Building Report:

• JoAnn Blevins, building principal, shared Eisenhower's "by the numbers" stats with the BOE. The report included details about academic gains for students from 2019 to 2022. Eisenhower has 277 students, and an additional 47 students at Little Panthers Preschool.
• In 2022, 84% of students in Prek-6 are on grade level for math (83% in 2019)
• 85% of students in Prek-6 are on grade level for reading (76% in 2019)
• Blevins shared that positive contributors to this success are a focus on the school environment, talented & caring staff, and a systematic focus on school-wide processes.
• After reviewing building goals, and plans to possibly increase goals in the spring, Blevins concluded the report by sharing some strategies for the months to come. One element was the monthly "Family Reunions" (all school assemblies) that have been really well received this year and provide an opportunity for the school to celebrate together.
• Taylor Gobin, Family Engagement Coordinator, provided a report about the REACH after-school program that began last week.

The following Grants & Contributions were approved by the BOE:

• GBHS HOSA Club, $1,000 from the University of Kansas Health Systems
• GBHS HOSA Club, $250 from Catalyst Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation
• GBHS Athletic Department, $31,350 from the Panther Booster Club
• Lincoln Elementary, $478.47 from Kroger

Following the meeting, BOE members were invited to tour the building with Tandi Mai, Instructional Coach. They stopped into several classrooms to visit briefly with students and teachers.

Learn more about the USD 428 Board of Education, including full board reports, by visiting our website - click here.

Trading his summer vacation for career exploration, Great Bend High School Senior Kevin Gonzalez attended the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in June. The nationally recognized honors program seeks to acknowledge high-achieving students for their dedication, talent, and leadership potential in medicine by engaging them in a meaningful career exploration program.

“It doesn’t matter what background you come from, or what you have or haven’t achieved,” said Gonzalez, “there’s still an opportunity to advance in your plans and dreams if you follow your passion.”

Held virtually in 2022, the congress included a series of notable keynote speakers and numerous Nobel Prize winners, including Mario Capecchi, Ph.D. and 2007 Nobel Prize winner as the event’s grandmaster. In addition, breakout sessions allowed attendees from around the world to collaborate and converse with accomplished scientists, doctors, industry leaders, and their peers. Participants had the opportunity to view surgical procedures with the ability to submit questions for the surgeon to answer in real-time.

Reflecting on the students he connected with from around the world, specifically mentioning attendees from China, Japan, Brazil, and the US, Gonzalez noted that they all had a shared focus and appreciation for the eye-opening opportunity in pursuit of their career goals.

Gonzalez plans to pursue a career in Biomedical Engineering and has already been admitted to the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. In February, he hopes to earn his Seal of Biliteracy in both Spanish and German.

As Gonzalez completes his career at GBHS, he is president of the Robotics Club, a board member for the Drama Club, member of National Honor Society, HOSA, Student Ambassadors, KAYS, Random Acts of Kindness (RAK), and a Junior Rotarian.

The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is presented by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientist, learn more at futuredocs.com. For more information about initiatives specific to GBHS, please contact the Lacy Wolters, ACT & career coordinator at 620-793-1560.

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