PRIDE
Leavenworth Unified School District 453 • www.usd453.org
2 – THE PRIDE, March 2018
Dr. Mike Roth, Superintendent of Schools mike.roth@usd453.org
2017-2018 BoaRD of EDucation Mike Carney, President carnac27@hotmail.com Doug Darling, Vice President douglas.a.darling3@gmail.com John Goodman john.goodman.usd453@gmail.com Nancy Klemp nklemp@nklemp.com José Morales jmorales.lv.boe@gmail.com Alisa Murphy alisamurphy.usd453@gmail.com Loyal G. Torkelson
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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 100th Day of School Elementary Spotlight Kindergarten Roundup New Principals Student Highlights 2018-19 Calendar LHS Events Community Recognition Foundation Update
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THE PRIDE, March 2018 – 3
Message f rom the Superintendent
The SAFETY of our School Community scenarios (e.g., fire, tornado, medical emergency, intruder, etc.). Our students and staff practice drills for each of these scenarios on a regular basis.
positive relationships with our students and staff.
We also value that our students, staff members, and families will speak up any time they see or hear of a Our safety policies and pro- concern – and then allow cedures are developed in our administrators to invescollaboration with the extigate and assess if there is pertise of local law enforce- any cause for concern. ment and emergency There are times where a management. Police, fire, student in emotional crisis sheriff’s department, and says or does something to There is no greater respon- county officials are invited get attention or cause a resibility for a school district to present to district leader- action, there are other than ensuring the safety of ship, and also take part in times when a credible the students in its care. our drills to help identify threat is identified and imWhile our teachers and opportunities for improvemediately shared with local building administrators ment. law enforcement to thormake plans to prepare our oughly investigate. For the students for success in Each of our buildings have sensitivity and complexity every classroom, every day, a controlled entry, and visi- of serving the wide ranging our school families have a tor check-in system, that needs of nearly 4,000 stureasonable expectation provides a barrier of entry dents, our Board of Educathat their most prized posfor unexpected or uninvited tion has invested not only sessions – their children – guests to our school faciliin increased security and inwill remain safe throughout ties. Additionally, each of frastructure over the last a given day. Any time there our locations is equipped several years, but also counis a story of a school day with surveillance cameras selors, social workers, and disrupted by violence, most that can be monitored in school psychologists. educators, parents, and stu- real-time both on-site and dents have a similar off-site, as well as an after As Superintendent of thought, how can that an incident has occurred. Schools, it is my promise to tragedy be prevented in our These can be recalled and each of our students and school? provided to law enforcetheir families, that safety ment if and when appropri- and security is something While there are no guaranate to assist in a criminal we take extremely seriously. tees in life, and bad things investigation. We will continuously seek can happen anywhere at out opportunities to any time, the Leavenworth Finally, at the secondary strengthen the preparedUnified School District does level, we have full-time seness of our sites to respond take safety and security curity assigned to the mid- appropriately to a security very seriously. Our leaderdle school and high school situation, and work with the ship team, including build- sites, and are thankful to community-at-large to proing administrators, meet also have a School Resource vide necessary supports to regularly as a District Emer- Officer (City of Leavenworth proactively maintain a safe gency Management Team, Police Department’s Officer and secure learning enviwhich then filters out to a Sweet) stationed at Leaven- ronment. Building Emergency Manworth High School. Not agement Team structure, to only is their law enforce--With Pioneer Pride, plan, prepare, and practice ment experience appreciwhat our students and staff ated on-site, they also do a Mike Roth Superintendent of Schools need to do in a variety of phenomenal job building
2016-2019
STRATEGIC PLAN Preparing students today for their success tomorrow
DISTRICT MISSION:
Preparing every student for success in every classroom, every day.
DISTRICT VISION:
Leavenworth Public Schools is 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 meet 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 sustain a modern learning environment.
4 – THE PRIDE, March 2018 January 26 marked the 100th school day of the year. Students and sta at the district's four elementary schools celebrated being 100 days smarter with snacks,
crafts, activities, and fun clothing. Some students created their own shirts with 100 objects on them, while other students dressed like they were 100 years old.
THE PRIDE, March 2018 – 5
Elementary Spotlight
ANTHONY January 29 marked the state of Kansas' 157th birthday. To celebrate, students took part in several Kansas themed activities. Students in Melynda Hanson's fourth grade class at Anthony Elementary went all out, some dressing in traditional Kansas settler attire. Her students also did a number of Kansas-themed activities including crafting corn husk dolls.
LAWSON Thousands of students from schools all across the country participated in the Great Kindness Challenge. The goal is for students to dedicate themselves to performing as many acts of kindness as possible. Several schools throughout the Leavenworth school district are participating in this event. As part of their challenge goal, students at Lawson Elementary, with support from school counselor Mallory McKim, surprised staff with a donut cart. Students went from classroom to classroom serving donuts to staff members and thanking them for all they do.
