2 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
Dr. Mike Roth, Superintendent of Schools
5
mike.roth@lvpioneers.org
2020-2021 BOARD OF EDUCATION
3 Message from the Superintendent 8 4 Lawson Update / Veterans Day 5 Intermediate School Construction 6-7 Education Foundation 8-9 JROTC National Champions 10 Kansas Honors Scholars 11 Parents as Teachers 12 Warren Middle School 13 LHS DECA 11 14 Holiday Celebrations
Doug Darling, President
douglas.a.darling3@gmail.com
Alisa Murphy, Vice President alisamurphy.usd453@gmail.com
Mike Carney
carnac1027@gmail.com
John Goodman
john.goodman.usd453gmail.com
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Mike Powell
mikepowell.usd453@gmail.com
Judi Price Dannielle Wells
danniellewells.usd453@gmail.com 200 N. 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913) 684-1400 | www.usd453.org The PRIDE is a quarterly publication distributed throughout the Leavenworth community.
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Message from the Superintendent Looking Forward to a Successful New School Year As the first semester of our school year winds down, there is much work being done behind the scenes to support the students and staff of the Leavenworth School District. Most visibly, construction continues on the delivery of the first projects made possible by our community’s support of a zero tax increase bond issue to enhance our district facilities. A storm shelter graded music and art room addition will open to Richard Warren Middle School this January. This particular school site had previously lacked storm shelter protection.
we plan to increase student transportation services by 55% (913 total).
Finally, January is School Board Recognition Month and will mark the emergence of two new voices on the Leavenworth Board of Education meetings, though both have been regular attendees at previous meetings. Mr. Mike Powell transform into an Early and Mrs. Judi Price will Education Center that will officially be seated and eventually serve all of the have already begun the school district’s Kindergarten important process of building and At-Risk Pre-K students relationships throughout the (August 2021). With the district, attending trainings 2021-22 school year, from the Kansas Association Leavenworth Schools will of School Boards, and be comprised of one High “Next school year we plan to soliciting information to increase student transportation School (grades 9-12); one prepare them for their new services by 55%” Middle School (grades role as elected officials 7-8); one Intermediate and decision makers. We School (grades 5-6); three This Spring, the district look forward to their new elementary schools (grades perspectives and working anticipates taking ownership 1-4); one Early Education of a brand new facility that collaboratively to prepare Center (K/Pre-K); a stateconnects to the middle every student for success accredited virtual school in every classroom, every school and will serve as the (grades K-8) and special attendance center for 5th day. However, we are also and 6th grade students. Our education alternative services extremely grateful for all (Third Avenue School/ 6th grade students and staff whom have served before QUEST 1821) housed at the them, including Mrs. Nancy will finish the current year in Nettie Hartnett Education this space, and they will be Klemp and Mr. Loyal G. joined by 5th grade beginning Center. Torkelson. They contributed a combined 26.5 years of August 2020. We are very In addition to planned excited to offer a dynamic service to the Leavenworth structural changes to our and innovative, projectBoard of Education and have grade level alignment, based learning facility to been strong advocates for through the sustained focus serve our intermediate level our students and staff. I hope of our Board of Education, that all Pioneers - students, students, while drastically staff, and community reducing the student capacity we have made budgetary provisions to increase members join me in thanking in the current middle school transportation of students footprint. Not only will the them for their humble service for the 2020-21 school Richard Warren Educational and for applauding the year. Transportation is not Campus be safer, it will willingness of all who choose cheap, and the school district to serve in this capacity. also significantly enhance is only reimbursed by the the teaching and learning State of Kansas for students I wish a happy and healthy environment serving our 5th that reside 2.5 miles or holiday season for our entire through 8th grades. further than their attendance school community, and look center. Specifically, a single Concurrently, plans are forward to a New Year with roundtrip for 45 students being made to close Earl more celebrations to share in costs approximately Lawson Elementary as 2020. $219 per day, or just over an attendance center for --- Proud to Be a Pioneer, $39,000 per year. Through the 2020-21 school year added investment from the (with displaced students Mike Roth general fund, adjustments primarily assigned to David to our elementary boundary, Brewer Elementary and and efficiencies of the Anthony Elementary). After development of doublethe last day of school this routes in collaboration with year, construction will begin Easton Bus, next school year on renovating Lawson to
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 3
2020-2021
STRATEGIC PLAN Preparing students today for their success tomorrow. DISTRICT MISSION:
Preparing every student for success in every classroom, everyday.
