The May/June 2013 issue of schoolNEWS is available for download.  
>> Click here. (pdf)   schoolNEWS is published quarterly.

Emily Churchwell, De Soto High School senior, places first with "Catching Dreams"

Washington, DC  - Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) announced the winner of the 2013 3^rd District Congressional Art Competition. Emily Churchwell, a senior at De   Soto High School, is this year's winner and her art entry "Catching Dreams" was completed using graphite, acrylic, gel, and oil paint. Each year, the winner of the Congressional Art Competition has their entry hung in the halls of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center for the following year, among some of the best high school art work in the country. This is the second year in a row a student from De Soto High School has been selected in the Congressional Art Competition.

"I want to congratulate Emily for winning this year's 3^rd District Congressional Art Competition. Her entry Catching Dreams was chosen out of several other fantastic entries," stated Representative Kevin Yoder. "The 3^rd Congressional District has a large number of very talented young artists. I want to thank every student who submitted an art entry for their passion, and I thank our many wonderful art educators for the work they do."



"In addition to Emily, I'd like to thank and congratulate our three Honorable Mentions from this year for their exceptional talents as well : Madeline Fowler, senior at Shawnee Mission South High School, for the entry 'Orphans of Rwanda'; Jane Chaffee, senior at Shawnee Mission South High School, for the entry 'Distortion of Light'; and Kris Roller, senior at Shawnee Mission North High School, for the entry 'Catie.' All three submitted remarkable art entries and received Honorable Mention recognition for their work. Additionally this year, I added a third category, "The People's Choice Award," giving community members the opportunity to share with me their favorite piece of art. 'Catie', Kris Roller's piece won "The People's Choice Award" for this year. Thank you to all the other students who entered their work in this year's Congressional Art Competition, and to the judges who had the difficult task of picking just one winner."

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of the high school students in their districts. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition. The winning student art will hang in the U.S. Capitol with the winning art selected from all Congressional Districts across the country from June 2013 through June 2014. Emily's winning art was chosen from amongst all high school art students who entered art within the 3rd Congressional District; including public and private high schools, as well as home school students. 

Click the following link to view Emily's winning entry, "Catching Dreams," or for more information about the Congressional Art Competition:   http://yoder.house.gov/art-competition

The Mill Valley High School journalism department earned numerous honors at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association State Journalism Contest on May 4, including the school's second 5A state journalism title in the last four years.

Lead by seniors Kristina Milewski, Austin Gillespie and Jillian Mullin, the team of 14 students outpaced Wichita's Bishop Carroll to win the state title, 39-35. Mill Valley also won state journalism titles in 2004, 2009 and 2010. Click here to read more about the contest.

>> Read the full story from Mill Valley News.

Mill Valley High School seniors Coleman McCann, Skyler Windmiller, and Staton Rebeck will represent the Kansas team in the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Metro All-Star Game on June 13. The game will be played at Lee's Summit North High School.

Rebeck was also named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete. Twelve football athletes in the state of Kansas were chosen as recipients of this distinguished honor. The awards banquet is in Manhattan, Kansas, and Coach Bill Snyder from Kansas State University will be the featured speaker. Rebeck was also selected to play in this summer's 2013 KS Shrine Bowl.

The  MVHS Jaguars head football coach is Joel Applebee.

UPDATE - DATE CHANGE
The Mill Valley High School Soccer programs will host its second annual FREE Jaguar Cub Soccer Clinic on Friday, May 10, (not May 3, due to inclement weather). The event will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Mill Valley High School soccer field

Cost: Free

Participants: Students in grades K-5 (Bring your entire team!)

What to bring: Soccer ball, shin pads, water bottle

Register for the event (space is limited): www.usd232.org/mvwomenssoccer

See the attached flyer for more information or send an email message:
jaguarcubsoccer@gmail.com

Online Registration for the new school year is now OPEN. The enrollment process will utilize Family Access and is for returning students only. We have created step-by-step instructions for parents on how to complete the online enrollment process. Some documents will need to be printed, signed, and returned to your child's school. 

>> www.usd232.org/enrollment

USD 232 entered a three year partnership in 2012 with The University of Kansas Hospital Center for Sports Medicine to provide athletic training services for student athletes. De Soto and Mill Valley High Schools were the first high schools in the area to partner with the Center for Sports Medicine. The new program is featured in a magazine published by The University of Kansas Hospital.

Gearing up for the game
Center for Sports Medicine partners with area high schools
BeWell, The University of Kansas Hospital, May-August 2013

Game time. The minds of high school athletes are fixed on these words during practices, summer camps and conditioning exercises. Long before the first pitch or game whistle, these young but serious competitors push hard to keep their competitive edge.

At the same time, they're still growing into their roles as athletes. Athletic trainer Clint McAlister knows how important it is to make sure high school athletes stay healthy.

Training the next generation

McAlister, an athletic trainer with The University of Kansas Hospital's Center for Sports Medicine, works full-time with students at Mill Valley High School as part of the hospital's partnership with Unified School District #232, which includes De Soto and Mill Valley high schools.

>> Read the entire article in BeWell, page 8.

By Melissa Moore

Four teenagers sat around in a circle and talked animatedly about one of their favorite things. They weren't talking about video games, movies, or their plans for the weekend. They were talking about their jobs.

They each took turns and spoke for about ten minutes sharing about where they work and what they do when they are there. This may not sound unusual but according to Robin Hodges, one of the teachers, it is. "They are normally more reserved when talking about themselves, but when it comes to talking about their jobs, they open right up!"

Thanks to a partnership between the district and three businesses in Shawnee, these students have a chance to try their hand in the world of work.   Country Club Café, Diva Pets, LogoKC provide a safe, nurturing environment where students can learn on the job.

The teenagers are in the Career and Community Connections class at Mill Valley High School. Designed for students who need special assistance, the class focuses on how to interview for jobs, learn new skills, and develop habits that future employers look for when hiring.

The first several weeks of the class are spent learning how to complete job applications. "We teach the kids how to create a data sheet with important information, like their birth date, address, and phone numbers for references, so when they are completing job applications the information is all in one place," said teacher Robin Harris. "Then we have them practice transferring that information to actual applications."

The next step for the students is developing good interview techniques. In class, they learn how to greet potential employers, answer questions in proper format, how to dress, how to conduct themselves and generally how to make a good impression. Then they take what they have learned and participate in mock interviews with Mill Valley teachers and support staff. They have even practiced interviewing at some local colleges.

After each trial interview, the group comes back together to discuss what went well and what skills need to be reviewed. "The self-confidence of these young people increases dramatically after every new experience. Having marketable skills and finding a job is so relevant to them and they know how important it is," said Harris. "When they prove to themselves that they can be successful at interviewing they feel so proud of themselves, and they deserve to be." That confidence came in handy when each student put their skills to the test by going through an official interview with one of the local business partners.

Brian Abernathy works at Country Club Cafe' in Shawnee, owned by Matt and Renee Rogers. Part of Brian's job includes cleaning, stocking items and rolling silverware. "There is nothing that I ask him to do that he can't handle. He is willing to try any new task I give him. He is just great," said Renee Rogers.

Millie and Bob Chapman, owners of LogoKC, are providing a great experience for Tyler Wilson who has an interest in graphic design.  The business prints t-shirts, hats, and other items. He is learning to inventory, work in a warehouse, and has become very good at the multi-step process of cleaning the screens used in printing. Like many of the employers involved in this program, the Chapmans and LogoKC have gone the extra mile. Because of Tyler's interest in the creative side of the business, they make certain that he spends substantial time with the in-house graphic designer.

Diva Pets, owned by Tania Dodson, is the perfect match for Katelyn Blubaugh who loves animals. This non-profit organization provides cats for adoption at Pet Smart. Her job includes cleaning cages and checking the food and water supply. "Working with Diva Pets has given Katelyn the opportunity to problem solve while caring for the pets," said Debbie Porter, her job coach. "One day an uncooperative cat crawled under the cages. With patience and some time, she was able to coax him out and then continued on with her normal duties."

Lindsey Sudac, a first grade teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary, school supervises Brittany Nicholson who is working as a teacher's aide. Part of her duties includes making copies, filing, and checking math papers at the end of lessons. "Brittany does so many things. She is definitely a natural at helping the students," said Ms. Sudac. "From day one she jumped right in, able to spot students who were not keeping up and helping out students who were stuck on a question. The students love having her here and miss her when she is gone."

When asked to identify the most striking element of this program, both teachers, Ms. Harris and Ms. Hodges, agree that the new skills these students learn and the interactions they have with people in the community are remarkable. However, far more significant is the sense of accomplishment and self-worth the students develop. That, say the teachers, is absolutely priceless.

Dads and Tots Camp Out with Parents as Teachers
By Melissa Moore

Taking nature hikes and learning to fish works up an appetite and those marshmallow treats called S'mores really hit the spot! Dads and their young children pretended to hike and fish along with other camping activities at the Parents as Teachers annual Camp Out with Dads held January 16 at Mize Elementary.

Decorating binoculars with markers and searching for wildlife perched around the room were very popular activities with the tots and their dads.  The camping trip wasn't complete without singing songs around the campfire and according to PAT coordinator Jamie Fink, "The dads did a great job singing and got really involved when leading 'Going on a Bear Hunt'."

PAT sponsors monthly events for parents and their children ages 0-3 years. The program's mission is to provide the information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. For information contact Jamie Fink at 913-667-3512 or go to www.usd232.org/pat.

De Soto High School had 13 students participate in Job Olympics at Johnson County Community College on Wednesday, April 3. Seven of the students earned a total of eleven medals in the annual competition.

Job Olympics is a one-day event comprised of several activities where students with special needs showcase their employability skills. More than 350 students from 23 high schools in the area competed in their choice of four of 26 competitions. In addition to the event participants, five members of the DHS LITE Team joined as peer mentors.

Job Olympics is sponsored by The Johnson County Transition Council, Johnson County Community College, Lenexa Hy-Vee, Lakemary Center and participating school districts.

Individual medals:

· Alex Hunter - 2nd place in Sorting Mail & 3rd place in phone message

· Rodrigo Garcia - 1st place in Basic Check Writing & 2nd place in Basic Job Application

· Karley Cronin - 1st place in Basic Job Application & 2nd place in Basic Job Interview

· Jamal Ruiall - 3rd place in Basic Check Writing

· Jante Ruiall - 3rd place in Basic Check Writing & 1st place in Facing/Stocking Shelves

· Lela Servos - 1st place in Facing/Stocking Shelves

· Elyssa Schmitz - 3rd place in Role Play-Job

Photo: Event participants, peer mentors and teaching staff stopped for a photo after the Job Olympics awards ceremony. Front Row: Gunnar Bondank, Devin Robinson, Katie Simpson, Elyssa Schmitz, Elizabeth Mayer, Mandy Stone, Khamerin Trotter, Jante Ruiall, Taylor Saucerman, Michael Nelson, Emily Hall. Back Row: Michele McGary, April Hicks, Terri Jacobs, Brock Opfer, Katy Sosna, Karley Cronin, Jacob Kinney, Jamal Ruiall, Rodrigo Garcia, Alex Hunter, Lela Servos.

Mill Creek Middle School's Andrew N. Thomas, 6^th grade, and Zach Deibert, 7^th grade, shook up the competition at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair held March 13-15 at Union Station in Kansas City.

Thomas won first place in the Engineering Division for his project testing soil in relation to the stability of structures to withstand earthquakes. According to his teacher Angela Steele, "He built a really cool earthquake shake table to perform his experiments." Because of his win, he is now entered into the Kansas Science and Engineering Fair.

Thomas was also named a 2013 Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars) nominee. He was selected from the top ten percent of all applicants for his grade level at the fair.  The Broadcom MASTERS is a program sponsored by the Society for Science & the Public, which encourages the nation's young scientists, engineers and innovators.

Deibert's award winning project tested three types of sensors and how well they detected a remote control car. His goal was to learn how to improve motion detector security.  For his efforts, he was awarded the Innovative Engineering Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers. This award is for the most innovative engineering project in the junior and senior divisions. He also earned the Hallmark Engineering Award for the best environmental related project demonstrating environmental improvement, education or discovery.

Andrew Thomas (left), Mill Creek Middle School, won first place for his project testing soil in relation to the stability of structures to withstand earthquakes.

Zach Deibert (below), Mill Creek Middle School, won two awards for his project on how to improve motion detector security.

Photograph: Four members of the LTMS Science Olympiad team medaled at the state competition. Pictured from the left are Emily Euler, Gabby Mallozzi, Cody Moose, and Liam Clarke.