HENRY USD 453 Board of Education Member, Doug Darling, recently gave a Revolutionary War presentation to the fifth grade students at Henry Leavenworth Elementary. Mr. Darling has studied the history of the American Revolution in great detail. As part of his presentation, Mr. Darling brought his reproduction revolutionary war weapons for the students to see and explained how the guns were loaded and fired.
BREWER Fifth graders in April Prescott's class at David Brewer Elementary spent some time recently using common household materials donated by parents and staff members to construct their own roller coaster model. Students used items including PVC pipe, pool noodles, and plastic wrap to make their coasters. The models were required to have a designated starting and ending point and be safe for potential riders. Students presented and demonstrated their completed creations for their peers at the school.
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KINDERGARTEN ROCKING ROUNDUP for Leavenworth Public Schools
Each incoming Kindergarten
student will receive a complementary copy of the book
Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes.
T<B18day, April 1 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Anthony, David Brewer, Earl Lawson, & Henry Leavenworth Elementary Schools Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet Kindergarten teachers and building administrators, tour the school, learn about Kindergarten readiness expectations, and complete pre-enrollment paperwork. If you are unsure which elementary school your child will attend, call the Board of Education Office at 913.684.1400. In order to enroll in Kindergarten for the 201 -1 school year, a child must be five years of age on or before August 31, 201 .
THE PRIDE, March 2018 – 7
New Principals Named for 2018-19 at Warren Middle School and Anthony Elementary During their meeting on February 21, members of the Leavenworth Board of Education approved a staffing report that included the appointment of two new principals for the 2018-19 school year. Mr. Kevin Warner was named as the new principal at Warren Middle School and Mr. Scott Kessler was named as the new principal at Warren Middle School.
ology and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Southwestern College, as well as a Masters Degree in School Leadership from Baker University. Mr. Warner said, “I am very excited for the opportunity to continue working with Leavenworth families, and the Warren staff to prepare our students for success. I am also looking forward to working with Mrs. Batson in her new role to enhance and enrich the learning experiences for our students and families. We remain committed to a strong finish to this year, while planning for a seamless transition, and continuing to establish a strong family culture at Warren.”
Mr. Kevin Warner, Richard Warren Middle School
Mr. Warner replaces Mrs. Laura Batson as principal at Warren Middle School, who will assume the position of Director of Teaching and Learning for the district, effective July 1, 2018. Mr. Warner is currently in his first year as Assistant Principal/Athletics Director at Warren, having previously completed two years of service as Assistant Principal at David Brewer Elementary. Prior to his time as an administrator in the Leavenworth School District, Mr. Warner spent 12 years teaching science in the Shawnee Mission and Arkansas City school districts. Mr. Warner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Bi-
Mr. Scott Kessler, Anthony Elementary
Mr. Kessler replaces Mr. Ryan Bodensteiner as principal at Anthony Elementary as he assumes the role of Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning for the district. Mr. Kessler is in his second year as Assistant Principal at Anthony Elementary. Prior to coming to the Leavenworth School Dis-
trict, Mr. Kessler spent five years teaching fifth grade in the Blue Valley School District. Mr. Kessler also spent time as as an officer in the Kansas Army National Guard, which included a deployment in Baghdad, Iraq from August 2005 to October 2006. Throughout his National Guard service, he worked in law enforcement for various locales and municipalities. Mr. Kessler holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Saint Mary, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, as well as degrees in Criminal Justice and Management from his time in the military and law enforcement. Mr. Kessler said, “I am excited to be named the Anthony Ele-
mentary School principal. Over the last two years I have worked hard to build a positive rapport with our students, families, and staff members. It is a great feeling to know that I can continue to build these relationships. My family and I enjoy living in Leavenworth, and being part of the Leavenworth community. As a military veteran, it is an honor to continue to work with such a wonderful community that also supports our military.” Each of the individuals listed above will complete the 201718 school year in their current positions, and be working in the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition to next year.
