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Dr. Mike Roth, Superintendent of Schools mike.roth@lvpioneers.org
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2018-2019 BoaRD of EDucation Mike Carney, President carnac1027@gmail.com
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Alisa Murphy, Vice President alisamurphy.usd453@gmail.com Doug Darling douglas.a.darling3@gmail.com John Goodman john.goodman.usd453@gmail.com Nancy Klemp nklemp@nklemp.com
The PRIDE is a quarterly publication distributed throughout the Leavenworth community.
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Loyal G. Torkelson Dannielle Wells danniellewells.usd453@gmail.com 200 N. 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913) 684-1400 | www.usd453.org
Issue
IN THIS
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Message from the Superintendent 100 Days of School CBS News Visits Anthony Elementary LHS DECA Hosts International Festival LHS Students Excel at Kansas Thespian State Festival Anthony Elementary & David Brewer Elementary Recognized for Character Education 2019-20 Academic Calendar Kansas Day Celebrations 41 Action News Features Henry Art Teacher’s Drawing Warren Students Learn About Career Options First Responders Enjoy Lunch with Elementary Students
CONTACT US: PeteTweets453 LeavenworthUSD453
contactus@usd453.org
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Message f rom the Superintendent
it's a Great time to be a Pioneer! Hopefully this publication finds us all on the back end of a challenging winter weather season. On multiple occasions are schools were forced to close due to extreme wind chills (minus 15 and below), and/or snowy road and ice conditions that negatively impacted local roads and sidewalks. Our goal is always to maintain an uninterrupted teaching and learning environment for our students, and we also understand the inconvenience it can cause for families when students are home unexpectedly. As soon as a cancellation decision is made with respect to the safety of our students and staff, we distribute notifications as soon as possible through auto-dialers, social media, and broadcast via news channels. Fortunately, thanks to a well-designed academic calendar that anticipated a number of closures, we are not yet anticipating any adjustments to our daily class schedule or extension to our school year. Aside from the academic interruptions this winter, our design and construction teams have had a difficult time building momentum on the first of the 2018 bond projects - the construction of a new intermediate center to serve 5th and 6th grades on the Richard Warren Middle School campus. Once the temperatures rise above freezing and hold consistently, we anticipate visible progress on a weekly basis.
appreciative in advance for the patience and understanding of our students, staff, and community as we re-route access to the main entry points over the summer months.
For scheduling purposes, we will keep 5th grade students at the elementary school they enroll at for the start of the 2019-20 school year, and will look to move 6th grade students in to the new space once it is able to be occupied next February or March (2020). We will continue to share updates with our student, families, and staff as we get closer to an opening date.
While a slower start than was originally planned, we are very excited for our school community to begin to see positive outcomes that were identified throughout the development of the bond issue passed last June.
As we turn the page on a long, cold winter, we will very quickly enter in to the hectic months of spring, and it will be April before we know it. It’s an exciting time to be in Kansas public schools, and specifically in Leavenworth. The good news that happens in our classrooms would not be possible without the conIn addition to the inter- tinued support of our staff, mediate addition work, families, and community-atthere will also be significant large. It’s a great time to be construction efforts coma Pioneer, and we are appleted at Leavenworth High preciative of the partnerSchool over the summer ships we have that help to break. This will provide the benefit and prepare our high school with a newly students for success. designed secure entry, that will help to both welcome visitors and guests, as well --Proud to be a Pioneer, as strengthening our building’s security procedures to Mike Roth grant access in to the school. Concurrently, necessary improvements that were not a part of the bond issue will be made to address a flooring issue affecting several classrooms on the south side of the building. We are thankful and
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.
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100 DAYS OF SCHOOL Students at each of the district’s four elementary schools celebrated the 100th Day of School on february 4th and 5th. Students participated in activities themed around the number "100," wore decorative shirts, and decorated their classrooms to celebrate being 100 days smarter.
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CBS EVENING NEWS VISITS ANTHONY ELEMENTARY CBS Evening News made a trip to Leavenworth last month to interview Mayor Jermaine Wilson for Steve Hartman's "On the Road" segment. Mayor Wilson made a stop at Anthony Elementary, where he attended grade school, and led their morning assembly with an inspirational rap. You can find the full video segment and story on the Leavenworth USD 453 Facebook page.
WARREN MIDDLE SCHOOLERS COMPETE IN SPELLING BEE After a rigorous competition at the school level, Juliet KileWilson (6th grade, far right in group photo), Eliza Resch (7th grade, middle in photo), and Serom Kim (8th grade, far left in photo) went on to represent the Leavenworth Unified School
District at the recent Leavenworth County Spelling Bee, hosted by LARSPA at the Eagles Hall. Huge Pioneer congratulations to Serom Kim, as she placed 7th out of 36 spellers!