DISTRICT VISION:
Leavenworth Public Schools in a community dedicated to partnerships in support of student well-being and success.
TEACHING & LEARNING Goal Statement: Provide a comprehensive curriculum at all levels that aligns with state and national standards.
SUPPORT SERVICES Goal Statement: Provide a secure and supportive environment in every school that ensures high levels of learning for all students.
PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Goal Statement: Encourage meaningful family involvement throughout the school district, and offer opportunities for parents and the community to partner to support student achievement.
FACILITIES Goal Statement: Provide safe and modern facilities that neet the needs of our students’ educational environment.
HUMAN RESOURCES Goal Statement: Develop and implement strategies to recruit, retain, and support highly qualified and diverse staff who will positively.
TECHNOLOGY Goal Statement: Utilize viable technology resources to provide and sstain a modern learning environment.
4 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
Lawson Prepares for Early Education Center Transformation At the end of this year in May, Earl M. Lawson Elementary will close as a Pre-K thru 5th grade elementary school and undergo a transformation process to re-open as an Early Education Center in August 2021 to serve the district’s Kindergarten and At-Risk Pre-K students. The design process is still being finalized to deliver a dynamic learning environment to serve the Leavenworth Unified School District’s youngest learners, and prepare them to realize success as future 1st graders at the elementary school level. The majority of Lawson’s current Pre-K thru 3rd grade students will be assigned to either Anthony or David Brewer Elementary next school year, dependent on adjusted district boundaries. This year’s 4th graders will advance to 5th grade next year and attend the new intermediate school at the Richard Warren Educational Campus. While Lawson is closed for the 2020-21 school year, Kindergarten and Pre-K teachers will temporarily move to one of the district’s three elementary school sites, but have opportunities to work collaboratively to plan ahead for a successful launch of the Lawson Early Education Center. Parents will also be invited to share their feedback to help identify transportation options to serve this site.
g n i t a r b e l e C
Anthony Elementary hosted a Veterans Day assembly last month. The elementary school invited veterans and
active duty military members to the assembly to celebrate and honor them. Students sang and performed songs for the veterans. At Earl Lawson, Ms. Owen’s class made a flag, while Ms. Owen’s and Ms. Coyle’s classes made cards. All of the schools participated in
Leavenworth’s Annual Veterans Day parade. Students and staff braved the cold and snow to honor our vets.
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 5
Construction Activities Ongoing at
NEW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Each day there is visible progress at the new addition connecting to Richard Warren Middle School designed to serve the district’s 5th and 6th grade students. Photos taken during a site tour in midNovember show installation of electrical and drywall as things begin to take shape for an opening around Spring Break of this year. Plans are for 6th grade students and staff to occupy the building for a “soft opening” to conclude the current 2019-20 school year. Beginning in August 2020, all of the district’s 5th and 6th grade students will attend the newly constructed facility, while 7th and 8th students remain at Richard Warren Middle School.
6 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
Becoming a Friend of the Foundation The LV Education Foundation continues to grow its presence in the community, which allows for many
new partnerships and “friends” of the Foundation. In December, a new program was launched called, “Become a Friend of the Foundation,” featuring a new business connection each month and a special deal/product/sale, with a portion/percentage of sales going back to the LV Education Foundation. December’s “Become a Friend of the Foundation” business is CANDLE QUEEN CANDLES! The featured item is a 16 oz “INSPIRE” candle, white with blue swirls and magic sprinkles in a pretty blue mason jar. The scent is the popular Grace, which is a heavenly grapefruit/amber, that burns approximately 100 hours. The cost of each candle is $16, with $5 of each candle sale to go back to the LV Education Foundation. Come get “inspired” and join the Foundation as they expand partnerships with new businesses in the community - all for the good of LV students!