The Science Olympiad team from Lexington Trails Middle School traveled to Wichita recently to compete in its first state tournament.  The team received third place in three events:  Crime Busters, Disease Detectives, and Helicopters.  The students are coached by Jamie Talbott who teaches 8^th grade science.

Science Olympiad is intended for students who have an interest in science and engineering. Fun events cover biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, engineering and inquiry. The activities range from exams, to lab experiments, to building structures and robots.  

The goals of Science Olympiad include:

• Increase the interest and proficiency of Kansas students in the study of science;
• Promote team work;
• Recognize outstanding student and teacher achievements in science.
• Improve the quality of science education in Kansas.

To learn more about Science Olympiad in Kansas, visit http://webs.wichita.edu/scienceolympiad .

The ACCESS House program hosted 120 students and guests from nine area school districts at its fourth annual Valentine's Dance held at the District Service Center in De Soto on February 20.

ACCESS students prepared for the event by making snacks, decorating the location, and choosing music. "The dance is a great way for our young adults to make connections with their peers from throughout the area and to practice social skills in a friendly, fun setting," said Belinda O'Dell, Transition/ACCESS Facilitator.

The Adult Cooperative Community Education Service and Support (ACCESS) program is a way to help prepare eligible students with disabilities, 18 to 21 years of age, to function effectively and independently in their community.  They engage in community based instruction for independent living, employability skills, community participation, recreation and leisure, social development and specific skills instruction.

Awards were given out for Best Smile, Best Dancer, Most Friendly and Best Dressed.  Students from De Soto High School's National Honor Society and Lite Team also attended the event to serve as peer mentors.

The Science Olympiad team from Mill Creek Middle School traveled to Wichita recently to compete in the Kansas tournament. Five team members finished the competition with placements. Congratulations to the following students:

1^st in Rocks and Minerals - Tom McClain and Ben Stadler

3^rd in Mousetrap Vehicle - Jack Carder

3^rd in Water Quality - Katie Ortgies and Deanna Newman

The Mill Creek team is coached by Laurie Heisel. Science Olympiad is intended for students who have an interest in science and engineering. Fun events cover biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, engineering and inquiry. The activities range from exams, to lab experiments, to building structures and robots.

The goals of Science Olympiad include:

• Increase the interest and proficiency of Kansas students in the study of science;
• Promote team work;
• Recognize outstanding student and teacher achievements in science.
• Improve the quality of science education in Kansas.

To learn more about Science Olympiad in Kansas, visit http://webs.wichita.edu/scienceolympiad .

Congratulations to the Mill Valley Science Olympiad team for its fifth place overall finish in the state tournament at Wichita State University. The Jaguars took fourth place in the "large schools" category. The overall award includes both small and large school divisions.

Mill Valley competed against 29 other teams in 23 events.  Individual medal winners for the "large school" category included:

1^st Place - Cole Clay and CJ Hopkins - Anatomy and Physiology

1^st Place - Aaron Akin and Tyler Hinnen - Robot Arm

1^st Place - Cole Clay and CJ Hopkins - Chemistry Lab

3^rd Place - CJ Hopkins and Alyssa Hobson - Designer Genes

3^rd Place - Amanda Platt and Ashley Hague - Forensics

3^rd Place - Chris Gillespie and Daniel Franken - Fermi Questions

Other students competing on the Science Olympiad State team include:  Connor Oswald, Henry Hanson, Kyal Long, Jack Booth, Shelby Badger and T-Ying Lin.

The Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators (KAMSA) named Monticello Trails Middle School in Shawnee as Finalist for the 2013 Middle School of the Year. This is the second year in a row for MTMS to be named a finalist in the prestigious competition among more than 200 public middle schools in Kansas.

Mill Creek Middle School in Lenexa was named a 2013 Exemplary Middle School of the Year.

KAMSA is dedicated to promoting middle school education and recognizing Kansas middle schools that have demonstrated great achievement. Schools are reviewed in a number of categories including two primary areas; evidence of continual effort to improve and evidence of new programs added.

Evidence of Continual Effort to Improve

Schools are evaluated on programs that have been established to create an environment dedicated to academic improvement. Data measures and results are used to help determine success of the programs.

Evidence of New Programs Added
Schools are evaluated on new programs or more emphasis placed on existing programs, to accelerate academic achievement, provide for student motivation through recognition/awards, student social development - such as bullying, leadership, and peer mediation programs.

Three teachers in USD 232 achieved the highest credential available to American educators by becoming National Board Certified Teachers through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The Board of Education recognized Brandi Leggett, Wendy Ping, and Stacey Moore on Monday, April 8, for their accomplishments and presented them with certificates of professional achievement. They are pictured with Superintendent Doug Sumner.

National Board Certification is voluntary and designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers, and to embed ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. While teacher credential programs set the basic requirements to teach in each state, completion of National Board Certification signifies that teachers have developed and demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills, and practices required of an accomplished education professional.

Wendy Ping is an art teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary School in Shawnee. She earned her certification in early and middle childhood art. Ping is one of only two teachers in Kansas to have National Board certification in this particular art category.

Also receiving her certification this school year is Brandi Leggett, who is a third grade teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary. She earned her certification in middle childhood/generalist.  Brandi is also the school district's 2013 Elementary Teacher of the Year and will represent the district in the 2014 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition.

Stacey Moore is a Reading Specialist at Starside Elementary in De Soto. She received her National Board Certification in middle childhood/generalist in 1998 - and has since renewed her professional certification.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, known simply as National Board, is an independent, nonprofit organization. It was formed in 1987 to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching, creating a system to certify teachers who meet those standards and integrating Board-certified teachers into educational reform efforts.

In January 2013, coinciding with the organization's 25th anniversary, the National Board announced that it had reached a new milestone: There are now more than 100,000 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) advancing student learning and achievement in all 50 states. These NBCTs have been certified in at least one of the 25 certificate areas, which span 16 content areas and four student developmental levels. Even though NBCTs are only a small percentage of the nation's teachers, they represent the largest group of accomplished teachers as recognized by the profession.

The students and staff of De Soto High School cordially invite the public to attend the fourth annual Social Studies and Science presentation night, April 17. The event is designed as a "come and go" beginning at 6:30 p.m. and concluding at 8:30 p.m.

De Soto High School students will be displaying projects they have created in their U.S. History course.  Topics for the project are "What America Means To Me" and "Turning Points in History."

As part of this event, the Science department will hold a Science Extravaganza involving presentations in Biology and a number of experiments and projects in chemistry.

Displays will be set up in the commons and Media Center.  Parents and community members are encouraged to interact with students about their projects, as well as provide feedback on their work.

For more information contact De Soto High School at 913-667-6250.

On January 28th, the Catty Shack, Mill Valley High School' first school store, held its grand opening. To celebrate the event, the students sold donuts in addition to their regularly offered items which include snack food and beverages, school supplies and of course Jaguar Spirit Wear.

Dianna Heffernon's Marketing Integrated Communications class, an application level course in one of Kansas's 16 career clusters for Career Technical Education, are taking their learning outside the classroom and into the real world.

>> Read the full story by Johnson County Community College.

Here are the *Unofficial Final Election Results as posted by the Johnson County Election Office:

USD 232 Ballot Question > Local Option Budget
YES = 1,934 (72.43%)
NO =   736 (27.57%)

Board of Education, Position #4

Board of Education, Position #5

Board of Education, Position #6

These are *unofficial final results.

Students with the Culinary Arts & Management Teams at the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center received high praise at a recent competition.  The Culinary Arts team finished third as a team in the Kansas ProStart Invitational sponsored by the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

That team consisted of Zach Frieling (De Soto High School), Caroline Peters (Mill Valley High School), Rachel Larson (MVHS), and Riley Vomhof (MVHS).

The Management Team took second place in the competition, which consisted of Amanda Payne (DHS), Megan King (DHS), and Alexandra Bock (EHS).

The Culinary Team captured the top award for the best beef dish out of all competing schools.

The ProStart culinary competition gives each team 60 minutes to create a three course meal to be judged by industry chefs. Teams may have up to four students each with one alternate. Judges score each team on proper food safety and sanitation procedures, proper cooking methods, food taste, teamwork and menu difficulty. Each team works on their menu before the competition and submit it to the judges upon check-in the day of the event. Each team is given two butane burners and two eight foot tables to work with. The team must bring all of their own ingredients, small wares and preparation equipment necessary to create their menu and they may only use the two butane burners as a heat source.

Teams must also price their menu to a 33 percent food cost and demonstrate their knowledge of menu development and pricing in the packet they submit to the judges. The judges also score each member of the team on their fabrication and knife skills both in 20 minute sessions before they begin their menu preparation.

About the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center

USD 232 participates in the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center partnership. It brings an important component of academic training to the students in both districts. Administered by Eudora Schools, the programs teach practical skills that can be directly transferred to the workplace or used in the pursuit of higher education.

A variety of programs give students options of electives that can enrich the core classes taken at their high school. Each program stresses a hands-on curriculum and regular application and laboratory instruction. As a part of the regular school day, students attend the technical classes at the Technical Education Center sites in Eudora and De Soto. This coursework is in addition to the other standard courses available at their high school. Instruction offered includes:

• Agriculture
• Auto collision technology
• Culinary arts / hospitality services
• Graphic communications
• Health career sciences

For more information about any of the programs offered at the Eudora-De Soto Technical Educational Center, call Eudora High School 785-542-4986.

About the Culinary Arts/Hospitality Services Program
Students interested in the food service industry will learn a wide variety of skills in the Food Production and Services program. This career-focused series of courses allows students to learn more about culinary arts, hotel, travel and tourism, and other hospitality-related industries.

Food preparation and safe food handling both are taught from the beginning with the use of a lecture and full-scale kitchen laboratory. During the program, students will learn about safety and sanitation laws, rules, and guidelines. They create menus; participate in basic and advanced food preparation; and plan, prepare, and serve banquets. They learn about nutrition information, dietetics, professional equipment, running a business, restaurant design, custodial/janitorial services, customer service skills, resume writing, and job interviewing. Students also are exposed to a number of different career opportunities, ranging from catering and chef positions to restaurant and hospitality management.

Besides having the opportunity for an assessment of such a rapidly growing and promising industry, students will be involved with SkillsUSA, the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Students completing the program earn a national certificate of achievement from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, along with a ServSafe® certificate. Students also may qualify for college credit through established articulation agreements; state and national scholarships are also available.

The Kansas Scholastic Press Association named Sophia Templin from De Soto High School the Class 3A/4A Kansas High School Journalist of the Year. She is pictured with her adviser, Michael Sullivan. Templin will receive $750 from KSPA and will attend the University of Kansas in the fall and study journalism while also pitching for the Jayhawk softball team . Templin has served as editor-in-chief of The Green Pride, De Soto's student newspaper, this academic year.

>>  Read more in The Green Pride  

Two outstanding educators received the highest honor in Unified School District 232 -- Teacher of the Year. Gerri Balthazor, Monticello Trails Middle School, is the secondary teacher of the year and Brandi Leggett, Prairie Ridge Elementary, is the elementary teacher of the year. 

It is a designation that speaks to the passion and dedication they bring each day to their classrooms. Both professionals share a common goal to positively impact the lives of students and help them become lifelong learners. On March 13 each teacher received a certificate from the Board of Education, presented by Superintendent Doug Sumner, recognizing their selection as District Teachers of the Year. Balthazor and Leggett will now represent USD 232 in the 2014 Kansas Teacher of the Year Program. 

Congratulations to Gerri Balthazor for being named USD 232 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Gerri has been employed by the district since 2010 and teaches 8th grade Communication Arts.

Congratulations to Brandi Leggett for being named USD 232 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Brandi has been employed by the district since 2009 and teaches 3rd grade. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Mill Valley News, the student journalism website of Mill Valley High School, was named one of 50 finalists nationwide for the 2013 National Scholastic Press Association Online Pacemaker contest. The Pacemaker is considered the Pulitzer Prize of high school journalism.

The finalists were selected from a record 252 entries and were chosen by a team of three professionals assembled from around the country. Entries were judged over the course several weeks, based on content, design, writing and editing, rich media and breaking news.

This year's website editors are seniors Miranda Snyder and Alec Santaularia and junior Shelby Rayburn. The website is a collaborative effort between the JagWire newspaper, JAG yearbook and MVTV staffs. Their adviser is Kathy Hill Habiger. This is the second year in a row the website has been named a finalist.

The winners will be announced for the first time at the spring JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco on Saturday, April 27.

