LINK: Kansas schools could lose out on $200 million in state aid funding

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Wyandotte County school districts could lose out on millions of dollars in state aid from Kansas if the Kansas Legislature does not agree to a tax deal.

More information from 41 Action News:
Kansas schools could lose millions in block funding if legislature doesn't pass tax bill

Wyandotte County school districts to lose $1.9 million in funding

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The four Wyandotte County public school districts will lose nearly $1.9 million in funding after Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback announced new cuts to education on Thursday.

Brownback announced the state would reduce aid to public schools by about $28 million.

Jason Dandoy to serve as next superintendent for the Turner School District

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- The Turner School District's Board of Education voted unanimously during Tuesday’s meeting to approve Dr. Jason Dandoy as the Turner USD 202 Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2015.

Dandoy currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Public Relations for the district.

Dandoy succeeds Dr. Michelle Hubbard in the Superintendent position.

Hubbard dedicated 23 years of service to the Turner School District, said Board of Education President Theresa Tillery

“The district has made great strides and improvement with Dr. Hubbard’s direction and strong leadership skills. We wish her the very best and we will miss her."

Turner School District increasing security presence at high school

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Following the death of a 16-year-old boy in a drive-by shooting, the Turner School District is increasing security at Turner High School. 

More information from the district:

Unfortunately, a Turner High School student passed away over the weekend due to a fatal gunshot. As a result of this tragic incident, district officials have been notified of rumors regarding retaliation from this event. According to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, there is no credible threat at this time. 

However, based on the potential for threat, we have increased police presence at the school and are remaining vigilant as we monitor student activities. Students are reminded to immediately report any concerns to school administrators. 

We will continue to partner with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department to ensure safety at Turner High School. We are asking parents to have conversations with children about how to handle these situations appropriately and to closely monitor children’s online communications.  

Student safety is a top priority of the Turner School District and we will continue to proactively work to maintain a positive school environment for learning

MidAmerica Nazarene University assists Wyandotte County school districts

KANSAS CITY, KAN.,--This summer more than 40 teachers from Kansas City, Kansas School District and Turner School District learned new ways to prepare the next generation of students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.

MNU’s Students Engaged in Exploring and Designing Solutions (SEEDS) project, funded by a Kansas Board of Regents grant, which includes both federal and non-federal funds, equips local science teachers from high needs school districts with the knowledge and skills necessary to help 6th through 12th grade students meet Next Generation Science Standards, which focus on the engineering design cycle and cross-disciplinary integration of science.

Since future industries will rely greatly on science, technology, math and engineering skills, educators need new methods to integrate these subjects into their teaching. According to Nancy Damron, PhD, MNU School of Education dean, the goal is to assist teachers to deliver instruction in a way that will prepare students for these industries after graduation.

Gayle Kebodeaux, a teacher in the Kansas City Kansas School District, said the SEEDS workshop was rewarding on several counts.

“It allowed me to delve into the new science standards as well as process this with colleagues, not only from my district but from other districts,” Kebodeaux said. “SEEDS gave us time to evaluate investigations that can be used in our classrooms. It provided [me] the opportunity for professional development that is applicable immediately for my students.”

One of the value-added aspects of the SEEDS program is MNU’s partnership with Garmin International engineers who also teach participants in the program. Real-world practitioners like Debbie Jasiczek, software engineering manager consumer software technology and Scott Burgett, director GNSS & automotive OEM platform engineering help ensure teachers get readily applicable learning.

Workshops held at MNU were free to the teachers and they received stipends for participation. They also will continue to receive resources throughout the year such as books for each participant, substitute teacher coverage allowing them to attend additional workshops at MNU, licenses for video analysis software in the classroom, and $500 per teacher for classroom supplies.

According to Damron, this program goes beyond bringing cutting edge instruction to participants but also gives them the real-world support they need to continue utilizing and expanding their new skills.

The SEEDS project will continue through June 2015 with additional workshops and ongoing dialog between participants. The next training session will be held at the KCK school district on Sept. 30. Ultimately, participants are expected to influence their students to understand and use better practices of science, technology, engineering and math while gaining a deeper understanding in the core of those subjects, all of which is needed in the new economy.

MNU has a 48-year history of preparing teachers and has offered the Master of Education for more than 20 years. More information on teacher education at MNU is at www.mnu.edu/learn.

Turner sports results

Soccer:

Turner soccer played at Tonganoxie 9/16. Turner lost 6-2

Turner Goals:
-John Villegas (2)

Tonganoxie Goals:
-Asher Huseman (4)
-Logan Williams
-Brandon Williams

Volleyball:

Turner vs Mill Valley. 0-3, L. 9-25, 8-25, 4-25

Turner High School volleyball results

From Turner High School:

Turner vs Atchison. 0-2, L. 12-25, 23-25
Turner vs Pembroke Hill. 0-2, L. 14-25, 13-25

Turner School District denies descrimination claims against U.S. Senate candidate's wife

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Turner School District is denying claims that U.S. Senate Greg Orman's wife was discriminated against while she was an employee of the school district.

