SUMMER 2018
G A R D N E R
E D G E R T O N
HORIZON Royal Honor
Coping by Crocheting Awards, Honors & Scholar Dollars SUMMER 2018
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P.O. Box 97 Gardner, Kansas 66030
ECRWSS Residential Customer
St. Joseph MO Permit No 2247
PAID
Presort Standard US Postage
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971 East Lincoln Lane • Gardner, KS 66030 • www.gardnerdentists.com • 913-856-7123
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
75092113
SUMMER 2018
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Superintendent’s Message In May, USD 231 implemented a new safety feature to our schools. On May 14, 2018, controlled entrances to all USD 231 school buildings were implemented for the safety of staff and students. All visitors and parents must alert office staff of their arrival and identify themselves prior to entering the building. This new feature began late spring to familiarize parents, staff and students of the new protocol prior to the next school year. The school doors will be unlocked as students arrive to school. After school begins, access to the building is controlled by an external buzzer that rings into the main office. A video monitor is used to identify the visitor and view the visitor’s photo identification. Once given permission to enter, the door is unlocked and the visitor may enter the building. As always, all visitors must sign in at the main office and obtain a visitor’s badge. We understand this may be an inconvenience to some of our visitors; but the District’s responsibility to keep every student and staff member safe in our buildings is top priority. We also believe our commitment to safety and security are integral in providing the most optimal learning experiences. As always, our buildings welcome parents and visitors at any time. The schools have extensive safety policies which the district reviews regularly. Every staff member is trained in safety procedures and expectations, and students participate in safety drills at each school throughout the year. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this added safety feature in our schools and look forward to seeing you in August.
Pam Stranathan Superintendent of Schools
USD 231 Honors Retirees On May 16, USD 231 recognized nine staff members at the annual USD 231 Retirement Dinner. The honorees had a combined 248 years of service to the field of education. We greatly appreciate the service and dedication these individuals provided the District over the years. Congratulations to the following and best wishes: Andrea Allenbrand, Dianne Borth, Marvin Diener, Joe Gutierres, Andy Hilton, Candy Hughes, Pat Jones, David Kalkman, LaDean Krueger, Pat McAuley, Kim McEntee, Don Meyer, Diana Neely, Sandy Waller, and Tom Wilson.
New Principals Selected for Grand Star and Moonlight Corina Ouellette is the new principal at Grand Star Elementary, and David Warner is the new principal at Moonlight Elementary. Both began their duties July 1, 2018. Ouellette has been serving as a special service coordinator in the De Soto School District since 2013. Her administrative duties in this role have included working alongside administrators and staff in both elementary and middle school settings. Prior to this role, Ouellette spent thirteen years in the elementary and intermediate levels. During this time, she worked in special education as well as the second grade classroom. Ouellette earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Bethany College and her master’s degree in school leadership from Baker University. She completed her district leadership endorsement through Fort Hays State University. Warner has been the principal in Chapman School District (Kansas) since 2015. Prior to Chapman Schools, he served as principal at Chase County Schools from 2012-2015. Prior to his role at Chase County Schools, Warner taught 4th grade in the Nemaha Valley Schools from 2006-2012. At this position, he was awarded the KSDE First Year Teacher Horizon Award in 2007. During his career he has also held the position of assistant basketball coach, Scholars’ Bowl sponsor and implemented an after school program called Irish Academy. Warner earned his bachelor’s in education from Washburn University; and earned his master’s in education and building leadership license from Baker University.