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LHS DECA HOSTS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL The Leavenworth High School DECA chapter hosted the 5th Annual International Festival on Saturday, February 2nd in the Leavenworth High School Gymnasium.The event provided a day full of culture with international food and entertainment from more than 20 countries. Hundreds of students and community members enjoyed traveling the world in one day under the theme, “Passport to the World.” The International Festival breaks cultural barriers, develops tolerance and acceptance, and provides a rich cultural experience. Participants enjoyed activities at the various stations at this celebration of differences where no culture is better or worse than another. Many of the International Military Officers assigned to Fort Leavenworth, and their families, participated in this great celebration.
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LEaVEnWoRtH HiGH ScHooL HiGHLiGHtS Pioneers Selected to all-State choir Congratulations to the following 19 Acapella Choir students who auditioned and were selected as members of the Kansas Northeast District Honor Choir, and were candidates for selection to the Kansas All-State Choir. The AllState Choir performs each year at the annual Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop in Wichita in late February:
LHS Students Excel at Kansas thespians State festival Leavenworth High School’s theatre program is continuing their positive momentum with incredible community outreach, stellar productions, and amazing growth. Great news came recently at the recent Kansas Thespians State Festival. A summary of success: Faith Lopez was selected to be
a State Thespian Officer for Kansas Thespians 2019 and will be attending Internationals for the Leadership Conference, held in Lincoln, Nebraska, this June. Thomas Rambo Rios, Dillon White, and Josh Hungerbeeler, are all part of our All-State Musical, Bring It On. It has been chosen to perform at Internationals this summer, as well. Jalen Dickerson-Sanders and Haley Bell competed at state in Individual Events and both received Superiors and have qualified for Internationals. Kat Mueller Crain presented the honor troupe book and was awarded Gold Honor Troupe for the fourth straight year.
The Leavenworth Tech Olympics Team of Michelle Denney, Ben Konczey, Christian Lake, Griffin Rogers, Haley Mathis, Faith Lopez won second place. The Theatre Quiz Bowl team of Haley Bell, McKenzy Mueller Crain, and Clara ClelandLeighton garnered third place. A number of Leavenworth students will serve on the Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy steering committee: Thomas Yambo Rios, Faith Lopez, Kat Mueller Crain, Madison Correll, Josh Hungerbeeler, Clara ClelandLeighton, Dillon White, Michelle Denney, and Katie Burks. Mrs. Morgan chairs this committee for Kansas Thespians.
Alexander, Hope Bell, Haley Bryant, Noah Butler, Casey Dickerson-Sanders, Jalen Fischer, Kato Hungerbeeler, Joshua Konczey, Benjamin Love, Garrett McBride, Riley Miller, Ashley Miller, Olivia Nelson, Matthew Ross, Hannah Thompson, Ziah Wondolkowski, Kaitlyn Wood, Alexis Yambo-Rios, Thomas Zielinski, Isabel Kato Fischer was selected for the Mixed Choir All-State Choir, and Hope Alexander, Jalen Dickerson-Sanders, Ashley Miller, Olivia Miller, Hannah Ross, and Kaitlyn Wondolkowski were selected for the Treble Choir. Riley McBride was selected as an alternate to the All-State Choir.
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Anthony Elementary and David Brewer Elementary – Recognized for Character Education Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in communities including schools, districts, families, workplaces and sports, designated 87 schools and 3 districts in 18 states as State Schools of Character for 2019, including both Anthony Elementary and David Brewer Elementary from the Leavenworth Unified School District. Anthony and David Brewer were the only two schools in Kansas to be recognized. Since Character.org’s School of Character program inception, the process has affected nearly 3 million students, staff, parents and
other community members. Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated
focus on character development, which has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate. Schools and districts announced will be considered for Character.org’s highest distinction - National School of Character. There are also 16 schools that are former State Schools of Character applying for the national certification and 23 schools and districts recertifying as National Schools of Character. (See the complete list of 2019 State Schools of Character below.) "We are pleased to announce the 2019 State Schools and Districts of Character today," said Doug Karr, Character.org’s President & CEO. "These schools’ representatives, including educators, parents and students, are working together to create stronger communities focused on character. We are honored to validate their efforts and continue coaching them along their journeys. ”
at the 2019 National Forum to be held Oct 24-27, 2019 in Washington, DC.
To learn more about the schools chosen today and those in the midst of their 5-year certification as State Schools of Character, please visit Character.org’s website. Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the characterbuilding effort. The 2019 National Schools of Character will be announced in May 2019. Character.org will honor these schools and districts
About Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It works with communities including organizations, schools, families, workplaces and sports to inspire, educate and empower people to be ethical and compassionate citizens. Character.org is a membership organization dedicated to growth and success through the advancement of quality character development in schools and communities through our inspiring, empowering and certifying programs and resources.Visit www.character.org to learn more.
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2 019-2020 2019-2020 20 USD 453 A C ADEMIC CC ALENDAR NDAR ACADEMIC CALENDAR 14 15 19 2 3 27 30 11 14 30 31
AUGUST 2019
New Student udent Orientation @ WMS & LHS/.5 5 Work Day; Elementary ntary & Middle Back to School Night ght First Dayy of School First Dayy Fall Practices
SEPTEMBER EPTEMBER 2019
Labor Day (No School) PD (No School) .5 School/.5 ol/.5 PD (Homecoming ming Parade)) PD (No School)
O OCTOBER 2019
End of 1st st Quarter Work Day ay (No School); Admin dmin umbus Day PD; Columbus P/T Conferences nferences P/T Conferences nferences (No School) ool)
NOVEMBER OVEMBER 2019
1 No School ool 11 Veterans ns Day (No School) giving Break (No School) chool) 27-29 Thanksgiving
DECEMBER D ECEMBER 2019
20 *Flex Flex Work ork Day (No School) ol) 23-31 Winter Break (No School)
1-3 6 7 20
12 13 14 17
Winter inter Break (No School) hool) lex Work Day (No School) *Flex rst Day of Second Semester First Martin artin Luther King Jr. r. Day (No No School)
FEBRUARY 2020 020
P/TT Conferences P/TT Conferences (No o School) No o School Presidents esidents Day (No School)
MARCH 2020 20
12 End nd of Third Quarter Work 13 W ork Day (No School); ol); Admin PD pring Break (No School) hool) 16-20 Spring 1 10 13 16 22 25 26 27
SCHOOL CHOOL HOURS
Elementary Schools ools 8:10 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
JANUARY 2020 020
APRIL 2020 0
District strict PD (No School) ol) Non-Working on-Working g Holidayy ((No School)) District strict PD (No School) ol)
MAY 2020 0
LHS HS Graduation .5 Last Day of School/.5 ol/.5 Work Day Memorial emorial Day No o School (Snow Make-Up ake-Up Day) No o School (Snow Make-Up ake-Up Day)
Warren Middle ddle & LHS 7:50 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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KANSAS DAY CELEBRATIONS Students at Henry Elementary and Anthony Elementary celebrated Kansas Day on January 29, with fun crafts and activities. Kindergarteners in Ms. Hladky's class at Anthony Elementary played a computer game to learn about Kansas and enjoyed a sunflower
birthday cake. Second graders in Mrs. Schwalm's class at Henry Leavenworth made bread and butter from scratch. Third graders in Mrs. Todd-Nichol's class at Henry Leavenworth dressed up as famous Kansans.
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41 ACTION NEWS FEATURES HENRY ART TEACHER'S DRAWING 41 Action News visited Henry Leavenworth Elementary this winter after seeing a piece of artwork created by Henry's own
Lillie Schenk. Schenk posted her art online initially for her Facebook friends. The piece depicted Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes putting ketchup on his
steak. Her students were thrilled to see her artwork and were very excited to talk to the local news as well.
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION. AFFORDABLE EDUCATION Saint Mary has helped students find their purpose for over 90 years. At USM, Leavenworth grads will benefit from: • A Princeton Review Best Midwestern College* • Over 30 majors, including top-notch health care programs, business, accounting, pre-engineering, education, and more • 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 21 varsity sports, including eSports *The Princeton Review’s Best Regional Colleges, 2019. (c)2018 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.
stmary.edu/Leavenworth
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WARREN STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT CAREER OPTIONS In support of CTE (Career Technical Education) month, LHS CTE teachers to our local middle schoolers regarding the different career pathways available once they reach the high school level. Richard Warren Middle School students visited different information stations to learn about the various career and technical education programs at LHS and partici-
pate in engaging activities administered by LHS students. The LHS students showcased their amazing projects while enlightening future LHS students as to the options for their future. This great program was funded by the Leavenworth Education Foundation, through the Innovative Teacher Grants Program.
CHECK OUT OUR PIONEER CAREER CENTER
Pioneer Career P oneerr Car e Cent eer Center er
1901 1 9 Spruce 901 pr St., Lea Leavenworth eavenwor worth Credit e & Non-Credit Non-Cr n-Credit it Å Credit s schedules edules s class available available a le online n
Ins state t tuition n for f Å Instate a activ e dut m active dutyy & family members e rs
kckcc.edu k ck kcc.edu edu | 913.288.7750 9 2 7 0
echnical chnical al programs/ progr grams/ s/ ÅT Technical c cour ses available available a e courses
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FIRST RESPONDERS ENJOY LUNCH WITH ELEMENTARY STUDENTS First responders from around Leavenworth, including the Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Management Services, visited elementary students right before Winter Break. The first responders ate and chatted with students during
their lunch hour. The students were so excited for the opportunity to interact and spend time with the first responders, and our community members appreciated the opportunity to strengthen relationships with area youth.
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