Five things you should know about the STATE’S new accreditation system.

It’s a very exciting time for us here at USD 377 as we make the transition into a new accreditation system. That new system is called KESA—Kansas Education Systems Accreditation. I wrote brief-ly about it back in November, and now I want to delve a little deeper into the process and what it means to our school.

#1. Accreditation is based on a district’s ability to implement systems and process-es. By design, the new model assesses how well schools implement the state’s new systems ap-proach. In other words, gaining full accreditation status depends solely upon our ability to imple-ment research-based systems and processes with fidelity. This new system requires districts to “engage in a transparent, data-based process of system-wide needs assessment, goal setting, im-plementation, and reflection.” (KESA Guidance manual)

#2. The Five Rs are considered the cornerstones of success. Incorporated into the new system is an educational framework called “The Five Rs” - Relationships, Relevance, Responsive Culture, Rigor, and Results. Over the next five-year accreditation cycle, the District will build goals and action plans around all five of the Rs. District staff, Leadership Teams, and Site Coun-cils will identify two of those Rs for accreditation evaluation.

#3. Outside Validation Team (OVT) provide coaching and mentoring to the district throughout the five-year cycle. Another important part of the KESA model is the outside Validation Team (OVT). An outside validation team consists of “experienced education profes-sionals” who will work with the district throughout the five-year cycle to ensure proper imple-mentation of the KESA systems and processes. During Year 5, the OVT will conduct an official accreditation visit to determine the district’s accreditation status. I think it’s important to reiter-ate that accreditation will be based on the district’s ability to implement the systems and process-es with fidelity.

#4. This is ZERO YEAR. Zero Year is the year of transition from the old system to the new. With assistance from the state, we are in the process of organizing stakeholder teams, studying the new model and processes, becoming familiar with Rubrics and IRA Calibration (I will discuss this in more detail in the February newsletter), attending quarterly training seminars, reviewing State Board Definitions and Outcomes, evaluating foundational structures, and verifying compli-ance regulations.

#5. State Board of Education Outcomes. The Kansas State Board of Education has estab-lished the following outcomes for all Kansas school districts that fall under their authority for accreditation (286 public education systems and 136 private schools). The outcomes are:

* Kindergarten readiness * Graduation rates * Post-secondary attendance/completion * Individual Plans of Study (IPS) * Social/emotional factors measured locally

Look for more on KESA in February!

“ W h e r e S u c c e s s i s M e a s u r e d O n e

S t u d e n t a t a T i m e ” Unified School District #377 Atchison County

Community Schools E f f i n g h a m , K S J a n u a r y 2 0 1 7

B O A R D O F

E D U C A T I O N

O F F I C E

(913) 833-5050

Steve Wiseman, Supt.

JSH School

Principal: Deanna Scherer

(913) 833-2240

Elementary School

Principal: Mandi McMillan

(913) 833-4420

Board of Education Members

Jeff Martin

President

(913) 255-2024

Tana Hoffman

Vice President

(913) 833-4125

Barbara Chapman

(913) 360-9335

Patrick Kearney

(913) 367-3161

Nancy Keith

(913) 833-5075

Steve Meeks

(913) 874-2945

Stephanie Moore

(989) 903-5322

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29

30

31

HSBB @ RV 4:30pm HS Scholar’s Bowl @

P-Ridge 4pm

JHBBB @ RV 4:30pm

HSBB @ Riverside

4:30pm

HSWR @ Central

Heights 5pm

Elem Site Council

6:30pm

HSWR (H) A-High

5:30pm

King/Queen of Mats

HSBBB @ Oska. 6pm

HSJV BB @ JW

9am

MLK Day

Inservice/No Classes

JHBBB (H) JW 4:30pm

K-State Concert Band

Clinic

HS WR @ Paola 1pm

JVWR @ Holton

3:30pm

HSBBB @ Oska. 6pm

JHBBB (H) Perry

4:30pm

HSBB (H) Perry

4:30pm

Honor 07 State

GBB Team

Traveling Tigers

Meal

HS Scholar’s Bowl @

Holton 4pm

JHBBB @ Riverside

4:30pm

BOE Mtg. 6:30pm

HSWR @ Rossville

9am

K-State Concert

Band Clinic

HSBBB @ Oska.

Winter Sports

Picture Day 2

HS Scholar’s Bowl @

Holton 4pm

JHBBB (H) Hiaw.

4:30pm

HSGBB @ JCN 6pm Elem. Spring Photos

Individual/Groups

JV Scholar’s Bowl @

Oska. 4:15pm

JHBBB @ Holton

4:30pm

HSWR @ Holton

5:30pm

JR College Visit to

Washburn

HSGBB @ JCN

6pm

HS Forensics @

Sabetha 8am

JVWR @ P-Ridge

9am

HSWR @ Junction

City 9:30am

HSGBB @ JCN 6pm

JHBBB @ Sabetha

4:30pm

HSBB @ NC 4:30pm

No Classes Classes Resume

AfterProm Mtg. @

JSH Library 6pm

HS Scholar’s Bowl @

Cair Paravel 4pm

JHBBB (H) Sabetha

4:30pm

SHWR @ D-West 5pm

HSBB @ Hiaw. 4:30pm

No Classes

January 2017 Page 3

BOE News and Highlights

The USD 377 Board of Education met in regular

session on Monday, December 12th, at 6:30 at the

Board of Education Office.

Presentations:

*Wanda Small presented information on the pro-

gress of the K-3 Project Based Learning Program.

Approved Consent Agenda Items:

*Minutes from November 14, 2016.

*Activity Reports, Bills & Claims.

*Treasurer’s Report.

*Gifts and Grants.

*Keystone Correspondence.

*Independent Audit Reports.

*Non-Resident Student-Kolton Coy, ACCHS Senior

who moved out of district.

Action Items:

*Resignations/Separations—Rescind Luke Lott HS

Assistant Track Coach Contract; Stacie Appel—HS

Cheer sponsor resignation.

*Nurse Contract: Carla Forbes Interim Nurse to be

compensated at $28/hour.

*Supplemental Contracts offered: Assistant JH

Boys Basketball-Paul Courter. Assistant HS Base-

ball Coach-Paul Courter. Assistant HS Boys Bas-

ketball-Corey Thomas. Junior Class Sponsor-Julie

Dillon (replacing Cheri Hawk). PDC Chair-Angie

Kimmi. Part-time HS Cheer Sponsor-Stacie Appel

to be compensated at $15 per hour for a maxi-

mum of 40 hours to finish out the winter season.

HS Head Football Coach– Ryan Kelly.

*Aide/Para Salaries: Alyssa Richardson-preschool

aide, compensation set at $9.50/hour.

*Custodial Pay Recommendations: Mandy Law-

rence-part-time custodian, no benefits. Compen-

sation-$8.50 per hour. Ron McClanahan-full-time

custodian with benefits. Compensation set at

$9.00 per hour. Peter Pickman-part-time custodi-

an. Compensation set at $9.00 per hour.

Student Trips Approved:

*Feb. 9th-Science Club to Washburn Univ.

*Feb 18th-Holton Honor Band/Select G6, 7 & 8.

*March 4-Science Club to Hutchinson to tour

Cosmosphere.

*TBD JCCC Job Olympics.

*April 1-Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival.

*April 13th-State Large Group Festival.

*April 22nd-JH Large Group/Solo/Ensemble Festi-

val.

*April 29th-State Solo & Ensemble Festival.

*May 5th-G1 Students to Remington nature

Center.

The next board of education meeting will be held

on January 9th in the Board Office at 6:30pm.

SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION

Up to date postings will be made on the front

page of the USD 377 website. Please be sure to

refresh your screen in order to get the latest

postings.