8 – THE PRIDE, March 2018
Warren Middle School Participates in
Science Olympiad Warren Science students spent time one cold weekend in February competing in the 27th Science Olympiad, held at Johnson County Community College. The Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets for students, grades 6-12. In total, 46 schools competed in two divisions – junior high/middle school and high school. The junior high/middle school division events were titled Anatomy and Physiology, Awesome Aquifers, Battery Buggy, Bottle Rocket, Can’t Judge a Powder, Compute This, Crime Busters, Disease Detectives, Dynamic Planet, Ecology,
Experimental Design, Fossils, Junkyard Challenge, Meteorology, Microbe Mission, Optics, Ornithology, Road Scholar, Shock Value, Solar System, Storm the Castle, Towers and Write It/Do It. The Warren team of 10 students and Kyla Dominick, teacher/sponsor, left bright and early on a Saturday morning and returned late that evening. The competition hosted a total of 28 teams, with the Warren team placing 15th in Mystery Architecture and Optics, 16th in Meteorology, 17th in Herpetology, and 18th in Disease Detectives and Dynamic Planet. Spencer Atwood, Warren 8th grader, took first place with his monoplane in the event called Wright Stuff with a time of 1:11. The Warren students stepped up in all events and did their best to earn the team points. It was a great learning experience that we hope to repeat in future years with even better results and more student participation.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS: 8th graders: Masee Anderson, Spencer Atwood, Peyton White, Lillie Cummings 7th graders: Alayla Campbell, Kylie Franchuk, Chandler Haganey 6th graders: Grace Smith, Mykell McCarter, Riley Owens
Pioneer PowerLifting Finishes Strong at 5A State Meet On Saturday, March 3, 28 of Leavenworth High School’s strongest male and female student athletes participated in the 5A State Powerlifting Championships at Bonner Springs High School. 415 competitors worked through rotations, grouped by weight class, of Bench Press, Back Squat, and Power Clean. Three Pioneers took 1st Place Overall Honors (total weight lifted) in their respective classes – Abby Waugh, Chris Todd, and Cody Herrell. Waugh, who tied state meet records in the bench (160) and clean (190),
and Herrell were named Men’s and Women’s Lifter of the Meet for their divisions. Other Pioneers with top 5 overall finishes in their classes: Grace Geddings (2nd), Tanner Britton (3rd), Brianna Walker (4th), Katelyn Blackburn (4th), James Graham (4th), Sean Hammell (5th), and Matt Whitesides (5th). In the final team standings, the Pioneer men finished in 5th place, and women took 7th place.
(pictured l-r - state champions Abby Waugh, Cody Herrell, and Chris Todd)
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2018-19 School Calendar Preview
THE PRIDE, March 2018 – 11
4th Annual International Festival - “Building the Bridge” On Saturday, February 3, 2018, the Leavenworth High School DECA Chapter held the 4th Annual International Festival. DECA aims to develop high school students into emerging leaders and provide opportunities to engage in real-world business applications. One of the many community functions Leavenworth DECA organizes, with the goal of educating the community about the cultural diversity found in Leavenworth, is the International Festival. The vision of this year’s International Festival was “Building the Bridge." Participants experienced many displays of rich the cultures, tastes of the world, and expression of unity through delicious food, traditional
Fifty high schools have risen above 1,000 applicants nationwide to claim NBC’s R.I.S.E. America grants, including Leavenworth High School. The program – inspired by the network’s upcoming drama “Rise” about a high school theatre department and its effects on a small town – awarded a half-million dollars to high school theatre programs across the country. Leavenworth was
games, music, performances, and clothing from various cultures. The international students and families from Leavenworth High School and Fort Leavenworth excitedly shared their cultures with hundreds of Leavenworth school and community members. The LHS DECA students did a great job hosting the International Festival, in partnership with their local co-sponsor, the Leavenworth Rotary Club, and expresses thanks to the Leavenworth Public Schools Education Foundation for funding the wonderful project. Moving forward, DECA students will turn the event into a competitive written paper, and create a display for presentation at state and hopefully, nationals.
LHS Theatre Receives $10,000 "RISE" Grant the only school in Kansas to receive one of the R.I.S.E. grants. Through R.I.S.E. (Recognizing and Inspiring Student Expression) America, NBC awarded each of the 50 winning schools with a $10,000 grant that will cover critical needs of their theatre programs ranging from
production expenses to technical equipment and master classes. NBC is facilitating the program in partnership with the Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), a non-profit organization dedicated to shaping lives through theatre education. Each school submitted a video
celebrating their theatre program and a 500-word essay explaining why their school should be awarded the grant and how they will use the $10,000 to enhance their program. The LHS Stella group featured community service work performed this winter through original puppet shows performed for patients and families at the Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
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Lady Pioneer Track Reunion Planned LHS Lady Pioneer Track and Fielders - there is a special event in the works to celebrate the amazing memories and accomplishments that took place under Coach Tamra Strano from 1975-2007. Please join us for the Tamra Strano Lady Pioneer Track Reunion on April 6 & 7, 2018. Details are as follows: Friday, April 6 - Social Meet and Greet with appetizers and cash bar at the Riverfront Community Center (Downtown Leavenworth), 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7 - Tour of LHS (10:00 a.m.); Picnic at Pioneer Stadium (games, relays, track activities for the entire family) from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Dinner Celebration with Fried Chicken and Coach Strano's "famous" spaghetti in the LHS gym at 6:00 p.m. $20 per person for the whole weekend Stay in touch on Facebook @Tamra Strano Lady Pioneer Reunion 1975-2007 RSVP to Tamra Strano at tstrano@hotmail.com
THE PRIDE, March 2018 – 13
LHS Students Take Top 2 Spots in
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE More than a dozen area students, grades seven through 12, presented for-profit business concepts to a panel of judges with hopes of winning cash prizes and recognition at the Leavenworth County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC). The event is sponsored and organized by Network Kansas, E-Community Partnership, and Grow Leavenworth County, as a way to promote entrepreneurship throughout the state. The YEC gives Kansas students
hands-on experience thinking through real world problems, and development of practical solutions. In YEC competition, students prepare written business plans or executive summaries, a “tradeshow booth” (similar to a science fair tabletop display), and a pitch/presentation. The students compete individually, or in teams, and the work is judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers, or other adult community members. The overall purpose of the event is to expose students to entrepreneurship and
build interest in, and leading students to build their own business as a viable career path and a way to better their community. Two teams from Leavenworth High School participated and walked away with top honors after a two-minute elevator pitch to a panel of judges. Lena Kellogg, Leavenworth High School senior, took 1st Place, winning $1,500 for her idea of a mobile cart coffee shop (“Pioneer Perks”) for high school students and staff.
