Board Highlights
October 13, 2025
Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 2260 for leading the Pledge of Allegiance
If your Scout Troop is interested in leading the Pledge of Allegiance for an upcoming Piper Board of Education meeting, please contact Katelyn Kaminski at Katelyn.kaminski@piperschools.us.
Thank You Tressa and Amber Wasson for Refrigerator Donation to Pirate's Pantry
This month, we recognized Tressa and Amber Wasson for their incredible generosity and community spirit.
Tressa, a 2006 Piper Alum, began volunteering her time in our district food pantry, helping organize and stock shelves to ensure families have access to what they need. When our social workers reached out asking if she knew of anyone willing to donate a gently used refrigerator, Tressa and Amber immediately stepped up, purchasing and having a brand-new fridge delivered from Walmart to support our pantry.
Tressa & Amber’s kindness and willingness to take action truly embody the spirit of our Piper community. We are so grateful for their compassion and ongoing support.
#PurpleReign Classified Winner - Jennifer Barry, Accounts & Benefits Specialist
This month's Classified #PurpleReign winner is Jennifer Barry, Accounts & Benefits Specialist. One nominator said, “Jennifer exemplifies the spirit of the Purple Reign award through her unwavering dedication and compassion in supporting Piper USD 203 employees. As the district’s Benefits Specialist, Jennifer consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities to ensure that staff members receive accurate information, timely assistance, and genuine care, especially when navigating complex and sensitive medical situations. Her knowledge of benefits procedures, combined with her calm and empathetic approach, has provided reassurance and stability to countless employees during difficult times. Beyond her technical expertise, Jennifer’s commitment to service reflects her deep care for the people who make up Pirate Nation. She routinely puts in extra time and effort to resolve issues, communicates with clarity and kindness, and approaches each situation with professionalism and heart. Jennifer’s dedication, integrity, and compassion make her an invaluable member of the district team and a true embodiment of the Purple Reign spirit.”
Another nominator said:
“Jennifer has made a remarkable impact since stepping into her role as Accounts & Benefits Specialist last year. Through her dedication and leadership, she continues to expand and strengthen Piper’s staff wellbeing program, fostering a culture of health and engagement across the district. Her outstanding efforts earned Piper the Aetna Wellbeing Platinum Award for the second consecutive year, an honor that recognizes organizations demonstrating the highest commitment to employee wellbeing through comprehensive health initiatives, measurable engagement, and a strong focus on wellness outcomes. Jennifer’s vision and care for staff wellbeing truly exemplify the values that make Piper an exceptional place to work.”
#PurpleReign Certified Winner - Sarah Ochs, Piper High School Special Education Teacher
The #PurpleReign Certified Award is presented to Sarah Ochs, Piper High School Special Education Teacher.
One colleague said, "Sarah has an unwavering commitment to student success. She has gone above and beyond to make sure every student on her caseload receives the best support. Ochs is a hard worker, an excellent communicator, and a positive influence at PHS. She has been the perfect addition to our staff, and we can't be more thankful for everything she does. Sarah demonstrates a strong commitment to building positive relationships with both her students and their families. This is evident in the way she interacts with students throughout the day; many stop by her room to say hello, check in, ask for a hug, or grab a quick snack. Sarah genuinely cares about her students’ academic growth and social-emotional well-being. She is organized and consistently maintains high-quality IEP documentation. Sarah is a dedicated professional, a true advocate for her students, and a valued colleague. I truly enjoy working with her."
Another colleague said, “Sarah is an outstanding special education teacher who goes above and beyond every day to support her students. She builds strong, caring relationships with students, staff, and IEP teams and always takes the time to create individualized education plans that truly fit each child’s needs. Her dedication doesn’t stop at the end of the school day, she’s constantly finding ways to help students succeed and make sure they have what they need to thrive. Sarah’s passion and commitment make her an incredible asset to the Piper School District."
2025 Spring KAP Data - Dr. John Nguyen, Assistant Superintendent
Click the link below to view last night's presentation slide deck.
recent Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) feedback on the retention timeframe for
livestreamed Board of Education meetings.
Superintendent October Comments - Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent
Follow the link below for updates from Dr. Jessica Dain.