Mustang Monthly

Dear Maize Central Families,

At Maize Central Elementary, the safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. All exterior doors remain locked during the school day, and all visitors must enter through the office, check in, and wear a visitor sticker.

Throughout the year, students and staff practice safety drills to help everyone feel prepared and confident:

• Fire drills are held four times a year, with clear exit routes posted in every classroom.
• Tornado drills are practiced twice a year, and teachers have safety backpacks with supplies if needed.
• Lockdown drills occur three times a year. Classrooms are equipped with safety materials, and students remain with their teachers during these drills.

As we enter the colder months, we often see an increase in illnesses. If your child is sick, please call the school office at 316-722-0427 to report the absence before 9:50 a.m. You can also view attendance information through Skyward Family Access.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, please remember that we cannot accept deliveries of flowers, balloons, candy, or other items. Thank you for helping us keep celebrations safe and manageable for everyone. Valentine's Day parties will be on Friday, Feb. 6th with more details to come from your child/rens teacher.

Please note there will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making Maize Central Elementary a safe and welcoming place for all students.

Warm 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

DENTAL SCREENINGS:

We will be holding our annual Dental Screenings this year on Friday, January 23rd, 2026. This will be a visual screening/inspection only. It does not take the place of a regular examination in a dental office.

Kansas State Law 72-5201 requires school districts provide a free annual inspection for all children except those that have had an exam within three months prior to the date of the school screening.

If you would like to opt out of this dental screening for your student, please email Nurse Jill before January 16th, 2026 at jnitcher@usd266.com.

🚻 Mustang Pride Restroom Expectations:

At Maize Central Elementary, we encourage all students to show Mustang Pride in every part of our school—including our restrooms! Our expectations focus on safety, responsibility, and respect.

• Be Safe: No horseplay. Students keep hands, feet, and belongings to themselves.

• Be Respectful: Clean up after washing hands and help keep restrooms neat and tidy.

• Be Responsible: Take care of needs promptly and return to class without lingering.

• Quiet Voices: A whisper voice helps keep the restroom calm and comfortable for everyone.

When students follow these expectations, our restrooms reflect the pride we have in our school and in ourselves as Mustangs. Thank you for supporting these expectations at school and at home! 🐎

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

📘 Yearbook Sales Are Now Open! 📸

Capture the memories of the 2025–2026 school year! Our yearbook is a special keepsake filled with school events, classroom fun, and candid moments of our students throughout the year.

Yearbook Info:

• Cost: $25

• Order Deadline: April 2, 2026

• Order Online: inter-state.com/order

• Order Code: 0272BB

We encourage families to order early—orders cannot be extended, and pre-ordering ensures your child receives a yearbook before the end of the school year.

Questions? Please contact Sarah Clark, MCE Library Media Specialist, at sclark@usd266.com

Thanks for helping us make this year’s yearbook full of great memories! 😊

Happy New Year 2026! 🎉

As we begin a new year, Maize Central students will continue learning about the importance of self-discipline and respect through our monthly character traits and Second Step lessons. These lessons help students build strong social-emotional skills that support both academic success and positive relationships.

As Dr. Seuss wisely said, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” At Maize Central, our staff and students strive to show respect and practice self-discipline each and every day. We believe that true respect begins with self-respect, and self-respect begins with having self-discipline.

Thank you for partnering with us as we guide our students in developing these important life skills. Together, we are helping them grow into respectful, responsible, and confident learners!

Our Model Mustangs are shining bright at MCE!

🎉 Congratulations to our amazing Model Mustangs for November! 🎉

• Kindergarten: Kendahl, Clara, Lia, Adela, Dexter, Ezequiel
• First Grade: Grayson, Audrina, Piper, Troy
• Second Grade: Ava, Asher, Noah
• Third Grade: Elijah, Aria, Kiana, Keegan
• Fourth Grade: Laurel, Mariah, Ike

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 truly makes a difference in their learning, confidence, and overall success. Regular attendance helps students stay connected, build strong routines, and get the most out of every learning opportunity.

To help families stay informed:

• After 7 absences, a doctor’s note is required for absences to be excused. Please send the note within 3 days of your child’s return.

• Kansas law requires schools to report truancy after 3 unexcused days in a row, 5 unexcused absences in a semester, or 7 unexcused absences in a school year.

• If your child will be absent due to a planned trip or special circumstance, families may complete an Administrative Excusal Form ahead of time. These forms are available in the front office at Maize Central Elementary.

Thank you for partnering with us to support strong attendance. Together, we can help every student stay on track and make every day count!

Spirit Night:

January 27th @ Chick-fil-A from 3:00 -7:00 pm

February 7th @ Panera Bread from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

February 24th @ Carousel Skate Center from 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Families can still order MCE blankets here. Here is a preview of the blankets🔽

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