Marcus Clem

Sep 9, 2024 | thebeaconnews.org | Marcus Clem

Ana Lopez arrived in Wichita from northern Mexico, knowing only a few English words. Unable to talk with classmates or understand her teachers, she started out at Curtis Middle School feeling shy, nervous and frightened. Then, Wichita Public Schools placed her in an intensive language class with only one other English learner.

Aug 29, 2024 | communityvoiceks.com | Marcus Clem

Seven months of federal paperwork headaches have left Amy Stoltzfus frustrated. She’s an associate financial aid director at Wichita’s Friends University who helps students navigate the maze of forms and figure out how they will pay for college. An update meant to make it easier for college students to apply for financial aid ended up doing the opposite. “It’s kind of like, ‘Good luck, financial aid offices,’ right?” Stoltzfus said.

Aug 22, 2024 | thebeaconnews.org | Marcus Clem

TakeawaysStress and job difficulties have pushed many teachers out of the profession, leaving open more than 1,500 teaching positions in Kansas. Wichita State University started an apprenticeship program to lower the cost and time commitment to earn a teaching license. Following the success at Wichita State, Kansas expanded it to colleges and universities statewide.

Aug 12, 2024 | thebeaconnews.org | Marcus Clem

Seven months of federal paperwork headaches have left Amy Stoltzfus frustrated. She’s an associate financial aid director at Friends University who helps students navigate the maze of forms and figure out how they will pay for college. An update meant to make it easier for college students to apply for financial aid ended up doing the opposite. “It’s kind of like, ‘Good luck, financial aid offices,’ right?” Stoltzfus said.

Aug 8, 2024 | thebeaconnews.org | Marcus Clem

Parents waiting for the first time with their kids to board the school bus is a time-honored tradition, but policies vary on who can ride the bus and what it costs. Here’s what you need to know about school transportation options. Kansas state law provides free school bus rides for any student living in the district if they have to travel farther than 2.5 miles by road to school. There are some exceptions. Federal law requires all students experiencing homelessness receive transportation to school.