USD 420 District Update

Superintendent Named

2009-05-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, last week the Board interviewed candidates for the Superintendent’s position. We interviewed three very qualified candidates. After careful thought, we have selected William Orth II to fill this position. He is currently the Superintendent of Altoona-Midway in south central Kansas. He will be joining our district as Superintendent July 1, 2009. We look forward to his relocation to our district.

Diane Kimball
President, USD 420 Board of Education

Superintendent Finalists

2009-05-06T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Board of Education will be interviewing candidates for superintendent starting today, Thursday, and Friday.

The following were chosen as finalists for the position:

Jim Runge, Superintendent at Solomon USD 393--Wednesday May 6
William Orth, Superintendent at Altoona-Midway USD 387--Thursday May 7
Susan King, Superintendent at Troy USD 429--Friday May 8

There will be a public reception each day at 4:00 pm in the High School Commons area just outside of the library. Faculty, staff as well as community members are invited and encouraged to attend and meet the candidates.

Update on H1 N1

2009-05-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Updated Interim Guidance on Student Dismissal for 2009 H1N1 Flu

This letter is to replace the guidance we sent out on May 1 regarding dismissal of students due to suspected or confirmed cases of infection with the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) virus. This updated guidance is consistent with new advice received from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reflects our current understanding of the severity and spread of the outbreak.

These are our recommendations, effective immediately: ·

School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case. In general, closure is not advised for multiple cases unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. ·

Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days, even if symptoms resolve sooner.·

Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.·

Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.·

Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness. ·

Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is also ready to consult with school officials on this matter.Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isn’t available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.We appreciate the efforts that Kansas educators have taken to protect students, staff and the wider community from infection with this new virus. We will continue to communicate with you about the role of educational institutions in reducing transmission of this virus as our scientific and medical understanding grows.

Thank you for your support of your public health partners during this event.

Yours sincerely,
Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD,
MPHState Health Officer and Director of Health, KDHE

What Can You Do to Stay Healthy

2009-05-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Swine Flu

2009-04-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.
Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but
human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in
people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to
person also.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
• Fever greater than 100 degrees
• Body aches
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Respiratory congestion
• In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005
until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths
occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy
32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected
with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in
1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

How do you catch swine flu?
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
• Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.
• Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has
been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza
is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected
people.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention
of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills,
liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your
body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better
faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long
as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children,
especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions
that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take
these everyday steps to protect your health:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest
and exercise.

What should I do if I get sick?
Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their physician, who will
determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to
keep from spreading your illness to others.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating
pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

May 2009 Update

2009-04-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

The 2008-09 school year is about to come to a close. It has been a positive year of academic growth for students all across the district. Preliminary state assessment scores look outstanding. We hope to have final results this summer. It has also been a year of many student accomplishments in the classroom and in activities and athletics. The last day of classes will be held on Thursday, May 21. We wish the entire community a safe and enjoyable summer.

High School Graduation
Sunday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m. in Homewood Gymnasium.

Kindergarten Promotion
Tuesday, May 19, at 10:00 a.m. in Homewood Gymnasium.

Eighth Grade Promotion
Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. in Homewood Gymnasium.

IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION

Required immunizations from grade one to grade nine for the 2009-10 school year include the following:
* 1 dose Varicella(chickenpox) or disease date documented by a licensed physician.
* 3 doses Hepatitus B vaccine series
* DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, PERTUSSIS BOOSTER REQUIRED AT AGE 11.
Please send documentation of immunizations to school by August 14, 2009 (first day of school for students). Also note that in the 2010-2011 school year ALL students will be required to have:
*2 doses varicella(chickenpox)
*3 doses Hepatitis B
*Booster dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis at age 11.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

The week of May 3-9 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a week set aside to honor those who work so hard to help our young people in the classroom as well as the activities they are involved in. We appreciate the teaching staff of USD 420 and the Three Lakes Cooperative. You are true professionals!

The Lakes Community Learning Center

We are proud to announce the opening of The Lakes Community Learning Center. This program is a partnership between USD 420 Osage City and the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center – Greenbush. The Lakes is a diploma completion program designed as computer-based instruction for individuals 18 years of age and older to earn a high school diploma.

You can obtain further information about The Lakes and their programs by calling 785-828-4130 or dropping by their location at 616 Topeka Ave., Lyndon.