Orman's wife, Sybil, taught Spanish at Turner High School from 2009 until 2013.

In comments made to the "Women 4 Kansas" organization, Greg Orman said his wife faced discrimination at the school district.

“I also witnessed my wife Sybil plan lessons for her classroom, organize school fundraisers, put on pep assemblies, sponsor school dances, and lead many other school functions, yet she experienced the same prejudice in her work as a teacher,” said Orman.  “Sybil, who’s run more than 100 competitive athletic races in her life, apparently wasn’t competent to be the school sponsor of a 5-k race unless a male colleague co-sponsored it with her."

The Daily Caller, a right-leaning online publication, reached out to the Turner School District this week for comments.

The school district's full response from Turner Superintendent Michelle Hubbard:

“As a female Superintendent for the Turner School District, I must say I’m a little surprised that anyone would suggest women are treated differently than men in our schools,” Hubbard told TheDC through email. “As an employee of the Turner School District for 23 years, I have never felt as though I was treated any differently than other employees regardless of my gender.”

“As for the 5K,” Hubbard continued, “in Turner we are very fortunate to have a dedicated track coach that has worked for the district for more than 25 years.”

“He is very knowledgeable about running cross county events, track meets, and also 5K events. Any time a new staff member is placed in charge of an event similar in nature, our experienced employee is paired with them to assist and ensure the event goes off flawlessly, while also serving as a mentor for new, inexperienced employees, regardless of their gender.”

You can read The Daily Caller's full article here. 

OPINION: Turner School District was right on punishment

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Actions have consequences, or at least all should.

This is a lesson that needs to be learned by everyone. In America, we are completely free to take any action we want to in life, but we are not free from the consequences from them.

For this reason, I agree with the Turner School District for not allowing six students to walk at the school's graduation ceremony following a food fight (or school prank, as it's being called) at the school.

The school district is being hammered in online commenting sections and social media pages by those interested in the story.

Let me offer a bit of a defense of the Turner School District by simply stating two things: Food fights are not safe and rules are rules.

For those who are being critical of the school district, let me ask you some questions.

How would you feel if your son or daughter was hit by a flying tray or by a piece of fruit that was thrown as hard as possible?

What if your kid had a black-eye from an orange that was thrown by a student?

How about a concussion if a tray hit your kid's head in the wrong area?

Call me crazy, but I would bet you would support the school district's decision on this matter. And for some parents, their knee-jerk reactions would be to jail the students who were involved.

Secondly, rules are rules.

In the most recent student handbook I can find on the Turner School District's Website, the punishment is outlined. If you do something, you can get suspended and you cannot attend any school activity during that time.

Plus, they are graduating and they are receiving their diplomas. That's the most important part of it.

It was a lose-lose proposition for the school district.

Not allowing these students to walk at graduation was not a popular decision. If they chose not to follow their own guidelines, they would have given a free pass to students who clearly deserved punishment for the case.

The district did not make the popular decision, but they made the right decision in this matter.

Turner student named to KSHSAA Student Advisory team

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Taylor Rios, a sophomore at Turner High School, has been selected to serve a two year term on the KSHSAA Student Advisory Team. 

Taylor is one of six students in the state and the only class 5A representative selected to serve. 

Turner School District to make up snow days

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Students and staff inside the Turner School District will be making up time due to multiple snow days issued during the 2013-14 school year.

More information from the school district:

All Kansas students are required to attend school a total of 1116 hours per year. Although conference and professional development days count partial credit towards actual student attendance, we are still several hours short due to our missed snow days.

As a result, we will be making up time to ensure our schools comply with state statute and requirements for accreditation. Assuming we miss no additional days, the following items will make up our lost time:

• Student attendance days (Pre-K – 11th grade) will be extended two additional days. Therefore, the last student day of attendance for Pre-K through 11th grade will be Tuesday, May 20th. 

• The last day of attendance for seniors will be on Tuesday, May 13th. 

• The Professional Development Day scheduled for teachers on April 18th has been changed to a student day. Kids WILL attend school on Friday, April 18th.

Assuming we miss no further days of school for any reason, this schedule will complete our required hours of attendance. If additional days are missed for any reason, this schedule will be subject to change.

Former Turner student graduates from basic military training

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Air Force Airman Matthew D. Wise graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Wise earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Susan and Ronald Rise of Olathe, Kan.

The airman is a 2013 graduate of Turner High School, Kansas City.