USD 232 joins the Defense of Our Schools Summit

Protecting the children in our communities is a joint responsibility. Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass and nearly two hundred of the best area minds will come together to focus on keeping schools and campuses safe.

The idea to form a task force and host the Defense of Our Schools Summit comes in the wake of the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Eleven working teams made up of law enforcement, school administrators, superintendents and safety experts from Johnson and Miami counties will meet to discuss and create school safety options to be considered as area colleges, public and private schools engage in ongoing reviews of their safety plans.

The task force groups will look at many different types of safety and security options and then create a working collection or "toolbox" that will assist area schools and colleges in their ongoing efforts to provide safe learning environments.

Co-sponsors of the Summit include leaders from Shawnee Mission School District, Olathe Public Schools, Blue Valley Schools, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park Police Department, Olathe Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff's Office and Miami County Sheriff's Office.

Working teams, which include representatives from USD 232, will meet over the next several weeks with plans to complete their work in the spring.

For more information, contact:

Gary Mason

Overland Park Police Department

913-327-6937

Alvie Cater
USD 232
913-667-6200

Ten De Soto High School students qualified for State in 13 categories at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Regional Journalism Contest. The qualifiers include three students who claimed Regional first-place finishes.

The contest, which was originally scheduled to be held the final week of February, was delegated to home sites after the late February snowstorms. More than 300 students with over 600 entries competed in 19 categories in the contest.

• Kaylee Asher - News Writing, Honorable Mention
• Tyler Bell - Infographics, 3^rdplace
• Rebekah Burgweger - Editorial Writing, Honorable Mention
• Kelsea Burns - Editorial Writing, 1^st place
• Cheyenne England - Yearbook Sports Writing, 2^nd place & Photo Illustration, 3^rd place
• Laura Meyers - Editing, Honorable Mention
• Ben Patton - Editorial Cartoon, Honorable Mention
• Shelby Philbrook - Academics Photography, 3^rd place
• Erin Sullivan - Student Life Photography, 1^st place & Yearbook Copy Writing, Honorable Mention
• Sophia Templin - News Writing 1^st place & Feature Writing, Honorable Mention

The State contest will be held at the University of Kansas on Saturday, May 4, where the DHS students will compete against other qualifiers from the other Regionals held at Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Pittsburg State, Wichita State and Kansas State. The students' journalism advisor is Michael Sullivan.

The City of Shawnee will host a public meeting to provide information and collect public comment on the proposed improvements to Monticello Road (Johnson Drive to 66th Street). Community members are invited to attend the meeting:

When: Thursday, March 14, 2013

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (short presentation at 6pm)

Where: Clear Creek Elementary School

5815 Monticello Road

Shawnee, KS 66226

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed improvements along the Monticello Road corridor. The engineering study for this project was previously brought to a public meeting in 2008, with anticipation of constructing the improvements in 2009. Because of budget constraints, the project has been delayed but the City has received some federal funding for this project and is now ready to proceed with the construction this summer 2013. Because of potential changes in the traffic patterns/volumes from 2008, the consultant has re-evaluated the engineering study and identified the best solutions for moving traffic and maintaining safety in and around schools and neighborhoods along this segment of Monticello Road. The previous study identified some alternatives that could reduce traffic backups, while maintaining pedestrian safety, including installing a traffic signal at Clear Creek Parkway, access restricted medians, roadway widening to accommodate left and right turn lanes at designated entrances, and school zone signing.

With the new improvements along Silverheel Street and the interchange at K-7 and Johnson Drive, some traffic data has changed since 2008. The consultant has identified that a roundabout, in lieu of a traffic signal, would be more efficient at the Clear Creek Parkway/Monticello intersection. All other improvements as established in the previous study are included in the proposed design.

Project representatives will be on hand at this meeting to talk with community members to answer questions and address concerns about the project. There will be a short presentation at 6:00 p.m. to address the attendees as a whole; however, feel free to attend anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For more information on the project or to talk to a member of the study team, please contact Paul Lindstrom, Senior Project Engineer, at (913) 742-6234, or plindstrom@cityofshawnee.org .

Bridget Moser, Project Specialist

City of Shawnee

11110 Johnson Drive

Shawnee, Kansas 66203

913.742.6251

A Parent's Guide to Full-Day Kindergarten

USD 232 remains committed to providing students the best educational opportunities and we will continue this commitment in 2013 by offering a full-day kindergarten option in all elementary schools. This will be a parent-pay program and space is limited.

The deadline to apply for full-day Kindergarten is 4:00 p.m. on March 15.

>> Learn more at www.usd232.org/fulldayk

DHS makes it 3 in a row with State Title

The De Soto High School Scholars' Bowl team won the State Championship in Kansas Class 4A held in Wellington, Kansas on Saturday, February 9, marking the third year in a row that DHS captured the state title. Team members in photograph are (left to right): Blake Bradford, Amanda DeBrabander, William Walker, Ashton Neylon, Lauren Mabe, and Christian Sweeney.

The Wildcats went undefeated in ten rounds of academic competition, becoming the first Scholars' Bowl team in DHS history to be undefeated in the state tournament. Although the team made a clean sweep, it was not an easy contest. "The final two matches, first against Louisburg and then against Topeka-Hayden, came down to the final questions," said Phil Hamilton, DHS Scholars' Bowl coach. "The hard work the team put into studying, preparing, and practicing for the tournament paid off, as critical answers in the final questions of those meets ended up helping us win the tournament."

This is the third straight year for DHS to win league, regional, and state, with an overall record of 27-1 at those tournaments this year. The team redoubled its efforts after failing to place earlier in the season in a tournament in Lawrence that featured the varsity starters. The team practiced more days each week and studied over one thousand note cards in preparation, which paid off in the state competition.

In Scholars' Bowl competition, teams must answer questions in math, science, language arts (English questions like grammar, spelling, literature etc.), foreign language (they have to translate a phrase that is given in French German and Spanish to the English equivalent), social science, fine arts, and the year in  review.

Over that last five years, the DHS Scholars' Bowl team has placed in the top four in the State tournament, with the last three being in the number one spot. This year's team has won a total of seven tournaments. Success has brought an increase in membership to more than 40 students this year. Twenty-one different players competed in at least one varsity tournament and 20 others in at least one junior varsity tournament. The coaches are Phil Hamilton and Donna Rhodes.

Election Day is April 2

The school district is seeking voter authorization on April 2, 2013, to adjust its Local Option Budget by one percent of its state financial aid, from 30 percent to 31 percent. In return, the district will draw fewer taxes and homeowners would see a slight decrease in the mill levy.

>> Learn more.

Important

The voters of Unified School District No. 232 will elect three members to serve on the Board of Education on April 2, 2013. The new terms begin July 1, 2013. The board consists of seven elected members with staggered election cycles every two years.

Positions up for election in April 2013: Positions 4, 5, 6 (4 Year Terms)

>> Learn more.

Open House for Early Childhood Enrollment > 2013-14 School Year

Please join us for an informal Open House!

• Tour Early Childhood classrooms at Belmont Elementary.
• Speak with early childhood team members about the program.
• Complete and submit an application for a peer model slot for the 2013-2014 school year.

Who: New Peer Model Applicants

When: February 13, 2013

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Belmont Elementary, 5805 Belmont Drive Shawnee

Applications and additional enrollment information can be found on our website.
>> www.usd232.org/preschool

We know it's difficult to let go…

That's why our Kindergarten teachers place a high priority on providing a nurturing environment where children thrive - academically, socially, and emotionally. We really care about your child!

Going to Kindergarten in the fall?
Make plans to attend Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Information Night in February.

New! >> District announces optional full-day Kindergarten

Find out everything you need to know at Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Information Night. Parents will have the opportunity to begin the enrollment process, ask questions, and meet the principal. By Kansas statute, children must be the age of 5 on or before August 31 to be eligible for Kindergarten enrollment. 

What will you need?
Parents are encouraged to bring the following information to Kindergarten Round-Up:

• Certified copy of child's birth certificate (required by Kansas statute)
• Copy of immunization records (from pediatrician)
• Proof of residency (copy of current utility bill, contract, etc.)

Parents will also learn about Before/After School Care and Extended Care offered through a partnership with Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department.

Questions? Contact your child's school to learn more.
Not sure which school your child will attend? Use our School Locator service >

Schedule

Belmont Elementary - February 5 at 6:30 p.m.
www.usd232.org/be

Clear Creek Elementary - February 5 at 6 p.m.
www.usd232.org/cce

Horizon Elementary - February 4 at 5:30 p.m.
www.usd232.org/he

Mize Elementary - February 5 at 6:30 p.m.
www.usd232.org/me

Prairie Ridge Elementary - February 6 at 6 p.m.
www.usd232.org/pre

Riverview Elementary - February 7 at 6 p.m.
www.usd232.org/re

Starside Elementary - February 6 at 6 p.m.
www.usd232.org/sse

The Mill Valley High School Silver Stars dance team competed at the Miss Kansas Competition held at Olathe South High School on January 11-12. Mill Valley experienced its best showing in years against 48 other teams.

Cody Moore, senior, Caroline Kain, senior, Brittany Rouse, Junior, Allison Eigsti, sophomore, Macie Rouse, sophomore, and Morgan McLeroy, sophomore, were in the circle of winners for their dance solos. Brittany Rouse and Macie Rouse competed with a duet that was named to circle of winners, as well. The Officers of the team, Cody Moore, Hattie Doolitte, Kylie Andres, Anna Hughes, Caroline Kain and Brittany Rouse received an Officer Award of Excellence for their Jazz Routine.

As a team, the Silver Stars won the Sweepstakes Award, a Best Choreography Award for its pom routine, Best Technique Award for its hip hop routine, Best Showmanship and Presentation Award for its jazz routine and the Shining Star Award (given to teams who average an 85 or higher from all judges on all three routines). 

For the first time ever, the Silver Stars won the Showcase Routine for their hip hop and pom routines, Overall Best in Contest Award, and most importantly, the Most Admired Team Award voted on by the 48 other teams at the competition. The Silver Stars coach is Katie Villa and the assistant coach is Katherine Lindner.

The De Soto High School Diamonds dance team competed recently at the Kansas Spectacular hosted at Olathe East High School. The major event drew dozens of teams from across the area.

Callie Lane, junior, received a Winners Circle award and a division 1 rating for her dance solo. Lane, along with Kelsey Mills, freshman, also received a Winners Circle award and division 1 rating for their duet.  The officer routine featuring Callie Lane and Kaylee Asher, junior, received a  division 1 rating and a Best Overall presentation award.

The DHS Diamonds also captured the Sweepstakes and Gussie Nell Davis Award of Excellence as a team, the Judges Award for its jazz routine and second place for the Academic Achievement Award. The team is coached by McKenzi Crow.

Photo: Back Row - Coach Allen, Morgan Riley, Callie Lane, Mackenzie Mathern, Kelsey Plake, Principal Mark Meyer, and Coach Crow. Front Row - Emily Hess, Sydney Webb, Kelsey Mills, Gabby Stephens, and Kaylee Asher.

$25,000 from Clorox

Prairie Ridge Elementary in Shawnee is one of the seven "Power A Bright Future" Clorox grant winners receiving $25,000 to help fund interactive technology for students.

Children need a well-rounded educational experience that helps them play, create and explore. Prairie Ridge Elementary understands programs supporting these efforts are great ways to engage kids inside and outside the classroom. To help support healthier and happier kids at school, The Clorox Company developed Power A Bright Future to fund new or ongoing programs that help students learn and grow.

The school will use the grant to provide student access to Smart Board technology.

Prairie Ridge congratulates all of the other Power A Bright Future winners on their continued efforts to help kids play, create and explore. After a competitive voting phase with 2,500 school program nominations and more than 2 million votes, seven outstanding schools proved themselves to be gold star worthy, including White Pine Middle School (Grand Prize), Country Isles Elementary (Play category), Butler Elementary (Play Judge's Pick), Rancho Buena Vista High School (Create category), Bristol Central High (Create Judge's Pick), Prairie Ridge Elementary (Explore category) and North Elementary (Explore Judge's Choice).

To learn more about Power A Bright Future, visit www.PowerABrightFuture.com .

The Kansas State Department of Education selected Alyssa Meyer of Mill Valley High School in Shawnee as a 2013 Kansas Horizon Award winner. Meyer, who teaches physics, was personally notified of the honor by the Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Diane DeBacker, on Friday, January 11. Meyer is one of only 32 teachers in the state to receive the prestigious award. She is a graduate of Kansas University. 
 

