RELAY - November '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 Little Panthers Preschool
• Teachers of the Year Announced
• Tech Note: AI Tools in Google Gemini
• GBHS Hosts Apply KS Event
• Let's Celebrate - November Birthdays & 20 Under 40 Honoree
  
• District Photo Highlights
• Community Resources
  

• Nov. 27-29: No School - Thanksgiving Recess

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The USD 428 Board of Education held it's monthly Luncheon Meeting at Little Panthers Preschool on Wednesday, October 30 at 12pm.

Little Panthers Preschool Principal, Tandi Mai, shared numerous highlights with the Board of Education, including:

• Enrollment: As of 10/30/24, Little Panthers Preschool has 245 students enrolled. They are currently working to evaluate class sizes to see if they can enroll more students/families who are on the waiting list.
• FastBridge Academic Data: Initial results in Fall Benchmarking shows positive growth for students in Early Reading and Early Math.
• Family Engagement: 93.2% of families attended Fall Parent Teacher Conferences last week. For those who were unable to attend, teachers are rescheduling those meetings to ensure parents are connected and a strong foundation is being established.
• Building Operations: Mrs. Mai reiterated her gratitude to the BOE for prioritizing early childhood education and making LPP a reality. While Mrs. Mai continues to work with teachers to establish their norms and daily calendar, there is a great amount of collaboration by all teachers and staff.
• A Day in the Life: Mrs. Mai shared the video below with BOE members, showcasing moments from the classrooms, recess, and even field trips.

Approval of Out-of-State Travel for GBHS Wrestling - unanimously approved

Out-of-state student travel requires approval from the Board of Education. The GBHS Wrestling team has been invited to attend an out-of-state tournament and requests approval from the Board to attend a tournament in Kearney, NE, on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Grants & Contributions:

Lincoln Elementary - $443.32 - Dillons Community Rewards

Personnel Report:

No personnel report was presented.

After the meeting was adjourned, BOE members and media were invited to tour Little Panthers Preschool.

Great Bend Public Schools - USD 428 is proud to announce the selection of two exemplary educators as the district's 2025 Teachers of the Year: Traci Miller, from Riley Elementary School, and Jennifer Davis, from Great Bend High School. These educators have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to student learning, leadership within the profession, and positive impact on their school communities.

These honorees were nominated by their peers and selected after a rigorous process, including a local application reviewed by past Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) recipients. Traci Miller and Jennifer Davis will represent USD 428 as they advance to the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition.

Khris Thexton, Superintendent of USD 428, commended both teachers: “Traci and Jennifer are shining examples of what it means to be an educator. Their passion for teaching and their ability to inspire students are second to none. We are incredibly proud to have them represent our district as they continue to make a positive and lasting impact on student outcomes.”

Traci Miller, an English Learner (EL) teacher at Riley Elementary, brings 28 years of experience to the classroom. Known for her innovative teaching methods, Miller creates engaging lessons that "trick" students into learning by incorporating fun, interactive activities that foster both academic and social-emotional growth.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Miller shared, "I believe that ALL children can thrive and learn when provided a safe, trusting, engaging, and adaptive learning environment." Beyond her classroom, she is an instructional coach and mentor, playing a key role in professional development, literacy training, and teacher support across the district. Her dedication to student success extends into the community, where she is actively involved in various initiatives that support students in need​.

While Jennifer Davis may be in her first year of teaching history at Great Bend High School, her career boasts 14 years of experience. Davis is recognized for her dynamic approach to engaging a diverse group of learners. Utilizing a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities and collaborative learning, Davis fosters a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to explore and succeed.

Speaking about her approach, Davis said, "I find being able to help students who are struggling to learn or comprehend content to be very rewarding. When you work tirelessly with students... and finally see that spark ignite, there is simply no greater reward as an educator." Davis is known for her welcoming demeanor and her involvement promoting a positive school culture.

The 2025 honorees were nominated by their peers and selected after a multi-step process, including a local application reviewed by past USD 428 Teacher of the Year recipients. Traci Miller and Jennifer Davis will represent USD 428 as they advance to the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition.

If you would like more information about the Kansas Teacher of the Year recognition program, please contact Andrea Bauer at 620-793-1500, or email andrea.bauer@usd428.net. A list of past recipients can be found on our website, tinyurl.com/USD428recognition.

Teachers, are you curious about how AI can support your teaching and development? Kindric Castro, District Google & Chromebook Administrator, has shared valuable AI resources and tips to help you get started. In a recent email, Kindric introduced Gemini Chat—a powerful tool designed to streamline classroom tasks and enhance learning experiences.

To help you explore Gemini Chat’s features, Kindric has created a brief video guide that covers the basics and provides tips for using the tool effectively. Take a few minutes to watch the Gemini Chat Video Tutorial (below) and discover how this tool could benefit your daily workflow.

For any questions or additional support, Kindric is available to assist. Embrace the potential of AI and see how it can make a difference in your classroom!

Great Bend High School (GBHS) wrapped up a successful Apply KS event during the Kansas Apply Free Days on October 8 and 9, helping seniors take a crucial step toward their college goals. Approximately 70 seniors visited with college representatives and submitted admission applications during the two-day event.

Organized to coincide with the statewide Kansas Apply Free Days, the event allowed students to apply to colleges without paying any application fees. Representatives from Barton Community College, Fort Hays State University, the University of Kansas, Pratt Community College, Kansas State University, and Salina Tech were present to provide guidance on programs, scholarships, and the application process.

“This event is important for seniors to get a jump start on their applications,” said Lacy Wolters, GBHS ACT & Career Coordinator. “Many schools have fall and winter admission and scholarship deadlines, so applying now allows students time to complete all their college planning tasks before those deadlines. We’re thankful for the partnership of the college admissions reps who helped our students become college- and career-ready.”

GBHS staff also participated in the statewide #WhyApply social media campaign to encourage students to attend the event, apply early, and take advantage of the free application period.

For more information, please contact Lacy Wolters, Great Bend High School, at 620-793-1500.

Congratulations to Kelsey Beakey on being names one of the Great Bend Tribune's "20 Under 40!"

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

Shop local on Saturdays in November for a chance to WIN!

The Holiday Season comes ALIVE in Downtown Great Bend!

Parade at 5:30pm followed by lots of free fun and special events in the Courthouse Square.

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/