District Quarterly - February 2023
Fort Leavenworth USD 207
We are over halfway through third quarter and your family has now experienced unseasonably warm temperatures followed by snow...in the same week. What an adventure! Please take a moment to review our 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
Spring Break Hours
- All school buildings will be closed from March 13 - March 17, 2023.
- The District Office will be closed March 16 & 17, 2023.
- Students return to school from Spring Break on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Dates to Remember
- March 10: Half Day for K-9, No School for 3 & 4 Year Old Pre-School
- March 13-17: No School, Spring Break
- April 7: No School
- May 19: Half Day for K-9, No School for 3 & 4 Year Old Pre-School
- May 26: Last Day for Students, Half Day for K-9, No School for 3 & 4 Year Old Pre-School
*To receive credit for the full 2022-23 academic year, students must attend through and including May 12, 2023.
Message from the USD 207 Board of Education
I am excited as the district finds itself in the second semester and nearing spring, which means students are well along this school year on their journey of learning and improving academically. I continue to applaud their hard work and perseverance and thank parents for supporting your students and their teachers.
The district is continuing its work on a 5-year strategic plan. Prior to winter break, separate brainstorming/input meetings were held with five groups of stakeholders: Students (Patton Student Council); Parents/Site Council and Community Members; Teachers; Administrators; and Board of Education (BOE) members. The information and data gathered has been used in driving the framework for our strategic plan. Besides examining the district’s vision, mission, and core values, we have two goal teams drafting goals, objectives, and action steps for the plan. Later this month or in early March the BOE will review the work accomplished thus far, focusing most of its effort on discussing and validating the district’s core values, and providing guidance with respect to the plan’s metrics. A draft strategic plan will be presented to the BOE for review at the March Board meeting. Then, after revisions are made from Board input, a final draft strategic plan will be submitted to the BOE at our April meeting for review and approval. The strategic plan will set the district’s course through 2028, but with a solid set of metrics we will be able to monitor progress, and adjust parts of the plan, as necessary, to maintain its relevancy and coherence. We look forward to sharing the district’s 5-year strategic plan with all stakeholders, particularly parents and other members of the community.
The district has installed the last of the equipment associated with our Project Anchoring Reading and Math in Exercise (Health) Sciences (ARMIES). This project is being funded by a five-year Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) $1.5M grant that began in 2021. In general, the project focuses on enhancing student engagement and learning through physical activity and movement. Research shows there is a strong correlation between physical activity/movement and higher academic achievement. The implementation of sensory paths in each hallway, Super Brain Workout videos, and use of the Exergame equipment and rooms are designed to engage students in both learning and physical activity. Each of the schools will share more information on the resources available and various activities that comprise Project ARMIES. Ask your students about Super Brain Workouts, or please visit our website (www.usd207.org) under the Curriculum/Instruction tab, then click “Brain Training: Brain & Body Workouts” for more information.
Myron J. “Mike” Griswold
President, Board of Education
USD 207
April is the Month of the Military Child
Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future (2023 Army CYS MOMC Theme)
Although we celebrate the achievements of our students every day, we are very excited to honor our military children and youth during this April's Month of the Military Child (MOMC). We recognize the sacrifices of our resilient students and look forward to showing visual support during our scheduled "Purple Up!" days.
We have collaborated with Fort Leavenworth CYS to sync up our calendars, making it easier for students to participate in the 2023 CYS MOMC Spirit Week. Our next newsletter will feature Month of the Military Child activities scheduled in the community.
A special Fort Leavenworth MOMC shirt design has been included in each school's Spring Spirit Store, available in adult, youth, and toddler sizes!
Spring Spirit Wear
Each building has their own 'store' that is open for approximately two weeks. Upon closure of stores, no additional orders will be accepted.
For a timely arrival, production begins immediately following. We appreciate your understanding!
NOTES
- All stores close at 11:59 PM on March 5, 2023. (Extended one additional week!!)
- Indicate student's name in the 'customer information' section of the payment screen.
- Apparel is available in both adult and youth sizing, notated in the product title. Please review each selection to verify accuracy prior to submitting orders.
- Orders are custom printed based on customer selections, therefore may not be returned or exchanged.
- Shipping is free when 'pick up from school' is selected. Customers also have the option to ship directly to an address for a fee.
- In the event stock is unavailable, products may be substituted with similar items.
- At this time, the company is unable to link the stores together to combine purchases.
- Purchasing spirit wear is optional.
We hope you enjoy this final opportunity to purchase spirit wear for the 2022-23 school year!
Message from Dr. Keith Mispagel, Superintendent
Though technically it is still the winter season, we have experienced up-and-down weather temperatures that have stayed unseasonably on the warmer side (for wintertime). What I know from living in Kansas for the last 30 years is that winter weather is unpredictable and can have very big temperature swings over short periods of time. I will continue to monitor inclement weather conditions as we go forward this winter. Please continue to dress your students in layers to adapt to the temperature swings we’ll experience even from the start of a day to its end.
As shared in previous communication, approximately 50% of our students relocate each year to another part of the country or world. At the end of March, I will be meeting with each school’s Student Council members at our District Office for a STUCO/Superintendent lunch meeting. We will discuss the various places they’ve lived in their journey as a military child. As part of the meeting, each school’s Student Council has an opportunity to discuss with me their experiences transitioning to USD 207 and while enrolled here, in an effort for us to continually improve. I’m always fascinated about the stories and memories the student's share of their travels and experiences. It is also fascinating to understand and experience the diverse representation of our international families attending USD 207.
