September 2025 Maize Pulse

We are committed to listening to our Maize Family, and your recent participation in our School Safety Survey is helping guide important conversations about school security measures.

We had excellent engagement, with 1,667 responses from parents, employees, and high school students. Through this survey, we asked for your perspectives on our current security measures, your overall sense of safety in our schools, and whether additional measures would help you feel more secure. We gathered feedback on potential enhancements, including clear backpacks, portable weapons-detection systems, weapons-detection systems at school entrances, and artificial intelligence (AI) security screening software.

The message we heard was clear: the majority of our community supports additional security measures and believes new enhancements would strengthen the sense of safety in our schools.

I will present the detailed survey results during the monthly Maize Board of Education meeting on Oct. 13. School board members will review your feedback and continue the critical conversation about school security and explore options for the future. I also will share their guidance with our Facilities Steering Committee as it considers long-range planning. You can read more about this committee’s ongoing work below.

Thank you again for sharing your honest feedback and perspectives. We value your voice and are committed to addressing concerns in ways that best serve our students, employees, and the community.

One of the things I treasure most about our Maize Family is how deeply you care about our schools and students. Time and again, you step up for our kids when it matters most. Please know that we are listening and remain grateful for your partnership as we continue to work together to make safety a top priority.

Dr. Raquel Greer

Maize USD 266 Superintendent

• On X: @rockigreer
• Email: rgreer@usd266.com
• Online: www.usd266.com/superintendent

October

• Oct. 6: No school, professional development
• Oct. 15: End of Term 1, Parent-Teacher Conferences 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 7th through 12th grades only
• Oct. 16: No school, Parent-Teacher Conferences 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for kindergarten through 6th grades and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for 7th through 12th grades
• Oct. 17: No school
• Oct. 20: Start of Term 2

November

• Nov. 24 through Nov. 28: No school, Fall Break

December

• Dec. 19: End of Term 2
• Dec. 22-31: No school, Winter Break

Kansas state assessments look different this year, with updated score ranges designed to provide a clearer, more accurate picture of student learning and achievement. The new scores better align with national standards and real student outcomes, making test results more useful for educators, parents, and students to understand progress and support success.

Kansas educators helped shape these changes, including Maize USD 266 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Grades PreK-6 Michael Dome. Watch his video below for an overview of what’s different, why the updates were made, and what parents need to know. Click here to read our full news story, including details about performance levels and what they mean.

Assessment results are posted in Skyward Family Access. Click on “Test Scores” on the left rail and look for “KSA - KSA-ALL Subjects” listed as the test. Parents also can access the Kite Parent Portal for reports from current and past assessments.

The Maize USD 266 Facilities Steering Committee is moving into a new stage of its work this fall as part of the Lead Forward strategic plan’s efforts to Build for the Future. So far in 2025, the group of students, parents, and community members has toured schools across the district, including Maize Career Academy, Maize Intermediate School, Maize Early Childhood Center, Vermillion Elementary School, Maize South High School, and Maize High School. At Maize High School, members explored areas original to the school’s 1996 opening as well as spaces that have been updated through the years. Discussion also included athletics fields and other district facilities, with a focus on current needs and future opportunities.

Next, the committee will shift from learning about facilities to prioritizing identified needs. Two meetings in October will help narrow their findings and guide the development of recommendations to the Maize Board of Education later this school year.

Student voices are playing an important role in this process. The Superintendent Student Advisory Team, made up of 27 student leaders from across the district, kicked off its year on Sept. 10 by sharing ideas for improving their schools. Their feedback will be shared directly with the Facilities Steering Committee, ensuring students have a voice in planning our district’s future.

We are grateful to all committee members and student leaders for their time, insight, and dedication to shaping the best possible learning environments for our #MaizeFamily.

One of our priorities as a school district is to listen and learn so that we can serve our students, families, and staff members well. Last spring, we invited the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) to conduct a communications audit for Maize USD 266, gathering feedback from focus groups, surveys, and a review of district communications. NSPRA presented the findings of its audit in a formal report to the Maize Board of Education during the regular monthly meeting on Sept. 8. The report provides us with a valuable outside perspective on the strengths of our communications, as well as areas where we can continue to grow.

The results are encouraging. We are proud to share that we consistently scored above the national average, and in some areas, we tied the national high. This is a reflection of the dedicated efforts districtwide to transparent and approachable communication. At the same time, the report points to opportunities for us to elevate our work even further, ensuring that you feel informed, connected, and supported.

Our Communications Department will present next steps to the school board in October. These next steps will guide how we strengthen communication moving forward, both within our schools and throughout our community. This work is an important part of our Lead Forward strategic plan and directly supports our goals to Nurture a Cohesive Culture, Cultivate and Sustain Relationships, and Embrace Family Partnerships.

Thank you for partnering with us on this journey. Your feedback, trust, and engagement make us stronger, and together, we can continue to build a culture of connection and collaboration for all members of our #MaizeFamily.

The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1155 W. Academy in Maize. Meetings are open to the public. Find a link to meeting agendas and minutes, school board member information, and policies at www.usd266.com/schoolboard.

Please join us in congratulating four of our amazing educators, recently surprised with the news that they will represent Maize USD 266 as nominees for annual Kansas State Department of Education awards. The awards celebrate outstanding educators across Kansas.

Thank you to the volunteers, players, and donors who made the 2025 Maize Education Foundation golf tournament a success! With your support, we raised more than $50,000 in support of educational enrichment programs at Maize USD 266. Held at Reflection Ridge Golf Course, the tournament brought together 26 teams for a day of competition and camaraderie. Baughman Company’s team took first place with a score of 51!

