District Communication - May 2023
Fort Leavenworth USD 207
What a year! We appreciate the support and engagement of our families and hope you have made lasting memories within the community. Please take a moment to review our included highlights, announcements, and updates.
The front office of each school building is open daily from 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, as well as, the District Office to provide individualized support.
- USD 207 District Office: 913-651-7373
- Bradley Elementary: 913-651-6915
- Eisenhower Elementary: 913-651-6663
- MacArthur Elementary: 913-651-6517
- Patton Junior High: 913-651-7371
Summer Hours - District Office
Summer hours begin on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. The USD 207 District Office will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, resuming normal Monday through Friday operations on Monday, July 17, 2023.
Summer Hours - School Buildings
The last day of the 22-23 school year for Bradley, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton offices will be June 1, 2023. The first day of the 23-24 school year for Bradley, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton offices will be July 19, 2023.
- Elementary Office Hours, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Junior High Office Hours, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Be sure to check our website over the summer for periodic updates to 2023-24 school year enrollment documents, to include supply lists and other back-to-school information.
Dates to Remember
- May 8-19: District-Wide End of the Year Food Drive
- May 19: Half Day for K-9, No School for 3 & 4 Year Old Pre-School
- May 19: The Fort Leavenworth Summer Kick-Off (MWR/USD 207 Community Event)
- May 26: Last Day for Students, Half Day for K-9, No School for 3 & 4 Year Old Pre-School
**For families not returning to USD 207 next year, students must attend through and including May 12, 2023 to receive credit for the full 2022-23 academic year.
Message from the USD 207 Board of Education
We did it! Thanks to the continued efforts from our staff and teachers, our parents and community members, and our students, we have been able to make our way back to normal, with the return of many of our activities and special events along with the return of no masks or protective barriers in the schools. Being able to see each other’s smiling faces has been a true delight this year and has made it easier to connect with each other. As we continue to make strides toward ‘normal,’ we look to our staff and teachers, parents and community members and our students to work together, being kind to one another and sharing in our beliefs.
For those of you that will be departing our District, we thank you for allowing us to be part of your family’s time here at Ft. Leavenworth. Remember that we have many resources to help you and your family transition to your next location, including our guidance counselors and the School Liaison Officer. And again, thank you for being part of this incredible return to normal.
For those of you just arriving to Ft. Leavenworth, welcome! We’re so glad you have chosen to be part of our USD 207 family and allowing us to be part of your time here. We know that you have options when it comes to where your children attend school, where you invest your time and energy, and the relationships you build, and know that we continue to make efforts to ensure we lead the way in all areas of our District and in the area and state. USD 207 recently was recognized as one of four school districts in Kansas with the Purple Star School Recognition, a special designation given to schools and districts that provide support to military-affiliated families.
For those families who are continuing their time with us here, thank you. You are an important part of our District. From volunteering in our classrooms, supporting our staff and teachers, serving as employees in our District, and sharing your positive experiences in our District, you help continue to make USD 207 an amazing place to send your children to school, to work and to spend your time and energy. We are fortunate to have returning families in our District who continue to serve as a warm welcome to those who will be arriving this summer, whether just for a year or for several years. It is a beautiful blend of returning and new members of our District that brings together continued growth.
As we wrap up the last quarter of school, there are so many cheers of congratulations to go around, from schools who achieved their goals, small ones and wildly big ones, to our sports teams at Patton Jr High, and our students who participated in band, choir and performances at each of our schools, to our Junior Guard teams and Odyssey of the Mind teams who recently competed and came home with new hardware and knowledge, and our teachers and staff who completed additional certifications and professional developments, congratulations and continue to strive for your very best. And thank you to those who supported these activities, from parents driving carpools, to staff and teachers who sponsored activities to students who made sure they were making the grades and staying disciplined so they could participate, team work makes the dream work.
Message from Dr. Keith Mispagel, Superintendent
Dear USD 207 Parents/Guardians,
As the academic year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of our students, staff, and the community toward continuous progress in many areas.
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to our amazing faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure our students have access to high-quality education and support. Their dedication, creativity, and selfless work is truly inspiring.
Our students have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of many hurdles with things like transitioning to a new school/district, changing from one school to a new school, meeting new friends, learning new curriculum resources, and continuously learning and growing, all the while still wanting to be kids. Our students are fantastic. I’m excited to see the goals they will achieve in their lives. The sky is the limit, and they will be the future leaders of our country.
We have also made progress in improving our school facilities and infrastructure. We were excited to open the newly built Patton Junior High School this year and add it to our state-of-the-art facilities for students. Even more exciting is what happens inside the walls of the schools and in the classrooms. The classroom environments are focused on supporting individual students and learning continues to be a focus. Additionally, in receiving another DoDEA grant, we were able to expand sensory learning paths in all the hallways at each school. In January, we completed the installation of Exergame equipment and rooms at the schools as well. This semester we have been introducing students to these spaces as a way to engage students in both learning and physical activity. Research continues to support that physical activity is correlated with higher academic functioning in youth, as well as increased concentration and on-task behavior.
Another highlight for not only Fort Leavenworth School District but for the state of Kansas is the Kansas State Board of Education approving and endorsing Purple Star Designation for the schools in the state. Fort Leavenworth School District (USD 207) was one of three Kansas school districts approved and recognized in April with the Purple Star designation, highlighting supports, programs and initiatives for military-connected students and families. It was an honor for me, COL Misenheimer, CSM Rhine-Russell, Ashley Parsons, and Amanda Nonnemaker to present to the Kansas State Board of Education on April 11th in Topeka, as well as receive a Proclamation highlighting April as Month of the Military Child signed by the Governor.