Pictured: Alyssa Meyer (front). Back row, left to right - Principal Tobie Waldeck, Superintendent Doug Sumner, Associate Principal Marilyn Chrisler, and Lachelle Sigg, director of human resources.

The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, identifies and recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. The award program honors exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.

The Horizon Award program is a regional competition. The regions correspond to the state's four U.S. congressional districts. The Kansas State Department of Education appoints regional selection committees responsible for reviewing the nomination forms and selecting four elementary classroom teachers and four secondary classroom teachers per region for a total of 32 teachers.

Meyer will now join the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN), a network of educators from around the state who have been formally recognized for exemplary performance. Members of KEEN have an opportunity to network with other outstanding educators and participate in a number of professional development programs throughout the year.

The 2013 Kansas Horizon Award recipients will be recognized at a special luncheon during the Kansas Exemplary Educator Network (KEEN) State Education Conference at the end of February.
 

The mission of the Kansas Horizon Award program is to recognize exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.
 

Qualifications for the Horizon Award

Novice teachers who have successfully completed their first year of teaching are eligible to be recognized. Applications will be submitted by October 11 of their second year of teaching, and recognition will occur in January/February of their second year. The criteria for this award are:

• Nominee will have successfully completed his or her first year of teaching in a prekindergarten through grade 12 Kansas school accredited by the State Board of Education.
• Nominee will be a full-time classroom teacher.
• Nominee will be responsible for the assessment of students, assignment of grades, preparation of lesson plans, parent-teacher conferences, discipline, attendance, and other daily educational tasks.
• Nominee will have performed in a way that distinguishes him or her from other novice teachers.
• Nominee will be selected by the school district superintendent and building principal.

Governor's Award Recognizes Top Performing Schools

The Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Diane DeBacker, announced De Soto High School, Lexington Trails Middle School, and Horizon Elementary are recipients of the seventh annual Governor's Achievement Award. This distinction honors top performing schools and places DHS, LTMS, and Horizon among the top five percent in Kansas. This is the second year in a row for LTMS to win the award.

"The Governor's Achievement Award is a significant recognition for Kansas schools," said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Diane DeBacker. "The accomplishment recognizes a school's high expectations and the ability of the school staff to assist students in achieving to those expectations."

"We are proud of our schools and their continued focus on student achievement," said Dr. Doug Sumner, Superintendent of Schools. "We know this award could not have been possible without hard-working students, highly qualified teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, administrators, and dedicated parents."

In order for a school in Kansas to receive the prestigious award, it must meet the following criteria.

• The school must be among the top five percent in both Reading and Mathematics on the 2012 state assessments at its respective level (elementary, middle/junior, or high school).
• The school must have achieved the Standard of Excellence in both Reading and Mathematics for 2012.
• The school must have achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in both Reading and Mathematics and one additional measure. (For elementary schools and middle/junior high schools - attendance; for high schools - graduation rate.)

Forty-two elementary schools, eleven middle/junior high schools, and 18 high schools qualified for this prestigious award.

The voters of Unified School District No. 232 will elect three members to serve on the Board of Education on April 2, 2013. The new terms begin July 1, 2013.

The board consists of seven elected members with staggered election cycles every two years.

Positions up for election in April 2013:

Positions 4, 5, 6 (4 Year Terms)

>> Learn more about Board Member Elections

Special recognition was given to De Soto and Mill Valley High school students at the 16^th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition held by the city of Merriam, Kansas, on December 13. Prizes were awarded that evening at a reception held at the Irene B. French Community Center.

Of the 818 works submitted representing 22 high schools in the area, only 129 works were accepted for the exhibit. De Soto High School had 13 works accepted to the show and of those, seven earned special recognition as did an entry from Mill Valley.

Two Dimensional Category 

Emily Churchwell - 3^rd Place (DHS)

Emily Campbell - Honorable Mention (DHS)

Jordan Whitaker - Honorable Mention (DHS)

Three Dimensional Category

Rhiannon Caldwell - 2^nd Place (DHS)

Elizabeth Brown - Honorable Mention (MVHS)

Courtney Goodin - Honorable Mention (DHS)

Computer Generated Category

Nelsey Contreras - 2^nd Place (DHS)

Shelby Philbrook - Honorable Mention (DHS)

Elizabeth Henderson, Kristin Karleskint and Morgan Stonestreet, from De Soto High School and Logan Robertson from Mill Valley also had works juried in the show.

The following three entries placed:

Rhiannon Caldwell - 2nd place, 3D

Nelsey Contreras - 2nd place, Computer Generated

Emily Churchwell - 3rd place, 2D

A total of 25 tuba and baritone music students from the district performed in the Tuba Christmas event on December 13 and 14 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri. The students attend Lexington Trails, Monticello Trails, and De Soto High School.

This annual event draws musicians from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and as far away as South Dakota.  More than 300 musicians played to a packed house at each performance in Helzberg Hall. The one hour concert, sponsored by the Kansas City Symphony and conducted by University of Kansas Tuba Professor, Scott Watson, is  believed to have the most musicians participating than any other Tuba Christmas held in the United States.

Thanks go to district band teachers Rob Foster (LTMS), Matt Bradford (DHS), and Angie Eisenbarth (MTMS).

 LTMS Musicians

DHS Musicians

Superintendent Doug Sumner prepared a letter to USD 232 families in light of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

>> Click here to open the PDF or click the attachment below.

Safe and Prepared Schools
Tips for Parents & Educators

Our thoughts continue to be with the families in Newtown, Connecticut, following the horrible tragedy that will forever scar the community and our nation. As those families begin the difficult and delicate journey of coping with the devastation, we realize you may have questions about how to assist your own children through this difficult time. We have prepared a number of resources for your review. Click here... or visit http://www.usd232.org/crisis.

Dear USD 232 Families,

Today we are saddened by the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sandy Hook Elementary School community that finds itself dealing with this unspeakable tragedy. As we continue to follow the horrible details related to this situation, we wanted to provide assurance that USD 232 District and School Crisis Teams have been alerted and all schools have scheduled Crisis Team meetings that will occur prior to our students' return on Monday morning.

Student safety has always been a priority in our school district, but tragic events like this one remind us that we must all remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure the safety of our school communities. As you are aware, this is a responsibility we all share. Thank you in advance for your support of, and compliance with, all safety measures employed by USD 232.

Clearly, this matter will receive extensive media coverage over the weekend and we recognize families will want an opportunity to discuss this with their children at home. However, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school if we can offer additional support. As always, counselors will be on site to assist students as needed. Each student will deal with these circumstances differently and we stand prepared to offer assistance in any way possible.

Again, thank you for your support and for the thoughts and prayers you are sending to the community of Newtown, Connecticut.

Doug Sumner
Superintendent of Schools

Four middle school student-athletes were selected to a Kansas All Star team to play in the Football University All American tournament. The seventh graders were selected after a series of tryouts. Pictured left to right: Mitchell Grissom (Monticello Trails Middle School), Brody Flaming (Mill Creek Middle School), Evan Rice (Monticello Trails) and Trevor Gress (Mill Creek). 

The Kansas teams will play in a national tournament that features All Stars from 40 states divided into eight regions. The bracket culminates with finals being played in San Antonio the day before the U.S. Army Senior All American Bowl in the Alamo Dome.

Football University is an invitation-only, one-of-a-kind football training experience focusing on developing and enhancing the playmaking ability and skill of elite-level athletes in 6th to 11th grade. The training is provided by the NFL's top coaches and players.

Some elementary  students love school so much that they are willing to put in extra time after the bell. They are participating in a program called Mad Science.

This optional, parent-pay program (no cost to the district) is open to students K-5, and offers hands-on science programs to students. The program is designed to augment the science learning that goes on throughout the school day.

The Mad Science experience includes hands-on activities, demonstrations, inquiry based discussions and the opportunity to make items to take home, like rockets and periscopes. Usually the sessions are limited to 20 students in order to provide them with a quality experience.

Riverview Elementary School was the first school in the district to hold an after school Mad Science program which has now expanded to all seven elementary schools in the district. Close to 300 district students are participating during the first semester.

Based in Montreal, Canada, Mad Science is used in over 140 countries. The curriculum meets national and state science standards and is offered in one hour sessions once or twice a week. A typical program is eight weeks but can be adjusted to fit student needs.

According to Mad Science its mission is "to spark the imagination and curiosity of children everywhere by providing fun, interactive, and educational activities that instill a clear understanding of what science is and how it affects the world around them."

Trained and qualified instructors are provided by Mad Science which is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Science Teachers Association.

(Pictured: Megan A., Nolan L., Jameson B.)

Journalism students at Mill Valley High School won the following awards at the National High School Journalism Convention in San Antonio, Nov. 15-18.

The 2012 JAG yearbook placed sixth in the convention Best of Show contest for yearbooks 224-275 pages. Editors were Katherine Beck and Rachel Mills.

The journalism website, Mill Valley News Online, placed second in the convention Best of Show contest for schools with 1,500 students or less. The website is a combined effort of students on the JAG yearbook, JagWire newspaper and MVTV. Web editors are seniors Miranda Snyder and Alec Santaularia and junior Shelby Rayburn.

Senior Austin Gillespie earned an honorable mention for his newsmagazine design entry in the NSPA national write off contest. And 2012 graduate Carly Granato placed third in the NSPA News Photo of the Year contest.

The yearbook and newspaper students are led by Kathy Hill Habiger and the broadcast students are led by Cindy Swartz.

The National High School Journalism Convention is a semi-annual gathering of high school journalists and advisers sponsored by National Scholastic Press Association and its partner, the Journalism Education Association. The associations partner to prepare nearly 400 practical and professional learning sessions, from high-profile keynotes to specific, problem-solving breakouts, hands-on workshops and discussion groups.

Other convention activities included JEA's on-site Write-off contests, NSPA's Best of Show contest, receptions, awards convocations, critiques, career roundtables and evening entertainment.

Breakout sessions for students from all media types - newspaper, online, broadcast, yearbook and magazine - are planned to meet the publishing and broadcasting needs of all scholastic student media. Some are specifically for advisers, administrators or middle school students. Whether it's ethics and law, technology and design, advertising and business operations, photography and art or just the basics of news writing and reporting, the convention covers the bases.

With typical attendance of more than 4,000 delegates, the JEA/NSPA convention has become the place to seek solutions to the most challenging publishing and broadcasting problems, share and celebrate success stories, see what's new in the media marketplace, discover trends and network with students and advisers from throughout the United States.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recently named Arlan Vomhof of Mill Valley High School as a finalist for National Coach of the Year. The winner will be announced in January at the association's annual convention in Indianapolis.

Vomhof was named a finalist after receiving the honor of 2012 Regional Coach of the Year in the small school division. This is first time Vomhof has received the regional award and the third time as Kansas Coach of the Year in the small school division. He is the head coach for the men's and women's soccer programs at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee.

To qualify for consideration, a coach must be a member of the NSCAA, as well as have a successful record for that season. In addition, the coach should exhibit:

• Knowledge of the game (rules, systems, coaching philosophy)
• Rapport with the team (respect of the players)
• Team image (team conduct, style of play, performance)
• Conduct on the field (positive behavior)
• Work for coaches organization (meetings, committees)
• Outside involvement (clinics, camps, conventions)
• Community involvement (leagues, banquets)
• Rapport with other coaches (cooperative, considerate)
• Rapport with officials
• Relationship with media (cooperative, considerate)
• Service to the NSCAA

Based in Kansas City, Kan., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America is the largest soccer coaches' organization in the world. Since its founding in 1941, the NSCAA has grown to include more than 30,000 members who coach both genders at all levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition program that presents nearly 10,000 individual awards every year. The NSCAA fulfills its mission of coaching education through a nationwide program of clinics and week-long courses, teaching more than 6,000 soccer coaches each year.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) helps its members excel in their coaching careers as well as advances the coaching of soccer, thereby improving players, through a commitment to provide the best coaching education, convention, and member services and benefits to the soccer community.

Riverview Elementary students and their parents immersed themselves in an evening of learning called the Common Core Family Night held on November 19, 2012. Parents received an overview of the new Common Core Standards for both math and reading. They were then given the opportunity to engage as students in a sample math lesson experiencing the methods of instruction encountered daily in the classroom.

This event was held by the school to partner with parents in assisting their children at home as the district transitions to the new rigorous standards. All Kansas school districts are required by the Kansas State Department of Education to begin full implementation of these new standards by the 2014-2015 school year. 

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that young people need for success in college and careers.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a multi-state effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts from around the country, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce.

