Fort Osage Virtual Backpack

Welcome to your weekly Fort Osage newsletter. Information is updated weekly on Wednesdays. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Smith, Director of Public Relations at ssmith@fortosage.net.

• The Trading Post is having a holiday sale with 15% off all items through December 19th. You can shop online at https://www.forttradingpost.com/ The store will also be open on Thursday, December 19th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Stop in and check out all the latest items. The Trading Post online will be closed from December 20th -January 5th. Online ordering will start again on January 6, 2025.
• There will be no Virtual Backpack the week of December 23rd. Look for our next issue on January 2, 2025.
• Friday is an early release day for students. There is no school December 23-January 6. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
• Fort Osage invites college juniors and seniors to an Educator Experience on January 10, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will include district information, a tour, time in classrooms, and meetings with staff. Interviews can also be scheduled for the afternoon. For more details, click here.

• Congratulations to our Fort Osage High School Speech and Debate team for outstanding results from the Raytown (V) & Raytown South (N) Tournaments: 3rd - HI- Supha Yates; 4th - DUO - Malia Arnold & Roxy Marsh; 4th - PF - Ryder Potter & Raymond Yost; and 5th - Congress - Jayla Barrows. Supha, Malia, and Roxy qualifiy for National Individual Events Tournament Of Champions held in May 2025.
• Congratulations to Isaac Woodward, senior at Fort Osage High School, who has committed to the Naval Academy to continue his academic and athletic career.
• You can help us recognize staff members with a high five. If you would like to provide a High Five to a staff member at Fort Osage, please complete the form below and we will pass it along: https://forms.gle/x6xdKbo9ups5pGM29.

• K-6th Grade Breakfast
• K-6th Grade Lunch
• Elementary After School Dinner
• 7-12th Grade Breakfast
• 7-12th Grade Lunch
• High School After School Dinner
• Early Childhood Snack

• Typically, Fort Osage High School holds graduation at the Community of Christ Auditorium. However, due to a world conference in 2025, we'll be using a different venue. Throughout the school year, we'll provide detailed information to ensure a smooth graduation planning process.
  • Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
• The Fort Osage High School Publications Department offers Senior Shoutouts in the May 2025 Fort Connection Magazine. The deadline to order your Senior Shoutout for this publication is March 24, 2025. Information and orders can be found by clicking here.
• Central Bank of the Midwest is offering a scholarship for graduating seniors. To be eligible, students must have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated balance of academic, sports, work experience and/or community engagement, application packet submitted by February 28 with transcript and completed essay. For more details, or to apply, click here.

• Campus Grounds will be open normal hours through December 23rd. They will be closed December 24-January 1. Regular hours resume January 2nd.

• Do something unique and give the gift of music to friends and family this Christmas. Touch of Class will carol to your loved ones at their home/business! Friday, December 20 (5:30-8:00 pm) FO District & Blue Springs $50/house (2 songs) $100/business (15 min) *Payment options available. Contact Mrs. Ammons (jammons@fortosage.net or (816) 650-7059) to set up a time.

• Join us for winter preschool playgroups in January. For complete details, click here.
• Save the Date for the Fort Osage High School musical SpongeBob the Musical. The music and theater departments will run shows at 7:00 p.m. on February 6, 7, and 8 and a 2:00 p.m. performance on February 8th.

• On January 10th & 11th, our Fort Osage High School Speech and Debate team will host the 2025 Fort Osage Novice New Year Kickoff. Tournament. We anticipate over 20 teams with over 500 student competitors and will need volunteer judges to cover 4 rounds on Friday evening and 7 rounds on Saturday. With that in mind, we need your help to be a part of our tournament and help recruit judges for these rounds. Use this link to sign up now or send to your contacts who you believe would be a great judge: https://tinyurl.com/FOjudge25 Thank you for your consideration and help. We couldn’t do this without you!

• The last episode of 2024 of Tribal Review can be viewed on Thursday, December 19th at https://youtu.be/j1Kd5lJQwbY?si=6swICcSWjzE3OneT.
• The District has long served students Original Pizza as a lunch or after school dinner option. Due to the retirement of the original owner, this will no longer be an option for students. Our food service program is looking into other pizza options.

• Exciting Scholarship Opportunity for Fort Osage Alumni and Future Alumni! The Fort Osage Education Foundation is partnering with our District’s Grow Our Own Program to offer two unique scholarships to support the next generation of teachers in our community. Don't miss out! For Student Teachers Assigned to Fort Osage: $2,000 Student Teaching Scholarship, dedicated Fort Osage Mentor and High-Quality PD, and $2,000 Summer Stipend if hired after student teaching. For High School Seniors (Future Teachers): $1,000 College Scholarship for those admitted into an education program, $2,000 Student Teaching Scholarship if returning to student teach at Fort Osage, and $2,000 Summer Stipend if hired full-time after college graduation. Applications open through March 31, 2025. To apply or reach out to Debbie Peterson in HR for questions at dpeterson@fortosage.net or 816-650-7004.

• The Buckner Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library is hosting Teens Create Zines on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 6:00- 7:30 p.m. Let’s create Zines! The Library will have the supplies, you just have to bring the ideas. Learn a new skill and make something new.

• The Buckner Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library is hosting How the Grinch Stole Storytime on December 19 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. The Grinch is coming to the library to spread holiday cheer! After storytime, the Grinch will visit with everyone and be available for photo opportunities. Please register participating children only. Ages 3 and up.

