USD 343 Perry-Lecompton has been honored with three prestigious Star Recognition awards from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), highlighting the district's commitment to comprehensive student development and success. USD 343 is one of only 89 school districts in that state (there are over 280 districts) to be awarded three or more Star Recognition awards. These awards recognize the district's outstanding work in preparing students from early childhood through high school graduation and beyond.
The recognition comes as part of the Kansans Can initiative, which embodies Kansas' vision to lead the world in the success of each student through quality, inclusive educational opportunities.
Bronze Star Recognition-Kindergarten Readiness
The path to leading the world in the success of each student starts in early childhood, long before a 5-year-old child walks through a kindergarten classroom door. A focus on early childhood and a commitment to strong community partnerships are essential to achieving our state's vision for education.
The Kansans Can Star Recognition program recognizes communities that offer quality, inclusive opportunities to young children and their families so that each student enters kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success. USD 343's Bronze Star recognition demonstrates the district's dedication to ensuring every child begins their educational journey ready to thrive.
Copper Star Recognition-Social-Emotional Growth
USD 343's mission reflects the Kansas State Board of Education's vision of preparing successful high school graduates. The district locally measures progress toward achievement of the State Board of Education's social-emotional outcome and goal of each student developing the social, emotional and character competencies that promote learning and success in life.
The Kansas STAR Recognition Program seeks to provide Kansas districts an opportunity to validate the coherent, rigorous and sustained commitment required to improve adult and student outcomes. When implemented districtwide as a systemic, prevention-focused, responsive strategy rather than an intervention for a subgroup of students, social-emotional learning creates the equitable conditions necessary for student achievement and a safe, positive and healthy school climate.
Copper Star Recognition-Individual Plan of Study (IPS)
Leading the world in the success of each student depends upon the empowerment of student capacity in the pursuit of the high school diploma. Continuous development throughout a student's learning experiences, coupled with collaborative exploration involving school staff members, family and community, are the platform for the successful launch into postsecondary success.
The Kansans Can Individual Plan of Study Star Recognition program recognizes school districts that offer quality and inclusive opportunities for each student to experience connected learning which develops academic knowledge, as well as technical and employability skills. This recognition highlights USD 343's commitment to personalized pathways that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
"Kansas leads the world in the success of each student."
— Kansas State Board of Education
These three recognitions collectively demonstrate USD 343 Perry-Lecompton's holistic approach to education—from ensuring kindergarten readiness through strong early childhood partnerships, to fostering social-emotional development throughout students' school careers, to creating individualized pathways that empower students to achieve their postsecondary goals. The district's comprehensive commitment to student success at every stage of development sets a standard of excellence for Kansas education.