Learn more>> Common Core

De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School were well represented at the auditions for the North East Kansas Music Educators Association's District Honor Band held on November 10, 2012, at Olathe East High School. The following students were selected:

NEKMEA Honor Band-De Soto High School 4A

Rhiannon Caldwell-Piccolo

Emily Churchwell - 1^st chair Flute

Maria Pileski - 2^nd chair Flute

Madison Kerr - 3^rd chair Clarinet

Kyara Serrano - Alternate Clarinet

Dylan Ritter - Alternate Alto Saxophone

Erick Sherman - 6^th chair Trumpet

Jonny Hodges - 3^rd chair Trombone

Alexander Michalek - 6^th chair Trombone

Laura Meyers - Timpani

Connor Kennard - 2^nd chair Percussion

Jake Dunlap - 4^th chair Percussion

Sarah Churchwell - Alternate Mallets

NEKMEA 9^th Grade Honor Band-De Soto High School 4A

Megan Wilkerson - French Horn

Jared Schneider - Bari Sax

Luis Murill - Tuba

NEKMEA Honor Band-Mill Valley High School 5A-6A

Tristan O'Brien - Tuba

Makenzie Hill and Maddy Torline, students at De Soto High School, join Mill Valley High School students, Caitlin Alley and Chloe Stewart, in being named to the 2012 Northeast Kansas Music Educators' District Choir.

These young women competed against more than two hundred singers from fifteen counties that comprise the Northeast District in Kansas. On December 1, 2012, they will perform at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School for a chance to participate in the State Honor Choir.

By The Green Pride >> Read more at www.dhsnews.org

De Soto High School seniors Hunter Klamm (Fort Hays State University), Lauren Mabe (University of Central Missouri) and Sophia Templin (University of Kansas) signed their letters of intent to continue their softball careers at a ceremony held in the DHS Media Center November 16, 2012. 

The trio, all of whom have been named twice to the All-Frontier League first team, helped lead DHS to an overall record of 23-3 in 2012. DHS claimed the Frontier League title, the Regional title and also reached 4A State championship game last season.

>> Read the full story at www.dhsnews.org

Congratulations to the Mill Valley High School Science Olympiad team on its sixth place finish at the recent Southland Invitational Tournament at Shawnee Mission South High School. The following students were recognized in their events:

• Aaron Akin and Tyler Hinnen - 3^rd Place - Robot Arm
• Ashley Hague and Amanda Platt - 3^rd Place - Forensics
• CJ Hopkins and Connor Oswald - 4^th Place - Designer Genes
• Amanda Platt and Ashley Hague - 4^th Place - Write It, Do It
• Rohit Biswas and Nick Booth - 5^th Place - Astronomy
• Henry Hanson and Aaron Akin - 5^th Place - Mag Lev
• Nick Booth and Jack Booth - 6^th Place - Remote Sensing
• Chris Gillespie and Amanda Platt - 6^th Place - Thermodynamics

Cosponsors for the MVHS team are Jennifer Aytes and Ann Ring.

Science Olympiad is intended for students that have an interest in science and engineering. Events cover biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, engineering and inquiry. They range from pencil and paper tests, to performing lab experiments, to building a structure or robot.

The goals of Science Olympiad include:

• To increase the interest and proficiency of Kansas students in the study of science.
• Promote team work.
• To recognize outstanding student and teacher achievements in science.
• To improve the quality of science education in Kansas.

Some of the 23 events include:

• Designer Genes where students solve problems using their knowledge of molecular genetics, biotechnology, and population genetics.
• Remote Sensing where participants use satellite imagery of Earth and other resources to identify and interpret geologic features, answer questions or solve problems.
• Bridge Building - where students build the lightest bridge capable of supporting 15 kilograms
• Write It Do It - where one team member writes a description of a structure built from Legos (or some other material) and then another team member tries to construct it from the written description
• Chem Lab - where students work in a laboratory setting to answer a series of questions regarding an area of chemistry such as chemical bonding and oxidation/reduction.

Students and staff at Riverview Elementary School honored service men and women on November 8, 2012, in "A Celebration of Veterans". One hundred and twenty guests joined them in the morning to participate in the recognition, presented by the fourth grade students at Riverview under the direction of music teacher, Ms. Elaine Kellogg.

The program included an address from Major Andrea Abarca, member of the Missouri Army National Guard and the mother of two Riverview students. It also included a reading of the Veterans Day Proclamation  from the President of the United States and patriotic music.

Recognizing and thanking our country's veterans in a formal program is often powerful. One audience member said the most stirring moment in this program was when the veterans stood as the theme song from their branch of the armed forces was played.

When: Saturday, November 17
Where: Mill Creek Middle School, 8001 Mize Blvd., Lenexa
Time: 8am - 4pm

Take advantage of the annual De Soto High School Band Garage Sale Extravaganza.

The event includes a Garage Sale, Art & Craft Vendors, a HUGE Bake sale with lots of Thanksgiving Pies. Purchase Chris Cakes for Breakfast and Barbeque for lunch. Free children's activity corner while parents shop.

They are still accepting vendors and donations. School staff will receive a discount on booth rental.

For more information please contact Toni Caldwell: mmcaldwell@aol.com

Students from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas, captured  several awards at the DUTV Video Conference held on November 2 and 3 at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri.

Allison Mackey, Jacob Patterson, Ty Smith, Savannah Rudicel and Brooke Collins earned second place awards for anchoring, sports story and feature story.

This two-day competition and instructional event is designed to help students and teachers improve skills individually and as a team. Professional video producers are also on hand to lead workshops on common production issues and critique students' work.

Mill Valley High School students have participated all four years that this conference has been held and have brought home awards every year. Cindy Swartz teaches Broadcast and Video Production at Mill Valley.

Pictured left - Allison Mackey, Anchoring Award; Center - Brooke Collins and Savannah Rudicel, Feature Story; Right - Jacob Patterson, Allison Mackey, and Ty Smith, Sports Story

A total of 46 students from De Soto and Mill Valley High Schools have been named to the Kansas Honors Program. This program recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of the top ten percent of Kansas high school seniors.

Sponsored by the Kansas University Alumni Association, the program is designed to promote academic excellence in secondary education and to reward high school seniors for their hard work and dedication. Each Kansas Honor Scholar has a chance to qualify for a $4,000 scholarship to KU.

 A reception for the students and their families will be held November 5, 2012, at Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park, Kansas.

De Soto High School

Connor Berg

Rhiannon Caldwell     

Emily Campbell
Jeannett Clampitt  

Amanda DeBrabander

Shelby Deghand

Katherine Gehrt

Ramsey Heer  

Julie Hopkins  

Jessica Knaack

Laura Krska

Laura Meyers  

Magdaline Oberle    

Maria Pileski  

Katherine Sosna  

Christian Sweeney

Sophia Templin

Katelyn Turner

Paige Williams

Mill Valley High School 

Aaron Akin

Ellen Bodine

Stephanie Ciston

Sarah Clark

Cole Clay

Andrew Eigsti

Eleanor English

Madison Estell

Ashley Hague

Kayla Hamner

Josie Hanson

Jacob Harrington

Christopher Hopkins

Katheryn MacGill

Jenna Middaugh

Blake Miles

Austin Moylan

Jillian Mullin

Abby Ostronic

Joseph Perkins

Amanda Platt

Daniel Rebeck

Nathan Robertson

Nathaniel Stacy

Brooke Steiner

Hanna Torline 

Sarah Wetzel   

The Kansas State Department of Education measures graduation rates for every school district.  This information is released annually on each district's report card. Below are the most recent graduation rates for USD #232, Blue Valley, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Gardner-Edgerton, and Spring Hill. 

4 Year Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rates

USD 232 = 94.8%

Blue Valley = 95.9%

Gardner-Edgerton = 92.5%

Olathe = 91.89%

Shawnee Mission = 91.0%

Spring Hill = 44.8%

Kansas (state average) = 83.0%

 

The US Department of Education passed regulations requiring all states to calculate graduation using a 4-year adjusted cohort rate. The 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate reflects the percent of students who were first time 9th graders in 2007-2008 and who graduated four years later (by September 30, 2011) with adjustments during the four years for transfers in and out.

NOTE: In the 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate, any student who does not graduate in the expected four years-even if they are still in school-is considered a non-graduate and counts against the graduation rate.

The 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate formula is as follows:
# 2011 graduates (# of cohort members earning a regular HS diploma by Sept. 30, 2011) X 100% = rate
# 1st time 9th graders in fall 2007 plus transfers in minus students who transfer out,
emigrate, or die during 2010-2011, 2009-2010, 2008-2009 and 2007-2008

Twelve students received an outstanding honor on October 8,2012, from the Board of Education.  Their artwork was selected to be on permanent display at the Board of Education/Administration building in De Soto.

Each year, art teachers select artwork from among their students to become part of the permanent district collection. The following students received a creative achievement award from the Board of Education.   

Photograph - Front row: Reagan Reilly, Connor Forristal, Isabelle Chase, Jordan Prestia. Back: Abby Toalson, Annabelle Hoog, Alexandria Elliott, Emma Goldsby, Matthew Rutledge. Not pictured: Adam Henderson, Anna Henning, Athonie Adkins.
 
2012 Art Award Winners

Belmont Elementary - Isabelle Chase

Clear Creek Elementary - Jordan Prestia

Horizon Elementary -  Alexandria Elliott

Mize Elementary - Reagan Reilly

Prairie Ridge Elementary -  Annie Hoog

Riverview Elementary - Connor Forristal

Starside Elementary -  Anthonie Adkins

Lexington Trails Middle School -Emma Goldsby 

Mill Creek Middle School -  Abby Toalson

Monticello Trails Middle School -  Matthew Rutledge

De Soto High School -  Anna Henning

Mill Valley High School - Adam Henderson
 

Students among top one percent of U.S. high school seniors

Hanna Torline of Mill Valley High School and Christian Sweeney of De Soto High School are Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. Torline and Sweeney join the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors who have been named Semifinalists in the 58th annual scholarship competition.

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.  They entered the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Torline and Sweeney must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

To become a Finalist, Torline and Sweeney must submit detailed scholarship applications in which they provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and honors and awards received.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2013 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

Madison Estell of Mill Valley High School was named a Semifinalist in the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program. Estell is one of 1,600 Black American high school seniors who received the designation in the 49th annual scholarship competition. Estell was also named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Estell now has the opportunity to continue in the competition to win one of 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth more than $2.5 million (total) that will be offered next spring. Estell is one of 160,000 high school students who entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test.

To advance to the Finalist level, Estell and the high school must submit a detailed scholarship application in which they provide information about her academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and educational goals. Semifinalists must present a record of high academic performance throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm their PSAT/NMSQT performance.

From the approximately 1,600 Semifinalists, about 1,300 are expected to advance to the Finalist level and in January they will be notified of this designation. All Achievement Scholar awardees will be selected from the Finalist group on the basis of their abilities, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Principal Tobie Waldeck of Mill Valley High School announced the following seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among the top five percent of U.S. high school seniors.

• Cole Clay
• Madison Estell
• Stephen McEnery
• Amanda Platt
• Nathaniel Stacy

A letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

"Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the advancement of educational excellence within our school," said Principal Waldeck. "The seniors recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds as demonstrated by their outstanding performance. I sincerely hope this recognition will provide them with additional educational outlets and motivate them in their pursuit of academic achievement."

Student Enrollment
2012-13 
Early Childhood through 12th grade

Unofficial enrollment data is now available. According to preliminary information collected on September 20, USD 232 grew by 68 students for the 2012-13 school year. Total enrollment is 6,949. The numbers remain unofficial until verified by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Since 2007, student enrollment grew by 872 students. >> See the six year trend.

>> See enrollment by school.

The school district continues to improve its technology services for students and employees. The newest service is a Technology Help Desk operated in partnership with K12itc, the district's information technology support provider.

Parents & students - Having trouble accessing the Citrix PORTAL from your home computer? Call our K12itc Help Desk.

K12itc Help Desk

816-382-4840

Hours of Operation:
6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

 Employees can dial extension 3500 (internally) to reach the technology Help Desk.

How do our high schools compare in Johnson County?
(De Soto High School & Mill Valley High School)
 
2012 Kansas Assessments: Johnson County High Schools
The scores represent the percentage of students meeting or exceeding rigorous state standards in Mathematics and Reading.

Point of interest: De Soto High School is 2nd in the county in Math.

