USD 312 District Newsletter
January-February 2025
USD 312
Check out all that we've got going on for April/May.
- Superintendent's Message
- USD 312 Board of Education Brief
- Building Pick 3s
- Strategic Plan
- KESA
- Tara Cooprider Honored at 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Region 1 Banquet
- PreK & Extended Day Application
- Upcoming Events/Dates (March/April District Calendars)
- Employment Opportunities
- USD 312 Education Foundation
Thank you!
As we roll into the final part of the school year, I just want to pause and say thank you. We’ve got some pretty incredible people in USD 312—folks who have committed themselves to doing the hard, important work of helping kids grow and learn every single day. Whether you're a teacher, a para, a custodian, a bus driver, an office staff member, or a coach—your impact matters, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Let’s be honest—education isn’t easy. It takes patience, grit, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. Our people show up, even when it’s tough. They handle challenges with grace, keep kids at the center, and go above and beyond more often than most will ever know. And while they’re doing all that, they still manage to make our schools a place where kids feel safe, cared for, and excited to learn.
So here’s what I’ll ask—keep showing your support. Encourage each other. Say thank you when you see someone doing something great (and they are, every day). We’re in this together, and when we all show up for our kids and for each other, we make this district something really special. Thanks for being part of the team.
Proud to be a Wildcat,
Craig
Our one year olds are loving their updated playground in Haven. We were fortunate enough to receive grant funds to design a playground that is perfect for our Little Learners!
At the most recent STUCO meeting, our students discussed plans to develop different focus groups, with the goal of finding ways to promote student voice in an effort to continue to improve our school.
This past month, our school participated in Make a Difference Day. Students, along with their Wildcat Dens groups, engaged in a variety of activities to benefit our school and greater community.
Our Student Care Team planned an interactive scavenger hunt using the Goosechase app. Teams worked together to take a picture with a mural, find an Easter egg, create an optical illusion, and complete several other fun challenges.
Trooper Ben kicked off our Career Day by giving students an inside look at what a State Trooper’s job is like. After that, students had the opportunity to hear from over 40 presenters about a wide variety of careers.
Haven High School students completed community service projects around the district and surrounding communities. This was a rewarding day for all students and staff. A special thank you to Mrs. Teter for planning such a great day.
The Forensics Team is having a great season so far and they already have a couple of state qualifiers. Mr. Lucas is hopeful that more students will qualify for state in the days to come.
Join Us for KESA School Improvement Night – April 30, 2024
We invite all families, staff, and community members to attend our KESA School Improvement Night on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. (See flyer below for details). This evening will provide important updates about the progress and future direction of USD 312.
During the event, we’ll share highlights from the district’s updated strategic plan, review current achievement data, and discuss our KESA Action Plan—the roadmap that guides our school improvement and accreditation process. One major focus of this plan is our commitment to the Four Fundamentals, with particular emphasis on standards-aligned instruction and assessment. This means ensuring what we teach (standards) directly matches what students are expected to learn, and that our assessments are designed to measure that specific learning. When instruction and assessment are aligned to standards, students experience more consistency, clarity, and equity in the classroom.
We’ll also provide information on grading practices and some of the shifts we’ll be making as part of this ongoing KESA work. These changes are intended to make grades more reflective of student learning and progress. Your input and support are essential, and we hope to see you there as we work together to strengthen our schools and better serve our students.
USD 312 is proud to celebrate Tara Cooprider, who was recognized at the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Recognition Banquet held in Salina. This annual event, hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education, honors exceptional educators from across the state. This year, 136 elementary and secondary teachers were nominated by their districts for their dedication, excellence in the classroom, and positive impact on students. Tara had the distinct honor of representing USD 312 as our district’s nominee.
Tara Cooprider’s recognition is a reflection of her passion for teaching, innovative classroom practices, and unwavering support for her students and colleagues. Known for her ability to build meaningful relationships, foster a positive learning environment, and consistently go above and beyond, Tara represents the very best of USD 312. Her nomination highlights the profound difference she makes in the lives of those she teaches.
We are incredibly proud of Tara and the way she represented our district at the state level. Her commitment to education and her students is an inspiration to us all. Congratulations, Tara Cooprider, and thank you for your continued dedication to excellence in education!
USD 312 Celebrates 3rd Quarter Impact Award Winner: Vicki Lanning
USD 312 is proud to recognize Vicki Lanning as the 3rd Quarter Impact Award Winner. Vicki serves as a paraeducator in our Pre-K program at Yoder Charter School, and her impact on students and staff alike is undeniable. Her compassionate heart, steady presence, and quiet leadership make her an invaluable part of our school community.
Vicki is known for her unwavering dedication and patience in the classroom. Whether she’s supporting students through daily routines or stepping in wherever needed, she consistently gives 110%. Her willingness to help in any situation—always with a smile—has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. She is the kind of teammate everyone hopes to have: dependable, thoughtful, and easy to work with.
It’s clear just how much Vicki means to the Yoder Pre-K team when you hear how much she is missed on the rare occasions she’s away. Both students and staff feel the difference when she’s not there. Vicki’s positive attitude and wholehearted commitment to kids are what make her stand out—and why she is so deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Vicki Lanning, and thank you for all you do for USD 312!