The Kansas School Safety Hotline (1-877-626-8203) became operative August 1, 1999, for use by students, parents, and community members in anonymously reporting any impending school violence.  As of August 1, 2022, 6142 hotline calls were logged with 1,294 of them being referred to school districts and/or law enforcement agencies.

For more resources, visit the KSDE Kansas Safe Schools website: https://www.ksde.org/Kansas-Safe-Schools

Communication is vital to all organizations, especially a school system. We encourage communication, but ask that you please follow the chain of command that was approved by the USD 347 Board of Education August 23, 2021. Click on the link below for details.

Chain of Command

Teen Vaping Epidemic

Vaping lung disease symptoms:

Here’s what the CDC says to watch out for

BY CHRISTOPHER ZARA

America’s mysterious vaping scare continues to get worse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that the number of possible cases of serious lung disease linked to e-cigarettes has risen to 215, with 25 states now reporting cases. Additional pulmonary illnesses are also under investigation by the CDC and the FDA. At least one person has died so far.

Health officials still don’t know exactly what is causing the outbreak, but vaping appears to be a common link among affected patients. Many of the patients reported that they had used e-cigarette products with liquids that contain cannabinoid ingredients, such as THC.

In the meantime, the CDC is urging people concerned about specific health risks to consider not using e-cigarette products. The list of symptoms associated with the disease is likely to grow, but so far patients have reported the following:

• cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• fatigue, fever, or weight loss

E-cigarette users who experience symptoms like those should seek prompt medical attention, the CDC says. You can learn more about the outbreak and stay updated with the latest information on the CDC’s website.

Each year, all USD 347 teachers and staff receive training for Suicide Awareness and Prevention.  This is done in accordance with the Jason Flatt Act.  In August of 2018, all teachers and classified staff received Yellow Ribbon training.  Students in grades 6 – 8 and grades 9 – 12 also received Yellow Ribbon training in October, 2018.  The student training was followed up with an evening parent training. All who attended were presented with Yellow Ribbon Life-Line Cards.  For more information please see:  www.yellowribbon.org

A few other on-line resources include:

The Jason Foundation – http://jasonfoundation.com

Parent Information Source - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/suicide.html

KS Suicide Prevention Resource Center - http://www.kansassuicideprevention.org

Warning Signs - www.youthsuicidewarnings.org

 Here in the heartland we are proud of our rich heritage and our claim to fame as being "Midway-USA". If you look at the map of the United States, Kinsley is found in the middle of the United States. 

    The District Office and the Jr. / Sr. High School are both located in Kinsley. Our Elementary building is located in the town of Offerle, about 9 miles west on highway 50.

	Kinsley Jr. / Sr. High School 716 Colony Ave. Kinsley, KS 67547 620-659-2126 6-12 Enrollment  195
	Kinsley - Offerle Elementary 325 S. Elm Offerle, KS 67563 620-659-2866 Pre K - 5  Enrollment 180
	Kinsley-Offerle USD #347  District Office 120 West 8th Street 620-659-3646 Kinsley, KS 67547

Kinsley-Offerle USD #347 Mission Statement:

"The purpose of USD #347 is to provide an equal opportunity for each student to receive a quality education to reach his or her  full potential and become a productive member of a diverse and changing society"