RELAY - December '24

The monthly RELAY aims to connect our staff with news and highlights from across our schools and community. It's digital and delivered to your inbox!

We hope you enjoy this brief update. Take a moment to learn something new, celebrate with a colleague or friend, and pause to see the good happening all around you.

In this issue:

• Quick Reads
• BOE Luncheon Meeting Highlights from Eisenhower Elementary
• Trash to Trends - GBHS Art Club Competes
• Cram the Van Food Drive Results
• "428 Gives" Results
• USD 428 Education Foundation Dinner & Auction
• Let's Celebrate - December Birthdays
• District Photo Highlights
• Community Resources & Events
  

• Dec. 20: Last Day of the 2nd Quarter
• Dec. 23 - Jan. 3: No School, Winter Recess
• Jan. 6: No School, Teacher Workday

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Click here to learn more about the $250 referral bonus!

The USD 428 Board of Education held its November Luncheon Meeting at Eisenhower Elementary on Wednesday, November 20. The Board heard a building report from Abby Jonas, Eisenhower Principal, and several other key staff members.

Presentation Highlights:

• Eisenhower Today: Eisenhower currently has 284 students with an average class size of 18-24. Their building is unique with 5 Special Education Classes, and 49% of students on an IEP.
• Mrs. Jonas focused her comments on the positive culture and family engagement they are fostering at Eisenhower. In the first quarter, they made 210 positive phone calls home, an average of 200 "kudos cards" per week, and 60-70 "I did it" cards" which celebrate academic growth. They are also using Rocket Math as a fun way to incentivize learning.
• Mrs. Beopple, instructional coach, shared information on Eisenhower's academic data.
• Mrs. Weshoff, Student & Family Advocate, shared a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) update. Through her data collection and tracking in SABERS during the first quarter, she is working to reduce urgent or emergency interventions and provide proactive skill building and support for students.
• Mrs. Stickland, music teacher, brought Kindergarten classes to share a "Gobble" Thanksgiving song with BOE members.
• Ms. Maneth, a 5th-grade teacher, brought some of her students to showcase and share their recent Biography One-Page Enrichment Projects.
• Ms. Maneth, also the STUCO sponsor, introduced STUCO members and invited them to pair up with BOE members and guests to provide a tour of the "Sensory Walk" that was recently installed by mural artist Anna Popp this summer.

A. Approval of Man Lift Purchase - unanimously approved

The maintenance department requested the purchase of a new man lift to replace an existing unit that is 17 years old. This man lift is used regularly for tasks such as changing lights and maintaining facilities. The administration provided two quotes for man lifts from Equipment Share and and the low bid of $13,174.

B. Review of Surplus Real Estate - unanimously approved (Karen Lindberg was absent for the vote)

An offer was presented to the BOE to sell the former Central Kitchen located at 2201 Broadway Ave. The offer of $100,000 from Parr Sound & Lighting, LLC, Gary Parr & Julie Parr was approved. Pending the finalization of the contract, they hope to close on the building by mid-December.

C. Grants & Contributions - unanimously approved

Great Bend High School Activities would like to accept the following contributions from the

Panther Booster Club.

• GBHS Girls Basketball $2,837.67 - Team apparel - tops and bottoms
• GBHS Wrestling $3091.19 - Team warmups and podium attire

D. Personnel Report - - unanimously approved

Licensed Resignations:

• Desteny Alcala, Teacher of Grade 2 at Park (Effective after the 24-25 School Year)
• Brandy Proffitt, Teacher of Science at GBMS (Effective 12/20/24)

Creativity and sustainability took center stage as seven entries from Great Bend High School (GBHS) participated in the "Trash to Trends" Fashion Show, hosted on Wednesday, November 20, by St. John High School and Emery Photography. This unique competition challenged students to design and construct fashion-forward creations using recycled materials, showcasing innovation and environmental responsibility.

Competing against schools from Kiowa County, Larned, McPherson, St. John, and Medicine Lodge, GBHS students entered the Recycled Costumes and Recycled Interesting and Creative Materials categories. Using trash bags, duct tape, and paper as their primary materials, the GBHS teams showcased ingenuity and craftsmanship.

While GBHS had seven entries in all, two earned “Top 7” honors:

• Candy Land - 6th Place: Designed by Nataly Chavez, Marianna Juarez, Eden Ensley, Fabiola Lara, and Aby Arnold. Modeled by Aby Arnold.
• Angel Wings - Tied 7th Place: Created by Katrina Wood, Natalia Loera, Diana Piedra, and Abigail Melson. Modeled by Diana Piedra.