As part of my job as superintendent, I’m able to work with districts across the country that serve military children. Specifically, there are 61 school districts serving military communities (in 23 different states) within our Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) organization, which I currently serve as the President. This not-for-profit organization works throughout the year to educate our legislators in Washington, DC, about the importance of federal funding from the USDoE for public school districts serving military populations. As I shared in a previous edition about our uniqueness as a coterminous school district (defined as a state public school whose boundary is completely on federal property - including USD 207, there are only 7 in the country), we are a Kansas public unified school district that must adhere to all Kansas statutes. However, because we are housed completely on federal property, we rely on federal funding for our capital improvements because we do not have a tax base like the other 285 school districts in Kansas. Our charge forward from the Board of Education and administrative team is to be fiscally responsible with the ever-changing funding we receive, as well as forward-thinking and planning, by saving the necessary funds for future initiatives and projects. Most visible to our families arriving here on Fort Leavenworth are our amazing facilities. The money for our facilities is from Federal Impact Aid (written in the law of ESSA). Because of our unique status in the country and our inability to tax due to our district's location on federal property, we must save up capital outlay money for every project.
If you are transitioning to a new duty station next year, please don’t hesitate to let my team and me know if we can help.
Keith Mispagel
Enrollment for the 2023-24 School Year
Intent to Return Form
*Both returning and non-returning students need to complete this form.
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 once it opens in March.
*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.
*To receive credit for the full 2022-23 academic year, students must attend through and including May 12, 2023.
Special Education records are requested separately here.
Transition Night 2023 - Leavenworth High School
Message from Liddell Hobin, Director of Technology
The Technology Department supports student learning by providing online resources that students can use at school and at home. These resources can be found in the student’s ClassLink.
IXL Reading and Math makes Language Arts and Math practice fun for kindergarten through 9th grade. IXL is used to reinforce classroom curriculum. Students have unlimited access to all grade levels. IXL breaks down topics into progressive skills for each grade level and content area and provides immediate feedback with question-specific explanations for incorrect answers.
Reflex Math is used with 2nd semester 1st graders and 2nd through 9th graders. Reflex helps students of all ability levels to develop fluency with their basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Reflex is game-based and highly motivational so students enjoy the learning process.
Freckle can be found in the Renaissance app. Freckle provides differentiated instruction to reach every student at their own level across Math and ELA. Students are engaged while learning with incentives and age-appropriate design.
As we are all looking forward to Spring, we know that State Testing is right around the corner. The Technology Department works to make sure that student devices are updated and charged.
Message from Melissa Hurley, Director of Food Service
Skyward Food Service payments through RevTrak has a new auto-replenishment option for parents!
You can now enable recurring payments when your child's food account balance falls below an amount of your choosing.
Follow the steps below to get started.
Message from Amanda Nonnemaker, Director of Military Support
Transition Support
In collaboration with Garrison Transition Support Programs, we will be participating in a series of family focused workshops and events. This multi-organizational approach provides the opportunity for well-rounded conversation and individualized assistance as your family prepares for a new adventure.
Moving With Kids
The Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program is hosting two one-hour sessions of "Moving with Kids", a workshop for parents navigating an upcoming family transition. Guest participants include the Fort Leavenworth School Liaison Officer, ACS Exceptional Family Member Program, ACS Family Advocacy Program, Military & Family Life Counselors, and the Fort Leavenworth School District.
- March 30: 10:00 am @ Resiliency Center (600 Thomas Avenue)
- April 5: 5:00 pm @ USD 207 District Office (207 Education Way)
***Moving with Kids workshops are family friendly.
Family Resources
In support of our mobile military community, we have a new section on our website that provides a snapshot of information for new families, what to expect for those departing our district, community resources, and more. As we continue to build this section, we appreciate any words of encouragement or advice you'd like to share with new families!
As we continue to grow our communication strategies, your feedback is valuable! I invite you to email constructive suggestions, topics, and information we may provide to best support our families.
National Children's Dental Health Month
Fort Leavenworth Dental Clinic Command recognizes February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. This is a time to promote the benefits of good oral health for children. This year’s theme is Brush, Floss, Smile!
Parents/Guardians being involved in their children’s oral health from an early age is a key to preventing tooth decay and other long term oral health issues. Helping or supervising your child brush and floss their teeth daily, until they are about eight years old.
Remember, the best medicine for teeth is preventative care! See below for some helpful tips and links to help your children have the best oral health.
Healthy Smile Tips:
- Brush your teeth 2x/day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth daily
- Eat healthy foods and limit sugary beverages
- See your dentist at least twice a year
Military and Family Life Counselors
Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are present in each school building, following our academic calendar. MFLCs provide confidential, non-medical counseling support to our students. Please see the image below for a list of contacts.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event schools are closed for the day, USD 207 will make a determination for closing by 6:00 AM. Following the determination, notice will be provided to households via Sylert message. Additional notifications will be provided to all major television stations in the KC area, as well as, the Installation Operations Center (IOC) Office.
USD 207 will not dismiss school early or participate in delayed entry. Once the school day starts, we will remain open until normal dismissal and will be open as usual unless closed for the day.
Families may choose to keep their children home or pick-up early due to inclement weather conditions. These absences will be excused and work missed may be made up without penalty.
Click here to view the USD 207 Inclement Weather Policy in entirety.
Fort Leavenworth has a separate decision authority for operations. Click here for Fort Leavenworth post operations status and road conditions.
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