Dec 7 - From the Superintendent
December 7, 2022
December 7, 2022
Hello, USD 231 Patrons and Employees.
Giving Thanks
During the Thanksgiving break, I took a few moments to list those things for which I am thankful. During this time of reflection, I was reminded of our community's unwavering commitment and support. I was also reminded of and gave thanks for that sense of community when it was on full display as our football team made only their second appearance in the state championship game. Even though they came up a yard short, I was in awe of our cheerleaders, band, students, parents, fans, and so many others, that traveled to Emporia because of the pride and excitement they have for our high school and community.
Strategic Planning Feedback
Strategic planning is crucial to ensure our district vision is inspiring and actionable. The strategic planning process needs to be responsive and focused on successful and sustainable changes. To this end, we need your input. I know you are inundated with surveys, but this one is an extremely important part of the process. Please take 15 minutes to provide your insights, which will help inform the vision for the coming years and ensure success as we continue to grow and evolve.
Special Education Update
In my previous newsletter, I provided a brief update on the progress being made in our Special Education department. Today, I write to share about a very important step in that process taking place last week.
On November 30, our building principals and district administrators participated in an Educational Benefit Review (EBR). An EBR is a structured process for an in-depth examination of the supports and services that result in a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for our students with exceptionalities.
The EBR process helped our team examine and identify characteristics of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that increase student access, participation, and progress in general education. At the individual student level, the EBR systematically examines our student’s current IEP to determine if the design is reasonably calculated to provide educational benefit. At the building and district level, EBRs provide our team with a systematic process for evaluating the special education services offered and our practices, policies, and procedures. Information gathered through this EBR will be used to improve services, practices, and outcomes for all students with exceptionalities.
Closing
As we approach the holidays, I hope you find time to spend with your family and, like ours, take a moment to reflect on that for which you are thankful.
Sincerely,
Brian
#Forwardas23ONE #WeAreUSD231
P.S. - Please follow me on Facebook (@usd231superintendent) and Twitter (@usd231supe) for more frequent updates!
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)
As a district, we know the implications of opening schools during less-than-perfect conditions and closing schools when poor weather conditions exist or are predicted. The safety of our students, staff, and parents remains our primary consideration.
Because the district encompasses 100 square miles of Johnson County, the weather can vary significantly, as can road conditions, in different parts of the county. Major roadways may be in good driving condition, but neighborhood and rural roads may remain treacherous.
District students typically travel to school in five ways. Some ride on school buses, some walk to schools or bus stops, some are driven by their parents, some drive themselves, and some are driven by other students. When the school system considers the impact of weather conditions on the ability to open schools, it considers all these transportation methods.
Some staff members and bus drivers leave home as early as 5:00 a.m. Many working parents need time to make last-minute arrangements for child care. Accordingly, the school system makes every effort to make decisions regarding inclement weather closings or delays prior to 6:00 a.m. Once a decision is made by the Superintendent, it takes approximately 15 - 20 minutes to complete notifying local media, updating the website, and sending text messages.
Oftentimes, snow, sleet, or freezing rain does not start until between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. This sometimes results in schools opening when the conditions are worse than anticipated and closing on days when the weather is not as bad as forecasted. On some days, our residents experience better conditions in some areas of the county and very dangerous conditions in other parts of the county.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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Please be sure to follow USD 231 Schools on social media to keep up with all the great accomplishments happening across our district!