December 2024 Maize Pulse
Maize USD 266
Dec. 17, 2024
Dr. Greer: Celebrating success and looking ahead to a bright 2025
As we close the chapter on 2024 and look forward to 2025, I’m inspired by the collective strength of our #MaizeFamily. We’ve achieved milestones that reflect our shared commitment to student success, and the future holds even more exciting possibilities. Here are a few accomplishments from 2024 that we are especially proud of:
- Improved student attendance: Chronic absenteeism dropped by more than 50 percent, from 24 percent to just 11 percent.
- Expanding STEAM opportunities: Our kindergarten through 6th-grade STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) classes paved the way for success, with 83 percent of 5th-grade students achieving proficiency on the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) Science assessment.
- Shocker Academy: Our students have the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree by the time they graduate from our district.
- System-wide collaboration: The adoption of the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) model is helping us drive collective improvement across the district. We have been highlighting school improvement goals using this model in Maize Pulse monthly since September, and you can read more in this edition.
- Enhanced safety and support: We’ve expanded resources, including seven school resource officers (SROs), Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) behavior liaisons, Pando Initiative student support workers, and updated crisis response plans. Each school also has a trained Threat Assessment Team and tiered behavioral intervention support in place.
- New website: Our redesigned, mobile-friendly website is now live! It’s your go-to source for staying informed and connected with everything happening across Maize USD 266. Check out the awesome launch video.
Additionally, our operational teams have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth-running district:
- Our 12 school kitchens served more than 50,000 lunches each month this year.
- Our school buses traveled more than 40,000 miles each month, safely getting students to and from school.
Look ahead to 2025, the coming year promises even more exciting developments:
- Super Coffee Chat, my parent listening tour, will continue. Please join me for conversation and connection at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at MOXI Junction, 319 S. Park Ave. in Maize.
- Facility Steering Committee: We’ve officially launched this important group to guide the future of our district’s facilities. Please read more in the article below.
Together, we’re building a brighter future for every student. As we head into Winter Break, I hope you find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy moments with your loved ones. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Here’s to an inspiring and successful 2025!
Dr. Raquel Greer
Superintendent
Connect with Dr. Greer
- On Twitter/X: @rockigreer
- Email: rgreer@usd266.com
- Online: www.usd266.com/superintendent
Calendar reminders
Important dates
December
- Dec. 20: End of Term 2
- Dec. 23-31: No school, Winter Break
January
- Jan. 1-3: No school, Winter Break
- Jan. 6: No school, Teacher Work Day
- Jan. 7: No school, Professional Development
- Jan. 8: Start of Term 3
- Jan. 20: No school, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
School improvement goals
Schools share goals for literacy and improvement in 2024-25
As part of the Lead Forward strategic plan, the district aims to increase its reading proficiency rate from 73 percent to 80 percent on the Kansas State Assessment by 2028. To achieve this, each school has established a Wildly Important Goal (WIG) related to literacy and another WIG of their choice that helps support a need in their building. Between September and January, each school will present to the Maize Board of Education about their goals. The following are summaries from December school board presentations.
Maize Central Elementary School Principal David Jennings said the school aims to increase the percentage of 3rd and 4th graders scoring proficient or higher on the Kansas State Reading Assessment from 81 percent to 82.5 percent and on the Math Assessment from 86 percent to 86.5 percent. Grade-level teams have outlined specific strategies to support these goals, including the use of graphic organizers in reading and targeted math fluency activities. These efforts reflect the school’s commitment to enhancing student learning and fostering academic excellence.
Maize Early Childhood Center Principal DeDe Pierce said that literacy begins when someone speaks to or reads to an infant. The foundational skills of listening, comprehension, and storytelling are nurtured as students grow. This year, the school aims for 80 percent of students to accurately retell story sequences by May, using enhanced read-alouds, retelling practices, and progress monitoring. In just three months, families in the nationally award-winning Parents as Teachers (PAT) program have read 3,400 stories aloud. Last year, 87 percent of PAT families attended at least one event—the highest participation rate in Kansas!
The school is also improving attendance, aiming to raise student attendance from 84 percent to 90 percent. Strategies include family engagement, newsletter snapshots, and proactive communication. Early results show a 92 percent attendance rate through November and fewer unexcused absences than last year. These efforts help families build good attendance habits early, benefiting students throughout their education. From newborns to kindergarten-aged students, Maize Early Childhood Center’s programs, including music groups, set the stage for lifelong learning.
