Hays USD 489

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Anita Scheve.. What is your title? Principal of Wilson Elementary How long have you been with the district? I just finished my 23rd year in the Hays district, 25th year in education. On a typical day at work..what do you do? Greet & connect with students, walk through and observe classroom instruction and students (my favorite), support teachers’ needs, meet with struggling students, attend IEP meetings, supervise the lunchroom and assist/connect with students, attend meetings with district personnel, collaborate with colleagues, plan for the future and how Wilson can better meet the needs of all students, meet with parents, sometimes cover the nurse’s office…no two days are ever the same and no day is “typical!” What is your favorite day of the week and why? Every day that I get to spend with kids and my family is a great day! I love elementary school because the students are always so positive and willing to try again! I get my tank refilled by interacting with kids. What is your favorite non-healthy food? Cherry pie If you had the chance to tell your 13-year-old self something, what would that be? Just be yourself! Stop trying to be who/what everyone else wants you to be and live unashamedly and unapologetically your best self every day! Travel bucket list…where would you go? I’ve always wanted to visit the Swiss Alps, Denmark, Alaska and Hawaii. I wouldn’t mind also getting to see and tour the Egyptian pyramids after teaching about them during 6th grade social studies. Describe yourself in three words… Caring, dedicated, authentic If you have a dream job…what is it? I come to school some days and walk into the building thinking, “I cannot believe I get paid to do this!” Obviously not every day is a dream, but there is something good about each day. I also work with incredibly people who truly care about kids! I get to do what I love every day…connect with students and help others. I can’t think of a better job! Do you make your bed every morning? Only if I’m the last one out of it! My husband and I are both very competitive, so it’s always a race! Something random about you? My husband Shane and I met at K-State and have been together for 28 years, married for almost 23. We have four kids: ages 19, 14, 9 and 7. There was a point early in our marriage when we thought we wouldn’t be able to have any kids! I spent every summer until I was 25 in the wheat field helping my dad custom cut by driving either a combine (ages 14-20) or a truck (ages 21-24). Having worked that hard each summer makes every other job seem easy in comparison.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Donna Hudson-Hamilton.. What is your title at USD #489? Director of Early Childhood Services How long have you been with our district? I will be starting my 29th year with the Hays School District. I worked one in the Russell School District. I worked as a school psychologist before taking my current position. What is your favorite pizza topping? I love taco pizza. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? I don’t think I can choose just one. If you have ever read the poem or the book “The Crayon Box That Talked”, you realize that each color is unique and when they get together they make a picture that is complete. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Two things- first is the people and secondly the mission of the program -- Over the years, I have met some of the most dedicated, passionate, hard working individuals. I believe I have been surrounded by truly outstanding people that bring the best out in me. Secondly, I love the work I do. I love working in Early Childhood Connections and believe in the Head Start mission. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Every day can be something very different. As the Director, I administer the Head Start, Early Head Start, State Prekindergarten and Parents As Teachers grants. I also oversee the USD #489 Early Childhood Center. Our program serves four counties (Ellis, Rush, Russell and Rooks). I am responsible for the grant writing, fiscal management and reporting associated with the grants. I also supervise the certified staff. I am responsible for the program management in Early Childhood Connections and site management of the center. So… my days vary from paperwork to meeting with staff to classroom observations. On my lucky days, I might even get to hold a baby or sit with a preschooler as they lay down for their nap. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Hard-working, Positive, Problem-solver What is your favorite board game? What Do You Meme? Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Greek islands Random facts about yourself? I have been married to my husband, Bart for 25 years. We have two daughters, Haven and Tatum. Both girls will be attending Fort Hays State University next year – Haven as a Junior and Tatum as a Freshman. We have a shih-poo named Hallie (short for halitosis). We love sports – we are huge Chief fans and have spent many hours watching our daughters play sports. I am very family-oriented and love spending time with my family.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Tasha Lang.. What is your title at USD #489? Elementary Low Incidence Special Education Teacher at Roosevelt Elementary How long have you been with our district? Starting my 9th year What is your favorite pizza topping? Mushroom and Olives If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? Purple because all shades are beautiful (plus K-State comes to mind when I think of purple). What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The students, families, and co-workers. It is amazing to see all the potential our students deliver day in and day out, our families and the support they provide, and my co-workers for the continues collaboration for each student to help them shine brighter each day. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Each day is a different day but each day we provide structure, adaptive curriculum, social skills, life skills, communication techniques, and inclusion. Describe yourself in 3 words. Patient, understanding, caring What is your favorite board game? Rack-o or any other game my kids pick for family game night. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I love to travel!! Anywhere is prefect! Random facts about yourself? My husband and I have been married for almost 12 years, we have 3 kids who keep us very busy! We are currently building a house out in Catherine and residing with my parents It's a fun and busy time!

