District News Article Archives
removed 8/5/2011
New to the District:
U.S.D. 261 designates one entire day to focus on new students to the district. For the convenience of our patrons, each of the district's schools and student services will be represented in one location. This allows families to register students of all ages at one location.
New Student Enrollment
Date: August 4, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Place: Haysville Middle School,
900 W. Grand, Haysville
Documents needed for enrollment include a copy of the student's birth certificate, social security number, immunization records and proof of residence in the Haysville School District. Acceptable proof of residence includes a current utility bill (gas, water, or electric) showing the parent's or guardian's address or a current rental or purchase agreement. We cannot accept driver's license, check, cell phone bill, cable bill, or any other non-utility kind of bill or letter. Questions about residency should be directed to Debbie Coleman at 554-2200.
Students enrolling in Haysville West Middle School should come with their parents to new student enrollment. Students will be tested with AIMSweb for class placement.
An Immunization Clinic, provided by the Sedgwick County Health Department, will take place at the New Student Enrollment from 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM. The clinic will see persons who are preschool through high school age. Anyone in need of any immunization can participate. Costs will be on a sliding scale based on family income. Participants will need immunization records, if available, and proof of current income. Both new students and returning students can use this service. Questions regarding immunizations should be referred to Mary Carr, District Nurse, at 761-1726. See immunization requirements
removed 5/1/2011
Elementary Schools Add Minutes to Make Up Snow Days
As you are aware, Haysville USD 261's elementary schools have been closed 5 days due to weather conditions in January and February. Ruth Clark Elementary School missed an additional day due to a power outage from the storms last September. The Kansas State Department of Education requires schools to have a specific number of hours of instruction during the school year. Due to our recent school closures, the elementary schools do not have enough time remaining this year to meet the required hours of instruction.
The administration has devised the following plan to make up for the missed instructional time for the remainder of the school year, starting February 28:
- School will start at 8:20 for students at Freeman, Nelson, Rex, Oatville and Prairie Elementary Schools.
- School will start at 8:15 for students at Ruth Clark Elementary School.
There is no change in the time students will be transported to and from school by the USD 261 Transportation Department.
- Students will be picked up at their bus stops at the usual time.
- Breakfast will be served at the usual time.
- Students will be dismissed from school at the usual time.
The district's high school and two middle schools have extra days built into their schedules and, at this time, do not need additional instruction time to meet state requirements.
Inclement Weather Procedures
When inclement weather causes the school to close, it will be announced between the hours of 6:00am and 8:00am on local radio and television stations. USD 261 will also use the internet based calling system "School Reach" to notify parents/ guardians. However, our system is only as good as the information that you have provided us. Please keep demographics up to date with the school office. All scheduled extracurricular and cocurricular school activities will be cancelled on days when school is closed.
removed 2/16/2011
HOBY Ambassador Selected
Victoria Guerra has been selected to represent Campus High School as the Hugh O'Brian Ambassador for the 2010-2011 school year.
Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) was founded in 1958. HOBY's mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and voluneers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students.
Last year HOBY programs took place in the U.S., Canada, China, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. More than 9,000 outstanding sophomores participated in seminars last year designed to provide networking and leadership skill development that focus on the importance of community service. Since 1958, more than 375,000 students have been selected to be HOBY Ambassadors.
Victoria will attend a seminar June 9-12 at Wichita State University. She is the daughter of Sherri and John Guerra of Haysville.
removed 8/24/2010
Tightening The Belt
With the loss of $3.7 million in funding from the State of Kansas since January 2009, USD 261 is implementing additional cost-cutting actions for the remainder of the 2009-2010 fiscal year (through June 30, 2010). The actions will be effective immediately. Pending the outcome of the current Kansas Legislative Session, further reductions and elimination of services may be necessary. Read entire document...
Dr. John Burke and Dr. Dan Stiffler Appointed Examiners for 2009 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award 
Dr. John Burke, Superintendent, and Dr. Dan Stiffler, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Learning Services, of Haysville - USD 261 have been appointed by Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Deputy Director of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the 2009 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The Award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive.
As Examiners, Dr. Burke and Dr. Stiffler are responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications submitted for the Award. The board is composed of approximately 500 leading experts selected from industry, professional and trade organizations, education and health care organizations and government.
Those selected meet the highest standards of qualification and peer recognition. All members of the board must take part in a preparation course based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and the scoring and evaluation processes for the Baldrige Award.
Awards may be given annually in each of six categories: Manufacturing, Service, Small Business, Education, Health Care, and Non-profit. Awards have been presented to 77 organizations, including the (2008) Award recipients: Cargill Corn Milling North America, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and Poudre Valley Health System.
Open House
We encourage all parents to attend Open House at your child's school. This is a time to give parents and guardians an opportunity to visit their children's classrooms and meet teachers and principals. Below is a complete list of Open House dates:
School |
Date |
Time |
All Elementary Schools |
Monday, August 16 |
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
All Middle Schools |
Monday, August 16 |
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
Campus High School |
Saturday, October 16 |
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Tri-City Day School |
Tuesday, August 17 |
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
removed 8/16/2010
Take Accelerated Reader Tests At Haysville Library
It is important for children to continue reading during the summer break. Students are encouraged to go to the Haysville Library to check out books. New this summer, students can take AR tests at the Library. Each school has set aside a night specifically for their students. From the hours of 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM the students can read with teachers from their school and take AR tests.
Library Nght Schedule:
Monday: Prairie and Freeman
Tuesday: Ruth Clark and Nelson
Thursday: Oatville and Rex
removed 7/12/2010
Prairie Elementary School Receives FFVP Grant
Haysville USD 261 Prairie Elementary School has been awarded a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant from the USDA and the Kansas State Department of Education which will allow the school to provide free fresh fruit and vegetables to students during the 2009 – 2010 school year.
The $28,440 grant will enable Prairie Elementary to supplement students’ diets with snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Prairie Elementary was the only public school in Sedgwick County and one of 63 schools in Kansas to be awarded the FFVP grant. Funds totaling $1,029,780 will be distributed state-wide to pay the cost of FFVP food, supplies, labor and program administration. The grants will directly benefit over 17,000 Kansas students.
USD 261, Home of 2 State Wrestling Champs
Congratulations to Cody Beasley and Dalton Miller who claimed the State Wrestling Championships in their weight class at the State Wrestling Meet, Saturday, February 27, at Intrust Arena. Miller took first in the #112, completing a perfect season undefeated with a record of 38-0. He had over 100 wins in his 4 years at CHS. Beasley wrestles in the 119 weight class, ending his season with a record of 33-1. It has been five years since CHS has had state champions in wrestling. As a team, CHS took 13th out of 32 - 6A schools.
National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Laticia Warren
Laticia Warren, CHS Senior, has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Finalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed by the high school prinicpal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student's earlier performance on the qualifying test.
FHSU Student Completing Practicum
John Blazek, a Fort Hays State University student, talks with USD 261 Assistant Superintendent for Assessment and Data Analysis Dr. Diane Gross about the practicum he is completing for his Specialist degree. As part of the practicum, Blazek is in Haysville researching various areas of Kansas public schools such as assessments, curriculum, human resources, technology, staff development, school finance, school safety, transportation, communication, negotiations, and the day-to-day procedures of operating a school district.
removed 3/02/2010
Prairie and Ruth Clark Elementary Schools Awarded KPIRC Grants
Prairie and Ruth Clark Elementary Schools were each awarded $2,000 Family & Parent Partnership Project (FPPP) grants from the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) for the 2009 -2010 school year.
The KPIRC promotes meaningful parent involvement at all levels of education and provides information and resources to help parents, educators and other organizations promote the educational success of every Kansas child.
Prairie Elementary School Project: The grant will support three Prairie Family Roundup evening programs for the 2009-10 school year.
Ruth Clark Elementary School Project: All fourth grade students and parents will be invited to the Ruth Clark Reader’s Cafe scheduled to take place at Ruth Clark Elementary School one evening during each of the 9-week grading periods.
Winter Homecoming
Congratulations to John Burba and Whitney Chrisman, who were selected as the 2010 Winter Homecoming King and Queen. The crowning ceremony was held on Friday, February 19, between the girls and boys basketball games. A Homecoming Dance was held immediately following the game.
