Frequent changes to USD 329 COVID-19 protocols have made the rules difficult for some students and families to follow. “We get these differing constant changes, not that “science” doesn’t change or shouldn’t be challenged, but then that loses trust,” superintendent Brad Starnes said.
Editorial | Streamed board meetings benefit community
USD 329 started streaming board meetings along with other school events in spring of 2020, following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this practice began because of COVID-19, we are very thankful that it has continued and hope that it stays that way into the future.
USD 329 Board Meeting | Elementary principal resigns
At the USD 329 board of education meeting Monday night, the board accepted the resignation of Alma Elementary School and Maple Hill Elementary School principal Galen Craghead.
USD 329 hires Covid coordinator
USD 329 has a new face this year with the addition of Charmin Miller to the staff as Covid Coordinator. Her duties this year as Covid Coordinator are to educate the students and staff on covid safety guidelines and to oversee testing of those who have been exposed to the virus.
McFarland students to attend Maple Hill next year
The USD 329 board made changes that will affect next year’s elementary students at its meeting Monday night. The board voted to change the variance line between Alma and Maple Hill Elementary schools to send McFarland students to Maple Hill. The vote went 4-2 with Jim Vapita, Jerom Hess, Tony Conrad and Kelly Oliver voting to change the line whereas Justin Frank, and Callie Meinhart voted against it. At the start of next school year, McFarland students will be included in the Maple Hill Elementary classes. The board hopes this will help even out the class sizes between the two schools.
Some students eligible for COVID vaccine
With Kansas lessening the restrictions on who can get the COVID-19 vaccine many students may be wondering how they can get it. Currently Wabaunsee County is in Phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan which means any person over the age of 18 who wants the vaccine can get it. So far all the people who are 65 years old and older and wanted the vaccine have gotten it.
Opinion | Safety still important after a year of COVID
With the coronavirus having been in the United States for a year now, and life-changing safety precautions put in place not long after, many people are growing fatigued and are ready to see a normal life again. Because of this, many people have lost sight of what is important, which is doing your part to slow the spread of this virus.
With lots of misconceptions and dispute surrounding the rules and recommendations, I spoke with Wabaunsee County health director Ray Finley about the current safety procedures. Here is what I learned:
WHS 2020 | #1 Spring semester interrupted by COVID-19
To celebrate the end of a year that we are all happy to put behind us, the Charger staff compiled the ten biggest WHS stories of the 2020. 1. Spring semester interrupted by COVID-19
WHS 2020 | #3 WHS reopens after implementing safety procedures
To celebrate the end of a year that we are all happy to put behind us, the Charger staff compiled the ten biggest WHS stories of the 2020. From sports to elections to unexpected plagues — it was quite a year. 3. WHS reopens after implementing safety procedures
WHS 2020 | #5 Fall quarantines and remote learning
To celebrate the end of a year that we are all happy to put behind us, the Charger staff compiled the ten biggest WHS stories of the 2020. From sports to elections to unexpected plagues — it was quite a year. 5. Fall quarantines and remote learning
The Charger 