Radio Stations

KAIR Radio—93.7 FM, 1470 AM

KNZA Radio—103.9 FM

WIBW Radio—580 AM, 94 Country

KMBZ 980-KXTR 1660-WDAF 106.5

KY 99.7-KUDL 98.1-Rock 98.9-610 Sports

TV Stations

KTKA-TV Topeka, Channel 49

WIBW-TV Topeka, Channel 13

KCTV Kansas City, Channel 5

KSNT-TV Topeka, Channel 27

To get signed up for the email directory that will

keep you informed of the latest news and up-

dates call (913) 833-5050 or send an email to

wiseman.stephen@usd377.org.

PAT News

When you join P.A.T. we will schedule a visit with

you at a convenient time and place for you. It lasts

about one hour and includes all the family mem-

bers who would like to participate. We will bring

you information about your child and we will en-

courage and support you on your parenting jour-

ney.

If you are pregnant or have a child under 3, call

Lisa Smith at (913) 370-3680 for more information

about this free program.

January 2017 Page 4

JSH NEWS

By Deanna Scherer

to READ, and to READ with confidence. I don’t know

of a parent who wouldn’t wish that for their sons or

daughters, but we become uncomfortable thinking up

reasons for why reading might not be important--So

many things get in the way of reading…..social media,

social devices, the internet, television, shopping,

working—when do we ever have time to read and ex-

ercise those dendrites in our brains?

‘Twas the night before the first day on the job…

Students must be ready to READ, to THINK, to an-

swer questions, to make decisions, to work with others

and collaborate, to plan, and to produce. As we settle

into these upcoming months, it is a good time to really

think about what we need and want for our students.

They truly need the support and help from parents,

family, and community to challenge them to become

the best they can be.

Have a bright and cheerful holiday season. Get ready

for January and the rest of the winter months that lie

ahead.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The Atchison County Community Schools, USD #377, Eff-

ingham, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race,

color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs

or activities. Anyone having questions regarding compli-

ance with Title VI, Title IX, Americans With Disability Act or

Section 504 may contact: Steve Wiseman, Superintendent

of Schools, 306 Main Street, P.O. Box 289, Effingham, KS

66023-0289 (Title VI, Title IX, ADA, and Section 504 Coor-

'Twas the

night before

Christmas

Break, when

all through the

School,

The teachers had been stirring, and the students, too;

The final exams were prepared with care,

Making sure the standards and outcomes were all

there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

With visions of formulas and equations dancing in

their heads;

And reminders abounded to “put on your thinking

cap.”

It wouldn’t be long when we all could settle our

brains for a short winter's nap…

Now that isn’t exactly how that old poem written in

1822 by Clement Clark Moore is supposed to go, but

throughout the hallways of ACCJSH these past few

weeks, these words seemed more fitting as we pre-

pared to end our first semester. The semester break

gives all students and teachers the opportunity to rest

and to reflect on the few months that have just passed

by, filled with assignments, projects, tests, and

presentations. The break also gives teachers and stu-

dents the chance to make plans for the next semester

that will so seemingly disappear, too.

I listened to a brilliant webinar today outlining a phi-

losophy about the teaching of reading and did it ever

make me think about the world of students and future

adults we are creating. Moms & Dads, Teachers eve-

rywhere…….We want and need our students to be able

SNAPSHOTS OF ATCHISON COUNTY

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

January 2017 Page 5

HS STUCO and

Kays serve Hot

Cocoa and

Candy Canes on

the second day

of Finals!

January 2017 Page 6

Please go to

usd377.org

for monthly

Breakfast and

Lunch Menus!