Mandy Ayers, Anna Waugh and Abby Waugh took 2nd Place, winning a total of $1,200. For their project (“Pete’s Seats”) to produce flexible seating allowing students to stand, sit, or recline, as a way to make the learning environment more comfortable and engaging to multiple study preferences. The teams will now advance to the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge State Championship held in April.
Tanner Hendrix Named Junior Citizen of the Year Congrats to one of Leavenworth High School's finest, recently named by the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce as the Junior Citizen of the Year. Tanner Hendrix, an Eagle Scout and accomplished student-athlete, impressed the selection committee with his accomplishments in the classroom and throughout the community. This amazing young man joins a long line of Pioneers recognized with this award. Following graduation, Tanner is headed to Baker University to compete on the school's cross-country team.
Note: You can learn more about Tanner’s impressive high school career on Episode 28 of the district’s “See Me After Class 453’ podcast. See page 15 to learn how to access and download.
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Leavenworth Public Schools Education Foundation Update and Information The Leavenworth Public Schools Education Foundation was formed as a way to supporting educational efforts in Leavenworth schools that might not otherwise become a reality. It is a non-profit, charitable foundation supported by individuals, organizations, and local businesses who seek to expand the learning opportunities within their community.
The 2017-18 FoundaTion
Board oF direcTors: Officers: Mike Reilly, President Chris Norris, Vice President Holly ShehornPittman, Secretary Tracey Sommerla, Treasurer Dinah Zeck, Member-at-Large Mark Denney Member-at-Large Bill Geiger, Past President Members: Stan Cherrie Marti Crow
Sally Estes JEB Greenberg Sandy Hattock Molly Homan Marcia Irvine Brandon Johannes Connie Kaaz Jeff Kaaz Cody Kalous Christopher Kuckelman Sheila Lucas Jim Mathis Wayne Parks Carol Perry Dr. Rod Rivard Brian Voorhees Liisa Waugh
Merry Weeks Steve Wood Honorary Members: LTG (Ret) Robert Arter Robert E. Doran III Marvin (Pete) Payne Ronald Romig Jim Schroeder Charles Wood Horizons Kids Director: Kim Taylor Director: Catey Edwards
Now in its 18th year, the Foundation reaches students in every classroom across the district. The Board of Directors represents the entire community, and leads a fundraising campaign each fall as a way of supporting funded programs.
The Foundation funds many programs across the district. The following is a list of the 2017-18 programs: Aspirations & Preparations: College is in our Future!
Geiger Ready-Mix LHS/WMS Pioneer Pride Program
BLOCKFEST
Great Western Manufacturing BackPack Buddies
Bridging the Summer Reading Gap Carol Dark Ayres Music Award
Horizon Kids Before and After School/Summer Program Horizon Legacy Program
Country Club Bank Horizon Scholar Gala
LHS Academic Banquet
JROTC Ball
LHS Pioneer Mentoring Program
Employees USD 453 Foundation Video Award
Harry S. Truman Library & History Museum White House Decision Center
Exchange National Bank Horizon History Journey (Matching Funds)
Innovative Teacher Grants Kiwanis Reading Award (Matching Funds) Leavenworth Times Annual Report Leavenworth High School Alumni Association Mainstreet Credit Union Pioneer Pride Character Program Pioneer After School Sports Club Reilly & Sons Fine Arts Programs Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital/Saint John Hospital/ Rotary Club - Cardiac Scans STARBASE Teacher of the Year Award Training Technologies and Support STEM After School Program (Matching Funds) Project Inspire (Student/Teacher Recognition Program) LPSEF Breakfast Teacher Recognition New Teacher Induction Katie Yoakam Reading Memorial Inspire Theme/Events
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