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Mindi Dreiling.. What is your title at USD #489? 5th Grade teacher at Wilson Elementary How long have you been with our district? Next year is my 5th year with USD 489, but 10th year teaching. What is your favorite not-healthy food? Chips or fried food If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Lavender because it’s a calm color and not harsh. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I love watching my 5th grade students grow from being elementary students to becoming middle schoolers. It’s fun to see them mature to their next chapter. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Typically, I like to arrive early to get prepped for the day. Once the day begins, it’s go, go, go trying to crunch as much learning and laughter into the day with my 5th graders. Building trusting relationships and getting to know my students outside of learning is high priority, so a lot of conversations about life! Oh, and drinking coffee... lots of it throughout my day! Describe yourself in 3 words: Attentive, Open-Minded, Genuine What is your favorite non-work activity? Home projects (gardening, home updates & decorating) Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? In the states: Napa, California—International: Spain Random facts about yourself? My husband , Sean, and I have two kids; Josslyn-5 Chauncey-2. We also have a 7 year old basset hound, Stella. My favorite sport is volleyball—I played it into college and coached it in LaCrosse for 4 years!

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Christina Sramek... What is your title? School Psychologist How long have you been with the district? I will be starting my second year. On a typical day at work..what do you do? I don't usually have a "typical' day. It varies from day to day. I attend numerous meetings, complete student evaluations and write reports, implement academic and behavioral interventions, conduct progress monitoring, provide support to students during crisis, and assist in the development of student plans. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Friday. The kids are so excited for the weekend and I love hearing what their plans are. Weekends are when I get to spend time with family and Friday is my start to the weekend. What is your favorite non-healthy food? Chips and Queso If you had the chance to tell your 13 year old self something, what would that be? Work hard and never give up. Things won't always go how you expect, but make the best out of every opportunity and grow from every experience. Travel bucket list…where would you go? I am not much of a traveler, but my husband and I have talked about going to Magnolia Farms in Waco, TX. Describe yourself in three words… Passionate, Caring, and Dedicated. If you have a dream job…what is it? I wouldn't say it's a dream job, but I have always wanted to volunteer at a Children's hospital. I would like to go visit the kids and read to them or play with them and hopefully put a smile on their face. Do you make your bed every morning? Yes, I like everything tidy and in its place. Something random about you? I have a husband, Ryan, and two cats, Pippy and Piper. We enjoy going to K-State Football games! Go CATS!!

