Although the buildings are empty, USD 329 is still educating students through a Continuous Learning Plan. In mid-March, Governor Laura Kelly closed all Kansas school buildings for the remainder of the school year because of the coronavirus pandemic, forcing USD 329 and the other school districts to continue students’ education from outside the classroom.
329 postpones bond election due to virus precautions
Even with the coronavirus restriction, the USD 329 Board of Education met for its monthly meeting, taking precautions to ensure the safety of the members. During the meeting, the board members distanced themselves from each other and the meeting was live-streamed via the district’s Facebook page to follow the new CDC coronavirus guidelines of no more than 10 people in a gathering.
Opinion: ‘Parasite’ shows foreign films are worth exploring
At the Oscars Sunday, the South Korean movie “Parasite” won best picture. A movie wins best picture every year, but what’s special about “Parasite” is that it’s entirely in Korean. It’s the first non-English language to ever win best picture. “Parasite” also took home awards for best original screenplay, best international film and best director. The Oscar’s recognition of a film like this is a reminder that we don’t have to understand the language of a movie to enjoy it and take meaning from it.
Band, choir prepare for winter concert
The WHS band and choir are tuning up for their 2019 Winter Concert tonight, featuring holiday classics and some melodious newcomers. The band will perform a french carol called “Echoes de Noel,” “Cartoon Christmas” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” The band will also play “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” trombone player senior Luke Stuhlsatz’s favorite song of the set. "It's the most upbeat song we're doing," Stuhlsatz said.
USD 329 Board discusses construction during work session
The USD 329 BOE met Monday for a special meeting to discuss the bond options. Discussion included a new option and questions for the previous bonds discussed. Here are some highlights from the discussion. Option 12 A new option was introduced to the board members. Option 12 is an $8.1 million bond that includes closing PMS and MHES, moving sixth grade to WJH and moving fifth and all elementary students to Alma. $4 million would be set aside for general maintenance for the buildings and of that, $800,000 would go to improving the AES kitchen.
7-period schedule benefits core classes, challenges electives
The new WHS schedule caused debate among students and teachers last year. After nearly a semester of the new schedule, opinions are mixed. WHS introduced a 7-period daily schedule for the 2019-2020 school year, after using a block schedule in previous years. The Charger polled sophomores, juniors and seniors to gauge the general feeling among the students most affected by the change. Incoming freshmen ran on a 7-period schedule in junior high, so this schedule was not new for them. The majority of students greatly preferred block scheduling, another large portion of students slightly prefer 7-period and 18 percent didn’t have an opinion.
Wabaunsee student handbook undergoes changes
The WHS Student Handbook received some modifications over the summer. The handbook states that its purpose is to serve as an aid in understanding school policies. Last year, the government class went through the handbook and suggested changes using a legislative process. The revisions were submitted to Principal Jan Hutley. “There were very few that we weren’t able to implement this year,” Hutley said. “A lot of them were very common sense and needed to be changed.”
Meet the 2019-20 Charger staff
Editors in Chief Eleanor Badeker, senior Twitter: @ellybadeker 3 years in journalism “I joined journalism originally to please my mother, but I’ve stayed in the class because it is such a fun, open-minded environment.” Beats: FCCLA, Scholar’s Bowl, Forensics, Art, District Office, Maintenance Kaytlyn Meseke, senior Insta: kaytlyn.meseke, Twitter @kaytlyn_nelle 3 years in journalism “I... Continue Reading →
Technology director Austin Lawrence reflects on time at USD 329
In technology director Austin Lawrence’s nine years at USD329, he oversaw big changes in the technology, including internet improvements and the introduction of iPads. Lawrence left the district in January for a similar position Hanover. He had many roles at Wabaunsee. In addition to being IT director, Lawrence coached girls basketball for six years and... Continue Reading →
Government class proposes changes to student handbook
Changes include dress code, parking rules and college visits The students of the WHS Government class have made proposals for changes to the student handbook. The changes will be reviewed by Principal Jan Hutley, and if accepted will take effect in the next school year. The students reviewed the handbook and looked for policies that... Continue Reading →
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