Location

USD 481 is located in Dickinson, Marion, Morris and Geary counties. It includes the towns of Hope, Latimer, Parkerville, Skiddy, White City, and Woodbine.

Economy

The district covers 303.8 square miles of prime farmland and cattle grazing land. Agriculture is the primary economic base in the district.

Churches

The district is composed of Christian communities with youth and adult programs in several denominations.

Organizations

There are a variety of service organizations in the district including: Lions Club, 4-H, Masonic Lodge, Smnmer Baseball, American Legion, F.H.U., Eastern Star, Senior Citizens, and many more.

Recreation

For sports enthusiasts the area is a popular spot for game bird hunting. Ducks, quail, pheasants and white tail deer are plentiful. For the fishermen, the Solomon, the Smoky, and Saline Rivers, as well as local lakes, streams and rivers are popular areas.

Rural Vista School System

• Serves approximately 475 students
• Operates full day 3/4 year old preschool
• Operates all day kindergarten
• Operates two elementary schools (grades PreK-8)
• Operates two senior high schools (grades 9-12)
• Accredited by the Kansas Department of Education
• Provides quality lunches daily at a modest cost for all students and staff
• Operates two libraries, both equipped with over 10,000 volumes
• A Learning Disabilities program is available.

Elementary Schools

• Special reading/math services are utilized for students who need additional help.
• The regular classrooms average sixteen students each, thus utilizing a small student/teacher ratio, so students will received personalized instruction.
• The elementary staff has a nearly ten year average of service in the system.

Junior/Senior High Schools

• The Jr./Sr. High (grades 6-12) is a comprehensive secondary level school. The students are presented with an academic program that reflects the school philosophy and objectives, enabling students to develop into intelligent, critical and creative human beings, thus becoming effective citizens of society and helpful members of the community.
• A well organized computer lab, a well diversified curriculum, and extremely high academic achievement by the student body are main features. The curricular and co- curricular program is extensive with many unique features. The majority of the students are involved in extracurricular activities, clubs and class organizations.
• The Jr./Sr. High consistently maintains a fine record of achievement in curricular as well as extracurricular activities.

Busing Service: A complete bus service is provided for all district student&

Enrollment

92-93 F.T.E. ....... 381.0 students
93-94 F.T.E. ....... 395.5 students
94-95 F.T.E. ....... 402.5 students
95-96 F.T.E. ....... 405.0 students
96-97 F.T.E. ....... 431.0 students
97-98 F.T.E. ....... 422.0 students
98-99 F.T.E. ....... 452.5 students
99-00 F.T.E. ....... 420.0 students

General Fund Mill Levy

 1992-93 ............. 32.
 1993-94 ............. 33.
 1994-95 ............. 35.
 1995-96 ............. 35.
 1996-97 ............. 35.
 1997-98 ............. 27.
 1998-99 ............. 20.
 1999-00 ............. 20.

Teachers

• are the foundation of a successful educational system.
• are committed to continued self development, professional growth, and the school improvement process.
• are role models for students and shall establish high expectations for themselves and their students.
• will actively seek parent support and involvement.
• should enhance the students' feelings of self-worth both as learners and as people.
• are partners with students, parents, and administrators in the learning process.
• should serve as advocates of the students.
• will identify and develop the unique skills and talents of each student.

Principals

• is the instructional leader of the school, responsible for creating a positive learning environment.
• is committed to continued professional growth and is a leader in the school improvement process.
• is a partner in the learning process with students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
• will maintain high expectations for him/herself, students, and staff members.

Students

• all students can learn.
• sufficient time to learn and appropriate supports are crucial to the learning process.
• a student's self-esteem will have a direct bearing on his/her success.
• the rate of student learning will vary according to the task and among individuals.
• all students have unique skills.
• students are partners with teachers, administrators, parents, and peers in the learning process.