Getting to Know USD #489 Series.. Learn a bit about Shanna Dinkel... 1. What is your title? Assistant Superintendent 2. How long have you been with the district? Twenty-four years 3. On a typical day at work what do you do? Lately, I’ve done a LOT of Zoom meetings. 😊 Most days are spent collaborating on various district programs with the amazing people I get to work with each day. 4. What is your favorite day of the week and why? I like Thursdays for some reason. Typically, there are less meetings scheduled, so it’s the day I can get out to buildings more often. Oh, and it’s blueberry crumble flavored coffee day at Moka’s – my favorite. 5. What is your favorite non-healthy food? Nachos – yum! 6. If you had the chance to tell your 13 year old self something, what would that be? Don’t try to prove your worth to anyone; be confident in who you are – you are enough. 7. Travel bucket list…where would you go? Ireland 8. Describe yourself in three words… Wife, mother, friend 9. If you have a dream job…what is it? I’m doing it. I have never regretted going into education and can’t imagine doing anything else. 10. Do you make your bed every morning? Oh yes, and the bottom sheet must be pulled tight. 11. Something random about you? I can’t roll/curl my tongue.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Jessica Groff What is your title? 1st Grade Teacher at Wilson How long have you been with the district? 10 Years teaching! On a typical day at work..what do you do? On a typical day I teach reading, writing, math as well as a multitude of other things as well as run reading intervention during my plan time! The days fly by, but they are always different, challenging, rewarding and never boring : )! What is your favorite day of the week and why? Saturday is my favorite day of the week, its filled with spending time with my two kids and my husband! It’s also nice not set an alarm! What is your favorite non-healthy food? Ice-cream! If you had the chance to tell your 13 year old self something, what would that be? Slow-down, life will come to you, you can’t be everything before your time! Travel bucket list…where would you go? So many places! Italy, Greece & Hawaii are at the top of the list! Describe yourself in three words… Patient, Calm & Driven If you have a dream job…what is it? For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher! Teaching involves giving back, helping others & making a difference every day. No matter how challenging teaching can be, it’s also one of the few professions that you can make a difference every day and leave a lasting legacy of students & families you’ve helped! I can’t see myself doing anything else other than education. Do you make your bed every morning? Most mornings yes, unless we are running behind! Something random about you? I have been married to my husband Justin for almost 10 years this July. We have two children, a daughter, Collins, who will be a 2nd Grader at Wilson this coming school year ( I got the privilege of being her 1st grade teacher this year)! We have a son, Creighton, who will be 4 and will start preschool this fall at the USD 489 preschool. Random fact: I coached softball at HHS all through my college years and up till I had my son for a total of 8 years I believe and played from age 5 up through 18!

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Alysa Erway.. What is your title at USD #489? I am a 3rd grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary! How long have you been with our district? This will be my second year. What is your favorite not-healthy food? I love any type of candy! I have a bad sweet tooth! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Probably black, it goes with anything. 😊 What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I love how everyone is so supportive and positive! We are all team players and want to see each other succeed so our students succeed! On a typical day at work….what do you do? Everyday I have the privilege of seeing my students grow and learn in all subject areas. I have the opportunity to teach them not only academics, but real life things and building on their character. I believe when my students come into my classroom, they are all on a mission to better themselves in order to change the world. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Organized, kind, Christian What is your favorite non-work activity? I love to read, play volleyball, and travel with my husband! Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I would love to travel to Europe! Random facts about yourself? I am a FHSU grad, I am married to my best friend, Landon, and we just got a puppy named Moses! I love to go explore new places and try new foods. I am so excited for my second year of teaching, it has been a blessing!

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Sarah Mackey... What is your title? I have been a first grade teacher for the last ten years, but this year will be moving back to the middle school!! How long have you been with the district? 12 years On a typical day at work..what do you do? Run around like a chicken!! Help kids be successful at whatever they want to do, love them, hug them, and make them feel empowered! What is your favorite day of the week and why? Thursday, because it is Friday Eve! What is your favorite non-healthy food? Any thing chocolate related!! If you had the chance to tell your 13 year old self something, what would that be? All the little things that seem like a big deal right now won’t matter when your older!! Just enjoy the days!! Travel bucket list…where would you go? Anywhere with sun and a beach! Describe yourself in three words… Honest, Compassionate, Loving If you have a dream job…what is it? Doing it!! Do you make your bed every morning? Ha, Nope!! Something random about you? When I was a Senior in High School I went to Paris, France!!