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
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
2018-2019 New School Meal Prices In previous years, school program regulations under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 required school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program to ensure sufficient funds were provided to the nonprofit school food service account for meals served to students not eligible for free or reduced price meals. The two approved ways to meet this requirement were to ensure prices charged for “paid” meals met the average requirement or through deposit of other non-Federal sources to the nonprofit school food service account. On March 23, 2018, President Trump signed the Omnibus Spending Bill HR 1625 (115). In Section 776 of this bill, the following statement was added: For school year 2018-2019, only a school food authority that had a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account as of January 31, 2018, shall be required to establish a price for paid lunches in accordance with Section 12(p) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 USC 1760(p). USDA policy memo SP 12-2018 provides notice that any Sponsor with a positive or zero balance in its nonprofit food service account as of January 31, 2018 is exempt from PLE requirements for school year (SY) 2018-19. Sponsors with a positive balance in the Food Service Fund as of January 31, 2018 will not be required to complete the PLE tool/requirements and will indicate that they have chosen this exemption on the Sponsor
Application in KN-CLAIM during Program Renewal. In additional USDA guidance, SFAs that charged less than $2.91 for paid lunches in the current year and held a negative fund balance as of January 31, 2018 will be required to adjust their average price or provide additional non-Federal funds to the non-profit school food service account for SY 2018-2019. Based on this guidance from USDA and KSDE, USD 231 Nutrition Services has completed the SY 2018- 19 Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Tool as provided by the USDA. The Unrounded Requirement Finder shows that our district’s meal prices should have been an average of $2.57 in SY 2017-2018 to meet the Paid Lunch Equity regulations. The 20172018 actual weighted average price was $2.51. Additionally, the calculations for SY 2018-2019 would require that the average weighted price for USD 231 to equal $2.68 (up $0.11). The amount of the required per-meal increase continues to be calculated using 2 percent plus the current Consumer Price Index of 2.31 percent (4.31 percent total). Based on the required calculations and the Food Service Fund’s continued solvency, student meal prices will be increased by a modest $0.05 at all levels in order to keep pace with the Paid Lunch Equity tool should it be required again in SY 2019-2020. In addition, there will be an increase of $0.05 for adult lunch and $0.10 for adult breakfast in order to maintain a
price equal to the fully-reimbursed rate for a free student meal. Please find below the new meal prices beginning the school year 2018-2019.
New Meal Prices for 2018-2019 Breakfast Full price elementary student........................................................... $1.55 (up $0.05) Full price middle school student....................................................... $1.60 (up $0.05) Full price high school student........................................................... $1.60 (up $0.05) Reduced price student (all levels)........................$0.30 (no change; set by USDA) Full price adult / visitor meal............................................................. $2.15 (up $0.10) Lunch Full price elementary student........................................................... $2.45 (up $0.05) Full price middle school student....................................................... $2.55 (up $0.05) Full price high school student........................................................... $2.75 (up $0.05) Reduced price student (all levels)........................$0.40 (no change; set by USDA) Full price adult/visitor meal............................................................... $3.65 (up $0.05) Milk A la carte / extra milk............................................................ $0.50 (no change) SUMMER 2018
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Scholarship donors provide financial assistance to college-bound seniors Gardner Edgerton High School honored 52 local scholarship donors at the annual Scholarship Breakfast on Thursday morning, April 5, at the 425 Bistro in the high school. Following the breakfast, scholarship representatives received packets containing this years application materials. Ninety-four seniors submitted 738 individual applications for the 85 available scholarships. The scholarship recipients were announced at Senior Honor’s Night on Wednesday, May 9. The 2018 graduating seniors at Gardner Edgerton High School earned more than $100,000 in scholarships. STUDENT Lydia Brown
SCHOLARSHIP Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19
STUDENT Stephanie Morales-Macedo
SCHOLARSHIP Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19 Leroy Hill American Legion Riders
Mason Owen