Spelling Bee Winner
Congratulations to Kayla Shipman who recently took home the championship at the 8th Grade Pioneer League Division III Spelling Bee hosted by Andover Central. Kayla is a student at Haysville West Middle School.
2 District Teachers Receive Horizon Awards
Jarrod Craig, Nelson Elementary School (left) and Joshua Kelly,
Tri-City Day School, (right) were among 31 beginning educators from around the state named as 2010 Kansas Horizon recipients. The Kansas Horizon Awards are sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education. The award recognizes exemplary first year educators.
The Horizon Award Program, currently in its eighth year, allows all school districts in the state an opportunity to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible for a Horizon Award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.
removed 2/24/2010
Winter Homecoming at CHS
Students at Campus High School are expressing their school pride this week as Winter Homecoming approaches. The week will be filled with many activities ending with the game and dance on February 19. The Homecoming candidates will be formally announced at an assembly on February 18th.
Pictured L-R Back Row: John Burba, Tyler Barrientez, Joe Gingraux, Jack Charles, Jacob Schuelke, Orenzo Brown. Front: Erica Avalos, Whitney Chrisman, Taylor Davis, Taylor Bettles, Stephanie Aipperspach, Samantha Salyer.
removed 02/23/2010
CHS Students Named Kansas Honor Scholars
Twenty-eight students at Campus High School have been named Kansas Honor Scholars. These students were recognized at a program/reception on September 21 at Goddard High School.
The Kansas Honors Program is conducted by the University of Kansas Alumni Association and recognizes the top 10 percent of high school seniors in the state of Kansas. Students received a certificate and a special edition of The American Heritage Dictionary designating them as Kansas Honors Scholars.
Being named Kansas Honor Scholars were: Stephanie Aipperspach; Jesse Alarcon; Katrina Beck; Taylor Bettles; Dana Brecheisen; Emily Capoun; Andrea Casper; Cooper Clark; Kayla Corby; Sarah Evans; Jayleene Garrett; Anastasia Hertter; Rachel Hovey; Jordan Kuehler; Sonya Luu; Alexander Marsh; Lani Martin; Amber Mayer; Daniel Moore; Cassandra Oliver; Jordan Reece; Nicholas Reynolds; Matthew Robertson; Nathan Sullivan; Kyle Sykes; Julie Vo; Laticia Warren; and Sarah Wilson.
removed 10/08/2009
New Race/Ethnicity Report Requirements
USD 261 is in the process of updating all student records to meet federal requirements. Every student must have a completed race/ethnicity form on file at their school. This federally mandated information must be collected before September, 2009. Please assist us in collecting this data, by promptly returning your child's form so updates can be made to student demographics. If you have further questions, call the school office. Get form and more information
Terri Anderson, Campus Alumni, named Track and Field Big Ten Freshman of the Year
Campus High School Alum and Purdue University standout Terri Anderson received Big Ten Track & Field postseason honors. . Terri is just the second Purdue woman to ever earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.Anderson placed in a pair of events at the Big Ten Championships, taking third in shot put and fourth in discus. Read more....
BOE Approves Limited Open Enrollment
The USD 261 BOE approved limited Open Enrollment allowing out-of-district students to register for enrollment in the Haysville School District for the 2009-2010 school year. There are still a few openings for Elementary age students. For more information contact Debbie Coleman at 316-554-2200.
removed 09/09/2009
The Staff and Students in Haysville Gear Up for Another Great School Year
Summer vacation is quickly fading away and the 2009-2010 school year is just around the corner. Are you ready? Please be aware of these important dates:
August 18: First Day of School (Grades K-6, 9)
August 19: First Day of School (Grades: 7 & 8, 10-12)
Refer to the Enrollment Page on this website for complete registration information.
removed 09/09/2009
President Obama to Address Students
At 11 AM on September 8, President Obama will be welcoming America's students back to school with a televised speech on C-Span. Due to the fact the speech will be in the middle of the school day, the decision to make the telecast available for viewing will rest with each of the USD 261 school principals. If you have any concerns, please contact the principal at your child's school.
removed 09/04/2009
USD 261 Schedules Assessment Report Workshop
Haysville USD 261 will be conducting a workshop on regulations regarding Kansas State Assessments and what the results indicate about student, school and district performance. The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, August 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at The Learning Center, 150 Stewart Street. Parents/guardians of Haysville students and community members are encouraged to attend. No childcare will be available during the workshop.
