Goessel School Board hears of visit by Miss Kansas

The Goessel school board met on Oct. 10 and heard from junior high/high school principal Scott Boden about the half-day of school on Sep. 28 when Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley, spoke to the students about perseverance and hope. She told the students about the difficulties she has faced and how she overcame them. Hensley spoke to the elementary students about being a friend and making a difference in the community.

Boden told the board of other Sept. 28 activities. He said that students had also enjoyed the Character Strong group breakfast and FFA leadership activities.

Boden said that future half-day plans include an ESSDACK (Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas) career fair for high school students and a youth leadership event.

Turning their attention to another matter, the board heard from Boden that Goessel is classified 1A for activities this year. He said the grade 9-12 student count is 92, and the 1A cut-off was 109. He said there had been a Kansas State High School Activities Association hearing regarding leagues. As a result, Wichita Classical School and Central Christian Academy of Wichita were assigned to the Heart of America League. Goessel is in Wheat State League.

Boden said that many schools in various leagues across the state are finding it difficult to hire officials for sports events, specifically because of the way officials are treated by spectators. Some officials have been afraid for their own safety. Some schools have had to reschedule games in order to secure officials. Boden said Goessel’s games have not been affected by the shortage.

In other business, the board:

* approved DJ Freeman as forensics coach.

* heard from superintendent/elementary principal Mark Crawford that the school had received a letter from Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education. Watson commended USD 411 for receiving three Kansans Can Star awards. Goessel received a Copper designation in the Academically Prepared for Graduation division, a Silver for Post-Secondary Effectiveness, and a Gold for Graduation rate. Boden said Goessel has a 100% graduation rate. In his letter to the school, Watson wrote, “This recognition should be celebrated throughout your district and be used to help guide your strategic focus in the coming year.”

* talked about elementary school events for the following week, which would include a trip to a pumpkin patch and to Maxwell Game Preserve.

* heard about plans for student-led parent-teacher meetings at the junior high/high school. Boden said that each student will have one scheduled conference, and parents can contact other teachers to schedule conferences. All conferences will be held in individual teacher classrooms.

* approved the purchase of new high jump mats for a cost of $10,405.00 from Lou’s Sporting Goods. Board clerk Joni Smith told the board the current high jump mats are very old and are torn. They are not safe.

* voted to declare the old high jump mats surplus.

* commended Brian Lightner and other staff for a “great job” of hosting track meets.

* heard a Marion County Special Education Cooperative report from board member Maynard Knepp. He said that raising the pay for paras helped fill open positions in the co-op. He also said the co-op will advertise for a new administrator.

* approved payment of the month’s checks for a total of $151,691.15.

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