Immunizations are an important layer of protection for our school community. We want to make every effort to keep students and staff in school. USD 428 will host a series of School Vaccination Clinics in partnership with the Barton County Health Department.

For staff, the clinics provide a convenient opportunity to receive the annual flu vaccine (Fluzone) and/or COVID-19 vaccine. Flu vaccines are available to all staff at no charge. Please visit our clinic dashboard (click here) to download the consent forms for your school and return them to your school nurse.

2022 Vaccine Clinic Schedule:

• Eisenhower Elementary School - Oct. 12, 7:30 am - 9:30 am
  

• Jefferson Elementary School - Oct. 12, 1 pm - 2:30 pm

• Lincoln Elementary School - Oct. 12, 9:30 am - 11 am

• Riley Elementary School - Oct. 7, 10 am - 11:30 am

• Washington Education Center, Helping Hands Preschool - Oct. 27, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Building Report:

• Kelsey Sciacca, building principal, shared updates about Park's focus during the 22-23 back-to-school efforts. The Park team has been focused on building culture and fostering a sense of family in the building for staff, students, and families.
• Park is focused on boosting attendance, adopting the mantra, "Every Student, Every Day"
• R.O.A.R.'s of the week
• Physical Improvements - The entry space at Park School has been enhanced with fresh posters, a tiger mural by local artists Melanie Ryan, and a breakroom refresh for staff to enjoy.
• Alana Blessing, Park's Family Student Advocate, introduced BOE members to Theo, Park's new therapy pup.
• Lacey Hofflinger shared details about Park's building-wide reading contest that motivates students to read outside the school day for various perks and prize drawings.

The Board of Education approved the purchase of a new Gator from BTI to be used by GBHS Activities.

The following Grants & Contributions were approved by the BOE:

• GBHS Random Acts of Kindness Club accepts $100 from Marmie Motors, $100 from Shawn & Desa Behr
• GBHS ACappella Choir accepts $500 from Austin Nokes
• Ashley Davis, Jefferson Special Education Teacher, wishes to apply for two grants from the following to help fund accessible playground equipment. Surfgimp Foundation - $1,000, Walmart - $250-$5,000.

Following the meeting at Park, BOE members toured the building and then traveled to the CUNA Mutal Campus to tour that space as well.

The USD 428 Board of Education approved the acquisition of the CUNA Mutual Group property, located at 1809 24th Street, at their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 12. The approved purchase price is $1.3 million, after CUNA Mutual offered a $2.7 million donation off the valuation price of more than $4 million.

Plans for the property are still tentative at this time, but the Board is unified on the top priority of addressing needs for early childhood education.

“The CUNA campus provides a beautiful, well-maintained facility, but also a wonderful opportunity,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent. “We can address our top priority of increasing capacity for early childhood education and also explore consolidating various departments and services under one roof to work more efficiently.”

A survey of incoming students in USD 428 found that more than 30% of students enter kindergarten without attending a high-quality preschool program. For more than five years, USD 428 has been exploring ways to create space and increase capacity for preschool programs that serve 3 and 4-year-olds.

“We appreciate the long-standing investment CUNA Mutual has made in both its employees and our community,” said Thexton. “With this transition, their investment will continue to pay-forward a positive impact for generations to come.”

USD 428 plans to take possession of the property in December of 2022. Plans for the facility are still in the exploration phase and will be announced at a future date.

Statement from CUNA Mutual Group:

Cedric Ellis, Executive Vice President, Chief Enterprise Services Officer of CUNA Mutual Group

“At CUNA Mutual Group we are committed to supporting the communities in which we serve. Saying we’re committed doesn’t mean much without action. By offering this property at a greatly reduced cost to the Great Bend school district, we are leaning into our values and providing the community with a much-needed resource—the opportunity and space for early childhood education.”

For additional information or questions, please contact the USD 428 District Office at 620-793-1500.

Miranda is a Teacher Assistant at Lincoln Elementary School.

Katy and Marshall Barkow welcomed their first baby to the world on September 10. Katy is a first-grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School.

Collins Rae Ralston was born on August 3, 2022, to Nina and Kelby Ralston. She was 7lbs, 9oz. Nina is a sixth-grade teacher at Park Elementary School. Baby Collins loves going on walks, taking baths, and snuggling with mom and dad!

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