Maize Elementary School Newsletter
Important Dates
- Friday, October 2nd: Marathon Finale! The run will take place at the MHS track beginning at 8 am.
- Saturday, October 10th: PTO spirit day at Woody's pumpkin farm.
- Thursday, October 15th: No School parent teacher conferences 8-8 pm
- Friday, October 16th: No School
- Thursday, October 22nd: Individual Photo Re-Takes
If a student’s family ordered from the original photo day and wants a retake image printed, the original envelope and photo package must be returned.
- Friday, October 23rd: Fall Parties and parade 2:45
- For district wide events refer to the bulletin board at USD266.com
- To order Spirit Wear visit Promo Depot
- Remember to update and opt in for Text messages in Skyward. If there is inclement weather the district will contact guardians through the numbers you have provided.
Our STEAM classrooms have been busy! We have been learning all about the basics of engineering while strengthening our fine motor skills.
This month, our students have been designing and building bridges, cars, lunch pails and many other magnificent things. Through each challenge, students are learning that things don’t always go right the first time or a design doesn't turn out quite like we imagined. Students are learning to try, test, change, and try again.
Exciting Book Fair Ahead!
We’re thrilled to announce our Fall Book Fair, running October 8-15! Students will have the chance to dive into a world of books, join in a fun grade-level coin challenge to win a Monster Mash day in the library, and test their skills with our estimation jar. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover and purchase exciting new titles!
This year’s fair set-up will run as follows:
The fair will only be set up in the library for one week.
Students can shop or create a wishlist during their scheduled library time.
The fair will also be open during conferences, so the entire family can browse together.
A couple of highly anticipated titles are debuting this fall! Students can preorder the newest Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man books using the button below.
Battle of the Books
Our fourth graders have already kicked off their reading for Battle of the Books, and their enthusiasm is contagious! While participation is optional, it’s a fantastic opportunity for students who are ready for an extra reading challenge.
Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to see everyone at the Book Fair!
We have been busy! Fitness testing will be in mid-October since we are currently running marathon miles. Grades are also being entered for each class soon. We have started skills in throwing, and catching, and soon will be starting our soccer unit. Grades K-4 have also finished their goal of completing a total of 5 miles over 5 weeks of PE. Once completed they received a necklace containing a shoe medal! Thank you for being a great example to your kids on getting out and moving! Also, thank you again for making sure your student has appropriate footwear on PE days!
Coach Horn
Keep moving!
Coach Horn thorn@usd266.com
We have been busy connecting with the students, and checking on the new students at MES. We both take turns teaching in your child’s classroom once a month. During the month of October, classroom counselor lessons are about choosing peace and respect.
We just started lunch groups. The group will meet 1 time and it’s just for FUN! New students are picked first to help them meet some friends from their class.
If your child is going to be absent, please remember to call the school office at 722-8230. We adhere to the district’s attendance policy and excused absences are so important.
When is an absence excused?
Each student has seven excused absences to use when ill without a doctor’s note. For these, a parent simply calls their child’s school office to report them ill. After seven, absences will need a medical note to be excused.
You can find the full definition of excused absences in our District Student Handbook, or review the Compulsory Attendance Law (K.S.A. 72-3120) for more details.
If you have any concerns or ways we can help your child be successful at school—please contact us! We are here to help every child have a great year.
Andrea Nietfeld
Becky Stephens
anietfeld@usd266.com bstephens@usd266.com
350-2912 350-2913
Immunizations and Health Assessments
Don’t forget to turn in your child's most up-to-date immunization records. The district deadline for immunization compliance is October 1, 2026. If this is the first time your child has been in a Kansas school, an updated Health Assessment (physical) is also required. Health Screenings Kansas Statutes require a basic vision screening and hearing screening to be completed for students in elementary schools. I will be starting these vision and hearing screenings in October and will be screening every student individually. Results will ONLY be sent home if further testing is needed. Reach out if you would NOT like me to screen your student by emailing me directly at hweston@usd266.com. Please include your student's name in the email along with stating which screening(s) you are opting out of. *These screenings are very basic and are not meant to take the place of professional evaluations.* If your child needs to take any medication here at school, please see this website with the proper forms to have on file before the nurse’s office can administer anything at school. Please feel free to contact me by stopping by my office, calling, or emailing me if you have any questions or concerns about your student. Thank you for taking an interest in your child’s health and well-being! Hannah Weston, RN, BSN Phone: 316-350-2911 Fax: 316-722-5456 Email: hweston@usd266.com
Medications
Hello! If you've been hearing about a frog in the music room, here's a bit more information. Freddie the Frog was created by Sharon Burch, a renowned music teacher in Iowa. She wrote several books about him, which include music concepts and fun adventures. If you like, you can find more at Freddiethefrog.com
Programs:
Thursday, February 11th: 3rd and 4th Grade
Thursday, March 25th: 1st and 2nd Grade
All programs will be held at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center.
Save the date, and I’ll send more info as the program gets closer!
Contact: Please feel welcome to ask me questions and share concerns or ideas with me. I want to make it a great year with your students!
Mrs. Regier
Maize Elementary has a unique family atmosphere. We love to treat our staff for their hard work and passion for their students. A Sunshine Cart was created to treat the staff throughout the school year. Items are purchased by our Panther families and generous corporate sponsors. Maize Elementary PTO is an integral part of the success of this program. Any donations, monetary or food, can be brought or delivered to the school office. If you happen to know of a local company that would like to donate please contact the office at MES.
Thank you to Heartland Credit Union on Maize Road, Andy's Custard, Chick Fil A, SK Donuts and many others for their donations!
The donations we receive help Mrs. May use the Sunshine Cart with her students to teach responsibility, kindness and consideration.
Lunchroom News
This school year, we will offer a la carte items for purchase each day. Students may purchase these items if they have available funds in their lunch account.
Please note that a la carte items are not included with a student’s regular school lunch. Any items purchased will be charged separately to the student’s lunch account.
Examples of a la carte items that may be offered include:
- Capri Sun
- Scooby Snacks
- Fruit Roll-Ups
- Switch juice drinks
A la carte offerings may vary throughout the school year. Refer to the document below
* October 12-16 is National School Lunch Week!