Thank You

Debbie and I would like to thank the Osage City community for the past 17 years. We have enjoyed living and working in this community. The district has been very good to my family and we wish to say thank you. We have great kids, parents, teachers and staff in USD 420. We wish you continued success in your mission of educating the students of this community.

Superintendent Candidate Receptions

On May 6-8 the USD 420 Board of Education will be interviewing superintendent candidates. On these three days from 4:00-5:00 p.m. there will be a reception for the Osage City community and school community to meet the candidates. Receptions will be held in the OCHS Library. Everyone is invited to attend.

April 2009 Update

2009-03-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

Summer School

USD 420 will conduct a summer school program for students needing extended learning opportunities. The elementary program will continue to be the same type of format from 8:00-noon each day and be held July6-31. The junior high and high school program will use the Virtual Prescriptive Online Curriculum and will be held June 1-26 from 8:00-noon. Students will be scheduled based on credits they have failed. For more information, contact Mrs. Sahlberg at the elementary (528-3171) or Mrs. Camarena at the high school (528-3172).

Immunization Changes

Required immunizations grade one through grade 9 for 2009-10 school year include the following: 1 dose Varicella (chickenpox) and 3 doses of Hepatitus B vaccine. Please send documentation of immunizations to school by August 14, 2009 (first day of school for students).

Power School

At the start of the 2008-09 school year Power School required us to do a product upgrade. This upgrade was very significant and in turn made us change our URL (internet address) for Power School. This change has caused a few problems for any parent that created a bookmark or desktop shortcut at any point during the last school year (2007-08). If you are experiencing speed problems please do the following anytime you check Power School:
· Go to our district website (www.usd420.org)
· Click the Power School link
· Click Parent/Student link

USD 420 Superintendent Search

The USD 420 Board of Education has contracted with the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) in the search process for a new superintendent of schools. KASB officials have visited the district and has received input from a community-business committee as well as input from faculty, staff and students on characteristics that they would like to see in the next superintendent. This input will be shared with the board and the search process will begin in locating the right individual to lead the USD 420 schools. The board hopes to have a superintendent named by May 14.

USD 420 Superintendent Search

2009-03-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

The USD 420 Board of Education has contracted with the Kansas Association of School Boards in the search process for a new superintendent of schools. Input will be gathered from all aspects of the USD 420 community and district. More information will be coming about the search process.

March 2009 District Update

2009-02-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Kansas State Assessment

The Kansas State Assessment has already started in USD 420. I appreciate all the hard work students and teachers have done in preparing for these tests. Please keep encouraging and motivating your students to give it their best on these assessments. If you have any questions about the assessments, please call any of the school offices.

School Finance Update

I wish I had better news to share on the school finance issue but we are still waiting to hear from the Kansas State Legislature on what type of funding reductions will occur for next school year. The cut for this year could result in an $85,000 decrease in projected budget authority. We will keep the entire community posted on further information and developments.

USD 420 Board of Education Elections

The USD 420 Board of Education will have three positions up for election this spring. Below are the positions and individuals running for USD 420 School Board:

Position #4 Pat Bean (I)
Jennie Long
Position #5 Diane Kimball (I)
Ray Lauber
Brian Poertner
Position #6 Cindy Cook
Diane Scott

The general election will be held on Tuesday, April 7.

Web Site

USD 420 continues to examine ways to communicate more effectively with our community on a day-to-day basis. The OCHS Web Class taught by Mrs. Plinsky has been a very valuable information source over the past few years as they update calendar events and other important information on the school web site at http://usd420.org/

SPRING BREAK
MARCH 16-20

No School Monday, February 16

2009-02-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

On Monday, February 16, there will be no school in USD 420. This will be our second semester teacher in-service day.

February 2009 District Update

2009-02-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

Kansas State Assessment Schedule

The Spring 2009 Kansas State Assessment Schedule has been released by the Kansas State Department of Education. The following are the subject areas and grades that will be tested during the months of February and March:

Math Grades 3-8 and 10 Reading Grades 3-8 and 11
Writing Grades 5, 8 and 11 Science Grades 4, 7 and 11

Weather Information

Whenever weather conditions are such that classes or activities may not be held or busses might not run, students and parents should listen to the following media outlets:
WIBW TV Channel 13, WIBW 580 AM Radio, KTKA TV Channel 49, KSNT TV Channel 27, 94 Country Radio and 106.9 FM Radio.

