USD 475 schools earn prestigious civic engagement awards

During a recent government meeting, several significant recognitions were awarded to schools within the USD 475 district, highlighting their commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgment of the Kansas Purple Star School recognitions, awarded to schools that demonstrate substantial support for students and families connected to the U.S. military. Principals from Eisenhower, Sheridan, and Spring Valley schools were honored for their dedication to this initiative.

Further accolades were presented as the district received honors from the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KISA) program. This model emphasizes continuous improvement in schools and districts, focusing on key areas such as social and emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, individual plans of study, and civic engagement.

USD 475 maintained a bronze star in both social and emotional growth and kindergarten readiness, reflecting their ongoing efforts to foster early childhood education and support students' emotional well-being. Notably, the district improved its status from copper to bronze in individual plans of study, showcasing their commitment to empowering students to achieve their goals.

In the area of civic engagement, USD 475 advanced from bronze to silver status, recognizing their initiatives to involve students in civic learning and community service. The district celebrated the recognition of eight schools over the past two years for their civic engagement efforts, with four additional schools—Eisenhower Elementary, Seitz Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Westwood Elementary—recently earning the Civic Advocacy Network Award.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging educational environment, with a total of 12 schools now recognized at the state level for their civic engagement initiatives. The event concluded with a light-hearted moment as students were invited to enjoy cupcakes, celebrating their achievements and the district's commitment to educational excellence.