Dr. Greer's August 2024 Super Note

Welcome back to school! I’m so excited for you as you begin a new adventure this year. Today, I hope you find something that makes you smile, whether it’s a new class that grabs your interest, connecting with one of your awesome teachers who’s been looking forward to seeing you, or meeting a new friend who might just become one of your best.

When I was in school, I loved learning. Math was my favorite subject, but I also tried out a bunch of different activities, including music, drama, cheerleading, dance, and student council. Even back then, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. That love for learning led me to where I am today, helping students like you on your own journeys.

School has so much to offer, and there are so many ways for you to grow and learn. You’ll dive into different subjects, join clubs, try out sports, and face challenges that will help you succeed. One of the best parts of school is that you’ll learn a lot about yourself, too. Keep an open mind and discover what you’re good at, what motivates you, and what your future might hold.

I’m so glad you’re here at Maize USD 266, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do this year. Let’s make it an awesome school year together!

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.

Thank you, student volunteers, for supporting the recent Fill the Bus event! The annual school supply drive, hosted by Chick-fil-A at 21st Street and Maize Road, collects much-needed school supplies to help our students have the best school year ever! Thanks to your hard work and our community's generosity, Maize USD 266 won the friendly competition between local school districts to see which could collect the most school supplies!

Thanks to generous community donors, Maize USD 266 has school supplies available to support you, our students, and help you have what you need to succeed. Should your child need school supplies, please call 316-722-0266 or email Elisha Bauer at ebauer@usd266.com. Please allow at least one school day to facilitate school supply pickup or school supply delivery directly to your class.

Some of our youngest students participated in the annual Super Story Time event with Maize USD 266 Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer in July! She read stories to preschool-age children and to elementary-aged children in two separate sessions.

Maize USD 266 partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas for before- and after-school care and programming in our schools. The organization is currently recruiting for Transition Leaders and invites 15- to 17-year-olds to apply. These youth workers will assist adult employees and provide additional support, allowing the program to accommodate more elementary and intermediate school children in its high-demand before- and after-school care program.

Please click here to access the Transition Leader: Youth Worker - Maize application. This is a great opportunity for responsible teens who have experience working with children and are seeking a part-time job that accommodates their school hours.

The position pays $10 an hour, and hours would be after school until 6 p.m. preferably Monday through Friday, but there are opportunities for flexibility to accommodate scheduling issues. Youth workers will implement, supervise, and promote activities and programs for children and youth during out-of-school hours. Training will be provided for CPR/First Aid Certification.

Congratulations to our students who were recognized during the June Maize Board of Education meeting for recent state- and national-level successes!

• Congratulations to Maize South High School Business Professionals of America members who had an outstanding showing in several events at the National Leadership Conference in Chicago. Eight members of the team placed in the Top 10 in the nation. Kaitlin Kelley placed fourth in Basic Office Systems and Procedures. Tate McNew, Dallen Marshall, and Cannon Reed placed fifth in Podcast Team. Connor Anderson, Connor McCluskey, and Dane Dehncke placed sixth in Economic Research Team. Tate McNew also placed ninth in Interview Skills.

• Congratulations Maize High School debate team members Payten LaPoint and Laney Payne, who placed in the Top 4 in the nation for Policy Debate at the 2024 NCFL National Conference.

• Congratulations to Maize South High School Forensic team member Kai Laffoon, who won the state championship in Impromptu at the 5A Forensics Speech Tournament.

• Congratulations to Maize South High School's Ashley Singhateh, who won the 5A girls 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles at the state track meet.

• Congratulations to Maize High School's Alan Hanna, who won the 6A boys high jump at the state track meet.

During Riverfest 2024 in Wichita, two students represented Maize USD 266 as Prairie Schooner Mates. Through this program, local high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth ambassadors for Riverfest. Great job being among the local teens who represent schools throughout the greater Wichita area!

• Alexis Thompson, Maize High School
• Leona Jamaleddine, Maize South High School

The Maize Education Foundation is bringing back the fall semester cycle of Student Enrichment Grants! Beginning Aug. 20, students in grades seven through 12 may apply. A Student Enrichment Grant of up to $500 could help cover the costs of leadership seminars, educational camps, community service projects, and more. Examples of recently funded Student Enrichment Grants include drum major training, Business Professionals of America national competition entry fees, the study of poison dart frogs, and an educational trip to Washington, D.C.

Applications for Student Enrichment Grants are due Oct. 25.

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