USD 439 is happy to introduce our students, parents, and community to Jordan Leiker.  Mr. Leiker has accepted the JH/HS principal position for the 2021-2022 school year.  Mr. Leiker is a graduate from Ft. Hays University and is coming to us from the Manhattan-Ogden.  We are excited for Mr. Leiker and his family to become part of our community and the Cardinal Team.

The selection process began in January with a team of nine teachers representing each academic area and extracurricular activities.  The director of technology and Superintendent Roth were also members of the committee.  The district received over 20 applications and six candidates were selected for in-person interviews.  On February 24th, the Board of Education approved Mr. Leiker as the 7-12 principal for the 2021-2022 school year.

My name is Jordan Leiker, and it is a privilege to be joining the Sedgwick School District as the Junior/Senior High School Principal. I have been an educator for 12 years and I have taught a variety of science classes at both the junior high and high school levels. I have coached or sponsored a variety of sports and other extracurricular activities at both levels as well. I completed my Bachelor’s degrees at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. After several years in the classroom, I returned to Fort Hays State University to complete my Master’s degree in Educational Administration. I love working in the education field, and I am passionate about helping others succeed and reach their goals.

My wife, Maria, and I are life-long Kansans. She is a teacher herself, and we both come from a family of educators, so school has always felt like a second home. This has impacted my view of education and the immense importance it plays on the well-being and future success of a child and student. I also believe that having a strong and supportive community like Sedgwick plays a very important role on the success and well-being of a school system and its students.

When I am not in school or at school events, I enjoy spending time with my wife and sons, Callen (5) and Kolbe (18 months). I also enjoy golfing and outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, and hunting. Doing these activities with my family brings great joy to my life.

We are excited to become members of this great community and be involved in community activities. The people and the schools here are outstanding, and we feel very fortunate for this opportunity. Go Cardinals!

Parents and Patrons,

As academic services and responsibilities of today’s public schools continue to expand, the space needed for our students’ education is ever changing.  Two examples here at Sedgwick Public Schools include the addition of a preschool program and moving the JH/HS library to the conference room to allow secondary students their own lunch room and common learning area.  In addition to the space needed for our students to learn, the needs of our community continue to grow for events, physical fitness, and activities.

It has been nearly twenty-five years since the district’s last bond project.  It has been nearly 15 years since the district’s last major addition which included the 5^th and 6^th grade classrooms.  Two summers ago, the science labs were renovated.  Currently, plans are being developed to install a new HVAC system in the elementary classrooms this summer, replacing the window units.  Even with the improvements over the past twenty-five years, much of the elementary and secondary building interiors remain the same since construction in 1957 and 1969.

To continue to offer our students a great and secure educational experience, the USD 439 School Board, Faculty, and Steering Committee have spent significant time over the past two years discussing facility needs of the district, learning environments, and community needs for both today and tomorrow.  Several projects have been identified including:

• Connecting the buildings
• Remodeling existing space
• Centralized Library and Learning Space
• Centralized building level offices and teacher workroom
• Auxiliary Gymnasium, Weight Room, and tornado shelter
• Exploration of New Track and Football Field possibilities

As discussions continue, plans, ideas, and possibilities will be presented to the community on the Project Connect web page.  At this time, the steering committee is asking for your help.  If you would like to assist in the next and very important steps in this planning process, please go to the following link to find more information:  Project Connect

Thank you for your help with these very important next steps in planning for the education of our students of today and tomorrow.

Larry Roth

Superintendent of Schools

439 Informer February 2021

Dear Cardinal Fans:

(Edit: Our Sedgwick HS Girl's team, cheerleaders, and band members will be provided wristbands to allow four guests for the game scheduled Friday, January 29th. Go Cardinals!!!)

On January 20, KSHSAA approved new restriction rules regarding attendance of non-participants at KSHSAA sanctioned winter events. Starting on February 8, which is our first home basketball game under the new rules, Sedgwick High School will be observing the guidelines listed below.

