After the last few wintery months, March is always a welcome reminder that winter won’t last forever. And any child or adult who has read Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series knows that spring is right around the corner — even on cold and dreary days. Milder weather, sunshine and green leaves are on their way!
Our schools are also in transition as third quarter turns into fourth quarter. This time of year is full of good news to celebrate. Here are just a few of the highlights:
· Two dozen junior high students took the opportunity to complete hunter safety classes offered by Adam Pack and Matt Schmidt from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
· Girls’ wrestling made history last month competing in KSHSAA’s first-ever girls’ super regional. Our girls competed in a tough field of teams that included most of the top teams in Kansas — and qualified three for the state meet. Congratulations to sophomore Piper McClung, junior Kia Mader and freshman Hannah James for their tremendous performance. Also participating in the state tournament was freshman, Asher Haag. Congratulations to Asher Haag, Kia, Piper and Hannah for also receiving All State Honorable Mention!
· Four WGS students competed at the Ellis County Spelling Bee. We’re proud of Harper Burd, Clara Still, Opal Birdsong and Taegan Cook for their hard work preparing and their composure on the competition stage.
· Also last month, the EHS forensics team stood out at a meet in Norton. Journey Swaggerty snagged the gold medal in humorous solo, punching her ticket to the state meet. Emma Dawson also qualified for state with a second-place finish in oration, as well as fourth in poetry. Congratulations also to Talon Pyle, sixth place in extemporaneous speaking and Elie Brull, who placed third in poetry and sixth in prose.
· EHS junior Tayler Schmidt was selected by audition for the Honors Performance Series on bass clarinet to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City and learn from renowned conductors.
· Several students have received a Dane G. Hansen Scholarship for their GPA and ACT scores. Teagan Shannon will receive $6500 for 4 years, Addison Kohl, Maleah Vine and Morgan Armbrister will receive $4000 for two years. Gavyn Wildeman, Chance Jimenez, and Kamden Keller will receive $4000 a year for two years to a 2-year tech program. Congratulations!
I also want to thank VFW Auxiliary Post 9139 for a generous donation of books for libraries at WGS, EJSHS and St. Mary’s School. Partnerships like these make our schools and community stronger. Please be sure to follow our Facebook page/website/read our newsletters at usd388. for more good news about our students and staff.
The school board has appointed Brandon Comer to the vacant seat. Thanks to Mr. Comer for volunteering to serve our schools and community as a member of the board of education! Right now, the board is working hard to finalize the four focus areas of our new strategic plan — Communications and Community Engagement, Facilities and Infrastructure, Student Development and Engagement and Staff and Financial Sustainability — with action steps and measurable goals. They also continue to explore sixth grade participation in sports next fall. Their decision this spring will be based on feedback from the recent survey of staff and families, as well as experiences of other districts that have already implemented sixth grade sports.
Under the direction of art teacher Justin Longbine, the EHS Art Club and PTO will host an Art Festival on March 28th. Following last year’s success, the event will once again bring together community members and volunteers to celebrate creativity through a variety of engaging activities.
Last, but not least, February was Bus Driver Appreciation Month. What a joy it is to recognize the awesome people who transport our students every day. The role of bus driver goes far beyond operating a vehicle. Our drivers show kids they matter every day in countless different ways. Smiles, conversations, encouragement — even cheering from the stands when our kids compete on the road. When you have a chance, please thank our drivers for their huge role in the life of our students and families.
Thanks for all you do to make our schools and community a great place for kids and families. As we move from winter to spring, I look forward to sharing more good news and always welcome your ideas and feedback. Together, we can continue to create a bright future for Ellis and USD 388!
Janice Wilson, Superintendent