Spring is here, and this season always makes me think of green. Looking around in April, it was one of the most beautiful springtime views I can remember. Grass, new leaves on the trees and our Kansas redbuds popping through everywhere I looked.

The spring blooms and all their color showcase a season of growth, not only for our flowers and trees, but our fields and livestock — and most importantly our students. And just like in nature, this season helps us clearly see the amazing growth that has happened through a school year full of learning with patience, practice and hard work.

There are so many good things happening every day in our schools. Here are just a few highlights since my newspaper column in March:

• Ellsworth Elementary School hosted a Math Night on March 27 which was a wonderful experience for our families. Parents and students enjoyed learning math games together, along with simple ways to practice these essential skills at home.

• Teachers Danielle Kasper and Mandy Burger were recognized on April 12 as Kansas Teacher of the Year Region 1 nominees for USD 327 at a banquet in Salina. Mrs. Burger was named a semi-finalist too! Please help me congratulate and thank these two outstanding educators for the work they do in our schools.

• Elena Jundt was named a Kansas Governor’s Scholar, an honor for the top academic 1 percent of Kansas high school seniors.

• Our students in FFA, FCCLA, FBLA and forensics are wrapping up impressive seasons with the opportunity to compete at the state and national level!

• Prom was a lovely event for our students. Special thanks to Meredith Musil and the many volunteers who coordinated the theme and decorated, making it a memorable celebration for everyone. Thank you too, to our parent volunteers for making the after prom activities a safe and enjoyable place to be to round out the night.

• Thank you to all the families who participated in kindergarten round up on Tuesday, April 22. We were excited to meet the new up-and-coming students and help them feel comfortable and welcome at EES. If you were unable to attend and have a student who will be 5 on or before Aug. 31, please call EES and let them know as we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Our very own Ron Davis was recognized as the KIAAA Region 1 Athletic Director of the Year. And spring sports season means cheering on the Bearcats in baseball, softball, boys’ tennis, golf and track and field. Our student athletes are always fun to watch.

Our school board continues to do a great job with our strategic plan goals that were adopted last year. Do you know someone who might like to help create and sustain a bright future for our schools? This year our school board has three open seats — one in District 1 and two in District 3. The filing deadline is noon on June 2. Give our district office or the county elections clerk a call if you’d like to learn more about the role or how to file.

As we wrap up the school year in this fourth quarter, it’s time for us to stretch, grow and finish strong. State assessment season is the perfect opportunity for our students to focus and shine. As important as state assessment scores are, we use additional measures from early childhood through graduation to help us understand and support student growth at every age and stage.

Families play an invaluable role in student success, including during state assessment season. Thanks to all the parents and caregivers who helped make sure students were rested, nourished and encouraged. These things truly help our students do their best every day of the year, nurturing new growth all year long.

As we look forward to graduation — the ultimate celebration of the hard work that happens in our schools, day-byday and year-over-year — I want to thank you for whatever part you play in supporting the young people, educators and families who make up our community. Our future is the brightest when we work together.

Deena Hilbig is the superintendent of USD 327. She can be reached at (785) 4725561.