During Monday's Board of Education meeting, we presented the Lead Forward Maize USD 266 Strategic Plan, which will guide district initiatives through 2028.

This plan was developed after a year-long District Needs Assessment, which included a Superintendent Employee Listening Tour, discussion with stakeholder advisory groups, and an analysis of district achievement data.

After needs were identified, each line of the plan was written with intentionality. Our own teachers and students provided adjectives and verbs that exemplify Maize. We then used their words to create the language in main focus areas that represent the needs mentioned by our stakeholders:

• Nurture a Cohesive Culture

• Attract Expert Educators

• Elevate Student Learning

• Build for the Future

I look forward to telling you more about the important work we will engage in soon!

The branding of the Lead Forward strategic plan was designed to merge the timeless tradition of excellence in Maize with the needs of our fast-growing district. We combined the traditional rising star, which has long been a symbol associated with Maize USD 266, with colors that reflect all of our schools: red Eagles, gold Mavericks, blue Pride and Panthers, purple Wolves and Mustangs, green Chameleons, and teal Explorers. Our district is multifaceted, as are the opportunities we want to provide. And, we chose the title Lead Forward to reflect our Mission: Connect. Learn. Lead. We spent a lot of time connecting and learning in recent months, and now, we will focus on leading the district forward.

The Lead Forward strategic plan will be on the August school board agenda for approval during the next monthly meeting on Aug. 14. I am excited to begin this work. It sure gives "getting ready for school" a new feel this year! I can't wait!

• On Twitter: @rockigreer
• Email: rgreer@usd266.com
• Online: www.usd266.com/superintendent

On Monday, the Maize Board of Education approved an updated 2023-24 District Calendar. This replaces the version first approved in February. Some updates to note:

• On Friday, April 5, school will not be in session, and the day will be a Professional Development Day.
• On Monday, April 8, school will not be in session.
• The last day of school for the 2023-24 school year will be Tuesday, May 21.

Please note that Maize USD 266 observes a staggered start day for students as follows:

• Tuesday, Aug. 15: First Day of School for all of grades 1 through 9 and pre-K and kindergarten students with last names beginning with letters A through K
• Wednesday, Aug. 16: Second day of school, with school in session for all of grades 1 through 12 and pre-K and kindergarten students with last names beginning with letters L through Z
• Thursday, Aug. 17: School in session for all grades pre-K through 12

New this year, Maize USD 266 has aligned its elementary school supply list for elementary school grades kindergarten through four. Students in these grades attending any of the district's five elementary schools can access these.

Unique school supply lists are available for the Maize Early Childhood Center, Maize Intermediate School, Maize South Intermediate School, Maize Middle School, and Maize South Middle School.

For students in grades 9 through 12, there are no formal school supply lists. High school students can plan to bring some pens, pencils, and notebooks/paper to school. Once they are in their classes, students will learn from their teachers about any additional specific school supply needs.

Our educators and employees look forward to meeting our students and families to prepare for the new school year! Please plan to join us for these Back-to-School Night events and parent-teacher conferences.

Thursday, Aug. 10

• Maize Early Childhood Center and all elementary schools (preschool through grade 4): Individual scheduled parent-teacher conferences, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Intermediate schools (grades 5 and 6): Open House, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Middle schools (grades 7 and 8): Open House, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• High schools and Maize Career Academy (grades 9 through 12): Open House, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Complete High School Maize: Parent-teacher conferences, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  

Friday, Aug. 11

• Maize Early Childhood Center and all elementary schools (preschool through grade 4): Individual, scheduled parent-teacher conferences, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  
• Intermediate schools (grades 5 and 6): Open House with assigned times available through SignUp Genius, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
• Middle schools (grades 7 and 8): Open House with individual parent-teacher conferences scheduled upon request, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
• High schools and Maize Career Academy (grades 9 through 12): Open House with individual parent-teacher conferences scheduled upon request, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
• Complete High School Maize: Parent-teacher conferences, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Watch for additional information to come from schools, and please direct any related questions directly to schools. School building front offices will open for the new school year on July 31.

Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is underway, and parents are invited to complete the process at their earliest convenience to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Please click here to access the district's Enrollment webpage.

For questions regarding enrollment for grades kindergarten through 12, email enrollment@usd266.com or call 316-350-2050. For questions regarding enrollment for preschool students who are ages 3 and 4, email Maize Early Childhood Center Data Manager Tammy Stewart at tstewart@usd266.com.

All enrollment must be completed on a desktop browser. New student enrollment is open through July 25.

• Skyward Family Access
  
• District website, www.usd266.com
• School and Administration Building Directory
• Searchable district boundary map
• Maize Board of Education policy and documents
• Maize USD 266 Facebook account
• Maize USD 266 Twitter account

Food Service helpful links

• 2023-24 Free and Reduced Application Packet
  
• Instructions to complete the Free and Reduced online application in Skyward Family Access
• Instructions to add money to a student's school lunch account
• Nutrislice menu app
• School meal menus
• School menu prices

Maize USD 266 is gearing up for the 2023-24 school year and searching for new professionals to join our team! Interested candidates are invited to the following Job Fair sessions at Maize Middle School, 4600 N. Maize Road in Maize:

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 20
• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 26

Review open positions at www.usd266.com/careers. Apply in advance or on the spot at either one of two upcoming job fairs later this month. On-site interviews will be available. Come and make a difference in the lives of our students and the community!

On Monday, school board members unanimously approved the new Maize Early Childhood Center logo. This follows the board's March vote to approve Explorers as the school's official mascot. The mascot is a poignant representation of the district’s littlest learners and their exploration of their education, world, and future. Learn more about the Maize Early Childhood Center at www.usd266.com/pre-k.

The Maize Board of Education's next monthly meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14 in the classrooms 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.

Maize USD 266 is exploring options for improvements and upgrades to our district website, www.usd266.com. We welcome feedback via a survey regarding our current website.

Children up to age 18 can access free meals through the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) summer meal programs. No registration or application is required. Click here to find a free meal location near you.