construction experience they have had in the past,” said Boyd. “Those students who have some experience become a leader, or in construction terminology, a foreman of the crew. This leadership role will prepare them for one day being a foreman of a real crew. Part of the grade for these students is their leadership skills and how they interact and lead their crew.” Once safety is learned and crews determined, then the real fun begins. Carpentry 1 includes the basic construction applications. Student’s first project is to build a 6 by 8 feet deck. From there, students build a stud wall and floor joist layouts, determine door sizes and window openings, and eventually build trusses. After that, the roofing and siding are applied. The goal of the Carpentry 1, one-year program, is to touch everything on the outside of the tiny house. After the first year, students can
continue in the program and enroll in Carpentry II. Carpentry II is an advanced comprehensive course designed to take what was learned in Carpentry I, and enhance their skills to be used in residential, home improvement and commercial construction. Students in the second year will work on the inside of the tiny house, stairs, sheetrock, cabinets and fundamental instruction in electrical and plumbing. The two programs work hand in hand, Carpentry I will build the house up, and Carpentry II will finish it up. Boyd hopes to have a tiny house complete and fully operable to give away to The Homeless Veterans in Kansas City. Boyd is no stranger to teaching construction trades and the kids have become sponges to his knowledge. “I taught the same program in Colorado, so I have had the experience of teaching this level of students before. It is going so well, the kids are just absorbing everything I teach and they are doing great. So great, he says, we are including other techniques such as changing roof pitches, reframing studs, and how to adjust to change orders.” Teamwork is extremely important in
this course. It is imperative that team members build a trust with each other to get the project completed safely. “Today we had a situation where the members of the team had to complete a project with one arm, resulting in each other depending on the other to get the job done,” said Boyd. “A hypothetical example used, is if a crewman is running a bobcat and needs to know how far to go forward before he hits the end of the ledge, that crewman must trust his co-worker to guide him. These little scenarios may seem silly, but it is so important, sometimes life or death situations, to make sure all crew are trusting of each other. I find from these lessons that the students become a cohesive group in the shop, yet may not have ever talked outside the classroom.” “I have a motto that each student must adhere to,” said Boyd. “Every student, whether it be freshman or senior, or male or female, must understand ‘RIPPED’. It stands for Respect, Integrity, Professional, Pride, Educate, and Demonstrate; those are my expectations and they must be met. So far, every student adheres and respects the rule.”
With the onstart of the program this fall, GEHS senior Grady Allen (on the cover), will only have one year of Carpentry instruction behind him and not eligible for the NCCER Card. His plans are to attend Fort Scott Community College and enroll in the construction trades program through Pittsburg State University to earn a certification in construction trades. The construction trades certification program includes more than just construction, but skills that include trades necessary for construction – Cherokee Boyd, such as masonry, heavy equipment, lead construction instructor welding, interior work, electrical, plumbing and others. Boyd shares that the kids are so “My family is involved in septic work, interested in the program, they stop by on so most of the experience I have in this their free time to work in the shop or just field is outside the house,” said Allen. to chat. He says all students become my “With taking the Carpentry I class, I kids and I am here for them on any level. realize how important it is to know just Part of the program is to give students as much about the interior of the home a skillset for the opportunity to obtain a as the exterior grounds. My plans are NCCER Card, a national certified credited to go into the heavy equipment side program which tells the employer the candidate has accomplished the skill. This of construction trades since that is my family’s work, but I am really enjoying the allows for students who are not prepared carpentry construction side of it, too.” to pay for a four-year college program to As the second semester is half over, the get right in the field. Students also receive success of the program is evident. a OSHA 10 card upon completion of the “I’ve been thrilled to be a part of this program. first-year program, and can’t wait to get
These little scenarios may seem silly, but it is so important, sometimes life or death situations, to make sure all crew are trusting of each other.
