August eCommunicator

As we kick off another exciting school year, I want to say welcome back to each of you returning to the Seaman School District. If you are new to the district, you picked the right place! This district has the best people and the best community, full of support and care for each other and focused on student success.

To start the year, our staff came together around a fun and meaningful theme: sports and teamwork. Just like any great team, we know that success doesn’t happen alone and not without challenges. It takes dedication, communication, and most importantly...partnerships. That’s why our focus this year is on strengthening our collaboration with one another and with you, our families.

This theme of teamwork is also reflected in our newly updated mission statement, which now begins with "Working Together."

Working together, we will prepare each student for lifelong success.

This simple change reflects that we’re stronger together, and that a family's partnership with us is essential to every child’s growth and learning.

As the school year begins, you’ll hear more about our Partnership Plan and how we hope to work more closely with families to support students. Back-to-School Nights will be a great opportunity to learn more about this plan, and we hope you’ll consider picking up a “Proud Partner of 345” sticker to display your commitment to this shared goal.

Thank you for your continued support, your trust, and the important role you play in our school community. We are truly better together, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.

Aug 11: LO Family Connection Conferences 3-4:30 pm

Aug 11: Elementary Sneak Peeks 4:30-5:30 pm

Aug 12: SMS Parent Night 5-6:30 pm

Aug 12: MELC Sneak Peek 5:00-6:30 pm

Aug 13: First Day of School (K-10) (PHLC)

Aug 14: First Day of School (MELC) (11-12)

Aug 18: Transportation changes turned in take effect 8/23

Aug 20: PHLC Back to School Family Night 5 pm

Aug 21: SHS Open House 5:30 pm

Aug 21: EL Kindergarten Parent Night 5:00 p.m.

Aug 21: NF Kindergarten Parent Night 6-7pm

Aug 25: WI Kindergarten Parent Night 5:30-6:30 pm

Aug 25: NF Parent Night (1st-6th grade) 6-7pm

Aug 26: EL Parent Night 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Aug 26: WI Parent Night 1st, 3rd, 5th grade at 5:30 pm and 2nd, 4th, 6th grade at 6:15 pm

If you are a high school student and did NOT make it to pick up your laptops during the designated times this week, no worries! Students will check out their laptop when school begins. Please be sure technology fees have been paid in order to check out laptops.

Seaman Middle School students will be issued their laptops when school begins.

Bus route information will be available in PowerSchool starting August 8. Please check it often the first few days of school, as routes and times may change quickly during those days. Only students who enrolled by August 4th will have bussing on the first day of school.

You can find your student’s bus number, pick-up, and drop-off times by logging into PowerSchool and selecting “Bus Information” from the left-hand navigation menu.

Questions?

Contact the Transportation Department at 785-286-8440 or email rblocker@usd345.com.

• Pick-up and drop-off times may vary the first few weeks as students and drivers settle into routines.
• First-day-of-school photos at the bus stop can add to minor delays—thank you for your patience!
• Students enrolled after August 4 will begin transportation on August 25.
• After August 20, any changes to transportation may take up to 3 school days to process.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we start the school year!

Over 2,000 students ride our buses to school each day. Thank you to our community for always following school bus safety laws and taking a little extra time and care when you see our buses on the road. Here are a few reminders as school buses begin their routes this year.

• DRIVE SLOWLY IN SCHOOL ZONES
• PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY, DON'T GET DISTRACTED
• STOP FOR BUSES LOADING AND UNLOADING STUDENTS
• RED "STOP" ARMS MEAN STOP IN ALL DIRECTIONS
• DROP OFF AND PICK UP IN DESIGNATED AREAS
• WATCH FOR CHILDREN WAITING FOR THE BUS
• GIVE BUSES ROOM FOR TURNS

Seaman Schools uses a learning management system called Schoology at all grade levels. Teachers and students use this digital classroom management tool to organize content, engage students. We encourage parents to use this as a one-stop shop for communicating with teachers, submitting assignments and engaging in online discussions. Click here for instructions on how to set up a parent account.

Seaman School District is proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond. Those who inspire students, mentor colleagues, and make our schools better every single day. The 2025 Teachers of the Year are great examples of what it means to teach with heart, innovation, and excellence. From our earliest learners to our graduating seniors, these individuals are changing lives and shaping the future, one student at a time.

Kelly Guindon is a passionate and innovative physical education teacher whose classes at North Fairview are rooted in inclusion, high expectations, and joyful movement. With a master’s in Health and Physical Education and more than a decade of experience, Kelly transforms her gym into a place where every student—from PreK through 6th grade—feels valued, challenged, and successful. Her lessons integrate music, academics, and social-emotional learning, and she continually seeks out new experiences for her students, like skating units and cross-curricular games. As a district leader, Kelly facilitates PD, wellness events, and the beloved Field Day, earning her a reputation as both a trusted teammate and an inspiring educator. She is the embodiment of energy, creativity, and care in action.