Corinne & Cameron “Yes I Can” Scholarship Charles Barnett Scholarship Fund Sean Callahan “Never Give Up 74” Memorial Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19
Kylie Carstens
Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19
Hannah Collette
Charles Barnett Scholarship Fund
Erica Culler
All School Reunion
Sophie Daniels
Central Bank of the Midwest
Rylee Douglass
Doug Plank
Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19
Caleb Frey
Tavita Ploetz
Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19
Maytong Haengkham
Dr. A.S. Reece Scholarship Charles Barnett Scholarship Fund McCarthy Auto Group Markway & Haworth - Gardner Dentists
William Hardman
Edgerton Rural HS Alumni Scholarship
Owen Haulmark
Adam Bates Vocational Scholarship
Ashlyn Prom Central Bank of the Midwest GENEA Gardner Rotary Club Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19 Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Leroy Hill American Legion Riders
Tyler Henry
Kade Meyer Memorial Olathe Health Healthcare Career
Lauren Highfill
Bacon Family Educational Fund Beta Sigma Phi Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19 McCarthy Auto Group Patriots Bank Ron Kessler Memorial
Isabella Hinck
Dr. A.S. Reece Scholarship Gardner Lions Club
Blake Kleinsorge
Central Bank of the Midwest Gardner Grange McCarthy Auto Group Olathe Health Healthcare Career
Macy Koetters
McCarthy Auto Group
Tayler Kramer
Bobbi Schumacher Memorial
Matthew Law
Dr. A.S. Reece Scholarship
Madlyn Linden
Beta Sigma Phi
Shyan Locke
Bacon Family Educational Fund Gardner Lions Club Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Leroy Hill American Legion Riders
Kara McCormick
Bacon Family Educational Fund Gene Wilmoth Memorial
Kinsey McCormick
Kade Meyer Memorial Gene Wilmoth Memorial
Ashley McCurdy
Central Bank of the Midwest
Dylon McDermott
All School Reunion
Jensen McDermott
Patriots Bank
Aubri Meyer
Charles Barnett - Emporia State
Katie Miller Gracie Moorehouse 6 •
Ryan Prothe
Corinne & Cameron “Yes I Can” Scholarship
Natalia Rodriguez
Bacon Family Educational Fund Athena Club Central Bank of the Midwest Gardner Lions Club Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19
Cameron Schultz
Kade Meyer Memorial
Ryan Sherman
Beta Sigma Phi Leroy Hill American Legion Post 19 Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Sons of American Legion
Alizabeth Spann
Gardner Lions Club
Ashley Streeter
Dr. A.S. Reece Scholarship Charles Barnett Scholarship Fund Edgerton Rural HS Alumni Scholarship Markway & Haworth - Gardner Dentists Sons of American Legion
Anthony Stricker GENEA Gardner Lions Club Leroy Hill American Legion Riders Sons of American Legion Sydney Stricker
Patriots Bank
Blake Suarez
Roy O. Bruce - Gardner Lions Club
Matthew Swords
Kade Meyer Memorial All School Reunion Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19
Kailyn Trotter
Charles Barnett - Emporia State
Madelyn Turner
McCarthy Auto Group
Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19
Larissa Weidler
Class of 1989 Travis Miller Memorial Leroy Hill American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Leroy Hill American Legion Riders
Roy O. Bruce - Gardner Lions Club Kade Meyer Memorial
Nathanael Worley
Corinne & Cameron “Yes I Can” Scholarship
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Ewbank honored as Semper-Fidelis All American Gardner Edgerton High School Junior Taven Ewbank was honored as United States Marine Corps Semper-Fidelis All American student at an assembly on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Taven is one of 96 students nationwide to receive this honor. Taven was nominated by Tyler Cortz, GEHS wrestling coach. Semper Fidelis All-American Program recognizes high school students who face life’s battles with the conviction and determination to succeed. These students embody the same fighting spirit that Marines stand for by taking on the challenges of succeeding academically while bettering their communities and excelling in athletics and extracurricular activities. They have turned obstacles into victories through drive and passion and will be recognized for their achievements at the exclusive Battles Won Academy. Students who are nominated must meet the following criteria: • Be a Junior in High School • Have a 3.5 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent • Be active in community service • Play a competitive team sport • Hold a student or community leadership position Students are also selected for the program based on moral character and academic performance in addition to athletic abilities. Most critically, nominees must demonstrate a fighting spirit that improves the lives of their fellow citizens.
As a celebration of their success, selected Semper Fidelis All-Americans will receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the fourday Battles Won Academy, held in Washington D.C. in July 2018. There they will participate in daily workouts, an immersive Marine Corps experience on base in Quantico, a community service event, teambuilding outings, and a tour of the Nation’s Capital. Taven will also have the opportunity to network with an elite circle of speakers from all walks of life and various industries who will share their inspiring stories of fighting and winning battles in their own lives.
