Purple Star Recognition
A Purple Star Certificate of Recognition was awarded to Fort Riley Elementary, Sheridan Elementary, the H.D. Karns Innovations Academy and Junction City High School on Monday by the USD475 Board of Education for demonstrating a major commitment to supporting students and their families connected to the United States military.
JROTC National Championship Honored
The Junction City High School USD 475 JROTC Raider Team was honored for claiming a National Championship at the 2023 U.S. Army Cadet Command Junior ROTC Raider Challenge National Competition. By winning another title, JCHS has now won three-straight National Championships.
USD 475 Receives Facilities Grant
The Board of Education recognized that the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation approved a USD 475 grant application that pays 80 percent of the cost of expanding Morris Hill Elementary on Fort Riley.
Academic Spotlight
Junction City High School, H.D. Karns, Sheridan Elementary and Fort Riley Elementary presented the results of their most recent Kansas State Assessments.
Junction City High School Highlights
• Staff will implement new curriculum materials, making adjustments during summer curriculum work.
• Staff is implementing KAGAN strategies and structures to help increase student engagement.
• JCHS principal GG Booth talked about the full implementation and success of SIT.
H.D. Karns Highlights
• H.D. Karns has started the MTSS process as well as an after-school tutoring program for all students.
• Principal Jeff Tanner noted that they are trying to keep class sizes at 15 or fewer students.
Sheridan Elementary Highlights
• Sheridan Elementary has begun Love and Logic implementation.
• Sheridan Elementary has started Building Buddies at the school to support new staff.
Fort Riley Elementary Highlights
• Fort Riley Elementary has begun implementing short cycle assessments during the 2023-24 school year.
• Principal Kenny Upham noted that Pod Level MTSS groups are in place for second and third grade students.
Board Approves Health Savings Account Benefit Plan
The Board of Education approved the Health Savings Account Benefit Plan for employees for the 2024-25 school year. Central National Bank has agreed to provide Health Savings Accounts for employees who are enrolled or choose to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan. They are also waiving the $5 participation fee for employees and dropping the minimum deposit.
Spring Valley Elementary Audio and Video System Approved
The board approved the purchase of an audio and video system for Spring Valley Elementary, who does not currently have equipment, from Kansas City Audio-Visual (KCAV) for approximately $29,767.63.
Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator