RELAY - January '25

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 Appreciation Month
• GB Reads Launches Jan. 10
• Trophies to the Table
• GBHS Highlights - Fall Intern Presentations, Debate Champions
• Let's Celebrate - January Birthdays
• Community Resources & Events
  

• Jan. 7 - School Resumes
• Jan. 20 - No School, Teacher In-Service

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!

Click Here to view the 2025 Payroll Calendar

January marks School Board Appreciation Month, providing an opportunity to recognize the commitment and service of the locally elected USD 428 Board of Education members. These leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of education for the Great Bend community.

Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education (BOE) members include Jacquie Disque, President (serving 2018-2026); Aaron Emerson, Vice-President (2020-2027); Chad Burroughs (2022-2026); Deanna Essmiller (2018-2026); Karen Lindberg, Randy Wetzel, and Sara Williams, each serving from 2024-2027.

“Our board members are advocates for public education, demonstrating thoughtful leadership and a commitment to ensuring all students receive a high-quality education,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 Superintendent. “Their service impacts not just our schools but the future of our entire community.”

School board members dedicate countless hours to attending meetings, analyzing reports, and engaging in policy discussions to support approximately 2,900 students and 700 staff members across 10 district buildings in Great Bend.

Thexton expressed gratitude for the Board's engagement, stating, “We are fortunate to have a team that values connection with the community and advocates for our students at local and state levels.”

USD 428 invites the community to celebrate and thank school board members for their unwavering dedication. Notes of gratitude can be sent to the District Education Center, c/o Cathie McManaman, 1809 24th St, Great Bend, KS.

The USD 428 Board of Education meets regularly on the second Monday of the month at 5 p.m. at the District Education Center. The next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2025. Learn more about the USD 428 Board of Education and access board reports at GreatBendSchools.net.

🐶 BONE-anza Community Scavenger Hunt
Unleash your inner detective! Families can sniff out hidden dog bones around town through the Goosechase app. Local businesses are ready to play along, so bring the whole pack to complete fun “missions” and fetch some prizes! Top “paw-ticipants” will win prizes for their scavenger skills!

📖 Free Books & Family Fun
Each K-6 student will receive a free copy of Dog Days—purr-fect for cozy family reading time. Plus, look out for choice boards and fun activities to get the whole family involved!

Mark your calendars, grab your leash, and get ready for a fur-bulous season of reading and adventure! 🐾

For the second year, MPIRE Realty Group and Kansas Trophy Experience are teamed up to provide locally harvested meat to USD 428 families during the holiday season. This initiative, powered by the generosity of several local partners, ensures families can enjoy nutritious, locally sourced deer meat this December.

A distribution event was held on Thursday, December 19, distributing over 300 lbs of meat to local families.

Trevor Olsen, owner and guide at Kansas Trophy Experience, is enthusiastic about continuing this community tradition. "We are grateful for the chance to support local families. This program allows us to connect hunters’ donations directly to those who can benefit most,” Olsen shared.

Over the years, Kansas Trophy Experience has facilitated donations of wild game from hunters who travel to Central Kansas from across the country. These donations are processed locally at B&B Quality Meats in Larned, KS. The program is underwritten by donations from MPIRE Realty, Nels & Karen Lindberg Family, hunters and the Team at Kansas Trophy Experience, as well as B&B Meats.

Rachel Thexton, a Great Bend High School counselor and a volunteer for the GBHS Panther Pantry and Hygiene Closet, reflected on the program's importance: "The holidays are challenging for many families, and this generous act of kindness is a true blessing to so many."

Another distribution event will be announced in early 2025. For more information about Trophies to the Table, please contact the USD 428 District Education Center at (620) 793-1500.

In December, nine GBHS seniors showcased their hard work and growth during the Fall Internship Presentations. These students shared highlights from their internships in industries like healthcare, auto mechanics, marketing, and carpentry, offering insight into the skills they gained and their hands-on experience in real-world career pathways.

Each student expressed gratitude to their host businesses for the mentorship and opportunities provided, which played a vital role in their journey toward future success.

A special thank-you to Lacy Wolters, GBHS ACT & Career Coordinator, for leading this program and providing an overview of its objectives. The GBHS Internship Program continues to connect students with valuable learning experiences that prepare them for life beyond high school.

The Great Bend High School Debate Team were crowned Champions at the Regional Tournament hosted in Great Bend on Saturday, December 21. Their hard-fought victory highlights a season of growth, resilience, and outstanding performances. This year marks the fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament for Great Bend.

The Panthers were 5A Regional Runner-Ups in 2023 and 2022. This is the first time that GBHS has claimed a 5A Regional Championship since 2021.

Great Bend's Regional Champion team consisted of Seniors Darcy Feist, Reese King, Steven Guillory and Junior, Zachary Hart. Juniors Ellie Damm and Rhys Froetschner were alternates.

"Coaching this remarkable group of debaters has been an unforgettable experience" Heath shared. "Watching their belief in themselves and their abilities grow throughout their high school career has been truly inspiring.”

The victory was a true team effort. It was made possible not just by those competing, but also by the students who contributed through research, practice support, and tournament preparation. According to GBHS debate coach, Kim Heath, “This Regional Championship highlights what it means to be part of a team. Debate eliminates fears of public speaking, and sharpens oral and written skills. But more than that it empowers them to lead and take control of the direction of their own learning.” She continued, “My students have discovered and developed skills that will benefit them for a lifetime."

The Great Bend High School Debate program will compete in the 2025 Kansas State High School Activities Association Class 5A 4-Speaker Debate Tournament in Garden City on Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th.

Great Bend will compete against defending state champions Blue Valley Southwest, as well as Hutchinson, Hays, Sumner Academy, St. James Academy, DeSoto, Valley Center and Bishop Carroll.

In addition to excelling in the 4-speaker tournament, the Panthers have qualified three additional teams for the state 2-speaker tournament, which will also be held in Garden City in January. Senior Analeah Ochs will partner with Junior Jordan Ochs, while sophomores Hunter McClanahan, Kyra Lewis, Parker Coleman, and Kendra Scheideman will form the other two teams.

Picture notes: Steven Guillory, Zachary Hart, Darcy Feist and Reese King

Katy & Marshall Barkow welcomed Kinley Ann to their family on November 18, 2024. She is loved by the whole family, including big brother, Will. Katy is a Kindergarten Teacher at Eisenhower Elementary.

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

Cozy up to unbeatable deals inside participating stores and get the warmest deals of the season! Also jump into the Crest Theatre with Great Bend Alive for some amazing snowball deals with the Snowball Drop, entertainment and so much more!

Join us on Saturday, February 1, as we mark TWO incredible milestones: 20 years of the Chocolate Auction and 40 years of CASA’s impact in Central Kansas with our Legacy of Love, Two Decades of Decadence event!

📅 When: Saturday, February 1

🕠 Doors Open: 5:30 PM

📍 Where: Great Bend Event Center

What’s in store?

🍷 Hors d’oeuvres & Decadent Chocolate Desserts

📦 Silent Auction (accessible through the Handbid app—bid from anywhere!)

🎤 Exciting Live Auction with unforgettable items and experiences

Whether you’re attending in person or supporting from afar, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Help us celebrate a legacy of love and two decades of decadence.

🎟 Click Here to buy tickets!

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/