Recipients of the Alma Area Foundation Scholarships were announced at academic awards night May 7.
Seniors receive scholarships, honors at awards night
McFarland students to attend Maple Hill next year
The USD 329 board made changes that will affect next year’s elementary students at its meeting Monday night. The board voted to change the variance line between Alma and Maple Hill Elementary schools to send McFarland students to Maple Hill. The vote went 4-2 with Jim Vapita, Jerom Hess, Tony Conrad and Kelly Oliver voting to change the line whereas Justin Frank, and Callie Meinhart voted against it. At the start of next school year, McFarland students will be included in the Maple Hill Elementary classes. The board hopes this will help even out the class sizes between the two schools.
Charger recognized as All-Kansas news publication
For the first time in school history, the WHS Charger received All-State distinction from the Kansas Scholastic Press Association for its news publication. Publications are judged on their body of work throughout the year, including coverage, reporting, visuals, design and leadership. KSPA describes an All-Kansas publication as one that demonstrates a solid understanding of the news publication and its purpose, features well-written copy, attractive design and storytelling photography, and that is obviously produced to serve readers.
Students compete at tech fair
Senior Grace Spellman uses her glue gun on a model for competition at the Fort Hays State Technology Fair. She received a Blue Ribbon, Rosette and Certificate for Best in Class. “It’s a model of the house that my family hopes to build some day. I had floor plans that I used to create a... Continue Reading →
Some students eligible for COVID vaccine
With Kansas lessening the restrictions on who can get the COVID-19 vaccine many students may be wondering how they can get it. Currently Wabaunsee County is in Phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan which means any person over the age of 18 who wants the vaccine can get it. So far all the people who are 65 years old and older and wanted the vaccine have gotten it.
329 Board hires company to promote plans
USD 329 board hired ASA Strategic Funding to help develop and promote a new plan to address facilities issues. At the April 12 board meeting, ASA Strategic Funding was hired for $12,200 to help promote and develop a new bond. They have worked on over 200 research projects and have a 94 percent success rate. They plan to work with the community to develop a plan that everyone can agree on.
New counselor excited to join WHS staff
WHS has hired Kevin Sullivan as high school counselor starting next school year. Sullivan attended Kansas State University to get his bachelor and masters degree in school counseling. He is currently the counselor at St. Xavier Catholic School in Junction city and has also worked at several other schools in the area.
Parent meeting to address online predators
Parents and community members have a chance to learn more about predators and dangers facing their children in a presentation Friday evening.
The Wabaunsee Sheriff's office is sponsoring a presentation about those who exploit social media and information technology to victimize children. The program, Protecting Our Children: A Town Hall on Sexting, Sextortion, and Bullying, is a 7 p.m. Friday in the WHS auditorium.
The discussion will be lead by experts from the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and the LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center.
329 board discusses masks rules at meeting
The USD 329 board received new information on lessening masks restrictions at its monthly meeting Monday night.
There was a discussion about masks due to Wabaunsee County lessening its restrictions. Wabaunsee Health Department administrator Ray Finley advised against making masks no longer necessary in USD 329 buildings for now and instead advised the board to wait thirty days and see how surrounding areas lessening their restrictions affect us. So far USD 329 has had very little transmission of the virus through school.
21 students place in KSPA regional journalism competitions
Wabaunsee journalism earned seven regional journalism championships last month, and qualified 21 entries to the state competition later this semester.
The Kansas Scholastic Press Association regional competition, which usually features both online and in-person competitions, was completed completely online in late February. Contests include writing, editing, photography, design and cartooning competitions.