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Kerri Lacy ... What is your title at USD #489 Principal at Lincoln Elementary School. How long have you been with our district? I started in the district with my first job out of college in 1991. I was at Kennedy Middle School for 13 years. I then left to be a principal in another district and then returned to the district in 2013. So I have been in education for 29 years with 20 of them being in USD489. What is your favorite not-healthy food? I LOVE Ice Cream!! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? I would probably have to say ORANGE. I think orange is bright, noticeable and so cheerful! What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I have so many favorites!! I work with so many awesome people! The Lincoln staff, students and families make my job the BEST! I say this all the time and truly feel this is the truth, “Lincoln Elementary School is the best place to be!” On a typical day at work….what do you do? Everyday starts out with the most important and most rewarding part………..standing at the front door greeting all my kiddos and staff as they enter the building! This is such an important thing for me! After the morning bell rings I help the 5th grade students with announcements and then I try and get around to every classroom before 9:00 a.m. , after that no 2 days are ever the same. I have meetings, I do evaluations and walk throughs, I try to get some paperwork complete but most of all I try to be visible outside my office throughout the day to stay involved in the day to day happenings. I spend the hour and a half at lunchtime in the lunchroom talking with students, helping with milk cartons and also helping to keep some “order” to our lunch routine. In the afternoons you will see me back in the classrooms, helping students who may need a little guidance or who are having a bad day and of course there are those times that I have to help remind students of the rules at school. Most of all each and everyday I get to spend with the most awesome group of students, families and staff!! I LOVE my JOB! Describe yourself in 3 words.. Energetic, positive and loyal What is your favorite non-work activity? Spending time with my family no matter what we are doing and spending some time alone with God praying for my most precious blessings of family, friends and my work family. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I would love to go to New Zealand. My oldest daughter spent one summer there doing an internship and her pictures are so beautiful. I love to travel, and for the most part the extent of my travel so far has been to watch my daughters compete in sporting events and they memories are so awesome. As they both get older I want to continue to travel and want my family to be along to continue to create awesome memories! Random facts about yourself? My husband Brian and I have been married for 28 years, we have two daughters Kelsey (26) and Bailey (20) and we also love Kelsey’s bf Kevin who is an awesome addition to our family. We are a VERY competitive and athletic family. Brian played basketball in college, I ran track at FHSU, Kelsey ran track and played volleyball at Northwest Mo State and Bailey played softball at Highland CC and just signed to continue playing softball with Mo Southern University. We have two dogs both chocolate lab mixes Emit and Zoey. Most will tell you I do not know a stranger, I can strike a conversation and make friends with anyone. I like to stay busy and I also love woodworking and building things out of old pallets. I do have an ornery side, I love to play pranks, joke with people and find fun in almost everything. I love to cook for others and entertain and I live in the best cul-de-sac in town with the most awesome neighbors and friends.

