November 2025 Maize Pulse
Maize USD 266
As we enter this season of gratitude, I am taking a moment to appreciate the people who make our schools special. I am thankful for the students who inspire us, the families who partner with us, and the staff members who give their best each day.
I am inspired daily by the students who fill our classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds with curiosity, creativity, and kindness. I am especially proud of my Superintendent Student Advisory Team, who has devoted much of their monthly meeting time—and even joined extra sessions this fall—to engage in important conversations that help guide the future of our district, including discussions about our facilities needs. Their maturity, thoughtfulness, and collaboration continue to impress me. Earlier this month, four of these students presented to the Maize Board of Education, representing their peers and offering valuable student perspectives on school security.
Our students consistently remind me why we do this work. When they feel seen, heard, and valued, everything else in our schools, including learning, relationships, and trust, naturally falls into place.
I am equally grateful for our staff members and families. Our schools thrive because we show up for each other. Because of that shared commitment, our students feel supported and encouraged to grow. Everything we accomplish reflects your dedication to students, your belief in learning, and your care for our community. We are fortunate to have parents and community members who generously give their time and talents by volunteering in our schools, supporting our organizations, and serving on committees including our Facilities Steering Committee and site councils.
Thank you for partnering with us, trusting us with your children, and helping make Maize USD 266 a place where every student can connect, learn, and lead. We could not do this important work alone. I am so grateful to be in this a-MAIZE-ing community. Have a wonderful Fall Break and a happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Dr. Raquel Greer
Maize USD 266 Superintendent
Important dates
November
- Nov. 24 through Nov. 28: No school, Fall Break
December
- Dec. 19: End of Term 2
- Dec. 22-31: No school, Winter Break
January
- Jan. 1: No school, Winter Break
- Jan. 2: No school, Teacher Work Day
- Jan. 5: No school, Professional Development
- Jan. 6: Start of Term 3
- Jan. 19: No school, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We are hiring security officers as the next step in our ongoing, layered approach to school security
Maize USD 266 is adding an additional layer of security, and we’re looking for security officers to strengthen support for the many security systems and procedures already in place across the district.
These positions, which will be placed in Maize High School, Maize South High School, and our Maize Career Academy, serve as the next step in our ongoing, layered approach to school security. The security officers will receive specialized training in de-escalation and crisis prevention techniques, crisis response, and legal considerations related to school operations.
On Nov. 10, the Maize Board of Education unanimously approved the addition of the school security officers following months of listening, learning, and collaborating with stakeholder groups, including parents, employees, and high school students. Thank you to everyone who participated in the September school security survey, the Oct. 30 community listening session, and other opportunities to participate in this important ongoing conversation about school security.
Learn more about the new positions, apply today, and view all job listings by visiting usd266.com/careers.
Superintendent Student Advisory Team leaders represent peers in school safety discussion
Thank you to our Superintendent Student Advisory Team representatives who participated in the Nov. 10 school security presentation to the Maize Board of Education. They shared valuable student perspectives on this important topic and represented their classmates with thoughtfulness and leadership. We are proud of their contributions and grateful for their voices in this ongoing conversation.
Spread cheer with Maize Caring Hearts!
Join us in brightening the season for our Maize USD 266 students in need. Support qualifying Maize students and their siblings by purchasing an item from their wish lists. Simply click the red button below to explore and shop—it’s quick, easy, and a meaningful way to give back! Your kindness makes all the difference. Thank you for helping make Maize Caring Hearts a success!
First Wichita-area Kansas Supreme Court visit since 2011 brings civic learning to Maize USD 266
We were honored to welcome the Kansas Supreme Court to Maize USD 266 for a special session at Maize South High School on Nov. 5. Around 200 community members attended the evening hearing and reception, which were open the public.
Earlier that day, judges and justices joined Maize Board of Education members and district leaders and employees for lunch. Members of the judicial system also spoke with classes at Maize High School and Maize South High School. These events provided an incredible opportunity to see our state’s highest court in action and bring civics to life for students and the community. This was the first time since 2011 that the court has visited the Wichita area as part of its outreach program.
Reminder to update contact information for communications purposes, including snow day messages
Please keep these reminders in mind:
- Please ensure that you have updated your information for notifications: If you want to receive phone calls and/or text messages from Maize USD 266, please log into Skyward Family Access and click “Skylert” on the left. Skylert enables you to receive notifications concerning your child(ren). Snow day-related notifications and the majority of district-sent parent communications fall into the category of “General.” You can check the boxes under “General” in Skyward to select how you prefer to receive this information. Please also make sure your phone number is accurate. Please click “Save” in the upper-right corner if you make any updates.