RIPPED Respect Integrity Professional Pride Educated Demonstrate
next year started with the next level,” said Boyd. “At this point, 65 to 70 percent of my students want to continue in the program next year. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity because this is absolutely what I love to do.” SPRING 2018
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GEHS Student to Compete at the World Championships of Irish Dance Nate Sawchak, junior at GEHS, has qualified for the first time to compete in the prestigious World Championship of Irish Dance in Glasgow, Scotland. Nate qualified at the regional championships in Chicago and is currently preparing to improve his world ranking and become one of the highest placed Americans. Nate is a student of the O’Riada Manning Academy of Irish Dance. Academy Director Joseph Manning is encouraged with the work ethic and talent that Nate has and his desire to always improve. “It takes a special dancer to qualify for the world championships,” said Joseph.
“Only the top of the top receive the honor of representing their school and city. There will be dancers from every region competing this year and hoping to lift the trophy as the world’s best. It takes years of dedication and practice to improve your skills to the level needed. Nate is one of the few dancers from Kansas City to compete at the worlds. He has been working hard and has already improved his ranking in his region.” To qualify for their regionals, dancers travel all around the country competing at competitions. Once you qualify for your regionals, a dancer then dances against the best in that dancer’s age group and gender. There are thousands of dancers that competed in Chicago, but only a few that qualify get to go to the worlds. Nate improved his placement to 6th this year in Chicago. Nate competes on March 29. “The opportunity to compete in the World Irish Dancing Championships has
long been a dream and goal for me. It is such an honor to participate in the Olympics of Irish dance,” said Nate. “I have been working with my teacher, Joseph Manning, seven days a week to prepare for Worlds. I can’t wait to dance against the best of the best in Glasgow, Scotland. My heritage is Scotch-Irish and I have secretly hoped to dance in Scotland or in Ireland one day. Now, I will! This experience has taught me that if you put the work ethic into your dreams then you can achieve anything.”
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Events at a Glance March
May
20 – Madison, Rescheduled Kindergarten Rodeo
1 – Grand Star, PTA meeting, 6:30 pm
20 – GEHS, Winter Band Concert, 7 pm
1 – Nike, Singing Missiles Concert, 7 pm
22 – Gardner, Movie Night, 6 pm
2 – Wheatridge, Muffins with Mom, 7:30 am
22 – Grand Star, Open House/Bingo Night, 6 pm 23 – Nike, Donuts with Dudes, 7:45 am 23 – Sunflower, Pastries with Parents & Friends, 7:30 am 23 – Sunflower, PTO Movie Night, 6 pm 29 – Grand Star, STEM & Family Science Night, 6 pm 30 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm
April 2 – Grand Star, PTA Meeting, 6:30 pm 3 – Nike, PTO Meeting, 6:30 pm 3 – Sunflower, PTO Art Walk/Choir Performance, 7 pm 4 – PRMS, TRMS, WMS, GEHS, All District Orchestra Concert, at GEHS, 7 pm 4-6 – GEHS Spring Play-A Series of One-Act Plays, 7 pm 5 – Edgerton, 1st & 2nd Grade Music Program, 7 pm 5 – Madison, 4th Grade Musical, 7 pm 9 – Madison, PTA Meeting, 7 pm 10 – Edgerton, PTO Meeting, 4 pm 11-13 – GEHS, Repertory Theater Presents, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown the Musical, 7 pm 12 – Moonlight, 24 Hour Challenge, All Day 12 – Grand Star, Kindergarten Spring Fling, 6:30 pm 13 – Sunflower, PTO Carnival, 5 pm 13 – Trail Ridge, Donuts for Dad, 7:15 am
