It’s been a month full of swirling wind and lots of snow! At this rate, 2024 is off and running in real central Kansas style! Thanks to our road crews and district staff — and to our students’ families — for their flexibility over the last few weeks as we worked to balance safety with student learning. We couldn’t do any of it without these partnerships.

And who doesn’t enjoy photos of kids on the playground catching snowflakes on their tongues and making snow memories at school? Check out our Facebook page in case you missed it.

Over the winter break, I challenged our teachers and staff to rest and recharge while school was out. Employees had the chance to share through pictures how they chose to do something they love, such as spending time with loved ones, going on a walk, or reading a favorite book. It was wonderful seeing our employees prioritize a bit of self-care, and three participants in the challenge were awarded a $20 gift card to Gene’s Heartland Foods. We look forward to more activities in 2024 to support employee wellness!

District staff were back on Jan. 3 to focus on professional learning and preparing our district’s educators for the new state accreditation process that will take place in 2024. We spent time with a special guest, learning more about the four fundamentals: structured literacy, salanced assessment, standards alignment and suality instruction, as well as the importance of setting district-wide goals and building level goals to support and improve student learning at all three of our attendance centers.

I continue to be exceedingly proud of the work our staff is doing to work together and challenge themselves personally and professionally. This effort pays off with benefits to all students, from kindergarten through graduation.

On Jan. 4, I had the honor of presenting at the Kiwanis meeting. I took this opportunity to share our strategic plan and the incredible role that people from all three communities played in its development. I very much enjoyed sharing two of our strategic themes with the group: Communicate to Build Trust and Connect with Family and Community. My presentation also included a look at the refreshed district brand and logo, as well as the community input that guided the design. After all, the process is just as important as the finished product — sometimes even more so!

As the Kansas Legislature begins its 2024 session, I hope you’ll join me in sharing the good news about our schools and community whenever you have an opportunity. Whether in an email to Rep. Troy Waymaster or Sen. Wilborn, at one of their community coffee events or other interaction, your voice helps them represent us well in Topeka.

One issue that is important to our district, and to all districts in the state, is for the Legislature to fully fund special education the way Kansas law requires. Funding of special education will free up almost $500,000 that USD 327 currently uses from our general fund to cover the costs of special education. Full state funding of special education truly improves the learning experiences for all students, regardless of ability.

Last, but definitely not least, January is School Board Appreciation Month. You can check out spotlights on each of the seven members of our board on the district’s Facebook page. More importantly, I hope you’ll take a moment to thank a school board member for their dedicated service. Even when January is past, it’s always a good time to share gratitude and encouragement with generous leaders who work so hard for our students, staff, schools and communities.

Let’s Grow!

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