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Fred Winter.. What is your title at USD #489? Assistant Principal Hays High School How long have you been with our district? 4 years What is your favorite not-healthy food? Chips & Queso/Salsa If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Blue, because someone told me more successful people use blue to write with. It’s also my favorite color. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I love working with a staff that genuinely wants the best for all students and their families. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I work with students with testing(ACT/PSAT, PreACT, STAR), supervision, teacher evaluations, student discipline, Reality U., and anything that students or teachers needs may be. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Faith, Family, Dedication What is your favorite non-work activity? Time with family and sports. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Israel, Jerusalem. Random facts about yourself? I am originally from Turpin, Oklahoma. I received my teaching degree from Tabor College, Masters in School leadership from Baker University. I have traveled to Australia to coach football. I have 4 children, 2 sons that go to Fort Hays and 2 daughters currently at USD 489. We enjoy spending family time playing sports or hanging out in the Lakes and Mountains.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Mia Knoll.. What is your title at USD #489? Principals Secretary at Wilson Elementary How long have you been with our district? 21 yrs What is your favorite non-healthy food? Dt pepsi If you had to use one color of crayon forever..what color would you use and why? Rose. Because looking through the world with Rose colored glasses would cheerful, optimistic, or favorable view of life. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? When I am out in the community and see a student from several years ago. It makes me feel proud when they are checking me out at Dillions. I feel that the staff of Wilson and district does a great job making the students productive members of society. On a typical day at work….what do you do? My typical days starts with taking absentee calls. It could also be that I would need to find a sub for a staff member. I am responsible for the attendance at Wilson. If our Nurse is gone, I would help students if there is a need there. I answer parents questions regarding the schedule, lunch or daycare balances. If you parent comes to visit school, I get them a pass to be in the hallway. Do billing for the After School program. Purchase items that teachers may need for their classroom. Pay bills that Wilson has. Incase the principal or counselor aren't there and I situation arises, try to console student til they can get there. Basically, whatever is needed to keep things running smoothly. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Caring, inquisitive and multi tasker What is your favorite non-work activity? I enjoy sewing, baking, walking the dog, traveling. Being with my family. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Hawaii. My bucket list is to travel to all the US states. I am about 1/2 way there. Random facts about yourself? I am blessed to have a caring husband, Denis. We have a schnauzer, Faith. Our son Austin, a HHS and FHSU grad. is married to Teneille. They live in Colorado. With my two hairless grandcats, Frank and Norman.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Alicia Brungardt... What is your title at USD #489? teacher How long have you been with our district? 27 years What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Nearly all of them! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Sunflower yellow—it’s a color that represents happiness and Kansas What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The people--we have an awesome staff and student body! On a typical day at work….what do you do? On campus, in a regular school year, I have a teacher’s typical schedule that includes the following activities: teach classes; attend grade-level, department, or staff meetings; read and answer email; research, plan, and post lessons to Canvas and on my whiteboards; grade; meet with students; plan, organize, and execute STUCO events with my officers; organize my classroom and materials. Describe yourself in 3 words… Planner, chocolate-lover, mom What is your favorite non-work activity? Bicycling with my husband Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Oh, the places I’d go, but I’ll settle for Hawaii. Aloha! Random facts about yourself? 3 kids, 3 dogs, 1 husband

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Getting to Know USD #489 .... Learn a bit about Ashley Minear.. What is your title at USD #489? HR/Payroll Assistant How long have you been with our district? 2 years in August What is your favorite not-healthy food? Carne asada fries from the taco truck If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Purple because it’s beautiful and the color of royalty so I would my purple crayon and pretend to be fancy What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Spending my days in a potentially haunted building, eating way too much junk at my desk and pretending that laughing all day and climbing the building stairs a few times is enough to counter it, Ron’s lame jokes, never knowing what is going to come out of Bonnie’s mouth next… But also, having a workplace with wonderful people that work hard but know how to make it an enjoyable place to be and even though we don’t work directly with students, we get to support the staff that does work with our children. On a typical day at work….what do you do? It varies so much. HR can be just whatever is thrown at me for the day between phone calls, e mails, substitutes, job postings, onboarding, etc. and then in payroll, mostly a lot of counting and math. Every single day at work though, I will undoubtedly eat too much food and drink not enough water. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Hardworking, boring, introvert What is your favorite non-work activity? You would almost think that it would be cleaning my house based on how often I do it (share my house with 2 boys) but I really just love hanging out with my dogs in silence or watching movies with my son Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Ireland. No particular reason why. Just wanna go there. Random facts about yourself? I have a 12 year old son that attends HMS. I have two huskies with stupid names (Melvin and Gertie). There are also two cats that live in my house but I don’t consider them mine. My son and I moved to Hays from Las Vegas almost 4 years ago and while it was a MAJOR change at first, we love it here.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Jenny Prine.. What is your title at USD #489? First Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary How long have you been with our district? 20 years What is your favorite not-healthy food? Fried foods.... French fries, tator tots, pickles, green beans... If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Green- reminds me of the green grass, trees and everything in Spring What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The family atmosphere we have at Lincoln. We are a close staff who work well together. I also love getting the opportunity to watch “my kids” grow through their years at Lincoln and as they move forward into middle and high school. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I teach reading, writing and math each day to first graders through whole group, small group and individual lessons. Although each day follows a similar routine, it also brings new stories, new times to laugh, solve problems and work together to build relationships. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Caring, dedicated, kind What is your favorite non-work activity? Reading, planting flowers and spending time with my family on our patio. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I would love to see more of the United States- starting with a beach in Florida. Random facts about yourself? My husband Toby and I have 2 children. Emily will graduate from FHSU in December with an Elementary Education degree. Andrew will be a senior at HHS this fall. We have one old and spoiled Labrador named Tank.