! E T A D E H T E V A S Upcoming LV Education Foundation Events
“All That Jazz” - LHS Choir and Jazz Band Concert featuring Chancia Fairley (former LHS choir standout & rising jazz singer), held at 424 Lounge in downtown Leavenworth, Friday, January 24 (two sets that evening). 2nd Annual “Madrigal Feast” - Part of the Feasting with the Foundation Dinner Theatre Series featuring our LHS Repertory Theatre Company, held at June’s Northland, Saturday, February 29, 6:00 p.m. Purchase Tickets and more details at lpsef.usd453.org
LV Education Foundation Debit Card Get Yours Today! The Leavenworth Education Foundation is excited to be partnering with Citizens Savings & Loan Association on this new adventure! Every swipe of the Foundations’ debit card will generate $0.05 for the Leavenworth Education Foundation - those nickels add up fast and help change the lives of Leavenworth students by expanding their educational horizons through grants and programs that may not otherwise exist. Please “join” us in supporting our students and building their futures by signing up for a Leavenworth Education Foundation debit card at Citizens Savings & Loan. Simply call or stop by one of the Citizens Savings & Loan branches to swap out your existing Citizens Savings & Loan debit card. The cards will be FREE for a limited time so get yours right away and start supporting the Leavenworth Education Foundation today!
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 7
Become a Friend of the Foundation (#FOF...a new program of the LV Education Foundation)
A new business each month, a new special/sale/deal… a portion of the sales for the month is donated to the LV Education Foundation The community is “better together,” working to provide extraordinary educational opportunities for our Leavenworth students
DECEMBER BUSINESS -
CANDLE QUEEN CANDLES 16 oz candle for $16 - called “INSPIRE” $5 of each candle goes to the LV Education Foundation to support students in Leavenworth classrooms!
8 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
“Fired Up” JROTC Raiders W After finishing as first runner-up previously, the Leavenworth High School JROTC Raiders finally brought home their first team national championship. Under the leadership of 1SG, U.S. Army (Ret.), Wayne Cogdill and Mary Schwarz, student cadets have worked hard all season long to ‘sweep’ each local, regional, and state competition.
In addition to earning first p team division at the 2019 U mand National Raider Cham Georgia, this year’s compet the Ultimate Male Raider (J mate Female Raider (Konya petition was comprised of fi
Win National Championship
st place in the co-ed/mixed 9 U.S. Army Cadet Comhampionships in Molena, petition team also boasted r (Joseph Purvis) and Ultionya Halle). The team comof five events - rope bridge,
gauntlet, cross-country rescue, 5K team run, and physical team test. The individual event included a one-mile rucksack run, grueling obstacle course and 10-foot wall element. This was Konya Halle’s back-to-back Ultimate Raider title.
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 9
10 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
LHS Seniors Named Kansas Honor Scholars
Congratulations to 32 of our top Leavenworth High School students, the top 10 percent, who were recently recognized as Kansas Honor Scholars. A reception was held in the Leavenworth High School Library to celebrate these students and their accomplishment. The Kansas Honor Scholar Program has been a KU tradition since 1971 Bailey Bacon Breanna Brown Katelyn Burks Brett Chapman Clara Cleland-Leighton Ethan Conners Madison Correll
and has honored more than 140,000 high school seniors—from all 105 Kansas counties and approximately 360 high schools—for ranking academically in the top 10 percent of their class. It 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.
