Hello, Maize students!

As we finish this semester, I want to tell you how proud I am of everything you’ve done. Your hard work, curiosity, and determination have led to some amazing accomplishments this fall, including:

• completing 4,403 college credit hours, which is a big step toward your future!
• 201 students getting real-world experience through internships and work-based learning.
• 1,501 third- and fourth-grade students visiting our Maize Career Academy and dreaming about their futures.
• earning 334 industry-recognized certificates last spring, showing you’re ready for exciting careers.
• reaching a 100 percent on-time graduation rate for students with two or more pathway credits. That’s proof of your hard work and the great support you have here at Maize!

I’m also excited about what’s coming in 2025! We’ll be updating Intermediate school schedules to give you even more clubs and electives, creating awesome new opportunities for the 2025-26 school year. We want you to have the best experience possible!

As you think about your future, I encourage you to check out all the cool options at the Maize Career Academy. There are so many programs that can help you explore different careers, learn new skills, and get ready for whatever comes next. Be sure to look into these course options when planning your schedule!

With the holidays coming up, I hope you take time to celebrate all you’ve achieved, rest, and spend time with your family and friends. I wish you a happy holiday season and an awesome new year filled with possibilities.

When we’re back for the spring semester, I know you’ll keep showing kindness, ambition, and determination. Together, let’s make 2025 an amazing year!

Thank you for being such an important part of Maize USD 266. I’m so proud of each and every one of you!

Dr. Greer

Super Note is a Maize USD 266 e-newsletter from Superintendent Dr. Greer to students. Please enjoy reading this publication! It is produced about once a quarter and sent via email.

We just launched our brand-new district website, www.usd266.com! The new site works great on any device, so whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or computer, it’s easier than ever to find what you need. There’s even a student section designed with you in mind! You can use it to:

• Find resources for your homework.
• Email your teachers.
• Check out links to high school counseling pages, health and safety info, and more!

Click below to watch a quick video showing all the new features. We hope you love exploring the site and finding tools to help you succeed!

During the December 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.

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!

For the third consecutive year, this dedicated group of high school students provides insights that are crucial as the district establishes direction on key issues, giving them a unique opportunity to influence decisions that affect our community. The Superintendent Student Advisory Team consists of 24 students—freshmen through seniors—from across the district, ensuring representation from all grade levels. Students, please feel free to reach out to your peer representatives with your feedback.

Are you a high school senior passionate about education? Or maybe you're considering a career that lets you inspire the next generation? We are excited to share that the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is in full swing, with six apprentices now working in our district.

This state-supported initiative provides aspiring educators with a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience by working full-time in Maize classrooms as paraprofessionals while studying to become teachers.

Here’s what our apprentices are experiencing:

• Working alongside experienced Maize educators.
• Receiving valuable mentorship and financial assistance to support their journey.
• Balancing hands-on experience with their college coursework.

Who is eligible?

• High school graduates enrolled in a college education program and ready to dive into the world of teaching!

Why consider this program?

• The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program offers a perfect blend of education and experience, paving the way for a fulfilling career in teaching. It’s an incredible opportunity for graduates interested in pursuing a degree in education and making a meaningful impact in their community.

Feel free to reach out to us directly to learn more by calling 316-722-0614.

We’re thrilled to share that Kayla Lowmiller, a junior at Maize High School, has been selected to participate in the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, set for June 25 through 27, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. This prestigious event brings together top high school students with big dreams of pursuing careers in medicine or medical research.

Kayla’s nomination, endorsed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, celebrates her academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving others through medicine. As a delegate, Kayla will join other bright students from around the country to hear from some of the world’s leading medical researchers, listen to patients’ inspiring stories, learn from Ivy League medical school deans, and explore the latest advances in medical technology.

The congress is all about honoring students like Kayla, who show promise and passion for medicine, and giving them the resources and guidance to turn their goals into reality. Through the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, Kayla and other delegates will have access to online networks, mentoring from professionals in the field, and valuable information about college, internships, and career pathways.

Congratulations to Maize High School senior Kinslea Jones on her incredible fourth consecutive state golf championship! She is one of only three athletes in Kansas history—among both boys and girls—to claim the title four times. Kinslea’s wins span both Class 5A and Class 6A, showcasing her skill and dedication. Here are some of her remarkable stats:

• She improved her scoring average every year, finishing her senior season with a 66.5 average.
• She won 28 out of her 29 18-hole tournaments as a Maize High Eagle.
• She achieved a senior year career scoring average of 68.7.
• She won a total of 33 tournaments.
• She set a state record at Hesston this year by shooting a 58, 13 under par!

Next year, she plans to golf for the Jayhawks at the University of Kansas.

The Maize Board of Education honored Kinslea during the December monthly meeting, when school board members challenged her to a friendly golf competition.

The Maize Education Foundation is proud to offer four scholarships to support your journey after graduation! Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, or pursuing another post-secondary path, these scholarships are here to lighten the load of tuition, books, and other expenses. This is your chance to unlock financial support and take a step closer to achieving your dreams. All Maize USD 266 seniors are encouraged to apply—just be sure to check for any specific requirements. Don’t miss out—applications are due by Feb. 21, 2025!

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

Did you know that students are a HUGE help to keeping schools safe? Help us keep you safe by providing anonymous tips. If you see something, please say something!

There are three ways to submit an anonymous tip:

1. Click here to be taken directly to a secure tip reporting website.
2. On your smartphone, download the free P3 Tips app from the App Store or Google Play. Then, follow the onscreen prompts to submit your tip.
3. Call 316-267-2111.

Stay on top of the great things happening at Maize USD 266 on our official social media accounts:

• Maize USD 266 on Facebook
• Maize USD 266 on Twitter/X