Examples of Excellence (March/2024)

Congratulations to Rachel Bleess and Leo Nguyen! They were both selected as 2024 KC Scholars Awardees.

These scholars have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic pursuits, and their achievements reflect not only their hard work but also the unwavering support they have received from their families and educators. Please join us in congratulating them on this remarkable accomplishment.

Edgerton Elementary School recently welcomed Body Venture, an innovative educational program designed to enlighten young minds about the wonders of nutrition and the human body. Students eagerly explored 11 unique exhibits, engaging in hands-on activities that brought abstract concepts to life. Traveling through the digestive system, learning how to keep our skin and bones healthy, and discovering the importance of balanced meals at the 'MyPlate' station, each stop along the Body Venture journey offered a unique blend of fun and learning. Teachers were thrilled to see the students' engagement, and everyone left buzzing with excitement and new knowledge. Thanks to Body Venture, we're all feeling pumped about making smarter choices for our bodies.

Congratulations to these students who were awarded local scholarships for 2024.

Each spring, Gardner Edgerton USD 231 recognizes and expresses our appreciation to employees retiring at the end of the current school year.

We give special thanks to our retirees for their dedicated service and congratulate them on this tremendous milestone. This year, we recognize nine individuals from across the district, certified and classified staff, who have given, in aggregate, over 196 years of service to our outstanding school district. The strength of this district has always been and always will be the quality of its people. These individuals have given the best years of their professional careers serving this community, this school district, and our children. We all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.

These employees were recognized during the April 16, 2024 annual retirement dinner.

Madison Elementary School

Karen Stueve, Paraeducator
1998 -2024, 26 years

Sunflower Elementary School
Julie Rains, Librarian
1990 -2024, 34 years

Trail Ridge Middle School
Rebecca DeNoon, 6th Grade Teacher
1998-2023, 25 years

Gardner Edgerton High School
Lesa McGuire, Paraeducator
2003-2024, 21 years

Janine Bechard, Counselor

1995-2024, 29 years

Mary Schulte, Mass Media Teacher

2019-2024, 5 years

Grand Star Elementary School

Gayle Bones, Paraeducator
2004-2024, 20 years

District

Michael Green (Mike), Grounds Supervisor
2015-2024, 9 years

Karla Reed, Director of Mentoring and Professional Development

1995-2013, 2015-2024, 27 years

Students in Kelly Newman's fourth-grade class at Gardner Elementary can fill out an application to be on the Panther Pride Leadership Council (a student council). They are then responsible for supporting their school with daily morning jobs, helping with their school store, a service drive for the school, selling Valentine's grams, passing out Harvesters bags, spring outdoor cleanup, and many more. At the beginning of the year, Ms. Newman shares with her students the opportunity to earn service hours for doing community service in our Gardner community. Two students this year earned The President's Volunteer Service Award for community service. Ellie Rivers earned a bronze for doing 26-49 community service hours, and Morgan Ashbaugh earned a silver for doing 50-74 community service hours. They both received a certificate from the President and a medal/pin. Congratulations!

Students at Gardner Edgerton High School had the opportunity to collaborate with Heartland Coca-Cola to design part of the Olathe Production Campus (OPC) located on the northwest corner of 175th and South Hedge Lane as part of the OPC Landscape Design Challenge. Students had the opportunity to design landscaping elements, public art pieces, and signage to help Heartland Coca-Cola promote water sustainability. The winner in each category received $500 for themselves and $500 to be donated to a club or clubs of their choosing. The winning designs will also be brought to life on the OPC.

The landscape design winner was Jayden Kasper, who picked the Gifted Program and TableTop Gaming Club, each receiving $250. Gabby Johnson won the sign design competition and chose the Robotics Club to receive $500. Brooklyn Pence and Kinsey Savage won for public art design and chose the Art Club to receive $500. Lastly, to help students at GEHS with their own sustainability efforts, the Ecology Club was awarded $2000.

The students will be invited to OPC for the grand opening, where they will see their designs come to life and tour the facility.

Moonlight Elementary School's Girls on the Run team has once again showcased their spirit and dedication this spring. With 23 enthusiastic 3rd and 4th graders and 8 supportive coaches, the team delved into 18 engaging socio-emotional lessons, focusing on fitness and life skills, equipping themselves with physical fitness and essential life skills. Beyond the classroom, the girls took action, cleaning up trash along Moonlight Road, demonstrating their commitment to their community. Through Girls on the Run, Moonlight Elementary fosters leadership and teamwork in its students, shaping future leaders.

Their season culminated in a thrilling 5K run at Swope Park on May 4th, where they joined over 3,000 other runners. Let's applaud these inspiring young ladies for their achievements and determination to make a difference!