Oct 28 - From the Superintendent

​Hello, USD 231 Patrons and Employees.

Conflict is inevitable. We all know this, especially when working through complex issues that directly affect our own children. Even as an educator and superintendent, I don't always agree with my children's teachers. I also know that, if I desire an outcome that is in the best interest of Sam or Bryson, I must work directly with the teacher or coach, to find a suitable resolution.

Parents (Beth and myself included) sometimes wonder where to turn with a question or a concern regarding their child or other school issues. Starting “too high up the ladder” often slows the process and necessitates backtracking to gain relevant and required information. Additionally, it can inadvertently exclude valuable allies.

The real question is - When you are not happy with a particular answer or solution, where should you go, what should you do? These guidelines may be helpful for everyone involved:

• If it is a classroom concern, start with your child’s teacher. They are in the best position to address classroom-related issues. If the problem is outside the teacher’s area of expertise or control, the teacher will refer you to the right person.
• If you cannot resolve the problem with the teacher, go next to your child's school counselor, then to the principal or the assistant principal, who will almost always be able to resolve your problem or refer you to the right person.
• If you still cannot resolve your problem, call or write Christi Whitter, Director of Elementary Education, at (913) 856-2007 or whitterc@usd231.com, or Heather Peeke, Director of Secondary Education, at (913) 856-2007 or peekeh@usd231.com.

• Finally, if you have still been unable to receive an answer to your question or concern, you are welcome to call or write me (913) 856-2004 or huffb@usd231.com.

In summary, when conflict arises, the BEST route is the DIRECT route.

Sincerely,

Brian

#Forwardas23ONE #WeAreUSD231

P.S. - Please follow me on Facebook (@usd231superintendent) and Twitter (@usd231supe) for more frequent updates!

Student well-being is essential to learning. Family/school partnership is critical in recognizing and addressing students academic, behavioral, and social needs. To the right/below is valuable information and resources for USD 231 families to access various topics.

In addition, the online database, http://supportgroupsinkansas.org/, contains more than 2,500 local and national support group resources. Groups and resources can be searched by topic and/or by county. Topics include medical conditions, disabilities, relationship issues, parenting, grief, abuse, caregiving, and addiction, among many others.

An extremely useful resource for residents is a database that provides information related to a variety of issues: https://ims.jocogov.org/rc/

www.psychologytoday.com: This link allows parents to search information re: location, specialty, etc. that provide a list of counselors who work in various fields.

Lastly, a multitude of resources are located HERE.

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.

​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!!!

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