After postponing a decision on a potential bond issue at its November meeting, the Wabaunsee Board of Education plans to discuss options at a special meeting 6 p.m. December 2 at the district office. HTK Architecture presented options to the BOE as possible solutions to building and maintenance problems. A facilities committee, made up of citizens from throughout the district, recommended an option that would close several buildings and consolidate elementary students in Paxico. The following list of options shows the potential costs, a list of renovations and changes and pros and cons of each option as seen by the Charger staff.
Editorial: 7-period schedule increases student stress
After using block schedule for several years, WHS recently switched to a seven period day. Many staff members were adamant about switching to a seven hour day, thinking it would be beneficial for students in ways, such as retaining information better from having classes daily, students staying on task with shorter class periods, and making it easier to get caught up when you miss class. Teachers also seem to be going through lesson plans more quickly compared to previous years.
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.
Exchange students experience new cultures
Foreign exchange student Ilyana Tertzanlis came to WHS from Dortmund, Germany. Illyana recently spoke to The Charger about the process of becoming a foreign exchange student, and her observations of school in the U.S. Over the summer Falisha Willier traveled to Costa Rica as an exchange student. She is considered by the district as the first WHS student to go to a country as a foreign exchange student. Traveling to the country for an entire week, she visited many different locations and learned many new things about Costa Rica.
Throwback Thursday: Splatter the Stage (1997)
Students in 1997 performed a murder mystery for the school play. The yearbook, "Painting the Year," was edited by Sylvia Lira and Haley Theel. Catch this year's fall play "Crumpled Classics," December 7 at 7 p.m. in the WHS auditorium.
Schreiner signs with Washburn softball
Senior Autymn Schriener signed her National Letter of Intent Wednesday to play softball at Washburn University. Being a multi-sport athlete, Schriener had plenty of college options. She also excelled at tennis, basketball and volleyball during her time at WHS. She said softball was the obvious choice for her. “Ever since I was 10 and went to the Softball College World Series to watch, I told myself that I would be one of them one day. Softball has also always been my favorite sport so I couldn’t imagine doing anything else at the next level,” Schriener said.
Hutley signs with Washburn basketball
Senior Madelyn Hutley had many in attendance to watch her sign her National Letter of Intent to play basketball for Washburn University. Hutley signed Friday afternoon in the WHS commons. Speakers including summer coaches, WHS coaches and her mother, principal Jan Hutley, spoke about her time at WHS and her love of basketball. “As her mom, I’m most grateful and proud of who she is on the inside — her sassy, spirited, no-nonsense personality. I’m not gonna lie, it’s been difficult to tame over the years. But that same personality is what makes her a joy to be around,” Hutley said. “We have a wonderful time together, and I also think that’s what makes her a great player.”
Wabaunsee school board postpones bond vote after contentious board meeting
The USD 329 Board of Education postponed voting for a proposed bond issue at Monday’s Board Meeting. The BOE put together a Facilities Committee to choose a solution to the district’s current facility issues. This committee presented Option 11 from a list of proposed solutions.
Delfelder speaks at NHS induction: ‘The hardest thing to learn is to listen’
“Be bold, be tolerant, listen, travel, stay focused, do something nice for someone else and be kind,” Former WHS English teacher Laura Delfelder said. Delfelder returned to WHS Tuesday night to address the National Honor Society inductees. At the beginning of the year, during the early planning of the NHS ceremony, the officers gathered together to discuss who they wanted to be the keynote speaker. After little discussion the group decided to invite their former english teacher and NHS adviser, Laura Delfelder. Delfelder happily accepted the request and started creating her speech.