The De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School cross country teams displayed remarkable times at a recent meet in Bonner Springs. Competing against a pool of 16 teams, both high schools have much to celebrate. DHS boys captured first and MVHS was second in the meet. The girls at Mill Valley took first place and the Lady Wildcats took fifth.

Of particular note from DHS, Angel Vasquez's time of 15:34 broke the school record set by Derek Tate in 1997.  Vasquez's time is the 85th fastest time in the nation this year according to Milesplit, the internet home of high school cross country.  Luis Murillo's time of 16:16 makes him the 9th fastest freshman in the nation according to Milesplit.  DHS also broke the seven man school record and is ranked second in Kansas Class 4A.

DHS boys, pictured left to right:
Diego Sanchez (SR), Teddy Koehler (JR), Chad Ollendick (SR), Angel Vasquez (SR), Nathan Zwahlen (SO), Jacob Scott (SR).  Not pictured:  Luis Murillo (FR). 

MVHS boys, left to right:
Chris Gillespie, Bobby Hellon, Andrew Eigsti, Derek Meeks, Callahan Eckardt, Stephen McEnery, Graham Wilson.

MVHS girls, left to right:
Ellie Wilson, Hollis Tharp, Bailey Parke

TOPEKA-Sept. 9, 2012- Kathy McBride and Nancy Perry of USD 232 (De Soto) were named semifinalists in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program for region three. They were honored at an awards ceremony Sunday evening, September 9, in Overland Park.

McBride teaches Kindergarten at Belmont and Mize Elementary Schools. Perry teaches Spanish at De Soto High School.

Points of Pride: USD 232 is an important and strong participant in the Kansas Teacher of the Year Program. The district is honored to have two Kansas Teachers of the Year - Mrs. Jeri Powers (2008) and Mr. Keil Hileman (2004). The school district also has 11state finalists and ninesemifinalists represented in the program since 2000... more than any other school district in region three.

Judy M. Domke, an elementary inter-related resource teacher at Stanley Elementary School in Overland Park (Blue Valley USD 229), and Scott Keltner, a high school mathematics teacher at Eudora High School (Eudora USD 491), were named Region 3 finalists for the 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year award today.

The announcements were made during ceremonies at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park. As finalists for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction, Domke and Keltner each received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, a major partner in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. In addition, they are now eligible to be named Kansas Teacher of the Year, an award that will be announced during ceremonies in Wichita on Nov. 17.

Domke and Keltner were among six Teacher of the Year semi-finalists from Region 3, which covers the third U.S. congressional district. Other semi-finalists were Elizabeth "Beth" R. Koon, an elementary art teacher at Raymond B. Marsh Elementary School in Shawnee Mission (Shawnee Mission USD 512); Kathy McBride, a kindergarten teacher at Belmont Elementary School and Mize Elementary School in Shawnee (De Soto USD 232); Vincent LaVergne, a high school mathematics teacher at Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park (Shawnee Mission USD 512); and Nancy B. Perry, a high school Spanish teacher at De Soto High School (De Soto USD 232). Each of the semi-finalists received a red marble apple with a wooden base, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan. Statewide, 91 educators were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction.
Nominations are made in each of four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education, sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators, and higher education representatives to select semi-finalists and finalists from each region.

Each panel selects six semi-finalists - three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semi-finalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the regional finalists.

The individual selected as the Kansas Teacher of the Year is eligible for national distinction as Teacher of the Year. The National Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the ING Foundation and Target, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the University of Phoenix Foundation and People to People Ambassador Programs. The Kansas Teacher of the Year team, comprised of the Teacher of the Year and state finalists, travels the state advocating for education and the teaching profession.

For more information: Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications for the Kansas State Department of Education, 785-296-4876

Replacing aging fleet of desktops and laptops

The Board of Education recently approved the purchase of 1,274 new computers to replace an aging fleet of laptops and desktops used by students and teachers. The decision to invest in the newer technology came during the board's regular meeting on August 13, 2012.

The computer purchase is part of the school district's initiative to slowly replace devices that are approaching a decade of service. "This is an important and essential investment by the Board of Education because we are replacing computers that are eight and nine years old," said Jessica Dain, Director of Professional and Program Development. The cost of the new devices will be $1.3 million paid through the district's capital outlay fund.

The board commended the district for prolonging the life of existing computers, but recognized the difficulty in securing replacement parts and batteries for old machines. The purchase includes Dell laptops and desktops that will be deployed for use by students and teachers. It also includes 24 Mac Book Pros and 150 Mac desktop computers for use by students in the 21st Century Career and Technical Education Programs at both high schools.

Student Scores Improve in 2012
District Celebrates Continuous Improvement  

We are pleased to report all schools achieved the state and federal benchmark for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the previous school year. Test scores reveal more students are meeting and exceeding rigorous standards in Mathematics and Reading with marked improvement in Math scores.

2012 AYP Data: ALL Students  

Math Scores Increased 3.9%
96.6 percent of our students met or exceeded the standard compared to 92.7 percent in 2011.

Reading Scores Increased 1.4%
96.1 percent of our students met or exceeded the standard compared to 94.7 percent in 2011.   

Federal regulations under No Child Left Behind require all student groups to meet or exceed defined targets for math and reading on state assessments, or Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

What is AYP?

This is the last year Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) will be measured in Kansas. In July 2012, Kansas received a waiver for flexibility in meeting certain provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. The waiver will change how Kansas schools are measured. More information will be available in the coming months from the Kansas State Department of Education.

Adequate Yearly Progress - The process for evaluating student performance in public schools, districts, and states in reaching the annual targets to ensure 100% of students score at the standard level or above by the year 2014. It is a requirement of No Child Left Behind federal law.

At what levels does AYP apply?

The Kansas evaluation and accountability system is specifically designed to measure a public school, a district, and the state's progress.  AYP is determined for every public elementary and secondary school, every district, and the State of Kansas.  AYP is calculated for non-public schools seeking Kansas accreditation.

What is included in AYP?

• State reading assessment results for students who enrolled by September 20;
• State math assessment results for students who enrolled by September 20;
• State assessment participation rates;
• Attendance rate (elementary and middle schools, and districts);
• Graduation rate (high schools and districts).

How does a school or district make AYP?

- All students and every student group must meet or exceed the annual performance targets in reading and math.
- 95% or more of students must participate in the assessments.
- Attendance rate must be 90 percent or higher or increase from previous year.
- Graduation rate must be 80 percent or higher or increase from previous year.

What are the performance levels on the Kansas Reading and Mathematics Assessments?

The five performance levels on the state assessments in Kansas are:  Exemplary, Exceeds Standard, Meets Standard, Approaches Standard and Academic Warning.

What are the annual measurable objectives (targets) that must be met?

The annual measurable objectives or targets refer to the percent of students scoring at Meets Standard (formerly proficient) or above on the state reading and mathematics assessments that a school, district, or state must meet each year to make AYP.

Which students are included in determining AYP?

All students are expected to take state assessments.  In determining the percent of students who are at Meets Standard or above on the state assessments, only those students who are enrolled by September 20 of that year are included.  The participation rate, however, is based on all students in the tested grades in the school or district during the testing window.

What are the disaggregated student groups?

Disaggregated student groups are defined as the following:

· All students are recognized as one group; this group is also called the aggregate group.

· Students that are economically disadvantaged, which include the free and reduced lunch students, are a disaggregated group.

· Students with disabilities- this does not include students with section 504 plans or identified as gifted- are a disaggregated group.

· English Language Learners (ELL) students are a disaggregated group.

· Racial/ethnic disaggregated group are:

o   African American

o   American Indian or Alaskan Native

o   Asian

o   Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

o   Hispanic

o   White

o   Multi-Racial

What Student Groups do we have in USD 232?

*To have a student group, you must have at least 30 students in all assessed grade levels.

• All students
• African American students
• Hispanic students
• Multi-Racial students
• Free and reduced meal students
• English Language Learners (ELL)
• Students with Disabilities (SPED)
• White students
• Asian students

Terms Every Parent Needs to Know

Title I - This is the part of No Child Left Behind that supports programs in schools and school districts to improve the learning of children from low-income families. The U.S. Department of Education provides Title I funds to states to give to school districts based on the number of children from low-income families in each district.

State Assessments - This refers to the tests developed by our state that students will take every year in grades 3-8 and at least once in high school. Using these tests, the state will be able to compare schools to each other and know which ones need extra help to improve.

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) - This is the term No Child Left Behind uses to explain that your child's school has met state reading and math goals. Your school district's report card will let you know whether or not your child's school has made AYP.

School in Need of Improvement revise- This is the term No Child Left Behind uses to refer to schools receiving Title I funds that have not met state reading and math goals (AYP) for at least two years. If your child's school is labeled a "school in need of improvement," it receives extra help to improve and your child has the option to transfer to another public school, including a public charter school. Also, your child may be eligible to receive free tutoring and extra help with schoolwork. Contact your child's school district to find out if your child qualifies.

Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) - This is the term No Child Left Behind uses for a teacher who proves that he or she knows the subjects he or she is teaching, has a college degree, and is state-certified. No Child Left Behind requires that all students be taught by a Highly Qualified Teacher in core academic subjects.

ACT Scores Posted

(De Soto, KS) Students in Unified School District No. 232 of Johnson County, Kansas, continue to score above state and national peers on the ACT assessment.  According to official data released by ACT, the school district recorded a composite average (all students) of 22.7 on the 2012 college entrance exam.

The scores reflect the achievement of our graduates on the ACT over time and is an indication of the extent to which students are prepared for college-level work in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science.

High School Results

Mill Valley High School saw its overall composite score dip by four-tenths to 23.1, down from 23.5 a year ago. De Soto High School's composite ACT score remained steady at 22.1.

The district is in the process of implementing a long-term strategic plan for increasing academic rigor for students. An essential component is the expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) and College Now course offerings, as well as pre-AP for students in middle school and in grades nine and ten.  

Questions about ACT results and student preparation for the assessment may be directed to each high school. The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Math, Reading, and Science. For more information, please visit http://www.act.org/ .

The Kansas School Superintendent's Association recently honored Dr. Doug Sumner with its Superintendent of Promise Award for the 2011-12 school year. Sumner, who is beginning his second year in the top job in Unified School District 232 in De Soto, KS, learned of the award in June 2012.

The KSSA developed the Superintendent of Promise Award to recognize and highlight those new superintendents who show exceptional promise for continued leadership in the future. Sumner had to meet certain eligibility requirements and had to have successfully completed his first year, as evidenced by a contract renewal, and had to have the support of his mentors and Board of Education President, who were asked to sign the award application before it was submitted.

Although Sumner is in his second year as Superintendent, he actually joined the school district three years ago when the Board of Education named him Superintendent-Elect. The appointment concluded a lengthy search process by the Board which involved 25 applicants and feedback from more than 300 teachers, parents, and community members. Sumner spent that first year preparing for his leadership role working alongside interim Superintendent Ron Wimmer.

Sumner is no stranger to USD 232, having spent nine years with the school district as an administrator. He served as principal of Monticello Trails Middle School in Shawnee from 1998 to 2004 and the previous three years as associate principal at De Soto High School. Sumner transitioned to the Gardner Edgerton School District for a six year post as assistant superintendent and director of human resources.

His professional experience includes time as an assistant principal at Shawnee Heights High School in Tecumseh, Kansas, and teaching positions with Pittsburg State University, The University of Kansas School of Education, and Warrensburg R-VI school district in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Sumner is an alumnus of The University of Kansas where he earned his bachelor's degree in middle and secondary education with a comprehensive focus in social studies. He went on to earn his master's in educational policy and leadership in 1994, also from the University of Kansas. In 2008 he completed his doctorate in educational leadership at Baker University.

De Soto Unified School District No. 232 educates nearly 7,000 students in northwest Johnson County, Kansas. The boundaries of the school system cover 100+ square miles encompassing the City of De Soto, sixty percent of the City of Shawnee, approximately forty percent of the City of Lenexa, a portion of the City of Olathe, and unincorporated areas of the county. The district currently operates two high schools, three middle schools, and seven elementary schools.

$4.4 million in savings over ten years

De Soto, KANSAS _ The Board of Education of Unified School District 232 is taking a proactive step in good stewardship of taxpayer funds by embarking on a comprehensive energy conservation and management program with Energy Education. The award-winning company's energy conservation program is estimated to save the district more than $4.4 million over the next ten years.

The Board of Education approved a four year agreement with Energy Education at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 9, 2012. "The time has arrived for us to address energy savings at every level of the organization," said Steve Deghand, director of facilities for USD 232. "This organizational behavior-based program will help us save tax dollars using the utility systems and personnel already in place. Every dollar we don't spend on energy is a dollar we save for educational purposes."

