KMS Welcomes Wartman, Says 'Goodbye' To Gee

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Kepley Middle School Principal Stacy Gee gave a bittersweet speech at the April 18 site council meeting, as she announced Amy Wartman as the new principal for the 2023-2024 school year.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Kepley Middle School," she said. "I've been here for eight years. Four years as the assistant principal with Juan Perez and the past four years as the principal. My educational career has been absolutely awesome and I could not have wished for a better career."

Gee noted she had retired last year.

"I retired last year and I changed my mind," she said. "I can't imagine not being here this year. I'm so glad I changed my mind and the board was gracious enough to rescind my resignation. At the same time, it's definitely time to hand over the baton. With that, I'm so excited about handing over the greatness of Kepley Middle School."

Amy Wartman has been here longer, according to Gee.

"(Wartman) has been here longer than I have been," Gee said. "She will do tremendous for our staff and students and she will be a great addition to the district admin team."

Wartman stood up tearfully as she introduced herself.

"I've been in Kepley for 20 years and in education for 25 years," Wartman said. "I did five years in Garden City and Johnson before coming to Ulysses. I've been basically teaching eighth grade English for the last 20 years. This will be a big switch for me. I'll be making a few changes, but not a lot the first year. We're going to keep things status quo for now."

Wartman was asked by a USD 214 parent, "What changes would you like to make?"

Wartman responded the changes would be with adding some CTE classes.

According to Wartman, Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes are pathways to careers such as certified nursing aid and welding. These pathways help students become more employable when leaving high school or find employment easier while attending college. CTE courses will be provided to seventh and eighth grade students to prepare them sooner for the future.

Wartman was asked about her approach on partnering with parents to tackle subjects such as drugs.

Gee informed the parents in attendance that vape detectors are expected to be installed in the bathrooms. She stressed to parents that if they have any questions or concerns to contact the school directly.

"Nine times out of ten, what you are hearing is not the full story," she said. "When it gets posted on social media, that is where it gets really frustrating and tiresome as an educator to try and defend the falsehoods that tend to get started on social media."

Gee also welcomed parents to share celebrations when contacting the school. Superintendent Corey Burton agreed.

"I enjoy this conversation," Burton said. "We get beat up a little bit as educators when this socio-emotional piece comes in, helping kids grow. We need to help kids through that process, but then we get beat up on it, too. It's not all about math and science. It's helping the kids grow and learn. I'm refreshed to hear you guys (parents) are concerned about wanting us to partner with you in that process."

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