I am proud to be serving the Wamego community as your superintendent of schools. The Wamego School’s tradition of high academic standards and the focus on individual students is what attracted me to this district.
I believe that the Wamego Schools contribute significantly to the quality of life that families enjoy in this community. Many programs offered within the school system provide students with an opportunity to develop skills needed to succeed in life. The academic programs include, but are not limited to:
- All day kindergarten
- Reading Recovery and Soar to Success (K-5)
- Character Education (K-5)
- Integrated technology training (K-12)
- Middle School Algebra (7-8)
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses (9-12)
In addition, many extra-curricular opportunities are offered for our students.
- After School Clubs (3-5)
- Interscholastic Athletics (7-12) (football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, wrestling,baseball, softball, track, tennis and golf)
- Fine Arts Activities (5-12) (marching and jazz bands, choir and vocal ensemble groups, drama club, art club, and a dance team)
- Debate and forensics teams
The vitality and success of our school system would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of our teachers, secretaries, aides, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service staff, maintenance staff, and technical staff. The community is very proud of the care and dedication that staff members have for the children that we serve.
To share a little bit of my background, I am beginning my 20th year as a school administrator. Before coming to the Wamego district, I served as an elementary principal in Kinsley for 5 years; curriculum director in the Wellsville district for 1.5 years; and superintendent of schools in the Wellsville district for 12.5 years. My very first years of education began as a classroom teacher in the Marysville district, most of those early years spent at the Kindergarten level. I am a life-long Kansan, and a product of the exceptional public school system that is supported by the taxpayers of this great state.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from the University of Kansas; a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from KSU; a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from KSU; and a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from KSU.
It is my belief there is always room for improvement. While Wamego schools do many things very, very well, we should not settle for anything but the best and we will continually strive to make this district one of the best in the state!
I look forward to getting to know each of you. If I can ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to stop by the district office. I would love to visit with you.
Sincerely,
Denise O’Dea
Superintendent of Schools