Happenings in Third Grade

After studying about fairy tales and reading The

Three Little Pigs, our third graders put on a mock

trial—B.B. Wolf vs. Curly Pig. Curly Pig was

charged with premeditated harm to B.B. Wolf. In

the process of the trial they learned about how

our judicial system works. They studied vocabu-

lary related to a courtroom & theater, and began

to explore different points of view. After evaluat-

ing the evidence in the trial, the students on the

jury rendered their verdict. Curly Pig was acquit-

ted of all charges and is now free! As a follow-up

to this activity, we continued reading fractured

fairy tales and compared and contrasted the dif-

ferent versions of well-known stories.

During math time, the students have been learn-

ing about multiplication and division. They have

had many opportunities to explore these con-

cepts and have used fun materials such as M &

M’s and Jelly Beans to keep interest high! The

third graders are showing a deep understanding

of these concepts and we expect great perfor-

mance from our mathematicians moving forward!

Anti-Bullying Week

November 14th-18th ACCES

celebrated Anti-Bullying

week. Our theme this year

was “Together with our

hearts, brains, and courage

we can stand against WICKED bullying.” Students

took a journey in our halls to OZ with beloved

characters from Frank L. Buam’s famous novel

“The Wizard of Oz” such as Dorothy, The Good

Witch of the North, The Tinman, Scarecrow, Cow-

ardly Lion, and last but not least Toto. Students

took a walk on the yellow brick road of character

and reviewed some of our character traits we

have learned thus far such as integrity, good

judgment, self-discipline and citizenship.

Throughout the week students received tokens of

kindness from our elementary student council.

On Wednesday, students received a Tinman heart

bracelet to encourage everyone to spread love and

kindness to all. Students received a sticker on

Thursday with a memorable Wizard of Oz charac-

ter. Finally on Friday students received a hand-

made tissue paper poppy to remind them that

kindness can be planted and grow anywhere. Also

on Friday, students were encouraged to dress as

their favorite Oz character. We had many Doro-

thy’s, Tinmans, Scarecrows, Lions, Toto’s and

even a flying monkey! It was a great week to pro-

mote kindness and stand against bullying here at

ACCES.

Scooter City Fun!!!

January 2017 Page 7

Scenes from the 2016 Senior

Citizens Holiday Dinner

No

n-P

rofit

Org

.

US P

ost

ag

e P

aid

Eff

ing

ha

m,

KS

660

23

Pe

rmit N

o. 6

Un

ifie

d S

ch

oo

l D

istr

ict

377

306

Ma

in S

tre

et,

PO

Bo

x 2

89

Eff

ing

ha

m, K

S 6

602

3

The next Board

of Education

Meeting is

scheduled for

January 9th @

6:30 pm.

USD #377 is currently looking

for individuals to fill substitute

positions for Teacher, Food Ser-

vice, Teacher Aide, Custodial

and Bus Driver. If you would

like more information or would

like to apply for a substitute position, contact

USD #377 Board of Education Office at (913) 833-

5050 or drop by at 306 Main St., Effingham, KS.

USD #377 does not discriminate on the basis or

race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

ATTENTION 2007 ACCHS GIRLS HS BASKETBALL

PLAYERS AND FAMILIES

Ten years have come and gone since you achieved great things in lady tiger bas-

ketball history. The Atchison County Community High School and Athletic De-

partment would like to recognize the 2007 3-A sub-state champions and 3rd

place state team on Friday, January 6, 2017, at our home game vs. Perry-

Lecompton. We will begin the evening at 5:30pm with an informal gathering to

rehash the glory days in the old home economics room with some snacks and

refreshments. At 6:00pm we will move court side to cheer on the current ACCHS

lady tiger squad. Then between the two varsity games we will introduce and hon-

or you at the game.

We hope you will be able to attend this event and share in the evenings event in

your honor. Please extend this invitation to any family members or supporters

from that season. Please contact Cy Wallisch at ACCHS (913) 833-2240 or email

me at wallisch.cy@usd377.org to tell me how you wish to be introduced as I know

several have gotten married. Also let me know if your spouses and parents will be

in attendance as we want to honor and thank them as well. Hope to see you on

January 6th! Go Tigers!