Feb 10 - From the Superintendent
February 10, 2023
February 10, 2023
Hello, USD 231 Patrons and Employees.
February is another month with several noteworthy celebrations and recognitions. I'll speak to those later in my newsletter, but I'm also writing to share an update.
Early Release/Late Start Schedule
Thank you to the parents and employees who took the time to submit feedback related to the Early Release or Late Start schedule concept. There has been a question about survey participation rate. For reference, we received 1,674 responses (1,205 from parents and 469 from employees). In December, when we surveyed families and employees regarding the strategic plan, we received 1,404 responses (741 from parents, 255 from employees who are also parents of students in the district, 309 from employees, and 99 from patrons). For comparison purposes, there was a 16% higher response rate on the schedule survey than the strategic plan survey.
We know there are questions and some anxiousness. We are appreciative of our Board of Education's support and will utilize the next six months to finalize the logistics and ensure a plan is in place that supports employee growth, which will ultimately have a positive impact on students.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we will share more information and a Frequently Asked Questions document that answers more questions like the one I addressed above.
Black History Month
The Gardner Edgerton Public School District is proud to join our nation in honoring Black History Month throughout the month of February! Also known as National African American History Month, this annual celebration commemorates the contributions and achievements of Black Americans. It serves as a time for recognizing the pivotal role of African Americans in the story of the United States of America.
National School Counseling Week
Secondly, February also is reserved to recognize our outstanding counselors! National School Counseling Week (February 6-10), highlights the essential contribution our school counselors make and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Take a moment to thank your child's school counselor(s). To learn more about the school counselor's role, click HERE.
National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 15 is the day recognized as National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.
Our SROs are carefully selected, specifically trained, sworn law enforcement officers assigned by the Gardner Police Department to work with schools using community-oriented policing concepts.
The SRO assignment is unique within the law enforcement profession. These officers fill a three-part role: informal mentors or counselors, law educators, and law enforcement officers to support the students and communities they serve.
They are valuable and essential members of the education community who deserve unwavering respect and support from the public to keep schools and students safe.
National Blue Ribbon Nomination
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program recently announced that the Kansas State Department of Education nominated a Gardner Edgerton school for the 2023 National Blue Ribbon (NBR) Schools Award Program. Edgerton Elementary School was among only five Kansas schools selected and nominated as an Exemplary High Performing School. Edgerton Elementary was invited by the National Blue Ribbon Award program to apply for the prestigious award.
Being nominated is an amazing accomplishment in itself! We will find out in September if EE is selected as a Blue Ribbon Award winner.
To learn more, click HERE.
Closing
Thank you for your continued support of our students and employees. And.... GO CHIEFS!!!
Sincerely,
Brian
#Forwardas23ONE #WeAreUSD231
P.S. - Please follow me on Facebook (@usd231superintendent) and Twitter (@usd231supe) for more frequent updates!
Week-at-a-Glance
USD 231 is proud to offer a comprehensive listing of events taking place in our district. The most current "Week-at-a-Glance" can be found HERE or by clicking on the image on the right.
Inclement Weather Procedures
In the event USD 231 closes school due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the information is communicated as soon as the decision is made in the following ways:
Posted on our website
Posted on social media (Facebook and Twitter)
Local television stations (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)
The district understands no perfect decision exists. Our goal is to err on the side of caution for the safety of all.
Always remember that each parent should be prepared to make the best decision for his or her child regarding attending school on questionable weather days.
Share Good News!!!
One of the priorities of the USD 231 Community Relations Department is sharing our stories!
If you have student or staff awards, accomplishments, interesting story ideas to share, or fantastic programs to highlight, please submit them via this FORM.
Additionally, we hope you will keep Community Relations and district leadership informed about upcoming events. To do so, please be sure to fill out this FORM in order to:
- Let Community Relations know about potential story ideas and consider the event for coverage on the district website, social media channels, and potentially through local media.
- Invite the Superintendent, Superintendent’s Leadership Team, or Board of Education to an event.
Thank you!!!
Now Hiring!!!
USD 231 is now hiring classroom paraeducators, evening custodians, and part-time food service workers!
Great benefits include no evenings, no weekends, winter break, spring break, and free admission to all district events (musicals, athletic events, etc.)!
Click HERE to apply.
Please contact Mark Meyer, Director of Auxiliary Services, with any questions at (913) 856-2019.
To view previous newsletters, click the icon on the right.
To view events occurring at the district level, please click the icon on the right. To view school-specific calendars, please visit each building's respective website.
As a district parent, guardian, alumni or community member, you will receive A Message from Gardner Edgerton USD 231, our email newsletter with updates, celebrations, and upcoming events, in your inbox.
Please be sure to follow USD 231 Schools on social media to keep up with all the great accomplishments happening across our district!