Update Contacts

Many times throughout the school year, teachers, principals, building secretaries and our school nurse need to make contact with parents during the school day. Please update phone numbers that you can be reached at if you have changed home or work numbers since the beginning of school.

In-Service Day

On Monday, February 16, there will be no school in USD 420. This will be our second semester teacher in-service day.

School Finance

On Tuesday, January 13, Governor Kathleen Sebelius released a budget plan for 2008-09 and 2009-10 that holds state aid for public education at the same level originally approved for the current year and stays the same for next year, despite an unprecedented state budget shortfall.

That plan would still result in a $22 cut in the base budget per pupil in the current year and a further $66 cut next year under the most recent projections. Special education aid would also fall from 92 percent of excess cost under current law to 84.5 percent next year. Those cuts occur because the Governor's budget does not add additional funding this year for higher student enrollment than expected and because the increasing costs of local option budget aid, KPERS retirement contributions and capital outlay aid next year are offset by reductions in base state aid. Although special education aid is not reduced, school district special education costs are projected to rise, which lowers the percent of excess cost covered.

The budget proposal for FY 2010 also eliminates all funding for professional development ($1.75 million this year) and driver's education aid ($1.8 million last year, already cut to $600,000 this year). It does maintain funding for the pre-K pilot program ($5 million), the new early childhood block grant ($11 million) and parent education grants ($7.5 million). Those three programs are funded by the Children's Initiative's Fund (tobacco settlement receipts).

The Governor's proposal is likely to be the highest level of possible funding for K-12 education. Legislative leaders have already criticized the plan for failing to cut state spending enough and many legislators say education should share in further reductions. The Governor's budget projects an ending balance of $58.3 million in the current year based on official revenue estimates from November. However, state general fund receipts are already $44.5 million below those estimates over the past two months. The budget also shows an ending balance of essentially zero in FY 2010, which means any shortfall in revenue over the next 18 months, would result in an unconstitutional deficit in FY 2010.

Please keep in mind that this is only the Governor’s recommendations. There will be additional proposals by the Kansas Legislature that will be much higher.

This is a very serious time in regards to school funding and especially for small and rural schools. USD 420 continues to be hurt financially due to declining enrollment. We will lose another significant amount of students next year which will further impact a reduction in state funds.

The recommendation from KSDE is for districts to cut all unnecessary spending until further decisions are reached in Topeka. We will try our very best to look at all budget areas as we try to reduce expenditures for this current year as well as for the 2009-10 school year. We will keep the community informed of any school finance updates.

Flint Hills League Basketball Tournament

2009-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

OCHS will participate in the Flint Hills League Basketball Tournament at White Auditorium in Emporia, January 19-24.

First round games:
Girls play Lyndon (Monday, January 19, at 6:30)
Boys play Chase County (Tuesday, January 20, 6:30)

Second Round (Semi Finals)
Girls (Thursday)
Boys (Friday)

Championship (Saturday)

Osage City High School Debate Team Headed to State

2009-01-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the OCHS Debate Team as they qualified for the Class 3A State Debate Tournament. Good luck Debate Team!

January 2009 District Update

2009-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

A new semester begins for the students of USD 420 on Tuesday, January 6. This past semester went very quickly as students and teachers accomplished a great deal in the classroom as well as in school activities. Encourage your student to get off to a positive and productive start in 2009. This semester many local, state and our national assessment will be given. Teachers will begin preparation for these tests this month.

If we can be of any assistance please contact us. We wish your student the very best this semester!

Community Facility Task Force

The USD 420 Board of Education for the past year has been discussing the possibility of future facility upgrades at Osage City Elementary School and upgrades to the track at the fairgrounds. A task force has been organized to examine and evaluate the needs of the district in regard to these two areas. Our first meeting will take place on January 14 with the community group, the Board of Education and our school architects. We will keep the patrons of our district advised on information that will be discussed at this meeting and future meetings. Patrons will have the opportunity to give input and suggestions on these possible projects. If you have any questions, please contact me at the district office.

Osage County Learning Center

It has been a goal of five Osage County School Districts for many years to have a high school completion program for adults living in our communities. We have been working on a joint venture with the Southeast Education Service Center to begin a program to help our adult population complete their high school degrees. This new program will begin during the next few months and will be called the Lakes Learning Center. The program will be very individualized and will allow an individual the opportunity to work at their own pace. The program will be housed in Lyndon in one of their downtown buildings. More information will be coming about this program. If you have any questions, please contact the USD 420 District Office.

District Calendar 2009-10

The USD 420 Board of Education approved our District Calendar for the 2009-10 school year. The calendar is available at the District Office home page on our web site at www.usd420.org

New Activity Bus Arrives

Our new activity bus arrived on December 11. The old Indian Bus turned 17 years old this year. The new bus will be used for student activity and athletic trips beginning second semester.

Weather Information

Whenever weather conditions are such that classes or activities may not be held or busses might not run, students and parents should listen to the following media outlets:
WIBW TV Channel 13, WIBW 580 AM Radio, KTKA TV Channel 49, KSNT TV Channel 27, 94 Country Radio and 106.9 FM Radio. We will also use the School Reach system for cancellations. Please make sure the offices have current contact phone numbers on file.

Thursday Notes

2008-12-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Junior High Basketball Game between Osage City and Council Grove has been cancelled for this evening.

The High School Instrumental Christmas Concert is still on schedule for 7:00 p.m. tonight in the USD 420 Auditorium.

CHICKENPOX ALERT

2008-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

December 11, 2008
Parents:

USD 420 has experienced a few cases of the chickenpox. We wanted you to be aware of this and if your children have not been immunized, you might want to contact your doctor.

Sincerely,

David Carriger
Superintendent
USD 420 Osage City

December 2008 Update

2008-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

The first semester of the 2008-09 school year is about to end. December is a very busy month with programs and activities almost every evening during the week. We would like to encourage each student to do their very best keeping up with their studies as well as getting plenty of rest.

The USD 420 Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Arsenic and Old Lace

We would like to thank Ms. Wassemiller, Mrs. Camarena and students who were involved in the OCHS production of Arsenic and Old Lace The crowds enjoyed the performances very much.

OCHS Basketball

The OCHS Basketball Season begins on Friday, December 5 at Mission Valley High School. The OCHS Basketball Teams will participate in the Osawatomie Tournament December 9-13. Please call the high school office or check www.usd420.org for more details.

Holiday Music Schedule

Grades K-5 Sing-A-Long (December 10)-2:00 p.m.
Grades 5-12 Vocal/Grades 5-8 Instrumental Concert (December 15)-6:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12 Instrumental/Jazz Concert (December 18)-7:00 p.m.

All Music Programs will be held in the USD 420 Auditorium

Weather Information

Whenever weather conditions are such that classes or activities may not be held or busses might not run, students and parents should listen to the following media outlets:
WIBW TV Channel 13, WIBW 580 AM Radio, KTKA TV Channel 49, KSNT TV Channel 27, 94 Country Radio and 106.9 FM Radio. We will also use the School Reach system for cancellations. Please make sure the offices have current contact phone numbers on file.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrating True American Heroes

Veteran's Day

November 11, 2008

Gail Beal

Historian from Topeka, Kansas

and

The Osage County Veterans

Osage City High School Auditorium

Assemblies at: 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

November Update

2008-11-01T04:30:00.001-07:00

USD 420 Makes AYP

USD 420 was officially notified three weeks ago that the district, student sub-groups and all individual school buildings made AYP for the 2008-09 school year. It was first reported in August that Students with Disabilities did not make AYP in Reading. This was reviewed by the Kansas Department of Education and corrected to show that USD 420 did meet the Adequate Yearly Progress requirements and criteria for 2008-09. Congratulations to all teachers, staff, students and parents on their hard work.

Conferences Well Attended

We would like to thank those parents who attended conferences and met with teachers about how their students are performing in class. It’s very important to have communication between home and school and working together to accomplish what is best for each student in USD 420.

Weather Information

Whenever weather conditions are such that classes or activities may not be held or busses might not run, students and parents should listen to the following media outlets:
WIBW TV Channel 13, WIBW 580 AM Radio, KTKA TV Channel 49, KSNT TV Channel 27, 94 Country Radio and 106.9 FM Radio. We will also use the School Reach system for cancellations and have information on the district web site at www.usd420.org
Please make sure the school offices have your current contact phone numbers on file.

Lunch Cards

USD 420 has made some changes effective November 1 on lunch cards and paying for meals. Please look at information in the high school and middle school sections of this newsletter.
If parents are interested in having the option of students paying for al a carte items with their lunch cards, we must have a parent permission form on file at the middle school or high school office. No student will be allowed to use their lunch cards for a la carte items if they do not have a permission form on file. Also, if there are no funds in the students lunch account they will not be able to charge for a la carte items.