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Dawn Keil.. 1. What is your title at USD #489? 2nd grade teacher at Roosevelt School 2. How long have you been with our district? 31 years 3. What is your favorite pizza topping? sausage 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? green 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The students, of course, and the many supportive families I’ve met over the years! 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? There is no ‘typical’ day in 2nd grade, but…I instruct, guide, support, encourage and empower kids in their learning. My day includes lots of modeling, counseling, sharing, conversation, and laughter. At the end of each day, I count my blessings and make preparations for the next day ahead! 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. faith-filled, family-oriented, kind 8. What is your favorite board game? Catch Phrase 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Oldenburg, Indiana-A small town with amazing charm where my family is from. 10. Random facts about yourself? I’ve been married to Steve for 33 years. He is the Director of Development at DSNWK. My oldest daughter, Hannah, married Dane Dreiling last year and is a speech-language pathologist for the district. My youngest daughter, Alyssa, is an RN at Heartland Dermatology. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crocheting, cooking, and walking in my free time.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Gloria Blackwell.. 1. What is your title at USD #489? Elementary music instructor 2. How long have you been with our district? 23 years 3. What is your favorite non-healthy food? snickers 4. If you had to use one color of crayon forever..what color would you use and why? Blue. It is a calm color. It makes me think of beautiful skies. 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I like having colleagues to share ideas with. Our district allows teachers to be creative and expressive in their area of teaching. 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I teach various aspects of music at the elementary level. Activities include singing, listening, moving, reading musical notation and playing various percussion type instruments. 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. workaholic, loyal, diligent 8. What is your favorite non-work activity? gardening and reading 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Spain 10. Random facts about yourself? I have 3 children and 10 grandchildren.

Getting to Know USD #489: Learn a little about Amy Arnhold... 1. What is your title at USD #489? Student Software System Administrator 2. How long have you been with our district? I will start my 20th year this coming August 3. What is your favorite pizza topping? Black Olives 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? Red 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Watching the students succeed in so many different areas while in the district and in their everyday lives after they have left USD #489 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Data check student/staff data for several different things including state reporting, testing, and data-driven instruction, help teachers and parents with PowerSchool, help teachers and students with device issues. 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Positive, Energetic, Compassionate 8. What is your favorite board game? Monopoly 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Anywhere with a relaxing beach and comfortably warm weather 10. Random facts about yourself? My husband, Jeff, is the head custodian for the District, my twins, Philip and Eileen, are going to be sophomores at HHS, and my step daughter, Erika, is going to school to be a paramedic while living in Wichita. Our favorite thing to do as a family is attend KC Royals games.

Getting to Know USD #489 Series.. Learn a bit about Justin Hejny.... 1. What is your title at USD #489? Middle School Physical Education Teacher; Middle School Head Football, Girls & Boys Wrestling, & Girls & Boys Track Coach; Drivers Ed Instructor 2. How long have you been with our district? This will be my 7th year 3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Grey, it always looks good to me because I’m Color Blind. 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Seeing my Middle School student and athletes grow and change over the three years at HMS. 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Anytime we can get outside for PE that is always my first choice of activity. Mrs. Dale and I have worked hard to develop a curriculum that has incorporated as many lifetime activities as possible; including pickleball, disk golf, archery, and team sports. Our main goal is to get kids active and moving!!! 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Energetic, Outgoing, and Motivating 8. What is your favorite non-work activity? There are too many…running, hiking, fishing (wish I went more), anything outside!! 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I really want to try and get to the national parks- Yellowstone and Yosemite in particular. 10. Random facts about yourself? I have two yorkies (Simba & Sassy) and in August I will be picking up my female Goldendoodle to add to the pack. Suggestions on names????? #EveryStudentEveryDay489