By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
Superintendent’s Three R Awards Honored
On Monday night, Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Geary County Schools USD 475 Superintendent of Schools, recognized exemplary students with the 3R Award. The award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of respect, responsibility and building positive relationships. Earning recognition on Monday were Nalecia Morrison (Fort Riley Elementary), Ilan Ortega (Grandview Elementary), Eliana Heard (Seitz Elementary), Ryne Tutlam (Morris Hill Elementary) and Payton Mantanona (Ware Elementary).
Purple Star Recognition
A Purple Star Commemorative Vase was awarded to Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary and Ware Elementary at
Monday night’s school board meeting for demonstrating a major commitment to supporting students and their families connected to the United States military.
JCHS Cross Country Recognition
On Monday night, Junction City High School head coach Tim Testa and the cross country program were honored for their historic season that not only saw freshman Linden Pickler claim the 2024 Class 6A Girls Cross Country Championship to become the first girl in school history to be crowned a state champion, but also had the boys’ team earn Class 6A State
Runner-Up honors to post the highest finish in 19 years. On the season, the Blue Jays also won a Centennial League Championship for a second-straight season and a regional title to go along with several individual championship accolades and several all-state selections.
USD 475 Communications Department Honored
The USD 475 communications department was recognized on Monday night for receiving four state awards from the Kansas School Public Relations Association, including two “Awards of Excellence” honors for its efforts in telling the stories and accomplishments of USD 475’s students and staff during the 2023-24 school year.
Academic Spotlight
Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary and Ware Elementary presented to the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education the results of their most recent Kansas State Assessments.
Morris Hill Elementary Highlights
• Morris Hill has began utilizing short-cycle assessments in writing throughout the day as well growing its Math MTSS.
Seitz Elementary Highlights
• Seitz has begun implementing LETRS training with 27 percent having completed all eight modules.
Ware Elementary Highlights
• Ware has begun focusing on Tier One reading and math professional development, while also continuing its student engagement and Bear Walks.
Board Approves Calendar Option No. 2
On Monday night, the USD 475 Board of Education approved the 2025-26 Academic Calendar Option No. 2 as recommended by the USD 475 Calendar Committee and Junction City Education Association. Calendar option No. 2 received 57.56% of the votes with 217 votes from bargaining unit members.
Board Approves Weapons Detection Systems
On Monday night, the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education approved the purchasing of Evolve’s weapons detection system and four years of maintenance for approximately $472,770 to be used at Junction City High School,
Junction City Middle School and Fort Riley Middle School. The $472,770.00 will come from IGSA proceeds.
Board Approves Early Graduates
On Monday night, the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education approved that Javier De Santiago Medina, Darian Pope and Syntrell Carter be allowed to graduate early once all of their high school credits have been earned.