By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Geary County Schools USD 475 has earned recognition from the Kansas State Department of Education for the 2024-25 school year in the following areas: Social-Emotional Growth, Kindergarten Readiness, Individual Plan of Study, Civic Engagement and Academically Prepared for Postsecondary.
“I’m so excited that we were able to be recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education as we were able to move up in several areas. These awards reflect the collective effort of everyone in our district towards school improvement while celebrating the achievements of our students and staff,” said Alicia Scofield, USD 475 Director of Teaching and Learning.
For the 2024-25 school year, USD 475 earned a Silver Star in Social-Emotional Growth, Individual Plan of Study and Civic Engagement with the addition of an individual school recognition. The district was also honored with a Bronze Star for its Kindergarten Readiness and a Copper Star in Academically Prepared for Postsecondary.
In addition, USD 475 had one school in Morris Hill Elementary earn the Civic Advocacy Network Award for its commitment to civic engagement for students. KSDE will be recognizing the Panthers during state webinars, while also sending a banner to display in the school.
In all, the district has had a total of 13 schools be recognized in the last three years in civic engagement at the state level, which includes Eisenhower Elementary, Junction City High School, Junction City Middle School, Fort Riley Middle School, Fort Riley Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Milford Elementary, Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary, Spring Valley Elementary, Ware Elementary, Washington Elementary and Westwood Elementary. All of these Stars will be included on the updated School Accountability Report which will be released in January.