RELAY - October '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
• GBHS Welding Simulator
• BOE Luncheon Meeting Highlights from Park Elementary
• Local Educators chosen for MACE Board of Directors
• District Surplus Sale - Oct. 3 & 4
• Let's Celebrate - October Birthdays
  
• District Photo Highlights
• Community Resources
  

• Oct. 4 - No School, Teacher Collab/Grading
• Oct. 7 - No School, Teacher In-Service
• Oct. 18 - No School, Teacher Grading/Collab
• Oct. 21, 22 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (PM)
• Oct. 24 - 11:45 am Dismissal (PT Conf.)
• Oct. 25 - No School

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!

Help GB Alive shape the future of our downtown community by taking the Main Street America survey! Your feedback will help us plan events, improve local businesses, and create a vibrant downtown for everyone to enjoy.

Click the link to take the survey and make your voice heard: Survey Link

Thank you for supporting our Main Street and being a part of the positive change!

#MainStreetMatters #GBAlive #ILoveGBK #CommunityFirst

Students in the welding program at Great Bend High School are experiencing cutting-edge training with the addition of a new Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) simulator. Oscar Torres, the school's Ag and Welding Instructor, introduced the simulator to his students last week, providing them with a valuable tool to hone their welding skills.

"The simulator is a great experience for the students," said Torres. "While it eliminates a few variables that you would encounter in real-world welding, it offers an opportunity for students to experience what welding looks and sounds like under the hood." He further emphasized the importance of the simulator in helping students develop the muscle memory needed to master the correct movement and speed of the welding torch to produce high-quality welds.

The simulator allows students to practice MIG welding techniques without the need for expensive consumables, making it a cost-effective solution for the program. Torres mentioned that some of his second-level students, after practicing on the simulator, have already moved on to actual welding projects.

Torres plans to continue incorporating the simulator into his curriculum to help students gain hands-on experience and prepare them for success in the welding industry.

For more information about the Welding or other Career & Technical Education Programs at Great Bend High School, please contact Kip Wilson, vice principal of GBHS at 620-793-1521.

Photo Caption: Students in Mr. Torres’ Welding Class at Great Bend High School practice their MIG welding techniques using a new simulator, gaining valuable experience in torch control and muscle memory before moving on to live welding projects.

The USD 428 Board of Education held it's monthly Luncheon Meeting at Riley Elementary on Wednesday, September 25 at 12pm.

Park Elementary Principal, Kelsey Sciacca, shared numerous highlights with the Board of Education, including:

• As of Sept. 25, Park has 256 students enrolled, 35 Special Education Students, 71 EL Students, 16 Non-English Students, and 2 Students at RISE.
• Mrs. Sciacca referenced their exciting "first day of school" crisis drill where a nearby gas leak initiated the evacuation process during lunch. Staff and students responded quickly and while the all-clear was given pretty quickly, it was a good test-run for the building.
• Mrs. Sciacca also shared an overview of the RISE program and how it's helping to address student needs and support positive classroom operations. 2 students currently at RISE will soon begin reintegration time in the building. Eisenhower will receive training in the near future to collaborate on the RISE program as well.
• To conclude the building report, Mrs. Sciacca welcomed Mr. Dowson and some of his 6th-grade students. They challenged Mr. Thexton, Jaquie Disque and Morgan Hoffman to a round of "Scholars Bowl" trivia - 6th-grade won!

Approval of Commercial Real Estate Agent - unanimously approved

An RFP from local commercial real estate agent services was solicited from real estate agencies to sell 2201 Broadway. With the lowest commission rate being the top consideration, Mr. Popp presented the results of the RFP to the Board and recommend approval of MPIRE Realty.

• Proposals were received from Keller & MPIRE. While both entities have the experience and expertise to handle the listing, commission rates were a distinguishing factor, 4% versus 4.95% as presented.

Karen Lindberg was absent for the discussion and vote.

Grants & Contributions:

Great Bend High School would like to accept the following contributions:

• GBHS FFA - $400 - Zoetis vendor incentive rewards designated to FFA by Animal Medical Center
• Lacy Wolters, GBHS ACT/Career Coordinator, wishes to apply and receive a $2,000 Midwest Energy, Inc. Internship Grant that provides internship wages/stipends for students interning with local businesses not offering paid internships.

Great Bend Middle School would like to accept a $183.10 contribution from Identification, Co. for GBMS Cheer.

Personnel Report:

No personnel report was presented.

Two educators from Great Bend Public Schools have been selected to serve on the prestigious board of the Mid-America Association for Computers in Education, known as MACE. Lindsay Mazouch and Leah Yancey, both Instructional Technology Coaches and Media Specialists for USD 428 serving at Lincoln Elementary and Riley Elementary, began their two-year terms on the MACE Board of Directors in July 2024.

MACE is a non-profit corporation with the educational mission to promote and enhance the use of technology in learning environments. The organization provides a platform for educators to share and exchange ideas, techniques, materials, and procedures for using technology effectively in schools.

The selection of Mazouch and Yancey is significant, as they are among the few representatives from western Kansas to serve on the board, joining educators from larger, urban districts across the state.

“It’s a huge honor to represent Great Bend and western Kansas on this board,” said Mazouch. “While I’m not usually one to draw attention to myself, I believe it’s important to highlight how we’re expanding our influence and connections beyond our local community.”

Mazouch and Yancey were first invited to volunteer with MACE, attending virtual meetings and the behind-the-scenes planning for the annual conference held in Manhattan, KS. After a year of volunteer service, they were encouraged to apply to serve on the board of directors. After the application process and interviews, both were selected to begin their two-year terms this July.

As board members, Mazouch and Yancey join a group of 12 educational professionals, including superintendents, instructional coaches, principals, librarians, and representatives from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). Their roles will involve collaboration and innovation in education, shaping the direction of future conferences, and promoting technology integration in classrooms across the region.

For information about USD 428’s Technology & Media initiatives, please contact the USD 428 District Office at 620-793-1500. For more information about MACE, visit mace-ks.org.

Dear USD 428 Staff,

We’re excited to offer you a first look at the district’s surplus items before they’re available to the public! On Thursday, October 3rd, the old maintenance building at 2099 12th Street will be open for USD 428 staff from 3:45-5:00 PM.

You’re welcome to browse a variety of items, including chairs, desks, tables, cubicles, cubicle parts, and other larger surplus pieces for sale. If you find something like a chair or smaller item that you’d like for your classroom, you may take it free of charge.

Please keep in mind:

• USD 428 maintenance and custodial staff will not load, carry, or deliver any items.

• All sales are final—you are responsible for taking any purchased items with you at the time of sale.

• If you wish to take a larger item for your classroom, you must have approval from your principal.

• We cannot hold items or deliver them to your classroom.

The sale will be cash and carry, so be prepared to take home anything you purchase that day.

The building will open to the public on Friday, October 4th, from 8 am - 3 pm, so take advantage of this opportunity to get the first look!

Thanks, and happy treasure hunting!

Best,

John Popp
Assistant Superintendent

Great Bend Public Schools - USD 428

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

Saturday, Oct. 12

8am - 1pm

5700 Broadway

Coats for anyone who needs one! All are welcome!

Kevin Horner is a veteran comedian, ventriloquist, and magician. His unique style, voice, and adaptability spans all ages and personalities. Kevin is a 3 times “People’s Choice Award Winner” for the art of ventriloquism.

SHOW 1 - 4:00 pm (The Anti-Bullying Show) Doors open at 3:30 PM.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. FEE: Free admission

SHOW 2 - 7:00 pm (Comedy Show) Family Friendly. Doors open at 6:30 PM. FEE: $5.00 per person

Make plans to visit Jack Kilby Square on October 26 from 11am - 1pm.

• Kiwanis Candy Parade - Kids Dress Up and gather goodies from participating businesses
• Community Trunk or Treat sponsored by local churches

For more information contact Amanda - 620-792-1321

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/