The program is funded solely and rapidly by the savings it generates, allowing the school district to reserve saved energy dollars for other educational priorities. Energy Education earned the 2011 and 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Awardfrom the United States Environmental Protection Agency and was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 2009 and 2010. In 26 years, the company has worked with more than 1,200 educational and ministerial organizations, helping clients save over $2.8 billion in utility costs.

Energy Education will work directly with the school district to conduct energy audits to ensure that students and teachers are comfortable during class time and scheduled activities, and that energy is used only as necessary. An Energy Education Specialist will be responsible for helping to motivate everyone in the system to use energy wisely, keep classrooms comfortable, and practice smart energy strategies - ensuring that Energy Education's Transformational Energy Management^® process is implemented throughout the system. This powerful, proven process turns recommendations into real savings, changing consumption behavior by focusing on four critical components:

• Assessment + Planning
• Coordination + Communication
• Leadership + Focus
• Measurement + Verification

Every energy use point throughout the organization will be analyzed with continual follow up to ensure that energy is used as necessary, but never wasted in classrooms, offices, athletic facilities, kitchens, or other areas of the system.   The program will analyze optimum practices for heating and air conditioning systems, ventilation rates, periods of occupancy, humidity, transition to unoccupied buildings, circulation pumps, and more. The program is designed to preserve comfortable environments during class and scheduled activities.

Energy Education's consultants cover the range of energy conservation specialties - engineers, certified energy managers, boiler specialists, heating-ventilation-air-conditioning experts, measurement and verification professionals, grounds care, organizational behavior, and more. They make frequent training and implementation visits as needed for maximum savings.

To measure and verify the program's success, the school district will track energy consumption using an independent, third party energy-accounting software. The software compares current energy use to a baseline period and calculates the amount of energy that would have been used if conservation and management practices had not been implemented. It adjusts for weather, equipment changes, and variations in building use, according to industry standards. By analyzing consumption and energy use patterns, the software helps the EES quickly identify and correct areas that need immediate attention.

For more information on Energy Education: www.energyeducation.com    
Jan Noel-Smith, Director - Public Relations 214.273.2814  info@EnergyEducation.com

# # # #

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recently named Arlan Vomhof as its 2012 Kansas Coach of the Year, small school division. This is the third time Vomhof received the prestigious honor. He is the head coach for the men's and women's soccer programs at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee.

To qualify for consideration, a coach must be a member of the NSCAA, as well as have a successful record for that season. In addition, the coach should exhibit:

• Knowledge of the game (rules, systems, coaching philosophy)
• Rapport with the team (respect of the players)
• Team image (team conduct, style of play, performance)
• Conduct on the field (positive behavior)
• Work for coaches organization (meetings, committees)
• Outside involvement (clinics, camps, conventions)
• Community involvement (leagues, banquets)
• Rapport with other coaches (cooperative, considerate)
• Rapport with officials
• Relationship with media (cooperative, considerate)
• Service to the NSCAA

Based in Kansas City, Kan., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America is the largest soccer coaches' organization in the world.

Since its founding in 1941, the NSCAA has grown to include more than 30,000 members who coach both genders at all levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition program that presents nearly 10,000 individual awards every year. The NSCAA fulfills its mission of coaching education through a nationwide program of clinics and week-long courses, teaching more than 6,000 soccer coaches each year.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) helps its members excel in their coaching careers as well as advances the coaching of soccer, thereby improving players, through a commitment to provide the best coaching education, convention, and member services and benefits to the soccer community.

The Board of Education approved a partnership on June 11, 2012, with RSP & Associates to conduct comprehensive enrollment and boundary studies. RSP is a professional educational planning firm based in Overland Park, KS. The company began work in July on a detailed enrollment analysis.

RSP helps educational institutions find better ways to benefit the children they serve by using reliable forecasting techniques integrated with new technologies. It produces statistical analyses that are proven to be 98 percent accurate, which gives school districts greater confidence in assembling a sound and responsible strategy for educating students. The result will be a more efficient use of financial and operational resources.

Once the enrollment analysis is complete RSP will begin work on a district-wide boundary study. The firm will examine current attendance areas using a number of data sets and criteria. It is important to note that the school district does not know if any changes in school attendance areas are necessary. However, an in-depth analysis would identify possible concerns that may need to be addressed in the future. An example of criteria that would be part of the boundary analysis would be:

• Contiguous planning areas
• Demographic considerations
• Duration of boundaries
• Feeder system considerations
• Fiscal considerations - capital and operational
• Keeping neighborhoods intact
• Projected enrollment/building utilization
• Students impacted by boundary change
• Transportation considerations

The accuracy of data provided by RSP will allow higher, more complete decisions to be made by the Board of Education regarding the most efficient use of resources. The studies will give administration a better understanding how and when school capacities will be impacted by enrollment changes related to demographics and community development. The cost of the analyses is set for an amount not to exceed $53,700.

Founded in 2003, RSP has extensive experience providing objective, analytical, and statistically accurate data sets to its clients. The firm specializes in helping districts discover how enrollment changes, facility operation performance, and economic development in the community will impact the mission to deliver high-quality education.

For more information about RSP, contact Robert Schwarz, AICP, REFP at 913.963.5967.
On the web at www.RSP-associates.com .

# # # #

TOPEKA-The 2012 state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were named during a ceremony Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson. Brandi Leggett, a third grade teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary in Shawnee, is one of three finalists in Kansas for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. Leggett (left in photo) will learn next spring if she will represent the state as a national finalist. Leggett is pictured with Diane DeBacker, Kansas Commissioner of Education.

Official News Release
June 5, 2012

Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications, 785-296-4876

State finalists for math and science teaching excellence awards named

TOPEKA-The 2012 state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were named during a ceremony Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson. The 2012 state finalists for mathematics are Laura Hurla, Berryton Elementary School, Shawnee Heights USD 450; Nancy Shreve, Central Elementary School, Wamego USD 320; and Cathy Wilber West Elementary School, Wamego USD 320. The finalists for science are David Clark Jr., Wilbur Middle School, Wichita USD 259; Lindsey Constance, Bluejacket-Flint Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512; and Brandi Leggett, Prairie Ridge Elementary School, De Soto USD 232.

 The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation's highest honor for mathematics and science teaching. They are presented to educators who show a high degree of knowledge, innovation, skill and leadership. Elementary and secondary educators are recognized in alternating years. This year, elementary educators are being recognized. Kansas had 13 mathematics nominees and 11 science nominees (a list of all nominees is attached). Each of the state finalists receives a $500 award and will go on to compete for a national finalist title. Two educators from each state, one in the area of mathematics and one in science, may be named national finalists next spring. Each of the national finalists will receive an award of $10,000.

 The state awards ceremony was just part of a two-day conference open to the nominees and other members of the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN). The conference, which took place June 4 and 5 at the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, included presentations from leading Kansas educators and the Kansas Cosmosphere.

The two-day conference was sponsored by Westar Energy, Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, and the Kansas State Department of Education.

# # # #

The Board of Education approved the district's recommendation to name David Ewers as associate principal at Mill Valley High School, effective for the 2012-13 school year. Mr. Ewers, who will also serve as the school's activities & athletics coordinator, is replacing former associate principal Matt Fedde who is relocating to Nebraska.

"We are delighted to have David join our team at Mill Valley," said Principal Tobie Waldeck. "He is a positive, outgoing individual with the leadership qualities and experience necessary to be successful. David genuinely cares about students and staff and is passionate about their achievements. I look forward to having him at Mill Valley."

Ewers is returning to USD 232 where he began his teaching career in 2002 as an eighth grade history teacher at Monticello Trails Middle School. In 2003 he accepted a teaching position at Olathe Northwest High School in Olathe, KS, where he has spent the last nine years. During that time Ewers taught American History, Advanced Placement American History, and served as the Olathe Northwest Flight Corps Leadership Assistant.

Outside the classroom, Ewers filled several assistant coaching positions from football to track and field. Olathe Northwest promoted him in 2007 to be the head coach in track and field because of his success working with student athletes. During his six seasons leading the program, the high school sent 73 athletes to the Kansas track and field championships with nine student athletes competing in track and field at the collegiate level.

"During my professional career I have had the opportunity to lead students and colleagues in both academic and athletic endeavors," Ewers said. "It has been a privilege to be a teacher and a coach and I am excited to have the opportunity to join Mill Valley as an associate principal."

Ewers earned his undergraduate degree in History from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, where he later received his master of arts in school leadership. He is married with two sons, Major and Nolan.

The Board of Education on Thursday, May 31, approved the district's recommendation to name Mark Meyer as principal of De Soto High School. Meyer will replace David Morford who accepted the principal's position at Olathe North High School, effective July 2012.

Meyer comes to DHS from Gardner Edgerton High School where he served as associate principal for the past nine years. "Mark Meyer is a talented administrator who understands the value of building positive, long-term relationships with students, parents, and employees," said Lachelle Sigg, director of human resources. "His vast experience working within every aspect of high school administration will provide a strong foundation for the forward movement of De Soto High School. Mr. Meyer understands the importance of creating a vision for DHS and the planning that is necessary for continued success. He is committed to meeting the individual needs of all students and looks forward to joining our school community."

Meyer started his career in education 17 years ago at Lyndon High School in Lyndon, KS, where he taught social studies and served as the head football coach. In 2000, he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Gardner Edgerton High School where he was later promoted to associate principal.

He received his bachelor's degree in history and secondary education from Baker University and his master's degree in educational administration from Emporia State University. Meyer later received his district level leadership licensure from Pittsburg State University. He says he is looking forward to the new school year. "I am honored and humbled to be named the next principal of De Soto High School," Meyer said. "It is with great excitement that I embrace this opportunity to serve the students and families of DHS and work alongside the dedicated teachers and staff."

Unified School District No. 232 educates 6,900 students in northwest Johnson County, Kansas. The boundaries of the school system cover 100+ square miles encompassing the City of De Soto, sixty percent of the City of Shawnee, approximately forty percent of the City of Lenexa, a portion of the City of Olathe, and unincorporated areas of the county. The district currently operates two high schools, three middle schools, and seven elementary schools.

CONTACT: The Human Resources Department at 913-667-6200.

De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School will offer swimming as a sport in the 2012-13 school year. Students interested in participating are encouraged to contact the coaches.

Coach Alissa Ruffin (Boys Swimming) and Coach Amy Hanna (Girls Swimming) will keep students updated with summer swimming opportunities and information about the upcoming swim seasons. And the best news of all, students will not need to try out for the team and  there will be no cuts made.

All high school swim teams will practice together at Oregon Trails Middle School in Olathe.

Winter Sport - Boys Swimming

Coach Alissa Ruffin - email: aruffin@usd232.org  

Spring Sport - Girls Swimming

Coach Amy Hanna - email: ahanna@usd232.org  

Agreement estimated to save $1.2 million over five years
 

The Board of Education on Monday, May 7, approved a five year contract with k12 ITC, Inc., to manage technology services for the school district. The framework of this partnership will allow the district to control costs and realize estimated savings of $1.2 million over a five year period.

"Based on months of research, consideration of multiple internal and external solutions and a comprehensive assessment of all proposals, we believe k12 ITC will not only deliver reliable services, but will respond to and guide the instructional and technological growth of our school district," said Dr. Jessica Dain, director of professional and program development. "We are confident that through this partnership the district will overcome the challenges and adversity of the current state of technology and strategically position us to meet the needs of our students and teachers." The transition to the k12 ITC will begin in July 2012.

Outsourcing

While outsourcing technology services is a relatively new concept in public school systems, both large and small businesses and many private schools have long benefited from arrangements of this kind. Outsourcing as a service model, however, is not a new concept to public school systems. In fact, many school districts, from the very large to the very small, use this model to provide transportation services, food services, custodial/maintenance services, and construction management services. USD 232, for example, outsources transportation services to First Student.

How will students and staff benefit?

k12 ITC will deliver a customized service based on a hybrid model of cloud-computing and local resources. The hybrid delivery model allows the company to adapt to individual customer needs while capturing efficiencies and leveraging advanced deployment and virtualization technologies to realize additional cost savings. Some of the benefits for staff and students include:

· Helpdesk support with extended hours

o   Students and staff need a helpdesk they can rely on for support when working outside normal school hours.

o   One phone number to call for help

o   With k12 ITC phone support, users will have one number to call for help no matter the technology issue.

o   24/7 online helpdesk support

· Increased storage for home drives

o   Staff home drives (storage) will increase from 2GB to 10GB.

o   Student home drives will increase from 1GB to 5GB.

