Active Students: Community Engagement in Coffeyville, Kansas
The spirit of active students in Coffeyville, Kansas, shines through their commitment to the community. From participating in local events to supporting educational initiatives, students, faculty, and staff are making a tangible difference in the lives of those around them. This article explores various facets of this engagement, highlighting the dedication and impact of the Coffeyville community.
Embracing Community Spirit: The First Student Parade
The First Student team in Coffeyville, Kansas, demonstrated that their commitment to the community extends beyond the school year. Employees embraced the western theme, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm. One driver even crafted a cowboy hat for the front of the bus. Other decorations included a giant mustache and chaps for the side of the bus. Employees and their families walked the parade route, handing out Frisbees and candy. Safety Dog even made an appearance.
“The parade was a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our presence and deepen our engagement in the community,” shared Location Manager Lisa Cox. This event exemplified the team's dedication to fostering strong relationships within Coffeyville.
Supporting Education: The "Stuff the Bus" Event
Community involvement is a significant focus area for the First Student team in Coffeyville. To further support local students, the location held a “Stuff the Bus” event in August. The team collected more than $1,000 worth of supplies to donate to Coffeyville Public Schools. These items will benefit many of the students they transport, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. A coat drive is also planned for this fall, demonstrating a continuous commitment to addressing the needs of students in the community.
Coffeyville Community College: Educational Equity and Opportunity
Coffeyville Community College (CCC) is committed to a policy of educational equity. Accordingly, the College has an open admissions policy, grants financial aid and scholarships, and provides access to five (5) associate degrees, 15 career and technical programs, and five (5) certificate programs. All educational program activities and employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, ancestry, or disabilities. CCC is an Equal Opportunity Institution, ensuring that all members of the community have access to quality education and opportunities for advancement.
Read also: Benefits of Active Student Sunflower Initiatives
USD 445: A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
The Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for Coffeyville Public Schools expressed great pride in serving a district and community that hold a very special place in their heart. Being part of the NADO family means more than just working in Coffeyville-it means belonging to a community that believes in one another, celebrates diversity, and takes pride in the success of every child who walks through their doors. The district not only strives for excellence but also values innovation, connection, and opportunity for every learner.
With more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership, including extensive work in curriculum development and school improvement, the Assistant Superintendent brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University in 1996, followed by a Master of Science in Technology Education with an emphasis in Library Media in 2007, provide a solid foundation for leading the district forward. Prior to joining USD 445, they taught in Missouri, at Holy Name Catholic School, and in the Caney Valley School District.
Literacy First: Building Confident Readers, Writers, and Thinkers
Literacy First is the foundation of Coffeyville’s commitment to ensuring every student becomes a confident reader, writer, and thinker-the NADO way. Grounded in the Science of Reading, this comprehensive, research-based framework equips teachers to deliver explicit, systematic, and assessment-driven instruction that meets the needs of every learner. This initiative underscores the district's dedication to providing students with the essential skills they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Curriculum Renewal Cycle: Ensuring Alignment with State Standards
All Coffeyville USD 445 curricular resources officially adopted are aligned to state standards. The core subject curriculums are on a renewal cycle, with math and reading being reviewed every six years and other resources updated as needed. The year prior to a new curriculum being adopted, curriculum directors and administrators form a curriculum adoption team to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current resources. This proactive approach ensures that students are receiving the most effective and up-to-date instruction.
Arts and Culture: Enriching the Community
The Coffeyville community also embraces arts and culture, providing opportunities for residents to engage with theater and the performing arts. A play, "Dearly Departed," written by actor, comedian, and playwright David Bottrell and actor Jessie Jones, was presented. This play, set in a remote area of the southern Bible Belt, is about the dysfunctional Turpin family who experience the unexpected death of Bud, husband of Raynelle, father of Ray-Bud and Delightful, grandfather of Junior, brother of Marguerite, and uncle to Royce.
Read also: Enrichment and Engagement
As family members prepare and come together for Bud’s funeral, problems and mishaps arise, causing Ray-Bud to say to his long-suffering wife, Lucille, “When I die, don’t tell nobody. Just bury me in the backyard and tell everybody I left you.” However, with help and comfort from an eccentric community of friends and neighbors, the Turpins pull together and help each other through their time of need, and finally, the funeral.
"Dearly Departed" premiered in 1991 in New Haven, Connecticut, followed by an Off-Broadway production at Second Stage in New York City. It went on to win six Drama-League Awards and has become popular among leading theaters. Admission was free, and donations were accepted at the door. Seating was first come, first served and limited to about 60 per show to allow for social distancing. Masks were required.
Read also: The Power of Active Learning
tags: #active #student #Coffeeville #Kansas