PARENTS AS TEACHERS Guiding Child Development The vision of the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) is that all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential. PAT is an evidence-based parenting education and family support program that serves all Gardner Edgerton School District families with children beginning from pregnancy to age three. The program supports parents in the challenging and often difficult role of being a parent. Parents are their child’s first and best teacher. It could be the most important role they ever have! PAT is designed to come along side parents with services to support their parenting. The basic program components begin with home visits, child screenings, group connections, playgroups and additional resources if needed. HOME VISITS: PAT strives to provide a safe place for parents to increase their knowledge of early childhood development and improve their own parenting practices. This happens primarily through monthly home visits with a certified parent educator. During a visit, there will be a developmentally appropriate parent child activity, information on development shared with handouts, and honest supportive dialogue about parenting practices. SCREENINGS: Annually, during home visits
children are screened in several areas of development such as language, gross and fine motor skills, personal and social skills. The screenings are designed to inform parents about theirs child’s development and give them a tool to monitor their child’s growth. If there are concerns, PAT staff can provide referrals for further evaluation and additional resources. Hearing and Vision screenings are also offered. GROUP CONNECTIONS: Every year PAT offers regular meetings where parents can learn more with other parents as a group about a variety of parenting topic interests. Some meeting examples from this past year were Baby Sing and Sign classes, Positive Parenting class, Toilet Teaching class, Motor Night, Music Night, Block Fest, and Art Night. Some groups are with parents only; some are designed for parents and children to participate. PLAY GROUPS: Beginning in September, playgroups are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. and in the evening on the first Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. These play groups take place at the PAT Play Center at Nike
Elementary School. These are terrific opportunities for children to play and interact with other children. Parents are encouraged to follow their child’s lead in play and have an opportunity to meet other parents. For additional information, visit usd231.com, click on Parent Information at the top, scroll down and click on Parents as Teachers. You will find an enrollment form there as well. For additional questions, please contact Carol Vawter, PAT Coordinator, at vawterc@usd231.com or call 913-856-3035. SUMMER 2018
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Knots of Love
Coping by Crocheting Hope Garrie and teacher Leslie Rahn.
While walking through the high school office one day, Library Media Specialist Robin Schrack noticed a student sitting in the counselor’s office quietly crocheting. Because it is not something you often see in a high school setting, it caught her eye. The student, completely enchanted and unpretentious in her work, paid no attention to those around her. She was only focused on the pattern and rhythm at hand. The image of the student coiling her yarn triggered Mrs. Schrack’s curiosity to learn more. Such an unusual craft for a high school student, she decided to reach out to the student to find out what was behind her desire to crochet, especially at school. After an enlightened conversation, Mrs. Schrack learned that Brooke Cochrane found crocheting to be the coping mechanism to help deal with life’s stresses. Stress does not discriminate. It can affect any one. High school students are vulnerable to stress due to their busy school and work schedules, peer pressure, personal 8 •
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
This Club has been such a great respite for not only students after school, but for staff, too. Providing a welcoming and safe place to gather and share concerns or ideas is as healing to my soul as it is theirs. It has been such an uplifting experience for all of us.
– Robin Schrack, Library Media Specialist
issues, and of course, the unknown of what the future holds. Mrs. Schrack speculated that if this stress-reducing activity works for Brooke, it may possibly help others, too. She shared her thoughts of starting a crocheting club for students and staff members with Brooke and within a few days, Knots of Love Crocheting Club was born. Not a typical club you’d find at a high school level, but nonetheless, several students showed up. Some students already knew how to crochet, yet some had no idea how to crochet, but was willing to try and just be a part of a group. “This has been a difficult year for students and staff and I felt there was a larger need in bringing students and staff together for healing and sharing,” said Robin. “It has been so refreshing to see staff members stop by and learn the craft from students. It brings a whole new dynamic to the learning environment and provides everyone a casual, open atmosphere for conversation and support.”
Binkley Recognized for Duke TIP Honors
Robin Schrack admires the needle work of Caitlin Weese.
The group’s initial purpose was to benefit themselves personally, to take a break from life’s stresses; but in just a short time, the focus turned from not only helping themselves, but helping others. The group learned of an organization called Project Linus of Greater Kansas City. The organization helps to provide comforting blankets to children who are ill or in need throughout the entire Kansas City metro area. As weeks passed on, more and more students became interested in the club and yarn was needed to create more blankets for Project Linus. The Gardner Edgerton High School Theatre Department partnered with Knots of Love and agreed to reduce the admission ticket by $2 for patrons who brought a spool of yarn to the winter play performance, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. With no surprise, boxes and boxes of yarn were collected. As weeks progressed, so did the number of blankets, scarves and other crochet items.
“Each week we have a few more students attend. The kids are enjoying it so much that we plan to meet throughout the summer,” said Mrs. Schrack. “This Club has been such a great respite for not only students after school, but for staff, too. Providing a welcoming and safe place to gather and share concerns or ideas is as healing to my soul as it is theirs. It has been such an uplifting experience for all of us.”