“Trash to Trends gives students a platform to combine art, fashion, and sustainability,” said GBHS Art Teacher Laurel Haley, “the creative process leaves a lasting impression on the students.”

Pictured above (left to right): Torrie Pritchett, Mackenzie LaViolette, Ashlynn Pio, Darin Munsch, Abygail Haines-Arnold, Lea Nokes, and Diana Piedra. These talented students represented Great Bend High School with stunning designs made from recycled materials. Two entries placed in the Top 7 – congratulations to all for their incredible work!

Photo Credit: Hugo Gonzales, GBHS Teacher

Great Bend USD 428 was proud to participate in Wheatland Electric's Annual "Cram the Van" food drive, held November 4-8. This year's contest was a success, with USD 428 schools collecting 6,519 pounds of food to benefit the Barton County Food Bank. USD 428 joined with area schools in a friendly competition that showcased the generosity and competitive spirit of students, staff, and families, making a meaningful impact on local families in need this holiday season.

In the competition, schools were ranked by the highest pounds of food donated per student. Lincoln Elementary claimed 1st place with an impressive 15.06 pounds per student, earning the $600 cash prize. Jefferson Elementary placed 4th, contributing 6.98 pounds per student, and received a $250 award.

Every school can be proud of their contribution! Special thanks go to the crew at Wheatland Electric for their efforts to organize, pick up, weigh, and deliver all of these donations to the Barton County Food Bank, as well as to the event sponsor, Gifting Forward Foundation, for supporting this initiative and providing the cash awards.

Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this important cause!

Great Bend Public Schools (USD 428) once again demonstrated its commitment to community impact through the 2025 "428 Gives" Workplace Giving Campaign. Held throughout October, the campaign invited district staff to pledge support for the United Way of Central Kansas and the more than 22 agencies it serves, resulting in an inspiring display of generosity and teamwork.

This year, 159 givers pledged a total of $9,212, providing vital funding to the United Way and its efforts to address critical needs in the community throughout 2025.

A friendly competition added excitement to the campaign, with buildings vying for the highest participation rates. Riley Elementary School emerged as the winner, boasting the largest percentage of participation among its staff. In celebration of their achievement, Riley staff enjoyed a well-deserved "Sonic Run" on November 14.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s campaign. Your contributions reflect the district’s values of care, compassion, and collaboration, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

Together, we are building stronger schools and a stronger community!

Congrats, Team Riley - 72% Participation!

On November 19, the Great Bend Event Center came alive as over 200 attendees gathered to celebrate at the USD 428 Education Foundation Dinner and Auction. Guests were treated to a Taste of Great Bend menu featuring delicious dishes from 9 local caterers, entertainment by the GBHS Orchestra, and a live black-light painting by GBHS Junior, Ashlynn Pio.

Themed "No Matter the Era, Education Matters," the event beautifully showcased four eras—Victorian, Western, Modern, and Futuristic—thanks to the creativity of Susan Stambaugh.

Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to purchase unique live and silent auction items, many of which were created by USD 428 teachers/students, and exclusive experiences made possible by GBHS Athletics.

Thanks to the contributions and support of local business sponsors and individuals, the USD 428 Education Foundation will once again provide the 2025 Teacher Mini-Grant program. More details will be provided soon.

Congratulations to Aubrey Maneth, USD 428 Orchestra Teacher, who was honored with the Outstanding Middle School Music Educator award by the Southwest KS Music Educators Association (KMEA) on Saturday, November 2nd.

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This recognition celebrates her dedication to fostering a love of music in students across our district! Way to go!

Be sure to follow Explore Great Bend on Facebook for news and events!

Join the Barton County Fair for a festive afternoon as they celebrate the holiday season with the Holiday Home Tour. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at any home on the day of the event!

Tour these beautiful homes:

• Black Walnut Event Venue - Great Bend, 292 NE 10 Ave
• Carl and Connie Helm - Great Bend, 21 NE 80 Ave
• Kelly's Garden Sense - Great Bend, 134 NE 10 Ave
• Howard and Jane Meier - Great Bend, 1212 McKinley

Step into the North Pole and join Santa Claus for an evening of holiday fun! Bring your letters for Santa. This event is designed for children from preschool age thru 6th grade. Admission is free.

It only takes a few minutes to share the GREAT things happening in your classroom! Email high-resolution photos and a quick caption and we'll share it with the community on social media!

Quick Photo Caption:

"Students are learning _______________, by doing ______________."

Submit News to media@usd428.net.

Email: media@usd428.net
Website: www.GreatBendSchools.net
Location: 1809 24th St, Great Bend, KS 67530
Phone: 620-793-1500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USD428/