Please explore this first edition of the Maize Pulse e-newsletter, Maize USD 266's digital publication. It will be produced about once a month to help keep the Maize USD 266 community informed about news and updates related to the school district, including Maize Board of Education policies.

The August 2022 edition is dedicated to helping families and their children transition back to school. There are many important reminders included in this newsletter, so please take some time to review so we can work together to ensure a tremendous start to the school year! Thank you for your support in ensuring your child's success.

Hello, Maize family! This is Stella, our Alaskan Malamute. My family and I brought her home last spring. My first thought was, “NOOOO!” And my second thought was, “DEFINITELY NO.” As you can see, I make all major decisions in my house.

Stella has become a wonderful addition to our family. She is a giant floof who has become my best canine companion. She has a gentle soul … unless you have cheese. In that case, she is relentless in her attempts to snatch it. She is also proving to be excellent motivation for my own exercise, as if I don’t take her out for a run, she eats our furniture, deck, house siding, etc.

What I have learned from Stella is that change can be really awesome – even if you didn’t plan on it. And that change takes time – even if you did plan on it. Time to get your feet on the ground and wrap your head around all that is needed. With Stella, I needed to change what I left on the counters, when I walked away from my glasses (even if for two minutes), my monthly budget for pig ears, and how often I vacuumed.

I feel like I’ve been preparing for this change in my career path for a while now, and I am excited for it to finally be here! We have many changes in Maize this year, and I am guessing there will be bumps and adjustments along the way. Please be patient with us, and each other, as this happens. And, most importantly, please don’t eat my glasses if I leave them within your reach.

Email: rgreer@usd266.com
Website: www.usd266.com/superintendent
Twitter: @rockigreer

1. Back-to-School Night and parent-teacher conferences: Please plan to attend Back-to-School Night and/or parent-teacher conferences. Click here for the schedule for each school. Families can drop off school supplies, take "first day of school" photos, learn about students' school schedule (including lunch time), and get to know their child's teacher!

2. First day of school schedule: School begins on Tuesday, Aug. 16, but not all students will attend that day, depending on their grade level and, for preschool and kindergarten students, their last name. Please click here for a graphic explaining the schedule in detail. Or click here for the 2022-2023 Maize USD 266 calendar.

3. Academy Avenue construction: Unfortunately, the City of Maize's project to improve Academy Avenue in Maize will not be completed by the first day of school. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please plan accordingly and allow for extra time when needed, and please watch for additional traffic flow information for your child's school.

4. School supplies: Click here to find school supply lists and consider donating supplies to students in need by participating in the Aug. 9 Fill the Bus School Supply Drive. Please see below for details.

5. New bell schedule for 2022-23: In May, the Maize Board of Education approved a slightly adjusted schedule to better accommodate school bus schedules and traffic flow. Click to view the schedule for all schools. Please note that the early release Wednesday schedule begins immediately, with the first early release Wednesday on Aug. 17.

6. First day of school process: Parents, please stay in your vehicles during morning drop-off, as we are unable to accommodate parents walking children into their children’s classrooms. This creates a safety concern. We will have areas outside for first day of school pictures, and families will have the opportunity for student-teacher pictures during Open House and parent-teacher conferences.

7. Food Service reminders: U.S. Congress has discontinued school meal funding, which has provided free breakfast and lunch for the past two years. In the 2022-23 school year, families will pay for meals based on their eligibility status. Households are encouraged to deposit money into meal accounts in advance of meal service via the online payment system in Skyward Family Access. Click here to find additional information about topics including menus, meal prices, and the Free and Reduced Application for those wishing to receive free or reduced meal benefits.

8. Key school information: Find the phone number, address, and website for each school by visiting the directory at www.usd266.com/buildingdirectory. Find a list of school principals at www.usd266.com/districtleaders.

9. COVID-19: For 2022-23, COVID-19 continues to fall under the district’s communicable disease policy, which says that students who are ill should never be sent to school. Click here for more.

10. Online Bulletin Board: This resource, at www.usd266.com/onlinebulletinboard, provides information about camps and clinics, community resources, events, and more with the district and official partner agencies.

During the 2021-22 school year, students at Maize High School, Maize South High School, and Complete High School Maize earned a total of 554 certificates through the Maize Career Academy in the following areas. Students will have opportunities in the upcoming school year to earn these, as well. Congratulations, students!

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• WorkKeys, which measures skills for success in a variety of industries and occupations
  
• Home Health Aide (HHA)
  
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Phlebotomy
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• ServSafe food safety
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
• Adobe
• OSHA 10, which teaches about safety and health for workers in construction and general industry

Beginning with the August monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, the Maize Board of Education will meet in the classrooms at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1055 Academy Ave. in Maize. Find a link to meeting agendas and minutes, school board member information, and policies at www.usd266.com/schoolboard.

Click here for the 2022-23 District Student Handbook, pending school board approval on Aug. 8.

Website: www.usd266.com/schoolboard

August 2022

• Aug. 11 and 12: Back-to-School Night and parent-teacher conferences
• Aug. 16: First day of school (Click here for detailed schedule, as not all students attend that day.)

September 2022

• Sept. 5: No school, Labor Day
• Sept. 22: No school, parent-teacher conferences, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sept. 23: No school

October 2022

• Oct. 14: End term one
• Oct. 17: No school, professional development
• Oct. 18: Term two begins

Website: www.usd266.com/calendar

For the 2022-23 school year, Maize USD 266 welcomes a total of 108 new licensed employees! This includes 82 new teachers, as well as new Student Support Specialists, administrators, and those providing valuable related educational services. Please join us in wishing them and all employees a great school year!

The Maize Education Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization devoted to facilitating resources, funds, and opportunities that enhance the education and post-secondary preparation of students within the Maize USD 266 School District. Plans are in the works for the Foundation's 14th Annual Golf Tournament Aug. 22 at Reflection Ridge to benefit Maize USD 266's students, employees, and schools. Last year’s tournament raised more than $50,000 and will be a tough one to beat. Join in the fun and help make it happen!

• Get involved with the Golf Tournament.
• Explore the digital brochure.
• Support the Foundation.

Website: www.maizeeducationfoundation.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaizeEducationFoundation

Thank you to the students, children, community leaders, employees, retirees, volunteers, supporters, and parents who attended the two Meet and Greet sessions and Super Story Time in July with Dr. Raquel Greer, Superintendent of Schools!

The mission of Maize USD 266 is to inspire students to discover their potential through connecting, learning, and leading.

Website: www.usd266.com
Location: 905 Academy Avenue, Maize, KS, USA
Phone: 316-722-0614
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maizeusd266
Twitter: @maize266