A Message from John Severin, SuperintendentA Message from John Severin, SuperintendentA Message from John Severin, SuperintendentA Message from John Severin, SuperintendentDear Patrons: It is hard to believe that the school year will be coming to a close in a little over three weeks. We have made a calendar change that will end the school year for students on Tuesday, May 23. This will be a full day of school. The change was made to allow the teachers an opportunity to do some much needed curriculum work before closing out the school year. Please mark your calendar with the change. Special activities to remember include: High school Baccalaureate on Sunday, May 14, at 2:00 p.m., in the high school auditorium; high school graduation on Sunday, May 21, at 2:00 p.m., in the high school gymnasium; eighth grade recognition night on Monday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m., in the high school gymnasium; and the School of Success graduation on Tuesday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m., in the middle school commons area. We hope you can attend several of these events that will recognize the accomplishments of many of our students. Each year thousands of dollars in local scholarships are given away to the graduating class. Our students are fortunate to have so many wonderful local scholarships that help make their dreams come true. These scholarships will be awarded on Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m., in the high school auditorium. Prior to the awards night, the high school will have an open house with art, vocational and history projects on display. The open house begins at 6:00 p.m. Not only is this a great time to visit the school and see the quality projects produced by our students, but also see the announcements of the scholarships and other

student awards. You will be proud of the accomplishments of our students. In closing, I would like to thank all parents for allowing us to work with your children. We have had terrific parental support for our students and teachers, which has made for a great school year. It is important to have teachers and parents working together in order for students to reach their maximum potential. I wish all of you a very enjoyable summer break.

Kindergarten Screening I want to remind everyone with a potential kindergarten student that the screening process is just around the corner. Parents/guardians are asked to bring their student to the school to complete the process. The screening takes approximately 1 hour to complete. May 22 & 23 are the only dates

scheduled. If you have NOT set up a time, call as

soon as possible. Parents that attend the screening

event will be given strategies and suggestions on

how to prepare their student for kindergarten. If

you know of a potential kindergarten student,

please pass this message on to them. We will be

contacting the preschools, Headstart, and the

newspaper about the screening.

May 2006 Vol. V, No. 10

HES NewsHES NewsHES NewsHES News

Cliff Williams, Cliff Williams, Cliff Williams, Cliff Williams,

PrincipalPrincipalPrincipalPrincipal

Parents are asked to: 1) Complete an enrollment form. 2) Bring the student’s immunization card,

social security card, and birth certificate so they may be copied for the school’s records.

3) Bring your student for the screening process. *Make sure to sign up for a time PRIOR to May 22 & 23. Call the office at 742-7181.

The Parents As Teachers coordinator, Heather Burdick, will be available during the screening process for parents that have children ages birth to 3 years old. P.A.T. is a program designed to provide family support and early education to families with little ones.

Fun Day Rain or shine we will have the Fun Day activities on Tuesday, May 23rd. We have developed some indoor activities in case the weather does not cooperate. Please plan to attend the event. A schedule of events will be sent home later in May. Please mark you calendar for May 23rd.

Cookout This year we are trying something new for our cookout. We are having the cookout on the same day as the Fun Day. We hope that parents, grandparents, and family members will be able to attend both events. The students really get excited knowing that their family is going to come visit their school. Tentatively, we are looking at starting the cookout around 11 AM on May 23rd. We ask that visitors call ahead and place their order for lunch. The main dish is going to be grilled hamburgers. We will send home a notice with the students in a couple of weeks.

Volunteers

On behalf of the staff and myself, we would like to extend our gratitude for all the time, resources, and thoughtfulness that the many volunteers gave to our kids this year. We could not continue to give the

students the wonderful experiences they receive at HES without your efforts. Your efforts and time are greatly appreciated!

Summer School

We will be sending home letters for students who qualify for summer school, which will take place June 12-July 7th (excluding July 4th). Each session lasts 1.5 hours. Our focus will be on reading and math instruction. Summer school is optional; however, we strongly encourage parents to allow your student to attend if they have the need. Research shows us that those students who attend summer school are less likely to struggle at the beginning of a new school year. Students are able to maintain and gain those critical skills necessary to be successful in school. We want to build a strong foundation of skills that kids need for the rest of their lives.

News from Mrs. Howard- Reading

Specialist As the countdown progresses to the end of the school year, we celebrate the progress that we have seen your child make, particularly in reading. Thank you, parents, for the support you have given us at home! April and May find me giving the STAR test (a computer reading test) to each first grader, continuing to meet in our guided reading groups and, finally, determining the exit reading level for those students I have worked with throughout the year. The testing is important for teachers to evaluate the job we are doing. The scariest part of summer for teachers is fearing that students and parents will forget to enjoy reading together every day! Be a part of the public library’s summer reading program, limit the time that you let your child watch TV and write with your child. How about hanging a family message board in the kitchen or taking photographs of special summer events, pasting them in a journal and then writing a great family story?! Reading and writing support each other. The more your child does of each, the better he/she will be at both.

Physical Education- Mr. Nichols

Where has the school year gone? We have had a very good year in Physical Education. The students continue to work hard to improve their overall health and fitness levels. The third and fourth

graders are busy taking the fitness test on our Project Fit America equipment. All first through fourth graders will soon be running the Smile Mile to see if they have improved over last fall. The kindergartners are participating in activities that will review all of the lessons we had throughout the year. We are in the final planning stages for the annual field day coming up on Tuesday, May 23rd. We are in the third year of the field day with more new activities being planned. I would highly encourage all students and their families to engage in some activity daily over the summer months. The benefits of staying healthy and fit far outweigh the time involved. Finally, a great big thank you to the Board of Education for going ahead with the air conditioning project in the gym. It will be a welcome relief to the really hot days. Have a great and fitness-filled summer.

Reading Tips-Mrs. Griebat & Mrs. Schwanke

“I’m Bored, What Can I Do?”

(Ideas for summer reading)

1. Read a recipe with mom or dad and make something to eat. Or read the recipe to mom or dad as they cook.

2. Suppose you had a T.V. that worked only three hours a week. Look at the T.V. guide and make a list of which programs you would watch during the week. 3. Write out menus for three favorite meals. Be sure to have fruits, vegetables, meat, breads, and milk included in each menu.

4. Read the comic strips in the newspaper to someone. 5. Read a story to a younger child. Talk with the child about your favorite parts of the story.

6. Write a letter to a friend or relative. Tell them about your summer activities. Read the letter to mom or dad before you mail it. Let them help you address the envelope. 7. Read a book, then talk to someone about the book; discuss why you liked it or did not like it.

8. Help mom or dad make the grocery list. Try to spell the words by yourself. Then check your spelling when you find the item at the store. 9. Read the directions to a new or favorite game, then, re-tell in your own words, how to play the game. 10. Write a poem of your own for someone special. Draw pictures to go with it. Give it to that special person.

HES Guidance News

First of all, I want to thank all of the parents of the 3rd and 4th grade students for their time and cooperation in getting ready for the state assessments. I know a lot of emphasis was placed on these assessments. Secondly, I would like to thank the students, teachers, and staff for their dedication to making these assessments a success. The unofficial and still just preliminary results are in, which I think look good. The 3rd grade correct average score for the whole group in math was 88.1%. The 3rd grade correct average score for the whole group in reading was 85.2%. The 4th grade math correct average score for the whole group was 82.7%. The 4th grade reading correct average score for the whole group was 83.9%. These scores are a combined effort of everyone involved, so again I say thanks a lot. Your time and cooperation is greatly appreciated. You did a great job students. Parents, you would have been very proud of how hard these students were trying. Now let’s go out there and have a strong finish for the end of the year. THANKS A LOT !!!!

Dates to Remember: May 2

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day

May 3 & 17 Late Start- PLC May 4 1st Grade Learning Trip May 5 4th

grade Grandparents Day

2nd

grade Learning Trip May 12

3rd grade Learning Trip 2nd grade Grandparents Day May 18 Last Day for Kindergarten May 19

4th grade Learning Trip 3rd grade Grandparents Day May 22 & 23 Kindergarten Screening May 23 Fun Day (Grades 1-4)

Cookout

Last Day of School

Awards Assembly 9 AM

You may have heard it last week: the big sigh of relief that erupted from the middle school as the students finished with the state assessments. Although we don't yet know the cut-off scores for each category, we are very pleased with the overall strength of our students' performance. Hiawatha Middle School is unique in this district because we are the only building where every single one of our students is tested. Every teacher and student should be proud of their hard work in preparing for and taking the assessments. The students exhibited a tremendous attitude and gave it a lot of effort. As a reward for their efforts, every student who attempted to do their best on the test is being taken to the Maple Lanes Bowling Alley and will bowl a couple of games. As of this writing, the 5th and 6th graders have already bowled and had a great time. We are going to look into having some sort of reward every year to give the students an incentive for giving it their best shot. Good job HMS!

Counselor’s Corner

Cynthia Studer–HMS Counselor

Social Competencies Planning and Decision Making

Children and young people make the most of relationships and opportunities when they are able to cope with new situations, make positive decisions and interact effectively and respectfully with others. They need instruction and practice in how to develop these skills. Children need to know how to plan ahead and make choices. Model these skills. *Have a to-do list and calendars visible in your home. Give your child a calendar or planner and have them keep track of their appointments, activities and homework. *Have family meetings to talk about plans. Invite suggestions from everyone. *Give your teenager full responsibility for planning and preparing a family meal once a month. *When your child receives long-term assignments, offer to help them plan and make decisions in order to finish on time. *Give your teenager increasing responsibility for planning his or her own future. Examples: saving money for a special purchase, finding a summer job. Prompt good planning by asking questions, but don’t take over. *Model choice making: 1) gathering information, 2) viewing the choice from all sides, 3) weighing potential consequences, 4) listing pros and cons, 5) making a choice and sticking to it. *Talk your child through choices. Use “what if?” questions to help them anticipate consequences. Example: “What if you don’t clean your room by Friday when your friend comes to spend the night?” *Allow for mistakes. Don’t blow up at a poor choice, and don’t rescue your child from consequences. *Point out to your child that not making a choice IS making a choice—it’s choosing not to choose. Explain that this gives someone else the power to determine what happens next.

