Hays USD 489

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Staci Straub.. What is your title? I am a 3rd grade teacher at Roosevelt How long have you been with the district? 18 years On a typical day at work..what do you do? Make sure my students feel safe and know they are loved. I work hard everyday to not only teach the curriculum, but also the values of being a good person and doing the right thing. There is so much more to teaching than reading, writing, and math. I want my students to feel and become successful!! What is your favorite day of the week and why? Right now, all the days are a blur. but when I’m in school mode, Fridays are my favorite. My students are ready for the weekend just as much as I am. What is your favorite non-healthy food? Chinese food If you had the chance to tell your 13-year-old self anything, what would that be? Don’t sweat the small stuff!! Relax and enjoy the bumpy ride. It’s the bumps that make life exciting. Travel bucket list…where would you go? Hawaii Describe yourself in three words… dedicated, passionate, loving If you have a dream job…what is it? I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. If I had to do something else, I would want to be a Real Estate Agent. Do you make your bed every morning? Nope, depends on my mood What is your favorite non-work activity? Spending time with my family or reading a good book! 12. Something random about you? (Spouse, kids, pets, random tidbit) I have been married for 29 years and have 2 adult sons. I have 4 grandchildren that are my world. I am lucky enough for us all to live in Russell.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Arielle Simpson.. What is your title? Health & Nutrition Coordinator at Early Childhood Connections How long have you been with the district? 3 years On a typical day at work, what do you do? Oh goodness…every day is so unpredictable! I am the school nurse, so I take care of LOTS of ouchies & apply LOTS of bandaids! On a REALLY fun day, I get to go to the infant room, rock babies and love on the little ones 😊 What is your favorite day of the week and why? Sunday Funday!! I get to be with my family and ‘fill my cup’ up for the week ahead ❤ What is your favorite non-healthy food? I love pizza…A LOT!! If you had the chance to tell your 13-year-old self anything, what would that be? Worry less…Trust yourself…Love yourself…& Forget what others think about you. Travel bucket list…where would you go? Ireland is #1 Israel & the Taj Mahal are a close 2nd Describe yourself in three words… Compassionate…Outgoing…Patient If you have a dream job…what is it? I love being a nurse, but when I’m old and crazy…I would LOVE to deliver flowers!! I think it would be SO MUCH FUN to bring smiles to those who are least expecting it 😊 Do you make your bed every morning? Nope What is your favorite non-work activity? I love traveling. It doesn’t matter WHERE I go, I just love the adventure that awaits! Something random about you? I have been married for 12 years to Jed & we have 2 adorable little girls, Piper & Emme. We have 3 chickens (Figaro, Chickoletta, & Spirit…named by Emme!) and we LOVE to go on adventures!! Our life is crazy but we wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Janell Beilman.. What is your title? 5th grade teacher at Wilson Elementary How long have you been with the district? 31 years On a typical day at work..what do you do? I arrive around 6:45 and make sure I have everything ready for the day. Once the kids arrive it is nonstop activity, teaching and practicing math concepts, monitoring science investigations and using technology to enhance learning whenever possible. Throw in recess duties and attending meetings and the time flies. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Friday, of course. It is spirit day at Wilson and everyone is eagerly anticipating the start of the weekend! What is your favorite non-healthy food? A bacon cheeseburger. Yum! If you had the chance to tell your 13-year-old self anything, what would that be? Don't worry about what other people think. Be yourself. The only person you have to prove anything to is you. Travel bucket list…where would you go? The island of Bora, Bora would be wonderful. (really anywhere with a beach will do). Describe yourself in three words… organized, authentic and dependable If you have a dream job…what is it? My earliest memories from my childhood are of me pretending to be a teacher. So I guess you could say I am doing what I've always dreamed of doing. But, if I had to pick something else it would be something creative like a graphic designer. Do you make your bed every morning? Yes I do. That is part of being organized! What is your favorite non-work activity? I enjoy exercising at The Center, spending time with family, traveling and cooking. Something random about you? (Spouse, kids, pets, random tidbit) My husband, Chris, and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on June 30. I enjoy being a mom to our daughter Kaycee and our son Kaden. Both are currently living in the Kansas City area. I am also mom to a 1 1/2 year old miniature Australian Shepherd that has me wrapped around her furry little paw.

Message Concerning Face Coverings The Ellis County Schools COVID Advisory Group is working diligently to provide guidance regarding the Governors recent executive order. Ellis County schools have and will continue to work closely with public health officials to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff. Details of the executive order will be released later this week. Early next week the Advisory Group will meet with Ellis County health officials to provide updated procedures and/or requirements for summer programs. Until that time, please continue to follow all current district guidance - wash hands frequently, practice social distancing, and stay home if you are sick.

Please see attached Press Release regarding the upcoming school year.

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Jessica Augustine.. What is your title at USD #489? Journalism Instructor at Hays High School How long have you been with our district? One year in USD 489 (but 18th year teaching overall!) What is your favorite not-healthy food? Bacon? But, bacon is healthy, right? 😊 If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And, why? Although it sounds odd, I would choose black, as it is comprised of all colors. I tend to be very accepting and non-judgmental, and I want my students (and others) to feel included. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Honestly, there are so many things – my role, the students, the staff, the administration, the campus, and the activities. On a typical day at work….what do you do? In the classroom, I normally get to work at 7:15 a.m., respond to emails, prepare for classes and talk to students who come in. From there, I teach my classes (21st Century Journalism, Newspaper, Photo Imaging, Web Design, and Yearbook), depending on if it is a Maroon or Gold day; in class, I like to begin with a Question of the Day, so that I hear from each student, then I start the lesson or the project of the day. During my plan time and every other free minute, I develop lesson plans, create learning resources, assess student work, edit newspaper or yearbook copy, critique newspaper or yearbook layouts, manage newspaper and yearbook ad sales, maintain the website, take needed photos, prepare for contests, complete required tasks, etc.; I try to use every possible moment at work to work! Describe yourself in 3 words. Dedicated, Logical, Particular (for adjectives) or Dog-Mom, Family, and Learner (for three nouns) What is your favorite non-work activity? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, of course; I love collecting and reading cookbooks; and I like staying active, especially doing water aerobics or swimming in the summer, taking the dogs on walks in the fall or spring, and doing yoga year round. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? A warm beach to relax, or a historical area to learn. Random facts about yourself? I have four dogs – one nine-year-old Rat Terrier named Max Puppy, one five-year-old Miniature Pinscher named Mini Dog, and two six-month-old German Shorthair Pointers named Lexi Boo and Sadi Bug!