· Self-service, user-driven IT

o   Staff will use a self-service web portal to choose software and other resources without any intervention of the IT staff.

· Web 2.0 and social media

o   Explore the possibility of opening access to various Web 2.0 and social media tools for staff and student use.

o   Ensure adequate internet capacity for Web 2.0 tools, particularly video sites.

· Improved customer service

o   Timely status information regarding technology issues

o   Improve transparency by communicating technology decisions to staff in a consistent, easy to understand format.

· Access to newer technologies

o   Available software updates will occur frequently, enabling users to receive the latest software needed, when it is needed.

· Internet access to network files and applications

o   Utilizing the anywhere, anytime access service, network files and applications will be available from internet connected computers - including access from mobile devices such as iPads and Android tablets.

Who is k12 ITC?

k12 ITC, Inc. is a Kansas City based technology services company focused exclusively on K-12 school districts.It takes a customer-focused, holistic, quality approach to provide better service without compromise. Founded by a nationally award winning Director of Technology, the leadership team has a combined total of more than 50 years of experience in K-12 schools. The company has optimized technology services to provide:

· Technology design, process and service assessments

· Service solutions

· Staffing resources outside the bounds of a typical K-12 organization

· Expanded support offerings

· More efficient resource use through a shared services model

The school district will immediately begin working with the leadership team at k12 ITC to finalize and implement transition plans for technology services.

(TOPEKA, KS) The Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Diane DeBacker, announced Lexington Trails Middle School in De Soto as a recipient of the sixth annual Governor's Achievement Award. Lexington Trails is among the top five percent of high achieving schools in Kansas.

"We are proud of Lexington Trails Middle School and its outstanding academic achievement," said Dr. Doug Sumner, Superintendent of Schools. "We know this award could not have been possible without the support and work of highly qualified teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, administrators, hard-working students, and parents. This award places Lexington Trails among the elite schools in the state."

In order for a school in Kansas to receive the prestigious award, it must meet the following criteria.

• The school must have achieved the Standard of Excellence in both Reading and Mathematics for 2011.
• The school must have achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in both Reading and Mathematics and one additional measure. (For elementary schools and middle/junior high schools - attendance; for high schools - graduation rate.)
• The school must be among the top five percent in both Reading and Mathematics on the 2011 state assessments at its respective level (elementary, middle/junior, or high school).

Forty-three elementary schools, eleven middle/junior high school, and 18 high schools qualified for the Governor's Achievement Award.

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>> www.usd232.org/alert  

Students in Unified School District No. 232 continue to perform at the highest academic levels as evident in the annual Standard of Excellence report from the Kansas State Department of Education. All schools within the district earned the coveted Standard of Excellence in either Math, Reading, Science or all subject areas on the 2010-11 state assessments. The state of Kansas requires testing in grades 3-8 and high school.

What is Standard of Excellence?  
It is based on all student data. To receive the Standard of Excellence designation, a certain percentage of students must score Exemplary (highest academic level) on state assessments and only a small percentage of students scoring at the lowest level, Academic Warning. 
 
Here are the student performance levels:
Kansas Assessment Student Performance Levels
Exemplary
Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Academic Warning

Kansas Assessments

The Kansas State Board of Education has established very high expectations for academic achievement for both Kansas schools and for individual students.  These expectations are called the "Standard of Excellence."  An excellence standard establishes a world class benchmark of performance for either an individual student or for a group of students for the particular skill assessed.  A Standard of Excellence, in tandem with other achievement measures, is used to interpret performance on the Kansas assessments.

The Standard of Excellence, in use since 1995, is based on a distribution of student scores across the five student performance levels of the state assessments for each content area tested.  Input from a panel of superintendents, principals, and curriculum directors and an analysis of the building performances data were used to construct a criterion profile of performance for a building judged to be "excellent." These standards of excellence criterion were developed considering the performance of all students as the base population.

USD 232 had 96 opportunities to earn Standard of Excellence based on the various groups measured by state assessments. The district earned Standard of Excellence in 82 of those categories.

Report Cards

Thank you for your interest in our schools.  Students participate in the Kansas Assessments Program each year to measure academic progress. The challenge of the No Child Left Behind legislation is the continuous raising of the achievement bar so that all students are proficient.

Over the past several years, our students have made significant progress in meeting the challenge. The work of our dedicated teachers and staff is reflected in the improvement of assessment scores by our students.

The report cards are very detailed and provide data for each grade level participating in the assessments.  The links below take you directly to each report, which is provided by the Kansas State Department of Education. 

To view Standard of Excellence information, click here.  

REPORT CARDS

> District report card  

> Listed by Schools   

Kansas Assessment Performance Level Descriptors

Exemplary
Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Academic Warning

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) - USD 232: click here

Standard of Excellence
The Kansas State Board of Education has established very high expectations for academic achievement for both Kansas schools and for individual students.  These expectations are called the "Standard of Excellence."  An excellence standard establishes a "world class" benchmark of performance for either an individual student or for a group of students for the particular skill assessed.  A Standard of Excellence, in tandem with other achievement measures, is used to interpret performance on the Kansas assessments.

The Standard of Excellence, in use since 1995, is based on a distribution of student scores across the five student performance levels of the state assessments for each content area tested.  Input from a panel of superintendents, principals, and curriculum directors and an analysis of the building performances data were used to construct a criterion profile of performance for a building judged to be "excellent." These "standards of excellence" criterion were developed considering the performance of all students as the base population.

School Hours 
First day of school is August 15 for students in grades 1-9.
August 16 is first day of class for students in grades 10-12.
August 17 is first day of class for Early Childhood and Kindergarten students.

The Board of Education on Monday, June 13, 2011, approved the district's recommendation to name Steve Deghand as Director of Facilities effective with the 2011-12 school year. He fills a key leadership position that had been vacant during the last school year.

Deghand currently serves as the district's activities director and facility-use coordinator, a position he has held since 2010. He has been with USD 232 for nine years serving as a teacher, associate principal, and activities coordinator at De Soto High School. "We are delighted to promote Steve to this important role in our organization," said Superintendent-elect Doug Sumner. "He has displayed excellent leadership and understands the critical function of our facilities department in supporting our goal to provide safe, efficient, and well-maintained schools for our children."

Deghand's career in education began in 1992 teaching physical and earth science at Pierson Junior High School in Turner, KS. He moved to Turner High School in 1997 where he taught biology, anatomy and physiology. He accepted a position at De Soto High School in 2002 teaching fitness and physical education and was promoted to associate principal in 2006.

His work with students went beyond the classroom where he gained nearly 20 years of coaching experience in baseball, football, basketball, and softball. Deghand earned a leadership certificate from Emporia State University in 2006, his master's degree in 1991 from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and received his bachelor's degree from Emporia State in 1990.

What is the Activity Participation Fee?
The Board of Education approved the fee to help offset the cost of providing extracurricular student activities in grades 6 through 12. The fee, which is for the whole year, includes all sports, activities, clubs, and other extra programs.

Why is there a new fee?
The reason for the new fee is due to reductions in funding from the state of Kansas and limited funds at the local level. The fee will help the school district sustain current student activities and athletic programs.

How will the money be spent?
The fee will help offset the cost of supplemental contracts for teachers who provide direction or supervision of extracurricular activities. Examples include club/activity sponsors and coaches. The district estimates the fee will generate $100,000.  The fee will not replace other charges for programs or activities required for participation in the activity or program.

Do other districts in the area have activity participation fees?
Yes. This particular fee is based on a model adopted by the Blue Valley School District in 2007.

Partial listing of extracurricular activities: National Honor Society, student council, publications, pep club, Scholars Bowl, Science Olympiad, robotics, musicals, FHA, Knowledge Bowl, football, basketball, track, wrestling, cheerleading, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, tennis, golf, drama, instrumental music, vocal music, forensics, debate, drill team, dance, weight training, yearbook, newspaper, LITE Leadership, flag team, color guard, etc.

Remember the flag story from March 2008?  This is the one about the student-led class project at Monticello Trails Middle School.  You may recall the teacher, Keil Hileman. He pushed his students to think big and the result was a recreation of the United States flag of 1812. The flag measures 42 feet by 30 feet.  

Here's an update on the flag.  Over the summer of 2008, a group of 41 students with Teacher Keil Hileman and some adult chaperones took the flag to Washington, D.C. This was the 15^th consecutive year that a group of students from MTMS traveled to the nation's capital to study and explore the country's history. While there, the students took the opportunity to unfold their flag of 1812 for everyone to see. They displayed their flag at The Capitol, The White House, Arlington National Cemetery, and The Lincoln Memorial - just to name a few locations.

The project was the idea of two eighth grade students at Monticello Trails Middle School, Jill Applegate and Carly Granato. (The students are now in the 9^th grade.)

(August 12, 2005 – Shawnee, KS) USD 232 officially took possession of the historic Virginia School on Wednesday, August 10. Crews maneuvered the fragile building on a trailer and hauled it nearly a mile to its new, permanent site at Mize Elementary School in Shawnee. The former owner of the building, Dennis Hillhouse, donated it to the district and paid for the relocation.

The Board of Education agreed to take possession of the one-room school to preserve its historical value for years to come. The building will be transformed into a teaching tool - a museum of "living history" for students. The transfer of ownership was several months in the making, with assistance from the Monticello Community Historical Society.

Crews from Camdenton, Missouri, spent two days preparing the structure for its ride to Mize Elementary. The carefully orchestrated move took 45 minutes to cover one mile with the help of police escorts and utility crews. Engineers were amazed at how well the schoolhouse had been constructed, making the relocation a smooth process. Virginia School will be repaired and restored with the help of the historical society and will open for student tours and lessons in 2006.

In 1876, C.J. and Sarah Mize deeded one acre to District 33 for a new school in Monticello Township, a rural farming community. Construction of the one-story school was completed in 1877. Teachers earned an average salary in 1878 of $29.64 per month.The school finally closed in 1962 because of unification of school districts in Kansas. It remained at its original location at 71^st and Clare Road in Shawnee, until August 10, 2005.

A staff member of USD 232, Willy Snow – Special Services, attended first grade at Virginia School. Her father was also connected to the schoolhouse as a member of administration. Snow said she still has fond memories of the old school and is happy to see it preserved for future generations. Snow took time from her busy work schedule to witness the move August 10, to Mize Elementary. She was not alone. Several alumni traveled to Mize to watch crews slowly move Virginia School to its new home.

To learn more about the work to restore the school, you may contact Cindy Ashby, president of the Monticello Community Historical Society: cindy.ashby@mail.sprint.com

-END-

School district earns GOLD MEDAL designation
Top 16% of U.S. school districts

De Soto, KANSAS _ Unified School District #232 received official notification that it earned a GOLD MEDAL designation, the highest award, in the 2007 Education Quotient ratings by Expansion Management Magazine. This designation reflects how the district compares to all other school districts in the United States with a K-12 enrollment of at least 3,300 students or more.

Unlike many other educational ratings, which equate excellence to the level of public funding received, Expansion Management focuses primarily on results. Although it includes data on spending, teacher salaries and the socioeconomic background of the surrounding communities, by far the most important factors are the test scores and the graduation rates.

The GOLD MEDAL designation ranks Unified School District #232 in the top 16% of school districts in the country with a student enrollment of at least 3,300. Expansion Management Magazine, a bimonthly business magazine for executives of companies that are actively looking for a place to expand or relocate their facilities within the next one to three years, recently published its 16th annual Education Quotient^TM ratings of 2,819 school districts throughout the United States. The magazine rates school districts as a way of providing its readers with a basis for comparing the type of work force they are likely to encounter in various communities around the country.  

"Many people - primarily journalists and educators - constantly ask why a business magazine like ours would rate school districts and, on the surface, it seems like a reasonable question," said Bill King, chief editor of Expansion Management magazine. "In today's knowledge-based global economy, nothing is more important to companies than the ability to find, and employ, an increasingly well-educated work force. The Education Quotient provides them with a way to compare communities nationwide in terms of the quality of the work force they are likely to encounter should they choose to open a manufacturing, distribution, or other business facility there."

Expansion Management magazine is mailed to more than 43,000 CEOs, vice presidents, directors and other officers of companies that have indicated they are considering expanding into new geographic areas.  

USD #232 is one of the fastest growing school districts in the region.  It serves the children in a 100+ square mile area of Johnson County, Kansas, which includes the cities of De Soto, Shawnee, Lenexa, and Olathe.