KANSAS SCHOOL

SAFETY HOTLINE

The number for the Kansas School Safety Hotline is 1-877-626-8203. This number connects you with the Kansas Highway Patrol and can be called 24 hours a day. Parents, students, and patrons of the community may use this number to anonymously

report school violence or other illegal acts at school.

Words from the Words from the Words from the Words from the Middle School:Middle School:Middle School:Middle School: David Coufal, Principal

HHS Weight Room FundraiserHHS Weight Room FundraiserHHS Weight Room FundraiserHHS Weight Room Fundraiser

A committee has been formed to raise funds to enlarge the present weight room, which is too small to accommodate the students’ needs. The committee wants to see the facility size increased so the weight training program has adequate space in which to operate, reducing the chances of an accident occurring. They would also like to see a facility that would allow an increase in the amount of equipment and provide an opportunity for more students to take part in physical conditioning. The district would like to have a facility that could be used to promote health and wellness activities for staff members. This could be done if space allowed for different types of exercise equipment. They feel that the room would be an investment in the kids’ future through stressing healthy lifestyles and improving the conditioning of our athletes allowing them the opportunity to be more competitive.

The Board of Education supports the project, but cannot use current revenue due to other facility issues that are higher in priority. The Hiawatha USD #415 Educational Foundation has agreed to accept donations for the project and provide you the necessary documentation for your tax records. The fund drive began in December 2005 and will continue through March 2007. The goal of this fund drive is $90,000. If this amount is not raised within this time period, it will be extended for another year. At present, over $13,000 has been raised for the project.

If you would like to donate, your tax-free contribution can be sent to the Hiawatha USD #415 Educational Foundation, Weight Room Project, PO Box 398, 706 South First St., Hiawatha, KS 66434. Feel free to contact any committee member with questions. Committee members include: Tom Simmer, Rebecca Farrar, Randy Fee, David Fitz, and Mark Noll.

Wow! Has the school year flown by or what??? School will be done in less than a month. Encourage your children to maintain a strong effort and concern for their schoolwork this last part of the year. Graduation will be Sunday, May 21 at 2:00 pm in the HHS Gymnasium. This is the graduation ceremony in which the seniors are awarded their diplomas for successfully completing the require-ments of USD 415 and the State of Kansas. This is a formal ceremony and should be viewed and treated as such. The celebration of graduation takes place at the parties, receptions, picnics, etc… held before or after the ceremony. Please be respectful of all the graduates and the others in attendance during the ceremony. Air horns, bells, whistles and other noise makers are INAPPROPRIATE. Loud, rude remarks that make fun or light of the students’ accomplishments are also inappropriate. Please keep these things in mind as the ceremony draws near. Congratulations to the following students for qualifying for the State Speech/Forensics Championships: Matt Mueller & Amy Schuetz (duet acting); Sam Stephenson & Tyler Lehmkuhl (duet acting); Matt Mueller & Ethan Noll (IDA); Kelsey Lillie (prose); Erin Gernon (serious solo acting); and Luke Wenger (humorous solo acting). The Championship will be May 6th at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka. Good luck! Congratulations to the following students for qualifying for the State Speech/Forensics Festival: Jodi Grimm (serious solo acting) and Christi Gamble (poetry). The Festival will be May 6 at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Good luck! Congratulations to the Concert Choir for receiving a I rating and the Concert Band for receiving a II rating at the State Large Group Contest in Concordia on April 12th.

From the Office of Rick From the Office of Rick From the Office of Rick From the Office of Rick Johnson, High School Johnson, High School Johnson, High School Johnson, High School

PrincipalPrincipalPrincipalPrincipal

Congratulations to Ashli Meenen for being named April Senior of the Month. The Hiawatha High School Site Council will have its final meeting of the year on Monday, May 15 at 7:00 pm in the library. The seniors last day will be Wednesday, May 17. At noon on that day, the seniors will take their class picture (in cap and gown) and have practice for the graduation ceremony. This usually takes an hour and a half and then seniors will be dismissed from school. Upcoming dates: Band concert – May 4; State Speech/Forensics – May 6; Vocal concert – May 9; School physicals – May 9; Open House/Senior Awards – May 18; Graduation – May 21. Please call the high school by 9:00 am and let us know if your child is going to be absent. Also, if you want assignments for your child when they will be missing school, notify the school before 9:00 am. It takes time to gather the assignments from the teachers as they still have classroom obligations, duties, etc… This will help us in getting all of your child’s assignments to you. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

The HHS Band Boosters will be hosting a dessert bar following the high school band concert on May 4th. A freewill donation will be received to support the band’s

activities.

