February 2012
Laying the foundation Three years in, PHS tech course exceeding expectations
INSIDE PCMS launches F.I.R.E PHS joins PSU Ready Program Laushman honored Science Fairs
PICTURE THIS: Pittsburg High School students model the latest fashion in prom wear during the 2012 Runway Fashion Show, presented by PHS DECA and hosted by students Amanda Mitchell and Isis Ruiz.
A Look Inside FROM THE COVER The Foundations of Technology course at Pittsburg High School takes learning far beyond the classroom.
• New after-school program at PCMS
• Pics from Lakeside, Nettels Science Fairs
• Laushman named top in the state
• PHS, PSU team on college credits program
PHS joins PSU Ready Program Partnership offers high school students chance at college credits during normal school day Through a partnership with Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg High School is now able to offer on-site, college-credit courses taught by PHS faculty. The Concurrent Enrollment Partnership, offered through the PSU Ready Program, was secured by USD 250 during the fall semester of the 2011-2012 school year. The CEP offers PHS students the opportunity to receive college credits in high school courses that have been approved by PSU as college-level curriculum. One of the main benefits of the PSU Ready courses is that they are taught by members of the high school faculty. This allows for more convenient scheduling and it provides a more comfortable environment for the students. High school instructors in the PSU Ready program must have a master’s degree or have completed at least 24 hours of master’s-level courses in his or her
particular content area. Students enrolled
the necessary paperwork, including a PSU
in PSU Ready courses at PHS receive both high school and college credit. To receive the college credits, however, students must complete
Application for Admission and a PSU Ready Enrollment Form. They must also pay the necessary PSU admission fee, but at a rate lower than
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what they’d pay on the PSU campus. “These opportunities will allow our students to be able to earn college credit while they attend high school without leaving the building,” Destry Brown, USD 250 superintendent, said. “Many other schools in our area are able to do this through area community colleges. We are fortunate to have a strong relationship with Pittsburg State University and are thankful that they are willing to provide this to our students.” The first PHS course to take advantage of the CEP was Advanced Composition, taught by PHS English teacher Melissa Fite. This semester, students enrolled in the class under the PSU Ready program are receiving college-level English 101 credits. Fite, who in 2004 taught English 101 as a graduate assistant at PSU, said the CEP offers PHS students a “jump start” on their
READY: ‘Untapped resource’ college careers. “This is a great chance for the students to get a jump start on college and to take a general education requirement with a teacher they already know and in an intimate setting,” she said. Fite, who began teaching at PHS in 2006, said she modeled her Advanced Composition course after PSU’s English 101 course. “Therefore, both courses have certain essay types in common, such as extended definition, remembering, observing, cause and effect and research,” she said. “I also throw in a few elements specific to PHS, such as a commencement address, and I include a reading portion where students
read two memoirs. For the most part, however, the classes are quite similar.” Beginning in the Fall 2012 semester, the PHS Speech class, taught by Julie Laflen, will be part of the PSU Ready program. Students enrolled in Speech at PHS will be eligible to receive Communication 207 credits from PSU. Karen Kelso, PHS counselor, said the high school is hoping to soon add Social Studies and Math courses to the PSU Ready program. Kelso, who has helped spearhead the PHS effort to secure a CEP agreement with PSU, said the program offers many benefits to the students. “One of the main benefits is the convenience
with scheduling,” she said. “It is our teachers and we fit it into our schedules. Before, if we wanted to offer a college class on the PHS campus, PSU would have to send out one of their own faculty members, which means we have to work even harder to coordinate our schedules with theirs. Having a concurrent course agreement with PSU makes it easier on everyone. “Most importantly, though,” Kelso said, “this provides a great opportunity for our students to get a head start on their college education. Plus, by providing this during the course of a normal school day, it opens up more time for those students to participate in athletics
or activities. They don’t have to worry about taking a night class or asking for a period off during the day to visit the PSU campus.” Dr. Brian Biermann, USD 250 assistant superintendent, described the CEP agreement between PHS and PSU as a “win-win for everyone.” “I believe this is an untapped resource that we are just beginning to explore,” he said. “We have a highly-trained and qualified teaching staff at PHS, many of whom teach for PSU. By combining their talents and certification, we will be able to offer our students college classes, for a discounted rate, at the high school campus.”