2 – GEHS, Band Concert, 7 pm 3 – Wheatridge, Incoming 5th Grade Parent Night, 5 pm 3 – Wheatridge, Family Night at the Book Fair, 6 pm 3 – PRMS, Vocal Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 3 – Trail Ridge, Band Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 4 – Wheatridge, Donuts with Dad, 7:30 am 4 – Wheatridge, Orchestra Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 4 – Moonlight, Talent Show, 1 pm 4 – Nike, PTO Movie Night, 7 pm 5 – GEHS, Prom, 9 pm 5 – Edgerton, Family Fun Run, 5 pm 7 – GEHS, Spring Orchestra Concert, 7 pm 8 – Nike, PTO Meeting, 6:30 pm 8 – PRMS, Band Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 8 – Wheatridge, Vocal Concert, 5th/6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th/8th Grade 7:30 pm 8 – Trail Ridge, Orchestra Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 9 – Band Instrument Rental Night for 4th Graders at PRMS, 6 pm 9 – GEHS, Seniors Honors Night, 7 pm 10 – Moonlight, 4th Grade Wax Museum, 6 pm 10 – GEHS, Pops Concert, 7 pm
19 – Edgerton, Site Council, 4 pm
11 – Grand Star, Field Day
19 – Trail Ridge, PTA Meeting, 7 pm
14 – Madison, PTA Meeting, 7 pm
19 – Gardner, PTO Carnival, 6 pm
14 – Moonlight, Field Day
19 – Nike, 1st Grade Music Program, 7 pm
14 – Orchestra Instrumental Rental Night for 4th Graders at
20-23 – No School, Teacher InService 23 – All Elementary, Kindergarten Rodeo 26 – Sunflower, 1st Grade Musical, 7 pm 27 – Edgerton, PTO Carnival, 5:30 pm 27 – Sunflower, PTO Movie Night, 6 pm 27 – Grand Star, Carnival, 6 pm 27 – Instrumental Music Info Night for 4th Graders at GEHS, 7 pm 29 – GEHS, Blazerette Spring Show, 3 pm
PRMS, 6 pm 15 – PRMS, Orchestra Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 15 – Wheatridge, Band Concert, 5th/6th Grade 6:30 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 15 – Trail Ridge, Vocals Concert, 5th/6th Grade, 6 pm; 7th/8th Grade, 7:45 pm 15 – Edgerton, PTO Meeting, 6 pm 15 – Grand Star, Talent Show, 1 pm 19 – GEHS, Graduation, DAC, 10 am SPRING 2018
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Mortgage Lending We make home loans easy. Come see us today!
Ask About • Long-term fixed rates • Free pre-qualifications • Purchase transactions • Cash out refinances • Interest rate reductions • Local servicing and personal attention Contact your local lender to set up an appointment today! www.centralnational.com/mortgages/ Visit us at 205 N. Moonlight Road Gardner, KS 66030 or call (913) 856-3218 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender 75099621
www.jccc.edu 75099566
75092324
SPRING 2018
• 13
LIST OF DEGREE PROGRAMS Undergraduate
Accounting Business Administration Elementary Education
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION. AFFORDABLE EDUCATION.
Graduate
Library Science School Counseling
$500
Saint Mary has helped students find their purpose for over 90 years. At USM, GEHS grads will benefit from: • A Princeton Review Best Midwestern College*
scholarships
• Over 30 majors, including top-notch health care programs, business, accounting, pre-engineering, education, and more
available for first time graduate and undergraduate degree-seeking students
• One-on-one attention from expert faculty • Generous financial aid—scholarships of up to $60,000 over four years for qualified students • The college sports experience, with 18 varsity sports, including men’s and women’s wrestling *From the Princeton Review’s Best Regional Colleges, 2018. ©2017 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC.
SCHEDULE A VISIT T TODAY! TODAY!! emporia.edu/ks-asc
8400 W 110th St Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66210
stmary.edu/GEHS EHHS 75092404
75099051
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
913-338-4378
75099655
SPRING 2018
• 15
He’s 6. He has a 102˚ temp.
We’ll make sure he gets help today. Same-Day Priority Scheduling Our network of primary care clinics makes it easy for us to see you the same day you call. And because our skilled teams are backed by the resources of Olathe Health, you always have the expertise you need, right where you need it.
Call for Same-Day Priority Scheduling or just walk in. Family Medicine-Gardner 18320 S. Center St.
913-856-5577
Care Express-Gardner 830 E. Main St. (Inside Price Chopper)
913-390-6666
For all other locations call 913-782-2224 75099346
olathehealth.org/sameday