Scholarship & Testing Information

The Guidance Department at Hiawatha High School has received information concerning the following scholarships. In most cases, applications are also available.

Deadline Scholarship

05/01 State of KS Ethnic Minority 05/01 State of KS Teachers Service 05/01 State of KS Nursing Service 05/31 Kansas Environmental Health Assoc. American Legion Scholarships

07/15 Dr. Click Cowger Baseball American Legion Baseball

ACT Test Information: (HHS Code # 171-335) Registration Deadline Late Registration Test Date 05/05 05/19 06/10 SAT Test Information: (HHS Code # 171-335) Registration Deadline Late Registration Test Date

05/10 06/03

Important Dates to Remember: 05/14 Baccalaureate (optional) - 2:00 pm – HHS auditorium 05/21 GRADUATION – 2:00 pm – HHS gymnasium

If you have questions concerning any of the

above information, please call the guidance office

at 742-3250.

Nurses CornerNurses CornerNurses CornerNurses Corner

Dear Parents/Guardians of 2006-07, 9

th graders,

According to the Kansas Immunization law, students are required to have a tetanus/diphtheria booster 10 years after completing their primary series of DPT/TD/DT vaccine. For most students, their primary series was completed when she/he began kindergarten. You may obtain the immunization from your family physician or by calling the Brown County Health Department at 742-2505. * PLEASE NOTE: A TETANUS TOXOID VACCINE, WITHOUT THE DIPHTHERIA COMPONET, DOES NOT MEET STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR A TETANUS BOOSTER.

Dessert

Fundraiser

If your child has already received his/her 10yr TD booster, please send a copy of your child’s immunization record with:

• student’s name

• date of the booster

• or a note from the clinic that administered the booster (this can be FAXED to: 742-7156 HHS FAX *Attention School Nurse), or

• mailed to Hiawatha High School, 600 Red Hawk Drive, Attn. School Nurse,

Hiawatha, Ks. 66434 The Td booster is due October 9

th, 2006 and must be

received BEFORE THIS DATE in order for your child to attend school.

Information for the College Bound Student If you are the parent of a college-bound student, we would like to make sure you are aware that certain college students are at increased risk for a potentially fatal bacterial infection, called meningococcal meningitis. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend college students, especially freshmen living in dormitories, be educated about meningococcal meningitis and vaccination. We encourage parents to learn more about these recommendations and the potential benefits of immunization for your child before he or she goes to college Meningococcal meningitis, a form of bacterial meningitis, can cause severe swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord or a serious blood infection. It is spread through air droplets and by direct contact with an infected person (i.e. coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing a drinking glass, etc.) The symptoms can resemble the flu and the disease can progress very quickly. One in 10 cases is fatal, and, of those who survive, about 20 percent suffer long-term effects that can include hearing loss, brain damage, seizures or amputations. Cases of meningococcal meningitis among adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24 have increased in the last 10 years. Medical studies show freshmen living in dormitories are at an increased risk compared to other persons in the same age group. Certain social behaviors, including drinking and smoking (both active and passive) or being in crowded situations like a dorm or bar, may put college students at greater risk.

As many as 80 percent of all cases of meningococcal meningitis in college students are vaccine preventable. The vaccine is safe and effective and can protect individuals against four of the five most common serogroups of Neisseria meningitides, the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis – A, C, Y, and W-135. We encourage you and your college-bound child to learn more about this disease and to speak with your primary care physician about the vaccination. For more information, you can visit the following web sites: www.cdc.gov; www.acha.org or www.aap.org Sincerely,

N. Ramer, RN K. Kettler, RN School Nurses

Native News fromNative News fromNative News fromNative News from

Ms. White Eye, LMSWMs. White Eye, LMSWMs. White Eye, LMSWMs. White Eye, LMSW

I am honored to have the following fine students receive the Eagle Feather Awards for the 3rd quarter. They achieved a 3.5 GPA or above along with good attendance. Keep on the path to success until the end of the year. You can do it!

Hiawatha High School

Eagle Feather Awards

3.5 GPA and above with good attendance Michael Fee Jessica Mendez Luke Anderson

Hiawatha Middle School

Eagle Feather Awards 3.5 GPA and above with good attendance Angeleigha Mendez Alexander Merchant Nathaniel Abeita Aaron Abeita Madison Campbell Juana Aguirre Maria Reyes Josephine Ross Edson Travis I feel if a student did not getting any “D” grades or “F” grades they should be recognized for their efforts. So, here are those students who qualified. I am hopeful that we will add more names to the list by the end of the school year.

