Miss Schmelzle's 5th grade students enjoyed learning about chemical reactions while making lava lamps. They also used teamwork and problem solving skills while trying to make the tallest pumpkin tower using toothpicks and candy pumpkins!🎃🧪
¡Feliz dia de los Muertos!
Vote November 5th! Watch the bond overview video for bond-related information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oW-Bm_iVAKSMBAhiW-y_auxdmkntE9Fq/view?usp=drive_link.
Bond Question of the Day - Classroom Additions -
Question: Why are you building two new classrooms? Isn’t there already space where these classes are meeting now in the Tech Building?
Answer: While it is true that we currently have physical space for the Ag and Tech classes, that space has several limitations that limit the instruction that can take place there. It was determined that building a new space was a cost-effective way to address these issues. At the same time, an addition to the main high school building will increase campus by eliminating the need to have doors on two buildings open during each passing period. The new Ag Classroom will provide space, climate control, and plumbing necessary for students to grow plants and engage in other ag science experiments in the classroom. The increased size of the technology classroom will allow for the addition of new technologies and equipment that the existing space can’t accommodate. Additionally, the existing technology classroom doubles as a large server closet. The new space will eliminate the heat and noise contamination to the learning environment that this equipment causes, as well as better control of access to the server equipment.
Bond Question of the Day - CMAR and Architect -
Question: Is it true the district already has hired an architect and construction manager at-risk for this bond project? Isn’t that a premature? What if the bond doesn’t pass?
Answer: Yes, the district has hired JGR Architects and DCS Services. Both of these firms provide the services necessary to have the accurate cost estimates needed to place the bond on the ballot. The district must ensure the bond amount will cover the projects that have been promised to the public without overestimating the amount needed by more than a small contingency for unforeseen construction issues. Both JGR and DCS have provided these pre-bond services free of charge. The district owes them nothing unless the bond passes and their work progresses to the design and construction phases. After bond passage, the architect will turn the preliminary designs and sketches into construction blueprints, and DCS Servies will bid out and supervise the construction work to ensure the district gets the best quality at the lowest possible price.
A secure entrance is essential for schools as it serves as the first line of defense in protecting students, staff, and visitors. It helps control and monitor access to the building, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. This setup deters potential threats, limits unauthorized access, and enhances the overall safety of the school environment. Secure entrances also provide peace of mind for parents, staff, and students, fostering a safer, more focused learning atmosphere by reducing risks and disruptions.
The November Board of Education meeting has been moved to November 4 @ 7:00 pm due to Veteran's Day on the regular meeting date.
Watch this short video on the district's great stewardship of taxpayers' money to ensure quality education and the lasting legacy of JCN. Go Chargers!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uAZGFwFlNV3i7pgUGndYRm-s0tWJ8suy/view?usp=drive_link
Bond Question of the Day - Future Bonds -
Question: Are there plans for more bonds to come after this one?
This is a thirty-year bond, and we do not plan to bring another bond before the voters until this new bond is paid off. Even after this bond is paid off, there are no plans for another bond. The district paid the last bond off 4 years early, saving taxpayers $186,000 in interest. We plan to pay this bond off early as well. Our board feels that setting the bond up for a longer term gives the district greater flexibility to adjust mill rates over the long-term to keep the mill rate more stable.
The bond projects focus on safety in having all students under one roof. The additions will allow an Ag classroom to be added to the high school to improve student learning opportunities. There would be no student transitions across the parking lot.
Bond Question of the Day - Mill Rate -
Question: How does USD 339’s mill rate compare to other districts in Kansas?
Answer: The total mill rate for all district funds is 47.755 mills. In 2023-24, the state average mill rate for school districts was 51.944 mills. USD 339 ranked 72nd lowest total school mill levy of the 286 school districts. If the bond passes, the additional 6.5 mills for bond and interest would move the district higher in the mill rate rankings. It is difficult to predict exactly where we would fall in the rankings due to other districts rates also increasing if they pass bonds; however, our ranking would likely be slightly above the mid-point of the 286 district mill rate rankings if our bond passes.
Come see us tonight at parent-teacher conferences in Nortonville for our new designs and apparel!
Reminder:
All parent teacher conferences for the EMS and the high school will be held at the EMS.
Conferences are from 4-7:30pm on Monday and 8am-3pm on Tuesday.
Thank you.
This is a friendly reminder for seniors and their parents that Benedictine College will be present at the parent-teacher conferences on October 28th from 6-7 PM, located at the Elementary School. They will be available to answer any questions regarding FAFSA. We strongly encourage all seniors and parents to attend, as Benedictine College will provide essential information to assist you in completing your FAFSA.
The bond election is just eight days away, although many have already submitted ballots through early voting. Here is the list of projects and funding devoted to each project area. Ensure you exercise your right to vote on November 5th.
Bond Question of the Day - Out-of-District Enrollment
Question: How many students from out-of-district attend the district, and do they pay taxes to support our schools?
Answer: USD 339 has 115 out-of-district students that attend K-12. This represents 25% of our student population. The taxes to operate the schools are collected statewide and then redistributed to schools based on a per-pupil formula. In this way, the district receives the same funding from out-of-district students as our in-district students to aid in the operation of our schools. The additional revenue from out-of-district students helps maintain staff and teacher salaries at higher levels and pays for the general costs of education services. However, out-of-district families pay property taxes in their home district, not ours. Likewise, families living in USD 339 and their students go to another school district pay their property taxes in our district. The bond and interest taxes levied stay in the local school district and are not redistributed through any enrollment formula.
The JCNHS scholars bowl team had a successful night at our home meet Thursday evening. JV placed 1st and Varsity finished in 3rd place! Congratulations to all that participated.
The team would also like to thank all of the people who helped out at the meet, we appreciate it!
Today the JCN Cross Country team traveled to Central Heights High School for their regional meet in order to try to qualify for state. The boys team finished 3rd overall, securing a chute on the starting line at Wamego next Saturday. Lucas Meredith placed 7th overall, followed by Max Kane, Scott Roloff, Lane Edmonds, Riley Burk, Caliber Beecham, and JD Cutshall. Everyone competed very well, with nearly everyone running a PR, making it possible for the boys to qualify. Thank you to all who made the journey out to watch our athletes compete today. STATE SHIRTS https://forms.gle/csskv4Nd8iVfTBja9
At the high school, we are having guest speakers come and talk with our students about their careers. We welcomed James Tweed and Brett Edwards this month!
Today at the EMS library we read The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky by Jory John. After the story kindergarteners and first graders played Halloween Bingo for some fabulous prizes.
