RELAY - October 2023
Great Bend USD 428 - News and Highlights
It is the goal of the monthly RELAY to connect our staff with news and highlights from across our schools and community. There are so many successes, positive stories, and virtual smiles to share!
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
- You're Invited - Support Services Open House Oct. 11
- BOE Luncheon Meeting Highlights
- Let's Celebrate - October Birthdays
- District Highlights
- Community Resources
Mark your calendar!
October 2023
- 9 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-service
- 19 - End of 1st Quarter
- 20 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Grading/Collaboration
- 23-24 - Parent-Teacher Conferences 5-8 p.m.
- 26- 11:45 Dismissal - PTC (pm)
- 27 - NO SCHOOL
2023 Theme: All In Great Bend
If you have not received a t-shirt, please email Andrea Bauer with your shirt size and building location. We have shirts available in sizes L - 3X. Thanks!
Employee Referral Program
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 personal network of friends and family.
Click here to learn more about the $250 referral bonus!
Please join us at the Support Services Open House!
We are thrilled to invite our staff and the community to an Open House and Job Fair at the newly renovated Support Services facility scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The facility houses the Food and Nutrition Department and central Kitchen, Maintenance, Grounds, and Transportation services, all conveniently located under one roof.
Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: 625 E 10th Street, Great Bend
The Open House will provide an opportunity to explore the facility, gain insight into the services that support Great Bend students & teachers, and understand how this centralized location and important services support a high-quality education in our district.
“The work of our team at Support Services positively impacts students every day,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent. “Meals that nourish students, safe transportation, and well-maintained classrooms and buildings – they keep our district running. We encourage parents and community members to stop by, take a tour, enjoy light refreshments, and learn more about how the new facility enhances our ability to serve our schools and community.”
In addition to the Open House, the event will also include a Job Fair. With a variety of openings at the Support Services building, interested candidates can learn more about positions, pay, and benefits available to USD 428 employees.
Highlighted Job Openings include:
- Plumber
- Bus Driver (full-time, part-time, substitute)
- Food Service Workers
To explore these career opportunities and apply online, please visit www.428jobs.net. Questions about the Support Services Open House & Job Fair can be directed to the District Education Center at 620-793-1500.
Board of Education Highlights - Monthly Luncheon Meeting at GBHS
Meeting Highlights:
- BOE members enjoyed a delightful lunch prepared by Katy Hekele's culinary arts students.
- Lacy Wolters, ACT & career coordinator for GBHS, shared an update on the GBHS Internship Program and the growth in year two. The program will include over 25 students this year and more community business partners who host the students for one semester at a time. Emilee Hall, GBHS senior, shared about her internship experience at the University of Kansas Health System.
- Mr. Friess, GBHS principal, touched on the topic of the revised cell phone policy and the positive impact it's having on classroom learning and the overall reduction of building discipline incidents so far this year. He acknowledged the district-wide Capturing Kid's Hearts initiative as a key factor to the culture at GBHS and how it has created intentional relationship-building among teachers and students.
Grants & Contributions Approved:
- Gary Pinkall, GBMS 7th grade science teacher, wishes to apply for a $1000 Credit Union of America Grant to purchase telescopes for his classroom.
- Brand Proffitt, GBMS 7th grade science teacher, wishes to accept a grant from the Barton County Soil Conservation District for soil testing kits valued at approximately $200 for her 7th grade Ag Science classes.
- The GBHS Panther Booster Club wishes to contribute $26,280 (545 athletes @ $45 each) to the GBHS Athletic Department.
- USD #428 wishes to accept $2,000 from the Greater Salina Community Foundation (Midwest Energy Community Fund) contribution for the Internship Program.
- Eisenhower Elementary wishes to accept $250 from Midway Motors Back to School Ally Program (McPherson) through a vehicle purchase designating Eisenhower to receive the promotional incentive.
Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative
Dear Dedicated Educators of Kansas,
We are thrilled to launch the 2023 Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative (KTRI) and need your invaluable insights to shape the future of education in our great state. The State of Kansas is deeply committed to understanding, engaging, and retaining our educators, and we are reaching out to you to be a vital part of this mission. Facilitated by the Educator Perceptions and Insights Center (EPIC) with support from the Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas National Education Association, USA-Kansas, and Emporia State University, the KTRI was created to amplify the voice of educators and deliver data-informed solutions aligned to your needs and experience.
By dedicating just around 10 minutes of your time, you can contribute to shaping a better future for education in Kansas. Click the link below or paste it into your browser to begin the survey:
CLICK the link to access the survey - https://www.surveylegend.com/s/52xw
Why Your Voice Matters:
As educators, you are the bedrock of our schools and play an indispensable role in creating a thriving learning environment for our students. Building upon the insights from over 20,000 Kansas educators who participated in the 2021 KTRI survey, we are excited to continue gathering feedback on your experiences, perceptions, and attitudes as active educators.
Your Role and Confidentiality:
Your participation is crucial to the success of this initiative. Rest assured, your responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will only be assessed in aggregate form. Your candid and transparent feedback will provide the foundation for meaningful insights.
Participate and Win:
As an added incentive, you have the option to enter a raffle drawing for one (1) of one-hundred (100) $20 Amazon gift cards upon survey completion. A link on the last page of the survey will direct you to where you can provide contact information (information will not be attached to your survey responses).
Welcome, baby Meadows!
Welcome, baby Touslee!
Cooper Laurence Touslee, was born on September 2. He got to watch his first KSU Football game with his dad as he arrived just before 1/2 time! Chad and Lexi Touslee, of Great Bend, are the proud parents. Chad works for EBH Engineering and Lexi works at the Great Bend Children's Clinic. Grandparents are Darrell and Dara Touslee (Dara is a kindergarten teacher at Park Elementary) and Anne and Keith Werth.
Do you have a celebration to share?
ALL IN with Parents
Community "helpers" week at LPP!
Explore Great Bend Calendar of Events
Be sure to follow Explore Great Bend on Facebook for news and events!
Make a Difference Contest
ONE LUCKY STUDENT WILL BE SELECTED EACH MONTH THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR TO WIN AN AWESOME PRIZE PACKAGE. Click Here to submit an entry!
Barton County Young Professionals Fall Fest
Get ready for a spectacular autumn celebration that you won’t want to miss! Grab your family and friends and come out to Long Pumpkin Patch for our annual Fall Fest sponsored by The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend!
- Date: Sunday, October 8, 2023
- Time: 5:00-7:00pm
- Location: Long Pumpkin Patch, 163 NE 30 Road, outside of Great Bend
FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Activity bags for kids, Fall treats, Face painting, Pumpkin patch and corn maze … and much more!
ABOUT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS:
The Barton County Young Professionals is operated under the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and strives to accomplish three goals: 1) facilitate networking, 2) give back to the community, and 3) develop young leaders.
Break the Silence Fall Fest
The Family Crisis Center invites you to enjoy fun, food, & advocacy to support abuse survivors in our community.
Share Your Stories and Activities!
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.
Connect with USD 428
Email: media@usd428.net
Website: www.GreatBendSchools.net
Location: 201 South Patton Road, Great Bend, KS, USA
Phone: 620-793-1500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USD428/