Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) – This is the new system that the state has put in place for school districts to receive accreditation.   We are now in our 3^rd year of this five-year process.  During this process, schools have to take a look at strengths and weaknesses.  They have to set goals for improvement on their weaker areas.   Schools then work through the process and make changes, as needed, to those goals.   The process is to promote continuous change based on weaknesses. 

In our third year, we feel like we have made many changes and have improved in various areas.  We will continue working through the process over the next few years.  At that time, we will have to go before the state for a review of what we have or have not done and the decision on accreditation will be made at that time.  If a district is accredited, then the five-year process starts over.

Keeping a routine – We all know that our world today is much busier than it was thirty years ago.   It seems like we are always racing to do this or that and there just are not enough hours in the day.  This can be difficult for many adults.  However, research shows that it is even harder on kids.   During the school year, kids need to have a routine.  Studies have shown that if a student gets the same amount of sleep each night, has a certain time set aside for homework, etc… the child is much more likely to succeed in school.  This can be very difficult, but the more we can keep kids on a set schedule, the better. 

First semester timing – Although we are just beginning the month of November, I have already heard students counting down the days remaining in the first semester.  The holidays are always a fun time for students and the break from school is very appealing.   However, keeping students focused can become a tough task this time of year.  It is important for students to continue working right up to the end of the semester.   

WINTER WEATHER:  Living in Kansas means that the weather can change quickly and without warning.   As always, if we do have severe weather, a parent has the final decision in keeping a student at home or sending them to school.   Snow can have an impact on certain roads while other roads remain clear.   Notification of school closing will always be communicated through our messenger system, as well as phoned in to the local television stations.