High School Recognition Awards--

Students with “C” & above grades with good attendance Bethany Surber RaeAnn Hullman Angela Soden Andrea Keller Hannah Roland Robert Hullman Kelsey McGraw Brandi Nioce Middle School Recognition Awards– Students with “C” & above grades with good attendance Carlos Reyes Christina Alsbury Chavis Nioce Lorenzo Mendez Alexandrea Hyde Alicia Kent Sarah Jimeson Andrew Reed Shayli Nioce Raymond Herwig Emily Adcock Kayla Kent Wesley Hullman HIAWATHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

YOUNG EAGLE AWARDS

For first graders -- no “N” or “B” grades in core subjects. And all students with “C” or above grades with good attendance

1st Grade through 4th Grade Ryan Blalock Anthony Frederick Sydney Campbell Hunter Roberts (All A’s) Aleksa Kent Cortney Joslin Daltion Herwig Jesper Winsea Seth May Juanita (Cori) Herrera Timothy Chandler Noah Aguirre Lindsey Frederick Jeremy Waggoner Madeleine Smith-Chandler Troy May Jacob Keller JoLynn Grant Kailey Davis (All A’s) Riley Blalock

Emily Surber

Great Job Everyone!!

NATIVE NEWS END OF THE YEAR REPORTNATIVE NEWS END OF THE YEAR REPORTNATIVE NEWS END OF THE YEAR REPORTNATIVE NEWS END OF THE YEAR REPORT

The end of the school year is fast approaching. A Big Thank You to all the students I have worked with for making it through another great year. We have had several students that earned recognition letters and Eagle Feather awards for their positive grades and efforts. I will not be able to list those awards for 4th quarter in our newsletter, but I will be reviewing your grades to see how well all of you did. Summer is always a time of fun for students and families to do activities together. Many Native American families hit the “pow wow trail” when summer comes, which means going from one event to another to see friends and family and to dance with one another. I think it is an important experience for many of our Native children to connect or reconnect to their heritage. If you have never been to a pow wow, this would be a great experience for you to this summer. In our local area, we have four reservations that have pow wows over the summer months. We are also close to Lawrence where there are pow wows sponsored by Haskell University. Maybe you are asking yourself, “Why would I want to go to a pow wow? What will my children and I learn?” First off -- PEOPLE OF ALL CULTURES are invited to attend a pow wow. It is a celebration of Native American heritage, but open for everyone to come and enjoy. A pow wow is like a big family reunion. Native people come from all over to meet new friends and dance with them. It is also said that when we enter the dance circle we are entering to dance with all of our ancestors from the past. So, for me, that makes the event even more special. I am a traditional dancer. Please come and find me to say hello!

Teachers, this is an invitation to you also, to come and learn more about the heritage of students you serve at our schools. Plus, you may get the privilege of seeing one of your students dance. I know they are excited when one of their teachers is watching them!! There will also be different types of traditional foods to sample at a pow wow. My favorite is corn soup and fry bread. Sometimes there are

ceremonies performed when families come together. There might be a naming ceremony or a dance for a loved one who has passed on to the spirit world or for a young one who is being honored for coming into the dance circle for the first time. Families often have what is known as a “give away”. It is our way of showing generosity for the community. Come, watch, and learn. There are some dances that everyone can join in. They will be announced as “intertribals”. Come out and try it. It can be great fun. Students of Native American heritage will gain a sense of pride and self esteem if they come to a pow wow. It can help them identify with who they are. Those students who don’t have an outfit or know how to dance might get interested and want to learn. Whether they dance or not, they can join in the celebration that we are still here. No matter what struggles our Native people went through in the past, we survived. Our cultures have survived and we are celebrating that fact by dancing, laughing, and feasting with one another. Research shows

that youth who have a strong cultural identity

are more successful in school.

A listing of local pow wows follows. There could be more going on, but these are ones I could track down. There is usually a daily admission price or a 3-day pass (ranging from $2.00 - $5.00 or less). You can call the numbers listed for more information if you want to camp or if you have more questions.

List of Local Pow Wows

Haskell University Spring Pow Wow May 12 (Starts 7 pm) May 13 (Starts about noon) On campus pow wow grounds, Lawrence, KS. Call Haskell for more information. Pottawatomie (Prairie Band) Pow Wow June 9 (Starts 7 pm) June 10 and 11 (Starts about noon and goes all day) Call toll free at 1-877-6789 for more information. Prairie Peoples Park, off Hwy. 75, Mayetta, KS Kickapoo Tribal Pow Wow July 14 (Starts 7 pm)

July 15 and16 (Starts about noon and goes all day) Call 785-486-2131 for more information. Hwy. 20, between Hwy. 73 and Hwy. 75, Horton, KS Sac & Fox Pow Wow August 26 (Starts 7 pm) August 27 & 28 (Starts about noon & goes all day) Call 785-742-7471 for more information. Hwy. 75, behind casino. Iowa Tribal Traditional Pow Wow September-usually the 3rd weekend. Call 785-595-3258 for more information or by August/Sept. flyers should be posted.