Kate-Lyn Dade Noah De Vlaminck Michelle Denney Denice DominguezCarreno Hope Jeffers Morgan Johnson
Susanna Jones Tenley Kirkendoll Faith Kramer Wyatt Langfoss Abigail Loch Jeb Marshall Rachael McWilliams
Matthew Nelson Joseph Parrish Joshua Penrod Joseph Purvis, Jr. Sophie Sallot Cody Savage Joshua Schatzel
Parker Schmitt Victoria Shaw Orion Swienton Madailein WalterSherretts Kaitlyn Wondolkowski
Leavenworth High School Winter Sports Calender Pioneer HOME Games
January
February
7 Basketball Boys/Girls JV (4:00/4:15 p.m.) Basketball Boys/Girls Varsity (7:15/5:45 p.m.)
4 Bowling JV/V (3:30 p.m. at Crown Lanes) Basketball Boys/Girls JV (4:00/4:15 p.m.) Basketball Boys/Girls Varsity (7:15/5:45 p.m.)
10 Basketball Boys/Girls JV (4:00/4:15 p.m.) Basketball Boys/Girls Varsity (7:15/5:45 p.m.) 14 Bowling JV/V (3:30 p.m. at Crown Lanes) Basketball Boys/Girls JV (4:00/4:15 p.m.) Basketball Boys/Girls Varsity (7:15/5:45 p.m.) 21 Bowling JV/V (3:00 p.m. at Crown Lanes) 24 Basketball Girls V (7:00 p.m.) 28 Swimming (3:30 p.m. at Riverfront CC)
6 Wrestling (6:00 pm.) 7 Basketball Boys/Girls JV (4:00/4:15 p.m.) Basketball Boys/Girls Varsity (7:15/5:45 p.m.) 10 Bowling JV/V (3:00 p.m. at Crown Lanes) 19 Bowling JV/V (10:00 a.m. at Crown Lanes) 21 Bowling JV/V (3:30 p.m. at Crown Lanes) 28 Basketball Boys/Girls JV (4:00/4:15 p.m.) Basketball Boys/Girls Varsity (7:15/5:45 p.m.)
Visit the Athletics website for more details: https://leavenworthathletics.com/
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 11
Leavenworth/Fort Leavenworth Parents as Teachers - Blue Ribbon Program Recently, Leavenworth/Fort Leavenworth Parents as Teachers has completed the Parents as Teachers Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process and earned the highest designation: Blue Ribbon Affiliate status from Parents as Teachers National Center. Parents as Teachers staff received recognition from the Leavenworth Board of Education during Wednesday’s monthly meeting. Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that Leavenworth/Fort Leavenworth PAT is among the highest
quality members of the home visitation and parent education field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers
model with fidelity and quality. An affiliate must meet all of Parents as Teachers Essential Requirements, and at least 75% of the Parents as Teachers Quality Standards in order to earn the Blue Ribbon Affiliate designation. Parents as Teachers operates out of the Nettie Hartnett Education Center, with the shared mission of providing the information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children
CHECK OUT OUR PIONEER CAREER CENTER
Pioneer Career Center
1901 Spruce St., Leavenworth ▶ Credit & Non-Credit class schedules available online
▶ Instate tuition for active duty & family members
kckcc.edu | 913.288.7750
▶ Technical programs/ courses available
develop optimally during the crucial early years of life (birth to 3 years old). This is an entirely FREE service to families within the Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth district, including personal home visits, parent group meetings and playgroups, developmental and health screenings, and connections to community networks and resources.
12 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
Warren Middle School Hosts Parent Academy
Parents were invited to Richard Warren Middle School at the end of 2nd quarter to learn how to catch up to their kids and their school technology! And, all for a good cause - supporting their student’s education. The first-ever Parent Academy was held on Wednesday, December 4, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Parents brought their child’s Chromebook and student log-in and set to work to learn how to navigate PowerSchool and Google Classroom. These
training sessions allows parents to better appreciate their role in their student’s academic success, get realtime grades and attendance, and communicate with teachers quickly and easily. Teachers assisted parents with setting up their PowerSchool log-in access. This important session was just another in the line of parent engagement strategies in order to strengthen the partnership between school and families.