Congratulations to Hannah Binkley, seventh grader at Trail Ridge Middle School, for receiving the Grand Recognition from Duke University 7th Grade Talent Identification Program. Binkley’s eligibility was determined by her MAP scores. Binkley was invited to take either the ACT or SAT and based on her score, she qualifies for special enrichment programs only available to TIP students. The 7th Grade Talent Search is open to seventh grade students (or eighth grade students who skipped the seventh grade) who qualify through one of the following three methods: --scoring at or above the 95th percentile on an accepted grade-level national standardized achievement or abilities test --scoring at or above the 95th percentile on a state assessment --scoring 125 or above (full scale or composite) on an accepted IQ test that is no more than two years old Duke TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search helps academically talented students identify their strengths, develop their abilities and interests, and celebrate their achievements at a crucial time when they are forming their identities and looking ahead to the future. Participants learn about their strengths with an above-level test (either the ACT or SAT) and receive benefits like specialized publications and resources, educational guidance, recognition of their abilities, and academic challenges. Enrolling in the 7th Grade Talent Search is also the first step to attending TIP’s renowned online and face-to-face educational programs. SUMMER 2018
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Schweer wins H&R Block ® Budget Challenge Scholarship Honored at Royals Game Out of 111,523 competitors and ten weeks of intense work, it was announced that GEHS Alissa (Ali) Schweer received third place in the H&R Block Budget Challenge®. That placement landed her a $20,000 scholarship. Only five scholarships are awarded nationally per semester. The H&R Block Budget Challenge® is a personal finance simulation played as a competition over ten weeks. Students receive paychecks and bills in real time and are challenged to build a budget that allows them to pay their bills on time, manage their credit card balance, and save money for retirement in a 401(k). The simulation does not use real money, but is extremely realistic including features such as online bill pay, direct deposit, email bill alerts, 401(k) paycheck deductions, late fees, utilization penalties and more. During the Challenge, students endured personal financial decision-making in a virtual environment. They were presented with multiple options and made choices based on lifestyle, educational plans and employment. H&R Block emphasized three skill areas that they considered most important for the students to understand and practice: balancing current and future cash needs; paying bills on
time and on budget; and resourcefulness, understanding and practical application of financial concepts. To acquire leaderboard points (one point per dollar saved), the students dealt with regular real-world bills, budgets, 401K accounts, checking accounts, credit-card payments, vendors, and car options (with loans and insurance) in order to demonstrate smart consumerism, savvy investment and on-time repayment. This is the third GEHS student who has won a scholarship from this program. “We’re very proud of Ali for being among the top performers in the country in the H&R Block Budget Challenge. Her hard work on this project paid off,” said Pam Gove, GEHS sponsoring teacher. “Financial management skills are so crucial — especially for teens right after graduation who are entering the ‘real world.’ I am thankful for resources like the H&R Block Budget Challenge® that help teach our students to take control of their financial future.” For this tremendous achievement, Ali was selected to throw out the first pitch at the Kansas City Royals game on June 13.
Joe Rogers, sixth grader at Wheatridge Middle School earned the opportunity to perform with the Kansas City Symphony this past spring. And, quite a performance it was. Joe, a 12-year-old soprano and music lover, has been singing since he was very young. Last fall, Rogers began singing with the Allegro Con Spirito in Bonner Springs, an all-male choir under the direction of Christopher Smith. He learned of an opportunity to audition for the chance to perform with the Kansas City Symphony; and thought to himself, ‘why not?’. The opportunity brought many other young, talented singers to audition; however, Joe was the only young man selected to sing Joe poses with Kansas City Symphony with the Symphony. Conductor Michael Stern. “I was pretty nervous,” said the young singer. “I have never performed for a crowd that big and to sing at the new Kauffman Center of Performing Arts was an experience I will never forget.” The song he performed, the second movement of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, was not an easy musical work for his debut performance, but he felt confident based on his consistent efforts to
perfect the song through many hours of practice. The performance along with the Kansas Symphony Chorus conducted by Michael Stern, was defined by Wheatridge Choir teacher Courtney Smith, as “Phenomenal! Joe blew the crowd away. His performance was very impressive and I am so proud of him.” Joe has sung in the school choir for three years, and also plays the saxophone. He was also invited to sing the National Anthem at the State of the City address this spring held at the Ball Conference Center. More than 120 were in attendance to witness his stunning performance. He hopes one day to be a choir director and, if his soft soprano voice stays intact, he looks forward to performing for many more audiences in the future.