MY HERITAGE READING CIRCLE AWARD

CEREMONY

The Native American students of Hiawatha Elementary School have been participating in a new reading program this year. The My Heritage

Reading Circle was a program designed to encourage Native American students to read more books about their cultures. The winter was traditionally a time of telling stories for most tribes, and it was one of the ways of passing on our culture to the younger ones. Students in grades 1 through 4 have read about many exciting places, adventures and people. Some of the older students earned AR points as well.

A few teachers read Native American stories to the entire class and that counted for our students too. Parents have read stories with their children at home and that counted also if a note was sent back so it could be recorded in the students’ reading list at school. Thanks for encouraging all children to learn more about Native American peoples.

Some students have read 12 or more books! There was no limit on how many could be read. They were so excited to share the things they learned in their stories with me. Those students who are members of the reading circle who have read at least three books on Native American culture will be awarded at a ceremony on May 18th beginning at 2:45 pm at the Hiawatha Elementary School gym.

Invitations to parents will be sent home to those who qualified.

All of the Hiawatha School libraries have many Native American books available for all students in the district. Some of these books were purchased by Title 9 & Title 7 grants as well as district library funds.

From Diapers

to Diplomas

Celebrate your senior’s graduation with a special

Happy Ad featuring his or her baby photo in the

Hiawatha World. Let us show the world how your

favorite senior turned out.

Congratulations

Gracie and the

Class of 2006!

Love, Mom, Dad

and Sis

Stop by the World office at 607 Utah or call Bobi at

742-2111. Deadline is May 5, 2006.

Special Education Vocational Work Program

From Daniel Burns Vocations/Transition Coordinator

On April 10, 2006, a luncheon was held for the business people of Hiawatha who support and sponsor our students. It was held at the Fisher Community Center. We served approximately 60 people, including students, employers, administrators and teachers. It was a great

Special thanks to: Mrs. Beverly Tollefson for providing the baked beans, serving and cleanup. Mr. Kenny Stephens for providing the cakes. Mrs. J.C. Jerome for providing the cole slaw, planning and serving. Mrs. Pam Kostman for planning, serving and cleanup. Mrs. Nancy Burns for planning, serving, pictures and cleanup. Ms. Kathy Thompson for transportation of students. Miss Melissa Thompson for transportation of students.

Congratulations Seniors and Best of Luck with Your Future

Endeavors.

Congratulations 8th Graders and

Best of Luck in High School.

HIAWATHA USD 415 BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 27, 2006

President Steve Lock called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Board members present were Denise Elffner (Arrived 8:05 pm/Departed 9:59 pm), Steve Lock, Pete Rosá, Becky Shamburg (Arrived 7:27 pm), Matt Sprick, David Thompson and John Wright. Also present were Superintendent, John Severin; Assistant Superintendent, Steve Splichal; Clerk of the Board, Lesli Grimm; Principals, David Coufal, Rick Johnson, and Cliff Williams; HDEA President, Chris Vitt; Teachers, Sara Campbell, Staci Charles, Jennifer DeForest, Trish Gibson, Marcy Hageman, Damian Johnson, Joseph Kern, Joyce Kesler, Ben Kettler, Sarah Kleopfer, Karl Kliewer, Kim Lillie, Ryan Modin, Dixie Pethoud, Sara Smith, Melissa Trujillo, Kathleen Tryon and Michelle Vitt; Parents, Joyce Bauer, Mike DeForest, Rebecca Farrar, Bonnie Marable, Ron Smith, Jane Sommers, Stephanie Werner, and Ron Wright; Students, Jessica Bauerle, Scott Bauer, Nate DeForest, Bubba Farrar,

Lanaya Henry, Hannah Kleopfer, Bailey Malter, Jordan Marable, Chavis Nioce, Larissa Schilling, Gabi Schuetz, Tanner Smith, Megan Tryon and Brenton Wright; Greg Bebermeyer, KNZA; and Bob Hankins.

Matt Sprick moved and David Thompson seconded the motion to approve the Agenda after adding Sale of a

Band Instrument under O. Other, and Hiring of a

Drivers Education Teacher under N. Action Following

Executive Session. The motion passed 5-0. Ron Smith, Jessica Bauerle, Jane Sommers and Bonnie Marable each spoke of their appreciation for middle school social science teacher, Ryan Modin, praising his teaching abilities and concern for his students. President Steve Lock welcomed all those in attendance and thanked them for being present. Matt Sprick moved and Pete Rosá seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda consisted of the following items: 1. Accept the Resignation of Ben Kettler as the Head Middle School Boys Basketball Coach; 2. Accept the Resignation of Rob Stinson as the Assistant High School Boys Basketball Coach; and 3. Accept the Resignation of Chris Vitt as the Freshman Volleyball Coach. The motion passed 5-0. John Severin reviewed the proposed Title VII Native American Grant. The grant would be for approximately $10,924 and be used to pay for the part-time services of a Native American Social Worker. Matt Sprick moved and David Thompson seconded the motion to approve the Title VII Native American Grant application. The motion passed 5-0. Steve Splichal reviewed the bus route study he had conducted. Based on the results, no changes were recommended to the current bus routes. Becky Shamburg arrived at the meeting at 7:27 pm. Steve Splichal reviewed the progress being made on the district’s wellness plan. When completed and approved by the board, it will be effective for the 2006-2007 school year. Rick Johnson reported on a proposed change to our high school graduation program in which a Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, and Cum Laude honors system would be used. Lesli Grimm reviewed the changes in the district’s 2005-2006 budget due to our higher than expected enrollment. Becky Shamburg moved and John Wright seconded the motion that the amended 2005-2006 budget be approved

for publication of notice of hearing, noting that the amendment is necessary in order to receive additional state funding and that it will not increase local taxes. The motion passed 6-0. Steve Lock, Pete Rosá, Becky Shamburg, Matt Sprick and David Thompson plan to attend the KASB Spring Regional Meeting in Riley, Kansas on April 26. Matt Sprick moved and Becky Shamburg seconded the motion to take a fifteen minute break (7:55-8:10 pm) and then recess to executive session for 10 minutes to discuss student personnel and non-elected personnel. The executive session was necessary to protect the privacy interests of the individual(s) to be discussed. The motion passed 6-0. Denise Elffner arrived at the meeting at 8:05 pm. The board recessed to executive session at 8:10 pm. John Severin and Steve Splichal were invited into the executive session. The board returned to regular session at 8:20 pm. At 8:23 pm, John Wright moved and Pete Rosá seconded the motion to extend the executive session for 10 minutes. The motion passed 7-0. John Severin and Steve Splichal were invited into the executive session. The board returned to regular session at 8:33 pm. At 8:35 pm, Matt Sprick moved and Denise Elffner seconded the motion to extend the executive session for 30 minutes. The motion passed 7-0. John Severin, Steve Splichal, and teachers, Sara Campbell, Staci Charles, Jennifer DeForest, Trish Gibson, Marcy Hageman, Damian Johnson, Joseph Kern, Joyce Kesler, Ben Kettler, Karl Kliewer, Kim Lillie, Dixie Pethoud, Sara Smith, Melissa Trujillo, Kathleen Tryon, Chris Vitt and Michelle Vitt, were invited into the executive session. At 8:59 pm, the teachers exited the executive session and Ryan Modin entered. The board returned to regular session at 9:05 pm. At 9:06 pm, Denise Elffner moved and David Thompson seconded the motion to extend the executive session 20 minutes. The motion passed 7-0. John Severin, Steve Splichal, and David Coufal were invited into the executive session. The board returned to regular session at 9:26 pm. At 9:28 pm, Becky Shamburg moved and John Wright seconded the motion to extend the executive session 10 minutes. The motion passed 7-0. John Severin, Steve Splichal and David Coufal were invited into the executive session. The board returned to regular session at 9:38 pm. At 9:39 pm, Becky Shamburg moved and Denise Elffner seconded the motion to extend the executive session 20

minutes. The motion passed 7-0. John Severin, Steve Splichal and David Coufal were invited into the executive session. At 9:45 pm, David Coufal left the executive session and Rick Johnson entered. At 9:58 pm, Rick Johnson exited the executive session. The board returned to regular session at 9:59 pm. Denise Elffner left the board meeting at 9:59 pm. David Thompson moved and Pete Rosá seconded the motion to accept the resignation of Amber Zoglman effective at the end of the current school year. The motion passed 6-0. Becky Shamburg moved and John Wright seconded the motion to allow the superintendent to advertise for a high school girls physical education teacher. The motion passed 6-0. John Wright moved and Becky Shamburg seconded the motion to hire Joe Speer to teach drivers education during the summer of 2006. The motion passed 6-0.

Matt Sprick moved and Becky Shamburg seconded the motion to sell a sousaphone that is no longer being used by our band students to B & B for $480.00. The motion passed 6-0. Damian Johnson thanked the board for the reception held in his honor for being named the 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year. John Severin reviewed the progress being made in filling the elementary teaching positions open for the 2006-07 school year. Matt Sprick moved and David Thompson seconded the motion to give the superintendent permission to hire a Kindergarten and Second Grade teacher. The motion passed 6-0. The board discussed the bid process used by the district for the purchase of vehicle fuel. It was the consensus of the board to allow all companies doing business in the district to submit bids. Becky Shamburg moved and Pete Rosá seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed 6-0, and President Steve Lock declared the meeting adjourned at 10:12 pm.

HIAWATHA USD 415 BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

APRIL 4, 2006

President Steve Lock called the meeting to order at 12:01 pm.

