Oct. 17 - From the Superintendent

Hello, USD 231 Patrons and Employees.

We hope your experience at Parent-Teacher Conferences is positive and productive (October 16 and 17).

I'm writing today with two items of importance.

The Importance of Voting

As we approach an important election season, I want to emphasize the significance of participating in the voting process. Voting is not only a civic duty but a powerful way to shape the future of our community and our children's education. Each vote reflects our commitment to ensuring a better future for our students, schools, and society.

To check your registration status and for additional election resources, click HERE.

Our students look to us as examples of engaged, responsible citizens. Let's take the opportunity to show them how important it is to make their voices heard.

Bond Planning Update

On October 14, representatives from DLR provided an update to the Board of Education regarding the "Build-A-Bond" exercise. Highlights included a focus on a bond proposal (that would potentially go to vote in Spring 2025) for the school district to fund various facility improvements and new construction projects.

DLR is currently refining the bond scope based on the feedback received from the focus group. Please be sure to provide your input as to what the future of our district should look like when the time comes. At their November 11 meeting, the potential exists for the Board of Education to approve the contents of a Bond ballot measure that would be voted on by the public in spring of 2025.

As a reminder, we've developed a Bond planning WEBSITE for patrons to review where we've been and where we are headed.

Thank you for your continued support of our district as we navigate these important issues together.

Sincerely,

Brian

#WeAreUSD231 #Forwardas23ONE #VisionForward

The Gardner Edgerton School District appreciates our senior citizens who dedicate much time, generosity, and support to our schools, staff, and students.

To acknowledge our appreciation, the USD 231 school district hosts an annual Senior Citizen Luncheon each fall. This year, the luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, in the Gardner Edgerton High School Commons.

Senior citizens can visit with district administrators, enjoy a delicious lunch, and listen to performances from the GEHS fine arts department, all at no cost.

Calling all Gardner veterans! On Monday, November 11, USD 231 and the City of Gardner will host a Veterans Appreciation Program to honor and celebrate Gardner veterans for their dedication and service to our country. The program starts at 1:00 p.m. at Gardner Edgerton High School, 425 Waverly Road.

Please RSVP by calling (913) 856-0939 or emailing jtigerstrom-kelley@gardnerkansas.gov.

Each veteran should be prepared to provide their name, branch, years of service and contact information.

Overview

Did you know that two to four missed days in the first month of school increases the likelihood of chronic absence throughout the year?

Regular school attendance plays a vital role in your child's academic and personal growth. Being consistently present at school facilitates a steady progress in their learning journey, ensuring that no crucial piece of knowledge or skill is missed.

Facts About the Impact of Poor Attendance

• Absenteeism in the first few months of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
• Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.
  
• By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
• Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.

Why is Attending School Important?

School is not just a space for academic learning, it is where children cultivate social skills, form meaningful friendships, and develop a sense of responsibility and belonging that will serve them well throughout their lives. As we progress through the school year, we urge you to prioritize regular attendance to ensure that your child can reap the full benefits of the comprehensive educational experience that our schools strive to offer.

Tips and Practices for Helping Support Your Child’s Consistent School Attendance

• Avoid scheduling vacations when school is in session.
• Build regular routines for bedtimes and the mornings.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school.
• Don’t permit missing school unless your child is sick.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or your school principal for advice on how to help your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Avoid medical appointments when school is in session.
• Develop back up plans for getting your child to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another family for help.

To view events occurring at the district-level, please click the image on the right/above. To view school-specific calendars, please visit each building's respective website.

As a district parent, guardian, alumni or community member, you will receive A Message from Gardner Edgerton USD 231, our email newsletter with updates, celebrations and upcoming events, in your inbox.

Please be sure to follow USD 231 Schools on social media to keep up with all the great accomplishments happening across our district!