Anna Kennedy is a master educator and trusted leader at Seaman High School, where her expertise, authenticity, and love for teaching have left a lasting legacy. As the director of the SHS Band—fondly known as “The Pride of North Topeka”—Anna holds her students to the highest standards while nurturing a deep sense of belonging and personal growth. Her classroom is a space where music becomes a vehicle for leadership, empathy, and connection. Outside the classroom, she mentors teachers, serves on committees, and offers wisdom and clarity that others rely on. Whether conducting a performance or teaching Rock & Roll history, Anna’s impact is far-reaching, and her dedication to students and staff makes her more than deserving of the title 2025 Seaman High School Teacher of the Year.

We are proud to honor our Teachers of the Year! These teachers were selected through a peer vote, a true reflection of their leadership in education. Please join us in congratulating them and thanking all of our staff for their hard work all year long!

North Fairview - KELLY GUINDON

Northern Hills - KIMBERLEE STAUFFER

West Indianola - KONNER AMER

Logan - HOLLY WENDORFF

Elmont - TARA YOST

Mathes - KAYLA SHAUGHNESSY

SMS - JEFFREY SCHUH

To learn more about all of our teachers of the year, click here.

Each year, the Support Staff of the Year Award gives our district a chance to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who keep our schools running smoothly. These are the people our staff members say they simply couldn’t do their jobs without, the ones who show up every day with dedication, heart, and a commitment to helping others succeed. From behind-the-scenes problem solvers to friendly faces students count on, the nominations we receive each year reflect the deep appreciation and respect their colleagues have for them.

Seaman School District is proud to announce that Tammy Johnston has been named the 2025 Support Staff of the Year. Tammy’s dedication, leadership, and tireless work ethic have made a lasting impact on our Food Service Department and the entire Seaman community.

Click here to learn more about Tammy's contributions and all of our Support Staff of the Year Nominees!

Our first home football game is Friday, September 5! Just a reminder to our families...

Footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, and any other sports equipment are not permitted past the entry gates into the football stadium and grounds, in order to create a safer and more enjoyable experience for all attendees.

We are excited to have everyone out to watch some Viking football this season! Go Vikings!

We are excited to announce an update to our safety protocols with the implementation of Centegix, an emergency alert system designed to enhance emergency response capabilities across our district. This new alert system equips every school-based employee with the ability to alert responders to an emergency from anywhere on our campuses. Emergency notifications can range from needing assistance from our building emergency response teams to a 9-1-1 call. Once activated, the employee’s location is immediately shared so respondents know exactly where to send additional support.

In preparation for the rollout of Centegix, our building staff have formed emergency response teams. These teams have undergone training sessions, equipping them with the necessary skills to respond swiftly and effectively in crisis situations.

In addition to our crisis response team training, all staff members have actively participated in comprehensive drills and exercises aimed at familiarizing them with the Centegix system and reinforcing our emergency protocols. These drills ensure that everyone in our district is well-prepared and confident in their roles during emergencies.

We want to thank our security team and technology department for their work in implementing the Centegix system. They have been instrumental in integrating this new security enhancement into our existing safety framework. Their commitment to our district's safety measures reflects our shared focus on high-quality district operations.

We appreciate your ongoing support and partnership as we work together to prioritize safety in our district. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding our safety initiatives, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Our See Something, Say Something reporting tool is anonymous. This form allows you and others to submit safety concerns to district officials. This reporting tool is continuously monitored by district staff. If you would like to receive follow-up correspondence you may leave your contact information. Reporting observed threats, behaviors, actions, and harassment help maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.

After you provide as much information as you have about a safety or security concern, here are the next steps the district follows:

1. A district official reviews your information and replies to your tip if contact info is provided.
2. Your tip is forwarded to the proper administration to begin investigation.
3. You are contacted (if contact info is provided) to provide any follow-up info, if needed.
4. Administration follows through with the investigation and any action steps necessary.

Crime Stoppers is another reporting tool available to Shawnee County residents. Crime Stoppers encourages members of the community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime by overcoming fear and apathy. They assist local law enforcement agencies by gathering information through the use of online and mobile tools and encourage community members to volunteer vital information that could lead to the battle against crime.

Call the Anonymous Tip Line at (785) 234-0007 or submit information through their Mobile Application. Tips that lead to a felony arrest are eligible for a cash reward.

See Something, Say Something
www.seamanschools.org/report

A test of the USD 345 Emergency Notification System, has been scheduled during a non-school day. This test is an essential part of our commitment to providing effective communication during critical situations.

Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
Time: Noon

During this test, you may receive a test message via various communication channels based on your preferences selected during online enrollment, including:

• Text messages to your registered mobile numbers
• Email notifications to your registered email addresses
• A voice call to your registered phone number

Please note that this is only a test, and there is no cause for concern. The purpose of this exercise is to assess the functionality and efficiency of our USD 345 Emergency Notification System in a controlled environment. Please use this opportunity to be sure your contact information is up-to-date in Powerschool. This can be updated through your school office.

In the event of a real emergency, these notification channels will be utilized to provide critical information, instructions, and updates. The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, and we are continuously working to ensure our emergency communication system is reliable and effective.

If you encounter any issues or have feedback regarding the test, please feel free to reach out to cleduc@usd345.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this test. Together, we are better prepared to face any potential emergencies and keep our schools safe.

Parents as Teachers is a FREE program offered to anyone in the Seaman School District. It is a voluntary program designed for all families with children ages prenatal to Kindergarten entry. Parents as Teachers (PAT) is based on two important concepts: 1.) Parents are their child's first and most influential teachers and 2.) experiences in the first years of a child's life are key to future success in school and life.

Parents as Teachers offers personal visits, group connections, screenings and a resource network. Call Mathes Early Learning Center at 785-286-7103 and leave a message for Angie or Tina. Also check out our Facebook Page, Seaman Parents as Teachers USD 345.

Visit Seaman Parents as Teachers online for more information.​

Regular board meetings are scheduled on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. Regular meetings may be adjourned to another time and place when necessary. Special meetings may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Regular meetings typically take place at the Seaman Education Center. When meeting locations change, notice is sent out to the public and made available online. Board agendas go live on the Friday afternoon prior to the regular board meeting.

All regular meetings are streamed live and available on the district's YouTube channel.

Regular meetings for the 2025-26 school year:

August 11, 2025

September 8, 2025

October 13, 2025

November 10, 2025

December 8, 2025

January, 12, 2026

February 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

April 13, 2026

May 11, 2026

June 8, 2026

July 13, 2026

Stay up-to-date and informed with events and resources available around the community by checking our digital flyerboard. You can view all flyers for the district or search by school. Digital flyers help us keep you informed and save our community partners resources.

Community organizations can upload their flyers for USD 345 families to receive through email. Click here for more information on how to upload community flyers.

Parents can create an account in Titan LINQConnect to submit free and reduced applications, view menus, and pay meal fees. To make meal payments, please create a new account at https://www.linqconnect.com. You can also submit a free and reduced application through LINQConnect for the current school year.

Click on “REGISTER” to create a new account.

You will need the following information to successfully link your student(s) to your account:

1. First Name: As registered with the school

2. Last Name: As registered with the school

3. Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

For further questions, please call Seaman Unified School District 345’s Food and Nutrition Services at 785-575-8650 or the contact support line for LINQConnect at 916-467-4700 option two.

Free or Reduced Price Meals

Parents or guardians of students attending Seaman schools participating in federal school meal programs must be informed of the availability of reimbursable school meals and provided with information about eligibility and the process for applying for free or reduced price meals on or before the start of school each year. Parents or guardians are financially responsible for any charges incurred before an application is received and approved by the Food Service Procedures for the administration of the free and reduced price meal program of the Seaman School District will be the same as those prescribed in current state and federal laws and regulations.

Unpaid Meal Charges

A charge account for students paying full or reduced price meals may be established with the district. Students may charge no more than $49.99 at any grade level for the purchase of meals to this account without initiating the district’s debt collection proceedings as outlined in this policy and board policy DP (Collections Procedures). Charging of à la carte or extra items, with the exception of one milk per meal, to this account will not be permitted.

Parents and guardians of students with negative account balances will be notified electronically at least weekly of the negative balance in their student’s account. When an account reaches -$50.00 or more, the food service office will send a first notice of delinquency. If payment is not received within 10 business days, a second notice of delinquency will be sent. If payment is not received within 10 business days of the second notice, a third and final notice of delinquency will be sent from the food service office. If no payment is received to the food service office after 10 days of the third and final food service notice the account becomes bad debt and will be turned over to the Seaman Business Office to proceed with Debt Collection Proceedings. The district must transfer funds for bad debt to the Food Service from non-federal sources.

When the charge level identified in this policy has been met (0 to -$49.99), a student’s meal account becomes delinquent. Students who have delinquent accounts and cannot pay out of pocket for a meal will be provided a regular, reimbursable meal from the cafeteria menu, which shall be charged to the student’s account while the district proceeds with attempts to resolve the delinquent debt with the student’s parent or guardian. If attempts to receive payment for charged meals do not result in full payment of the debt in the timelines provided herein, debt collection proceedings will begin in accordance with board policy DP.

The food service office or the district is not responsible for cash sent with students to school. All meal account balances at the end of the school year will carry over to the next school year. Any negative balances must be paid prior to the start of the following year.