Bulldog Bites
The Official Newsletter of USD 311
Welcome Back!
Hot Topics for the 21-22 school year:
Mask Guidance
Transportation
As required by Federal Mandate, masks will be worn on school busses until guidance changes. Masks will be provided for any rider who needs one.
School Lunches
Guidelines
Fees
Grades
Back to School Night
Ice cream treats for EVERYONE in the community and USD 311 staff introductions will begin on the football field at 6:45pm. Class recognition and fall sports teams will also be introduced!
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2021, 05:00 PM
All School Campuses
Day 1: What Time Is It? Where Do I Go?
Curriculum & Instruction Goals for 21-22
2. Differentiated instruction in all classrooms will help us target academic extension and intervention needs for our students.
3. K-2 will implement a new phonics program: Really Great Reading!
4. We will research, preview and purchase a new K-12 Math series for implementation 2022-23.
Facility Improvements
Shout Out to these Amazing Individuals!
This group has gone above and beyond this summer to tidy up every space and make sure everything is in working order for Day 1! Thank you for making our facilities look so nice!
Thank you! Thank you! thank you!
Welcome the newest Bulldogs to the Pack!
Julie Kallas
Elementary School Secretary
Favorite Movie: Passengers
Favorite TV Show: Dr. Who
Important People:
Husband- Kevin
Children- Lola, Benjamyn, Layla, and Eric
"I came into education from Healthcare. I love the ability to help kids through the day, be a positive light for them and watch them grow and progress... I am most excited about learning new skills and being able to put my own spin on being the school secretary."
Jeff Metcalf
6th Grade Teacher
Favorite Book: A Moveable Feast
Favorite Movie: Cinderella Man
Favorite TV Show: Antiques Roadshow
Important People:
Wife- Shelli
Children- Cade
"I've always enjoyed learning new things. At some point, I realized it was even more fun to be able pass that knowledge on to someone else so they could have that same excitement. I think I'm most excited about being a part of a community and working with my students and their families!"
Crystal Reyes
Favorite Book: Anything by Karen Kingsbury
Favorite Movie: Phantom of the Opera
Favorite TV Show: Chicago Fire
Important People:
Husband- Patricio (Angel)
Children- Alex (Blake); Rylan; Angelina
"I love watching children grow in confidence and excitement about learning as they figure out new concepts! I'm excited to meet my kiddos and create a new classroom family!"
Jaimie Graber
Kindergarten Teacher
Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks
Favorite Movie: Blended
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Important People:
Husband- Travis
Children- Avery, Luke, Hallie & Lane
"I love working with kids and seeing their excitement about life and learning new things. I am so excited to begin teaching in Pretty Prairie this year! I am excited to meet my students and their families."
Kristen Kaufman
Food Service Director
Favorite Movie: Twister
Important People:
4 nieces, 1 nephew
"I am excited to be back in Pretty Prairie and see all the students and staff again!"
Mercedes Vogl
Middle School Secretary
Favorite Book: Greenlight
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite TV Show: Hell's Kitchen
Important People:
Children- Gavin & Brennan
"I love working with kids and helping guide them on their paths for their futures. I know I can be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and have open arms to give a hug. We all just need someone and I hope I'm that someone for the students. I have big shoes to fill but I will also make it my own."
Ashley Anderson
Superintendent
Favorite Book: The Teammates
Favorite Movie: The Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Important People:
Husband- Ryan
Children- Owen, Eli, Adyn, and Aly
"I am so excited for the school year! Everyone has been so welcoming, and I cannot wait to meet all the Bulldogs on August 25th!"
Caitlyn Remick
9-12 Science Teacher
Favorite Book: too many to count!
Favorite Movie: Soul Surfer
Favorite TV Show: Amazing Race
Important People:
Most of my family is in the Kansas City area. I have a twin brother who just came home from serving in the Navy.
"I worked as a Paraprofessional in the Olathe School District during my Gap Year between college and Physician Assistant's school. I fell in love with teaching by surprise when I was working with the students in Biology class during their microscope unit. The upcoming school year is my first year of teaching, so if I wasn't excited and over the moon, there would be something wrong with me!"
Hannah Graber
Elementary Librarian
Favorite Book: The Giver series by Lois Lowry
Favorite Movie: Any Christmas movie!
Favorite TV Show: The Lost Kitchen
Important People:
Husband- Jared
"I always loved attending school and learning and have also had great experiences with children through nannying, daycare, and volunteer activities- combining the two seemed natural! I am also excited to work in the same building my mom (Shanda Wilkens) started her teaching career in nearly 30 years ago! I am excited to pour into the community of Pretty Prairie and I am especially excited to read plenty of books with everyone!"
Board of Education Candidate Forum
The forum will be held at 6:00 pm in the middle school auditorium on Monday, September 13, 2021.
School Board elections will be November 2, 2021. New members will be sworn in at the January 10, 2022 meeting.
Contact Information
Email: feedback@usd311.com
Website: www.usd311.com
Location: 206 East Main Street, Pretty Prairie, KS, USA
Phone: 620.459.2641