A Shining Soprano
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GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
Henry named NAIA Champion of Character Gardner Edgerton High School Senior Tyler Henry was selected by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as a Champion of Character Award winner at the Champions of Character High School Awards luncheon and ceremony on May 15. The award is presented to Kansas City metropolitan area high school studentathletes who exemplify the Champions of Character values both on and off the field or court. The Champions of Character five core values, integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership, go well beyond the playing field to the daily decisions of our youth. These character values help young people, and those associated with their development, make good choices in all aspects of their life and reflect the true spirit of competition. “Tyler defines himself by his integrity, his focus, his effort, and most importantly, his character,” said Brian McGee, GEHS English teacher and head track and field coach. “I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing his consistent
work ethic, insightful nature, and selfless caring towards his school and those peers within it. Tyler sees the big picture in life and knows that journey will include obstacles; he chooses to embrace the journey and the growth that comes with it.” Coach Marvin Deiner shared that Tyler Henry is a winner. “His innate motivation and competitive nature elevated his play and his teammates. There is nothing lazy about Tyler. He never cut corners in workouts or practice. His leadership is infectious. Tyler was a star earning 1st Team League honors his sophomore season. Tyler broke his collar bone both his junior and senior seasons. While injured, Tyler never missed a practice or team meeting. He became a student coach who inspired and encouraged those still playing. His dedication to their success while injured is the most outstanding example of character
Tyler Henry and GEHS Principal Mark Meyer.
I have had the privilege to coach.” Tyler plans to further his baseball career at Kansas City Kansas Community College and will major in nursing with plans to eventually receive certification as a nurse anesthetist.
Presidential Honor Awards
Major Saver Program benefits schools
Students who complete a certain number of service community hours this year earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Volunteer Service is defined as any unpaid act to help others (outside of family). In addition, the service cannot be court-ordered. To be a recipient of this award, a student must complete 100 hours of service to others (in one calendar year), log activities and hours and submit by the deadline. The Presidential Service Award program serves as an avenue to thank and honor American citizens who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service and encourage a sustained commitment to civil
The partnership between the Gardner Edgerton School District and Major Saver Preferred Card Program over the years has proven to be overwhelmingly successful. Major Saver announced a cumulative total donated to the District reached an astonishing $146,985 in 2018. The Major Saver Preferred Card Program is a restaurant and family entertainment discount card that students sell to raise funds to benefit education foundations and schools. Fifty percent of the money raised goes back to the school district. The card is custom designed specifically for the Gardner Edgerton School District. This year, USD 231 elementary students sold Major Saver Preferred Cards and their efforts earned a total of $36,750.00! The money raised has been invested back into your schools to directly benefit students and staff. Thank you to the families and patrons for participating in this program. Below is a list of schools and the dollar amounts received from their efforts.
participation. Congratulations to the following GEHS students for their volunteer service to our communities.
Gold (250 hrs) Alexis Bryan Rebecca Mitchell Skyla Fox Silver (175 hrs) Alizabeth Spann Audrey Hamilton Mahala Goldsby Bronze (100 hrs) Alexis Headrick Matthew Postel Laurissa McMillan Kara Groshong Tavita Ploetz Lauryn Peterman
Edgerton Elementary - $2,595.00 Gardner Elementary - $4,800.00 Grand Star Elementary - $6,075.00 Madison Elementary – $8,295.00 Moonlight Elementary – $5,520.00 Nike Elementary - $5,025.00 Sunflower elementary - $4,417.50 District - $22.50 SUMMER 2018
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Gardner Edgerton USD #231 2018-19 School Calendar
August 2018
SU M
5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27
T W 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
TH 2 9 16 23 30
F 3 10 17 24 31
SA 4 11 18 25
2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30
T W TH F SA 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
T 2 9 16 23 30
W 3 10 17 24 31
TH 4 11 18 25
F 5 12 19 26
November 2018
SU M
4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
T W TH 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
PD (8-11:30 a.m.) Teacher Work Time (12:30-4 p.m.) - No Classes
Aug. 13
PD (8-11:30 a.m.) Teacher Work Time (12:30-4 p.m.) - No Classes
Aug. 14
First Day of Classes (Grade 9 & New to GEHS-Class All Day)
P.M. Teacher Work Time (12:30 - 4:00 p.m.) No Classes
Aug. 15
Early Dismissal-Gr. K-4 (11:25 a.m.) Gr. 5-8 (11:15 a.m.) First Day of School-Preschool, Grades 10,11,12
Sept. 3
Labor Day - No Classes
Sept. 24
Professional Development - No Classes
Oct. 16
End of 1st Quarter Early Dismissal-Gr. K-4 (1:00 p.m.) Gr. 5-12 (12:30 p.m.) No Preschool Classes - Conf./Work Time Teacher Work Time - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 17
Teacher Work Time Gr. K-12 (8:00-11:00 a.m.)
F 2 9 16 23 30
T 1 8 15 22 29
W 2 9 16 23 30
TH 3 10 17 24 31
Professional Development (12-4 p.m.) Parent Teacher Conferences - Preschool-Grade 12 (4-8 p.m.)
SA 6 13 20 27
SA 3 10 17 24
Oct. 19
No Classes
Nov. 21 - 23
Thanksgiving Vacation -No Classes
Nov. 26
Professional Development - No Classes
Dec. 20
Last Day of 2nd Quarter
Dec. 21 - Jan. 2 Winter Break - No Classes Jan. 3
PD (8-11:30 a.m.) Teacher Work Time (12:30-4 p.m.) - No Classes
Jan. 4 Jan. 21
PD (8-11:30 a.m.) Teacher Work Time (12:30-4 p.m.) - No Classes
Feb. 12
Early Dismissal-Gr. K-4 (1:00 p.m.) Gr. 5-12 (12:30 p.m.) Teacher Work Time - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 13
February 2019
S M T W TH F SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
March 2019
S M T W TH F 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31
April 2019
S M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
Teacher Work Time Gr. K-12 (8:00-11:00 a.m.) Parent Teacher Conferences Preschool-Grade 12 (12-8 p.m.) Professional Development (12-4 p.m.)
No Classes
Feb. 18
President's Day - No Classes
Mar. 8
End of 3rd Quarter - No Classes PD (8-11:30 a.m.) Teacher Work Time (12:30-4 p.m.) - No Classes
Mar. 11-15
Spring Break - No Classes
Apr. 22
Professional Development - No Classes
May 18
GEHS Graduation
May 22
Last 1/2 Day of school (If ZERO snowdays are used)
*May 23
Last 1/2 Day of school (if ONE snowday is used)
*May 24
Last 1/2 Day of school (if TWO snowdays are used)
May 27
Memorial Day - No Classes
F 5 12 19 26
TH 2 9 16 23 30
F 3 10 17 24 31
SA 6 13 20 27
SA 4 11 18 25
June 2019
P.M. Teacher Work Time-No Preschool
SA 5 12 19 26
TH 4 11 18 25
SA 2 9 16 23 30
S M T W TH F SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Lunch served.Dismiss(Gr. K-4, 12:30 p.m.)(Gr. 5-7, 12:00 p.m.)*
F 4 11 18 25
W 3 10 17 24
S M T W 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29
Parent Teacher Conferences - Preschool-Grade 12 (4-8 p.m.)
Feb. 15
T 2 9 16 23 30
May 2019
Martin Luther King Holiday-No Classes No Preschool Classes - Conf./Work Time
Feb. 14
T W TH F SA 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
January 2019
SU M 1 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
Aug. 10
Oct. 18
December 2018
SU M
A.M. Convocation/ PD (8:00 - 11:30 a.m.)
Parent Teacher Conferences Preschool-Grade 12 (12-8 p.m.)
October 2018
SU M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
New Teachers on Duty - No Classes
Aug. 9
Gr. K-8 Classes a.m. / Professional Development p.m.