MidAmerica Nazarene University to collaborate with Turner School District, KCK Public Schools

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- MidAmerica Nazarene University has been awarded a $280,000 grant from the Kansas Board of Regents to fund collaboration between MNU, The Turner School District, The Kansas City Kansas School District and local technology giant Garmin.

The Improving Teacher Quality (ITQ) grant will provide professional development for grade 6 through12 in-service science teachers on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

These standards have been adopted by Kansas school districts and must be implemented throughout P-12 education. According to the National Science Teachers Association, NGSS establish learning goals in science that will give all students the skills and knowledge they need to be informed citizens, college ready, and prepared for careers.

There is great need to for this professional development since NGSS changes how students are taught science as well as what they are taught.

“What is now part of the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was not a part of most teachers’ preparation,” says Nancy Damron, PhD, dean of MNU’s School of Education. “NGSS emphasizes crosscutting science concepts as well as the engineering design model. It’s a new approach to the way science is taught.”

According to NextGenerationScienceStandards.org, crosscutting science concepts are a means of linking different domains of science. They include: patterns, similarity, and diversity; cause and effect; scale, proportion and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; stability and change. These concepts provide a way to interrelate knowledge from various science fields.

Turner Elementary teacher wins prestigious Kansas Horizon Award

Courtesy of the Turner School District

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Turner USD 202 is proud to announce that Brittany Gonser, 4th grade teacher at Turner Elementary School, has been selected as a Kansas Horizon Award recipient.

Only the most outstanding new educators are eligible for this distinguished award given by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Gonser was nominated for the award by her Principal, Kristie Darby. Darby was also a recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award during her first years in education.

“Mrs. Gonser uses many strategies to motivate and inspire her students, as well as other students in our building," Darby said. "The positive rapport she has with Turner Elementary students and the focus she puts on meeting the individual needs of her students is that of a veteran educator.”

Gonser joined the Turner School District at the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

While in the district, she has made a tremendous impact on her students. Also, she is highly regarded by colleagues. To support Gonser in her award application, both novice and veteran teachers wrote letters of support.

Turner Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Sedler says of Gonser: “Brittany is an exemplary educator in every way. It is wonderful to see her recognized as one of the best new educators in the state of Kansas. Mrs. Gonser is an outstanding instructor and model for our students”.

Each year, 32 new teachers across the state of Kansas receive the Horizon Award.

After being notified of her award by a surprise call from Kansas Commissioner of Education, Diane DeBacker, Gonser was thrilled.

“When I first received the phone call from Dr. DeBacker, I was pretty stunned," Gonser said. "It took me a moment to figure out why the Commissioner of Education might be calling for me! I felt very humbled that so many people that I respect and admire took the time to make it such a memorable experience for me. It is a moment I will never forget. I’m also very proud to represent the Turner School District and all of the amazing people I work with every day.”

Gonser holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a Master’s degree from Rockhurst University.

PHOTO: Turner High School student awarded scholarship

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Turner High School senior McKenzie Dick was recently awarded Ottawa University’s first competitive Biology Scholarship following her participation in the inaugural math and science competition on November 19 on the Ottawa University campus in Ottawa, Kansas.

She received a $15,000 scholarship renewable annually for four years.

Dick will be a freshman biology major at Ottawa University in the fall of 2014. Her brother, James Dick, is currently a junior at OU in the exercise science program.

-----

PHOTO: Ottawa University biology professors Dr. Kristen Epp, Dr. Hank Tillinghast and Dr. Steve Boese look on as Turner High School senior McKenzie Dick signs with Ottawa University after winning its first Science Competition scholarship. 

Turner Middle School student brings unloaded gun to school

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- A student at Turner Middle School was taken into custody after a gun was found on the student.

The gun was discovered by staff at the school after a second student alerted them about the gun. It was not loaded and no one was injured.

No specific information is available about the student at this point.

More information when available.

Mail-in school bond election to begin for Turner

News Release:

Kansas City, Kan. --- Voters in the Turner Unified School District will soon have the opportunity to vote on a $19.5 million improvement project affecting all Turner Schools.

Turner USD 202 Superintendent Dr. Michelle Sedler presented a plan for these improvements to the Board of Education during a work-session held on May 20th, 2013.

Recent school tragedies related to school safety as well as district facility needs prompted her recommendation. The Board took action to proceed with the election during a June meeting.

The proposed bond improvement plan will impact every student and teacher at USD 202. Projects include:

• Safety and security upgrades to all schools including secure entry vestibules.

• New Oak Grove Elementary School on the existing site.

• Construction of a new cafeteria at Junction Elementary School.

• Updates to school library and media centers to support digital learning.

• Security, heating and cooling improvements to the Administrative Service Center. 

Pending voter approval, many of the safety and security improvements will be completed for the 2014-15 school year. Remaining upgrades and new construction will be completed for the 2015-16 school year.
The proposed project results in no tax-rate increase for the Turner Community.

