Monday’s USD 257 Board of Education meeting began on a celebratory note, as dozens of students were recognized for achieving the highest possible score on Kansas state assessments.
Curriculum Director Jenna Higginbotham welcomed a packed room of students, families and staff gathered for the recognition.
“This achievement reflects not only strong academic ability but also perseverance, commitment, and a willingness to challenge themselves,” she said of the students ranging from elementary school to high school.
Students earning a Level 4 — the highest designation on state assessments — were honored across science, English language arts and math. Scores range from Level 1 to Level 4, with Level 4 indicating advanced understanding.
STUDENTS recognized for Level 4 in science included Taylor Chriestenson, Ruben Guerrero, Kyndal Bartlett, Lucas Boeken, Autumn Carr, Tayven Kress, Hannah Thompson, and Jackson Young.
In English language arts, honorees were Hadley Thompson, Elyana Whiting, Olivia Weber, Alivia Coltrane, Clare Girdler, Kalie Insley, Seattle Nagy, Leanna Flory, Brook McCawley, Logan Sneed, Alston Nelson and Sarah Ross.
Students earning Level 4 in math were Shawn Noyce, Allyson Ramirez, Brigham Smith, Grayson Foreman, Landon Lovett, Jaxin Perry, Brynna Jelinek, Mariah Mathis and Rohan Springer.
Several students were recognized for excelling in multiple subjects:
ELA and science: Augustus Cook, Piper Jordan, Cruz Ross and Harley Tidd.
Math and science: Elijah Mentzer, Justin Pina, Bentley Renfro and Maddux Franklin.
ELA and math: Aibhlinn Garland, Case Mentzer, Griffin Olson, Cohen Sigg, Kaden Splechter, Zoey VanKirk, Oliver North, Caleb Sturgeon, Soren Walker and James Olson.
Two students — Easton Higginbotham and Logan Belknap — achieved Level 4 on all three assessments.
Students received a certificate recognizing their accomplishments as board members and administrators praised their dedication. “This requires focus and hard work all year long,” said Higginbotham.
IN OTHER NEWS, the board approved a summer technology purchase plan for approximately $72,850. The proposal includes Dell laptops, Chromebooks, desktop tower computers for a middle school lab, and interactive smart boards.
Technology Coordinator Ben Prasko said the purchases align with a long-term replacement plan and evolving classroom needs. While protective cases for devices were not included in the bid due to compatibility issues, Prasko noted he plans to bid them out separately.
The board also approved an agreement with Greenbush for E-Rate services, which support the district’s network infrastructure. The E-Rate program provides discounts of 20% to 90% to eligible K-12 schools and libraries for internet access, telecommunications services, and internal connections.