“We are fortunate to have a strong relationship with Pittsburg State University and are thankful that they are willing to provide this to our students.” -- USD 250 Superintendent Destry Brown
PICTURE THIS: Fifth-grade students at Meadowlark Elementary School keep a beat on the drumming set purchased with a grant from the Muzak Heart and Soul Foundation.
Simply the best
Laushman named state’s top music educator During a surprise ceremony in late January, Pittsburg High School choir instructor and Encore director Susan Laushman was named the Outstanding Music Educator in the state of Kansas by the Kansas Music Educators Association. Laushman has taught music for 19 years, including 10 at USD 250. “This is huge,” Laushman said. “I can’t even find the words to describe how this makes me feel. I’m just very proud to represent southeast Kansas and to be doing this work in Pittsburg. I’m very proud to be a part of Pittsburg High School and USD 250. To now be on the list with so many wonderful music educators from across Kansas who have won this award is a great honor for me.” Jon Bishop, PHS principal, said there is no one more deserving of the honor than Mrs. Laushman. “She is simply incredible,” Bishop said. “To say we are fortunate to have her in our school would
be a dramatic understatement. She is, without a doubt, one of the best. We could not be more happy for her.” The announcement was made by KMEA President Craig Manteuffel. Laushman will receive the actual award at the KMEA annual conference later this month in Wichita. The annual winner of the KMEA’s top award comes from one of the six districts in the state, Manteuffel said. Each district submits nominees for elementary, middle/junior high school and high school. The nominees are submitted with letters of recommendation from administrators and colleagues. Last fall, Laushman and PCMS vocal music teacher Virginia Darling were honored together as Outstanding Music Educators in KMEA’s Southeast District.
PCMS after-school program features education, recreation
Aimed at increasing student engagement and involvement, Pittsburg Community Middle School in late January launched a new afterschool program. The PCMS F.I.R.E. (Fun, Interactive, Recreational, Enriching) program features a variety of educational activities that challenge the students’ minds, and it provides a safe afterschool environment for students who wish to become more involved at their school. The program runs from 3:10 to 5:05 p.m. Monday through Thurs-
day. “We’re always looking for more ways to increase the level of student involvement and engagement in their school,” PCMS Principal Lonnie Moser said. “The new FIRE program not only gives them that chance to be involved, but it does so in a way that is both fun and educational.” The program begins with homework time in the school cafeteria. For approximately 30 minutes, students have the chance to work on school assignments or catch up on read-
ing. School faculty is on hand to assist when needed. A healthy snack is also provided during this time. “We see this as a great opportunity for the students to get a nice start on their homework,” Darlene Montgomery, PCMS teacher and FIRE coordinator, said, “and they get to do that while surrounded by teachers who are anxious and excited to help.” Afterward, the students are divided into groups and guided through a rotation of various activities. The
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stations include recreational activities, computer work, mathematics labs, environment-related modules and robotics activities, which was made possible through a partnership with Pitsco. The entire program is made possible through an $11,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. “What makes this program special is that it really is a community effort,” Moser said. “The Community Foundation initially approached us with the
After-School: Program provides safe, enriching environment idea of a fun, safe after-school program for middle school students. What they needed was a physical location to host it. It is their vision and generous financial donation that makes this possible. “On top of that, we’re partnering with Pitsco and Greenbush to provide the variety of activities that are available to the students,” he said. “We are most grateful to everyone who has pitched in to help make this a fantastic opportunity for our students.” As of the first week of the program, approximately 60 students were enrolled. The PCMS after-school program joins those already in progress at the four elementary schools. Kathleen Spencer, who coordinates the After School Care program at the elementary school level, said approximately 180 students attend ASC on a daily basis.
The predominantly self-funded program offers a variety of activities for the students. “We offer homework help for the students, arts and crafts, games, puzzles and a variety of indoor play options,” Spencer said. “It’s a wonderful time for the students to interact with their peers in an environment that is a bit more relaxed than the normal school day. Plus, it’s a very safe place for students to be after school while they wait for their parents to get off of work.” An after-school tutoring program has also been offered this school year, but the Rural and LowIncome grant that funded the program ends this month.
foundation for the future
PHS tech course offers ‘real-world experience’ On one side of the lab, junior Seth Mahnken was working to develop his own mold for creating rubber fishing lures. On the other side, junior Derek Scholes was researching the Golden Gate Bridge in preparation for his semester-long project to create a replica of the famous landmark. Across the way, a group of students was analyzing and tinkering with the inter-modal transportation system constructed out of the Rokenbok materials. Inside a small room filled with laser-technology equipment not often seen inside high school labs, other students were putting the finishing touches on a professional-style business card holder.