Join Dr. Diane Gross, USD 261 Assistant Superintendent for Assessment and Data Analysis, and Susan Walston, USD 261 School Board President, for dialogue about the latest district improvement status, what the district is doing toward continuous, quality improvement and the support offered through the Kansas State Department of Education.
Removed 09/01/2009
Open House
We encourage all parents to attend Open House at your child's school. This is a time to give parents and guardians an opportunity to visit their children's classrooms and meet teachers and principals. Below is a complete list of Open House dates:
School |
Date |
Time |
All Elementary Schools |
Monday, August 17 |
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
All Middle Schools |
Monday, August 17 |
7:00 - 8:30 PM |
Campus High School |
Thursday, August 27 |
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Tri-City Day School |
Tuesday, August 18 |
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Haysville Alternative School |
Tuesday, August 18 |
(3 Time Slot Opportunities) 8:00 AM - 9:55 AM 10:00 AM - 11:55 AM 1:00 PM - 2:55 PM. Space is limited, parents and students must call 554-2231 to sign up for a time. |
removed 7/21/2009
USD 261 Honors Retirees
At the May 18 meeting of the Haysville USD 261 Board of Education, retirees were honored with a plaque and a reception in their honor. Special recognition was given to Bob Curless for his 61 years of service to the District.
Certified Staff |
Years of Service |
|
Classified Staff |
Years of Service |
Ronald Reynolds |
1963 - 2009 |
|
Sandy Bradshaw |
1992-2009 |
William Simmons |
1983-2009 |
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Judith Downing |
1987-2009 |
Russell Whittington |
1994-2009 |
|
Nancy Harris |
1996-2009 |
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Doris Ives |
2001-2008 |
BOE President Susan Walston presents Ron Reynolds with retirement plaque |
|
Donna Johnson |
1992-2009 |
|
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Charlotte Pokorney |
1982-2009 |
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Mike Pokorney |
2001-2009 |
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Verla Sanders |
1979-2009 |
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Claudia Sowell |
1978-2008 |
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Kenny Stroh |
1987-2009 |
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Janet Swagler |
1993-2009 |
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Roger Thompson |
2004-2008 |
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Lena Tucker |
1983-1986. 1988-1992, 1993-2009 |
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Rosemary Walters |
2000-2009
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Removed 5/29/2009
Haysville Middle School Receives Gold Award
HMS recently received the Gold Award from the Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators (KAMSA) being recognized as a high performing middle school.
HMS was recognized because of growth in math assessment scores. Math scores increased 11 percent from 2007 to 2008 and one group of reading assessment scores jumped 18.2 percent in just one year.
KAMSA reported that in a national study conducted by ACT in 2008 the level of academic achievement that students attain by eighth grade has a larger impact on their college and career readiness by the time they graduate from high school than anything that happens academically in high school.
Removed 5/28/2009
Star Polishers Spring 2009
The Star Polisher Award program is a district-wide recognition effort to celebrate and honor outstanding service by volunteers, employees and school partners to the students of the Haysville School District.
Winners for Spring 2009 were:
• Campus High School: Jesse Shetler and Heather Swinger
• Freeman Elementary School: Audrey Potillo
• Haysville Alternative High School: Liz Sanford
• Haysville West Middle School: Brenda Gamble
• Nelson Elementary School: Deborah Phelps
• Oatville Elementary School: Nancy Gunter
• Prairie Elementary School: Janelle Durham and Pam Richardson
• Rex Elementary School: Christine King
• Ruth Clark Elementary School: Caleb McCaffree
• Service Center: Bryan Corbett
• Transportation: Chrystal Walker
• Tri-City Day School: Jenn Call
Removed 5/28/2009
Campus High School Receives National Student Council Award
Campus High School has been awarded 2009 National Council of Excellence Award of Student Councils for its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community. Only 140 high schools across the country were named National Council of Excellence.
Removed 5/27/2009
Swine Flu Awareness
Superintendent's Parent Letter
The Haysville School District is working closely with the Sedgwick County Health Department, the Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to provide up-to-date information to our staff, students and parents about the prevention of swine flu.