Warren Middle School - Volleyball for a Cause Just a few weeks ago, the 7th Annual “Pioneers Spiking for a Cure - Pink Out Volleyball Game,” was held where the 8th grade volleyball and football players took to the floor for some friendly competition....all for a great cause! All funds raised (a grand total of $316) will be donated to the KU Breast Cancer Survivorship Center. Thanks to Warren PIE for sponsoring this great tradition. A special shout out to Brayden Kermode for singing the National Anthem, to the spirited Warren cheerleaders, the Warren
Pep Band, STUCO for running the amazing concession stand, and all of the fans. This event has become one of the most anticipated at the school, a celebration of many accomplishments on the field/court and in their middle school career. It’s a great chance for memories as these students prepare to move on to the next chapter of their education. By way of update, the GIRLS (volleyball team) reigned victorious, bringing the win record to Girls - 5, Boys - 2.
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 13
LHS DECA Attends Central Region Leadership Conference Leavenworth High School DECA students recently attended the Central Region Leadership Conference (CRLC) in Minneapolis, MN. DECA is a cocurricular club for students where they compete in career areas including business management, finance, hospitality, marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal financial literacy. This competition platform develops leaders and entrepreneurs, but more than that, it imparts lifelong skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and communication. At CRLC, students participated in tours of several major businesses (new Viking US Bank Stadium and Mall of America) where they learned about the back-end of these huge destination operations and insights into potential career opportunities for these emerging leaders. Daytime sessions kept
students busy with offerings of Learning Labs, content exams, and competitions. The conference culminated with a Closing Ceremony - first up, student recognitions LHS students fared extremely well: Morgan Boal - Top 25 of Business Management & Administration Test Emily Nachbar - Top 25 Principles in Business Role Play
Giving Back to Our Leavenworth Community Students and staff at the elementary schools in Leavenworth have been working hard this holiday season to give back to the community. Students and staff at Henry Leavenworth participated in a food/supply drive for local shelters last week. Henry collected almost 1,200 pounds of goods that will be given to Hope Inc., Alliance Against Family Violence, and Interfaith Community of Hope Homeless Shelter. Peg Del Debbio and Ron Jones visited the school from The Interfaith Community Of Hope Homeless Shelter to collect their donations. Anthony Elementary also organized a canned food drive. Students and staff were asked to bring in canned fruits, vegetables and other nonperishable items. The Anthony Elementary Student Ambassadors sponsored this food drive.
David Brewer Elementary has also participated in helping the community this quarter. Brewer first grade classrooms have been collecting food for a food drive. Student Ambassadors at David Brewer finished their first service projects. Working with the Crayon Initiative, the Student Ambassadors collected broken crayons throughout classrooms. These crayons will then be melted, made new again and the new crayons will be sent to children’s hospitals. Such a rewarding and fun service project!
14 ~ THE PRIDE, January 2020
The Magic of Music on Main Street This is truly one of the best events of the year...featuring the beautiful voices of the LHS A Cappella Choir, hosted by the LV Education Foundation, in the “Magic of
Music on Main Street” winter concert. It is an opportunity for the LV Education Foundation to celebrate a partnership with students and offer a venue for their talent, while reaching out and providing a moment of art to the community.
This free event features amazing LHS students and displays their talent in a most unique setting. The vaulted ceilings of the LHS Main Street hallway provide a fantastic acoustical structure for this one-of-a-kind concert. A couple hundred citizens enjoyed the performance and were filled with the “Magic of Music on Main Street.” The Choir is directed by Mrs. Connie Baxter, and accompanied by Ms. Judith Rounda. Refreshments were provided by LHS Culinary Arts Classes, and technical support provided by LHS junior, Christian Lake.
Thanksgiving & Halloween Celebrations at the Elementary Schools
The holidays are such a fun and exciting time for students and staff in the elementary schools. Students had so much fun dressing up for Halloween and walking in a parade to show off their fun costumes. Students also participated in fun Thanksgiving activities. From the food to the arts and crafts, all the students have had fun celebrating the holidays!
THE PRIDE, January 2020 ~ 15
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