Hello Teachers and Staff:

This picture was taken today at Atchison High School. The middle pic does not encompass all of the students as the room is not large enough for me to get a picture of the nearly 40 students practicing in the music classroom. When I went into the classroom, the students were setting up every riser, checking to ensure they were balanced and secured, and then in the top picture, also in the classroom, are the awards the current group of students have garnered, and the bottom picture are from accolades prior to this group of students.

Our choir and band programs share this same small space, and although they politely have inquired in the past about the chance for improved facilities, they do not complain, whine, or make excuses. The level of commitment from each student and staff member as well as the trophies and plaques clearly demonstrate they are successful, year in and year out.

I share this with you because although not all of you have the same physical space limitations as mentioned above, many of you continue to persevere through difficult situations in each of the roles you have--certified and classified. Your continued dedication to doing what is best for all kids, no matter the circumstances, continues to inspire me. Because of the GREAT work you do every day, you are models in Building Successful Futures: Every student. Every Day.

#WeAre409

Tweets of the Week #WeAre409

Remember to use the #WeAre409 and tag @doc_nuge when you tweet!

Classroom Connection

This week I was able to get into all buildings and 16 classrooms for a yearly tally of 334 classroom visits! Let's just be honest, being an educator the week of Halloween is TOUGH! Add to that a spirit week and things are just a little more "out there" than usual. But there are some classrooms that no matter the occasion, students seem to remain calm and on point in their learning. Today I witnessed some really good examples of the importance to sticking to a routine, continuous reinforcement of clear expectations, and utilizing proximity as an effective management and check for understanding strategy. Thanks to 8th grade ELA for utilizing clarity to ask for specific questions to ensure students understood the assignments so they would immediately be on task. Thanks to 7th grade math for providing specific praise and immediate feedback to a student during whole group instruction, which then encourages others to participate in the discussion. Thanks to Central, who recognizes that students need frequent positive behavior supports in order to be motivated to complete edgenuity modules. Thanks to high school PE, for offering more than one activity to keep students engaged when staffing is short. Although Halloween is only once a year, I can think of many occasions that interrupt the ebb and flow of the school day, and having the ability to keep students on track and focused is another example of being committed to Building Successful Futures: Every student. Every Day.

#WeAre409

In Staff Spotlight

Please remember to submit your peer recognitions for a superintendent staff spotlight in each of my weekly shoutouts by noon each Friday.

From an AES Para Professional: I want to give a huge shout out to Rhonda Schneider and her amazing kitchen staff this week! The amount of team work and planning that goes into our daily meals is unbelievable! They went above and beyond this week with made from scratch decorated cookies!! The kids were so excited and enjoyed every bite! They also surprised them with spider rings which were a big hit also!

Two AMS Staff members sent in the following: One said, "Shout out to Kylee Kottman for switching gears for the good of our students! The motivation and willingness to buckle down and learn in her classroom is fun to be a part of!" Another shared, "Shoutout to Kylee Kottman who has made the transition this week from 7th grade Core Support teacher to 7th grade Math teacher seamlessly. She's a gem!"

From the Director of Special Education: Rusty Willis, Sara Bland, LaTisha Downing, & Becky Vieth for their dedication & contributions to a student's 504 plan. Laura Bradfield for never hesitating to pitch in & help when a student is in need or a staff member needs support at AMS, and for ensuring all private/parochial students receive the highest quality of special education services!

From an AHS Administrator: Shout out to All who help stay after the Football Games and assist with picking up Trash and finalizing the game. Also, shout out to Paul Ogle and Bob Niedinger for all the hard work with Video Production who filmed the BEST Competition and Mr. Ogle's Robotics Team who put in a lot of hard work to compete in the competition! Amazing job! Thank you, you are appreciated. And, shout out to Toni Anthony who helped educate our students and staff on the Cultural Celebration The Day of the Dead! Great information was made available to students and staff around the building. Thank you!

From a BOE Office Secretary: Kelsey Rumbley is doing an amazing job with cleaning the BOE office...she is going above and beyond and all BOE staff are complimenting her frequently for her work.

#WeAre409

A few final notes:

• I will be out of the office tomorrow and all of next week--Go Chiefs! If you need anything while I am gone, please reach out to Jeanette and she will get you in touch with the appropriate designee in my absence.
• If you haven't completed the retention survey, please try to take 10 minutes to do so.
• The board meeting minutes from today's special meeting regarding the bond committee's work should be available in the next day or two. I will provide more information on that in the upcoming weeks.

Above are only some of the wonderful examples of the GREAT education happening in USD 409. I believe in you, and I thank you for all you do!

Dr. Renee L. Nugent

#WeAre409