Board members present were Denise Elffner, Steve Lock, Pete Rosá, Becky Shamburg, Matt Sprick, and John Wright. Board member David Thompson was absent. Also present were Superintendent, John Severin; Assistant Superintendent, Steve Splichal; and Clerk of the Board, Lesli Grimm. John Wright moved and Becky Shamburg seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as printed. The motion passed 6-0. Board members reviewed the bids submitted for the sale of 3,100 gallons of gasoline and 4,000 gallons of diesel. Matt Sprick moved and Denise Elffner seconded the motion to accept the low bid from Davies Oil of $15,334.70 for diesel and gasoline. The motion passed 6-0. Matt Sprick moved and Becky Shamburg seconded the motion to recess to executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel and student personnel. The executive session was necessary to protect the privacy interests of the individual(s) to be discussed. The motion passed 6-0. The board recessed to executive session at 12:06 pm and returned to open session at 12:16 pm. John Severin and Steve Splichal were invited into the executive session. There was no action following executive session. Becky Shamburg moved and Pete Rosá seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed 6-0, and President Steve Lock declared the meeting adjourned at 12:21 pm.

HIAWATHA USD 415 BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

APRIL 10, 2006

These minutes are not official until approved at the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting to be held May 8, 2006.

President Steve Lock called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Board members present were Denise Elffner, Steve Lock, Pete Rosá (Arrived at 7:05 pm), Becky Shamburg, Matt Sprick, David Thompson and John Wright. Also present were Superintendent, John Severin; Assistant Superintendent, Steve Splichal; Clerk of the Board, Lesli Grimm; HDEA President, Chris Vitt; Jim Anderson, Hiawatha World; Greg Bebermeyer, KNZA; Ann Clark, Ann Lehmkuhl, Kevin Lehmkuhl, Tyler Lehmkuhl, Joy Moore, and Terry Smith. Becky Shamburg moved and David Thompson seconded the motion to approve the agenda. The motion passed 6-0. Board member Pete Rosá arrived at the meeting at 7:05 pm. Ann Clark, HMS Site Council member, and Terry Smith, HES Site Council President, reported on the activities of their respective site councils throughout the current school year. Joy Moore asked the board to consider the concerns she shared last spring when they evaluate middle school social science teacher, Ryan Modin.

There were no comments from the president. Denise Elffner moved and John Wright seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda consisted of the following items: 1. Approval of the Minutes of the March 13, 2006 Regular Board Meeting, March 27, 2006 Regular Board Meeting, and April 4, 2006 Special Board Meeting; 2. Approval of the Check Register, Preliminary Check Register, Addendum to the Preliminary Check Register, and Outstanding Purchase Order Detail Report; 3. Accept the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of February, 2006; and 4. Accept Contributions. The motion passed 7-0. Matt Sprick moved and Becky Shamburg seconded the motion to approve the 2006-2007 KASB Membership Dues and the 2006-2007 KASB Legal Assistance Fund Dues. The motion passed 6-1, with John Wright casting the nay vote. An Employee Appreciation Reception for all district employees will be held on Thursday, May 4, 3:30-6:00

pm, at the Fisher Community Center. Board members will help replenish the food and greet employees throughout the afternoon. John Wright gave the Special Education report. Becky Shamburg moved and John Wright seconded the motion to recess to executive session for 15 minutes to discuss student personnel. The executive session was necessary to protect the privacy interests of the individual(s) to be discussed. The motion passed 7-0, and the board recessed to executive session at 7:31 pm. John Severin, Steve Splichal, and Kevin, Ann, and Tyler Lehmkuhl were invited into the executive session. The board returned to regular session at 7:46 pm. David Thompson moved and Matt Sprick seconded the motion to recess to executive session for 30 minutes to discuss student personnel, non-elected personnel, and negotiations. The executive session was necessary to protect the privacy interests of the individual(s) to be discussed and to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract. The motion passed 7-0, and the board recessed to executive session at 7:47 pm. John Severin and Steve Splichal were invited into the executive session. Lesli Grimm joined the executive session at 8:07 pm. At 8:17 pm and 8:32 pm, David Thompson moved and Matt Sprick seconded motions to extend the executive session 15 minutes and 15 minutes respectively. The motions passed 7-0. The board returned to regular session at 8:47 pm. John Wright moved and Pete Rosá seconded the motion to accept with regret the resignation of George Wilhelm as a 4th grade teacher (effective at the end of the current school year). The motion passed 7-0. Becky Shamburg moved and Denise Elffner seconded the motion to give the superintendent permission to hire a high school English teacher, a high school social science teacher, and a 4th grade teacher. The motion passed 7-0. Other items discussed included the positive impact Dee White Eye has had on the district’s students; having the last day of the current school year be May 23rd to enable the morning of the 24th to be used for inservice activities; and the KASB Spring Regional Meeting on April 26. Matt Sprick moved and Denise Elffner seconded the motion to accept the resignation of Leonard Trundle, effective June 30, 2006. The motion passed 7-0. Becky Shamburg moved and Denise Elffner seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed 7-0, and President Steve Lock declared the meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm.