While school buildings may be closed for the remainder of the school year, education continues in new ways in Great Bend. Based on attendance records through March 5, 2020, when USD 428 students dismissed for Spring Break, a group of dedicated community members chose to recognize students with perfect attendance through the annual Perfect Attendance Bike Program.

“The challenges faced this school year have nothing to do with the dedication and hard work of the students who qualify,” said Karen Shaner, program organizer. “We would like to thank all the students for their hard work and dedication during the school year. That also includes a big thank you to those who make it possible for students to be on time and do not miss out on a day of learning.”

The program is in its eighth-year thanks to the generous support of the Midwest Energy Community Fund, Wal-Mart, and lengthy list of community donors. This year, donors supported the purchase of 31 bicycles in all.

“This is an amazing program that honors our well-deserving perfect attendance students,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 Superintendent. “We greatly appreciate the dedication of our students and families to accomplish perfect attendance - it takes a lot of work! We are fortunate to have such a great program organized by Karen Shaner and generous community sponsors to celebrate this notable accomplishment.”

Each elementary school was given six bikes to award to students who received perfect attendance. While the excitement of an all-school assembly was replaced with phone calls to families, photos of pick-up day show a glimpse of students’ excitement and joy.

• Eisenhower Elementary – Eight students qualified for perfect attendance. Bikes were awarded to Cassidee, 4th grade; Allison, 4th grade; Jose, 6th grade; Joshua, 6th grade; Koby, 4th grade; Abigail, 6th grade.
• Jefferson Elementary - 15 students qualified for perfect attendance. Bikes were awarded to Matt, Jacob, Arelly, Madi, Elle, and Branson.
• Park Elementary – Nine students qualified for perfect attendance. Bikes were awarded to Kanyen, 4th Grade; Brianna, 2nd grade; Bierly, 3rd grade; Oscar, Kindergarten; Uziel, 4th grade; Jonathan, 5th grade.
• Lincoln Elementary - 19 students qualified for perfect attendance. Bikes were awarded to Derrien, Daniel, Kaley, Braylee, Kolby, and Grady.
• Riley Elementary - 10 students qualified for perfect attendance. Bikes were awarded to Angel, 6th grade; Sergio, 4th grade; Renata, 4th grade; Diego, 5th grade; Jayden, 5th grade; and Olivia, 5th grade. Riley Elementary also honored the first-ever Preschool Winner, Ruby, who received a special bike for the youngest recipient to date. Riley Elementary School is the only elementary building that houses a pre-school program.

Questions about the Perfect Attendance Bike Program can be directed the USD 428 District Education Center at 620-793-1500 or to Karen Shaner, community organizer, at karendshaner@gmail.com.

Celebrating our teachers and staff is a community effort! In 2020 Teacher Appreciation week takes on a new meaning as we enter the last three weeks of continuous learning. We want to extend a virtual "high five" for the tremendous efforts of the USD 428 teachers and staff to reach, educate, and support our families. Join us in celebrating your colleagues and friends by using the #428hero hashtag on your social media platforms to highlight the best of the best.

The Great Bend Business Community is also joining in the celebration by extending some deals, discounts, and perks to YOU! We've built a webpage where you can view all the deals - Click Here. Throughout the week, you'll want to have your staff ID ready to take advantage of these discounts. Keep checking back, more deals may be added as the week goes on!