The schools in the Northwest District are gearing up for another successful academic year. Several new chair people have taken office and are meeting the challenge to continue the traditions of our district by setting goals for our organization.
We held our summer board meeting on Wednesday, July 13, in Hays. We discussed many issues, including reports from all chairpersons present. Bill Schick gave an informational report about the advocacy program and described what is being implemented at the state level. Connie Reishus explained many of our financial issues via the treasury report. We have decided to increase our gate prices from $2.00 to $4.00 for the Northwest District mini-conventions to maintain profitability. The Northwest/Southwest Combined District Orchestra worked well this past year. We will continue this arrangement with the Southwest District hosting the orchestra in 2011 and 2012. After 2012, the venue will rotate yearly with Hays hosting in 2013.
The first of our conventions will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Hays High School. We will feature the middle level honor choir, the middle level honor band, and the high school jazz band. Craig Manteuffel is our site coordinator for this event and has always done a wonderful job hosting us. Our chair people, David Will, Sarah Bricker, and Johnny Matlock have done outstanding work organizing this event. Clinicians include Carol Krueger, Junior High Honor Choir; Doug Talbott, Junior High Honor Band; and Brad Dawson, High School Honor Jazz Band. Our December convention will be Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Fort Hays State University. It will feature the Elementary Honor Choir, directed by Clark Comley; the High School Honor Choir, directed by Ken Hakota; and the High School Honor Band, directed by Timothy Yontz. Terry Crull is our site coordinator for this event and has taken care of the many details it requires. Our chair people, Vesta Jo Still, Deanna Langness, Gloria Blackwell, and Joan Crull have been very busy working to ensure that we have a great convention.
Our district has five outstanding educator awards to give this year. The recipients are Kay Werth from Fort Hays State University as our college teacher of the year, Sharon Gregory from Goodland as our administrator of the year, Carol Whisman from Palco as our high school teacher of the year, Deanne Langness from Goodland as our middle level teacher of the year, and Kathy Jamison from WaKeeney as our elementary teacher of the year.
Our district continues to grow and prosper even during economic turmoil. Although we have some schools closing and others reducing or eliminating their music programs, many continue with strong programs. Their efforts raise awareness and support for the fine arts in the schools and communities throughout our district and the state.
2011 Outstanding Educators
Elementary Kathy Jamison Trego Community Schools 13 years |
Middle School Deanne Langness Goodland 17 years |
High School Carol Whisman Palco High School 22 years |
Honor Administrator Sharon Gregory Goodland High School 35 1/2 years |
College Kay Werth Fort Hays State University 16 years |