Thanksgiving Break
November 26-28, 2008

Parent-Teacher Conferences

2008-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29. Students will have school both days from 8:05 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Conferences will be held from 3:00-8:00 p.m.

Fall Break will be on Friday, October 31. Classes will not be in session.

October Update

2008-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

USD 420 DISTRICT UPDATE

We have had a great beginning to the 2008-09 school year. Students, teachers and staff have had a busy and productive start. Student learning is taking place as well as a large amount of students involved in extracurricular activities. Research indicates students who are involved in some type of school activity do much better academically than those that are not. Please encourage your students to be involved in the fine arts or athletic programs. We have many school activities as well as City recreational activities students can be involved in.

A reminder our district web site allows continuous updates on calendar and other pertinent information. Daily updates and information can be obtained at the USD 420 web site: www.usd420.org.

Teacher In-Service

USD 420 will have a Teacher In-Service on Monday, October 13. USD 420 will host a county wide teacher in-service. We have several speakers discussing a variety of school improvement strategies. Students will not have classes on this day.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

The 2008 Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29. Students will have school both days from 8:05 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Conferences will be held from 3:00-8:00 p.m. More information will be sent to parents about Fall Conferences. Fall Break will be on Friday, October 31. Classes will not be in session.

A La Carte

During the past two years, USD 420 has offered a la carte food items for grades 6-12. In the past this program has been a cash basis only program. One of the options USD 420 would like to implement beginning this month is to begin to allow students the opportunity to use their lunch cards to purchase a la carte items. If parents are interested in having this option, please fill out the form below and return it to the middle school or high school office. No student will be allowed to use their lunch cards for a la carte items if they do not have a permission form on file. Also, if there are no funds in the students lunch account they will not be able to charge for a la carte items.

A La Carte
Lunch Card Permission Form

I give my student ___________________________ permission to use their lunch card to purchase a la carte food items. Students will not be allowed to charge for a la carte items if they have no funds in their lunch account.

______________________________________
Parent

______________________________________
Date

Please return to the Middle School or High School Office

September Update

2008-09-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 2008-09 school year. Faculty and staff are excited about the new school year and the opportunity to work with the students of Osage City. If we can help you in any way this year, please contact us. Daily updates and information can be obtained at the USD 420 web site: www.usd420.org

The district mission is to commit our financial resources to equip all students with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their fullest potential as self-motivated lifetime learners.

The 2008-09 school year will offer many challenges and opportunities. The district continues to expand its curriculum, instruction and technology offerings for our students and staff. We continue to offer many new innovative opportunities throughout the district.

USD 420 has been developing for the past six months a new vocational program that we hope to implement beginning in the fall of 2009. A cooperative effort with Allen County Community College, the Osage County school districts and business partners such as Kan-Build will bring vocational training to our high school students. We are excited about the many possibilities that will develop with this program. We want our students to have every opportunity to leave USD 420 with the best education as possible.

Have a great school year!

Communication Tool for USD 420

In our effort to improve communications between our parents and our school, USD 420 Osage City instituted a telephone broadcast system last year that will enable school personnel to notify all households and parents within minutes of an emergency or unplanned event that causes early dismissal, school cancellation or late start. The service will also be used from time to time to communicate general announcements or reminders. The service is provided by School Reach, which specializes in school-to-parent communications. We will continue to report school closings due to snow or weather on WIBW Channel 13, WIBW Radio 580, KSNT Channel 27, and KTKA Channel 49, and will use this system as an overlay to the public announcements.

When used, the service will simultaneously call all listed phone numbers on our parent contact list and will deliver a recorded message from one of the USD 420 Administrators. The service will deliver the message to both live answer and answering machines. No answers and busy signals will be automatically retried twice in 15 minute intervals after the initial call.

This requires no registration by the parent on the School/Reach website. All information and contact numbers are strictly confidential and are only used for the purpose described herein.

If you have further questions about this new system, please contact David Carriger, Superintendent of Schools at 528-3176.

Kansas State Assessment Scores (2007-08)

Preliminary data indicates that all three USD 420 buildings made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) guidelines for the 2007-08 school year. USD 420 did not make AYP as a district based on the students with disabilities (special education) sub-group scores on the Kansas State Reading Assessment. Because of this USD 420 will be classified as on improvement for the 2008-09 school year. We will continue to implement new strategies for all students and work to improve on the sub-group scores next spring.