• APEX Sports Hub is offering a fun and flexible way for kids to develop their pickleball skills, all while building lasting friendships and growing in confidence through our Jr. PB NXT LVL Academy. Apex Sports Hub, designed this program to be inclusive for all skill levels, so whether children are new to the game or looking to improve, they’ll find a supportive and engaging environment. The program includes structured lessons, skill drills, and friendly matches to help kids grow both as athletes and individuals. Most importantly, we aim to create a space where they can have fun and take their skills to the next level. For complete details, click here.

• The Buckner Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library is hosting What If Puppets Presents: Little Red Riding Hood: A Newfangled Prairie Tale on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Based on the adaptation by Kansas City-based author and illustrator Lisa Campbell Ernst, this updated classic finds Little Red Riding Hood, nicknamed for her beloved red sweatshirt, pedaling her bike to deliver muffins to her Grandma. When a hungry wolf attempts to steal the recipe for himself, Grandma must set him straight.

  All ages welcome.

• The Buckner Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library is hosting Kids Create Art on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Craft and create at the Library. We provide the supplies; you supply the imagination! Please register participating children only. Ages 6 and up.

• North Pole Acres drive-thru holiday light experience is now open in Oak Grove. Open nightly, just $20 per car. For complete details click here.

• Due to the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 190 (SB190) in 2023, Jackson County has established an application process to bring senior citizens much-needed tax relief. The program allows those who are Social Security retirement eligible to receive a credit that essentially freezes their property taxes on their primary residence. Taxpayers do not need to be currently drawing Social Security benefits in order to qualify, just be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. The deadline for the initial application this year is December 31, 2024. Sponsored by Missouri Senator, Joe Nicola, this event will assist seniors living in Jackson County with applying for a tax credit to freeze your property taxes! A free workshop is being held on December 12 at 6pm at 501 N Dodgion St. Internet access and computers will be onsite to assist you with the application. You will need to bring the following information with you in order to apply during the event. Drivers license, or proof of ownership. If home is in a trust, provide page showing name and ownership. This is a free event for Jackson County only. Please join us! To RSVP please email info@trumanhabitat.org or by clicking on the register button below.

• Fort Osage is hiring Bus Drivers for this school year. Starting driver pay is $19.70 and starting monitor pay is $14. You can learn more by clicking here.
• Fort Osage invites college juniors and seniors to an Educator Experience on January 10, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will include district information, a tour, time in classrooms, and meetings with staff. Interviews can also be scheduled for the afternoon. For more details, click here.

• McKenzie Rice, class of 2023 is in Seussical. You can learn more or purchase tickets by clicking here.
• Gary Thomas Austerman, class of 1960, passed away on November 26th.
• Gerald "Jerry" Wayne Hatfield, class of 1949, passed away on November 1.
• Robert Lee Davis, class of 1958, passed away September 18th.
• We are thrilled to announce a new scholarship opportunity through the Fort Osage Education Foundation, designed to support our dedicated alumni who aspire to become teachers in our District! If you’re ready to make a difference in the classroom, this is your chance to get financial assistance and mentorship along the way.

Fort Osage Alumni – Get Paid to Student Teach!

This scholarship offers:

• $2,000 Student Teaching Scholarship

• Dedicated Fort Osage Mentor and High-Quality Professional Development

• $2,000 Summer Stipend if you’re hired to work after student teaching

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

To apply, simply scan the QR code on the attached flyer or contact us directly for more details.

For questions, reach out to Debbie Peterson in the HR Office at: dpeterson@fortosage.net
816-650-7004

• Beverly Jean Gant passed away. Visitation will be held on December 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Washington United Methodist followed by a service at 1:00 p.m.

• Staff members receive a 10% discount on online orders from The Trading Post. Contact Stephanie Smith for the discount code if you missed the all staff email.

• If you would like to request a transfer to another building or position next school year please click the link below and complete the form. All transfer requests must be submitted on or before January 25, 2025 in order to be considered. Completing and submitting the form does not guarantee a transfer will be made. Additionally, if a specific position in the district becomes available after the January 25, 2025 deadline any qualified staff member may apply. Transfer Request Form

• If you will be receiving National Board Certification, Licensed Professional Counselor credentials, or a Certificate of Clinical Competence and wish to receive a stipend for the 25-26 school year you must use the form link below. You may only receive one of the stipends even if you have more than one of the certifications listed above. The form should also be completed by those who plan to receive the certification during the 25-26 school year. Forms must be completed and submitted on or before January 25, 2025 in order to be considered for the stipend. If you already receive a stipend you must send a copy of any updated certification or license to Debbie Peterson (dpeterson@fortosage.net) in the Human Resources Department to verify continuation. NBC - CCC - LPC Request Form

• If you have completed, or plan to complete, graduate credit hours and would like to request column movement on the 25-26 teacher salary schedule please click on the link below and complete the form. Forms must be completed and submitted on or before January 25, 2025 in order to be considered for column movement. Any form submitted after that date cannot be processed for the 25-26 school year. All classes MUST be completed on or before the first day of contracted employment for the 2025-2026 school year. It is the responsibility of the staff member to request all official transcripts documenting completed courses. Official transcripts with appropriate hours and/or degree designation must be received in the Human Resources Department by August 31, 2025 in order to be processed/approved for movement for the 2025-2026 school year. Please read the form for more details and specific requirements. Contract Change Request Form