1. Each participant will be given 4 tickets to distribute to individuals they would like to invite.  Only individuals with a ticket will be allowed in as a spectator. (Note: Considering the KSHSAA spacing requirements of six feet, guests that are family members are encouraged.)  
2. Guests will follow social distancing requirements and wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth at all times.
3. Children 6th Grade and under will not be allowed to attend without a parent/guardian and will need a ticket for admission. Children in attendance must be with their parent/guardian throughout the night.
4. At the conclusion of the games, spectators are asked to exit the building in a timely manner and not congregate in the gym or hallways.

These guidelines are new to each district and changes may need to be made due to the number of guests and ability to follow safety protocols.  Attendance parameters will be different in other districts.  Therefore, we would also remind our fans that when we are visiting other schools, we will be required to follow their policies and guidelines regarding attendance at their site.  

Thank you and we look forward to seeing more Cardinal fans in the coming weeks!

Cardinal Family,

I am happy to announce the USD 439 Board of Education unanimously voted to move the Junior and Senior High back to Level Green starting February 1.  The numbers in the secondary classrooms have been good for the past week and county numbers have been dropping steadily since winter break.  

However, it is imperative for students, parents, and patrons to understand that unless we continue to follow all safety precautions, the numbers can move the district to a more restrictive level again.  Safety guidelines include:  1) Wearing a face-mask covering the nose and mouth at all times when on campus, 2) socially distancing at least six feet, and 3) frequently washing and sanitizing hands. 

It is imperative that you have a conversation with your student(s) each morning asking if they feel well or have any symptoms that are on the COVID-19 list.  Anyone not feeling well must stay home until contacting your physician or a negative COVID test is provided.  

COVID Symptoms: 

• Fever or chills.
• Cough
• Nasal congestion or runny nose.
• New loss of taste or smell.
• Sore throat.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomachache
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Poor appetite or poor feeding, especially in babies under 1-year-old

Tuesday, January 26, several of our faculty were able to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.  More vaccines will be coming to Harvey county.  Additional district staff will have the opportunity to be vaccinated at that time.

IMPORTANT:  Remote learning will continue to be available for students whose families believe maintaining learning off campus is in their student’s best interest.  We ask that you contact the school office by Friday January 29^th to let them know your student(s) will continue learning remotely.

Sedgwick Junior and Senior High classes will be fully on campus Monday, February 1 following their regular class schedule.  We are so excited to have the opportunity.  We wish to thank all of our parents and patrons for your past and future patience and understanding during this pandemic.  We would especially like to thank our students for their amazing efforts during this highly unusual school year.  

Stay Safe Cardinals!

Larry Roth

Superintendent of schools

SEDGWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS  USD 439

BOARD OF EDUCATION

 SPECIAL MEETING

 DATE/TIME:   TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021; 7:00 P.M.

LOCATION:  DUE TO COVID-19, THE MEETING WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM.   TO VIEW THE MEETING, PLEASE GO TO http://bit.ly/SedgwickYouTube

* * * * *  A G E N D A  * * * * *

I.   Call to Order

II.  Determine the Appropriate Learning Option Level          According to the USD 439 Approved Safety and Operations Plan

III.  Adjournment

USD 439 is seeking bids for Athletic Trainer services.  Interested parties can fin the bid specifications here:  Athletic Trainer

SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

January is School Board Recognition Month.  The administration, teachers, and faculty wish to extend our gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the USD 439 Board of Education.  We would also like to thank our school board for the countless hours of meetings, considerations, and worry in order to keep this school year moving forward.  You are building brighter futures every day.

USD 439 Informer - December 2020

The state of Kansas has partnered with GoGetTested.com to bring fast, easy, accurate COVID-19 testing to all Kansans.

November 16, 2020

Dear USD 439 families:

We continue to see COVID-19 cases within our school district and community. The below statement was released from Harvey County Health Department on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Harvey County Health Department resources are at capacity due to the number of COVID-19 cases throughout our area. You are requested to do the following:

• If you have received notification that you tested positive for COVID-19, please isolate for ten (10) days from symptom onset or, if asymptomatic, your test date. A person who tested positive for COVID-19 will need to be in isolation for at least ten (10) days.
• If you are a household contact (close contact) to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, your quarantine will continue for fourteen (14) days once the positive person is released from isolation.
• If you have been notified that you are a direct contact (close contact) of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you will need to quarantine for fourteen (14) days from your last exposure to the positive contact. Please consult with your local health care provider for evaluation and to determine if testing is recommended.

