Mustang Monthly

Dear Maize Central Elementary Families,

We’ve had a fantastic first half of the school year, and I’m so grateful for our amazing students, staff, and families who make MCE such a special place. As we head into the holiday season, we hope you enjoy time together and stay warm—please remember coats each day and label them to help us return lost items quickly.

I want to thank our dedicated staff for their hard work and passion, and our families for the support you show our school. Most of all, our students continue to inspire us with their kindness and creativity.

From all of us at MCE, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Enjoy the break—we’ll see you in January!

Warmest regards,

David Jennings

Principal, Maize Central Elementary

Visit our website at: www.usd266.com/mce

Check out our Facebook Page: Maize Central Elementary School

Connect with Mr. Jennings at: djennings@usd266.com or call 316-722-0427

Maize Central Elementary School is located at:

304 W. Academy Ave.

Maize, KS 67101

Thank you to the overwhelming generosity of our Mustang community, we surpassed our food drive expectations! MCE reached its goal by donating 20 full boxes of food to Caring Hearts for distribution to Maize families. Not only did we meet our goal, but we also collected additional food that will be combined by Caring Hearts with donations from other schools to create even more boxes for families. Thank you so much for your donations and for supporting Maize families!

At Maize Central Elementary School, we love coming together as a school for assemblies! It's a special time to celebrate, learn, and enjoy being part of our Mustang community. To help everyone have a great experience, we remind students to show their Mustang PRIDE during assemblies.

Here's what that looks like:

💜P - Practice Safety: Students use walking feet, follow body expectations, and keep themselves and others safe.

💜R - Respect: We show respect by keeping our attention on the speaker and listening carefully to those presenting.

💜I - Individual Responsibility: Each student is responsible for participating appropriately and helping make the assembly a success.

💜D - Demonstrate Effort: Our Mustangs always do their best! We represent MCE in a positive way by showing good manners and enthusiasm.

💜E - Evaluate Voice Level: Students chose a voice level that fits the situation - usually quiet voices during performances or when someone is speaking.

By following these PRIDE expectations, students help make our assemblies safe, respectful, and fun for everyone. Thanks for encouraging your child to show their Mustang PRIDE wherever they go!

You may check a balance or add money to your student's lunch account by visiting the Skyward Family Access Portal, and clicking the Food Service tab. If you have questions about your child's food account, or need to speak to someone about reduced lunch eligibility, please contact our Food Service Department at 316-722-0900.

👈Maize Central Elementary School Kitchen Staff

At MCE, our classroom communities continue to grow as students learn what it means to take ownership of their choices and actions. Through team-building activities, a “we’re in this together” mentality, and strong accountability, students are discovering how their contributions help make each classroom a positive place to learn.

Our Social Contract is a big part of this work—it guides students in understanding how to treat others and how to make responsible decisions both in and out of school.

This month, we’re focusing on the character trait Responsibility. Students are learning what responsibility looks like at school, at home, and within their friendships. We’re excited to see them grow in confidence and independence as they put these skills into practice!

Our Model Mustangs are shining bright at MCE!

🎉 Congratulations to our amazing Model Mustangs for November! 🎉

• Kindergarten: Paxson, George, Jaxson, Lilliana, Colter, Jolee
• First Grade: Evelyn, Othman, Jackson, Zion
• Second Grade: Aspynn, Paige, Finn, Davis, Blake, Casynn, Mateo, Lane, William, Rosario, Marley
• Third Grade: Brylee, Parker, William, Zaiden, Landen, Jordy

Marketplace Schedule:

Tuesday's 2nd Grade (2:55-3:15): Mrs. Mark Luu, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Higgins, Mrs, Joe and Mrs. Reed

Thursday's 3rd Grade (2:55-3:15): Mrs. Poynter, Mrs. Livesay, Mr. Brown, Miss Schoen and Mrs. Keiter

Friday's Kindergarten (11:40-11:55): Mrs. Criswell, Mrs. Merseal and Mrs. Baker

Friday's 1st Grade (11:55-12:25): Mrs. Bosch, Mrs. Spellman, Mrs. Casida, Mrs. Mitchell and Miss Gieseick

Friday's 4th Grade (2:25-2:40): Mrs. Poynter, Mrs. Perryhill, Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Hepner

Friday's Kindergarten (2:40-3:15): Mrs. Steinbacher, Miss Fischer and Miss Dean

* Students can browse a variety of fun trinkets, toys, and school supplies. It’s a great way to spend allowance money, reward good behavior, or have a little fun!

• Friday, Dec. 5th: Polar Express from 3:45-5:45 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 12th: PTO Spirit Night at Carousel Skate Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• December 22nd - January 5th - No School Winter Break
• January 6th - Start back to school

Hygiene products available:

• Body soap
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant
• Diapers
• Laundry detergent
• Lotion
• Maxi & mini pads
• Tampons
• Toilet Paper
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Wipes

Please contact Kelley Schuckman, our school counselor at kschuckman@usd266.com for more information.

We love seeing our students at school each day—it makes a big difference in their success!

After 7 absences, a doctor’s note is needed for the time to be excused. Please remember to send it within 3 days.

📘 Kansas law says schools must report truancy after 3 unexcused days in a row, 5 in a semester, or 7 in a school year.

If you know your child will be gone for a trip or other reason, just fill out an Administrative Excusal Form ahead of time. These can be found in the front office at MCE.

Thank you for helping your child stay on track—together, we can make every day count!

Upcoming Spirit Nights:

• Friday, December 12th - Carousel Skate Center (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
• From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Students will be tallied as they arrive by classroom
• Around 7:30 p.m. - the class with the highest attendance will be served pizza and pop (courtesy of Carousel Skate Center)
• The class that wins the pizza party will also win their teacher a $20 Amazon gift card

Click here for a comprehensive list of our Spirit Nights throughout 2025 - 2026