And that was just within the span of an hour or so. To say that the Foundations of Technology course at Pittsburg High School has lived up to the expectations set when it was launched three years ago would be a significant understatement. What started with a bold investment and a fervent hope has quickly become one of the most popular and impressive programs at PHS and in southeast Kansas. “We’re in our third year now,” Technology Education teacher Larry Dunekack said, “and I think we have most definitely shaped this into a program that can meet the needs of all students
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at Pittsburg High School. At this point, we’ve implemented all of the classes and we continue to show great gains each year. It’s very exciting to be a part of this.” The Foundations of Technology course was created as a way of best preparing students for the 21st century workforce, much of which centers around technological devices and processes. The technology lab, known as the Center of Applied Learning, was equipped with work stations and resources that could rival professional environments. The CAL features equipment such as computer-controlled cutting lasers, digital cameras and software, wood, metal and plastic
“The hands-on aspect of this class makes it very interesting, but it’s also great because of how many life skills you learn.” fabrication equipment, and engineering equipment. Along with teaching skills, the equipment is also used to enhance the students’ technological literacy. “We may have a student who wants to be a doctor,” Dunekack said, “and he or she may not initially be attracted to a technology class. In today’s world, however, I’m pretty sure doctors need to know a little something about computers and lasers.
That’s what we mean by technological literacy. It’s important to, at the very least, know the common terms and know how to talk about these things.” Regardless of what professional students choose, the course also provides lessons on life skills from which all can benefit. “Whether it’s how to use certain hand or power tools or even being able to navigate certain computer pro-
grams,” Dunekack said, “there is a lot offered through this program that will help the students as they grow into independent adults.” That fact is not lost on junior Kevin McNay, who said he has learned many skills that he will take with him long after his days at PHS. “The hands-on aspect of this class makes it very interesting, but it’s also great because of how many life skills you learn,” he said. “I’ve already learned a number of things about common fixes around the house. That’s what school is all about, preparing us for the future.” The Foundations of Technology course is available to students in all grades and is a prerequisite for a variety of
advanced courses. Those include: • Investigations of Design and Engineering Technology • Investigation of Power, Energy and Transportation Technology • Investigations of Communication and Information Technology • Investigation of Production and Construction Technology • Applications of Technology 1 and 2 “There are so many things,” Mahnken said, “that we get to do in here that wouldn’t be available if our technology class was in a normal classroom setting. That we have a lab like this and so many different courses we can take is amazing. We’re gaining real-world experience inside the walls of our high school. That’s a pretty cool thing.”
USD 250 Transportation: Safety first, Safety always They don’t teach math. They don’t work with kids on their spelling. They don’t operate SmartBoards or iPads. They don’t give out homework. There are many things throughout the course of a school day that members of USD 250 Transportation Department don’t do. What they do, however, is among the most important aspects of the students’ education and their lives. “Our number one priority is safety,” Fred Andrew, USD 250 Transportation Director, said. “Our mission is safety. Our main focus is safety. It is on us to make sure that our students arrive at school and back home safely, and there is nothing that means more to us than that.” For a department with a size of staff and fleet that is unmatched in southeast Kansas, Andrew knows that its mission cannot be accomplished without complete and total teamwork. Providing safe and timely transportation takes every-
one. “We all have a cog in the wheel,” he said. “If even one person doesn’t do his or her part, we can end up in a bind. We have a fantastic team here, and we all adhere to the belief that it takes everybody doing their part to make this a successful operation each and every day.” Andrew, now in his 18th year as Transportation Director, oversees a staff of 39 employees, which includes 35 certified drivers. The department’s fleet comprises 54 vehicles, including 27 buses, seven passenger cars, six pickup trucks used by the Maintenance Department, five passenger vans and various other service vehicles. “It’s a large fleet, and each vehicle is maintained and kept in top shape,” Andrew said. “In all of my time with the department, not one of our vehicles has ever failed an inspection. We take excellent care of our vehicles because we need our vehicles to take care of us.” On a daily basis, the department trans-
ports more than 1,200 students to and from school, but that’s only the beginning. Along with a schedule of more than 30 regular routes, the department is also responsible for transporting students and staff to events such as athletic and academic competitions and field trips. During the course of one school year, USD 250 drivers transport students a combined 225,000 miles. “That’s why it takes everybody,” Andrew said. “To transport that many students that many miles takes everyone doing their part. Every day, we all need to know who’s riding and who’s not, what changes were made, if there are any problems with the vehicles, and so on. It’s important that we’re all on the same page, and I am very proud to say that the staff here takes that to heart and works together very well.” This time of year, Andrew and his staff take on an even greater responsibility: providing transportation in lessthan-ideal conditions.