"While there is not an outbreak affecting USD 261, we are doing everything possible to protect the health of our students and staff and limit the spread of this illness," said Liz Hames, USD 261 Community Relations Coordinator.
Mary Carr, District Nurse, has daily communications with the health staff in our schools to monitor illness trends within the district.
Please feel free to contact the Nurse/Health Aide of your child’s school if you have any questions or concerns. Additional information about the swine flu can be found by reading the PDF files or by going to the sites listed below.
Removed 4/30/2009
Kindergarten Round-Up
USD 261 is calling all students who will be five years of age on or before August 31, 2009. Make plans now to attend Kindergarten Round-Up at your area elementary school to pre-register for next school year. While parents are attending an informational meeting and completing necessary paperwork, the children will go to the Kindergarten classroom for activities and a snack. Please bring the following items to this event: state certified birth certificate, social security number, current immunization records, and a proof of residency (current utility bill
, lease/purchase agreement with parent's name and current date). The following is the Kindergarten Round-Up schedule, please call USD 261 Administration Building at 554-2200 if you are not certain which school your child will attend.
| School | Address | Date | Time |
| Freeman Elementary | 7301 S. Meridian | April 30 | 9:30 AM |
| Nelson Elementary | 245 N. Delos | April 30 | 1:30 PM |
| Oatville Elementary | 4335 S. Hoover | April 29 | 9:30 AM |
| Prairie Elementary | 7101 S. Meridian | April 29 | 1:30 PM |
| Rex Elementary | 1100 W. Grand | April 28 | 9:30 AM |
| Ruth Clark Elementary | 1900 W. 55th St. So. | April 28 | 1:30 PM |
Removed 04/30/2009
Haysville Voters Reject Tax for All-Day Kindergarten
On April 7, registered voters in the Haysville School District rejected a tax increase to fund all-day Kindergarten, echoing a vote on a similar measure a year ago. With 1937 votes cast, 54 percent said no, while 45 percent voted yes.
Removed 04/30/2009
Two Haysville Teachers Receive 2009 Horizon Award
The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, identifies and recognizes first year teachers who exemplify excellent teaching. April Davis, Freeman Elementary first grade teacher and Jessica Bloyd, Haysville Middle School Social Studies teacher received the award. They will participate in a special award ceremony in Topeka on February 20th during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network Conference. Thirty-two Horizon Awards were awar
ded state wide. It is a special honor to have two winners in USD 261. "These awards are an indication of the great teachers we are recruiting to the Haysville district," said Dr. John Burke, Haysville superintendent. "We are very proud of Jessica and April and the excellent job they are doing," Burke added.
Removed 4/29/2009
Oatville Elementary Receives Governor's Award
The Haysville School District was notified by the Kansas Department of Education that Oatville Elementary School has been named a Governor's Achievement Award Winner! The school was recognized for achieving the Standard of Excellence in both reading and mathematics for 2008; for performing at or above Adequate Yearly Progress in an additional area assessed by the state; and for being in the top 5% of Kansas schools in both reading and mathematics on the 2008 state assessments. Forty-four elementary schools in Kansas qualified for this prestigious award. Congratulations students and staff at Oatville Elementary!
Removed 4/27/2009
Good Health = Good Test Scores
Getting ready for the big exam requires more than just studying. Your child must be physically fit, too. Don't forget the following as you child prepares for big exams:
Breakfast: Get your child in the habit of taking time for a nutritios breakfast every day. Even a toast and a piece of fruit will provide body and brain energy.
Sleep: Get you child into a regular sleep routine and stick to it! Most children need at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Exercise: Encourage your child to exercise every day. Exercise increases oxygen to the brain and helps with thinking and memory.
Removed 4/15/2009
Bullying Prevention Speaker, Barbara Coloroso Shares Tips For Parents
Barbara Coloroso, nationally known speaker and author of the book, "The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander"
returned to Haysville on Tuesday, November 18th, to speak to parents and patrons on the topic
of bullying prevention. Last January at a district inservice, Coloroso, a dynamic speaker, educated all Haysville
school employees on the subject of bullying and how to deal with it.
Parents: Take the following actions if your child is bullied: |
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