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Aubrey Woolf.. What is your title? Head Start 3-5 Teacher How long have you been with the district? Going into year 4 On a typical day at work..what do you do? Hang out with some pretty crazy, silly, and totally awesome kids and work on some added paperwork here and there. What is your favorite day of the week and why? This will sound crazy - Monday. It's a chance to start new and begin a good structured week. What is your favorite non-healthy food? Chips and Salsa If you had the chance to tell your 13-year-old self anything, what would that be? Take time to learn more about other people and why their differences make them important Travel bucket list…where would you go? Iceland Describe yourself in three words… Dedicated, open-minded, joyful If you have a dream job…what is it? Broadway Performer Do you make your bed every morning? No What is your favorite non-work activity? Playing games with my family Something random about you? My spouse, siblings, parents, and paternal grandparents all attended FHSU.

Gracias a nuestra maravillosa personal de Servicios de Nutrición y una subvención de alimentando a niños de KS podemos continuar con el servicio de comidas del 29 de junio al 23 de julio! Los desayunos y almuerzos para llevar se continuarán sirviendo solo la preparatoria de Hays High de 11:30 a 12:30, de lunes a jueves. Estas comidas GRATUITAS están disponibles para todos los niños menores de 18 años. ¡Esperamos servirle 4 semanas más!

Nutrition Services Update... Thanks to our wonderful Nutrition Services staff and a grant from Feeding KS Kids, we are able to continue meal service June 29th through July 23rd! Drive-thru breakfasts and lunches will continue to be served at Hays High School only, 11:30-12:30, Monday through Thursday. These FREE meals are available for all children 18 and under. We look forward to serving you 4 more weeks! #EveryStudentEveryDay489

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Scott Summers.. What is your title? Director of Technology How long have you been with the district? 5 years with USD 489 and 11 years total in K-12 IT On a typical day at work..what do you do? A typical day starts with checking to make sure all the blinking lights are still blinking - always a good start to the day in IT! My role as the Director after that involves a lot of meetings, research, or planning for projects. I still like to be a hands-on director, so you’ll actually catch me out and about some days working on tickets, because I don’t like spending my whole day behind my desk. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Thursday! It’s far enough into the week that I can look back and say I’ve accomplished a lot during the week; however, on the flip side it does give me one more day after to get something done before the weekend. Bonus reason for Thursday: on the 4 day work week in the summer, it’s actually Friday! What is your favorite non-healthy food? Crunchy Cheetos If you had the chance to tell your 13-year-old self anything, what would that be? Enjoy the ride, because high school and college will pass by before you know what happened! Travel bucket list…where would you go? I’d like to travel the coasts and definitely make it to Alaska or Hawaii at some point! Describe yourself in three words… Comical, Optimistic, Friendly If you have a dream job…what is it? I know everyone says “I’m in it right now,” but that’s the truth! I can’t say that I have any one day that is the same from one to the next. This job keeps me on my toes with the fantastic department I work with as well a district full of dedicated staff to interact with each day! Do you make your bed every morning? Sadly not every day! Maybe that’s a goal to work on. What is your favorite non-work activity? It’s a toss up between golf and underwater basket weaving, but I’d probably say golf! Something random about you? (Spouse, kids, pets, random tidbit) My beautiful wife Rebecca (4th grade teacher at Wilson) and I are expecting our firstborn in September! I’m also a twin, and we haven’t figured out which one is the evil one yet!

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Heidi Harper-Wamser.. What is your title? Kindergarten teacher How long have you been with the district? 20 years On a typical day at work..what do you do? Oh gosh..what don’t we do? First and foremost, we love, nurture, and open minds of little people. We are sometimes momma (or grandma 😳😉) for the day, nurse, counselor, janitor, and so many other important titles during each day! What is your favorite day of the week and why? Friday funday in my classroom, but Saturday or Sunday with my family 5. What is your favorite non-healthy food? Chocolate almond Ice cream If you had the chance to tell your 13 year old self something, what would that be? Listen to your parents! They’ve been through ALL “the things”. They probably know what they’re talking about. I would also say...”listen when people tell you that you should be a teacher”! Travel bucket list…where would you go? New Zealand/Australia, Greece or Maldives Describe yourself in three words… energetic, compassionate, loving If you have a dream job…what is it? What do you mean?...I’m living it! But if I had to choose a different one, it would be princess Jasmine or princess Ariel at DisneyWorld (singing included)! Do you make your bed every morning? Yes, I would, but I go workout at 5am, so my husband is the last in bed. Whomever is in it last, makes it!😊 Something random about you? I have a public relations/communications degree that I graduated with first....because I didn’t want to do what everyone told me I needed to do! Remember question #6? My 18 year old self REALLY should’ve listened also!🤦🏽‍♀️

---2020-2021 District Calendar-- The district calendar was approved and can be accessed below. Please note that the first day of school has changed from what was previously published. https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/763769/20-21_District_Calendar.pdf #EveryStudentEveryDay489

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!