The Kansas State Assessments were given last year in reading, math, social studies and science. Grades 3-8,10 and 11 were involved in the assessment program this past year. Reading and Math scores were the only scores used for AYP and NCLB.

The Percentage of Students at Proficiency is listed below for 2008. The State Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) target is also listed for reading and math.

Reading ES MS HS

USD 420 76.1% 84.1% 89.8%
State Target 75.6% 75.6% 72.0%

Math ES MS HS

USD 420 81.7% 80.4% 87.7%
State Target 73.4% 73.4% 64.6%

Attendance Rates (2007-08)

The USD 420 attendance rate for the past school year was 94.1%. The state target is 90%. USD 420 had a 93% attendance rate during the 2006-07 school year.

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate for Osage City High School was 90.6% this past year. The state goal is 75%. OCHS had a 95% rate during the 2006-07 school year.

Osage City High School ACT Scores (Class of 2008)

Listed below are the results of student ACT scores that were given this past year in USD 420. The OCHS Senior Class was just below the state average and just above the national average. The OCHS ACT scores have increased almost 2.0 in the past three years.

USD 420 21.4
Kansas 22.0
National 21.1

Kansas Health Insurance

Health Wave and Health Connect are low or no-cost health plans for children under the age of 19. There are no exclusions for pre-existing health conditions or deductibles to be met. Coverage includes medical, dental, mental, behavioral health and substance abuse services. It emphasizes preventing health problems through regular checkups or minimizing their costs through early diagnosis.

For further information please contact: 1-800-792-4884 or www.kansashealthwave.org

Osage County Crime Stoppers

Osage County Crime Stoppers is working to make Osage County safe. Osage County Crime Stoppers is supported by local businesses and individuals. If you have information about a crime, locations of drug labs or any information you feel law enforcement needs to know, call toll free: 1-877-OSCRIME. You need not give your name. This is the 10th Anniversary for the Osage County Crime Stopper Program. A special dinner will be held on October 23 to mark this special anniversary. More information will be coming about this event.

No Parking Areas

USD 420 has several no parking areas around the school for student, faculty and staff safety. Please do not park at any time in areas that have no parking signs. Thank you.

USD 420 Osage City Homeless Youth Policy

(1) Each State educational agency shall ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths.
(2) In any State that has a compulsory residency requirement as a component of the State’s compulsory school attendance laws or other laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youths, the State will review and undertake steps to revise such laws, regulations, practices, or policies to ensure that homeless children and youths are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.
(3) Homelessness alone is not sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment.
(4) Homeless children and youths should have access to the education and other services that such children and youths need to ensure that such children and youths have an opportunity to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards to which all students are held.

For further Information, please contact: David Carriger, Superintendent of Schools, 520 Main Street, Osage City, Kansas.

Early Dismissal

2008-08-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

School will be dismissed for students at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27 for our Fall Teacher Committee Afternoon. Teachers will be going through the state assessment data analyzing the scores and examining the curricular indicators.

School Begins

2008-08-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

First Day of School: Thursday, August 14
Dismiss at: 11:30 a.m.
Back to School Night: 5:00-8:00 p.m.

School Bus Safety Rules

2008-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

For some 22 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. Unfortunately, each year many children are injured and several are killed in school bus incidents.

School bus related crashes killed 164 persons and injured an estimated 18,000 persons nationwide in 1999, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and General Estimates System (GES).

Over the past six years, about 70% of the deaths in fatal school bus related crashes were occupants of vehicles other than the school bus and 20% were pedestrians. About 4% were school bus passengers and 2% were school bus drivers. Of the pedestrians killed in school bus related crashes over this period, approximately 77% were struck by the school bus. Of the people injured in school bus related crashes from 1994 through 1999, about 44% were school bus passengers, 9% were school bus drivers, and another 43% were occupants of other vehicles.

Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload passengers, children should not rely on them to do so. The National Safety Council encourages parents to teach their children these rules for getting on and off the school bus.

Rules for getting on and off the school bus:

Getting on the school bus

When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property.
Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.
Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
Use the hand rail when stepping onto the bus.

Behavior on the bus

When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.
Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the hand rail.

Getting off the school bus

If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver.
Make sure that the driver can see you.
Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.
When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times.

Correct way to cross the street

Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.
They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
If students' vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles -- then stop, and look left-right-left again.