I hope as we quickly approach the end of the school year, all our students and families are preparing for a safe and relaxing summer. Whether we are fortunate to continue educating your children next year or if you’ll be transitioning to a new location, please let me know how I can assist you and your family.
Dr. Keith Mispagel
Superintendent
Fort Leavenworth Presents...THE Summer Kick-Off
USD 207 and Fort Leavenworth FMWR invite our families to celebrate a successful year together. Please join us at the USD 207 Track and Field Complex on Friday, May 19, 2023, for games, music, rides, and more!!
- Entrance to the event is FREE!
- Food trucks will be available for those who wish to purchase items.
- The Fort Leavenworth Child Supervision Policy applies (below).
For the safety of all in attendance, it is requested that pets stay at home for this event due to noise levels and number of people expected.
**In the event of inclement weather resulting in unsafe conditions,
the Summer Kick-Off will be canceled.**
Message from Liddell Hobin, Director of Technology
Students have shown responsibility and problem-solving as we navigated the digital world this school year. As we end the year, we need to collect all technology. Students will need to have their devices and power supply at school no later than Monday, May 22. Tech teams will schedule a time to meet with classes to identify issues or damages. Technology will NOT go home after Monday, May 22, although it will be used in the classroom.
We look forward to the summer as we prepare for the 23-24 School Year. Summer is usually a busy time for the Technology Department as we touch every device in the district. We wipe down every device with disinfectant before we put it back into classrooms. All operating systems and apps will be updated.
We wish the best to those families who are moving and look forward to seeing returning students and families in August.
Message from Amanda Nonnemaker, Director of Military Support
This year, over 200 parent, service member, and community volunteers shared their time and experience within our district. WOW! Thank you for your positive engagement, support, and contribution to our school community.
I truly hope you and your family has had a wonderful experience during the 2023-24 school year and look forward to welcoming many of you back. If you are planning for a new journey, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am happy to assist during your family's transition.
School Transition Support and Family Resources
Summer at Fort Leavenworth can be one with many changes, both for those families staying and those preparing their next adventure. We encourage you to browse the family resources on our website to support your needs.
If you are interested in connections at your next duty station, please reach out to the Fort Leavenworth School Liaison Officer to initiate transition support. (Contact Information Below)
Ashley Parsons
600 Thomas Avenue, Room 203
913-684-1655
International Day 2023
On May 4, 2023, we hosted our first in-person International Day since 2019! Thank you to all our participants, parent volunteers, service member volunteers, and the Patton International Voices Group for making the day a success! Our first through ninth grade students enjoyed learning about the following countries represented in our community:
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Canada
- Georgia
- Germany
- Iraq
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Suadi Arabia
- UAE
Kansas Purple Star Program
Following the first application cycle, the Fort Leavenworth School District is proud to be one of three Kansas public school districts recognized by the state board of education in April 2023 for demonstrating a major commitment to supporting students and families connected to our nation’s military.
Staff Appreciation
It's mid-way through Staff Appreciation! We might be partial, but our staff are the BEST! If you haven't done so yet, take a chance to thank a staff member! Kind words are always appreciated.
2023-2024 School Year - Enrollment Information
Returning Students
In addition to the Intent to Return Form, families returning for the 2023-24 school year will also need to complete the 2023-24 enrollment process through your Skyward Parent Access.
*Non-resident students are required to apply yearly. Return request forms will be sent separately in April.
Non-Returning Students
If your child will attend through and including the last day of the 2022-23 school year, no further action is needed on your part following the Intent to Return Form. As the end of the school year nears, you will receive a notice from your school building regarding times/dates to obtain your child's education records.
If your child will not be attending through and including the last day of school, please proactively communicate your child's last day of attendance with your school building and request records.
**For families not returning to USD 207 next year, students must attend through and including May 12, 2023 to receive credit for the full 2022-23 academic year.
Special Education records are requested separately here.
Incoming Kindergarteners
Mark your calendars! We host our Step Up to Kindergarten in the fall as an opportunity for parents to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaires required by the State of Kansas.
Words of Encouragement
We invite you to share words of encouragement/advice for families joining the Fort Leavenworth community and the Fort Leavenworth School District. We will be incorporating your responses in future materials on our website.
School Ratings
USD 207 is proud to be a top-rated district in Kansas, providing quality education to our mobile military-connected students. Families often research school options upon notification of new assignments, seeking online reviews and ratings as one of many information sources while making final decisions. We encourage submissions highlighting the dedication and support our district provides, giving insight to new families.
Leavenworth/Fort Leavenworth Parents As Teachers
The Fort Leavenworth School District (USD 207) partners with Leavenworth/Fort Leavenworth Parents as Teachers (PAT), a free parent education program. This program offers information, support, and encouragement to parents with the goal of fostering optimal child development during early years of life. Residents of the Leavenworth (USD 453) or Fort Leavenworth (USD 207) School Districts who are pregnant or have a child under 3 years of age are eligible for enrollment.
Services include:
- Personal visits
- Group connections
- Playgroups
- Screenings
- Links with other community resources
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
207 Education Way, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
Phone: (913) 651-7373 Fax: (913) 758-6010
Contact us at questions@usd207.org