Examples of Excellence (Dec 2022)
December 2022
Overview
USD 231 is proud of the daily accomplishments in our classrooms and buildings. We are frequently notified of awards, generous donations by community members, and other occasions that warrant special attention. The USD 231 'Examples of Excellence' newsletter is produced to share the stories of our student and employee successes!
Do you have a 'feel-good' story or accomplishment to share? Let us know by submitting the information HERE.
Holiday Cheer From GEHS Music
These current students, staff and alumni played for the residents of Lakeview Village on Saturday 12/17 as part of the Shawnee City Concert Band.
This is the 30th anniversary of playing for these residents who were very appreciative of the holiday cheer!
GEHS Student Earns Eagle Scout
As a follow-up to last month's story, GEHS has one more Eagle Scout in their ranks! Congratulations to senior Jason Pitts who accomplished this important milestone in December!
Life Skills Polar Express Day
The Life Skills Squad at Pioneer Ridge Middle School had their first annual Polar Express Day, where they all had hot chocolate and cookies!
Smiles were abundant and they definitely believe!!
Student Council Helps Families In Need
Members of the GEHS Student Council dedicated time in December by collecting donation items for families in need during the holidays. All donations went to both the Hope Market and the Multiservice Center. They did an amazing job!
Mrs. Kueser, GEHS Student Council members, and students in the "All In Blazers" club shopped for students in need this past December! It was amazing to observe theses students' compassion and dedication!
Elemenatry and Middle School Choir Students Participate in ECKMEA
Students from Edgerton Elementary, Gardner Elementary, Moonlight Elementary, Nike Elementary, and Wheatridge Middle School participated in ECKMEA’s middle and elementary-level choirs. Honor choir students had a few rehearsals at their home school leading up to the performance, but spent a great deal of time and dedication outside of school preparing and practicing their music! Thank you to these students and congratulations!!
Last Tournament for Debate Season was a Big One
The last tournament for the debate season was large as it related to the number of schools who participated (25), and entries.
The GEHS team of Morgan MacKinney and Sofia Tortolero won one match and lost four. The sophomore team of Maddison Carriger and Kaila Burnside went undefeated until the quarterfinals - only losing to the senior team from Blue Valley High, who won the open division giving them a place in state.
In the junior varsity division, Kate Sanders and Alyx Greene once again came in with three wins and two losses, giving Alyx a place with Kate in state. Finally, tagging on to the success they had in football, debaters David Torres and Gabe James, came through big! They earned five wins and didn't lose, becoming the only team in their division to go undefeated. They placed first and became eligible for state!
The team wishes to thank all those who helped these students earn an opportunity to compete at state including, but not limited to Assistant Coach Deb Osborn, Jesse Owen, Jason Hagg, Mike Simpson, Shannon Carriger, Julie Gillette, and Robin Scheck.
Outstanding Young Music Teacher of the Year for ECKMEA, 2022-2023
One of our outstanding teachers, Hannah Stevens, has been nominated and selected by her peers as an Outstanding Young Music Teachers of the Year for ECKMEA, 2022-2023.
In order to be considered for this award, the recipient must have met the following qualifications:
Must be a KMEA member in good standing
Must have completed two years, but not more than nine years of teaching
Must have high professional and ethical standards
Must have a commitment and dedication to his or her students
Must have met the needs and interests of students, having brought about positive results in learning
Must have enthusiasm for teaching, love for music, and a desire to further the musical education of his or her students
Must have shown motivation toward professional growth and development
Must have been nominated with supporting documentation by a colleague. Finalists nomination packets were reviewed and voted upon by the ECKMEA Executive Board.
Congratulations to Hannah and her school for emphasizing the importance of music education through your support of strong music educators. Hannah is one of the best!
Blazer Career Expo in Partnership with Gardner Chamber
GEHS Broadcast Journalism students traveled to Olathe Medical Center and conducted an interview related to potential careers in the medical field, specifically nursing. The field of nursing was chosen as this was based on student interest in career life planning classes The video aired in December and a OMC representative visited with students during lunch, sharing materials about current jobs and future careers.
The Broadcast Journalism students plan to produce one to two features per month, including Engineering, Fire Science, Johnson County Mental Health, and interviewing the owner of Groundhouse Coffee.