By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Park Elementary students and staff had a unique beginning to the school year on Aug. 14. At 11:06 that morning, the school was notified by Kansas Gas Service of a possible gas leak in the vicinity of the school. During Wednesday's USD 428 Board of Education Luncheon at the school, Principal Kelsey Sciacca was able to laugh about the incident, especially the successful effort to evacuate first-year kindergartners eating lunch.
Sciacca also had good news about the Booster Club's spring fundraiser that brought in $18,000 for the school. Some of those funds were used to buy umbrellas for tables in front of the school.
"We had no one eating in the gym today," Sciacca said. "When it's beautiful, we are blessed to have several areas - the garden, outside tables, and out front. We've added umbrellas to those tables that are out front."
Funds were also used to purchase an ice machine for the teachers' lounge. Anna Popp repainted murals in the school's gymnasium, replacing old artwork dating back 24 and 41 years. The Booster Club funds will also go toward the installation of a garden canopy and possible the purchase of more outdoor tables in front of the school.
Sciacca reported there are 256 students enrolled at the school this year, approximately 10 fewer students than last year. This year's group includes 71 English Language students and 16 non-English students.