- Make sure to opt in to notify your carrier if you want to receive text messages: Those who want to receive the district’s School Messenger text messages also will need to opt in by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. This informs your mobile carrier that you approve of receiving text messages from School Messenger. Those wishing to opt out can do so by sending “Stop.” Please click here for more information. Text recipients will receive automated district messages from the number 67587.
- In the event of school being dismissed or canceled because of inclement weather: The district will send out notifications via phone call, text (SMS), and email to those who have elected to receive them. Phone notifications will go out as early as 5:30 a.m. on the day of the closure. If a decision is made the night before to call off school, calls and texts will go out no later than 10:30 p.m. District officials will update the district’s website (www.usd266.com), official Twitter/X account (@maize266), and official Facebook page as soon as the decision is made to call off school. When in doubt, the district encourages parents and employees to verify school closings by consulting multiple official district sources. Please do not rely on only one form of notification, such as a text message, if you are uncertain.
Thank you for your cooperation in preparing for potential inclement weather this winter.
Next school board meeting
The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 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.
Maize South High School teacher receives Credit Union of America grant for hands-on learning
Congratulations to Jenny Peck, Maize South High School social studies teacher, who recently received a Credit Union of America teacher grant. This will allow her students to create a yearlong, hands-on learning experience, recording and sharing their research across multiple platforms. Thank you to Credit Union of America for supporting our schools and helping make innovative learning experiences possible.
Communications Department earns several state awards of excellence
Congratulations to our Communications Department, recently recognized with Kansas School Public Relations Association Awards of Excellence for the following projects. Congratulations to Executive Director of Communications Lori O'Toole Buselt, Director of Community Relations and Maize Education Foundation Emi Kniffin Simmons, and Multimedia Communications Specialist Stephen Brubaker.
Student Enrichment Grants empower the next generation of leaders
Maize High School junior Allison Owens used Student Enrichment Grant funding to attend KAY Leadership Camp, where she strengthened her skills in leadership and service event organization. Reflecting on her experience, Allison said, "The Student Enrichment Grant helped me attend an event that both will help me be a better president for club and also helped me make memories I’ll never forget."
If your child has a passion or an opportunity they’re excited about, the Maize Education Foundation wants to help make it happen. Fall 2025 Student Enrichment Grant applications are under review, but stay tuned: the Spring 2026 application opens in early January!
Now hiring paras: Join our team!
Maize USD 266 is hiring paraeducators, who 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. Apply now at usd266.com/careers.
Thank you, District Site Council, for helping Maize USD 266 Lead Forward
The Maize USD 266 District Site Council met Nov. 17 with Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer for district updates, including those about school security and long-term facility needs. Thank you to this important group of stakeholders, which 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 Lead Forward.
Maize High School students give back on day of service
On Nov. 11, Maize High School students dedicated the entire day to making a positive impact in their school and community. The day kicked off with an inspiring assembly featuring a message from Lt. Col. Brian Custer with the U.S. Army. Students also heard a message from Julie Koehn, mother of Lilly Koehn, who shared the story of Lilly’s Legacy.
Students rolled up their sleeves and made a difference in so many ways, including working with elementary students, helping teachers prepare materials, painting MOXI Junction, organizing Maslow’s Pantry, cleaning highways and district solar panels, doing yard work, baking treats for service members, and much more.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, compassion, and dedication. Their efforts truly show what it means to serve and make a lasting impact in our community.
Elementary students welcome veterans for a meaningful day of learning
In honor of Veterans Day earlier this month, Maize Central Elementary School students learned about and celebrated our military heroes. Guest speakers shared their experiences, engaged with students, and received special gift bags as a token of gratitude. It was a meaningful and memorable learning experience for everyone! Thanks to those who made it possible.
Heart of MCA connects elementary students to Maize Career Academy
Our 4th-grade students recently visited our Maize Career Academy for the Heart of MCA. They explored heart-healthy snacks, participated in a sheep’s heart dissection, practiced checking vitals, learned about first responders, and created thank you cards to show their appreciation. This special event gives our elementary students a chance to explore some of the many pathways offered at Maize Career Academy while learning through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Sharing culture across grades: High school Spanish students visit elementary school classroom
Recently, Maize High School Spanish students stopped by Pray-Woodman Elementary School to share lessons about Spanish and Día de los Muertos with kindergarten and first graders. The experience provided an opportunity for students to learn from each other across grades and schools.
Super Note is Maize USD 266 Superintendent Dr. Greer's e-newsletter written to students. Click to explore the archive of past editions.
Maize Pulse is Maize USD 266's district e-newsletter, shared about once a month with parents, employees, and the community. Click to explore the archive of past editions.