District news and updates
Visit our newly redesigned website, your hub for all things Maize!
Our new www.usd266.com is live! It’s accessible, searchable, and mobile-friendly, making it easier than ever to find what you need on any device. We invite you to explore our district and school homepages to connect, learn, and lead with us. Discover the latest news, find ways to engage with us on social media, plan for upcoming events, explore inspiring stories, learn how to get involved, and meet our incredible team—all in one place.
Stay tuned for future Maize Pulse articles, where we’ll highlight key features, including our interactive calendar, Careers page, and other exciting tools.
Click below to watch our launch video and start exploring our website today!
- Maize USD 266
- Maize Early Childhood Center
- Maize Central Elementary School
- Maize Elementary School
- Maize South Elementary School
- Pray-Woodman Elementary School
- Vermillion Elementary School
- Maize Intermediate School
- Maize South Intermediate School
- Maize Middle School
- Maize South Middle School
- Maize High School
- Maize South High School
- Complete High School Maize
- Maize Career Academy
- Hope Learning Center
- Maize Education Foundation
Check out our website launch video
Facility Steering Committee kicks off work to lead planning for future progress
Our Facility Steering Committee is off and running, having had its kickoff meeting earlier this month. This dedicated group of parents, community members, and employees will prioritize both short-term needs in the next five years and long-term needs in five to 10 years for our district facilities. Their efforts will ensure our spaces continue to inspire students with innovative learning environments. The committee's work will culminate in a presentation of recommendations to the Maize Board of Education, currently planned to take place in August 2025. Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment to shaping the future of our district!
Heather Vincent named next Maize Virtual Preparatory School principal
We are thrilled to announce that Heather Vincent will be the next principal of Maize Virtual Preparatory School (MVPS)! Heather, currently a Maize USD 266 Student Support Specialist, was the unanimous choice among the interview panel members, which included MVPS teachers, our MVPS assistant principal, and district leaders. She brings a wealth of experience, leadership skills, and instructional expertise that make her a perfect fit for MVPS.
In her current role, Heather has been instrumental in coaching new teachers and leading the development of a district-wide English Language Arts (ELA) pacing guide. Before joining Maize, she served as an elementary school principal in Wichita USD 259 for 15 years and was an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Staff Developer.
During the interview process, Heather presented a clear plan to support MVPS by combining her leadership skills with a willingness to learn from and collaborate with staff members. The team is confident her extensive experience and knowledge of the district will ensure a smooth leadership transition and further build on the great work happening at MVPS. She begins officially on July 1.
Reminder to update contact information for communications purposes, including snow day messages
Please keep these reminders in mind:
- Please ensure that you have updated your information for notifications: If you want to receive phone calls and/or text messages from Maize USD 266, please log into Skyward Family Access and click “Skylert” on the left. Skylert enables you to receive notifications concerning your child(ren). Snow day-related notifications and the majority of district-sent parent communications fall into the category of “General.” You can check the boxes under “General” in Skyward to select how you prefer to receive this information. Please also make sure your phone number is accurate. Please click “Save” in the upper-right corner if you make any updates.
- Make sure to opt in to notify your carrier if you want to receive text messages: Those who want to receive the district’s School Messenger text messages also will need to opt in by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. This informs your mobile carrier that you approve of receiving text messages from School Messenger. Those wishing to opt out can do so by sending “Stop.” Please click here for more information. Text recipients will receive automated district messages from the number 67587.
- In the event of school being dismissed or canceled because of inclement weather: The district will send out notifications via phone call, text (SMS), and email to those who have elected to receive them. Phone notifications will go out as early as 5:30 a.m. on the day of the closure. If a decision is made the night before to call off school, calls and texts will go out no later than 10:30 p.m. District officials will update the district’s website (www.usd266.com), official Twitter/X account (@maize266), and official Facebook page as soon as the decision is made to call off school. When in doubt, the district encourages parents and employees to verify school closings by consulting multiple official district sources. Please do not rely on only one form of notification, such as a text message, if you are uncertain.
Thank you for your cooperation in preparing for potential inclement weather this winter.
