Sept. 19 - From the Superintendent

Hello, USD 231 Patrons and Employees.

I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying the outstanding weather we've been experiencing!

I'm writing today with three items of importance.

Bond Planning Process Update

On September 18, representatives from DLR led the Community Feedback team through the "Build-A-Bond" exercise. The meeting focused 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. Representatives from various schools, work groups, and the community at-large engaged in an interactive activity called 'Build-A-Bond' where they prioritized and selected projects to fit within a $100 million bond budget - with no mill levy increase. Key considerations included a new elementary school, renovating Sunflower Elementary into an early childhood center, safety and security upgrades across all schools, inclusive playgrounds at the elementary level, improvements to the high school commons and kitchen areas, orchestra room renovations/additions at middle schools, a new alternative education building, and a new district service center.

Now, DLR will further refine the bond scope based on the feedback received and conduct community surveys to gauge support for different scenarios. Please be sure to provide your input as to what the future of our district should look like when the time comes.

As a reminder, we've developed a Bond planning WEBSITE for patrons to review where we've been and where we are headed. Pictures from last night can be found below.

The Importance of Student Attendance

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.

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

The Kansas Attorney General's Office recently partnered with a national suicide prevention organization, the Jason Foundation, to develop a free mobile app that provides tools and resources to youth who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. The app is called "Kansas - A Friend AsKS" and is available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

The "A Friend AsKS" app includes the following one-touch buttons: access to the Crisis Text Line and National Suicide Prevention Hotline; "How to Help a Friend," including warning signs, tips on how to ask someone if you think they need help, suggestions on what to do and what not to do and available resources; and a locator of behavioral mental health treatment facilities in your area.

The app also offers the option for users to call or text the 988 mental health crisis line, which was launched in Kansas last July. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local custom care and resources with national standards and best practices.

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.

Gardner and Edgerton seniors interested in attending the luncheon can make reservations by calling (913) 856-2668. Please make your reservation by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9.

The 3rd annual GESF cornhole tournament is right around the corner. All funds generated support the WE CARE Fund. The WE CARE Fund assists USD 231 students and their families during a time of hardship. The fund helps district employees too. Last school year we assisted families in multiple ways: rent, utility bills, gasoline, driver's ed classes, shoes, and much more. We are inviting you to participate in this wonderful opportunity. If you have never been involved with one of our events, this is a perfect way to get connected with the Foundation.

PLAY

Find a partner and have some fun on Saturday, October 5th. We start at 9:00 AM and will be done by 1:00 PM. The cost per team is only $40 (adult or youth division). Skill level doesn't make a difference. It's about having FUN and helping a great cause. Click HERE to register a team. It is fast and easy. Forward this email to family, friends, and neighbors so they can join you in having a great time.

SPONSOR

Okay - you aren't off the hook if you don't want to participate in the tournament. Please consider being a cornhole board sponsor for only $50. Cornhole board sponsors will be listed in the program and announced on the PA system at the event. Your contribution is tax deductible.

Click HERE to register to be a sponsor and help make a difference in the lives of our USD 231 families. Sponsors can also include companies, businesses, and organizations. Maybe you know of a company that would be interested in supporting this cause. Every dollar makes a difference.

To improve community engagement, Gardner Edgerton Unified School District USD 231 is upping its Facebook and Instagram games. We have partnered with #SocialSchool4EDU– a company that specializes in helping schools celebrate their students and connect with the community.

What

Gardner Edgerton Unified School District USD 231 is growing our Facebook and Instagram channels. Click on the icons and follow along!

Facebook - @GardnerEdgerton

Instagram - @gardneredgerton

Why

1. Celebrate our students.

2. Keep parents, students, alumni, and the community in the loop of what is happening in our district.

3. Promote the great things happening with athletics, activities, and other events.

4. Build an ongoing conversation about the positive impact our district is making in the lives of our students!

What do I need to do?

• If you are on these social media sites – follow us!

• Help promote the pages to your family and friends.

• If you aren’t on these sites – that’s OK. The district will continue to provide communication through traditional channels.

For more regarding why it's important to only have one FB page district-wide, check out this ARTICLE.

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!