News From SFT Superintendent's September 30, 2022
Dear Parents, Patrons and Staff;
The school year is off to a great start. As we finish the sixth week of school it is time to start planning for the end of the first nine weeks and Parent Teacher Conferences. Parents, have your students share with you how they are doing on achieving their goals, what is going well, and what are their challenges? What questions do you want to ask your child’s teacher? What can you tell us about your child that will help us do a more effective job? Positive communication between parents and teachers is critical to every child’s success. Our District Vision is to Inspire and Empower Every Charger Every Day. Let’s work together to insure their success.
USD 434 Board Goal # 5.0 Budget and Facilities
5.1 Continue to monitor and effectively prioritize the use of district funds.
5.2 Continue to Improve the existing facilities through the effective use of capital outlay funds
5.3 Monitor and review all existing contracts and agreements with outside companies
5.4 Review the existing grade level configuration in our district facilities
Osage County offers a variety of resources to our residents. Here is a link to our County Resources. https://www.kancare.ks.gov/docs/default-source/kancare-ombudsman/community-resource-guides/osage-county-community-resources.pdf?sfvrsn=aba9501b_0
Bus Drivers Wanted
USD 434 is looking for attentive, enthusiastic people who enjoy kids and a fast-paced team environment. Drivers can gain CDL driving experience as well as further opportunities within the School District including: coaching, Para educator, and other positions that fit within the schedule of a bus route driver. There are opportunities for additional income via trips and sports routes.
Qualifications:
- Hold or be able to attain a valid CDL (Commercial Driver License) with required endorsements. (You will be reimbursed after an employment offer is made.)
- Have and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Comfortable driving during any time of year. (Summer/Winter)
- Pass required DOT physical examination. (After an employment offer is made.)
- Pass a pre-employment drug screening. (After an employment offer is made.)
- Pass a background check.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Excellent communication skills
Substitute Teachers wanted
If you are interested in being a substitute teacher, the state of Kansas has extended its temporary emergency sub licensure program until December. If you are a High School graduate and want more information contact Amy Hill at the District Office.
Para To Teaching Programs
Para-professionals that are interested in becoming teachers can apply for a work-friendly academic program through Pittsburg State University and also receive financial assistance. Please see the program details below:
Pitt State Para to Teacher Program - Shelly Martin, PSU
Fall is here and more activities are being held inside. Our Custodial staff members work hard to keep our building clean and sanitized but with more activities moving inside we need everyone’s help. If you have not already received your flu shot and/or COVID booster it is time to make that appointment. If your child is sick or running a fever please do not send them to school to infect others.
Free COVID tests for Kansas residents HERE
The District Website is currently under going construction. The new website will include a new layout, with a fresh look and updated content. Projected roll out date of mid October, 2022.
Shout Outs and Congratulations
Congrats to the following:
Bailey Anshutz finished 2nd out of 37 golfers at Village Greens on Monday.
Bryce Roberts finished 18th out of 350 runners at Rim Rock last Saturday.
Congrats to the Volleyball team for winning over Wellsville and Prairie view. Good luck Saturday at Wellsville!
Congrats to the JV football team for their win over Baldwin Monday.
Good luck to the Football team at Osawatomie today.
Good luck to the Cross Country team Thursday in Council Grove!
~Regan Erickson
At SFTJH we want to celebrate and honor Ali Vandevord. Ali taught fifth grade at SFTJH last school year and is currently teaching sixth grade math. She is an organized professional who supports students in reaching her high academic and behavioral expectations. Ali is the Horizon Award winner for USD 434 and will represent our school at the state level Horizon Award competition. The Horizon Award is presented to educators who were exemplary models in their first year of teaching. Ali, we are all so very proud of the outstanding professional you are.
~Your Team at SFTJH
Shout out to Ali Vandevord on her nomination for the Horizon award for USD 434. This award program recognizes exemplary novice teachers in the state of Kansas. We commend you on your excellent work in the classroom with students, partnerships with your colleagues, and your relationships with families. Congratulations on this well-deserved nomination.
~Carrie Mugridge
Ali Vandevord is representing our district as a Horizon Award nominee. We are so proud to call her a Charger. She has gone above and beyond for students, staff, and families. Thanks for all you do for USD 434. A well deserved award to you as an exemplary teacher.
~Faith Flory
Shout out to Amy Potter for her amazing work with students. She is able to keep them engaged during her 1:1 sessions for therapy and is excellent at building relationships.
I would like to give Sandy S. a shout out here at the preschool. She is amazing with our preschoolers. She keeps them active and having fun. We appreciate all you do and thank you for being a team player.
I also would like to give Faith Flory a shout out. She works so hard day in and day out in our district. All her hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for always putting our kids and staff first. We appreciate all the things she does behind the scenes.
~Kaitlyn Ball
Carrie M & Lorle B at OAC for helping the 3rd grade team so much with state interims and additional help with scheduling! You guys have helped relieve so much stress off our shoulders!
Thank you, Megan Pena, for helping us get Power School grading set up! This will hopefully make everything much better!
Lane Wiley in tech for basically doing daily visits helping us with technology! We use it 7-8 hours a day and it is so important to us!
~Third Grade Team & ~Brandi Wells
Quote for the Week
“If you change your mindset, you have the ability to change the world”
~Damien Thomas
Have a Great Week!!
Faith Flory, Deputy Superintendent
Jim Lentz, Superintendent