The event’s success was made possible by generous sponsors, volunteers, and donors, including the Presenting Sponsor, Heartland Credit Union. More than just a tournament, it was a celebration of community and support for education, with every dollar raised going toward grants, scholarships, and resources for Maize schools.

Students in grades 7 through 12 still have time to apply for a Student Enrichment Grant of up to $500 to help cover the costs of educational activities and experiences such as leadership seminars, educational camps, community service projects, and more. With three different funding categories available, applicants are encouraged to get creative and pursue projects that are meaningful to them. Whether it’s exploring a future career path, making a difference in the community, or developing a new skill, this is a great opportunity to turn ideas into action.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31.

Maize USD 266 is actively seeking great candidates for the following positions. Apply now at usd266.com/careers.

• Grounds: Take pride in keeping our schools their best! Help maintain the safe, welcoming, and well-kept spaces our students and staff members deserve. Grounds team members care for lawns, trees, and sports fields, clear snow and ice, assist with event setup, and keep facilities in top shape inside and out. This full-time, year-round position offers $18 to $21 per hour, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a daily impact.

• High school paras: Paraeducators work closely with teachers to provide extra support for students and help them succeed. As a paraeducator, you’ll enjoy meaningful work, a family-friendly schedule, and the chance to positively impact students every day. Pay starts at $14 an hour.

• Kitchen assistants: Join our Food Service team and help fuel student learning with healthy, delicious meals. Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment preparing and serving food for students. Enjoy a family-friendly schedule and the chance to make a positive difference every day. Pay starts at $12.85 an hour.

Explore our new story series dedicated to showcasing career pathways at our Maize Career Academy!

At Maize Career Academy, welding students are doing more than learning a trade — they are preparing for futures in industries that range from aviation to agriculture. The program is unique in that it is led by three female instructors and offers students a pathway into both manufacturing and agriculture industries. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA 10 and welding process certifications and many take advantage of the chance to earn college credit through WSU Tech while still in high school.

For many Maize USD 266 students, the Early Childhood Education pathway is more than just another class: It’s a chance to discover whether teaching could be their calling. Through experiences at the Maize Early Childhood Center and beyond, students are building skills, forming bonds with children, and preparing for future careers. As part of the pathway, students earn college credit and create teaching tools that stay in preschool classrooms, helping future learners. They also gain experience in other early childhood settings, observing different teaching styles and preparing for real-world opportunities.

Pray-Woodman Elementary School 3rd-grade students recently visited the Maize Career Academy (MCA) to explore agriculture, energy, and natural resources through hands-on activities led by high school students and MCA faculty. Experiences like this give our youngest learners a glimpse of future pathways while sparking curiosity and excitement about the opportunities ahead.

Maize USD 266 third graders are learning an important life skill: swim safety! Students are participating in lessons at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, led by certified American Red Cross instructor Shea Reyna. In small groups, students practice in the zero-entry pool to build confidence in the water while learning drowning prevention and general water safety. We are glad to be able to offer this program and provide students with valuable knowledge and skills they can carry with them for years to come.

Maslow’s Pantry will host a community food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at its new location, 123 Academy Ave. in Maize.

Community members are invited to stop by, see the new space, and bring donations of canned goods, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned chicken, oatmeal, and non-expired boxed foods such as macaroni and cheese and dried beans. The pantry does not need canned vegetables at this time.

Maslow’s Pantry provides essential support for students and families in Maize USD 266, helping ensure that children have access to food and families can meet their basic needs with dignity.

To learn more about Maslow’s Pantry and its impact, click here to read our full story.

Our annual Maize High School-Maize South High School football game this year will be Friday, Oct. 10 at Maize High School, 11600 W. 45th St. North in Maize. We’re looking forward to the energy and excitement for this much-anticipated matchup! Stay tuned for more details on how to gear up and be part of this fun school-community event. Watch for a special bulletin with all the information you need to be game-ready. Let’s keep the spirit high and show our support!

Maize South High School recently hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive. Students, staff members, and community members came together to volunteer, donate blood, and make a difference. We are grateful for everyone who gave their time and generosity to help save lives.

We are proud to be part of such a strong, connected community, and it was great to see Maize USD 266 students, employees, and families participating in the recent Maize Fall Fest!

Check out some of the incredible student artwork in the hallways at Maize High School! From bold paintings to detailed sketches, our students are showing off their talent and hard work. These pieces highlight the creativity, skill, and imagination our students bring to every project.

Maize High School recently celebrated Homecoming with a full week of school spirit! Students and staff members showed off their Eagle pride during Spirit Week, gathered for an exciting pep assembly, cheered on the football team under the Friday night lights, and wrapped it all up with the Homecoming dance. Click to check out more photos from the pep assembly.

Earlier this month, the District Site Council kicked off the 2025-26 school year with its first meeting of the year. This group of district stakeholders meets throughout the year to share input, provide feedback, and support Maize USD 266 initiatives. We’re grateful to our volunteer members for generously giving their time and voices to help us #LeadForward.

Maize USD 266 recently had the honor of hosting the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Middle School StuCo Workshop, Together We’re United, at our Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center. Middle school student council leaders from across Kansas — including Maize Middle School and Maize South Middle School — came together for a day filled with growth, connection, and fun.

Motivational keynote speaker Dustin Galyon inspired students to bring their best as leaders. The workshop also featured small group discussions, networking, team-building games, and more.

We’re proud to support these young leaders as they connect, learn, and lead! Click to see more photos of the event.