Maize Board of Education news
District to introduce expanded STEAM programming as fifth elementary school special
During the December school Maize Board of Education meeting, a committee of educators presented their recommendation to double the amount of weekly instruction for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) at all five elementary schools. This recommendation stemmed from last year’s teacher negotiations, during which an agreement was reached to review educator collaboration time and explore opportunities to enhance teacher plan time. The committee’s work focused on evaluating available elementary school special elective classes and aligning them with the agreed-upon priorities, ultimately leading to the proposal to include STEAM as an expanded offering for students.
This change, which will begin in the 2025-26 school year, will provide kindergarten through 4th-grade students with 120 minutes of dedicated STEAM instruction each week, allowing for more in-depth, hands-on learning aligned with district goals. Elementary school students currently attend STEAM class once a week, and they would attend twice a week next school year. They also will continue to attend specials for music, PE, and library.
The committee, formed during teacher contract negotiations, included representatives from all elementary schools. They reviewed state assessment data, feedback from students and the Superintendent Student Advisory Team, and current scheduling challenges across schools. The addition of STEAM not only enriches the curriculum but also creates more consistent teacher planning time district-wide.
School board approves updated cell phone policy for grades 9 through 12
On Dec. 9, the Maize Board of Education approved revisions to the student cell phone policy for grades 9 through 12. Beginning with the new semester on Jan. 8, 2025, student use of a personal cell phone during class time will be prohibited. The updated policy now includes this statement in bold:
“The use of cell phones/communication devices will be permitted in the hallways during student passing periods and in the commons during the student’s lunch period. Students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices during class. Teachers have the authority to collect cell phones or other devices such as electronic watches, AirPods, etc. during class time to help reduce distractions to the learning environment.”
Class time is defined from the first bell of each class to the last bell of each class. Personal cell phone use is still allowed before and after school, in hallways during class transition times, and at lunch.
As has been in policy, violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action that will be taken by school staff. The updated policy also includes the following: “Additional consequences will be provided for students who deceive teachers by submitting a non-working cell phone.”
Please click here to see the revised policy.
This change reflects our commitment to creating a more consistent and focused learning environment for all students.
As explained in our November Maize Pulse newsletter, this ensures consistency across all high school classrooms. While exceptions will be made for instructional activities requiring cell phones and/or for students using devices as medical aids, the new policy aims to minimize classroom disruptions and enhance teaching and learning.
This change was guided by the work of the Cell Phone Policy Review Committee, which included educators, administrators, board representatives, and a student from the Superintendent Student Advisory Team. Input from high school teachers and alignment with the Kansas State Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Task Force recommendations shaped this decision.
We appreciate your support as we implement this policy to foster an environment where students can fully engage in their learning.
Thank you for partnering with us in making our schools even stronger!
Next school board meeting
The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1155 W. Academy in Maize. Meetings are open to the public. Find a link to meeting agendas and minutes, school board member information, and policies at www.usd266.com/schoolboard. Regular monthly meetings are broadcast live at bit.ly/Maize266YouTube.
#266Success
Maize Elementary School teacher celebrated with KAKE Golden Apple award
Maize Elementary School teacher Karissa Jacobs was surprised recently with a KAKE Golden Apple award, given to outstanding local teachers. Thank you to KAKE, Davis-Moore Auto Group, and Project Teacher for honoring her! Click the link below to watch the news story.
Congratulations to teacher grant winners!
Congratulations to two Maize USD 266 educators and recent winners of Credit Union of America's Teach, Grow, and Inspire the Future (TGIF) Grants!
- Maize South High School teacher Dante Simmons was awarded an $850 grant to upgrade the school's auditorium sound booth.
- Maize Intermediate School teacher Samantha Kempf was awarded a $1,000 grant to purchase two 3D printer filament for the school's students.
Thank you to Credit Union of America for supporting our educators!
#MaizeFamily
During recent high school basketball games, student leaders highlight importance of mental health
During the Maize High School vs. Maize South High School basketball games on Dec. 13, student leaders sparked important conversations about mental health through the Zero Reasons Why campaign. This teen-driven initiative empowers students to reduce the stigma around mental health and advocate for suicide prevention. Whether sharing personal stories, promoting awareness on social media, or fostering open dialogue, this campaign is making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Participants remind us all that together, there are zero reasons why we can’t prioritize mental health and support one another.
Photos by Maize High School student Katelyn Coffey
Thank you for supporting Maize Caring Hearts and our students!
Maize Caring Hearts is excited to spread cheer and help local families and children in need! Thank you to everyone who supported Maize USD 266 students and their siblings by purchasing an item from their wish list. With your generosity, all wish lists have been cleared for 2024! Your generosity makes Maize Caring Hearts a success, and we’re so grateful for your support!
Maize Education Foundation
Maize Education Foundation awards $5,620 in Student Enrichment Grants
Congratulations to the Maize USD 266 students selected to receive Student Enrichment Grants this semester! This school year, Maize Education Foundation funds will help students see new parts of the world, compete in academic competitions, pursue career interests, and attend educational conferences. The Fall 2024 Student Enrichment Grant recipients are:
- Samuel Askew, Maize Middle School
- Carter Askew, Maize High School
- Logan Batt, Maize High School
- Alejandro Cordova, Maize High School
- Lincoln DeBok, Maize Virtual Preparatory School
- Madeline DeBok, Maize Virtual Preparatory School
- Rylee Frye, Maize High School
- Easton Grantham, Maize High School
- Kate Kelly, Maize South High School
- Paige Kelly, Maize South High School
- Reegan Myers, Maize Middle School
- Kaleb Soden, Maize High School
Scholarship application now open
Encourage your high school senior to apply for a Maize Education Foundation scholarship! The Foundation facilitates four scholarships designed to support students after graduation, whether they’re pursuing college, trade school, or other post-secondary education. Maize Education Foundation scholarships can help ease the cost of tuition, books, or other expenses. All Maize USD 266 seniors are encouraged to apply, though some scholarships may have specific requirements. Applications are due on Feb. 21, 2025.
Tickets and sponsorships available for the Birds and Bulls Gala
The Birds and Bulls Gala invites supporters of the Maize Education Foundation and Maize USD 266 to an elegant evening of fundraising, benefiting programs including Student Enrichment Grants, Challenge Grants, and Teacher Appreciation initiatives. Enjoy a plated dinner, silent and live auctions, dessert buffet catered by Maize culinary students, and the Newlywed Game featuring Maize USD 266 couples. The day before Valentine’s Day, the Birds and Bulls Gala is perfect for a date night or a fun outing with friends.
Now hiring
Join our team as a substitute teacher
Help support students’ learning and growth by becoming a substitute teacher. This position is essential in providing instructional continuity when regular classroom teachers are away. You’ll have the flexibility to select the assignments you prefer—whether that’s choosing specific days, schools, grade levels, or subjects. Our automated system notifies you of opportunities, allowing you to accept assignments that fit your schedule. On the day of your assignment, simply arrive 20 minutes early, follow the teacher’s lesson plan, connect with students, and leave helpful notes for the teacher. Our substitute teachers enjoy flexibility and the opportunity to work with a dedicated team.
We’re hiring for the 2025-26 school year!
We are already planning for the 2025-26 school year, and we’re looking for dedicated educators to join our amazing #MaizeFamily! If you or someone you know is passionate about inspiring students, fostering growth, and making a lasting impact, we’d love to connect. Check out our job postings and explore our new Careers page to find out about district and community support, training, benefits, and testimonials from our current employees. Let’s work together to create bright futures!
Support before- and after-school care and programming in our schools
Maize USD 266 partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas for before- and after-school care. Please consider joining their team to help support this important program, which many Maize USD 266 families utilize. Click the buttons below to learn more about and apply for their open positions. Thank you!
266 in Photos
Maize High School orchestra students shared their musical talents with a performance for Pray-Woodman Elementary School students.
Students at Pray-Woodman Elementary School display their salt snowflake art in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) class.
Helpful links
Maize USD 266 e-newsletters
Super Note is Maize USD 266 Superintendent Dr. Greer's e-newsletter written to students. Click to explore the archive of past editions.
Maize Pulse is Maize USD 266's district e-newsletter, shared about once a month with parents, employees, and the community. Click to explore the archive of past editions.
The mission of Maize USD 266 is to inspire students to discover their potential through connecting, learning, and leading.
905 Academy Avenue, Maize, KS, USA
316-722-0614