Board Highlights

Cross Country is coached by Cassie Dolinar, Pete Diehl (not pictured), and Bob Lockwood.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Pirates competed in the regional cross country meet with impressive performances. Junior Elizabeth Arenas (not pictured) placed 12th, setting a personal record of 20:02 in the 5k and earning her third consecutive qualification for the state cross country meet. Junior Quinn Hanson finished 7th at regionals with a personal best time of 16:44, making him the second-fastest Pirate in school history. While Quinn medaled at the state track meet last spring, this was his first time qualifying for the state cross country meet.

On Nov. 2, Elizabeth and Quinn represented the Pirates at the 5A state meet. Elizabeth achieved a personal best on the challenging Rimrock course. Despite a sudden downpour just before Quinn’s race, he also managed to set a personal record. Both athletes are leading one of the most talented cross-country teams in Pirates history.

Congratulations to the Piper Girls Tennis Team on an outstanding season filled with remarkable growth, achievements, and record-breaking performances! Coached by Bryan Shelley and Matt Storrer (not pictured), the team has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication throughout the year.

The dynamic doubles team of junior Allison Ochs (not pictured) and sophomore Aubrey Eidson earned their place at the state tournament after finding their rhythm late in the season. This was Aubrey’s debut varsity season, where she quickly showed remarkable progress and formed a strong partnership with Allison, who made her second consecutive state appearance and continues to be a powerful presence at the net.

Sophomore Ann McPherson (not pictured) also qualified for the state tournament in her first year of varsity tennis, finishing with an impressive 16-8 record. Named an All-UKC League player, Ann’s skill and determination signal a promising future for Piper Tennis.

Senior Avary Vallejo (not pictured) concluded her high school career with an incredible 23-10 season record. A two-time state qualifier, Avary won two state matches this year and earned All-UKC honors twice. She departs as Piper's all-time singles wins leader with 36 victories, setting an inspiring legacy for future players.

Congratulations to the entire team on a remarkable season! We look forward to seeing more success in the years to come.

Under the guidance of coaches Jennifer Warneke and Jordan Shaner (not pictured), Allyson McKinney made an impressive return to the state golf tournament for the second consecutive year. She secured her place by finishing 18th at the 5A regional tournament. Despite a challenging four-hour rain delay, Allyson stayed focused and determined, concluding her senior season with multiple personal records and steady improvement at every tournament. Her dedication and perseverance have set a high standard of excellence for Piper Golf, and she will be greatly missed in our program. Congratulations, Allyson, on an outstanding season!

Piper School District is proud to announce that Dr. Jessica LaFollette, Gifted Facilitator at Piper Middle School, has recently co-authored The LEAP Guidebook for Differentiating Instruction for Gifted and High Potential Students, published by the National Association for Gifted Children. This guidebook equips educators with valuable resources and tools to effectively differentiate instruction for high-ability students. We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr. LaFollette’s accomplishments and grateful for her expertise and dedication to our students!

Dyslexia is a complex, lifelong neurological condition that affects auditory processing, memory, and language-based learning. Individuals with dyslexia may experience challenges with phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, spelling, writing, vocabulary, and fluency.

To enhance student support, Dr. Nguyen and Mr. Leffert arranged for Mrs. Kristina Garner, a reading interventionist at Piper Middle School, to undergo Orton-Gillingham training. Kristina has successfully completed the program, passed her certification exam, and will now be a Certified Dyslexia Interventionist through the International Dyslexia Association. Congratulations to Kristina on her dedication to helping students improve their reading skills and reach their full potential—we are fortunate to have her expertise benefiting our students every day.

This month’s Classified Hype Squad award goes to Security Officer Dave Velasquez, Security Officer at Piper Prairie Elementary! A colleague shared, “Officer Dave consistently goes above and beyond at our school, truly embodying a spirit of service and dedication. Whether he’s stepping in to clean up without hesitation, taking time to ensure the greenhouse is a functional learning space, or being an invaluable part of events like Touch-a-Truck, his support is unmatched. His willingness to help in any situation, big or small, shows his deep commitment to our students and school community. Officer Dave is truly an indispensable part of our team.” Congratulations, Security Dave!

Congratulations to our November Certified Hype Squad winner, Crystal Albo, Instructional Coach at Piper Creek Elementary! Crystal’s dedication, expertise, and passion for learning have made a lasting impact on both students and staff.

Crystal’s supervisor describes her as “hard-working, dedicated, and a passionate lover of learning. She doesn’t stop until every task is complete. We appreciate her commitment to Piper Creek—she’s a true gift to our school!”

Colleagues agree, praising Crystal’s work ethic and dedication. One colleague shared, “Crystal works harder than anyone I know. She’s fully invested in equipping teachers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. She doesn’t rest unless she’s given 125%.”

Others highlight her supportive nature and tireless dedication: "Crystal is a fantastic Instructional Coach! She works long hours to ensure that staff and students are growing and learning. She’s organized, timely, and truly cares about the success of everyone at Piper Creek.”

Another colleague expressed gratitude, saying, “Crystal is always positive and professional, even during overwhelming moments. She’s so helpful, forming relationships with students and always striving to support us.”

One teacher noted her personal impact: “When I received difficult news about my mom’s health, Crystal quickly offered to take over my class so I could regroup. Her thoughtfulness and empathy are incredible.”

Crystal’s passion, knowledge, and dedication set her apart. We’re incredibly lucky to have her on our team—thank you, Crystal, for everything you do!

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Tim Leffert, Principal at Piper Middle School presented alongside students to demonstrate the work they are doing to IGNITE student interest in the career academies. Below, please find Mr. Leffert's presentation from last night's meeting.