September 2018
SU M
Aug. 2, 3, 6-8
Calendar A Modified 3-9-2018
S M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
July 2019 T 2 9 16 23 30
W 3 10 17 24 31
TH 4 11 18 25
F 5 12 19 26
SA 6 13 20 27
Legend No Classes
12 •
First and Last Day of School
Spring Break - March 11-15
New Teacher Academy
First Semester Ends Prior to Winter Break
to alter the calendar to take
Professional Development,
185 Days- Teachers 190 Days - New Teachers
into consideration weather
Parent Teacher Conferences,
*1/2 Day per quarter will be maintained for
conditions or other
or Teacher Work Time
Teacher Records/Grading
unforeseen circumstances.
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
The board reserves the right
USD 231 to offer ImPACT Testing for Student Athletes
Once again, USD 231 is offering Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) for student athletes. ImPACT testing sessions will be held in the Advanced Technical Center at Gardner Edgerton High School on Wednesday, August 13, from 3 to 7 pm. Students entering 8th, 10th, or 12th grade who took the ImPACT baseline test last year do not need to take it again this year. ImPACT testing is a neurocognitive assessment of how the brain is functioning at rest. ImPACT is considered a reliable tool to utilize beginning at the high school level. The process calls for an initial baseline assessment (the test is taken on a computer) ideally performed before the beginning of the season, and repeated a minimum of every two years. This non-invasive test is set up in “video-game” format and takes approximately 25-35 minutes to complete. It is simple, and actually many athletes enjoy the challenge of taking the test. Essentially, the ImPACT test is a preseason physical of the brain. It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, speed, and concentration. The testing is FREE of charge to all student athletes who participate, thanks to the generosity of the Olathe Medical Center. Staff members at both GEHS and Olathe Medical Center are excited to continue this program because it provides the best available information for managing concussions and preventing potential brain damage that can occur with multiple concussions. The Gardner Edgerton School District administration, coaching staff, and athletic trainer are striving to keep your child’s health and safety at the forefront of the student athletic experience. Parent/guardian must complete a consent form for the testing. To obtain a consent form, please visit www.usd231.com. For more information on the testing, please contact Donnie Jamison, GEHS Athletic Trainer, at jamisonD@usd231.com.
FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, HELPING STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
SEE BETTER... LIVE BETTER PLAY BETTER... LEARN BETTER COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS • EYE DISORDERS OPTICAL SHOWROOM • EDUCATION OVERL AND PARK (913)341-4508 • GARDNER (913)856-6360
75103834
WWW .
HBR EYEC ARE . COM
www.jccc.edu 75096088
75092324
SUMMER 2018
• 13
LIST OF DEGREE PROGRAMS Undergraduate
Accounting Business Administration Elementary Education
Graduate
Library Science School Counseling
$500
75103723
scholarships
WE DELIVER
available for first time graduate and undergraduate degree-seeking students
Solid relationships. Uncompromising performance. Unwavering integrity. That’s what makes our buildings. That’s what makes us McCownGordon.
emporia.edu/ks-asc
mccowngordon.com
75103570
14 •
8400 W 110th St Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66210 75092404
GARDNER EDGERTON HORIZON
913-338-4378
School-Age Enrichment Teachers • Prompt, reliable, energetic motivated, dependable, and truly like children. • Applicants with teaching, and/or recreation experience are preferred. • Hours are compatible with most school schedules • Mornings and afternoon shifts are available • Compensation between $8 and $12 hour • Summer hours up to 40 per week
APPLY TODAY!
• Hours range from 15-30 per week
APPLY ONLINE at JCPRD.com Click the “Career Opportunities” Button
z DISCOVER! z EXPLORE!
z GROW!
For more information (913) 826-3023 or visit JCPRDKIDS.com
Johnson County Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). 75103571
National Gold Medal Award Winner for Excellence! 2018-05-17-mcd-ao
SUMMER 2018
• 15
Our goal? Getting you ready for sports season. Call today to schedule $25 physicals.
Check something off your back-to-school “to do” list. For your convenience, we’re offering discounted physicals for children’s sports, camps and other activities. Call today to schedule. From physicals and school vaccinations to Same-Day Priority Scheduling, you always have the expertise you need, right where you need it.
$25 sports and camp physicals Students 6th-12th grade July 30–Aug. 3 One-time $25 cash-only charge.
Olathe Health Family Medicine-Gardner 18320 S. Center St.
75103249
913-856-5577 olathehealth.org/gardner