This is possible as existing bond and interest payments decrease with the payoff of debt incurred during construction of Turner High School and the Turner Natatorium. Repayment of new debt incurred through the proposed bond solution will be structured to increase as the existing payments decrease.

This will result in consistent annual bond and interest payments which require a no tax rate increase for the bond and interest fund. Fifty-nine percent, or more than $11.5 million of principal payments for the new bond election will be paid by the State.

Postage-paid ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes of registered voters in the Turner community this afternoon. Ballots are due to the Wyandotte County Election Office on October 22nd.

Turner High School teacher named semi-finalist in Teacher of the Year competition

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- A local high school teacher was named one of the six best teachers from Region 3.

Turner High School teacher Jennifer Thomas was one of six semi-finalists from Region 3 for the 2014 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

More information from the state:

Brandi Leggett, a third-grade teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary School in Shawnee (De Soto USD 232), and Jennifer R. Smith, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Lakewood Middle School in Overland Park (Blue Valley USD 229), were named Region 3 finalists for the 2014 Kansas Teacher of the Year award today. This award recognizes excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state.  

The announcements were made during ceremonies at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park. As finalists for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction, Leggett and Smith each received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, a major partner in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.

In addition, they are now eligible to be named Kansas Teacher of the Year, an award that will be announced during ceremonies in Wichita on Nov. 23.

Leggett and Smith were among six Teacher of the Year semi-finalists from Region 3, which covers the third U.S. congressional district.

Other semi-finalists were Shauna A. Hammett, an elementary reading teacher at Shawanoe Elementary School in Shawnee Mission (Shawnee Mission USD 512); Elizabeth “Liz” Long, a first-grade teacher at Edgerton Elementary School (Gardner Edgerton USD 231); Jennifer Thomas, a ninth-grade science teacher at Turner High School in Kansas City (Turner USD 202); and Kelly Ulmer, an eighth-grade science teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe (Olathe USD 233).

Each of the semi-finalists received a red marble apple with a wooden base, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan. Statewide, 105 educators were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction.

Nominations are made in each of four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education, sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators, and higher education representatives to select semi-finalists and finalists from each region.

Each panel selects six semi-finalists – three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semi-finalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.

The mission of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession. The Kansas Teacher of the Year team, comprised of the Teacher of the Year and state finalists, serve as ambassadors for education in Kansas, making public appearances across the state promoting education and the teaching profession.

The individual selected as the Kansas Teacher of the Year is eligible for national distinction as Teacher of the Year. The National Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by Target, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the ING Foundation, the University of Phoenix and People to People Ambassador Programs.

Turner Middle School looking to raise $1K in Battle of the Books campaign

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- Turner Middle School's Battle of the Books fundraising campaign is underway.

The school is attempting to raise $1,000 by Sept. 30.

For more information about the program or if you're interested in donating, check out this link.

Turner High School one of 25 schools to take part in state's new "Jobs for America's Graduates" program

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker today announced a new program aimed at improving high school graduation rates and help students develop skills to take into the workforce.

Turner High School in Kansas City, Kan., is one of the first 25 high schools in the entire State of Kansas to take part in the "Jobs for America's Graduates" program.

“This program will help students create an environment for success,” Brownback said.  “By providing these students with the right tools and a strong support system, we can help them graduate from high school with the job training and skills they need to find meaningful employment.”

DeBacker said that JAG-Kansas, the name of the local branch of the program, will help decrease dropout rates throughout the state.

"While we have one of the highest graduation rates in the U.S., we need to identify ways to keep students engaged, to give them purpose,” DeBacker said. “JAG-Kansas will help us serve our students and help even more Kansas students graduate from high school and prepare for careers.”

In existence for 32 years, the JAG program has helped over 800,000 students nation-wide. The goal is to help "at-risk students" graduate from high school, obtain a GED and to find post-secondary education options or entry-level jobs.

“When these students earn a diploma or a GED, combined with job training, they will find career and life opportunities they may never have considered before,” Brownback said.

More information about JAG-Kansas:

The JAG-Kansas program will be administered by Communities in Schools of Kansas in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas State Department of Education. Funding for the program primarily will come from a Temporary Aid for Needy Families grant through DCF.   

The first 25 high schools to participate in the JAG-Kansas program are: Arkansas City, Basehor-Linwood, Concordia, Garden City, Topeka-Highland Park, Holcomb, Hutchinson, Junction City, Kingman, Liberal, Newton, Parsons, Pittsburg, Royal Valley, Salina Central, Salina South, Stafford, Topeka, Topeka West, Turner, Wichita East, Wichita North, Wichita South, Wichita Southeast and Wichita West.

For more information on the national “Jobs for America’s Graduates” program, visit the website at www.jag.org.