When winter weather hits, Andrew works closely with Superintendent Destry Brown to determine whether or not to proceed with the school day. “If we get any amount of snow or ice, I’m usually out at around 3 a.m. checking the roads,” Andrew said. “We need to determine fairly early on if our buses can make it, particularly on the side streets and country roads and anywhere else that could be potentially dangerous.” Whether it’s a sunny, 70-degree day or a snowy, 20-degree day, the USD 250 Transportation Department is prepared to provide safe transportation for all students and staff. “All of our drivers go through the necessary defensive-driving courses, we conduct and attend several safety meetings each year, we go to conferences and seminars,” Andrew said. “We make sure our entire staff is ready for anything and everything.”
Health, education focus of Nutrition Services In late January, First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled new standards for school meals. The new meal requirements raise standards for school meals for the first time in 15 years and are aimed at improving the health and wellness of students across the country. Among the new standards is a renewed and enhanced focus on the students’ daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 has been ahead of the curve in that area, as it has provided fresh fruits and vegetables to all of its elementary students on a daily basis for the past several years. The Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program is funded mostly by a grant and is one of the many facets of USD 250’s Nutrition Services Department. “We certainly support any effort that leads to more fruits and vegetables for our students,” USD 250 Nutrition Services Director Susanna Thyer said. “We
feel that we’re already doing a good job of providing fruits and vegetables to our students, as that is an area of nutrition that we take very seriously.” As part of the FFVP, elementary students each Friday are introduced to a fruit or vegetable that may not be commonly found on their daily lunch trays. “We use Fridays as our nutrition education days,” Thyer said. “We provide handouts to students with information regarding a fruit or a vegetable with which they are probably not too familiar. We like to teach them about that particular food item and then give them the chance to try it. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a nice educational opportunity.” The USD 250 Nutrition Services Department comprises a director, secretary, six kitchen managers, 23 cooks and two substitute cooks. Each of the six schools has its own kitchen and prepares daily breakfast and lunch meals. Approximately 950 students eat school breakfast on
a daily basis, and nearly 1,915 eat daily school lunch. Approximately 70 percent of the students receive meals for free or at a reduced rate. Along with the FFVP, the four elementary schools also feature the After School Snack Program, which provides healthy snacks to nearly 500 students in the district’s After School Program. During the summer months, the Nutrition Services Department also provides free breakfast and lunch to children up to the age of 18. “Overall, as a department and as a school district,” Thyer said, “our mission is always to provide high-quality, nutritious meals to our students. We know that a well-fed, healthy student is more likely to perform well in class, and we take that role in the educational process to heart. It’s not just about their daily meals to us, it’s about the kids’ futures. We’ll never waiver from that belief.”
Mind Games
Students take on annual Problem Solving Day Approximately 30 elementary school students in the Wings gifted education program gathered in the George Nettels Elementary School gymnasium in January to do battle with a variety of mindchallenging activities. The annual Problem Solving Day promotes teamwork and leadership. “Our hope is that by
putting the students through a series of challenges that call for teamwork and cooperation,” Carole Rink, USD 250 Wings coordinator said, “they’ll understand the importance of working together to accomplish a task. No matter what they do in life, they will need those leadership and teamwork skills to be successful.” Now in its 13th year,
students worked in teams to complete tasks involving physics, such as making small boats out of tin foil and constructing towers out of newspaper. They also played chess and took memory quizzes. Gifted students from Pittsburg High School, many of whom participated in Problem Solving Day when they were in elementary school, assisted
the students during the events throughout the morning and afternoon. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s kind of hard, which makes it even more fun,” George Nettels 5th-grader Machayla Jones said. “Plus, it’s nice to be able to work on the problems with friends.”
Spread your Wings Scenes from Problem Solving Day 2012
George Nettels Elementary Science Fair
Lakeside Elementary Science Fair
Photo
Finish