A close contact is defined as the following:

• Lives with the infected person or stayed overnight for at least one night in a house with the infected person.
• Had direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (example: being coughed or sneezed on, kissed, contact with a dirty tissue, shared a drinking glass, food, towels, or other personal items).
• A person that has participated in practicing or playing contact sports with a positive COVID-19 case. Contact sports involve more than occasional and fleeting contact and include such sports as football, basketball, rugby, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing, and martial arts. Other sports may be included if social distancing, mask use, and other mitigation measures are not followed.
• A person within six (6) feet of an infected person for ten (10) consecutive minutes.
• If the infected person is coughing, sneezing, singing, shouting, or doing anything else that expels respiratory droplets that carry the virus into the air, or if there is close contact with more than one infected person, a person within ten (10) cumulative minutes in a 24-hour period may be considered a close contact.
• A contact in an aircraft sitting within two seats (in any direction) of a person with COVID-19, travel companions or person providing care, and crew members serving in the section of the aircraft where the index case was seated (if severity of symptoms or movement of the case indicate more extensive exposure, passengers seated in the entire section or all passengers on the aircraft may be considered close contacts).

For general COVID-19 questions, call 211.

The health department is not a site for COVID-19 testing. If you need other services at the Harvey County Health Department, call 316-283-1637.

Remember to stay home when you are sick, wash your hands, wear masks, and practice social distancing. The steps we take as a community are for our community. The only ones to benefit are your loved ones, your schools, and your community.

I hope this information is helpful to each of your families during this very difficult time. Also, please continue to communicate all student illnesses to the appropriate building secretary and/or school nurse as we continue to track this during all learning environments (in-person, hybrid, remote).

Sincerely,

Kathryn Mosiman, RN

School Nurse

USD 439 - Sedgwick Public Schools

KMosiman@USD439.com

Phone: (316) 772-5604 Ext. 1804

Fax: (316) 772-5294

EXTRA, EXTRA!  It's here!  Please take a look at the Novemer 2020 school newsletter:  439 INFORMER

SHS Newsletter - October 2020

https://www.usd439.com/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=6917&dataid=12320&FileName=October%202020.pdf

Press Release 9-15-2020

Q, My student has money in their lunch account, will I be reimbursed?   

A. No, the balance will remain in your family’s meal account for future use.  As stated, the program will end at the conclusion of the fall semester OR when funds are expired. 

Because the district enures a fee when a credit card is used to pay for lunches, the fee may be deducted from the reimbursement to parents if a credit card was used to make the payment.

Q. My family qualified for free or reduced meals last school year and I have not yet completed a new application for this year, do I still need to complete an application?

A. Families are asked to complete a new application (available on usd439.com under Food Service) as soon as possible for this school year.  When you have a completed, approved meal application on file, the transition from this free program back to the regular meal program will be much easier.

Q, Will JH/HS students still be able to purchase ala-carte items? 

A.  Yes, JH students may be able to purchase an extra milk and HS students may purchase ala-carte items at the regular price?

Additional questions can be sent to foodservice@usd439.com 

We want to thank all of our families here at USD 439 - Sedgwick Public Schools for your participation in our food service program. We hope this new program offers you peace of mind during this unprecedented time. will have questions and we’re here to help answer those at any time.  

School Board Meetings:  All districts across the state are working to find solutions to hold public board meetings through the restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  

At this time, the location of USD 439 board meetings will continue to be held in the Sedgwick High School Commons Area, 400 W 4th, Sedgwick, Kansas.  Patrons may attend meetings on-site.  Facemasks and social distancing is required.  Board meetings will continue to be broadcast live on the district's Facebook page "Sedgwick Public Schools"  https://www.facebook.com/usd439  Options for Public Comment during regular board meetings my be emailed to: patronscomments@usd439.com 

Note: Because restrictions due to COVID-19 are quickly changing, board meeting procedures may also change.  Please continue to check the district's web page and Facebook page for updates or changes.