11.07.09

Stafford Schools Do Well on Kansas Assessments

Last spring the Kansas State Assessments were once again given to the students in grades 3 through 8 and 11th grades.  Students were assessed in reading, math, science and social studies.  Each year the state sets targets for schools in reading and math.  Schools that attain these goals are considered to have made adequate yearly progress.  Stafford has developed a rich tradition for making adequate yearly progress and as in years past, reached this goal again this year.  

In addition to reaching the goal of adequate yearly progress, schools and grade levels can receive recognition for outstanding performance on these tests.  The state calls these awards for outstanding performance, The Standard of Excellence.  This past spring, several or our classes were given this award and are provided in a list below.

Stafford Elementary 3rd grade reading
Stafford Elementary 4th grade reading
Stafford Elementary 5th grade reading
Stafford Elementary Building wide Standard of Excellence in Reading
Stafford High School 11th grade reading

Stafford Elementary 4th grade math
Stafford Elementary 5th grade math
Stafford Elementary Building wide Standard of Excellence in Math

Although, these classes were identified for the award it takes the work of students, parents, all of the education staff at Stafford Schools and the support of the community.  Without the hard work of everyone involved these students would not be successful.  

For a State Report card for Stafford Schools go to:

http://www3.ksde.org/cgi-bin/dist_info?org_no=D0349


What Can Stafford Schools Do for You?

 What sets Stafford Schools apart from the rest is that we offer a one on one laptop program. Each student is issued their own laptops for personal use and can be taken home during the school year. The laptop is used in each of the enrolled classes. Our laptop initiative makes other online study available to our students. We offer AP (Advanced Placement) courses, such as AP government,  in cooperation with Maize High School. We also offer AP Chemistry as an on site course. There are also options of taking on-line french and art classes.  In addition, we offer on-line college courses through Pratt Community College. 

Did You Know?

• All students in grades 6-12 have a laptop computer to use 24/7. This district is one of the first in the state to initiate this innovative program, having begun in 2000. Fourth and fifth grade students have a two on one ratio of laptop computers.

• USD #349 has graduated 3 National Merit Scholars in the past three years.

• In two consecutive years, USD #349 was named a "Highly Resource Effective" school in Kansas by Standard & Poor's.

• USD #349 has an active Educational Foundation endowing numerous scholarships for graduates and providing resources needed by staff and students.

• USD #349 is the recipient of a 21st Century Learning Grant. With those resources, the district has started an after-school program for students in grades K-8. It is entitled Shining Through Academics and Relationships at Stafford (STARS).

• USD #349 provides the Parents as Teachers program for families with children ages 0-3.

• USD #349 is the Stafford County home to Head Start and Early Head Start.

• USD #349 has a "Bridges to Learning" Preschool.

• USD #349 offers all day Kindergarten. The district was among the first in the state to do so, this being their 13th year of operation.

• Our high school offers a charter school for students interested in entrepreneurship. It is the Stafford Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Center. Students start their own business and become business owners through this program.

• The high school offers a "Health Science" curriculum for future health care professionals.

• USD #349 includes an Adult Learning Center. This is a high school dropout recovery program that serves the community.

• The elementary school is the site of nice playground equipment, due to the generosity of donations to the Educational Foundation.

• USD #349 was designated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a Kansas Healthy School. Many health initiatives are promoted to the students and community.

• USD #349 students, staff, and families have the capability of participating in Kansas University Tele-medicine education and health consultations - free of charge.

• USD #349 is proud of their state-of-the-art track and track equipment, much of it attained through generous donations.

• Stafford Schools are fortunate to have modern facilities. A few examples: New high school finished in 1999. At the same time additions were added to the elementary school, the cafeteria was completely remodeled, and Central School was "recycled" to house district offices and other classrooms.

• The district is committed to improving the culture and climate of the organization. Student community volunteerism is taught and encouraged. The middle school participates in "Reach for Success." Both the middle school and high school have accepted the well-known "Rachel's Challenge."

• USD #349 offers a low student-teacher ratio.

• Of the district's 32 teachers and administrators, 14 have advanced degrees.

•Nineteen Dual Credit College classes are offered through Pratt Community College.

• The local Board of Education takes leadership training seriously with their commitment to the Kansas Association of School Boards. A former board member was president of KASB. Currently, a board member serves as KASB President-Elect.

• Stafford High School has an expanded curriculum due to its commitment to technology. Students may take dual credit college classes online. They also have access to Advanced Placement classes. Spanish I-IV classes are offered onsite, and students desiring additional foreign language courses have them available online.

• The district's Building Trades Class has committed to building a house in the community. It is generating excitement among students and community members.


1/p81233037_393.jpg

Accomplishments

 Stafford Schools has had great success for both the district and it's students.  Some of these accomplishments include:

  • Meeting AYP (adequate yearly progress)
  • Standard of Excellence for 5th grade classes in both math and reading
  • In the 2006 school year, two of our students had the honor of becoming National Merit scholars
  • In the 2007 school year, there was one student that became a National Merit scholar
  • Stafford district 349 was named by the state a Healthy School of Healthy Kansas

    News Release From the Governor's Office


Mission Statement for Stafford Schools

The mission of Stafford Schools is to provide a comprehensive, quality education to all students, enabling them to become productive, responsible citizens.

(Adopted December 12, 1994)



Links to popular sites:

 

Goedu Parent Access

Goedu Student Access


Weather Bug from Stafford Elementary School

InfoCentre Library Access

Nutrition
 
Stafford Recreation Commission

City of Stafford
 
Stafford Mainstreet Organization

Phone Numbers for Public
Kansas Safety Hotline:
Anonymous Toll Free Number
877-626-8203

Latest H1N1 information: