RELAY - Summer 2023
Great Bend USD 428 - News and Highlights
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:
- Calendar Highlights & Quick Reads
- Perfect Attendance Bike Program
- GBHS students named Governor's Scholars
- Free Summer Meal Information
- June & July Birthdays
- Graduation Photo Highlights
- Community Resources
Hello, Summer!
May 26 - July 31, the USD 428 District Office will follow the Summer Hours posted below. Stop by and see us!
> Mon. - Thurs., 7am - 4pm
> Friday, 7am - 12pm
Enjoy some fun in the sun!
Employee Referral Program
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 personal network of friends and family.
Click here to learn more about the $250 referral bonus!
Free Summer Meals begin June 5
Community members award wheels for perfect attendance
29 elementary students earned their own wheels this week after achieving perfect attendance for the 2022-2023 school year. The Perfect Attendance Bike Program has been awarding bikes for over 12 years to encourage students to attend school every day in Great Bend USD 428 Elementary schools. Assemblies were held at all 5 elementary buildings to celebrate the students’ accomplishment with their peers, teachers, and families.
“Congratulations to the students who have stepped up to the challenges of grade school and have completed another successful school year,” said Karen Shaner, program organizer. “We would like to thank all the students for their hard work and dedication during the school year. We also want to thank those who make it possible for the students to be on time each day and not miss a day of learning.”
The effort is led by Karen Shaner and Jane Isern and is supported by a lengthy list of community donors. Walmart has been a consistent partner in the effort, providing assembly and storage for bikes in addition to financially supporting the program.
A unique addition to this year’s program was a custom CASE IH bike donated by KanEquip, Inc. that is valued at roughly $500. Justin Loera, a 5th-grade student from Riley Elementary was the luck winner drawn out of all 4-6th-grade students who were eligible.
“This is an amazing program that honors our well-deserving perfect attendance students,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 Superintendent. “We greatly appreciate the dedication of our students and families to accomplish perfect attendance - it takes a lot of work by students, parents, grandparents, and caregivers! We are fortunate to have such a great program and generous community sponsors to celebrate this notable accomplishment.”
Every student who achieved perfect attendance this year was awarded a bike. In addition, the Pilot Club of Great Bend provided a new fitted bike helmet to further their organization’s efforts to support brain safety and health.
- Eisenhower Elementary – Six students qualified for perfect attendance.
- Jefferson Elementary - 11 students qualified for perfect attendance.
- Park Elementary – Two students qualified for perfect attendance.
- Lincoln Elementary - Six students qualified for perfect attendance.
- Riley Elementary - Six students qualified for perfect attendance.
Questions about the Perfect Attendance Bike Program can be directed the USD 428 District Education Center at 620-793-1500 or to Karen Shaner, community organizer at karendshaner@gmail.com.
Two GBHS Students named Governor’s Scholars
At the invitation of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Kevin Gonzalez and Gavin Hirsh of Great Bend High School, were selected to attend the 40th Annual Governor’s Scholars Awards Program on May 7, 2023 in Topeka.
The recognition ceremony honors the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools in the state.
“These high school seniors have shown dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning. They’ve earned this honor, and I want to congratulate them on this achievement,” Governor Kelly said. “We also should recognize their families, teachers, and mentors for helping these outstanding students achieve their academic goals.”
This program is coordinated for the Governor by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force and is funded by donations from private sector businesses in Kansas. The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force was formed 40 years ago to strengthen confidence in public education. The following organizations are members of the Task Force: American Association of University Women, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Congress of Parents and Teachers, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas State High School Activities Associations, Kansas National Education Associations, Kansas League of Women Voters, and United School Administrators of Kansas.
Photos Below:
Kevin Gonzalez
Gavin Hirsh
Kids eat free in June & July
Child nutrition is important to consider in the summer months. To make healthy meals convenient, accessible, and free for children in our community, USD 428 will provide free summer meals during the months of June and July with multiple pick-up locations.
Children age 0-18 can participate in the Summer Food Program. Each weekday, June 5 – 30, grab-and-go meal packages containing lunch and breakfast for the following day will be available from 11 am -1 pm at all five elementary schools, Eisenhower, Jefferson, Lincoln, Park, and Riley.
July meals will begin after the 4th of July holiday week, operating on weekdays from July 10 – 28, with grab-and-go meal packages from 11 am – 1 pm at three elementary schools, Eisenhower, Jefferson, and Riley.
Kristy Alvord, food service and central kitchen director for USD 428, encourages all families to utilize the program this summer.
“This is a great opportunity,” Alvord said. “As parents, we are busy in the summer months. This is an easy, fast, and free meal package available to anyone 18 and under.
“This is also a great way to welcome younger children into a school building, teach them about school meals, and give them nutrition education while enjoying lunch. For the soon-to-be kindergartners, it will give them an idea of what to expect when they arrive at school in August.”
The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Each summer, USDA collaborates with local organizations like USD 428 to provide free meals to children when school is not in session. For over 25 years, USD 428 has provided this community service.
Pick-up Permits have been approved by the USDA and will be issued this summer. Children must attend at the time the permit is issued. This allows parents/guardians to pick up future meal packages without their children present. The permit is only valid at the site where it is issued.
Families who are traveling this summer can utilize a convenient text service to find a free summer meal location near them. Simply text “Summer Meals” or “Verano” to 914-342-7744 to find a Free Meal Location in 31 states Nationwide. Standard messaging rates may apply.
For more information about Great Bend meals, call the USD 428 Central Kitchen, at 620-793-1540. USDA is an equal opportunity provider.Do you have a celebration to share?!
We want to celebrate with you! Please send announcements such as engagements, marriage, birth, etc. to media@usd428.net for inclusion in the monthly RELAY Newsletter. This is an opportunity to share both personal and career announcements.
Explore Great Bend Calendar of Events
Be sure to follow Explore Great Bend on Facebook for news and events!
June Jaunt 2023
- Live music all weekend
- Car show & cruise night - June 2, 6-9pm
- Mural tours on the Dolly Trolly
- Paint in the Park
- Vendors, yard games, bounce houses, and MORE!
Learn more: https://fb.me/e/JVjkVUUI
5th Annual Rig Brew
Check out Rig Brew on Friday, June 9! The event raises funds for the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum right here in Great Bend.
Click Here to Buy Tickets Online - $30 Each
Ticket includes:
- Beer Tasting (and seltzers too) with souvenir cup!
- BBQ Meal
- Live Music by Homebrew
Featuring:
Dry Lake Brewing - Great Bend
Salt City Brewing Company - Hutchinson
Defiance Beer - Hays
Seltzer by Z’s Liquor
Share Your Stories and Activities!
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.
Connect with USD 428
Email: media@usd428.net
Website: www.GreatBendSchools.net
Location: 201 South Patton Road, Great Bend, KS, USA
Phone: 620-793-1500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USD428/