RELAY - August '24

It is the goal of the monthly RELAY to connect our staff with news and highlights from across our schools and community. There are so many successes, positive stories, and virtual smiles to share!

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
• Open House Celebration - DEC & LPP
• Let's Celebrate - Aug Birthdays
  
• District Highlights
• Community Resources
  

The Great Bend Business Community is excited to help you start your year on a positive note! Stop by and visit over 50 local businesses, enjoy great giveaways, door prizes, and more!

Also, you won't want to miss your 2024 ALL-IN Gift from USD 428! Stop by and see us!

This event is organized by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Personal referrals are the best way to find new employees!

With the launch of the Employee Referral Program, we're giving you a few more reasons to share job openings with your network of friends and family.

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

Over 250 community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated USD 428 District Education Center and Little Panthers Preschool. The Community Open House & Ribbon Cutting Celebration was held on Thursday, August 1, from 4 to 6 PM, marking an exciting new chapter for education in Great Bend.

While the new facility brings together the administrative components of the Great Bend Public Schools and Barton County Special Services, the expansion of Little Panthers Preschool into this new space was the driving force behind the property acquisition and renovation. Enrolling students even during the Open House event, Little Panthers Preschool is set to welcome more than 240 three-and four-year-old students on August 14. The preschool offers half-day programs led by certified teachers, providing a nurturing environment with access to early intervention support, school meals, and more.

During the event, Tandi Mai, principal of Little Panthers Preschool, expressed her enthusiasm for the new facility. "You're standing in a dream come true," she said. "Little Panthers with BIG possibilities, we can’t wait to start them off with a strong educational foundation for them to grow and one day be ‘big’ Panthers at Great Bend High School."

Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent, also highlighted the significance of the expanded preschool. "The impact of the expanded preschool cannot be overstated. By increasing access to early learning opportunities, we are giving our children the tools they need to excel academically and socially. This investment in our youngest learners is an investment in the future of our community."

Other notable speakers included Todd Dumler from McCown Gordon Construction, and Megan Barfield from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The event also recognized community donors who provided financial support to furnish preschool classrooms. Classroom sponsors include: USD 428 Education Foundation, First Kansas Bank, Dan & Alicia Lear & Family, McCown Gordon Construction, University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus, Schmidt Foundation, Larry & Kathy Schugart, and TruStage.

The USD 428 District Education Center and Little Panthers Preschool are vital additions to the community, reflecting the district's commitment to providing high-quality education and support to its youngest learners. The facility will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Great Bend, ensuring that students receive the best possible start to their educational journeys.

For more information about Little Panthers Preschool or to enroll a student, please call 620-793-1662.

• All Day Preschool (limited to USD 428 Staff) - Full at 25
• AM Preschool - Full at 116
• PM Preschool - 90 (and growing!)

New Teachers attend Capturing Kid's Heart Training & New Teacher Orientation

Barton County Special Service - All Staff Training!

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

Make plans to attend the 2024 Party in the Park on Saturday, August 10

A day full of Fun with a few changes! Join our End of Summer Bash with Mud Volleyball (at Expo Grounds this year), Vendor shopping, Paint in the Park, the Wet/Dry Parade, Kids Fun Zone, Anything that Floats Race, GBPD Dunk Tank, Shifters Car Show, Midwest Elite Wrestling Exhibition, Money Pit, Cup Competition, Cornhole Tournament, Photo booth, Concert gates open at 6 and featuring The Taylor Fugitt Band, Poison Overdose Tribute Band, The Heathens and FIREWORKS!

GB Car Care is proud to offer USD 428 staff a year-round 10% discount on all interior and exterior detailing services.

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/